Contribution of intracranial vertebral artery asymmetry to vestibular neuropathy

Y. M. Chuang, Chang Ming Chern*, W. H. Liao, L. C. Hsu, C. F. Lien, J. F. Lirng, A. S. Shiao, J. S.C. Ko

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) may affect the lateralisation of vestibular neuropathy (VN), probably through haemodynamic effect on the vestibular labyrinth. Methods: 69 patients with unilateral VN were examined with a magnetic resonance angiographic (MRA) and caloric test. 50 healthy subjects served as controls. The diagnosis of intracranial VAH was based on MRA if <0.22 cm in VA diameter and a diameter asymmetry index >40%. The authors then correlated the canal paretic side with the VAH side. Results: MRA study revealed 29 VAH (right/left: 23/6) in VN subjects and six VAH in controls (right/left: 5/1). The RR of VAH in VN subjects compared with controls was elevated (RR=2.2; 95% CI 1.8 to 2.8). There was a high accordance rate between the side of VAH and VN. Among 29 patients with unilateral VAH, 65.5% (N=19) had an ipsilateral VN, in which left VAH showed a higher accordance rate (83.3%) than the right side (60.9%). VN subjects with vascular risk factors also had a higher VAH accordance rate (81%) than those without (25%). Conclusions: VAH may serve as a regional haemodynamic negative contributor and impede blood supply to the ipsilateral vestibular labyrinth, contributing to the development of VN, which could be enhanced by atherosclerotic risk factors and the left-sided location.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)823-825
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
Volume82
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011

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