Internal Auditory Artery Research Articles

Anatomy of labyrinthine artery and its clinical significance in neurosurgical procedures - a narrative review.

Anatomy of labyrinthine artery and its clinical significance in neurosurgical procedures - a narrative review.

Clinical Relevance of Plasma Lactic Acid in the Onset and Prognosis of Sudden Deafness.

Sudden deafness poses a significant threat to patients' quality of life, yet effective indicators for evaluating its onset and prognosis remain elusive. The inner ear is primarily supplied by the labyrinthine artery, which lacks collateral circulation. Changes in coagulation function and hemorheology can cause spasm or thrombosis of the labyrinthine artery, leading to ischemia, hypoxia, and microcirculation disorders in the inner ear, ultimately resulting in sudden deafness. This retrospective study examined 196 patients with sudden deafness, utilizing the 2015 Chinese guideline for diagnosis and treatment classification. Coagulation system analysis used the STA-R Evolution automatic coagulation analyzer, measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen (FIB). Plasma lactate concentration was determined using a Johnson and Johnson Fusion 5.1 model plasma lactate detector. Results of the study revealed a correlation between the degree of hearing loss and disease prognosis. Patients with higher grade hearing loss exhibited elevated plasma lactate levels upon admission compared with those with lower grade hearing loss. Importantly, elevated plasma lactate levels at admission served as predictive indicators for treatment outcomes. In addition, patients with ineffective treatment demonstrated a more coagulable blood state, as evidenced by the lower APTT (ineffective treatment: 31.47 ± 4.55 seconds, effective treatment: 35.17 ± 5.38 seconds) and PT on admission, but higher plasma FIB. In conclusion, plasma lactate levels upon admission hold promise as prognostic markers for sudden deafness treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinical management.

Symptoms: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Aural Fullness

Symptoms: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Aural Fullness

Abnormal posterior semicircular canal function may predict poor prognosis in patients with severe and profound ISSNHL.

Severe and profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) generally leads to unfavorable prognosis, and has a considerable impact on patient quality of life. However, related prognostic factors remain controversial. To elaborate the relationship between vestibular function impairment and the prognosis of patients with severe and profound ISSNHL, and investigated the relevant factors affecting prognosis. Forty-nine patients with severe and profound ISSNHL were divided into good outcome group [GO group, pure tone average (PTA) improvement > 30 dB] and poor outcome group (PO group, PTA improvement ≤ 30 dB) according to hearing outcomes. The clinical characteristics and the proportion of abnormal vestibular function tests in these two groups were analyzed by univariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for parameters with significant differences. Forty-six patients had abnormal vestibular function test results (46/49, 93.88%). The number of vestibular organ injuries was 1.82 ± 1.29 in all patients, with higher mean numbers in PO group (2.22 ± 1.37) than in GO group (1.32 ± 0.99). Univariate analysis revealed no statistical differences between the GO and PO groups in terms of gender, age, side of the affected ear, vestibular symptoms, delayed treatment, instantaneous gain value of horizontal semicircular canal, regression gain value of vertical semicircular canal, abnormal rates of oVEMP, cVEMP, caloric test and vHIT in anterior and horizontal semicircular canal, however, significant differences were found in the initial hearing loss and abnormal vHIT of posterior semicircular canal (PSC). Multivariable analysis revealed that only PSC injury was an independent risk factor for predicting the prognosis of patients with severe and profound ISSNHL. Patients with abnormal PSC function had worse initial hearing impairment and prognosis than patients with normal PSC function. The sensitivity of abnormal PSC function in predicting poor prognosis in patients with severe and profound ISSNHL was 66.67%, specificity was 95.45%, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 14.65 and 0.35, respectively. Abnormal PSC function is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with severe and profound ISSNHL. Ischemia in the branches of the internal auditory artery supplying the cochlea and PSC may be the underlying mechanism.

Posterior petrous face meningiomas presenting with Ménière's-like syndrome: a case series and review of the literature.

Ménière's disease is an inner ear disorder classically characterized by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness accompanied by episodic vertigo. While the pathogenesis of Ménière's remains under debate, histopathological analyses implicate endolymphatic sac dysfunction with inner ear fluid homeostatic dysregulation. Little is known about whether external impingement of the endolymphatic sac by tumors may present with Ménière's-like symptoms. The authors present a case series of 7 patients with posterior fossa meningiomas that involved the endolymphatic sac and new onset of Ménière's-like symptoms and review the literature on this rare clinical entity. A retrospective review of patients undergoing resection of a posterior petrous meningioma was performed at the authors' institution. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years; patients presenting with Ménière's-like symptoms, including episodic vertigo, aural fullness, tinnitus, and/or hearing loss; and tumor location overlying the endolymphatic sac. There were 7 cases of posterior petrous face meningiomas involving the vestibular aperture presenting with Ménière's-like symptoms. Imaging and intraoperative examination confirmed no cranial nerve VIII compression or labyrinthine artery involvement accounting for audiovestibular symptoms. Of the 7 patients in the series, 6 experienced significant improvement or resolution of their vertigo, and all 7 had improvement or resolution of their tinnitus after resection. Of the 5 patients who had preoperative hearing loss, 2 experienced improvement or resolution of their ipsilateral preoperative hearing deficit, whereas the other 3 had unchanged hearing loss compared to preoperative evaluation. Petrous face meningiomas overlying the endolymphatic sac can present with a Ménière's syndrome. Early recognition and microsurgical excision of these tumors is critical for resolution of most symptoms and stabilization of hearing loss.

Hearing loss and hypertension: exploring the linkage

BackgroundThe inner ear vascular system may be disrupted by systemic hypertension causing inner ear hemorrhage and resulting in progressive or sudden hearing loss. Constriction of the labyrinthine artery secondary to atherosclerosis seen in high BMI and waist/hip circumference—risk factors of hypertension—could also occur with resultant hearing loss. Thus, hypertension could predispose to increased risk of hearing loss. This cross-sectional study assessed the hearing thresholds of hypertensive patients and sought to determine the association between hypertension and hearing loss among patients attending cardiology clinic in tertiary hospital in Nigeria.ResultsThe study population was 500 individuals equally divided into subject and control arms. The mean age of the subjects and controls was 47.2 ± 7.4 years and 46.9 ± 7.5 years respectively. Hearing loss—mainly mild sensorineural hearing loss—was seen in 30% of the subjects and 0.4% of the controls. The hearing loss was bilateral in all subjects and slightly worse in the right ears. The hearing loss worsened with increased age, severity, and duration of hypertension; however, there was no association between the hearing loss and body mass index.ConclusionThere is an association between hypertension and hearing loss, though most of the hypertensive subjects had mild sensorineural hearing loss. The prevalence and severity of the hearing loss worsens with the degree of hypertension. Incorporating regular audiological assessment for hypertensive patients could improve the quality of care for hypertension and quality of life for hypertensive patients.

"Save the Nerve": Technical Nuances for Hearing Preservation and Restoration in Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Hearing loss is a significant disability that inflects dysfunction and affects the patient quality of life. Consequently, hearing preservation and the potential of hearing restoration are prized quests in the management of vestibular schwannoma.1 Although small intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas are commonly observed, progressive hearing loss occurs despite the absence of tumor growth; hence, surgical resection can be performed with the sole aim of hearing preservation in well-informed and eager patients. Hearing preservation by surgical resection has proven to be durable.1-4 In this group of patients, we concur with Yamakami et al2 that vascularized meatal flap to reconstruct the canal helps prevent scarring of the cochlear nerve and provides cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathing to the cochlear nerve, yielding better long-term hearing preservation. With larger tumors and more severe hearing loss at presentation, microsurgical resection should aim at preserving the cochlear nerve, a goal frequently achievable, which offers the potential for hearing restoration with cochlear implants.3 The results of cochlear implants in restoration of severe hearing loss have been to say the least most impressive.5 We demonstrate these 2 frequently encountered clinical situations with 2 surgical videos showing specific surgical tenets, including intra-arachnoidal dissection, medial to lateral manipulation of the tumor, preservation of the labyrinthine artery, as well as reconstruction of the internal auditory canal.2,3,6,7 The patients consented to the surgery and to the publication of their picture in a surgical video. Illustration in video © 1997 O. Al-Mefty. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Development of novel drug carrier via round window membrane

As isolated anatomical position, limited labyrinthine artery supply, and blood-labyrinth barrier hampers systemic drug delivery to the inner ear. The efficient concentration of drug treatment is unsatisfactory and there's possible side effects after systemic administration. Intratympanic injection of drug can bypass the blood-labyrinth and permeated to the hair cells or synaptic area via the round-or oval window of the cochlea. Efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy has become increasingly relied on the inner ear delivery carrier system. The goal of this review focus on the anatomical barrier that need to be overcome in the intratympanic applications, the improvement of drug retention and specific targets, and the safety of novel drug carriers, these emerging strategies of local drug delivery promise novel and better guidance for the clinical application.

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Surgical Anatomy of the Labyrinthine and Subarcuate Arteries and Clinical Implications”

In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding “Surgical Anatomy of the Labyrinthine and Subarcuate Arteries and Clinical Implications”

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Surgical Anatomy of the Labyrinthine and Subarcuate Arteries and Clinical Implications”

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Surgical Anatomy of the Labyrinthine and Subarcuate Arteries and Clinical Implications”

Hemifacial Spasm: Endoscopic Assistance in Facial Nerve Decompression With Lateral Spread Response Corroboration: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

This video depicts the case of a 48-yr-old female with 3 yr of progressive left hemifacial spasm (HFS) refractory to medication. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and also a labyrinthine artery loop around the facial nerve (FN) root exit zone. A large bony eminence was also noted in the superior and lateral aspects of the porous acousticus (PA). She preferred surgery if "cure" was possible in lieu of Botox injections. A left retro sigmoid craniotomy was performed with brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) and FN monitoring along with lateral spread response (LSR) assessment. The large bony prominence was drilled in its lateral aspect. Despite this, visualization was still limited and therefore we utilized a 30-degree-angled endoscope to observe the vessels caudal and cranial to the FN. This view prompted us to then drill further at the PA to decompress the FN as well as mobilize the labyrinthine artery away from the nerve. The LSR showed a dramatic improvement when FN decompression was accomplished, and then a further improvement with arterial mobilization and Teflon pledget placement. The BAERS remained at baseline throughout. FN function and hearing were intact on postoperative clinical assessment. Her symptomatic improvement was recorded at 12 mo after surgery. This video illustrates a more complex case of microvascular decompression with skull base concepts and techniques. The patient provided consent for the procedure and use of her images and operative video for publication.

Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction After Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Meta-Analysis.

The pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is still unknown, but labyrinthine artery infarction has been proposed. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and conduct a meta-analysis assessing the risk of developing stroke and myocardial infarction after presentation with ISSNHL. A systematic literature review was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Libraries. All studies investigating an association between ISSNHL and stroke and/or myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Adhering to the MOOSE guideline, two independent reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated the relevance and quality of evidence. Three observational studies evaluating the risk of stroke in ISSNHL were included (n = 6,521 patients). All individual study results indicated an increased relative risk of stroke after ISSNHL (unadjusted relative risk range 1.21-1.63). Pooled adjusted hazard ratios revealed a 1.42-fold increased risk of stroke after ISSNHL (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.75, I2 = 55%). Subgroup analysis of one study demonstrated that the increased risk is only present in adults aged above 50 years (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.07-1.42). Five observational studies evaluating the risk of MI in patients with ISSNHL were included (n = 61,499 patients). Pooled analyses demonstrated that ISSNHL was not associated with MI (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87-1.34). ISSNHL may be an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of stroke especially in a subgroup of elderly patients. More studies are needed to confirm this association and to assess whether such patients would benefit from cardiovascular risk assessment and management to prevent future strokes. Laryngoscope, 131:1369-1377, 2021.

Polycythemia Vera Presenting as Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by erythrocytosis and commonly associated with the JAK2 V617F mutation. PV is a relatively rare disease with a prevalence rate of 22 per 100,000. Historically, hearing impairments were first described as a complication of PV in 1963, and it was stated that symptoms recovered after a phlebotomy. Occlusion and thrombosis of the feeding labyrinthine artery causing cochlear ischemia were thought to be the cause of such symptoms and complaints.
 CASE PRESENTATION: We are reporting a case of PV that was presented in our ENT outpatient clinic. The patient presented with a main complaint of sudden-onset bilateral tinnitus with one-sided hearing loss. The patient was treated medically with hydroxyurea, aspirin, and phlebotomy. On improvement of the hematological parameters, the patient noted an improvement in his hearing and it was confirmed with the finding on the repeated hearing assessment.
 CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the importance of otolaryngologists remaining vigilant and maintaining a high index of suspicion as PV can present with audiological symptoms. The early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can improve patients’ hearing and reduce the morbidity of such patients.

Endovascular treatment for the flow-related aneurysm originating from an anterior inferior cerebellar artery supplying the cerebellar arteriovenous malformation.

When a flow-related aneurysm originates from an anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) supplying the cerebellar arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the management becomes very complicated. Endovascular treatment (EVT) was an option, but no consensus has been achieved.Methods and materials: A retrospective investigation was performed for patients with flow-related aneurysm originating from an AICA supplying the cerebellar AVM. Ten patients, harboring 13 aneurysms, were identified. Of the 5 a1 aneurysms, 2 underwent stent assisted coiling, 2 underwent parent artery occlusion (PAO), and 1 was intact. Of the 8 a2 aneurysms, 3 underwent coiling with preservation of the AICA, 3 underwent PAO with Onyx, 1 underwent PAO with coils, and 1 was intact. Seven patients underwent partial embolization of the cerebellar AVM, 3 were intact. One patient died 6 hours postoperatively for cerebellar AVM rebleeding. During a follow-up from 6 months to 6 years, 9 patients had favorable recovery. For the flow-related aneurysm originating from an AICA supplying the cerebellar AVM, the EVT depends on the specific circumstances. When the aneurysm is located at the a1 segment, coiling of the aneurysm with preservation of the parent AICA should be performed. PAO is the last resort. When the a2 aneurysm is proximal to the internal auditory artery, coiling of the aneurysm with preservation of the AICA is preferred. When the aneurysm is distal to the internal auditory artery, PAO can be safely performed.

Surgical Anatomy of the Labyrinthine and Subarcuate Arteries and Clinical Implications

To study the surgical anatomy of the labyrinthine artery (LA) and the subarcuate artery (SA), their anatomic relationships, and clinical implications, as injury of the LA can result in hearing loss. Ten formalin-fixed, latex-colored specimens were studied (20 sides). After retrosigmoid craniotomy and neurovascular dissection under microscopic magnification, 4-mm 0° and 30° endoscopic lenses were used to improve visualization. Results were statistically analyzed. The LA was a constant artery that followed the vestibulocochlear nerve into the internal auditory canal. The SA was an inconstant artery that ended in the dura mater around the subarcuate fossa in 35% of cases. The LA originated from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in 89.3% of specimens and from the basilar artery in 10.7% of specimens. The SA branched off from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery when present. The origin of the LA was inferomedial to the vestibulocochlear nerve in most cases (71.4%), whereas the SA was usually lateral (70%). The distal portion of the LA was inferomedial to the vestibulocochlear nerve in 71.4% of cases. The distal portion of the SA was superolateral to the nerve in all cases (P < 0.00001). Knowledge of the different trajectory and anatomic relationship of the LA and the SA with the vestibulocochlear nerve is of paramount importance to differentiate them during surgery. The LA is usually inferomedial to the vestibulocochlear nerve at its distal and proximal aspects, whereas the SA usually originates lateral and ends superolateral to the nerve.

Hearing Outcomes after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: An Institutional Experience.

Introduction:Hearing loss following microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm is one of the most dreaded complications. Several factors such as stretching of VIII cranial nerve, vasospasm of labyrinthine artery, and acoustic trauma due to drill noise may be considered in its causation. We evaluated the incidence and severity of hearing loss following MVD in hemifacial spasm and the factors which might be responsible for this complication.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 30 patients operated for hemifacial spasm between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, with at least 3 months of follow-up were included in the study. Retromastoid craniotomy was made, and Teflon was placed between involved vessel and VII nerve.Results:Freedom from hemifacial spasm was noted in 27 of 30 patients. Moderate spasm persisted in one patient, which was controlled with medications. The recurrence was noted in 3 patients at 6 months follow-up. Postoperatively, hearing loss was found in one female patient. The offending vessel was both anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) loop, which was transpositioned during surgery, and the patient was spasm free postoperatively.Conclusion:The incidence of hearing loss following MVD can be minimized using proper surgical techniques and various intraoperative adjuncts such as brainstem auditory evoked responses monitoring, use of endoscope, and indocyanine green or dual-image video angiography.

Descriptive and topographical analysis of the labyrinthine artery in human fetuses.

Hearing or/and balance impairments may be caused by disorders of the labyrinthine artery (LA) and their branches. Most findings regarding the LA anatomy have been acquired through investigation of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) in animal or adult human specimens. Eighty-eight CPAs and LAs of human fetuses were investigated using angio-techniques and microdissections. We found 15 intricate forms of distribution of LA. The LA usually originated from the extra-meatus loop in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). The distribution of its terminal branches was 53.42% uni-arterial, 44.31% bi-arterial, and 2.27% tri-arterial systems. In the uni-arterial system, the LA described an anterior superior path to the cochlear nerve (CN) and originated its terminal branches in the gap between CN and the inferior part of the vestibular nerve. In the bi-arterial system, the anterior LA was located anterior and superior to the CN while the posterior LA appeared posterosuperior to the superior part of the vestibular nerve. In the tri-arterial system, the terminal branches originated directly from the AICA loop. Our results provide anatomical support to explain how compressions in the LA branches inside the internal acoustic meatus, as evoked by Schwannomas in the VII and VIII nerves, can lead to hearing and balance loss. The zone of the posterior vestibular nerve appeared to be a "safe area" for invasive procedures in these specimens.

Association between Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Homozygous Sickle Cell Anemia: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is caused by the homozygous inheritance of the βS allele (HbSS). SCA's destructive pathogenesis drives a state of continual oxidative stress and vascular inflammation due to accelerated auto-oxidation, iron de-compartmentalization, and inflammatory cell-derived oxidants. Continuous oxidative stress and vascular inflammation bolsters vaso-occlusion and ischemia-reperfusion cycling, impacting the functionality of multiple organ systems. The auditory system is particularly vulnerable to vaso-occlusive events as an end organ system. Repetitive damage secondary to recurrent SCA crises presents phenotypically as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), negatively impacting many children and adults living with SCA. A SCA crisis leads to stasis of the labyrinthine artery which supplies the inner ear, leading to hypoxia of the Organ of Corti and the Stria Vascularis within the cochlea and causing death of outer hair cells--important for amplification of sound. This results in permanent inner ear damage and hearing loss. Hearing loss in children has a documented negative effect on academic performance, speech and language development as well as self-image. For adults, hearing loss can have significant impact on career choices and effective communication in the workplace. Previous studies estimating the rate of SNHL in SCA suffer from significant design flaws, making broad application difficult. The major design flaws were: 1) no matched control population, 2) varying definitions of what qualifies as SNHL, and 3) absence of defined demographics within SCA and control groups. To address these flaws, a strict meta-analysis of the literature was performed comparing the prevalence of hearing loss in SCA and the general population. Methods &amp; Results A comprehensive-- SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline--literature search was conducted to identify the prevalence of SCA pediatric SNHL, published between January 1970 and December 2018. Data was extracted by two reviewers per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, whereby there was no blinding to authors, journals of publication, or the results of the studies. Conference abstracts, posters, and single patient case reports were not excluded. Inclusion criteria included studies that examined exclusively SCA populations and rate of SNHL with a clearly defined threshold for hearing loss. Additionally, papers needed to include distinctly defined age ranges and a non-SCA control population. The initial search yielded 49 studies, with 21 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the 21 studies identified, only 6 exclusively examined pediatric patients while the remaining were mixed adult/pediatric studies. To perform the analysis, we conducted a random effect (DerSimonian-Laird) meta-analysis. A Haldane-Anscombe correction was used to account for cases of no hearing loss within certain groups with small samples. The log odds ratio (LogOR) for SNHL in the mixed adult/pediatric population was 1.9 (95% CI 1.33 - 2.4) and the LogOR for SNHL in the pediatric only population was 1.4 (95% CI 0.781 - 2.1). These results indicate a strong association between SNHL and SCA in the adult and pediatric population. Conclusions SNHL among children can have deleterious impacts on their development, this meta-analysis showed a significant association between SCA and the development SNHL. The stronger association between SNHL in AN adult population compared to A pediatric population showed that there is worsening of SNHL over time secondary to SCA. At present, the data implies there should be an increase in audiological testing and screening in all patients diagnosed with SCA. (add in all forms of SCD) Clinical care providers should also make themselves aware of this under-reported and severe pathology in their patient population. The research community must also make efforts to standardize their approaches to measuring and observing this phenomenon to make certain that all future studies are clinically applicable and translatable. Figure Disclosures Vercellotti: Mitobridge, an Astellas Company: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Biomarkers in Vestibular Schwannoma-Associated Hearing Loss.

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign tumors composed of differentiated neoplastic Schwann cells. They can be classified into two groups: sporadic VS and those associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). VSs usually grow slowly, initially causing unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL) and tinnitus. These tumors cause HL both due to compression of the auditory nerve or the labyrinthine artery and due to the secretion of different substances potentially toxic to the inner ear or the cochlear nerve. As more and more patients are diagnosed and need to be managed, we are more than ever in need of searching for biomarkers associated with these tumors. Owing to an unknown toxic substance generated by the tumor, HL in VS may be linked to a high protein amount of perilymph. Previous studies have identified perilymph proteins correlated with tumor-associated HL, including μ-Crystallin (CRYM), low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 (LRP2), immunoglobulin (Ig) γ-4 chain C region, Ig κ-chain C region, complement C3, and immunoglobulin heavy constant γ 3. Besides, the presence of specific subtypes of heat shock protein 70 has been suggested to be associated with preservation of residual hearing. It has been recently demonstrated that chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) is overexpressed in sporadic VS as well as in NF2 tumors and that hearing disability and CXCR4 expression may be correlated. Further, the genetic profile of VS and its relationship with poor hearing has also been studied, including DNA methylation, deregulated genes, growth factors, and NF2 gene mutations. The knowledge of biomarkers associated with VS would be of significant value to maximize outcomes of hearing preservation in these patients.

Variaciones anatómicas del origen de la arteria laberíntica en una muestra de encéfalos en Colombia

Introducción. La arteria laberíntica transcurre a través del meato acústico interno hasta llegar al oído interno, aportando allí su irrigación. Se han descrito dos posibles variantes anatómicas de su origen: como rama directa de la arteria basilar o como rama de la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior.Objetivo. Identificar la prevalencia del origen de la arteria laberíntica.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio analítico descriptivo con métodos cuantitativos sobre el origen de la arteria laberíntica en una muestra de 29 encéfalos obtenidos por muestreo a conveniencia.Resultados. Se determinó que la arteria laberíntica se originó de la arteria basilar en 22 (75.9%) encéfalos; en los 7 (24.1%) restantes esta surgía como rama de la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior.Conclusión. El origen de la arteria laberíntica en la muestra seleccionada tiene una mayor prevalencia en la arteria basilar respecto a la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior, hallazgo que se asemeja a algunas investigaciones contrastadas con este estudio.