Pulse-wave velocity and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Background: The aetiology of the BPPV is still uncertain. Some factors have been individualized that could explain partly the onset or the tendency to the recurrence, among which traumas, osteoporosis, viral infections and cardiovascular factors of risk. With particular reference to the influence that the cardiovascular factors of risk can practice on the genesis and persistence of the BPPV, it needs to keep in mind that, despite these introduces a role largely sustained in literature, it concerns considerations that hear again of very controversial interpretations however. Purpose: The objective of the study is to try to furnish a good definition of the existing relationship between the VPPB and the rigidity of the arterial tree, reliable expression of the conditions of the vascular circle and easily measurable with the appeal to recent technologies. Primary objective: the definition of possible differences of the profile of rigidity of the vascular system among subjects affections from BPPV and subjects without otologic diseases. Objective secondary: the definition of possible relationships between recidivist of BPPV and profile of vascular rigidity in a population of adults and elderly. Results: The results allow to affirm that an association exists among BPPV and increase of the arterial vascular rigidity, shown from the presence of more elevated values both of cfPWV (carotido-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity) that of differential arterial pressure or pulsatry pressure (PP) in the patients with BPPV in comparison to those measured in the healthy subjects of the same age. Moreover, an association exists between recurrence of the episodes of BPPV and increase of the arterial vascular rigidity in the patients of superior age to 60, shown by the presence of more elevated values of cfPWV in the patients with recurring BPPV in comparison to those measured in the subjects.