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Audiology Research Jan 2024The third window syndrome, often associated with the Tullio phenomenon, is currently most often observed in patients with a superior semicircular-canal dehiscence (SCD)... (Review)
Review
The third window syndrome, often associated with the Tullio phenomenon, is currently most often observed in patients with a superior semicircular-canal dehiscence (SCD) but is not specific to this pathology. Clinical and vestibular tests suggestive of this pathology are not always concomitantly observed and have been recently complemented by the skull-vibration-induced nystagmus test, which constitutes a bone-conducted Tullio phenomenon (BCTP). The aim of this work was to collect from the literature the insights given by this bedside test performed with bone-conducted stimulations in SCD. The PRISMA guidelines were used, and 10 publications were included and analyzed. Skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN), as observed in 55 to 100% of SCD patients, usually signals SCD with greater sensitivity than the air-conducted Tullio phenomenon (ACTP) or the Hennebert sign. The SVIN direction when the test is performed on the vertex location at 100 Hz is most often ipsilaterally beating in 82% of cases for the horizontal and torsional components and down-beating for the vertical component. Vertex stimulations are more efficient than mastoid stimulations at 100 Hz but are equivalent at higher frequencies. SVIN efficiency may depend on stimulus location, order, and duration. In SCD, SVIN frequency sensitivity is extended toward high frequencies, with around 400 Hz being optimal. SVIN direction may depend in 25% on stimulus frequency and in 50% on stimulus location. Mastoid stimulations show frequently diverging results following the side of stimulation. An after-nystagmus observed in 25% of cases can be interpreted in light of recent physiological data showing two modes of activation: (1) cycle-by-cycle phase-locked activation of action potentials in SCC afferents with irregular resting discharge; (2) cupula deflection by fluid streaming caused by the travelling waves of fluid displacement initiated by sound or vibration at the point of the dehiscence. The SVIN direction and intensity may result from these two mechanisms' competition. This instability explains the SVIN variability following stimulus location and frequency observed in some patients but also discrepancies between investigators. SVIN is a recent useful insight among other bedside examination tests for the diagnosis of SCD in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38391766
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres14010009 -
RoFo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der... Feb 2024With an incidence between 1-9/100 000 per year, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rather rare disease from the hemato-oncologic disease spectrum (Hayes et...
PURPOSE
With an incidence between 1-9/100 000 per year, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rather rare disease from the hemato-oncologic disease spectrum (Hayes et al. 2009). The tumorlike disease with proliferation of histiocytic cells may manifest as localized to one organ or disseminated with infiltration of a wide variety of organs. Approximately 25-30 % of these cases show involvement of the temporal bone (Ni et al. 2017).
CASE DESCRIPTION
With vertigo persisting for three years, chronic mastoiditis, and acute progressive hearing loss bilaterally (r > l) for three weeks, a 41-year-old woman presented at an emergency department. The DVT showed extensive bony destruction of large parts of the temporal bone on both sides, involving the vestibular organ, the cochlea, and the internal auditory canal. To confirm the suspicion of a systemic inflammatory process, a PE was performed from the mastoid with bioptic confirmation of an LCH. Systemic therapy was initiated. Post-therapeutic imaging showed almost complete remission with reossification of the preexisting defect zones and the internal auditory canal and labyrinth structures again showed bony margins. Clinically, there was an improvement of the vegetative symptoms with remaining bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
DISCUSSION
LCH of the temporal bone is a rare and often misdiagnosed disease due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Awareness of temporal bone LCH and its occurrence in adults is essential for accurate and consistent diagnosis.
KEY POINTS
· LCH is a rather rare disease from the hemato-oncological spectrum. · Affection of the temporal bone, especially such an extensive one (as in this case report), is rather atypical in adulthood. · Use of systemic therapy resulted in remission. · There was complete reossification of the osseous structures post-therapy. · A cochlear implant was able to be implanted to compensate for hearing loss.
PubMed: 38373712
DOI: 10.1055/a-2254-5536 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Feb 2024Craniosynostosis is traditionally treated with extensive cranial vault reconstructions (CVRs). Although less invasive techniques, such as endoscopic strip craniectomy...
Craniosynostosis is traditionally treated with extensive cranial vault reconstructions (CVRs). Although less invasive techniques, such as endoscopic strip craniectomy with postoperative helmet therapy, have been successful, they also present difficulties. An alternative method is distraction osteogenesis using either manually controlled devices or specially designed springs. In this study, the authors provide the first comparison of spring-assisted surgery (SAS) with CVR for the treatment of unilambdoid synostosis (ULS). Fourteen consecutive patients (8 CVR and 6 SAS) treated for ULS at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 2005 and 2018 were included. Skull shape and deviations were evaluated using previously defined measurement points on 3-dimensional computed tomography scans preoperatively, at spring removal, and at 3 years of age. Posterior and middle cranial fossa (PCF and MCF, respectively), skull-base cant, facial twist, and mastoid bulge (MB) were measured, and clinical data were obtained from chart reviews. The results indicated that at the 3-year follow-up, PCF, MCF, and MB improved in both groups, with no significant difference in outcome observed between methods. In the SAS group, duration of operation [61±27 min (mean±SD)] and perioperative bleeding (3.5±2.8 mL/kg body weight) were both significantly lower relative to the CVR group (P<0.05). These findings showed that both SAS and CVR resulted in similar improvements in treating ULS, although neither produced complete normalization of skull shape. The results suggest that early diagnosis and operation allow less extensive SAS to be performed without adversely affecting the results.
PubMed: 38353548
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010035 -
Clinical Practice and Cases in... Nov 2023The benign nature of Bell's palsy has led to a lack of a standardized work-up, and dangerous underlying mimics are at risk of being missed.
INTRODUCTION
The benign nature of Bell's palsy has led to a lack of a standardized work-up, and dangerous underlying mimics are at risk of being missed.
CASE REPORT
An 84-year-old female with a history of vertigo presented to the emergency department with a left-sided facial droop consistent with Bell's palsy. After further work-up, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral necrotizing mastoiditis.
CONCLUSION
Unilateral facial weakness involving the forehead and palpebral fissures is often diagnosed as idiopathic Bell's palsy. Various pathologies can present with unilateral facial weakness, and the differential needs to remain broad.
PubMed: 38353197
DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.1263 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Apr 2024The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the mechanics involved in the insertion of lateral wall cochlear implant electrode arrays.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the mechanics involved in the insertion of lateral wall cochlear implant electrode arrays.
DESIGN
A series of 30 insertion experiments were conducted by three experienced surgeons. The experiments were carried out in a previously validated artificial temporal bone model according to established soft surgery guidelines. The use of an in vitro setup enabled us to comprehensively evaluate relevant parameters, such as insertion force, intracochlear pressure, and exact electrode array position in a controlled and repeatable environment.
RESULTS
Our findings reveal that strong intracochlear pressure transients are more frequently caused during the second half of the insertion, and that regrasping the electrode array is a significant factor in this phenomenon. For choosing an optimal insertion speed, we show that it is crucial to balance slow movement to limit intracochlear stress with short duration to limit tremor-induced pressure spikes, challenging the common assumption that a slower insertion is inherently better. Furthermore, we found that intracochlear stress is affected by the order of execution of postinsertion steps, namely sealing the round window and posterior tympanotomy with autologous tissue and routing of the excess cable into the mastoid cavity. Finally, surgeons' subjective estimates of physical parameters such as speed, smoothness, and resistance did not correlate with objectively assessed measures, highlighting that a thorough understanding of intracochlear mechanics is essential for an atraumatic implantation.
CONCLUSION
The results presented in this article allow us to formulate evidence-based surgical recommendations that may ultimately help to improve surgical outcome and hearing preservation in cochlear implant patients.
Topics: Humans; Cochlear Implants; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlea; Round Window, Ear; Temporal Bone; Electrodes, Implanted
PubMed: 38346807
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004130 -
European Archives of... May 2024To describe characteristics of pediatric patients with recurrent acute mastoiditis, and to identify risk factors for this condition.
OBJECTIVE
To describe characteristics of pediatric patients with recurrent acute mastoiditis, and to identify risk factors for this condition.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
Data based on electronic medical records of the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel.
METHODS
Children hospitalized due to acute mastoiditis during the years 2008-2018 were identified, and their diagnosis was verified. Patients with recurrent acute mastoiditis were identified and grouped, and their characteristics were outlined and compared to those of the original group to identify risk factors for recurrence.
RESULTS
During the 11-year period, a total of 1115 cases of children hospitalized due to acute mastoiditis were identified with a weighted incidence rate of 7.8/100,000. Of this group, 57 patients were diagnosed with recurrence following a full clinical recovery. The incidence proportion of recurrent acute mastoiditis was 5.1% (57/1115), male-to-female ratio was 27:30, 73.4% were younger than 24 months, the median period from the first episode was 3.4 months (IQR 2.0;10.0), and 82.5% of the patients (n = 47) had a single recurrence, whereas 18.5% (n = 10) had two recurrences or more. Mastoidectomy and swelling over the mastoid area during the first episode were identified as the main risk factors for recurrent mastoiditis HR = 4.7 [(2.7-8.2), p < 0.001] and HR = 2.55 [(1.4-4.8), p = 0.003], respectively. Mastoidectomy was the only independent significant risk factor for recurrence in a multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Mastoidectomy and swelling over the mastoid area during the first episode of acute mastoiditis were found strongly related independent risk factor for future recurrent episodes of acute mastoiditis.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Infant; Mastoiditis; Cohort Studies; Retrospective Studies; Mastoid; Risk Factors; Registries; Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38342819
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08473-8 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024To evaluate factors that influence the rate of cholesteatoma recurrence (growth of new retraction cholesteatoma) in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors that influence the rate of cholesteatoma recurrence (growth of new retraction cholesteatoma) in children.
METHODS
Review of children with primary acquired or congenital cholesteatoma. Severity was classified by extent and EAONO-JOS stage, and surgery by SAMEO-ATO. Primary outcome measure was 5-year recurrence rate using Kaplan-Meier or Cox regression analysis.
RESULTS
Median age was 10.7 years for 408 cholesteatomas from which 64 recurred. Median follow up was 4.6 years (0-13.5 years) with 5-year recurrence rate of 16% and 10-year of 29%. Congenital cholesteatoma (n = 51) had 15% 5-year recurrence. Of 216 pars tensa cholesteatomas, 5-year recurrence was similar at 14%, whereas recurrence from 100 pars flaccida cholesteatomas was more common at 23% (log-rank, = 0.001). Sub-division of EAONO-JOS Stage 2 showed more recurrence in those with than without mastoid cholesteatoma (22.1% versus 10%), with more in Stage 3 (31.9%; = 0.0003). Surgery without mastoidectomy, including totally endoscopic ear surgery, had 11% 5-year recurrence. Canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWU) and canal wall-down/mastoid obliteration both had 23% 5-year recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed increased recurrence for EAONO-JOS Stage 3 (HR 5.1; CI: 1.4-18.5) at risk syndromes (HR 2.88; 1.1-7.5) and age < 7 years (HR 1.9; 1.1-3.3), but not for surgical category or other factors.
CONCLUSION
Young age and more extensive cholesteatoma increase the risk of recurrent cholesteatoma in children. When controlling for these factors, surgical approach does not have a significant effect on this outcome. Other objectives, such as lower post-operative morbidity and better hearing outcome, may prove to be more appropriate parameters for selecting optimal surgical approach in children.
PubMed: 38337530
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030836 -
Head and Neck Pathology Feb 2024A 48-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of intermittent right ear otorrhea of several-month duration, occasional otalgia and progressive unilateral hearing...
A 48-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of intermittent right ear otorrhea of several-month duration, occasional otalgia and progressive unilateral hearing impairment. He also reported frequent episodes of headache and pressure in the sinuses and maxilla. Previous systemic treatment with antibiotics failed to alleviate the symptoms. A head/neck CT showed completely normal mastoid, middle ear and external auditory canal regions without any evidence of opacification or bone erosion. Otoscopic examination of the right ear disclosed aggregates of dried, brown, fibrillar material and debris occluding the external auditory canal and obstructing the otherwise intact tympanic membrane. Dilation of the external auditory canal or thickening of the tympanic membrane were not appreciated. The canal was debrided and the fibrillar material was placed in formalin. Histopathologic examination revealed numerous branching, septated fungal hyphae organized in densely-packed clusters. In other areas, the fungal hyphae abutted or were attached to lamellated collections of orthokeratin. As highlighted by GMS staining, the fungi were morphologically compatible with Aspergillus species. The clinicopathologic findings supported a diagnosis of fungal otitis externa, while the numerous anucleate squamous cells were compatible with colonization of an underlying, probably developing, cholesteatoma. Culture of material isolated from the external auditory canal confirmed the presence of Aspergillus flavus. In this illustrative case, we present the main clinical and microscopic characteristics of Aspergillus-related otomycosis developing in the setting of a tautochronous cholesteatoma.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Otomycosis; Aspergillus flavus; Otitis Externa; Ear Diseases; Ear Canal; Cholesteatoma
PubMed: 38334859
DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01606-1 -
Dermatology and Therapy Feb 2024Striae distensae (SD), or stretch marks, are a common skin problem having a psychological impact and cosmetic concern, especially for women, in whom the prevalence is...
INTRODUCTION
Striae distensae (SD), or stretch marks, are a common skin problem having a psychological impact and cosmetic concern, especially for women, in whom the prevalence is higher than in men. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a single autologous micrografting treatment (AMT) using Rigenera technology for the management of SD.
METHODS
This single-centre study included 10 healthy women between 24 and 65 years of age, with Fitzpatrick-Goldman skin types I-IV, who had visible SD in glutes/thighs. Each subject acted as their own control. The treatment procedure (microneedling + AMT) and the control procedure (no treatment) were performed on contralateral sides of the glutes/thighs, targeting matched and paired SD. Microneedling was carried out using Dermapen, equipped with 32 needle heads set at 1.5 mm needle length. The AMT procedure involved extracting biopsies from the mastoid hair zone with a 2.5-mm dermal punch, followed by disaggregation of the biopsies in a physiological saline solution using the Rigeneracons. The disaggregated micrografts were then intradermally injected using 30G 4-mm needles, maintaining a distance of 1 cm between injection points, covering the entire marked treatment region.
RESULTS
In the treated area, at 3 months post-procedure compared to pre-procedure, the following changes were observed, all with statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05): (a) significant reductions in skin roughness (Ra, - 15.9%; Rz, - 22.6%), skin luminance (- 2.0%), and blue-green color distribution (- 10.6%); (b) significant increases in skin microcirculation maximum value (+ 240.1%), skin hydration (+ 71.2%), skin elasticity (+ 216.5%), skin density (+ 34.3%), skin thickness (+ 26.0%), and hypodermis thickness (+ 29.9%). Furthermore, for each of the aforementioned parameters, there was a significantly greater improvement observed with the AMT procedure compared with microneedling at 3 months (all P ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The AMT procedure using Rigenera technology resulted in an noticeable improvement in the SD appearance after 3 months in healthy women.
PubMed: 38321354
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01096-7 -
BMJ Health & Care Informatics Feb 2024We aimed to examine the adherence of large language models (LLMs) to bacterial meningitis guidelines using a hypothetical medical case, highlighting their utility and...
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to examine the adherence of large language models (LLMs) to bacterial meningitis guidelines using a hypothetical medical case, highlighting their utility and limitations in healthcare.
METHODS
A simulated clinical scenario of a patient with bacterial meningitis secondary to mastoiditis was presented in three independent sessions to seven publicly accessible LLMs (Bard, Bing, Claude-2, GTP-3.5, GTP-4, Llama, PaLM). Responses were evaluated for adherence to good clinical practice and two international meningitis guidelines.
RESULTS
A central nervous system infection was identified in 90% of LLM sessions. All recommended imaging, while 81% suggested lumbar puncture. Blood cultures and specific mastoiditis work-up were proposed in only 62% and 38% sessions, respectively. Only 38% of sessions provided the correct empirical antibiotic treatment, while antiviral treatment and dexamethasone were advised in 33% and 24%, respectively. Misleading statements were generated in 52%. No significant correlation was found between LLMs' text length and performance (r=0.29, p=0.20). Among all LLMs, GTP-4 demonstrated the best performance.
DISCUSSION
Latest LLMs provide valuable advice on differential diagnosis and diagnostic procedures but significantly vary in treatment-specific information for bacterial meningitis when introduced to a realistic clinical scenario. Misleading statements were common, with performance differences attributed to each LLM's unique algorithm rather than output length.
CONCLUSIONS
Users must be aware of such limitations and performance variability when considering LLMs as a support tool for medical decision-making. Further research is needed to refine these models' comprehension of complex medical scenarios and their ability to provide reliable information.
Topics: Humans; Mastoiditis; Algorithms; Language; Meningitis, Bacterial; Guanosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 38307617
DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100978