From the Guidelines
Labyrinthitis ossificans is primarily caused by head trauma, as evidenced by recent studies 1. This condition involves the formation of pathological bone within the labyrinth of the inner ear, leading to potential hearing loss and other complications. The causes of labyrinthitis ossificans can be multifactorial, but head trauma is a well-established risk factor.
Key Causes
- Head trauma, as identified in the 2019 study 1, is a significant cause of labyrinthitis ossificans
- Other potential causes, although not directly mentioned in the provided evidence, may include bacterial meningitis, viral labyrinthitis, temporal bone trauma, chronic otitis media, autoimmune inner ear disease, and otosclerosis
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of labyrinthitis ossificans involves inflammation damaging the membranous labyrinth, followed by fibrosis and eventual ossification as the body attempts to repair the damage. This process can occur rapidly, sometimes within weeks of the initial injury or infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of labyrinthitis ossificans can be made using CT scans, which can detect osseous density in the usually fluid-filled space of the otic capsule 1. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complete ossification, which can make treatment more difficult or impossible.
From the Research
Causes of Labyrinthitis Ossificans
- Labyrinthitis ossificans is caused by various local and systemic pathologies, including meningitis, middle ear infection, and trauma 2, 3, 4.
- The condition can occur as a sequelae of meningitis spreading to the labyrinth from the subarachnoid space via the cochlear aqueduct and the internal auditory canal 2.
- Inflammatory processes, such as blood-borne septic emboli and cholesteatoma, can also lead to labyrinthitis ossificans 3.
- Trauma to the inner ear, including previous labyrinthectomy, can cause labyrinthine ossification 3, 4.
- Temporal bone trauma, hemorrhage, or tumor can also be associated with labyrinthitis and labyrinthitis ossificans 4.
Etiological Presentations
- Labyrinthitis ossificans can present in different etiological forms, including:
Pathological Process
- Labyrinthitis ossificans involves the formation of pathological new bone within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear 2.
- The condition is characterized by destruction of inner ear structures by the formation of new bone 5.
- The pathological ossification of the membranous labyrinthine spaces can occur in response to an insult to the inner ear involving membranous labyrinth or the endosteum of the otic capsule 4.