Posterior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 6 Aug 2019

Posterior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (PSCD) is the presence of vestibuloauditory symptoms secondary to absence of the bony covering of the posterior semicircular canal (PSC).

It is thought to be rare: in a case series of 112 patients with a high riding jugular bulb it was found in only four patients (~4%).

The main ascribed symptom is hearing impairment, with a broad spectrum of severity, from minor conductive loss to marked sensorineural deafness. The pathogenic reason for this remains unexplained.

Vertigo has been found in a number of cases of posterior semicircular canal dehiscence although a causal link remains contentious 1.

Dehiscence of the posterior semicircular canal has been demonstrated in the imaging context of a high-riding jugular bulb and fibrous dysplasia 1,2

Optimal management remains to be determined. Prognosis is unknown.

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