Post-traumatic pneumolabyrinth: a rare cause of hearing loss

Emerg Radiol. 2020 Oct;27(5):573-575. doi: 10.1007/s10140-020-01789-y. Epub 2020 May 22.

Abstract

Pneumolabyrinth (PL) is the presence of air within the vestibule, semicircular canals, or cochlea. It represents an abnormal connection between the inner ear and middle ear spaces. PL most commonly occurs after blunt head trauma, followed by penetrating injuries. Temporal fractures may or may not accompany. Prognosis of hearing loss is poor, while prognosis of vestibular symptoms is good. Herein we present a 45-year-old female with unilateral pneumolabyrinth, who presented with significant dizziness and unilateral total hearing loss after a car accident.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Hearing loss; Irauma; Pneumolabyrinth; Vertigo.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Dizziness
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Labyrinth Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Labyrinth Diseases / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth