Scuba Diving-Induced Inner-Ear Pathology: Imaging Findings of Superior Semicircular Canal and Tegmen Tympani Dehiscence.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Superior semicircular canal dehiscence is an inner-ear pathology which presents with vertigo, disequilibrium, and hearing loss. Although the exact etiology of superior semicircular canal dehiscence is unknown, it is thought that an increase in middle-ear pressure disrupts a thin overlying temporal bone. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence is frequently seen in association with dehiscence of the tegmen tympani, which overlies the middle ear. Here, we present a case report of a 52-year-old Puerto Rican man with vertigo, dizziness, vomiting, and mild hearing loss associated with superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani dehiscence after performing improper scuba diving techniques. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old Puerto Rican man presented to the emergency department with vertigo, dizziness, vomiting, and mild hearing loss in the right ear. The symptoms began shortly after scuba diving with inadequate decompression techniques on ascent. He was treated with recompression therapy with mild but incomplete improvement in symptoms. Bilateral temporal magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of segmental dehiscence of the right superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani. High-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone confirmed right superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani dehiscence with an intact left inner ear. CONCLUSIONS The increased inner-ear pressure that occurs during scuba diving can lead to dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani, causing vertigo and hearing loss. Performance of improper diving techniques can further increase the risk of dehiscence. Therefore, appropriate radiologic evaluation of the inner ear should be performed in such patients.