Pneumolabyrinth: a systematic review

Pneumo-Membranous Labyrinth After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Pneumo-membranous labyrinth is an almost unique condition, in which air extends into the membranous labyrinth, filling the endolymphatic sac through the vestibular aqueduct. In this manuscript, we describe and discuss a case of pneumo-membranous labyrinth, with air bubbles extending also to the endolymphatic sac, resulting in anacusis, following hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The patient was successfully rehabilitated with a cochlear implant, obtaining a pure-tone average of 30 dB, with a speech discrimination score of 100% at 70 dB. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Postoperative Pneumolabyrinth Following the Middle Cranial Fossa Approach for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Repair, 2014-2020

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates risk factors and clinical outcomes of postoperative pneumolabyrinth following the middle cranial fossa approach for superior semicircular canal dehiscence repair, a complication that has not been documented previously.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary/quaternary care referral center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 332 middle cranial fossa procedures from 2014 to 2020 at a tertiary/quaternary care institution. Upon identifying pneumolabyrinth cases from postoperative computed tomography temporal bone scans, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to explore demographic and clinical factors that were independently linked to this complication. We also compared the rates of postoperative symptoms among patients with different grades of pneumolabyrinth.

RESULTS

We identified 41 (12.3%) pneumolabyrinth cases. Patients with older age, higher preoperative pure tone average, and frank dehiscence were at higher risk for pneumolabyrinth. Furthermore, patients with pneumolabyrinth reported significantly higher rates of postoperative dizziness and exhibited significantly greater pure tone average and air-bone gap postoperatively as compared with patients without pneumolabyrinth. Finally, higher-grade pneumolabyrinth was associated with increased rates of postoperative hearing loss, and grade III pneumolabyrinth was associated with higher rates of postoperative tinnitus vs grade I and II cases.

CONCLUSION

Pneumolabyrinth following the middle cranial fossa approach was associated with poor clinical outcomes, including dizziness and auditory impairment. Old age, high preoperative pure tone average, and frank dehiscence were risk factors for this complication. The highlighted parameters may be important to note when considering this approach as a treatment option and while monitoring postoperative recovery.