Arquivos Internacionais de Otorrinolaringologia 2011; 15(03): 385-387
DOI: 10.1590/S1809-48722011000300019
Case Report
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Megadolicho basilar artery as a cause of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss - case report

Dolicomega da artéria vértebro-basilar como causa de perda auditiva neurossensorial assimétrica - relato de caso
Antonio Antunes Melo
1   Doctorate. Otorhinolaryngologist of the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Federal University of Pernambuco.
,
Fernando Souza Leão
2   Specialized in Otorhinolaryngology. Otorhinolaryngologist.
,
Alexandre José Costa Campos
2   Specialized in Otorhinolaryngology. Otorhinolaryngologist.
,
Maria do Rosário Távora de Arruda Antunes
3   Specialized in Phonoaudiology. Phonoaudiologist.
,
Débora Bunzen
2   Specialized in Otorhinolaryngology. Otorhinolaryngologist.
,
Sílvio da Silva Caldas Neto
4   Associate Professor. Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the Federal University of Pernambuco.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

17 July 2009

28 April 2011

Publication Date:
12 February 2014 (online)

Summary

Introduction: At the differentiated diagnosis of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing losses, vascular disorders are present, one of which is megadolicho basilar artery. This disease is generally asymptomatic, and when symptoms are found, they can be caused by a compression or ischemia. Clinically, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, headache, facial hypoesthesia, trigeminal neuralgia, vertigo, diplopia and facial palsy, among others, are likely to occur. The image examination of choice for its diagnosis is nuclear magnetic resonance. The megadolicho basilar artery therapy can be surgical or conservative, according to the associated findings. A multidisciplinary approach, including a neurologist, neurosurgeon and an otorhinolaryngologist is recommended for a proper administration of the case.

Objective: Report the case of a patient with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, diagnosed of megadolicho basilar artery.

Case report: JBS, 57-year-old white male with a history of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral whistle-like tinnitus for several years. The otorhinolaryngologic evaluation, including otoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy and oral pharynx, was normal.

Final Comments: The treatment consisted in following up with the patient, controlling the tinnitus by drugs and using an individual sound amplification apparatus on the left ear.

Resumo

Introdução: No diagnóstico diferencial das perdas sensorioneurais assimétricas fazem parte os distúrbios vasculares e dentre essas alterações encontra-se o dolicomega da artéria vértebro-basilar. Habitualmente essa doença é assintomática e quando há sintomas esses podem ser causados por compressão ou isquemia. Clinicamente podem ocorrer: perda neurossensorial, zumbido, cefaleia, hipoestesia facial, neuralgia trigeminal, vertigem, diplopia e paralisia facial entre outros. O exame de imagem de escolha para seu diagnóstico é a ressonância nuclear magnética. A terapia do dolicomega da artéria basilar pode ser intervencionista ou conservadora dependendo dos achados associados. A abordagem multidisciplinar incluindo neurologista, neurocirurgião e otorrinolaringologista para adequada condução do caso é recomendada.

Objetivo: Relatar o caso de um paciente com perda auditiva neurossensorial assimétrica cujo diagnóstico foi de dolicomega da artéria basilar.

Relato do Caso: JBS, 57 anos, sexo masculino, branco com história de hipoacusia neurossensorial assimétrica e zumbido tipo apito bilateral há vários anos. Exame otorrinolaringológico apresentando otoscopia, rinoscopia anterior e orofaringe normais.

Comentários Finais: O tratamento consistiu de acompanhamento do paciente, controle do zumbido com medicação e uso de um aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na orelha esquerda.

 
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