Otosclerosis: an autoimmune disease?

Objectives: To review our current knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of otosclerotic bone remodeling including genetics, viral infection, autoimmunity and inflammation and to discuss disease pathogenesis with relevance for pharmacotherapy.

Systematic Review Methodology: Relevant publications on the etiopathogenesis, molecular biology, genetics and histopathology of otosclerosis from 1984 to 2009 were analyzed.

Results And Conclusions: Otosclerosis is a bone remodeling disorder of the human otic capsule, however, the etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Genetic predisposition, disturbed bone metabolism, persistent measles virus infection, autoimmunity, hormonal and environmental factors also may play contributing roles in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis. Since, diagnosis of otosclerosis is still based on histopathological examination of the removed stapes footplate, systemic prospective studies based on comprehensive histopathological and molecular biological analysis are necessary to get further information about the background of disease.