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Sudden bilateral hearing loss and sporadic mitochondrial DNA deletion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Stefano Berrettini ,
Francesca Forli ,
Gabriele Siciliano  and
Michelangelo Mancuso
Stefano Berrettini
Affiliation:
The Neuroscience Department, ENT Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
Francesca Forli
Affiliation:
The Neuroscience Department, ENT Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
Gabriele Siciliano
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Department, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
Michelangelo Mancuso
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Department, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Abstract

Abstract Several studies have indicated that a number of different mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations may be responsible for human pathologies. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) may be associated with known syndromes (syndromal SNHL) or represent the only manifestation of mitochondrial damage (non-syndromal hearing loss). Moreover, mtDNA alterations may be responsible for aminoglycoside-induced deafness.

We describe a patient harbouring a single sporadic mtDNA deletion, who presented with sudden adult-onset bilateral, although non-simultaneous SNHL, that was partially responsive to corticosteroids. Increased values of rest, and exercise, blood lactic acid were decisive for diagnosis, prompting muscle biopsy that revealed the mtDNA deletion. The case underscores the importance of investigating a mitochondrial disease in cases of SNHL of unknown origin and points out the importance of an increased blood level of lactic acid as a screening test.

Keywords

Hearing LossSensorineuralMitochondrial
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 115 , Issue 2 , February 2001 , pp. 128 - 131
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001

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