Agenesis of the lateral semicircular canal: a case study

Czech version

Authors: R. Brzezný ¹; R. Černý ²; M. Kynčl ³; P. Vrabec ⁴
Authors‘ workplace: Oddělení neurochirurgie FN v Motole, Praha ¹; Neurologická klinika dospělých 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ²; Klinika zobrazovacích metod 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ³; Klinika ORL a chirurgie hlavy a krku 1. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ⁴
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2008; 71/104(1): 81-84
Category: Case Report

Overview

The objective of the case study is to point out the importance of differential diagnosis of a rare otological disorder, in which congenital dysplasia of the inner ear is not to be omitted. A 63 year old patient diagnosed with an internal disease and with otological history of progressive hypoacusis and repeated surgeries due to exostoses and tympanosclerosis developed acute peripheral vestibular syndrome due to a fall and an injury. In view of the history of a rare otological disease, HRCT was performed showing agenesis of the lateral semicircular canal, with the failure in canal function confirmed by a head impulse test. Patients with lateral semicircular canal dysplasia present with evident findings in clinical examination as well as in ancillary and imaging methods, both before and during disease manifestation. Pyramid HRCT is a fast and accessible method to confirm the above congenital vestibular apparatus disorder with suspect anamnesis. The detection of patients with the above-mentioned congenital disorder is important in the prevention of injuries caused by falls in old age.

Key words:
congenital dysplasia, semicircular canals, HRCT, head impulse test, hearing disorder, falls

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