[Bilateral hypoacusia and basilar dolichoectasia]

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical findings of basilar dolichoectasia (DB) are caused by compression of the cranial nerves, vertebrobasilar ischaemia, hydrocephaly and compression of the brainstem. Hypoacusia as an isolated finding in DB is very rare.

Clinical case: We describe the case of a 48-year-old hypertensive man with bilateral hypoacusia as an isolated finding in DB. Diagnosis was made on MR, and arteriography showed changes characteristic of an anomalous blood vessel.

Conclusions: In patients with hypoacusia of uncertain aetiology, specially if they are also hypertensive, one should rule out the possibility of DB using cerebral magnetic resonance or angioresonance.