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Traces of perilymph detected in epipharyngeal fluid: perilymphatic fistula as a cause of sudden hearing loss diagnosed with beta-trace protein (prostaglandin D synthase) immunoelectrophoresis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Gregor Bachmann
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Marco Nekic
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Olaf Michel
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Abstract

The incidence of perilymphatic fistula as cause of sudden hearing loss is not known. We present a case with sudden unilateral hearing loss associated with a positive β-trace protein test of an epipharyngeal fluid sample. The patient presented with sudden sensorineural hearing loss on the right side. A stapedotomy had been performed nine months previously due to otosclerosis. Intravenous therapy for the treatment of sudden hearing loss was unsuccessful. At the time of sudden hearing loss, epipharyngeal fluid was collected using a Raucocel sinus pack. Investigation using rocket immunoelectrophoresis showed the presence of β-trace protein. Upon repeating tympanoscopy there was no obvious labyrinthine fluid egress, but the oval window was sealed with fibrin sponge and fibrin glue. The patient’s hearing improved over a period of five months.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001

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