Intracochlearendoscopy in Cochlear Implantation of X-Linked Stapes Gusher Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction

X-linked stapes gusher syndrome is a rare form of congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Affected patients have abnormal configuration of the lamina cribrosa and internal auditory canal (IAC), leading to an increased risk of perilymph gusher with surgical manipulation. We report a case whereby intra-operative too endoscopic visualization allowed real time visualization of the inner ear (IE) anatomy, which has the potential to impact on electrode choice in cochlear implants (CI).

Case

A 12-year-old boy has been followed up in our Pediatrics Otolaryngology department with bilateral SNHL and X-linked stapes gusher syndrome for five years. He initially performed well with bilateral traditional hearing aids, but developed progressive mixed loss and became a CI candidate for his left ear. The pre-operative computed tomography of the temporal bone showed the characteristic bulbous IAC with a dysplastic cochlea and no apparent modiolus. Intra-operative intracochlear endoscopy however, showed an apparent modiolus without direct communication to the IAC, contrary to the imaging.

Discussion

Electrode choice during CI in patients with IE malformation is based on the expected location of spiral ganglion cells. Intracochlear endoscopy offers an additional tool for assessment of inner ear anatomy, which may assist in optimal electrode selection.

Conclusion

We advocate the use of intracochlear endoscopy in selected cases as it offers a better assessment of the intracochlear membranous compartments and modiolusthan high resolution CT and has the potential to allow customization of electrode choice based on membranous inner ear anatomy.

Keywords

Cochlear Endoscopy, Otoendoscopy, X-Linked Stapes Gusher Syndrome, Cochlear Implant, Per Lymphatic Gusher

Introduction

X-linked stapes gusher syndrome (otherwise known as X-linked deafness type 3 or Nance deafness) is a rare form of congenital mixed hearing loss. Inherited in a sex-linked recessive manner, it is believed to be the consequence of a loss-of-function mutation on the X-chromosome in the POU3F4 gene at the DFN3 locus [1]. Males tend to demonstrate more severe phenotypic presentations than females do, who present uncommonly and with less severity [2].

Affected patients have conductive hearing loss from stapes fixation and often have progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). These patients have an abnormal configuration of the lamina cribrosa and internal auditory canal (IAC), which results in an increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gusher with surgical manipulation [2-4]. This may lead to other complications, such as, CSF rhinorrhea and recurrent meningitis [2]. Meningitis complicating cochlear implantation (CI) occurs at a higher rate in patients with inner ear (IE) abnormalities, including X-linked gusher syndrome [2,5].

Traditional approaches to imaging for CI utilize computed tomography of the temporal bone (CTTB) and /or magnetic resonance imaging. We report a case whereby intra-operative cochlear intra endoscopic visualization allowed real time visualization of the IE anatomy, which has the potential to impact on electrode choices in CI. Visualization of the membranous portions of the IE might allow for selection of an electrode best able to stimulate existing neural elements.

Case Report

A 12-year-old boy with X-linked stapes gusher syndrome initially performed well with bilateral traditional hearing aids, but developed progressive mixed loss and worsening performance of his left ear. His pre-operative audiogram is shown in (Figure 1).

The pre-operative CTTB showed a bulbous IAC with a dysplastic cochlea and no apparent modiolus characteristic of this condition (Figure 2). A CI24RE (ST) implant was selected by the CI team due to uncertainty regarding the location of the spiral ganglion cells.

The standard approach was utilized for his CI. A 1mm cochleostomy was made anteroinferior to the round window (RW). Upon reaching the cochleostomy, a moderate CSF gusher was encountered. A 1.3 mm salivary endoscope was placed at the entrance of the cochlea to specifically assess whether there was an absent modiolus. Upon visualization, there was a modiolus without direct communication to the IAC (Figure 3). Full insertion was achieved on the first attempt without any difficulty. The gusher was controlled with packing of periosteal tissue at the cochleostomy site. An intra-operative plain X-ray confirmed the electrode placement.

Discussion

When the cochlear modiolus and osseous spiral lamina are deficient, this absent bony septum creates a common space seen on the imaging study (Figure 2) [6]. This abnormal communication between the IAC and vestibule is responsible for the CSF gusher. Patients with IE anomalies may have both fewer and atypical positions of their spiral ganglion cells (SGC) [7]. This has functional implications because at least 10000 functional SGCs are necessary for effective speech discrimination [8]. This number can be further reduced by surgical trauma [8]. When there is uncertainty regarding the likely location of spiral ganglion cells, a fully banded CI electrode may be chosen to allow for full and multi-directional stimulation, whereas a directional electrode may be more appropriate if there is greater confidence in the location of spiral ganglion cells for precise stimulation [9].

The proper electrode choice may have important hearing outcome implications for patients with IE anomalies following CI due to challenges of reaching an optimal level of cochlear stimulation, decreased dynamic range, a wider pulse width, and weakened neural synchrony [9]. The functionality of CI is correlated to the number of SGCs and their distances from the stimulating electrode [10]. While CTTB provides important information for surgical planning, the resolution is not currently sufficient to assess the fine detail of the structures of the inner ear. Our case demonstrates that intra-operative intra endoscopic findings may identify anatomic features not available on CT, indicating that cochlear endoscopy may be a useful tool to better assess the intracochlear anatomy. The intra endoscopic intracochlear view gave us accurate and real-time information on the anatomy of the IE, which confirmed the presence of a modiolus. Although we did not alter electrode choice in this patient, the endoscopic findings suggest that a directional electrode may have been appropriate.

This assumes that SGCs are likely to be centrally located when membranous inner ear structures are preserved, as opposed to a peripheral location seen in common cavity malformations [6]. We suggest thatcochlear intraendoscopy allows better delineation of the intracochlear anatomy, which may impact the electrode selection and potentially the hearing outcomes in patients with anomalous inner ear anatomy orambiguous locations of spiral ganglion cells. Potential risks to cochlearintraendoscopy are insertion trauma or damage to delicate auditory and vestibular structures.

Conclusion

We advocate the use of intracochlear endoscopy in selected cases as it offers a better assessment of intracochlear membranous compartments and modiolusthan the high resolution CTTB. This has the potential to allow customization of electrode choice based on membranous inner ear anatomy, and potentially the hearing outcomes in patients with anomalous IE anatomy and uncertain location of spiral ganglion cells.

Acknowledgements

None.

Financial Support/Funding

None to declare.

Conflict of Interest

None to declare.

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