Air caloric test in canal wall down mastoidectomy.
Since the 1970s, few studies have been conducted to elucidate the use of caloric tests on middle ear disorders, despite the many controversies that this test may produce in anatomical structures that are so distinct. In cases of mastoidectomy, such studies are even rarer.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to analyze the findings from air caloric stimulation done in individuals submitted to unilateral radical mastoidectomy without complaints of dizziness.


METHODS
Thirty-six individuals without vestibular complaints were enrolled in this prospective study. Air caloric stimulation was offered to all subjects. Twenty-one individuals had undergone unilateral open mastoidectomy and 15 did not present any middle or outer ear abnormalities.


RESULTS
80.95% of the individuals presented asymmetrical responses in the cold caloric test, with greater response on the side of the open mastectomy. In 72.73% of the subjects the same effect was observed in the hot caloric test. The four stimulation modes revealed asymmetries in both hot and cold tests in 81.82% of the cases. Paradoxical stimulation was observed in 47.61% of hot caloric tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Nystagmic responses on the side of the open mastoidectomy were greater than on the healthy side. Paradoxical stimulation in caloric tests was a frequent finding. No hypofunctioning responses were found.
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Lucia Kazuko
LK
Nishino
Lidio
L
Granato
D000328:Adult; D002150:Caloric Tests / Q000379:methods*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies