Late pneumolabyrinth after stapedectomy.
BACKGROUND
Pneumolabyrinth is defined as the presence of air within the inner ear causing cochleovestibular signs and symptoms. Twenty-seven cases of pneumolabyrinth are published in the literature of which only two were described as delayed pneumolabyrinth as a complication of stapes surgery.


METHODS
A 45-year-old male patient presented with vertigo after Valsalva maneuver 12 years after stapedectomy. He was diagnosed with delayed pneumolabyrinth on high resolution computed tomography and underwent an exploratory tympanotomy with surgical repair.


CONCLUSIONS
Delayed pneumolabyrinth is a rare complication of stapes surgery and should be considered in patients presenting with vestibulocochlear symptoms even many years later. An exploratory tympanotomy is recommended for patients diagnosed with pneumolabyrinth and having a sensorineural hearing loss and/or persistent vertigo.
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
G
G
Ziade
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
R
R
Barake
Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
T
T
El Natout
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon. Electronic address: dr_manatout@hotmail.com.
M-A
MA
El Natout
D004646:Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology
Otosclerosis; Stapes surgery; Vertigo