Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Despite multiple systemic manifestations, sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome is rarely reported.


METHODS
A 46-year-old man with primary antiphospholipid syndrome had a sudden onset of hearing loss and tinnitus in the right ear in December 2005, because he discontinued use of warfarin and acetylsalicylic acid for a few days.


RESULTS
Audiometry revealed saucer-type sensorineural hearing loss with a pure tone average of 73 dB in the right ear, and flat-type hearing loss with a pure tone average of 25 dB in the left ear. Electronystagmography displayed multiple central signs and bilateral canal paresis, while a vestibular evoked myogenic potential test revealed bilateral delayed responses. After admission, the patient was re-treated with warfarin and acetylsalicylic acid. Follow-up audiometry showed recovery of right-sided hearing, with a pure tone average of 12 dB, three days after presentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Consensus exists on the effectiveness of anticoagulant agents in aiding a favourable outcome of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Kang
K-T
KT
Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Young
Y-H
YH
D000328:Adult; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome