Patent Foramen Ovale as Possible Cause of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Objective: To present a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and the related diagnostic work-up. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 54-year-old man presented with unilateral SSNHL episode and vertigo. A severe patent foramen ovale (PFO) that included a complete ear nose and throat, audiological and neurological examination was discovered during the diagnostic work-up. Audiometry, blood and serological tests were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supra-aortic trunks and lower limbs color Doppler echography were done. Finally, transthoracic followed by transoesophageal echocardiography and a transcranial Doppler were performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of PFO. A medical therapy with systemic steroid and antiplatelet drugs were administered. Conclusions: This case showed a small PFO associated with an aneurysmatic interatrial septum. The PFO and paradoxically thromboembolism could be involved in the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).


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