An Update on the Epidemiology and Clinicodemographic Features of Meniere's Disease

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize the estimated prevalence and clinicodemographic features of Ménière's disease (MD) using current diagnostic criteria.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was undertaken at our tertiary academic referral center. All patients seen in Otolaryngology clinic with ICD‐10 diagnoses of MD, from January 1, 2013 to July 31, 2022 were identified. Chart review was undertaken to determine the estimated prevalence of MD meeting AAO‐HNS diagnostic criteria. Clinicodemographic features were evaluated against a comparator group without MD seen in our health system.ResultsOf 806 ICD‐10 diagnoses of MD, we identified 480 MD cases meeting diagnostic criteria (168 definite). Mean age at presentation for MD cases was 49 years. Forty‐seven percent of cases were male. A significantly higher proportion of MD cases than comparators were white (76% vs. 66%, p < 0.001). Mean time since MD symptom onset was 6.7 years, with a mean attack duration of 4.6 h; 7.5% of MD cases reported a positive family history, and 7% had bilateral disease. The odds of reporting migraine were significantly greater among MD patients than comparators (OR 1.74 [1.26–2.42]); the odds of having autoimmune conditions were lower (OR 0.45 [0.28–0.74]); and the odds of reporting allergies were no different (OR 0.96 [0.74–1.25]) versus comparator patients after controlling for demographic characteristics.ConclusionsAmong MD diagnoses, there is a low estimated prevalence of MD meeting diagnostic criteria, and an even lower prevalence of definite MD. Compared to a comparator group of patients seen for any disorder, patients with MD are more likely to be white, male, and have a history of migraine.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2024