title: Pneumolabyrinth secondary to temporal bone fracture: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Pneumolabyrinth following temporal bone fracture is an extremely rare condition. It results from air entering the inner ear when a communication between the air-filled middle ear spaces and inner ear is established. The imaging modality of choice for pneumolabyrinth is high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone. Treatment options include conservative management (bed rest, antibiotics, corticosteroids) or surgery (exploratory tympanotomy). We present the case of a 31-year-old female who had pneumolabyrinth secondary to a temporal bone fracture. The patient was treated surgically and made a full clinical recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bacciu
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vincenti
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Sampath Chandra
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tonni
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ventura
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bacciu
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pasanisi
keywords: head trauma; pneumolabyrinth; temporal bone fractures