Otological manifestation of vascular loops in a tertiary center in Malaysia: an 18-year experience

• Main Authors: Ramasamy, Shalini, Saniasiaya, Jeyasakthy, Zainal Abdin, Zainal A., Salim, Rosdan
• Format: Article
• Published: Edizioni Minerva Medica 2022
• Subjects: RF Otorhinolaryngology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/43427/

BACKGROUND: Vascular loop in contact with cranial nerve VIII has been linked to various otological and non-otological manifestations. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between presence of vascular loop and its contact with the eight cranial nerve and its otological manifestation. METHODS: This is a retrospective study performed in a single tertiary-center over the past 18 years. Total of 238 patients who presented with unilateral otological symptoms and underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging between January 1, 2000, till December 31, 2018, were included in this study. RESULTS: The most common age group that has otological symptoms with vascular loops are those within 50-59 years of age. Female predominance is noted with 132 patients. Furthermore, the most common otological symptoms are unilateral hearing loss followed by pulsatile/non-pulsatile tinnitus. No significant association between the otologic symptoms and the presence of vascular loops of different grade were noted. Marginal significance was detected for tinnitus (P=0.049) of a higher Chavda grading. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, only marginal significance is detected for tinnitus in association with vascular loops in contact with CN VIII. Patients with tinnitus tend to have higher grade compared to those without this entity. © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA