Successful Treatment of Sudden Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss due to Atherosclerotic Vertebral Artery Occlusion: A Case Report

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Objective: We report a case of sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss caused by atherosclerotic occlusion of vertebral artery which improved after angioplasty with stenting.

Case Presentation: The patient was a 71-year-old male. He was referred to our hospital from an otolaryngologist with severe, rapidly progressing hearing loss and vertigo. Cerebral angiography revealed occlusion of the predominant left vertebral artery, suggesting ischemia in the bilateral anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) territories. Urgent balloon angioplasty was performed but after additional angioplasty, acute vessel reocclusion occurred associated with intimal dissection. Rescue stenting was performed and led to recanalization. After treatment, his hearing disturbance rapidly improved.

Conclusion: Cochlear disorder caused by ischemia in the bilateral AICA regions may induce severe acute bilateral hearing loss. Acute revascularization is useful, but it is necessary to prepare stents for angioplasty and carefully evaluate whether treatment is indicated.