Work

Sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vascular loop of the Antero Inferior Cerebellar Artery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Neurovascular conflict (NVC) involving the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) remains a controversial topic in the field of audio-vestibular disorders. We present a rare case of a 55-year-old woman who developed sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by vertigo. Comprehensive otoneurological assessment combined with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an AICA vascular loop compressing the vestibulocochlear nerve. This case underscores the importance of integrating advanced neuroimaging with detailed auditory and vestibular functional testing for the accurate diagnosis of NVC related audio-vestibular syndromes. Audiometry, video-oculonystagmography, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BERA) all demonstrated abnormalities consistent with the MRI findings. This report highlights the need for a multimodal diagnostic approach in cases of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, particularly when vascular loop compression is suspected. Our observations contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the clinical significance of AICA loops in audio-vestibular pathology and suggest potential implications for targeted therapeutic management.

Source: Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scientific Electronic Library Online)

Authors: Novoa-Cornejo,Ignacio, Torres-Moyano,Francisco, Ulloa-Alvarado,Gustavo, Pino-Urrutia,Carlos, Mercado-Martínez,Víctor

Institutions: University at Buffalo, State University of New York, University of Valparaíso, Universidad Andrés Bello

Language: English

Topic: Vestibular and auditory disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7225372522

FWCI:

Cites: 14

Cited by:

Related to: 10