The prevalence of superior canal dehiscence syndrome as assessed by temporal bone computed tomography imaging

Abstract

Conclusion: When a diagnosis of superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) was made based solely on CT scans, 80% of cases assessed were false positive. This stresses the importance of diagnosing SCDS on the basis of both CT findings and clinical symptoms. Objectives: All the coronal computed tomography (CT) scans of the temporal bones retained in this clinic were reviewed to determine how many of these examined ears have dehiscence(s) of the superior semicircular canal (SSCC). We also determined how many of the ears with a dehiscence of SSCC could also be diagnosed clinically on CT scans as having SCDS. Methods: CT scans of 82 patients, covering 164 ears, were reviewed to determine how many of these ears had dehiscence of SSCC. Of the ears found to have a dehiscence of SSCC in the above procedure, it was determined how many ears could also be diagnosed clinically as having SCDS. Results: Dehiscence of SSCC was demonstrated in 5 (3%) of the 164 ears assessed. Of the five ears noted to have a dehiscence of SSCC, the condition was also considered clinically to be SCDS in only one ear (0.6%).

Keywords::

• Vertigo
• superior semicircular canal
• nystagmus
• conductive hearing loss
• air–bone gap
• Tullio phenomenon
• fistula symptom

Acknowledgment

CT scans were performed and supported by Ito Municipal Hospital.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.