Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D with the occurrence and recurrence of BPPV. The records of 130 idiopathic BPPV patients (55 ± 12 years old, 30 men and 100 women) and 130 age-and sex-matched controls who underwent bone mineral densitometry between April 2012 and September 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. We compared the BMD and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D between the patients and controls, and also compared the BMD between recurrent and non-recurrent BPPV groups. Among the female subjects, the BPPV group showed a significantly decreased BMD compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The men in the control group had significantly higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than the men with BPPV (p < 0.05). Sixty-three patients (48%) reported recurrent attacks of BPPV. The women with recurrent BPPV were significantly older and showed a significantly lower BMD than non-recurrent women (p < 0.001). However, multiple regression analysis revealed that age alone was significantly associated with the recurrence of BPPV in women. BMD in women and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in men are associated with the occurrence of BPPV. Only age is an independent predictor of recurrence, though a low BMD and age correlate with the recurrence of BPPV.

Postoperative thyroglobulin after reoperative surgery predicted re-recurrence. Careful follow-up of these patients after reoperation is recommended.