Proposal for a Unitary Anatomo-Clinical and Radiological Classification of Third Mobile Window Abnormalities

• Published in: Frontiers in neurology Vol. 12; p. 792545
• Main Authors: Reynard, Pierre, Idriss, Samar, Ltaief-Boudrigua, Aicha, Bertholon, Pierre, Pirvan, Andreea, Truy, Eric, Thai-Van, Hung, Ionescu, Eugen C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 11.01.2022
• Subjects: classification; endovascular treatment; Neurology; otic capsule dehiscence; third window lesions; third window pathomechanism; third window lesions; otic capsule dehiscence; classification; endovascular treatment; third window pathomechanism
• ISSN: 1664-2295; 1664-2295
• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.792545

An increased number of otic capsule dehiscence (OCD) variants have been reported lately. Therefore, a characterization of the anatomical structures involved and an accurate radiological description of the third window (TW) interface location have become essential for improving the diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic modalities. The purpose of this article is to propose a classification based on , anatomical, and radiological data of third mobile window abnormalities (TMWA) and to discuss the alleged . The imaging records of 259 patients who underwent, over the last 6 years, a high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the petrosal bone for conductive hearing loss were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with degenerative, traumatic, or chronic infectious petrosal bone pathology were excluded. . Temporal bone HRCT and, in some cases, 3T MRI of 97 patients presenting symptomatic or pauci-symptomatic, single or multiple, unilateral or bilateral OCD were used to develop this classification. According to the topography and anatomical structures involved at the site of the interface of the TW, a -type classification of OCD is proposed. A classification reuniting all types of TMWA as the one proposed in this article would allow for a better systematization and understanding of this complex pathology and possibly paves the way for innovative therapeutic approaches. .