title: Dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal: a review of the literature on its possible pathogenic explanations.
abstract: The dehiscence of superior semicircular canal is a well-known affection which is able to explain some cases of hearing loss, tinnitus and/or vertigo unexpectedly presenting in adults without previous otologic affections. Although a diagnostic algorithm has been assessed and a surgical therapy has been indicated, the review of the literature shows that a completely satisfactory explanation for the reason why symptoms of a supposed congenital condition only occur in adulthood is still lacking. A pathogenic hypothesis based on the slow metabolism of the bony labyrinth, which could in time result in a prevalence of bone re-absorption on new bone formation leading to a dehiscence, despite some controversial findings could represent a the most reliable explanation for the question.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, ENT Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti n.9, 40138, Bologna, Italy, cribrandolini@libero.it.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brandolini
authors.forename: Giovanni Carlo
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Modugno
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pirodda
mesh_terms: D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology