Ototoxicity of Ethacrynic Acid: Demonstrated in a Human Temporal Bone

Abstract

ETHACRYNIC acid is a potent new diuretic which causes sodium and potassium excretion. It is especially useful in patients with refractory edema, cardiac decompensation, hepatic cirrhosis, and renal disease. Side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, hypoglycemia, and hyperuricemia, are not unusual. A granulocytosis and neutropenia have been reported. Recently Maher and Schreiner,¹and Schneider and Becker²have reported transient hearing loss following the administration of ethacrynic acid in humans. A cysteine derivative of ethacrynic acid was withdrawn from clinical use because of high incidence of transient hearing loss. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of hearing loss and describe the pathology following the administration of ethacrynic acid. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> The patient was a 53-year-old woman who was hospitalized with hepatic cirrhosis, acute renal failure, and esophageal varices. Examination revealed a severely jaundiced individual with ascites, enlarged liver and spleen. Shortly after admission