Is there an association between the anteroinferior cerebellar artery vascular loop and asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss?

Abstract

Background: Asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss is usually idiopathic. Vascular loops are commonly implicated in compression disorders involving lower cranial nerves, which can be relieved on surgical decompression. However, the cause–effect relationship between vestibulocochlear symptoms and vascular loops is still controversial. Objective: The objective of this study is to look for an association between the presence of anteroinferior cerebellar artery (AICA) loops and asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss of unknown etiology. Methods: Twenty-four patients with complaints of asymmetrical hearing loss of no discernible cause underwent a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between August 2015 and August 2017. The AICA loops were graded using two classifications, namely Chavda classification and a grading system proposed by Adam Gorrie et al. (second classification). The vascular loops were correlated with the presence of hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Results: Hearing loss did not correlate significantly with the vascular loops on grading with either Chavda or the second classification. The presence of tinnitus or vertigo too did not correlate significantly with the grading of vascular loops. The caliber of AICA too did not correlate significantly with hearing loss. Conclusion: Vascular loops do not appear to be associated with asymmetrical hearing loss and other cochleovestibular symptoms.