Perilymphatic Fistula: A Review of Classification, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Brooke Sarna; Mehdi Abouzari; Catherine Merna; Shahrnaz Jamshidi; Tina Saber; Hamid R Djalilian

doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.01046

Perilymphatic Fistula: A Review of Classification, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Front Neurol. 2020 Sep 15:11:1046. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01046. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Brooke Sarna¹, Mehdi Abouzari¹, Catherine Merna¹, Shahrnaz Jamshidi¹, Tina Saber¹, Hamid R Djalilian^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
² Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.

Abstract

A perilymphatic fistula (PLF) is an abnormal communication between the perilymph-filled inner ear and the middle ear cavity, mastoid, or intracranial cavity. A PLF most commonly forms when the integrity of the oval or round window is compromised, and it may be trauma-induced or may occur with no known cause (idiopathic). Controversy regarding the diagnosis of idiopathic PLF has persisted for decades, and the presenting symptoms may be vague. However, potential exists for this condition to be one of the few etiologies of dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss that can be treated surgically. The aim of this review is to provide an update on classification, diagnosis, and treatment of PLF. Particular attention will be paid to idiopathic PLF and conditions that may have a similar presentation, with subsequent information on how best to distinguish them. Novel diagnostic criteria for PLF and management strategy for PLF and PLF-like symptoms is presented.

Keywords: association; blood patch; dizziness; perilymph fistula; perilymphatic fistula; tinnitus; vertigo.

Publication types

Review

Abstract

Publication types

Grants and funding