Doppler ultrasonography can be useful to determine the etiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective

This study aims to evaluate clinical features of both carotid and vertebral arteries in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) patients and healthy individuals to contribute additional knowledge on vascular compromise theory.

Methods

This study was designed as a retrospective case control study in a tertiary referral center. 55 patients for ISSNHL and 35 healthy participants (70 ears) are involved to the study. All of the patients were evaluated for the systemic disorders and excluded other possible causes (autoimmune diseases, acoustic schwannoma, drug toxicity, etc) of ISSNHL. The carotid and vertebral arteries were assessed with Doppler USG; in fact, the vascular diameter (VD), intima media thickness (IMT), peak systolic velocity (PSV), blood flow (BF) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated. Related parameters were compared with the control groups.

Results

In carotid artery system; common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CC-IMT) (p < 0.001), and internal carotid artery intima-media thickness (IC-IMT) (p < 0.001) were found significantly increased. Otherwise; PSV, VD and BF were not differed significantly. In vertebral artery system; VD (<0.001), PSV (<0.002) and BF (<0.001) were decreased significantly but vertebral artery RI was statistically increased (<0.001).

Conclusion

In our study, we found the carotid artery thickening on vascular wall. We also demonstrate the vascular compromise on vertebral arteries. The Doppler USG may lead to determine the etiology of ISSNHL and further investigations are needed to define the exact results.Level of evidence: III b