Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2000 Apr;43(4):430-433.

Transtympanic Endoscopic Diagnosis of Perilymph Fistula

• Jang CH
• Choi CI

Abstract

Perilymph fistula (PLF) is a disease for which diagnostic criteria have not been established yet. For this reason, at the present time, the definitive diagnosis of PIS can only be made by direct identification of perilymphatic leak during exploratory tympanotomy. But it can be difficult to distinguish between serous transudates from operative incisions and the clear fluid expected with a true fistula. Infiltrated lidocaine makes the distinction even more difficult as well. Recently, endoscopies have been used in middle ear by transtympanic or transtubal approach. However, endoscopic diagnosis of PLF in the literature is very rare. We diagnosed 2 cases of PLF by transtympanic endoscopy. Because transtympanic endoscopy did not require lidocaine infiltration nor performing a tympanomeatal flap, confirmation of perilymphatic leakage was easier. This study therefore recommends transtympanic endoscopy as one method of improving diagnosis of PLF.

Keyword

Perilymph fistula; Transtympanic endoscopy

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis*
Ear, Middle
Endoscopy
Exudates and Transudates
Fistula*
Lidocaine
Perilymph*
Lidocaine