A Case of Multiple Perilymph Fistula Induced by Tympanostomy Tube Insertion
- Author:
Seung Won CHUNG
1
;
Mi Joo KIM
;
Gyu Cheol HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. han@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Perilymph;
Fistula;
Multiple
- MeSH:
Barotrauma;
Bed Rest;
Craniocerebral Trauma;
Ear, Inner;
Ear, Middle;
Fistula;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Middle Ear Ventilation;
Perilymph;
Stapes Surgery;
Uncertainty;
Vertigo
- From:Journal of the Korean Balance Society
2010;9(1):32-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
This controversial diagnosis centers around the phenomenon of perilymph leaking from the inner ear into the middle ear cleft through the oval window, round window or other fissures in the bony labyrinth that may be abnormally patent. A perilymph fistula may develop after stapedectomy surgery, penetrating middle ear trauma, head trauma, barotrauma, or possibly spontaneously. Uncertainty regarding the clinical criteria for the diagnosis and the inability to document the presence of a microfistula at surgery contribute to the problematic nature of this diagnosis. However, this condition should be seriously considered in the patient with vertigo after head trauma, barotrauma injury, or previous middle ear surgery. It is particularly likely in patients with penetrating middle ear trauma with vertigo. Most authors agree that perilymph fistulas generally heal spontaneously, therefore a few days of bed rest is appropriate in acute cases. Cases suspected after penetrating trauma should be explored early if symptoms persist. Here, authors report a case of multiple perilymph fistula possibly caused by tympanostomy tube insertion in a 48-year-old man with a review of the literature.
