Carotid plaque is a new risk factor for peripheral vestibular disorder: a retrospective cohort study

Geometric consistency among atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries evaluated by multidimensional parameters

The three-dimensional (3D) geometry of carotid atherosclerotic plaques is associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unknown if carotid plaques of different sizes are consistent in 3D geometry, with a lack of quantitative observation. We aim to evaluate the geometric consistency of carotid plaques using the correlations between multidimensional parameters. 42 cases with asymptomatic stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery were included. Carotid plaques and calcifications were identified on computed tomography angiography images and 3D reconstructed. Multidimensional geometric parameters (length, surface area, volume, etc.) were measured on the reconstructed 3D structures. Linear and non-linear (power function) fittings were used to investigate the relationships between multidimensional parameters. The analysis was performed based on cases and plaques, respectively. Spearman rank correlation analysis, R-squared, and p-values were used to evaluate the significance of the relationship. Significant relationship was defined as R-squared >0.25 and p < 0.05. In total, 112 atherosclerotic plaques and 74 calcifications were extracted. In plaque-based analysis, significant correlations were widely observed between paired multidimensional parameters of carotid plaques, where non-linear fitting showed higher R-squared values. Plaque volume and surface area were significantly correlated with total volume and total surface area of intra-plaque calcifications. In subject-based analysis, triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly correlated with carotid plaque size. There is a consistency in geometry among carotid atherosclerotic plaques of different sizes. The size of a carotid plaque is associated with the patient's lipid profile.

The effect of vascular risk factors on the efficacy of endolymphatic sac decompression surgery for Meniere's disease: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of vascular risk factors on the outcomes of endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) surgery in patients with Meniere's disease.

Methods

The study included 56 patients with Meniere's disease, who had undergone unilateral ESD surgery. The patients' vascular risk factors were assessed based on the preoperative 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk classification. Those with no or low risk were defined as the low-risk group, while those with medium, high, or very high risk were defined as the high-risk group. The correlation between the vascular risk factors and ESD efficacy was evaluated by the comparison of vertigo control grade between the two groups. The functional disability score was also assessed to investigate whether ESD improved the quality of life in Meniere's disease patients with vascular risk factors.

Results

After ESD, 78.95 and 81.08% of patients from the low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively, demonstrated at least grade B vertigo control; no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.96). The postoperative functional disability scores in both groups were significantly lower compared with those before surgery (p < 0.01), with a median decrease of two (1, 2) points in both groups. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed (p = 0.65).

Conclusion

Vascular risk factors have little effect on the efficacy of ESD in patients with Meniere's disease. Patients with one or more vascular risk factors can still experience a not poor vertigo control and improved quality of life after ESD.

Smoking Is Positively Related and Alcohol Consumption Is Negatively Related to an Increased Risk of Meniere's Disease

A few prior researchers presumed the impacts of smoking and alcohol on the risk of Meniere’s disease (MD). This study investigated the relationship between smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity with Meniere’s disease in an adult population. The ≥40-year-old population in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort 2002−2019 was analyzed. A total of 15,208 patients with MD were matched with 499,658 comparison participants. The current smoking, alcohol consumption, and past medical histories were collected. Body mass index (BMI) was grouped into underweight, normal, overweight, obese I, and obese II. The odds of histories of smoking and alcohol consumption and the BMI group for MD were analyzed using conditional logistic regression analysis. These associations were further analyzed in subgroups of age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI. In the overall adult population, smoking and alcohol consumption did not show an association with MD. Being underweight was linked with lower odds for MD (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68−0.93, p = 0.004). In the male group, smoking was positively associated with MD (aOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00−1.17, p = 0.043), while alcohol consumption was negatively related to MD (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.81−0.94, p < 0.001). Being underweight was related to a lower risk of MD. In adult men, smoking was predicted to increase, while alcohol consumption was predicted to decrease the risk of MD.

Apogeotropic Horizontal Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Zuma e Maia Maneuver versus Appiani Variant of Gufoni

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common disorders that causes dizziness. The incidence of horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) BPPV ranges from 5% to 40.5% of the total number of BPPV cases diagnosed. Several studies have focused on establishing methods to treat BPPV caused by the apogeotropic variant of the HSC, namely, the Appiani maneuver (App). In 2016, a new maneuver was proposed: the Zuma e Maia maneuver (ZeM), based on inertia and gravity. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy of App versus ZeM in the resolution of episodes of BPPV produced by an affectation of the horizontal semicircular canal with apogeotropic nystagmus (Apo-HSC). A retrospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted. Patients attended in office (November 2014–February 2019) at a third-level hospital and underwent a vestibular otoneurology assessment. Those who were diagnosed with Apo-HSC, treated with App or ZeM, were included. To consider the efficacy of the maneuvers, the presence of symptoms and/or nystagmus at the first follow up was studied. Patients classified as “A” were those with no symptoms, no nystagmus; “A/N+”: no symptoms, nystagmus present during supine roll test; “S”: symptoms present. Previous history of BPPV and/or otic pathology and calcium levels were also compiled. From the 54 patients included, 74% were women. The average age was 69. Mean follow-up: 52.51 days. In those patients without previous history of BPPV (n = 35), the probability of being group “A” was 63% and 56% (p = 0.687) when treated with App and ZeM, respectively, while being “A/N+” was 79% and 87% for App and ZeM (p = 0.508). Of the 19 patients who had previous history of BPPV, 13% and 64% were group “A” when treated with App and ZeM (p = 0.043), and 25% and 82% were “A/N+” after App and ZeM, respectively (p = 0.021). In conclusion, for HSC cupulolithiasis, ZeM is more effective than App in those cases in which there is a history of previous episodes of BPPV (“A”: 64% (p = 0.043); “A/N+”: 82% (p = 0.021)).

Acute Vestibular Syndrome and ER Presentations of Dizziness

Acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) describes sudden onset, severe, continuous dizziness that persists for more than 24 hours. Its wide differential presents a diagnostic challenge. Vestibular neuritis is the most common cause, but stroke, trauma, medication effects, infectious, and inflammatory causes all present similarly. The TiTrATE model (Timing, Triggers, And Targeted Exam) is systematic way to evaluate these patients, and the HINTS Plus exam (Head Impulse, Nystagmus, Test of Skew, plus hearing loss) is critical in differentiating central and peripheral causes. The importance of recognizing risk factors for stroke and the role of imaging is also discussed.

The Relationship Between Vestibular Sensory Integration and Prosthetic Mobility in Community Ambulators With Unilateral Lower Limb Amputation

OBJECTIVE

The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) is used to clinically assess vestibular sensory integration (VSI), the process by which the central nervous system integrates vestibular afference to maintain balance. The rate and effects of impaired VSI (IVSI) on prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation (LLA) is unknown. The objective of this study was to use the mCTSIB to classify VSI in active community ambulators with LLA and to examine the relationship between IVSI and prosthetic mobility, as measured by the Component Timed Up and Go (cTUG) test.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 130 community ambulators with unilateral LLA. Classification of VSI was determined based on a time-based pass/fail mCTSIB performance. Participants were classified as having normal sensory integration (NSI) if they could balance for 30 seconds in every mCTSIB condition. Participants who failed condition 4 exclusively were classified as IVSI. Prosthetic mobility, as measured by the cTUG, was compared between NSI and IVSI groups.

RESULTS

Of the 130 participants, 29 (22%) were classified as IVSI and 95 (73%) were classified as having NSI. Prosthetic mobility significantly differed between IVSI and NSI groups, with IVSI participants performing all components of the cTUG significantly slower. Medium to large effect sizes were found between groups during cTUG.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that 1 in 5 community ambulators with LLA have IVSI, with associated limitations in balance confidence and prosthetic mobility.

IMPACT

The ability to integrate vestibular information was found to have a strong relationship with prosthetic mobility in active community ambulators with LLA, especially with performing a 180-degree step turn. Physical therapists can use the mCTSIB to classify sensory integration during prosthetic rehabilitation and develop an appropriate balance intervention.

LAY SUMMARY

Active adults with LLA can use information from their senses to maintain their standing balance. Adults with LLA who have difficulty balancing on foam with closed eyes were slower to get in and out of a chair, walk, and perform a 180-degree step turn.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for the Recurrence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) manifests itself as a paroxysm of vertigo and nystagmus lasting several seconds, which is self-limiting. The clinical characteristics and risk factors for the recurrence of BPPV in different ages have not yet been investigated.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Neurology in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from July 2009 to June 2015. The study included 1,012 patients aged 18–93 years. All patients received the definitive diagnosis and canalith repositioning maneuvers treatment and finally accomplished follow-up. Demographic variables, potential recurrence risk factors, neurological examination, and laboratory indexes were assessed.

Data Analyses: The t-test or chi-squared test was first performed for group comparison, then logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors of BPPV recurrence.

Results: The 1-year recurrence rates of BPPV patients after reposition maneuvers were, respectively, 22.79% (aged 18–45 years), 23.92% (aged 45–60 years), 28.89% (over 60 years). The recurrence rates among the three groups have no statistically significant difference. Logistic regression analysis shows that women BPPV patients have more recurrence risks than do men. Ménière's disease (odds ratio = 6.009, 95% confidence interval: 2.489–14.507, p < 0.001), hypertension (odds ratio = 1.510, 95% confidence interval: 1.095–2.084, p = 0.012), migraine (odds ratio = 2.534, 95% confidence interval: 1.164–5.516, p = 0.019), and hyperlipemia (odds ratio = 1.419, 95% confidence interval: 1.024–1.968, p = 0.036) were risk factors for the recurrence of BPPV in patients.

Conclusion: We conclude that Ménière's disease, hypertension, migraine, and hyperlipemia may be independent risk factors for the recurrence of BPPV in patients, but aging does not increase the recurrence risk.

Correlation between vestibular neuritis and cerebrovascular risk factors

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between cerebrovascular risk factors, including carotid plaques, and vestibular neuritis (VN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, this retrospective study included 90 VN patients and 74 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from January 2016 to December 2017. All subjects' records of cerebrovascular risk factors, such as age, sex, height, weight, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, living habits, serum levels of glucose, lipids, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine (CR), albumin (ALB), haemoglobin (HGB); and results of carotid colour Doppler ultrasound, were obtained and compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in age; sex ratio; body mass index; history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus; or mean serum lipids, glucose, creatinine, haemoglobin or HbA1c were found between patients with VN and healthy controls (all P > 0.05). The mean serum ALB level was significantly lower in VN patients than in healthy controls (40.65 ± 3.77 vs 42.84 ± 4.32, P = 0.001).The prevalence of carotid plaques was significantly higher in VN patients than in healthy controls (36.67% vs. 16.22%, P = 0.003). Regression analyses demonstrated that a high frequency of carotid plaques was associated with VN with an odds ratio of 2.252 (95% CI 1.165-5.458, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

A high frequency of carotid plaques may be a risk factor for VN.

Association between smoking and the peripheral vestibular disorder: a retrospective cohort study

Common inner ear diseases include peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) and hearing impairment. The association between smoking and peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) is unclear. We examined associations between smoking and new PVD events. In this retrospective study, we consecutively enrolled 393 participants aged ≥20 years [mean age 65.3 years; males 133 (33.8%)] treated for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or diabetes mellitus at a primary care clinic between November 2011 and March 2013. Participants were categorized as ever-smokers (including current and past -smokers; divided per <30 and ≥30 pack-years), and never-smokers. New PVD events were reported over a 1-year follow-up period. Hazard ratios (HR) for new onset PVD were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Compared to never-smokers, the adjusted HR was 2.22 for ever-smokers and 2.70 for all ever-smokers with ≥30 pack-years among all 393 participants. Among male participants, compared to never-smokers, the adjusted HR was 4.41 for ever-smokers with ≥30 pack-years. A smoking history of ≥30 pack-years was strongly associated with the risk of new onset PVD in males but not, females. This study may assist patients with smoking cessation for the prevention of new PVD events among males.