ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intrameatal vascular loops (IVL) entering the internal auditory meatus (IAM) and neurovascular contact (NVC) with the vestibulo-cochlear nerve (CN VIII) have been proposed to have a relationship with audio-vestibular symptoms. PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether the presence of IVLs and CN VIII NVC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with tinnitus, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or vertigo and any specific subtypes. DATA SOURCES: All studies comparing the presence of IVL or CN VIII NVC in ears with these audio-vestibular symptoms and controls were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials databases. STUDY SELECTION: 16 studies and 3,455 ears (1526 symptomatic ears and 1929 control ears) were included. DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate random effects model. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran's Q test with statistical significance defined as p<0.05. DATA SYNTHESIS: There was no significant association between the presence of undefined tinnitus or SNHL and that of IVL (OR 0.90 95% CI 0.47, 1.70; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.36, 1.25) or CN VIII NVC (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.68, 1.95; OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.33, 2.40). However, the subgroup of sudden onset SNHL was associated with IVL (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04, 1.73) (p=0.02). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of IVL (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.64, 1.48) or CN VIII NVC (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.42, 2.32) between ears with undefined vertigo and control ears. However, there was an association between the presence of CN VIII NVC and the specific diagnosis of vestibular paroxysmia (OR 13.19, 95% CI 2.09, 83.16) (p=0.006). LIMITATIONS: Our meta-analysis is limited by selection bias, small number of eligible studies and moderate heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: IVL or CN VIII NVC on MRI are unrelated to symptoms of undefined tinnitus, SNHL and vertigo. However, CN VIII NVC is associated with vestibular paroxysmia whilst IVL is associated with sudden onset SNHL. ABBREVIATIONS: AICA = anterior inferior cerebellar artery, CI = confidence interval, CN = cranial nerve, CPA = cerebellopontine angle, IAM = internal auditory meatus, NVC = neurovascular contact, OR = odds ratio, SNHL = sensorineural hearing loss, SoSNHL = sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of heterogeneous primary immunodeficiencies characterised by a dysregulated and impaired immune response. In addition to an increased susceptibility to infection, it is also associated with noninfectious autoimmune and lymphoproliferative complications. CVID is rarely associated with neurological complications. Pulmonary involvement is more common, and patients can develop an interstitial lung disease known as granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old Caucasian female with a history of Evans syndrome (idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia) and hypogammaglobulinaemia initially presented to the neurology clinic with marked cerebellar ataxia and headaches. Following extensive investigation (which included brain biopsy), she was diagnosed with neuro-sarcoidosis and her symptoms resolved following treatment with immunosuppressive therapy. Over the following 10 years, she was extensively investigated for recurrent pulmonary infections and abnormal radiological findings, which included pulmonary nodules, infiltrates and splenomegaly. Subsequently, she was referred to an immunology clinic, where immunoglobulin replacement treatment was started for what was ultimately considered to be CVID. Shortly afterwards, evaluation of her clinical, radiological and histological findings at a specialist interstitial lung disease clinic led to a diagnosis of GLILD. CONCLUSION: CVID is a condition which should be suspected in patients with immunodeficiency and recurrent infections. Concomitant autoimmune disorders such as haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia may further support the diagnosis. As illustrated in this case, there is a rare association between CVID and inflammatory involvement of the neurological system. Respiratory physicians should also suspect CVID with associated GLILD in patients with apparent pulmonary granulomatous disease and recurrent infections. In addition, this case also highlights the challenge of diagnosing CVID and its associated features, and how the definitive exclusion of other pathologies such as malignancy, mycobacterial infection and lymphoma is required as part of this diagnostic process.