Pneumolabyrinth secondary to temporal bone fracture: a case report and review of the literature

Andrea Bacciu,¹ Vincenzo Vincenti,¹ Sampath Chandra Prasad,¹ Daniela Tonni,¹ Elisa Ventura,² Salvatore Bacciu,¹ Enrico Pasanisi<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Audiology and Paediatric Otolaryngology, ²Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy

Abstract: Pneumolabyrinth following temporal bone fracture is an extremely rare condition. It results from air entering the inner ear when a communication between the air-filled middle ear spaces and inner ear is established. The imaging modality of choice for pneumolabyrinth is high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone. Treatment options include conservative management (bed rest, antibiotics, corticosteroids) or surgery (exploratory tympanotomy). We present the case of a 31-year-old female who had pneumolabyrinth secondary to a temporal bone fracture. The patient was treated surgically and made a full clinical recovery.

Keywords: pneumolabyrinth, temporal bone fractures, head trauma

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