Meeting abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo as first symptoms of Arnold-Chiari malformation
Lucija Knez
orcid.org/0009-0006-9391-8946
; OB Varaždin, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Iva Mažić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Medicinski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jakov Ajduk
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Medicinski fakultet, Zagreb, Hrvatska; KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Klinika za otorinolaringologiju i kirurgiju glave i vrata, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Introduction: Arnold-Chiari malformation is a congenital malformation of the skull in which the cerebellum
and the medulla are pushed into the upper cervical canal outside the foramen magnum. Chiari malformation
can manifest with headache, ataxia, tinnitus and audio-vestibular symptoms that generally worsen with time.
A correct diagnosis leads to timely surgical intervention. Diagnosis of the Arnold-Chiari malformation is
confirmed with MRI. Treatment generally involves surgical decompression of the surrounding spinal tissue.
Case presentation: We present a 15-year-old boy, with sudden symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus and
hearing loss in the right ear, brought on during exercise. Dizziness, tinnitus and vertigo disappeared after few
days but a hearing loss remained. He denied having headaches. He has hypertension and that was considered
as the cause of the new symptoms. Complete audio-vestibular examination was performed and sensorineural
hearing loss on the right ear was revealed. MRI brain scan was made and caudal herniation of the medulla
oblongata and cerebellar tonsils through foramen magnum (by 16 mm) was discovered. Herniation was more
pronounced on the right side, medulla oblongata was pushed forward, and the cerebrospinal fluid space in that
level was reduced. Conclusion: Arnold-Chiari malformation can present itself with numerous symptoms.
Hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo need to be considered as a possible sign of this disorder.
Keywords
Arnold-Chiari malformation; vertigo; sensorineural hearing loss
Hrčak ID:
308078
URI
Publication date:
19.9.2023.
Visits: 205 *