Comparison of two systems for the video head impulse test (vHIT) for the lateral semicircular canal: description of results from normal and pathological subjects

ABSTRACT Background: The video head impulse test (vHIT) is a recent technique for functional evaluation of semicircular canals (SSCs). The vHIT examines eye movements at high frequencies of stimulation and provides an objective assessment of the functioning of the high-frequency domain of the vestibular system. Objective: To describe the results from vHIT performed using two systems. Methods: All subjects were evaluated through an audiological and otoneurological battery of tests and were diagnosed as normal or abnormal by an otorhinolaryngologist. The results from two systems: 1. ICS Impulse (Otometrics/Natus, Denmark) and 2. EyeSeeCam (InterAcoustics, Denmark) were recorded. The same operator delivered every impulse to every subject. The head impulses were performed while the operator was standing behind the subject, using both hands on the top of the subject’s head, well away from the goggles strap and forehead skin. Two calibrations were completed in each system, prior to beginning the test. Results: Test parameters were recorded through both systems for healthy subjects with no history or complaint of any vestibular disorder (N = 12; M/F = 5/7; age 35.1 ± 13.5 y) and for pathological subjects with a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral vestibular disorder (N = 15; M/F = 7/8; age 53.4 ± 16.7 y). Conclusions: The vHIT is an important tool for otoneurological complementary evaluation. Both systems are reliable for vestibular disorders. The EyeSeeCam seems to reject fewer data and provides more information to include in diagnostics. Because of the small sample, there is a need for further in-depth comparison of both systems.

摘要 背景：视频头脉冲试验（video head impulse test, vHIT）是一种用于半规管（semicircular canals, SSCs）功能评估的新兴技术。该检测可在高频刺激条件下记录眼球运动，客观评估前庭系统高频域的功能状态。
目的：描述采用两套系统开展vHIT检测的实验结果。
方法：所有受试者均接受听力学与耳神经学系列检测，并由耳鼻喉科医师诊断为正常或异常。本次研究记录了两套系统的检测数据：1. ICS Impulse（Otometrics/Natus，丹麦）；2. EyeSeeCam（InterAcoustics，丹麦）。由同一操作人员对每位受试者施加头脉冲刺激，操作人员站于受试者身后，双手置于受试者头顶，避开护目镜绑带与前额皮肤。每套系统在正式检测开始前均完成两次校准操作。
结果：针对无前庭障碍病史或主诉的健康受试者（N=12；男/女=5/7；年龄35.1±13.5岁），以及确诊为单侧或双侧前庭障碍的病理受试者（N=15；男/女=7/8；年龄53.4±16.7岁），两套系统均记录了相关检测参数。
结论：vHIT是耳神经学辅助评估的重要工具。两套系统均可可靠应用于前庭障碍的检测。其中EyeSeeCam似乎可剔除更少的数据，且可为诊断提供更多可用信息。鉴于本次研究样本量较小，仍需针对两套系统开展更深入的对比研究。