Reversible peripheral vestibulopathy: the treatment of superior canal dehiscence.
OBJECTIVE
Superior canal dehiscence (SCD) is a recently described disorder that results from absence of bone over the superior semicircular canal. We have reviewed 30 cases of SCD found at our institution and report their presentation, workup, and response to therapy.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with SCD from 1999 to 2004 at the University of Utah.


RESULTS
Thirty patients were identified with SCD. Patients presented with chronic disequilibrium (63%), Tullio's phenomenon (41%), pressure evoked vertigo (44%), hearing loss (30%), and pulsatile tinnitus (7%). ENG performed early in our series revealed abnormal nystagmus with sound presentation, Valsalva, or tympanogram; however, history and CT examination alone was used to identify this condition in most of our patients. Twenty-seven of the 30 patients had some symptoms related to SCD; the other 3 were found to have incidental SCD on CT examination. Of these patients, 14 had severe enough symptoms to warrant operative intervention. All, but one had resolution of their symptoms after completion of intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Superior canal dehiscence is a highly treatable form of vestibulopathy once recognized. When patients present with typical symptoms, workup with CT is reliable and accurate. Surgical intervention results in reversal of symptoms in most cases with low morbidity.


METHODS
C-4.
Hillman
Todd A
TA
Pittsburgh Ear Associates, 420 E. North Avenue, Suite 402, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA. todd_hillman@hotmail.com
Kertesz
Thomas R
TR
Hadley
Kevin
K
Shelton
Clough
C
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000601:surgery*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
D001843:Bone Cements