Delayed endolymphatic hydrops.

Eighteen patients with delayed endolymphatic hydrops are presented. This distinctive entity typically affects young adults and is characterized by episodic vertigo of Ménière's type occurring years after a sudden hearing loss. Measles or mumps were thought to have caused the hearing loss in eight patients. In the entire group of 18 patients the delay between identification of hearing loss and vertigo averaged 22.6 years. The diagnosis is aided by electronystagmography and labyrinthotomy in selected cases. Medical treatment may be effective and surgical treatment is curative.