The History of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A Bibliometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment and understanding of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) has seen significant developments over the past 25 years. Bibliographic analysis can provide insight into the evolution of research as well as highlight emerging areas. Reviewing a large volume of publications provides valuable insights into the citation patterns and collaborations of research groups. This study seeks to offer a comprehensive historical overview of SSCD and leading authors. DATABASE REVIEWED: Web of Science Core Collection. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of the current literature on SSCD was conducted. A performance analysis and science mapping of the top 100 most cited articles was completed using a citation analysis. Two independent reviewers evaluated articles for relevance and adjugated by a third reviewer. Author and institution networks were examined. RESULTS: Seven hundred ninety-one articles on the topic of SSCD were identified. The top 100 articles spanned over 23 years from 1998 to 2019 and were published in 30 different journals. The top 100 articles were cited 8253 times in literature. The document contents revealed 233 keywords and 238 author keywords. The articles were authored by a total of 291 authors, with only 4 single-authored documents. CONCLUSIONS: SSCD has been highly researched in aspects of symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment, as indicated by many highly cited articles that relate. However, the production of highly cited articles on SSCD displays a significant decrease after 2013, with only 17 of the top cited articles published since then.

A Basis for Standardizing Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Management.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine how otologic/neurotologic surgeons counsel patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). (2) To understand the plethora of presenting symptoms associated with SSCD and appropriate management. (3) To suggest appropriate management; oftentimes avoiding surgery. METHODS: This was a survey study of both community and academic physicians. A 23-question survey was distributed to all members of the American Neurotological (ANS) and American Otologic Societies (AOS) via email in the Fall of 2018. A total of 54 responses were received from a possible pool of 279 for a response rate of 19.4%. Inferences were made about the population through sample proportions and confidence intervals. RESULTS: All respondents use computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing SSCD and 11.1% use CT exclusively. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP; 77.8%) are used more often than ocular VEMPs (38.9%). Magnetic resonance imaging (7.4%) is used infrequently; 96.3% of surgeons surveyed have seen patients with SSCD on imaging that are asymptomatic. Following surgical treatment, respondents reported balance issues and mild-to-moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (88.4%); 32.6% reported that the majority (>50%) of their patients needed further intervention after surgery, typically aggressive vestibular rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a discrepancy in the systematic approach to SSCD between both the surgeons and the published literature. Patients with SSCD on ultra-high-resolution CT may have myriad symptoms while others are asymptomatic, and surgery may lead to additional complications. We will present a methodical recommendation to assist in the management of patients with SSCD depending upon their symptoms. This may improve patient selection, counseling, and outcomes.