An investigation of atherosclerotic markers in patients with posterior semi-circular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the presence and incidence of arteriosclerosis in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A total of 89 patients who were admitted to the ear, nose, throat outpatient clinic with complaint of vertigo and were diagnosed with BPPV based on the positive Dix-Hallpike test results were included (BPPV group) between January 2010 and July 2010. Data from otological asymptomatic controls (n=129) who were referred to the radiology department from other clinics for ultrasound examination were obtained. Intima-media thickness and arteriosclerosis measurements were carried out. Arteriosclerosis measurement was performed through a Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference in carotid, femoral intima-media thicknesses and elastic modulus measurements between the controls and BPPV group. In the BPPV group, carotid artery cross-sectional compliance, cross-sectional distensibility, femoral artery cross-sectional compliance and cross-sectional distensibility were statistically significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

Our study results suggest that atherosclerotic changes may play a role in the underlying etiology of BPPV.