Patent Foramen Ovale as Possible Cause of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Objective: To present a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and the related diagnostic workup. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 54-year-old man presented with a unilateral SSNHL episode and vertigo. A severe patent foramen ovale (PFO) that included a complete ear nose and throat, audiological, and neurological examination was discovered during the diagnostic workup. Audiometry, blood, and serological tests were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging and color Doppler echography of the supra-aortic trunks and lower limbs were carried out. Finally, transthoracic followed by transesophageal echocardiography and transcranial Doppler were performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of PFO. Medical therapy with systemic steroid and antiplatelet drugs was administered. Conclusions: This case showed a small PFO associated with an aneurysmatic interatrial septum. The PFO and paradoxical thromboembolism could be involved in the pathogenesis of SSNHL.