Audiovestibular Manifestations of Limited Systemic Sclerosis

In a series of patients with lSSc, audiovestibular findings were most consistent with labyrinthine, rather than nerve, involvement.

Autoimmune disease is an underrecognized cause of audiovestibular symptoms and signs. To determine whether audiovestibular impairment is present in limited systemic sclerosis (lSSc), the authors performed detailed audiovestibular function testing on 35 consecutive patients who presented with lSSc and had antibodies against the major centromere protein-B. Fifty-nine controls also underwent testing. Most of the patients with lSSc also had typical features of CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal hypomotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) syndrome.

Audiovestibular findings were much more common in the patients than in the controls, indicating early involvement of the inner ear in this systemic disorder. Patients with lSSc typicall…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Baloh, MD