EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF LABYRINTITIS OSSIFICANS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593812303108

• Palavras-chave: labyrinth; imaging diagnosis; labyrinth diseases; inner ear; otolaryngology.

• Keywords: labyrinth; imaging diagnosis; labyrinth diseases; inner ear; otolaryngology.

• Abstract:

  Labyrinthitis ossificans represents the pathological ossification of the membranous labyrinth. Although best evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography also represents a form of diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the findings of the disease in tomographic examinations in a public institution, evaluating its radiological and epidemiological profile, with the aim of assisting in future diagnoses, while early evaluation of these cases can favor surgical success.
  We selected 17 patients with a confirmed diagnosis, with a retrospective analysis of their medical records and reevaluation of tomographic images, paying attention to the laterality of the involvement, sex, age and presumed etiology. In all cases, calcified material or bone density was found compromising the membranous labyrinth in a focal or diffuse manner, compatible with a diagnosis of labyrinthitis ossificans.
  Of the 17 patients, 7 were female and 10 were male. The age range ranged from 31 years to 69 years, with an average presentation of 50 years of age.
  Of the presumed etiologies, 5 cases were due to head trauma, 1 case was due to a previous history of neurosurgery to remove a neoplastic lesion and 8 cases were due to middle ear infection. Another 3 cases were related to sequelae of bacterial meningitis.
  In cases related to middle ear infection, the involvement was always ipsilateral to the underlying condition, as well as in cases of trauma or previous surgery. This was not observed in cases of bacterial meningitis sequelae.
  Although the findings are shared in the reported cases, with a mean age of presentation of 50 years, with the majority being male patients, important differences were noted in relation to the affected side, in turn with a direct relationship with the presumed etiology. Knowing this radiological and epidemiological behavior profile can be useful in tomographic evaluation, improving diagnostic accuracy.