[Anatomical anomalies of the vertebral and carotid arteries in patients with vertigo and hearing disorders].

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this work was the analysis of the frequency and type of anatomical anomalies of the arteries to the cranium such as vertebral arteries and carotid arteries in patients with vertigo and hearing disorders.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2011, in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, the number of the patients diagnosed due to vertigo and hearing disorders amounted to 2,167. In CT-angiogram anatomical anomalies were confirmed in 29 of these patients. The studied group included 22 women aged 22-68 and 7 men aged 21-53. Each patient underwent a subjective and objective structured laryngological interview, audiological and otoneurological examinations, laboratory tests, USG and angio-CT of the arteries to the cranium.

RESULTS

The most common anatomical anomaly of the arteries to the cranium was hypoplasia of the right vertebral artery in 58.7% of the cases, out of which 51.7% in women and 6.9% in men. Hypoplasia of the left vertebral artery was diagnosed in 24.7% of the studied group, 13.8% of women and 10.3% of men. Hypoplasia of the right internal carotid artery was found in 3.4% of the female patients while hypoplasia of the left internal carotid artery was identified in 6.8% of the studied cases, 3.4% of women and 3.4% of men. Hypoplasia of the right common carotid artery was confirmed in 3.4% of the male patients whereas critical stenosis of the left subclavian artery with the subclavian steal syndrome was found in 3.4% of the studied female patients. Tinnitus was reported in 88.2% of the patients with diagnosed right vertebral artery hypoplasia, and in 58.8% vertigo and in 52.9% hearing disorders were confirmed. Tinnitus was the most common complaint in the studied group, both in men and women. Less frequent complaints referred to vertigo (65.5% altogether) and hearing impairment (55.2% altogether).

CONCLUSIONS

In the analyzed group, diagnosed anatomical anomalies were not indications for vascular surgery nor neurosurgery, therefore, the applied treatment was strictly conservative.