A case of anti-phospholipid syndrome presenting unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) was first reported by Harris in 1985 as one of a variety of clinical features associated with episodes of arterial or venous thrombosis. We report a rare case of acute sensorineural hearing loss due to APS. A 40-year-old woman complained of acute sensorineural hearing loss. She had been diagnosed with APS because of positivity for serum anti-phospholipid antibody and 3 episodes of natural abortion. The hearing loss was improved by treatment with predonisolone, but after 4 months, hearing loss recurred. Since she refused steroid therapy and anticoagulation therapy, continuous administration of aspirin was performed. Six months later, her hearing had recovered. If a patient presents with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, it is important to suspect APS and inquire into histories such as thrombosis and recurrent abortion.