IDIOPATHIC PERILYMPHATIC FISTULA

Abstract

Fourty cases with surgically confirmed idiopathic perilymphatic fistula (IPF) were investigated on predisposing factors, sings and symptoms.
The most common predisposing factors in the occurrence of IPF was significant exertion causing pressure change in tympanic cavity and cerebrospinal fluid. Ninety-two percents of the patients with IPF had auditory symptoms. Seventy percent of the patients had vestibular symptoms. Auditory and vestibular symptoms, if present, occured in a variety of forms and combination. A streaming water-like sound and a ear popping sound were noticed in 20% of the patients. Hearing loss, when presents, included varying kinds of hearing loss from sudden-profound to normal. However, four cases revealed low tone sensorineural hearing loss at onset of IPF. Vestibular sings included prolonged positional nystagmus (55%) and positive Hennenert's sing (0.5%). More than one half of the IPF had normal caloric response.
Thirty six cases with IPF occured at the round window, and four cases at the oval window. In case of the oval window, IPF was commonly located anteriorly.