Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: a new diagnostic marker.

Abstract

To evaluate the relation between creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and benign paroxysmal vertigo in childhood (BPV). We prospectively evaluated and followed serum CK-MB in 22 children with BPV diagnosed between 1998 and 2003. The average age of debut for BPV was 1.7 years, and follow-up time was 2.8 years. The CK-MB values were elevated in all children. CK-MB values were persistently increased (mean, 6.0 microg/L) during the study period and were not related to duration of BPV, time since last attack, or frequency of attacks. CK-MB became normal in 7 children who recovered during the study period. After the initial increased CK-MB value, CK, aspartate aminotransferase, and cardiac troponin I (in 16 children) were measured as markers of muscular disease. CK was slightly increased in 7 (31.8%) and aspartate aminotransferase in 14 (63.6%) of the children. Cardiac troponin I was normal in all children. In this study, serum CK-MB levels were associated with BPV. These findings indicate a possible muscular involvement in BPV. Further studies will be needed to determine if CK-MB is useful as a diagnostic test for BPV.