[Persistent stapedial artery with otosclerosis].

OBJECTIVES

A persistent stapedial artery is a rare vascular malformation. This diagnosis is based on CT scan and intraoperative findings.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The case of a 19-year-old woman with a persistent stapedial artery found during stapes surgery is reported. This vascular malformation was explored with a CT scan showing the bilaterality of this anatomical variation and signs of associated otosclerosis.

RESULTS

This malformation was successfully coagulated with laser allowing the stapedotomy to be completed.

CONCLUSIONS

A persistent stapedial artery is not a contraindication to stapedotomy because it can be safely coagulated during the same procedure.