The effects of superior semicircular canal dehiscence on the labyrinth: does size matter?
BACKGROUND
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is characterized by lack of bony covering of the superior semicircular canal in the inner ear, resulting in a third mobile window with altered functioning of the superior semicircular canal. Vertigo in association with sound and pressure changes often occurs. This study examines the relationship between dehiscence size and frequency of sound-induced vertigo.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 22 patients with SSCD, noting the auditory frequency producing the maximal electronystagmographic response.


RESULTS
The study found a correlation between dehiscence size and stimulator frequency of r = 0.856, p < 0.001. The larger the dehiscence, the lower the frequency of stimuli required to provoke a vestibular response.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship found between the superior canal dehiscence size and the stimulator frequency has clinical implications in the diagnosis and management of patients with SSCD.
Rajan
Gunesh P
GP
Ear Science Institute, Perth, Australia.
Leaper
Matthew R
MR
Goggin
Leigh
L
Atlas
Marcus D
MD
Boeddinghaus
Rudolf
R
Eikelboom
Robert K
RK
D001299:Audiometry / Q000379:methods; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic; D009929:Organ Size; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000473:pathology*