Menière's disease

Intratympanic injections of emulsion-like dispersions to augment cinnarizine amount in a healthy rabbit inner ear model

Aim: To investigate eutectic liquid-based emulsion-like dispersions for intratympanic injections to augment cinnarizine permeability across round window membrane in a healthy rabbit inner ear model. Methods: Two-tier systematic optimization was used to get the injection formula. The drug concentrations in perilymph and plasma were analyzed via. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method after 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-min post intratympanic injection time points in rabbits. Results: A shear-thinning behavior, immediate drug release (∼98.80%, 10 min) and higher cell viability (>97.86%, 24 h) were observed in dispersions. The cinnarizine level of 8168.57 ± 1236.79 ng/ml was observed in perilymph at 30 min post intratympanic injection in rabbits. Conclusion: The emulsion-like dispersions can augment drug permeability through round window membrane.

Episodic Vertigo: A Narrative Review Based on a Single-Center Clinical Experience

(1) Background: Usually, the majority of patients suffering from vertigo and dizziness can be identified in four major categories: acute spontaneous vertigo, episodic (recurrent) vertigo, recurrent positional vertigo, and chronic imbalance. Our purpose is to retrospectively evaluate the main causes of episodic vertigo and to find indications for a reliable clinical suspicion useful for a definitive diagnosis, comparing patients affected by different presenting symptomatology (acute vertigo, recurrent episodic vertigo, and imbalance). (2) Methods: we retrospectively evaluated the clinical records in a population of 249 consecutive patients observed for vertigo in our tertiary referral center in the period 1 January 2019-31 January 2020. On the basis of the reported clinical history, patients were divided into three groups: patients with their first ever attack of vertigo, patients with recurrent vertigo and dizziness, and patients with chronic imbalance. (3) Results: On the basis of the results of the instrumental examination, we arbitrarily divided (for each type of symptoms) the patients in a group with a normal vestibular instrumental examination and a group of patients in which the clinical-instrumental evaluation showed some pathological results; a highly significant difference (p: 0.157) was found between recurrent and acute vertigo and between recurrent vertigo and imbalance. (4) Conclusions: Patients with recurrent vertigo more frequently exhibit a negative otoneurological examination since they are often examined in the intercritical phase. A precise and in-depth research of the patient's clinical history is the key to suspect or make a diagnosis together with the search for some instrumental or clinical hallmark, especially in cases where the clinical picture does not fully meet the international diagnostic criteria.

Speech Perception in Ménière Disease

Introduction  Ménière disease (MD) affects the inner ear, comprising the cochlea and semicircular canals. Symptoms include severe incapacitating vertigo, nausea, vomit, aural fullness, and sensorineural hearing loss - in which speech discrimination and intelligibility are impaired and can be quantified with speech audiometry. Objective  To investigate the influence of the stimuli presentation level in speech audiometry and the quality of life in adults with and without a diagnosis of MD. Method  Two groups were formed with nine individuals each - one with and the other without MD. The Speech Recognition Percentage Index was researched with stimuli presented above the self-reported comfort level or 5 dB below the discomfort level. Dizziness Handicap and Tinnitus Handicap Inventories were administered to individuals with tinnitus and vertigo complaints. Results  Speech recognition was better in the study group with higher presentation levels, as 75% of the sample improved their performance. The presence of vertigo significantly impacted the quality of life of individuals in the study group. Conclusion  Speech recognition improves with higher presentation levels. Also, MD impacts the quality of life, especially regarding limitations caused by vertigo.

Human blood-labyrinth barrier model to study the effects of cytokines and inflammation

Hearing loss is one of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide. No drug therapies are currently available to protect or restore hearing. Inner ear auditory hair cells and the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) are critical for normal hearing, and the BLB between the systemic circulation and stria vascularis is crucial for maintaining cochlear and vestibular homeostasis. BLB defects are associated with inner ear diseases that lead to hearing loss, including vascular malformations, inflammation, and Meniere's disease (MD). Antibodies against proteins in the inner ear and cytokines in the cochlea, including IL-1α, TNF-α, and NF-kβ, are detected in the blood of more than half of MD patients. There is also emerging evidence of inner ear inflammation in some diseases, including MD, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, otosclerosis, and sudden deafness. Here, we examined the effects of TNF-α, IL6, and LPS on human stria vascularis-derived primary endothelial cells cultured together with pericytes in a Transwell system. By measuring trans-endothelial electrical resistance, we found that TNF-α causes the most significant disruption of the endothelial barrier. IL6 had a moderate influence on the barrier, whereas LPS had a minimal impact on barrier integrity. The prominent effect of TNF-α on the barrier was confirmed in the expression of the major junctional genes responsible for forming the tight endothelial monolayer, the decreased expression of ZO1 and OCL. We further tested permeability using 2 μg of daptomycin (1,619 Da), which does not pass the BLB under normal conditions, by measuring its passage through the barrier by HPLC. Treatment with TNF-α resulted in higher permeability in treated samples compared to controls. LPS-treated cells behaved similarly to the untreated cells and did not show differences in permeability compared to control. The endothelial damage caused by TNF-α was confirmed by decreased expression of an essential endothelial proteoglycan, syndecan1. These results allowed us to create an inflammatory environment model that increased BLB permeability in culture and mimicked an inflammatory state within the stria vascularis.

RotaRod and acoustic startle reflex performance of two potential mouse models for Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by chronic episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, increased aural pressure, and sensorineural hearing loss. Causes of MD are unknown, but endolymphatic hydrops is a hallmark. In addition, 5%-15% of MD cases have been identified as familial. Whole-genome sequencing studies of individuals with familial MD identified DTNA and FAM136A as candidate genes for autosomal dominant inheritance of MD. Although the exact roles of these genes in MD are unknown, FAM136A encodes a mitochondrial protein, and DTNA encodes a cytoskeletal protein involved in synapse formation and maintenance, important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier. It is also associated with a particular aquaporin. We tested vestibular and auditory function in dtna and fam136a knockout (KO) mice, using RotaRod and startle reflex-based clicker tests, respectively. Three-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that sex, age, and genotype were significantly correlated with reduced mean latencies to fall ("latencies") for male dtna KO mice, while only age was a significant factor for fam136a KO mice. Fam136a KO mice lost their hearing months before WTs (9-11 months vs. 15-20 months). In male dtna KO mice, divergence in mean latencies compared with other genotypes was first evident at 4 months of age, with older males having an even greater decrease. Our results indicate that fam136a gene mutations generate hearing problems, while dtna gene mutations produce balance deficits. Both mouse models should help to elucidate hearing loss and balance-related symptoms associated with MD.

Hospital Admission Profile Related to Inner Ear Diseases in England and Wales

BACKGROUND

Due to an expansion in the usage of medications (such as anticancer therapies), increased exposure to noise, and an increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of inner ear disease-related hearing loss is rising. Diseases of the inner ear are frequently accompanied by other conditions, such as chronic heart failure, systemic inflammation, arterial hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of hospital admissions linked to inner ear diseases in England and Wales.

METHOD

This was an ecological descriptive study using public medical databases in England and Wales. Diagnostic codes for diseases of the inner ear (H80-H83) were used to identify all hospital admissions. Between 1999 and 2020, the chi-squared test was used to assess the difference between the admission rates.

RESULTS

From 5704 in 1999 to 19,097 in 2020, the total annual number of hospital admissions increased by 234.8%, which corresponds to a 192.3% increase in the admission rate [from 10.94 (95% CI 10.66-11.22) in 1999 to 31.98 (95% CI 31.52-32.43) in 2020 per 100,000 people, p < 0.01]. "Disorders of vestibular function" and "other inner ear diseases" were the most frequent causes of hospital admissions due to inner ear diseases, accounting for 47.6% and 43.6%, respectively. The age range of 15 to 59 years accounted for 42.3% of all diseases of the inner ear hospital admissions. Around 59.6% of all admissions were made by females. The female admission rate increased by 210.1% (from 12.43 (95% CI 12.01-12.85) in 1999 to 38.54 (95% CI 37.84-39.24) in 2020 per 100,000 people). The male admission rate for diseases of the inner ear increased by 169.6% [from 9.37 (95% CI 9.00-9.75) in 1999 to 25.26 (95% CI 24.69-25.84) per 100,000 people] in 2020.

CONCLUSION

Inner ear disease admissions increased markedly in England and Wales during the past two decades. Females and the middle-aged population were at higher risk of being admitted for inner ear diseases. Further cohort studies are warranted to identify other risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies.

Oral splint therapy in patients with Menière's disease and temporomandibular disorder: a long-term, controlled study

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of oral splint therapy on audio-vestibular symptoms in patients with Menière's disease (MD) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

METHODS

Retrospective case-control study. Treatment group: 37 patients with MD and TMD who received gnatological treatment.

CONTROL GROUP

26 patients with MD and TMD who had never received gnatological treatment. The number of vertigo spells in 6 months (primary endpoint), pure-tone audiometry average (PTA), MD stage, functional level, Dizziness handicap Index (DHI), Tinnitus handicap Index (THI) and Aural Fullness Scale (AFS) were compared at baseline and after 24 months according to groups. Analysis of Covariance was used to determine the treatment effect.

RESULTS

Groups were comparable for demographic, clinical data, baseline PTAs and the number of vertigo spells. Analysis of covariance showed a significant effect of gnathological treatment on number of vertigo spells ([Formula: see text] = 0.258, p < 0.001), PTA ([Formula: see text] = 0.201, p < 0.001), MD stage ([Formula: see text] = 0.224, p < 0.001), functional level ([Formula: see text] = 0.424, p < 0.001), DHI ([Formula: see text] = 0.421, p < 0.001), THI ([Formula: see text] = 0.183, p < 0.001), but not for AFS ([Formula: see text] = 0.005, p = 0.582). The treatment group showed vertigo control of class A in 86.5% and class B in 13.5% of patients. In the control group, vertigo control was of class A in 19.2% of patients and class B in 11.5%, class C in 30.8%, class D in 11.5%, class E in 19.2% and class F in 7.7%. Classes of vertigo control differed significantly (X² test, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral splint therapy could represent a viable treatment in patients with TMD and uncontrolled MD disease. The effects are maintained at least after 2 years.

Transmyringeal ventilation tube insertion for unilateral Menière's disease: a protocol for a prospective, sham-controlled, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial

Background

Menière’s disease is an idiopathic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting more than 20 min, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus. If vertigo attacks occur frequently, the patient is usually severely incapacitated. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of Menière’s disease. The evidence regarding most treatment options is sparse due to a lack of randomized trials together with an often-spontaneous relief over time and a considerable placebo effect. Insertion of a transmyringeal tube is a simple and relatively safe, minimally invasive procedure and previous open-label trials have shown promising results.

Study design

This is a prospective, sham-controlled, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial.

Aim

This trial aims to assess the effects of inserting a ventilation tube into the tympanic membrane compared with sham treatment for definite or probable unilateral Menière’s disease according to the criteria formulated by the Classification Committee of the Bàràny Society.

Outcomes

The primary outcome will be the number of spontaneous vertigo attacks lasting more than 20 min and time to treatment failure. In addition to the primary outcome, we will assess various secondary outcomes related to hearing, ear fullness, dizziness, and serious adverse events.

Sample size

An estimated 104 participants in total or 52 participants in each group will be necessary.

The primary analysis will be according to the intention-to-treat principle. The trial will be initiated in 2021 and is expected to end in 2025.

Trial status

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04835688. Registered on April 8, 2021.

Protocol version: 1.8, 26-09-2022. Date of first enrollment: October 1st, 2021. End of study: anticipated January 2025.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06777-w.

Vestibular Migraine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore recent developments in vestibular migraine (VM).

RECENT FINDINGS

This review discusses the current diagnostic criteria for VM in the adult and pediatric populations, as proposed by the International Headache Society and Bárány Society. Recent VM studies confirm the prior findings and reveal new insights, including the wide range of vestibular symptoms, symptoms in the attack-free period, and triggers. Many patients experience persistent vestibular symptoms, even in the absence of acute attacks, which often significantly impact patients' quality of life. The syndrome of benign recurrent vertigo and its relationship to migraine, VM, and Meniere's disease is also discussed. There is a dearth of randomized controlled trials in VM treatment. Prospective and retrospective studies support the benefit of many migraine treatments are effective in VM, including neuromodulation, and calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies. VM affects almost 3% of the population, but remains under-diagnosed. Recent diagnostic criteria can help clinicians diagnose VM in adults and children.

Insights into Inner Ear Function and Disease Through Novel Visualization of the Ductus Reuniens, a Seminal Communication Between Hearing and Balance Mechanisms

The sensory end-organs responsible for hearing and balance in the mammalian inner ear are connected via a small membranous duct known as the ductus reuniens (also known as the reuniting duct (DR)). The DR serves as a vital nexus linking the hearing and balance systems by providing the only endolymphatic connection between the cochlea and vestibular labyrinth. Recent studies have hypothesized new roles of the DR in inner ear function and disease, but a lack of knowledge regarding its 3D morphology and spatial configuration precludes testing of such hypotheses. We reconstructed the 3D morphology of the DR and surrounding anatomy using osmium tetroxide micro-computed tomography and digital visualizations of three human inner ear specimens. This provides a detailed, quantitative description of the DR's morphology, spatial relationships to surrounding structures, and an estimation of its orientation relative to head position. Univariate measurements of the DR, inner ear, and cranial planes were taken using the software packages 3D Slicer and Zbrush. The DR forms a narrow, curved, flattened tube varying in lumen size, shape, and wall thickness, with its middle third being the narrowest. The DR runs in a shallow bony sulcus superior to the osseus spiral lamina and adjacent to a ridge of bone that we term the "crista reuniens" oriented posteromedially within the cranium. The DR's morphology and structural configuration relative to surrounding anatomy has important implications for understanding aspects of inner ear function and disease, particularly after surgical alteration of the labyrinth and potential causative factors for Ménière's disease.

Association Between Meniere Disease and Migraine

Importance

A connection between Meniere disease (MD) and migraine has been proposed, but the temporal association remains unknown.

Objective

To examine the bidirectional association of MD with migraine.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study included participants 40 years or older from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2015.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A total of 6919 patients with MD were matched with 27 676 control participants without MD for age, sex, income, region of residence, and index date. The incidence of migraine was analyzed in the MD and matched groups using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model. In addition, 35 889 patients with migraine were matched with 71 778 control participants without migraine. The incidence of MD was analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Of 142 262 total participants, 94 611 (66.5%) were women. Migraine occurred in 695 of 6919 patients with MD (10.0%) and 970 of 27 676 matched control participants (3.5%). The MD group demonstrated a 2.22-fold higher risk of migraine than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.99-2.49). Meniere disease was present in 1098 of 35 889 patients with migraine (3.1%) and 781 of 71 778 matched control participants (1.1%). The migraine group had a 1.95-fold higher risk of MD than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.77-2.15).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this case-control study suggest that patients with MD had a greater risk of migraine occurrence. Furthermore, patients with migraine had a higher risk of MD. Based on the bidirectional association, therapeutics for migraine could potentially be applied to MD and vice versa.

Standardized Clinical Profiling in Spanish Patients with Chronic Tinnitus

Background: Tinnitus is a heterogeneous condition. The aim of this study as to compare the online and hospital responses to the Spanish version of European School for Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Research screening-questionnaire (ESIT-SQ) in tinnitus individuals by an unsupervised age clustering. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 434 white Spanish patients with chronic tinnitus to assess the demographic and clinical profile through the ESIT-SQ, with 204 outpatients and 230 individuals from an online survey; a K-means clustering algorithm was used to classify both responses according to age. Results: Online survey showed a high proportion of Meniere’s disease (MD) patients compared to both the general population and the outpatient cohort. The responses showed statistically significant differences between groups regarding education level, tinnitus-related hearing disorders (MD, hyperacusis), sleep difficulties, dyslipidemia, and other tinnitus characteristics, including duration, type of onset, the report of mitigating factors and the use of treatments. However, these differences were partially confirmed after adjusting for age. Conclusions: Self-reported tinnitus surveys are a low confidence source for tinnitus phenotyping. Additional clinical evaluation is needed for tinnitus research to reach the diagnosis. Age-based cluster analysis might help to better define clinical profiles and to compare responses in ESIT-SQ among subgroups of patients with tinnitus.

Ménière's disease: new guidelines, subtypes, imaging, and more

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews recent developments in Ménière's disease including etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic investigations that have changed the landscape for medical providers. These updates shed light onto the complex nature of Ménière's disease and generate additional means to provide optimal care to patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Given the multifactorial cause of Ménière's disease, five subtypes of Ménière's disease have recently been proposed. A knowledge of these subtypes will aid in the development of an appropriate treatment algorithm. Although newer treatments have not been developed, stepwise treatment algorithms have been proposed and can improve patient care. New MRI modalities and serum testing hold promise as clinical clues and biomarkers.

SUMMARY

As these updated diagnostic criteria are used, Ménière's disease can be identified and treated more precisely. This will in turn allow for future randomized controlled studies to improve the quality of treatment options available. Future imaging, vestibular testing, and the potential for serum biomarkers may illuminate additional diagnostic criteria, only furthering the improvement in clinical care.

Endolymphatic hydrops in the unaffected ear of patients with unilateral Ménière's disease

PURPOSE

Current studies show that frequency tuning modification is a good marker for the detection of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with Ménière's disease (MD). The purpose of the present study is to analyze the auditory and vestibular function with audiometric and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) responses, respectively, in both the affected and unaffected ears of patients with unilateral MD using MRI as diagnostic support for the degree of EH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 76 consecutive patients with unilateral definite MD (age 55 (28-75); 39 women, 37 men). MRI was used through intravenous gadolinium administration, audiometry, and VEMPs. Functional tests were performed up to a week after the MRI. All were followed up one year after imaging utilizing clinical, auditory, and vestibular testing to rule out bilateral involvement.

RESULTS

In the unaffected ear, the mean pure-tone average is normal even in cases with hydrops and, for a similar severity of hydrops is significantly lower than in the affected ear. Significant differences for the amplitude of the response at 0.5 kHz, at 1 kHz between the affected and unaffected ears were found to be lower in the affected ears. The relative amplitude ratio (1 Kz-0.5 kHz) was significantly lower in the affected ear and in the case of the oVEMP response depends on the degree of EH. The response in the unaffected ear was not modified by the presence or the degree of hydrops.

CONCLUSION

In the unaffected ear, hydrops is not associated with hearing deterioration. For a similar degree of hydrops, hearing loss is significantly greater in the affected ear. The endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule induces a frequency bias in the VEMP response only in the affected ear and not in the unaffected ear. Because of these findings we consider that hydrops does not represent an active disorder in the unaffected ear.

Efficacy and Durability of Intratympanic Gentamicin Treatment for Meniere's Disease

Objective: To study the success of intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) treatment in reducing vertigo attacks in Meniere's disease (MD) and the value of the Halmagyi head thrust test (HTT) in predicting treatment durability. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary care vestibular clinic. Patients: Unilateral MD patients treated with ITG from 2006-2019 with ≥6 months follow-up. Main Outcome Measures: Demographics, audiometric data, subjective symptomatology, and HTT results were collected. Treatment success was defined as sufficient symptom relief. Treatment failure indicated vertigo control of less than 6 months duration. Treatment relapse indicated vertigo recurrence after 6 months. Results: Of 255 patients, treatment success, failure, and relapse occurred in 226 (88.6%), 29 (11.4%), and 121 (47.1%) patients, respectively. 48 (18.8%) patients who failed to respond or relapsed underwent labyrinthectomy. Mean follow-up time was 3.7 yrs (range 0.5-12.8). After ITG treatment, 25% patients reported worse hearing; mean pure tone average (PTA) increased by 18.6 ± 11.3 dB and mean word recognition score (WRS) decreased by 33 ± 21%. Of the 148 patients with negative pre-treatment HHT, 103 (69.6%) converted to positive after ITG treatment. Mean time-to-relapse in the converted and non-converted HTT cohorts was significantly different (49.7 vs. 27.0 months, p = 0.009) even after adjusting for gender, age, laterality, duration of symptoms, and number of ITG treatments. There were no significant differences between the two groups in hearing outcomes or subjective symptoms (e.g. lingering disequilibrium). Conclusions: ITG treatment effectively reduces the number of vertigo attacks in MD. HTT is valuable in predicting durability of treatment benefit.

Personality and psychopathology in Ménière's disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Psychological factors in vertigo patients have been extensively studied but the role of anxiety and personality traits in the clinical course of Ménière's disease (MD) is unknown. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize psychopathology in MD and to find risk factors for an increased rate and intensity of crisis and chronic symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a transversal study in all patients diagnosed with definite MD in our department during a 5-year period. Sample subjects were interviewed in 3 steps: first, an otorhinolaryngologist collected information about clinical and pharmacological background of MD; second, a psychiatrist screened for mood, anxiety and personality disorders; in a third stage, the patient completed the DHI (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), STAI-Y (State Trait Anxiety Inventory), NEO-PI-R (Neo Personality Inventory Reviewed) and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) for vertigo and dizziness. Statistical analysis was performed to search for risk factors for multiple and intense crisis and chronic symptoms.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients completed all 3 phases of the study. A predominant dysfunctional personality trait was identified in 80% of patients (predominantly cluster C type), 35% were being treated with psychiatric medication and 34.4% had a considerable mood or anxiety disorder. All patients scored high (>7) in VAS during crisis. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between crisis rate and STAI, anxiety-subscale (N1) in NEO-PI-R, VAS and DHI scores (p<.044). Crises were more common in bilateral MD (p=.041). DHI scores were higher with higher STAI and N1 (p=.001). Disease duration and pure tone average were found to have a positive moderate correlation (p=.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The positive correlations between crisis rate, chronic dizziness and anxiety-related personality traits reveal a bidirectional and intimate relationship between personality, anxiety and MD, affecting these patients' quality of life. These results support the relevance of prospecting adjuvant psychological and psychiatric approaches to these patients.

A Predictive Model of Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Meniere Disease Using Clinical Data

OBJECTIVES

Meniere disease (MD) is defined by a clinical syndrome of recurrent attacks of spontaneous vertigo associated with tinnitus, aural fullness, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Most patients have unilateral SNHL, but some of them will develop contralateral SNHL during the course of the disease. Several studies have reported a frequency of 2 to 73% SNHL in the second ear, according to the duration of disease and the period of follow-up. We hypothesize that unilateral and bilateral MD are different conditions, the first would initially involve the apical turn of the cochlea, while bilateral MD would affect the entire length of the cochlea. The aim of the study is to search for clinical predictors of bilateral SNHL in MD to build a predictive model of bilateral involvement.

DESIGN

A retrospective, longitudinal study including two cohorts with a total of 400 patients with definite MD was carried out. The inception cohort consisted of 150 patients with MD and the validation cohort included 250 cases. All of the cases were diagnosed of unilateral MD according to their hearing loss thresholds. The following variables were assessed as predictors of bilateral SNHL for the two cohorts: sex, age of onset, familiar history of MD, migraine and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL, defined if hearing threshold >20 dB in two or more consecutive frequencies from 2 to 8 KHz). A descriptive analysis was carried out according to the presence of HFHL in the first audiogram for the main variables. By using multiple logistic regression, we built-up several predictive models for the inception cohort and validated it with the replication cohort and merged dataset.

RESULTS

Twenty-three (19.3%) and 78 (41%) of patients with HFHL developed contralateral SNHL during the follow-up, in the inception and validation cohorts, respectively. In the inception cohort, the best predictive model included HFHL in the first audiogram (OR = 6.985, p = 0.063) and the absence of migraine (OR = 0.215, p = 0.144) as clinical predictors for bilateral SNHL [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.641, p = 0.002]. The model was validated in the second cohort (AUC = 0.621, p < 0.001). Finally, we merged both datasets to improve the precision of the model including HFHL in the first audiogram (OR = 3.168, p = 0.001), migraine (OR = 0.482, p = 0.036) and age of onset >35 years old (OR = 2.422, p = 0.006) as clinical predictors (AUC = 0.639, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A predictive model including the age of onset, HFHL in the first audiogram and migraine can help to assess the risk of bilateral SNHL in MD. This model may have significant implications for clinical management of patients with MD.

Machine Learning Techniques for Differential Diagnosis of Vertigo and Dizziness: A Review

Vertigo is a sensation of movement that results from disorders of the inner ear balance organs and their central connections, with aetiologies that are often benign and sometimes serious. An individual who develops vertigo can be effectively treated only after a correct diagnosis of the underlying vestibular disorder is reached. Recent advances in artificial intelligence promise novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this common symptom. Human analysts may experience difficulties manually extracting patterns from large clinical datasets. Machine learning techniques can be used to visualize, understand, and classify clinical data to create a computerized, faster, and more accurate evaluation of vertiginous disorders. Practitioners can also use them as a teaching tool to gain knowledge and valuable insights from medical data. This paper provides a review of the literatures from 1999 to 2021 using various feature extraction and machine learning techniques to diagnose vertigo disorders. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the work done thus far and to provide future directions for research into the use of machine learning in vertigo diagnosis.

The global hearing therapeutic pipeline: 2021

Hearing loss is a serious condition affecting more than 1.5 billion people globally. Many affected people benefit from the use of devices, such as hearing aids, but these do not restore natural hearing, and many users still struggle to follow speech in the presence of background noise. Consequently, there is rapid growth in work to discover therapeutics to address this need. Our analysis of the therapeutic pipeline for inner ear and central processing disorders identified 23 assets in clinical trials and 56 in preclinical development, of which 25% have entered the pipeline in the past three years. The innovative potential of this pipeline is encouraging, but there are translational hurdles to be overcome. We highlight challenges for the pipeline and comment on opportunities to support and strengthen it.

Burden of Rare Variants in the OTOG Gene in Familial Meniere's Disease

OBJECTIVES

Meniere's disease (MD) is a rare inner ear disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, episodic vertigo, and tinnitus. Familial MD has been reported in 6 to 9% of sporadic cases, and few genes including FAM136A, DTNA, PRKCB, SEMA3D, and DPT have been involved in single families, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. In this study, the authors recruited 46 families with MD to search for relevant candidate genes for hearing loss in familial MD.

DESIGN

Exome sequencing data from MD patients were analyzed to search for rare variants in hearing loss genes in a case-control study. A total of 109 patients with MD (73 familial cases and 36 early-onset sporadic patients) diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria defined by the Barany Society were recruited in 11 hospitals. The allelic frequencies of rare variants in hearing loss genes were calculated in individuals with familial MD. A single rare variant analysis and a gene burden analysis (GBA) were conducted in the dataset selecting 1 patient from each family. Allelic frequencies from European and Spanish reference datasets were used as controls.

RESULTS

A total of 5136 single-nucleotide variants in hearing loss genes were considered for single rare variant analysis in familial MD cases, but only 1 heterozygous likely pathogenic variant in the OTOG gene (rs552304627) was found in 2 unrelated families. The gene burden analysis found an enrichment of rare missense variants in the OTOG gene in familial MD. So, 15 of 46 families (33%) showed at least 1 rare missense variant in the OTOG gene, suggesting a key role in familial MD.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found an enrichment of multiplex rare missense variants in the OTOG gene in familial MD. This finding supports OTOG as a relevant gene in familial MD and set the groundwork for genetic testing in MD.

Progressive and Degenerative Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Initial diagnosis of peripheral vestibulopathy requires a detailed history, physical examination, and, in some cases, audiovestibular testing, radiographic imaging, or serology. Differentiation of a peripheral vestibulopathy as progressive or degenerative is often nuanced and influenced by a characterization of a patient's symptoms or natural history over time. A diverse group of vestibular pathology may fit into this category, including Ménière's disease, autoimmune conditions, congenital pathologies, ototoxic medications, radiation therapy, and perilymphatic fistula. Differentiation among these entities may be guided by initial or subsequent symptomatology, with various combinations of audiovestibular testing, serology, and imaging. Treatment options are disparate and disease-specific, ranging from observation to medical management or surgical intervention, underscoring the need for astute investigation and diagnosis.

The clinical characteristics and anatomical variations in patients with intractable unilateral Meniere's Disease with and without migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraine is more common in Meniere's disease patients, who have some certain anatomical variations. But there are limited studies focusing on the anatomical variations in patients with Meniere's disease and migraine.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical and anatomical features in Meniere's disease patients with and without migraine, determining whether the coexistence of migraine can be used as a basis for clinical subtyping of Meniere's disease.

METHODS

Ninety-five Meniere's disease patients and ninety-five healthy subjects matched with age, sex were selected. A detailed questionnaire based on the diagnosis criteria of Meniere's disease and migraine was designed. According to the CT scan, we divided the mastoid cell system of all the subjects into two types: well-pneumatization type and poor-pneumatization type. Meanwhile, the shortest distance between the sigmoid sinus and the posterior wall of the external acoustic canal was measured.

RESULTS

Compared with those without migraine, Meniere's disease patients with migraine had a higher female comorbidity, poorer mastoid pneumatization, shorter distance between the sigmoid sinus and posterior wall of the external acoustic canal, longer history, higher frequency of vertigo attacks and better average hearing threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, anatomical features as well as several clinical manifestations were proved to differ significantly between Meniere's disease patients with and without migraine, indicating the coexistence of migraine may be one standard for the clinical subtyping of Meniere's disease.

Development of thermosensitive poloxamer 407-based microbubble gel with ultrasound mediation for inner ear drug delivery

ABSTRACTSOur previous study first investigated feasibility of applying ultrasound (US) and microbubbles (MBs) via external auditory canal to facilitate drug delivery into inner ear. However, most drugs are in aqueous formulae and eliminated via Eustachian tubes after drug application. In this study, feasibility of sustained release of thermosensitive poloxamer 407 (P407)-based MB gel for US mediation-enhanced inner ear drug (dexamethasone, DEX) delivery was investigated. The sol-to-gel transition temperature showed that mixture of DEX and only 10% and 12.5% P407 in MBs can be used for in vitro and in vivo drug delivery experiments. In in vitro Franz diffusion experiments, the release rates of 12.5% P407-MBs + US groups in the model using DEX as the delivered reagent at 3 h resulted in values 1.52 times greater than those of 12.5% P407-MBs groups. In guinea pigs, by filling tympanic bulla with DEX in 12.5% P407-MBs (DEX-P407-MBs), USMB applied at post-treatment days 1 and 7 induced 109.13% and 66.67% increases in DEX delivery efficiencies, respectively, compared to the group without US. On the 28th day after US-mediated P407-MB treatment, the safety assessment showed no significant changes in the hearing thresholds and no damage to the integrity of cochlea or middle ear. These are the first results to demonstrate feasibility of US-modified liquid form DEX-P407-MB cavitation for enhancing permeability of round window membrane. Then, a gel form of DEX-P407-MBs was generated and thus prolonged the release of DEX in middle ear to maintain the therapeutic DEX level in inner ear for at least 7 days.

Personality and psychopathology in Ménière's disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Psychological factors in vertigo patients have been extensively studied but the role of anxiety and personality traits in the clinical course of Ménière's disease (MD) is unknown. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize psychopathology in MD and to find risk factors for an increased rate and intensity of crisis and chronic symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a transversal study in all patients diagnosed with definite MD in our department during a 5-year period. Sample subjects were interviewed in 3 steps: first, an otorhinolaryngologist collected information about clinical and pharmacological background of MD; second, a psychiatrist screened for mood, anxiety and personality disorders; in a third stage, the patient completed the DHI (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), STAI-Y (State Trait Anxiety Inventory), NEO-PI-R (Neo Personality Inventory Reviewed) and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) for vertigo and dizziness. Statistical analysis was performed to search for risk factors for multiple and intense crisis and chronic symptoms.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients completed all 3 phases of the study. A predominant dysfunctional personality trait was identified in 80% of patients (predominantly cluster C type), 35% were being treated with psychiatric medication and 34.4% had a considerable mood or anxiety disorder. All patients scored high (>7) in VAS during crisis. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between crisis rate and STAI, anxiety-subscale (N1) in NEO-PI-R, VAS and DHI scores (p<.044). Crises were more common in bilateral MD (p=.041). DHI scores were higher with higher STAI and N1 (p=.001). Disease duration and pure tone average were found to have a positive moderate correlation (p=.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The positive correlations between crisis rate, chronic dizziness and anxiety-related personality traits reveal a bidirectional and intimate relationship between personality, anxiety and MD, affecting these patients' quality of life. These results support the relevance of prospecting adjuvant psychological and psychiatric approaches to these patients.

Vertiginous Episodes in Menière Disease following Transmyringeal Ventilation Tube Insertion: A Systematic Review on the Current State of Evidence

Introduction  Menière disease (MD) is a disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. Objectives  To assess the effect of ventilation tube insertion (VTI) on vertiginous episodes in patients (≥ 18 years old) with MD. Data Synthesis  A systematic literature search on randomized clinical trials (RCTs), nonrandomized trials and other systematic reviews was performed. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the overall certainty of evidence. Two RCTs and four nonrandomized studies were identified. Data extraction was only possible for one RCT. Results showed that the number of patients with no vertigo attacks significantly increased following active treatment (relative risk 1.52; [95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.94]). The quality of evidence was rated as low. None of the nonrandomized trials included a proper control group, which hindered data extraction and quality assessment. Conclusion  There are currently no RCTs that specifically assess the efficacy of VTI in patients with MD. Current limited data suggest a considerable positive effect on the number of vertiginous episodes in patients with MD. However, due to poor evidence, a fluctuating course and a substantial placebo-effect associated with MD-treatment, no solid conclusion(s) regarding the efficacy of VTI can be made. There is a need for high-quality RCTs.

Clinical and molecular genetics of Meniere disease

Meniere disease (MD) represents a heterogeneous group of relatively rare disorders of the inner ear that causes vertigo attacks, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) involving low and medium frequencies, tinnitus, and aural fullness. MD has been attributed to an accumulation of endolymph in the cochlear duct. The diagnosis of MD is based on the phenomenological association of clinical symptoms including SNHL during the vertigo attacks. At least two mechanisms are involved in MD: (a) a pro-inflammatory immune response mediated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and IL-6, and (b) nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation in the carriers of the single nucleotide variant rs4947296. The majority of MD cases are considered sporadic, although familial aggregation has been recognized in European and East Asian populations in multiplex families, supporting a genetic contribution to the disease. In sporadic MD cases, the main genetic findings involve multiplex rare variants in several SNHL genes, such as GJB2, USH1G, SLC26A4, ESRRB, and CLDN14, and axonal guidance signaling genes, such as NTN4 and NOX3. Familial aggregation has been reported in 6–8 % of MD cases, and most families show an autosomal dominant inheritance. Few rare missense heterozygous variants have been described in simplex families in six genes (COCH, FAM136A, DTNA, PRKCB, SEMA3D, and DPT). Of note, 33 % of familial MD individuals show singleton and multiplex rare missense variants in the OTOG gene, suggesting a multiallelic inheritance. Moreover, potentially pathogenic rare variants in the familial genes FAM136A, DTNA, and DPT have been reported in Korean singletons with sporadic MD. Rare variants may have a significant contribution to sporadic and familial MD. The interaction of common cis-regulatory variants located in non-coding regions and rare variants in coding regions in one or more genes will determine the variation on the phenotype in MD. Further studies on genotype–phenotype correlations are required to improve the yield of genetic diagnosis, and different types of variants seem to contribute to the genetic structure of MD.

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders: Nationwide Evidence From Taiwan

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of peripheral vestibular disorders in an Asian population of predominantly Han Chinese ethnicity.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Patients with a peripheral vertigo disorder were identified from the Taiwan Health Insurance Research Database, a database of all medical claims of a randomly selected, population-representative sample of 2 million enrollees of Taiwan's National Health Insurance system covering over 99% of Taiwan's citizens. In 2016, 59,986 patients received a diagnosis of peripheral vestibular disorders in Taiwan. We calculated the population-wide prevalence rates of peripheral vestibular disorders in 2016 by sex and age group (20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, and ≥ 70 years) stratified into five urbanization levels.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of peripheral vestibular disorders was 2,833.4 per 100,000 population during the year. Prevalence of Meniere's disease was 70.4 per 100,000, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, 446.4, vestibular neuritis 307.2, and other or unspecified peripheral vestibular dizziness, 2,009.5 per 100,000. Prevalence rates steadily increased with age for every type of peripheral vestibular disorder, and were higher among females compared to males. The female-to-male gender ratios were 1.84, 1.89, and 1.93 for Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and other peripheral vestibular dizziness, respectively. Counties with the lowest urbanization level had the highest prevalence rates of all types of peripheral vestibular disorders except vestibular neuritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that peripheral vestibular disorders are common in Taiwan, increase with age, are predominantly female, and show higher prevalence in rural areas.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b Laryngoscope, 131:639-643, 2021.

Head-Shaking Nystagmus in the Early Stage of Unilateral Meniere's Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of head-shaking nystagmus (HSNy), evoked after the resolution of a vertigo spell, to predict an imminent crisis in the early stage of Meniere's disease (MD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 patients in the early stage of MD were included in the study. The head-shaking test (HST) was performed twice, during the first visit within 24 h of vertigo spell (T0) and 48 h later (T1). The onset of a new vertigo episode during the 2 weeks following the first visit was recorded in each patient's medical record. The sensitivity and specificity of HSNy toward predicting a new vertigo episode were calculated.

RESULTS

At T0, an evoked ipsilesional HSNy in 15 (75%) patients was observed; in four of them, the HSNy had a biphasic component. The HSNy was present and persistent at T1 in 8 (42.1%) patients; among these cases, 6 patients had ipsilesional HSNy, and 2 patients a contralesional HSNy. None of the patients presented with a biphasic HSNy at T1. Seven (36.8%) patients experienced the recurrence of a vertigo crisis. Among these, 6 patients had ipsilesional HSNy at T1. Only 8 patients with ipsilesional HSNy at T0 did not have recurrence. The sensitivity of the ipsilesional HSNy in predicting the recurrence of vertigo in patients with MD was 100% at T0 and 85.7% at T1. The specificity was 46.6% and 100% at T0 and T1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The HST can be a useful test in the early stages of MD to predict a new vertigo attack.

[A role of vascular risk factors in the development of peripheral vestibulopathy]

The development of peripheral vestibular disorders are often thought to be associated with vascular mechanisms, taking into account terminal type of inner ear blood supply and other predisposing factors. A number of studies indicates a high frequency of vascular risk factors in the patients with vestibular neuronitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). According to other results, migraine is widely spread among patients with Meniere's disease and BPPV. However currently there is no evidence for casual relationship between vascular factors and development of peripheral vestibulopathy. The only exclusion is labyrinthine infarction, which develops as a result of posterior circulation disorder. More research is needed in this area.

Hearing Preservation and Speech Outcomes After Cochlear Implantation in Meniere's Disease

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate speech perception outcomes and hearing preservation after cochlear implantation in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Fifty-one adult patients, accounting for a total of 63 implants, with MD treated at a tertiary care center were included in the study. Patients with unaided preoperative air-conduction thresholds ≤80 dB at 250 Hz were included in hearing preservation analyses. The primary outcome measure was Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) score. Hearing preservation was assessed as follows: 1) maintenance of functional hearing, defined as a postoperative unaided air-conduction threshold ≤80 dB at 250 Hz and 2) low-frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA) shift.

RESULTS

Speech perception scores improved significantly postimplantation; specifically, the CNC mean score was 9% preoperatively and increased to 57% by 1 year postoperatively (P < .001). Eighteen ears were included in hearing preservation analysis; the mean preoperative LFPTA was 65 dB (standard deviation [SD] = 10). The mean postoperative LFPTA at activation was 93 dB (SD = 21), and at 1 year was 102 dB (SD = 11). Twenty-seven percent of patients achieved short-term functional hearing preservation, whereas the longer-term outcomes were less favorable (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

Speech perception scores improve after implantation in patients with MD. Hearing preservation is possible in patients with MD, albeit at lower rates than reported non-MD populations. Our data suggest that there can be degradation in acoustic hearing over time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2019.

Diagnostic assessment of patients with Meniere's disease through caloric testing and the video-head-impulse test

Introduction

Meniere's disease is a labyrinth disease that usually presents with episodes of spontaneous vertigo associated with sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and ipsi- and unilateral aural fullness in most cases. Vestibular function tests, video-head-impulse test and the caloric test, are not specific for diagnosis of the disease, but may show alterations that help to evaluate the functional impairment.

Objective

To describe the results obtained at the caloric test and video-head-impulse test in patients with definite Meniere's disease and compare them between symptomatic, asymptomatic ears and those of the control group.

Methods

Cross-sectional and observational study including patients with definite Meniere's disease diagnosed according to the Bárány Society criteria (2015) and healthy individuals (control group) undergoing caloric test and video-head-impulse test. All subjects were assessed by neurotological anamnesis and audiological evaluation (pure-tone, vocal and immittance audiometry) to characterize the sample. The findings obtained at the caloric test and video-head-impulse test were described and compared between the symptomatic and asymptomatic ears of patients with Meniere's disease and those of the control group.

Results

Thirty-two patients with definite Meniere's disease were evaluated, with a mean age of 45.7 years, mostly females (68.8%) and unilateral disease. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals, with a mean age of 44.7 years, mostly females (70.0%). The groups were homogeneous in relation to age and gender. The patients’ main complaint was vertigo (71.9%), and most patients had more than six episodes in the last six months (71.9%). Moderate sensorineural hearing loss was present in 38.5% of patients. The prevalence of hyporeflexia at the caloric test was higher in symptomatic (56.4%) and asymptomatic (36%) ears of patients with Meniere's disease compared to the ears of control subjects (7.5%), p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively. Video-head-impulse test alterations in the lateral semicircular canals were more frequent in the symptomatic ears of patients with Meniere's disease than in the ears of control subjects (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Most patients with definite Meniere's disease showed hyporeflexia at the caloric test and video-head-impulse test with normal function in the symptomatic ear. Vestibular hyporeflexia at the caloric test was more frequent in the symptomatic and asymptomatic ears of patients with Meniere's disease than in the control group. The video-head-impulse test showed more alterations in the lateral semicircular canals.

Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With the Risk of Ménière's Disease and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Study Using Data From the Korean National Health Insurance Service

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Several studies have reported an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and neuro-otologic diseases, such as Ménière's disease or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). However, the exact relationship between OSA and those diseases has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prospective link between OSA and Ménière's disease or SSNHL.

METHODS

We used a nationwide cohort sample of data for 2002-2013 representing approximately 1 million patients. The OSA group (n = 942) included patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2006; the comparison group was selected using propensity score matching (n = 3,768). We investigated Ménière's disease and SSNHL events over a 9-year follow-up period. Survival analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate incidence, survival rate, and hazard ratios for each group.

RESULTS

In the OSA group, the incidences of Ménière's disease and SSNHL were 7,854.4 and 7,876.3 person-years, respectively. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed no overall association between patients with OSA and the risk of subsequent Ménière's disease or SSNHL. In a subgroup analysis, female and middle-aged patients with OSA were independently associated with a two-fold higher incidence of subsequent Ménière's disease, compared to those without OSA. However, we could not find any significant association between patients with OSA and SSNHL even in the subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that female or middle-aged patients with OSA are associated with an increased incidence of Ménière's disease. However, there was no association between OSA and SSNHL.

CITATION

Kim J-Y, Ko I, Cho B-J, Kim D-K. Association of obstructive sleep apnea with the risk of Ménière's disease and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. J Clin Sleep Med. 2019;15(9):1293-1301.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in Meniere's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of frequency and clinical characteristics

There is a recognized association of Meniere's disease (MD) and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). However, the frequency and clinical characteristics of BPPV in MD are unclear. The aim of this review was to determine the mean frequency and clinical features of BPPV in MD. Three databases were searched: MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Academia. Studies reporting the frequency of BPPV in MD were pooled. A total of 4198 references were identified, of which 20 studies were considered eligible. The pooled frequency of BPPV in MD was 14% (95% CI 9-18%). It was 38% (95% CI 26-49%) in longitudinal studies and 8% (95% CI 6-11%) in cross-sectional ones. BPPV comorbid with MD was mostly observed in the ear affected by hydrops, in females, in patients with more advanced disease. Canalolithiasis of the horizontal semicircular canal was more common in patients with BPPV associated with MD than in idiopathic BPPV. BPPV in MD was more prone to recurrence and required more canal repositioning maneuvers.

Differential Proinflammatory Signature in Vestibular Migraine and Meniere Disease

Vestibular Migraine (VM) and Meniere's Disease (MD) are episodic vestibular syndromes defined by a set of associated symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing loss or migraine features during the attacks. Both conditions may show symptom overlap and there is no biological marker to distinguish them. Two subgroups of MD patients have been reported, according to their IL-1β profile. Therefore, considering the clinical similarity between VM and MD, we aimed to investigate the cytokine profile of MD and VM as a means to distinguish these patients. We have also carried out gene expression microarrays and measured the levels of 14 cytokines and 11 chemokines in 129 MD patients, 82 VM patients, and 66 healthy controls. Gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) showed significant differences in MD patients with high and low basal levels of IL- 1β and VM patients. MD patients with high basal levels of IL- 1β (MDH) had overall higher levels of cytokines/chemokines when compared to the other subsets. CCL4 levels were significantly different between MDH, MD with low basal levels of IL- 1β (MDL), VM and controls. Logistic regression identified IL- 1β, CCL3, CCL22, and CXCL1 levels as capable of differentiating VM patients from MD patients (area under the curve = 0.995), suggesting a high diagnostic value in patients with symptoms overlap.

The cardiovascular aspects of a Ménière's disease population - A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

MD is considered a rare disease. An adequate model that explains MD's pathophysiology is not well established. Recently, the vascular theory of the disease has been revived.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize a MD population according to its cardiovascular risk and correlate it to the MD clinical course.

METHODS

In this retrospective chart study the data of 31 MD patients observed between January 2017 and April 2018 in a tertiary university hospital were reviewed. Patients included in the study were diagnosed according to the Bárány Society criteria. Lost follow-ups, patients with autoimmune disease, atopy or allergy, major psychiatric disease and migraine were excluded. Age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, audiometric and vestibular parameters, occurrence of MD attacks in the previous 6 months, vestibular medication in course and time course of MD were recorded and compared between groups (with and without cardiovascular risk factors).

RESULTS

31 patients (61.3% females) mean aged 60.3 years (±9.7) were studied. 74% of the population had at least one risk factor and 51.6% of patients had attacks in the last 6 months. There was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of MD attacks in the last 6 months (p = 0.014) between MD patients with and without risk factors. Mean PTA thresholds were higher and speech discrimination was lower in individuals with more cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of MD focusing on vascular risk factors may allow a better control of symptoms and result in a decreased need for ablative procedures in this disorder.

The Clinical Benefit of Device Therapy for Meniere's Disease in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the clinical benefit of device therapy on controlling the symptoms of Meniere's disease (MD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang Data before January 13, 2018. We selected randomized controlled clinical trials, case-controlled studies, and cohort studies that dealt with outcomes of device therapy for the treatment of MD.

RESULTS

Sixteen trials met our inclusion criteria. The use of device therapy resulted in improved vertigo control, which was described as a reduction in the number of vertigo days by month (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.00-4.31), in the number of vertigo episodes by month (WMD: 7.37, 95% CI: 2.40-12.35), and in the vertigo visual analog score (WMD: 41.51, 95% CI: 34.68-48.34). In addition, the overall complete vertigo control (class A) rate was 50% (95% CI: 37%-64%). The device therapy also reduced the number of sick days by month (WMD: 4.56, 95% CI: 2.15-6.97), and the functional level improved (WMD: 2.66, 95% CI: 2.15-3.17). The electrocochleographic parameters decreased. The device therapy proved beneficial for hearing changes (WMD: 3.19, 95% CI: 0.66-5.71). No publication bias was found in the funnel plot and the results of Egger's test.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the device therapy might reduce vertigo attacks and sick days in patients with MD. Additionally, the function level and hearing level may improve after the device therapy. In addition, the decrease in electrocochleographic parameters showed that inner ear electrophysiology improved after device therapy.

Quantitative analysis of cochlear signal intensity on three-dimensional and contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images in patients with Meniere's disease: Correlation with the pure tone audiometry test

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to correlate the quantitative analysis of cochlear signal intensity (SI) on 3-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced (CE) 3D-FLAIR images with results of the pure tone audiometry (PTA) test in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over a 3-year period, 123 patients with MD underwent 3-Tesla (3 T) temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR sequences. The SI of membranous labyrinth of the cochlea in both ears of each patient was measured by drawing a region of interest (ROI) with a seed growing technique. The correlation between measured cochlear SIs on 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR images, contrast enhancement index (CEI), and contrast enhancement ratio (CER) and clinical findings and pre- and post-treatment PTA results were assessed.

RESULTS

Cochlear signal ratios of symptomatic ears on 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR images were significantly higher than those of asymptomatic ears (P < 0.001). The area under the curve, from the receiver operating characteristic curve of cochlear SIs on 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR images for discrimination between symptomatic and asymptomatic ears, was 0.729 and 0.728, respectively. Cochlear SIs on 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR images were significantly correlated with patients' sex (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), symptomatic ear (both P < 0.0001), and pre-treatment PTA (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.005, respectively), but were not significantly correlated with patients' age, post-treatment PTA or hearing threshold level at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 4.0 kHz.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative analysis of cochlear SI on 3D-FLAIR and CE-FLAIR images may be a helpful diagnostic adjunct for MD, but may be of little value in predicting the prognosis of MD.

Comorbid Symptoms Occurring During Acute Low-Tone Hearing Loss (AHLH) as Potential Predictors of Menière's Disease

Acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) is a type of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. ALHL is rarely a solitary condition but rather co-occurs with vertigo and tinnitus, being an element of contemporary diagnostic criteria for Menière's disease (MD). The goal of our present study was to determine the value of ALHL for the early diagnosis of MD in patients presenting in the emergency room with ALHL as a main complaint. The files of 106 patients with ALHL who were admitted to the emergency room over the period of 7 years and 104 patients with acute high- tone sensorineural hearing loss (AHHL) from the same period were included in this retrospective study. Forty ALHL patients presented with recurrent episode of hearing loss and 66 remaining patients presented with ALHL for the first time. Of the latter group, 25 patients gave consent for the follow-up. First, we analyzed the difference in the occurrence of tinnitus and vertigo between the ALHL and AHHL groups. In patients with ALHL, the incidence of vertigo with tinnitus and the number of recurrent episodes were statistically higher than in patients with AHHL. Next, we focused on the ALHL follow-up group (25 patients). In that group, two patients had all MD symptoms at presentation, 18 had ALHL and tinnitus and five ALHL only. Of 18 patients with ALHL and tinnitus at admission, five developed vertigo and thus the triad of Menière's disease. None of the five patients with AHLH as a sole symptom developed MD during the follow-up time but four of them have developed tinnitus. Patients with recurrent ALHL had significantly higher incidence of MD than the patients with first episode. We conclude that some patients who present with ALHL and concomitant tinnitus or have recurrent episodes of ALHL are more likely to develop Menière's disease than these patients, who present with ALHL as a sole symptom. Nonetheless, we recommend otological follow-up for all patients presenting with ALHL.

Towards personalized medicine in Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease (MD) represents a heterogeneous group of relatively rare disorders with three core symptoms: episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss involving 125 to 2,000 Hz frequencies. The majority of cases are considered sporadic, although familial aggregation has been recognized in European and Korean populations, and the search for familial MD genes has been elusive until the last few years. Detailed phenotyping and cluster analyses have found several clinical predictors for different subgroups of patients, which may indicate different mechanisms, including genetic and immune factors. The genes associated with familial MD are COCH, FAM136A, DTNA, PRKCB, SEMA3D, and DPT. At least two mechanisms have been involved in MD: (a) a pro-inflammatory immune response mediated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and IL-6, and (b) a nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation in the carriers of the single-nucleotide variant rs4947296. It is conceivable that microbial antigens trigger inflammation with release of pro-inflammatory cytokines at different sites within the cochlea, such as the endolymphatic sac, the stria vascularis, or the spiral ligament, leading to fluid imbalance with an accumulation of endolymph. Computational integration of clinical and "omics" data eventually should transform the management of MD from "one pill fits all" to precise patient stratification and a personalized approach. This article lays out a proposal for an algorithm for the genetic diagnosis of MD. This approach will facilitate the identification of new molecular targets for individualized treatment, including immunosuppressant and gene therapy, in the near future.

International consensus (ICON) on treatment of Ménière's disease

OBJECTIVE

To present the international consensus for recommendations for Ménière's disease (MD) treatment.

METHODS

Based on a literature review and report of 4 experts from 4 continents, the recommendations have been presented during the 21st IFOS congress in Paris, in June 2017 and are presented in this work.

RESULTS

The recommendation is to change the lifestyle, to use the vestibular rehabilitation in the intercritic period and to propose psychotherapy. As a conservative medical treatment of first line, the authors recommend to use diuretics and Betahistine or local pressure therapy. When medical treatment fails, the recommendation is to use a second line treatment, which consists in the intratympanic injection of steroids. Then as a third line treatment, depending on the hearing function, could be either the endolymphatic sac surgery (when hearing is worth being preserved) or the intratympanic injection of gentamicin (with higher risks of hearing loss). The very last option is the destructive surgical treatment labyrinthectomy, associated or not to cochlear implantation or vestibular nerve section (when hearing is worth being preserved), which is the most frequent option.