Research in Vestibular Science

Case Reports

A case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia manifesting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo: Young Jae Lee, Wonyong Baek, Gi-Sung Nam; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(1):32-36. Published online March 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.004

Abstract PDF: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare vascular condition characterized by the elongation, widening, and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar artery. It can lead to various symptoms due to compression of cranial nerves and brainstem structures. We report a rare case of VBD presenting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with vertigo and spontaneous downbeat nystagmus in a 65-year-old woman with a history of hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tortuous and dilated right vertebrobasilar artery compressing the brainstem and left 8th cranial nerve root entry zone, without signs of acute cerebellar stroke. The compression of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and cervicomedullary junction was also noted, suggesting a vascular cause for her symptoms. Following high-dose steroid treatment, the patient showed significant hearing improvement. This case underscores the importance of considering VBD in patients with unexplained SSNHL and vertigo, highlighting the role of detailed vascular imaging in the diagnosis and management of such cases.

One Case of Downbeat Nystagmus with Compression of Vestibulocochlear Nerve by Vertebral Arteries: Gyu Cheol Han, Ju Hyoung Lee, Jong Su Ha, Hee Young Hwang, Cheol Wan Park; J Korean Bal Soc. 2004;3(1):184-186.

Abstract PDF: A case is reported of downbeat nystagmus associated with compression of the root of vestibulocochlear nerve by vertebral arteries, which was revealed by magnetic resonance imaging. Chief complain of the patient was positional vertigo, which aggrevated at left decubitus position. Downbeat nystagmus was increased in left Dix-hall pike test. Tetsuo et al, reported downbeat nystagmus with compression of dolichoectatic vertebral arteries to the medulla oblongata and surgical neurovascular decompression of the dolichoectasia reverses the progression of symptoms if permanent neurologic damage has not already occurred. Key Words : Vertical nystagmus, Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, Vestibulocochlear nerve

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