The psychogenic vertigo has been diagnosed based on subjective dizzy symptom without abnormal findings of oculomotor tests and vestibular tests. We investigated the characteristics of the postural control system in patients with psychogenic vertigo using stabilometry and Body Tracking Tests with a visual feedback test to assess the dynamic body balance.
　This study consisted of 14 patients with psychogenic vertigo and 92 aged-match healthy subjects. They were instructed to keep the center of pressure constantly in the target circle displayed on the screen in front of the subjects. The dynamic body balance was evaluated by the proportion of the center of pressure (COP) including in the target circle during the test.
　The psychogenic vertigo group showed a larger area and a smaller locus length per unit area in comparison with the healthy subject group (p<0.01). In spectral analysis with the maximum entropy method (MEM), the power of the medio-lateral and antero-posterior positional power spectrum under eyes open condition were significantly largest at around 0.125 Hz in the psychogenic vertigo group. No significant difference in the result of Body Tracking Tests with a visual feedback test was found between both groups. Our results suggest that the patients with psychogenic vertigo maintain body balance with extremely slowly and large movements for quiet stance during eyes open condition. The results of Body Tracking Tests with a visual feedback test may indicate that the spontaneous postural control itself in patients with psychogenic vertigo does not differ from that in healthy individuals. We believe that this test could be useful as one of the significant diagnostic tests for psychogenic vertigo.

　Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis in patients with bronchial asthma and eosinophilic rhinosinusitis. Serum IgG4 levels are markedly elevated in patients with active EGPA, a disease which has been closely associated with IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD). A 68-year-old male with a history of asthma and eosinophilic rhinosinusitis developed vasculitis and orbital symptoms. The results of a laboratory examination showed eosinophilia (4,067/μl; 39%), while image evaluations revealed hypertrophy of the rectus muscles, trigeminal nerve, lachrymal gland, and bilateral submandibular glands. Biopsy of the paranasal sinus showed the prominent infiltration of eosinophils and IgG4-positive plasma cells. The patient was diagnosed with EGPA concomitant with IgG4RD and treated with systemic steroids. Although concomitant cases of EGPA with IgG4RD are extremely rare, clinical manifestations associated with both diseases are sometimes mixed. Therefore, systemic scrutiny may be required for cases of EGPA with high serum IgG4 levels and pathognomonic symptoms or findings of IgG4RD.

　Since April 2012, genetic testing for congenital hearing loss is covered by the public health insurance in Japan. Recent (since August 2015) developments in next-generation sequencing technology have enabled the detection of 154 mutations in 19 genes. Genetic testing provides valuable information on hearing phenotype, prognosis, and prediction of associated symptoms.
　We report a hearing-impaired patient in whom multiple genetic mutations were detected. This patient carries two missense mutations in GJB2 (p.G45E, p.Y136X), as well as a mitochondrial mutation (7445A>G). Since the number of genes detectable by genetic testing has increased, the diagnosis of hearing loss can be made with greater accuracy. However, it is often difficult to clinically understand and interpret the genotype information, especially when multiple gene variants are detected in one patient or family. Genetic counseling plays an important part in the intervention for or follow-up of such patients. Genotypic and phenotypic information of other family members is necessary, so that both the patient and the family can understand and accept the results of genetic testing.