Two Cases of Pediatric Pneumolabyrinth with Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation after Penetrating Injury / 대한평형의학회지

Pneumolabyrinth is an uncommon condition in which air is present in the vestibule or cochlear. It is rarely found, even in otic capsule violating fractures or in transverse fracture of the temporal bone. So far, there is no consensus on management of pneumolabyrinth. We describe 2 new cases of pneumolabyrinth by penetrating injury with traumatic tympanic membrane perforation. They presented whirling vertigo with moderate conductive hearing loss. Temporal bone computed tomography clearly demonstrated the presence of air in the vestibule and cochlear.

Bilateral Sequential Pneumolabyrinth Resulting from Nose Blowing

Pneumolabyrinth describes a condition with entrapped air in the labyrinth and usually occurs in temporal bone fractures that involve the otic capsule. While sporadic cases of bilateral pneumolabyrinth have been reported, cases lacking head trauma are very rare. We report the case of a 43-year-old man who had sudden hearing loss bilaterally after blowing his nose at an interval of 1 year. Although conservative management for the right ear and exploratory tympanotomy with sealing of the possible site of perilymphatic leakage in the left ear were performed, hearing outcome was poor in both ears. To our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral pneumolabyrinth occurring as a result of nose blowing.

Pneumolabyrinth Resulting from Trauma: Report of Two Cases / 대한이비인후과학회지

Pneumolabyrinth is an uncommon condition in which air bubbles in the labyrinth are described, although its underlying pathophysiology is still not widely understood. It may be associated with barotrauma, stapedial surgery, cochlear implantation, head trauma, and temporal bone fracture. When it occurs, it is ususally identified on high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone and an early surgical intervention leads to a more rapid resolution of vestibular symptoms and preservation of existing auditory function. Recently, the authors have experienced two cases of pneumolabyrinth resulting from trauma. Hence, we report two cases with a review of literature.

A Case of Pneumolabyrinth after Temporal Bone Fracture / 대한이비인후과학회지

Pneumolabyrinth or pneumocochlea is an uncommon condition in which the vestibule or cochlea is filled with air. Although there have been several reports about pneumolabyrinth after stapes surgery, it is rarely found in temporal bone fractures. The presence of air inside the inner ear is a definite proof of a pathological connection between the inner ear and the air-filled mastoid or middle ear cavities. We encountered a rare case of a 45-years-old male with a pneumolabyrinth that resulted from a blunt head trauma. A pneumolabyrinth was resolved spontaneously.