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. 2016 Jan;33(1):108-11.
doi: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2015.15544. Epub 2016 Jan 1.

Cochlear Implantation in Neurobrucellosis

Münir Demir Bajin  1 , Özden Savaş  2 , Filiz Aslan  3 , Levent Sennaroğlu  1
Affiliations

Cochlear Implantation in Neurobrucellosis

Münir Demir Bajin et al. Balkan Med J. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Neurobrucellosis is a disease consisting of a wide spectrum of complications such as peripheral neuropathy, cranial nerve involvement, ataxia, meningeal irritation, paraplegia, seizures, coma, and even death. The vestibulocochlear nerve seems to be the most commonly affected cranial nerve (10%). We present a patient with neurobrucellosis whose auditory perception and speech intelligibility skill performances improved after cochlear implantation.

Case report: A 35 year-old woman was admitted to another hospital 2 years ago with the symptoms of headache, nausea, and altered consciousness, who was finally diagnosed with neurobrucellosis. She developed bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss during the following 6 months. There was no benefit of using hearing aids. After successful treatment of her illness, she was found to be suitable for cochlear implantation. After the operation, her auditory perception skills improved significantly with a Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) score of 5. According to clinical observations and her family members' statements, her Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) score was 3. Her speech intelligibility skills are still improving.

Conclusion: Our case report represents the second case of hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implantation after neurobrucellosis. Cochlear implantation is a cost-effective and time-proven successful intervention in post-lingual adult patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Early timing of the surgery after appropriate treatment of meningitis helps the patient to achieve better postoperative results.

Keywords: Cochlear implantation; neurobrucellosis; sensorineural hearing loss.

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Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Axial computed tomography of both cochlea with no sign of labyrinthitis ossificans
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.
Axial T2 weighted MR images showing intact scala tympani and vestibule with normal cochlear fluid distribution with no sign of labyrinthitis ossificans
FIG. 3.
FIG. 3.
Cranial MRI showing diffuse dural thickening and minimal diffuse pial contrast enhancement consistent with meningitis (arrows)
FIG. 4.
FIG. 4.
Cranial MRI showing with regression in dural thickening and pial contrast enhancement (arrows)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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