Pneumolabyrinth secondary to temporal bone fracture: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Andrea Bacciu,1 Vincenzo Vincenti,1 Sampath Chandra Prasad,1 Daniela Tonni,1 Elisa Ventura,2 Salvatore Bacciu,1 Enrico Pasanisi1 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, 2Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy Abstract: Pneumolabyrinth following temporal bone fracture is an extremely rare condition. It results from air entering the inner ear when a communication between the air-filled middle ear spaces and inner ear is established. The imaging modality of choice for pneumolabyrinth is high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone. Treatment options include conservative management (bed rest, antibiotics, corticosteroids) or surgery (exploratory tympanotomy). We present the case of a 31-year-old female who had pneumolabyrinth secondary to a temporal bone fracture. The patient was treated surgically and made a full clinical recovery. Keywords: pneumolabyrinth, temporal bone fractures, head trauma