Sudden Hearing Loss as an Initial Symptom of Vestibular Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the prevalence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) among patients presenting with sudden hearing loss (SHL) and to characterize the clinical features of individuals diagnosed with both VS and SHL.

METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective review at a tertiary referral center, spanning a 30-year period, focusing on patients diagnosed with SHL where VS was confirmed as the underlying cause. We included patients meeting these criteria while excluding those lacking imaging or with a pre-existing diagnosis of VS. We evaluated the audiological characteristics at the time of diagnosis and assessed clinical outcomes following treatment.

RESULTS

Among the 403 patients presenting with SHL during the study period, 9 (2.2%) were diagnosed with VS, aged between 25 and 72 years. Although audiometric profiles varied, high-frequency hearing loss predominated, mostly categorized as mild to moderate. Six patients (66%) had Koos grade I-II schwannomas. Only 2 patients achieved complete hearing recovery post-treatment, while 4 showed no improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

VS is a rare etiology of SHL, accounting for slightly over 2% of cases. Its symptomatology, severity, and audiometric patterns do not significantly differ from SHL caused by other factors. Tumor size does not correlate with hearing characteristics. Treatment modalities resemble those for other SHL cases, and hearing improvement does not obviate the necessity for follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Sudden hearing loss secondary to syphilis

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, whose incidence has increased significantly in recent years. Some patients may develop sudden hearing loss (SHL) against the background of otosyphilis.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of our study was to determine whether routine lues serology is useful in patients presenting with sudden hearing loss.

METHODS

For this purpose, all cases of SHL treated in our hospital during a period of 6 years were propectively collected. The frequency of positivity for syphilis in these patients, the treatment received, and their evolution were determined.

RESULTS

Of the total number of patients evaluated during that period, 71 underwent serological screening for syphilis, of whom 2 (2.8 %) presented positive screening antibodies. In one of them, the RPR was normal and had been treated with lues a few years before. After treatment there was no improvement. The other patient, diagnosed with otosyphilis with unconfirmed suspected neurological disease, showed normalization of hearing after specific treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Since it is a potentially curable disease, despite the low overall frequency of syphilis in patients with SHL it is advisable to perform serological screening for syphilis in high risk patients (e.g., incarceration, multiple recent sexual partners, men who have sex with men) or atypical clinical presentation (e.g., concurrent neuropathies).

Vestibular Hypofunction Secondary to Topical Use of Aminoglycosides in ears with perforated tympanic membrane

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to identify and clinically characterize patients treated in an Otoneurology Unit who experienced vestibular ototoxicity as a result of using aminoglycoside ear drops during outbreaks of superinfection in chronic otitis media.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational retrospective study was conducted, including patients with perforated eardrums who developed vestibular ototoxicity within the past ten years following the application of topical ear aminoglycosides in a tertiary referral center. The study encompassed the assessment of the clinical presentation, treatment, quality of life, and evolution after treatment of the identified individuals.

RESULTS

During the study period, six patients, aged between 33 and 71 years, developed vestibular ototoxicity following the use of topical aminoglycoside drops due infection flares in chronic otitis media. All cases involved the use of gentamicin. Two cases were unilateral, and four were unilateral. The onset of symptoms occurred within one to four weeks of using the drops, resulting in all patients experiencing instability without vertigo attacks. After discontinuing the drops and undergoing vestibular rehabilitation, four patients experienced sequelae, with two patients (both with bilateral vestibular hypofunction) suffering significant impairment in their quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusion: Vestibular ototoxicity due to the topical application of aminoglycosides during acute exacerbations of chronic otitis media is a rare occurrence. However, given its potential for severe consequences and the fact that we are still encountering patients with this condition, healthcare professionals should explore alternative antibacterial agents that offer similar efficacy.

Otologic manifestations of IgG4-related disease

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic autoimmune fibroinflammatory disease characterized by multiorgan infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells, fibrosis and vasculopathy that determine dysfunction of the affected organ. This review aims to characterize the otologic manifestations of the disease. We have conducted a systematic review of the biomedical literature published describing cases of IgG4-RD with otologic manifestations. For the review, the bibliographic databases utilized were Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus. We selected 48 cases from which we extracted several data collections. About 52% of the patients were male between the ages of 19 and 79 years. Otologic findings were characterized by pseudotumoral lesions that most often caused a clinical presentation similar to otitis media with effusion, with cochlear involvement or sensorineural hearing loss (uni- o bilateral). Less frequent presentations included auricular chondritis, eosinophilic otitis, or hypertrophic pachymeningitis. In 32 patients (67%) the otologic manifestation was the first symptom of the ER-IgG4. Sixteen patients (33%) were treated with mastoidectomies as a result of delayed diagnosis and lack of knowledge about this entity. Two patients needed a cochlear implant. Although the otologic manifestations of IgG4-RD are unusual, it is important for the otorhinolaryngologist to know the otologic manifestations of this entity as it can be the onset of the disease, in order to allow early diagnosis and adequate treatment, avoiding permanent sequelae.

Hipoacusia súbita neurosensorial como síntoma inicial de schwannoma vestibular

Introducción y objetivo: La hipoacusia súbita neurosensorial unilateral (HSN) plantea un diagnóstico diferencial con múltiples patologías. El schwannoma vestibular (SV) es una de ellas en el 1-5% de los casos. Describimos 3 casos clínicos diagnosticados en nuestro centro.Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes diagnosticados de hipoacusia súbita en nuestro centro durante 17 años y se describió los casos que finalmente presentaba schwannoma vestibular tras completar pruebas de imagen. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 230 pacientes, de los cuales tan solo 3 fueron posteriormente diagnosticados de SV. Todos ellos recibieron tratamiento con corticoides orales y cámara hiperbárica sin mejoría. Entorno al mes del episodio se realizó resonancia magnética (RMN) que confirmó el diagnóstico. El primer paciente fue un varón de 61 años con antecedente de hipoacusia neurosensorial moderada que presentaba clínica de vértigo por hipofunción vestibular y cofosis derecha y precisó tratamiento quirúrgico. El segundo fue un varón de 49 años con clínica de hipoacusia derecha moderada en agudos, sin afectación vestibular, que fue diagnosticado de SV, grado Koos 1 según RMN, y recibió tratamiento con radiocirugía, sin crecimiento posterior. El último paciente fue un varón de 25 años con hipoacusia neurosensorial derecha moderada en agudos que presentaba SV grado Koos 3 según RMN y recibió tratamiento quirúrgico. Discusión: La hipoacusia súbita neurosensorial puede ser el síntoma de debut, e incluso el único síntoma que presenten, pacientes con schwannoma vestibular. Los avances en las pruebas de imagen han hecho posible que hoy día la prueba definitiva para el diagnóstico de SV sea la RMN, especialmente la secuencia T1 con contraste de gadolinio, siendo posible objetivar incluso los más pequeños; es por ello, que en las guías actuales para el manejo de la hipoacusia súbita se aconseja la realización de esta prueba de forma preferente para evitar retraso diagnóstico pese a la buena respuesta con tratamiento corticoideo. Aunque no es el caso de nuestros pacientes, debemos considerar, que al contrario de lo que inicialmente se puede pensar, la mejoría tras tratamiento no excluye el diagnóstico de SV. Conclusiones: La hipoacusia súbita neurosensorial puede ser el síntoma principal de manifestación del SV hasta en el 1,3% de casos de HSN en nuestro estudio. Debe tratarse como urgencia otológica y realizar tratamiento con corticoides así como RMN de forma preferente.  

Evaluación de pacientes diagnosticados de hipoacusia súbita profunda unilateral: estudio retrospectivo de 12 años

Introducción y objetivo: Múltiples factores pronósticos se han propuesto con respecto a la recuperación de la audición tras hipoacusia súbita (HS). El grado de hipoacusia y el retraso en el inicio del tratamiento parecen ser los factores más claramente demostrados. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el porcentaje de pacientes con hipoacusia profunda al diagnóstico y evaluar su evolución posterior.Método: Se registraron los pacientes diagnosticados de hipoacusia súbita unilateral en nuestro hospital entre 1992 y 2004 incluyendo variables como sexo, edad, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, grado de hipoacusia, recuperación según seguimiento al año, pruebas realizadas, tratamiento recibido y diagnóstico etiológico final. De estos, se seleccionaron aquellos con hipoacusia neurosensorial idiopática unilateral profunda y se describieron los factores asociados y su evolución. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 138 pacientes con HS, de los cuales se seleccionaron 33 que presentaron hipoacusia profunda unilateral idiopática (10 hombres y 23 mujeres) con una edad media de 54,5 [21-75]. El retraso diagnóstico fue de una media de 6 días (1-30). El acúfeno fue el síntoma acompañante más frecuente (30 pacientes) seguido de vértigo (11 pacientes). Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento con corticoides (oral y/o endovenoso y/o intratimpánico) y oxigeno hiperbárico. Realizado seguimiento audiométrico a un año, 25 pacientes no presentaron mejora de la audición y 8 recuperaron de forma parcial. No se encontraron claras diferencias entre los pacientes que mejoraron audición y los que no lo hicieron. Discusión: La severidad de la hipoacusia y el retraso diagnósticos son factores pronósticos independientes descritos en la literatura. Se han propuesto otros factores como la edad, factores de riesgo cardiovascular o la presencia de otros síntomas como acúfeno o vértigo sin ser claramente demostrados. Nuestros datos sugieren mal pronóstico de las hipoacusias profundas independientemente del resto de factores. Conclusiones: Pese a que se trata de un estudio retrospectivo con poca muestra, nuestros datos coinciden con los de la literatura que la hipoacusia súbita profunda constituye un factor de mal pronóstico independiente para la recuperación.  

Síntomas otológicos como primera manifestación de la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4

Introducción y objetivo: La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4) es un proceso fibroinflamatorio multisistémico que se caracteriza por una afectación multiorgánica con lesiones tumefactivas caracterizadas por infiltrados de células plasmáticas positivas para IgG4, con frecuencia junto con una elevación de los niveles séricos de la inmunoglobulina Ig G4.Esta entidad clínica fue descrita en 2003 por Kamisawa et al. Describiendo que la pancreatitis autoinmune y sus enfermedades asociadas podrían estar relacionadas con una nueva entidad clínica. Posteriormente la ER-IgG4 ha sido reconocida como un proceso sistémico que incluye afecciones de órganos conocidas como entidades independientes y que comparten hallazgos comunes.  Aunque los principales órganos afectos incluyen el páncreas, los riñones, las estructuras orbitarias, las glándulas salivales y el retroperitoneo, han sido descritas diferentes alteraciones otológicas en el contexto de dicha enfermedad. Nuestro objetivo es describir la sintomatología otológica que puede constituir la forma de presentación inicial de la enfermedad y que contribuya a un diagnóstico precoz por parte del otorrinolaringólogo.   Método: Realizamos una revisión sistemática de casos publicados de ER-IgG4 con afectación otológica como primer síntoma de presentación de dicha enfermedad, completando la búsqueda el 31 de abril de 2021 en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, NCBI, CochraneWeb of Science y Scopus. En la búsqueda utilizamos términos MeSH y palabras libres. La revisión se realizó de acuerdo con las directrices de los criterios PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), incluyendo solo los pacientes con confirmación histológica de la enfermedad. Se recogieron los siguientes datos: edad y sexo del paciente, niveles de IgG4 en plasma, tiempo de evolución de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico y síntomas iniciales de la ER-IgG4, entre otros.   Resultados: Se seleccionaron 37 artículos en base a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión con manifestaciones otológicas (46 pacientes). De estos un total de 29 pacientes debutaron con manifestaciones otológicas que fueron finalmente incluidos en nuestro estudio. La manifestación otológica más frecuente de debut de la enfermedad fue la presencia de un cuadro similar a una otitis serosa que no respondía a tratamiento habitual. Otras manifestaciones menos frecuentes fueron la presencia de paquimeningitis hipertrófica causante de hipoacusia neurosensorial, acúfenos y vértigo, lesiones pseudotumorales causante de sintomatología otológica por infiltración de estructuras del hueso temporal o una otitis eosinofílica. También infrecuente fue la afectación de la enfermedad al cartílago auricular que simulaba una policondritis recurrente. Incluso puede asociarse a esta última. En los hallazgos radiológicos mediante TC/RM son frecuentes los hallagos de ocupación de oído medio inespecíficos y las lesiones con aspecto pseudotumoral.   Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones otológicas pueden ser la primera manifestación clínica de la ER-IgG4. La formas de presentación a nivel ótico más frecuentes son la otitis serosa resistente a tratamiento (uni o bilateral).

[Endoscopic endonasal surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: Management guideline]

Current SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is challenging medical and surgical activities. Specifically, within neurosurgery, endoscopic endonasal approaches pose a high risk of contagion for healthcare personnel involved in it. Initially, the recommendation was to avoid such surgeries. However, the pandemic has dragged on and new solutions must be proposed to continue carrying out these approaches safely. Given the lack of established protocols, we propose the following one, which concisely establishes the measures to be taken in both urgent and scheduled surgery. In addition, a new protection-aspiration device (Maskpirator) is described.

Manifestaciones de cabeza y cuello secundarias al uso de cocaína. Revisión bibliográfica

Introducción y objetivo: El consumo de cocaína se ha asociado a patología a múltiples niveles, pero ésta es especialmente relevante a nivel de cabeza y cuello, por ser la vía intranasal una de sus más frecuentes vías de consumo. Este trabajo describe las principales manifestaciones clínicas del consumo de cocaína en el área otorrinolaringológica, y se analizan algunos de los diagnósticos diferenciales que se han de descartar. Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica vía, PubMed, Cochrane y Google Schoolar con artículos publicados entre 1999 y 2019 con la palabra cocaine junto con diferentes términos de búsqueda, siguiendo los criterios PRISMA para la selección de artículos. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial redujo los artículos a 641, finalizando la selección en 63 artículos, a los cuales se añadieron otros 66 desde otras fuentes. Finalmente, 129 artículos fueron incluidos en la presente revisión sistemática. Conclusiones: La necrosis de la línea media y la perforación septal son las manifestaciones más frecuentemente descritas asociadas al abuso de cocaína. Sin embargo, esta sustancia puede originar otras muchas lesiones en cabeza y cuello, generalmente de difícil diagnóstico, sobre todo cuando el paciente niega el abuso de sustancias.

Manifestaciones laríngeas de la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. Revisión sistemática

Introducción y objetivos: La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4) es un trastorno sistémico autoinmune caracterizado por la infiltración tisular por células plasmáticas positivas para IgG4, aparición de fibrosis y disfunción orgánica. Puede dar afectación a muchos niveles del organismo. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las posibles manifestaciones de esta enfermedad a nivel laríngeo. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura médica publicada entre 2003 y abril de 2021, en busca de los casos descritos de ER-IgG4 con afectación laríngea. La búsqueda se realizó a través de las bases de datos Pubmed, Web of Science y Scopus. Se seleccionaron 23 casos, todos ellos con demostración histológica de la enfermedad a ese nivel. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes eran varones, con edades comprendidas entre los 41 y los 60 años. Las lesiones a nivel de la laringe mayoritarimaente tenían un aspecto pseudotumor. La zona de aparición preferente de estas fue la supraglotis. Con tratamiento corticoideo los pacientes suelen evolucionar favorablemente. Sin embargo, gran parte de estos sufrió importantes retrasos en el diagnóstico, así como cirugías agresivas. Conclusiones: La afectación laríngea es infrecuente en la ER-IgG4. Se debe tener en mente esta entidad ante lesiones pseudotumorales con biopsias negativas para malingnidad, dado que un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento adecuado son efectivos para prevenir secuelas importantes a largo plazo.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: Management guideline

Current SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is challenging medical and surgical activities. Specifically, within neurosurgery, endoscopic endonasal approaches pose a high risk of contagion for healthcare personnel involved in it. Initially, the recommendation was to avoid such surgeries. However, the pandemic has dragged on and new solutions must be proposed to continue carrying out these approaches safely. Given the lack of established protocols, we propose the following one, which concisely establishes the measures to be taken in both urgent and scheduled surgery. In addition, a new protection-aspiration device (Maskpirator) is described.

Audiovestibular Symptoms in Patients With Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis: Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an infrequent inflammatory disease resulting in thickening and fibrosis of the dura mater. In most cases, the cause in unknown and is called idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP). Audiovestibular symptoms are infrequent and the pathogenesis is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of cases with IHP and vestibular symptoms from 2000 to February 2020 was performed. PRISMA Checklist was followed and PubMED database, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched. We report a case of an adolescent with a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis in the context of IHP attended in our clinic.

RESULTS

We reviewed 5 articles related to IHP and vestibular disorders. A total of 7 cases (5 women and 2 men), with ages between 27 and 68 years with IHP were found. They all had audiovestibular symptoms. In contrast to our patient, uni or bilateral neurosensorial hearing loss was reported in all cases. Furthermore, there is no other case report published describing the association between IHP and vestibular neuritis. High dose steroids improved symptoms in 85.7% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Vestibular symptoms in IHP are uncommon and the pathogenesis is still debatable. Entrapment of nerves in the internal auditory canal and secondary neuronal damage could be suspected as the main cause of hearing and vestibular loss.

Audiovestibular symptoms in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis: Systematic literature review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an infrequent inflammatory disease resulting in thickening and fibrosis of the dura mater. In most cases, the cause in unknown and is called idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP). Audiovestibular symptoms are infrequent and the pathogenesis is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of cases with IHP and vestibular symptoms from 2000 to February 2020 was performed. PRISMA Checklist was followed and PubMED database, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched. We report a case of an adolescent with a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis in the context of IHP attended in our clinic.

RESULTS

We reviewed 5 articles related to IHP and vestibular disorders. A total of 7 cases (5 women and 2 men), with ages between 27 and 68 years with IHP were found. They all had audiovestibular symptoms. In contrast to our patient, uni or bilateral neurosensorial hearing loss was reported in all cases. Furthermore, there is no other case report published describing the association between IHP and vestibular neuritis. High dose steroids improved symptoms in 85.7% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Vestibular symptoms in IHP are uncommon and the pathogenesis is still debatable. Entrapment of nerves in the internal auditory canal and secondary neuronal damage could be suspected as the main cause of hearing and vestibular loss.

Toma de muestras nasofaríngeas para diagnóstico de COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivo: La prueba de diagnóstico directo del COVID-19 de mayor sensibilidad es la toma de muestras de nasofaringe mediante un hisopo para estudio posterior mediante RT-PCR. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es exponer pormenoriza-damente la forma más adecuada de realizar dicha técnica. Método: Descripción de los diferentes pasos necesarios para la toma de muestras nasofaríngeas en pacientes con COVID-19. Resultados: Los pasos a tener en cuenta son: 1. Previamente se des-carta que no existan contraindicaciones para la toma de muestra. 2.Etiquetado de la muestra y preparación del volante de petición. 3. Colocación de EPI según los están-dares de la institución en la que se trabaja. 4. Explicación al paciente del proceso a realizar. 5. Técnica para la toma de muestra nasofaríngea 6. Retirada del EPI. 7. Mani-pulación y transporte de la muestra al laboratorio. Discusión/Conclusiones: Dado que la sensibilidad de las muestras nasofaríngeas para diagnóstico de COVID-19 depen-de en gran parte de una adecuada técnica, es muy importante la formación adecuada del personal implicado en la recogida de esta. La persona formada a tal efecto debe conocer el objetivo claro de la misma, como se debe poner y quitar el EPI, conocer cómo se realiza la técnica y como se manipula la muestra.

Incidence of unilateral and bilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo when the left and right Dix-Hallpike manoeuvres are positive: a model based on the sense of torsional nystagmus

Patients presenting with nystagmus indicative of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) during the left and the right Dix-Hallpike manoeuvres (DHMs) are frequently seen in clinical practice. In such cases, BPPV may be unilateral or bilateral. The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of unilateral and bilateral BPPV when both DHMs are positive, taking into account the sense of the torsional component of nystagmus. This is a prospective multicentre study. BPPV patients were classified into three groups: patients with only one positive DHM (control group, CG), patients showing positive bilateral DHM with nystagmus in the same sense in both DHMs (same sense group, SSG) and patients showing positive bilateral DHM with the torsional component of nystagmus beating in opposite senses in each DHM (opposite sense group, OSG). Only one Epley Manoeuvre (EM) was performed on all patients. Based on the ipsilateral result of the EM, the contralateral result of the same EM and the BPPV resolution rate in the control group, a model was developed to predict the incidence of unilateral and bilateral BPPV in the SSG and the OSG. There were 234 patients in the control group, 20 in the SSG and 23 in the OSG. The model estimated that the percentage of unilateral BPPV would be 89.5% in SSG and 38.7% in OSG. Using these findings, we conclude that when both DHMs are positive, BPPV may be unilateral or bilateral. If the torsional components of both nystagmuses beat in the same sense, it is more likely to be unilateral BPPV. If the torsional components beat in opposite senses, both situations can be considered equally likely.

Probable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, spontaneously resolved: Incidence in medical practice, patients' characteristics and the natural course

Background

Probable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, spontaneously resolved (pBPPVsr), is a variant of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in which there is no observable nystagmus and no vertigo with any positional maneuver.

Objectives

To calculate the incidence pBPPVsr, compare the characteristics of the patients with pBPPVsr and BPPV not spontaneously resolved and describe the spontaneous resolution in the natural course of BPPV.

Methods

Multicenter prospective descriptive study. During a one-year period, all patients with suspected BPPV that presented to the Neurotology Units of five participating centers were recruited. The incidence of pBPPVsr was calculated as a percentage of the total number of patients with BPPV. The prevalence of several variables was compared between pBPPVsr and BPPV not spontaneously resolved. The timing of spontaneous resolution was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

457 patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of pBPPVsr was 33.5%. It was significantly higher in males, in patients with normal bone mass and in patients who were not taking sulpiride. A rate of 18% of spontaneous resolution after the first month and 51% after the first year was found. This percentage did not change in a significant way after this moment. The curves for males, patients under 50 and patients with normal blood pressure decreased significantly faster.

Conclusions

In our serie, BPPV spontaneously resolved in half of the patients with BPPV during the first year. This seemed to occur more commonly in males and could have been hindered by sulpiride intake, osteoporosis, advanced age and high blood pressure.

Response of head and neck epithelial cells to a DNA damage-differentiation checkpoint involving polyploidization

BACKGROUND

Squamous epithelia of the head and neck undergo continuous cell renewal and are continuously exposed to mutagenic hazard, the main cause of cancer. How they maintain homeostasis upon cell cycle deregulation is unclear.

METHODS

To elucidate how head and neck epithelia respond to cell cycle stress, we studied human keratinocytes from various locations (oral mucosa, tonsil, pharynx, larynx, and trachea). We made use of genotoxic or mitotic drugs (doxorubicin [DOXO], paclitaxel, and nocodazole), or chemical inhibitors of the mitotic checkpoint kinases, Aurora B and polo-like-1. We further tested the response to inactivation of p53, ectopic cyclin E, or to the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).

RESULTS

All treatments provoked DNA damage or mitosis impairment and strikingly triggered squamous differentiation and polyploidization, resulting in irreversible loss of clonogenic capacity.

CONCLUSION

Keratinocytes from head and neck epithelia share a cell-autonomous squamous DNA damage-differentiation response that is common to the epidermis and might continuously protect them from cancer.

Therapeutic action of tranexamic acid in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT): Regulation of ALK-1/endoglin pathway in endothelial cells

Recurrent epistaxis is the most frequent clinical manifestation of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Its treatment is difficult. Our objective was to assess the use of tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic drug, for the treatment of epistaxis in HHT patients and to investigate in vitro the effects of TA over endoglin and ALK-1 expression and activity in endothelial cells. A prospective study was carried out on patients with epistaxis treated with oral TA in the HHT Unit of Sierrallana Hospital (Cantabria, Spain). Primary cultures of endothelial cells were treated with TA to measure the levels of endoglin and ALK-1 at the cell surface by flow cytometry. RNA levels were also measured by real-time PCR, and the transcriptional effects ofTA on reporters for endoglin, ALK-1 and the endoglin/ALK-1 TGF-beta pathway were assessed. The results showed that the fourteen HHT patients treated orally withTA improved, and the frequency and severity of their epistaxis were decreased. No complications derived from the treatment were observed. Cultured endothelial cells incubated with TA exhibited increased levels of endoglin and ALK-1 at the protein and mRNA levels, enhanced TGF-β signaling, and improved endothelial cell functions like tubulogenesis and migration. In summary, oral administration of TA proved beneficial for epistaxis treatment in selected patients with HHT. In addition to its already reported antifibrinolytic effects, TA stimulates the expression ofALK-1 and endoglin,as well as the activity of the ALK-1/endoglin pathway.

Otorhinolaryngology manifestations secondary to oral sex

INTRODUCTION

Over the last few years, oral and pharyngeal signs and symptoms due to oral sex have increased significantly. However, no review articles related to this subject have been found in the medical literature. The objective of our study was to identify otorhinolaryngological manifestations associated with orogenital/oroanal contact, both in adults and children, in the context of consensual sex or sexual abuse.

METHODS

We performed a review of the medical literature on otorhinolaryngological pathology associated with oral sex published in the last 20 years in the PubMed database.

RESULTS

Otorhinolaryngological manifestations secondary to oral sex practice in adults can be infectious, tumoral or secondary to trauma. The more common signs and symptoms found in the literature were human papillomavirus infection (above all, condyloma acuminata and papilloma/condyloma), oral or pharyngeal syphilis, gonococcal pharyngitis, herpes simplex virus infection and pharyngitis from Chlamydia trachomatis. The incidence of human papillomavirus -induced oropharyngeal carcinoma has dramatically increased. In children past the neonatal period, the presence of condyloma acuminatus, syphilis, gonorrhoea or palatal ecchymosis (the last one, unless justified by other causes) should make us suspect sexual abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual habits have changed in the last decades, resulting in the appearance of otorhinolaryngological pathology that was rarely seen previously. For this reason, it is important for primary care physicians to have knowledge about the subject to perform correct diagnosis and posterior treatment. Some sexual abuse cases in children may also be suspected based on the knowledge of the characteristic oropharyngeal manifestations secondary to them.

[Otorhinolaryngological manifestations in patients with Behçet disease]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Behçet disease (BD) is a systemic immune-mediated vasculitis of unknown origin characterised by recurrent orogenital ulceration, ocular inflammation and skin lesions. The aim of our study was to identify ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations associated with BD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of the medical records of all patients diagnosed with BD who attended a tertiary public hospital in Cantabria (Spain) over a period of 22 years. Clinical manifestations, in particular those concerning ENT, were retrieved from medical records. A medical literature review of ENT manifestations was conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (age range: 17-64 years) were included in the study. Most of them presented oral ulcers (97%). Eight patients (24%) presented oropharyngeal ulcers and 5 patients (15%) experienced audiovestibular symptoms (high frequency sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and bilateral vestibular hypofunction). One patient had symptoms compatible with vestibular neuronitis as the presentation manifestation of Neuro-Behçet. In 4 patients (12%) the presence of odynophagia secondary to the presence of oropharyngeal lesions, initially interpreted as acute or recurrent tonsillitis, was the first manifestation of the disease, alone or associated with cutaneous or ocular lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the characteristic oral ulcers present in most patients with BD, ulcers in the oropharynx, occasionally interpreted as acute pharyngitis, are also common in these patients. Audiovestibular manifestations frequently appear during the course of the disease and may be the first symptom of central nervous system involvement.

Horner's syndrome after neck surgery

Horner's syndrome (oculosympathetic paresis) is characterised by the classic triad of ipsilateral palpebral ptosis, pupillary miosis and facial anhidrosis. The syndrome arises from the interruption of sympathetic innervation to the eye and adnexa at varying levels. It is a rare complication of neck surgery.We describe 6 patients who presented with Horner's syndrome after a neck procedure in our department during the last 5 years and review the different neck procedures that can cause it.

Neck injuries

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Neck injuries are of great clinical interest because they can induce very significant consequences if not handled properly and can even lead to death. The aim of our study was to analyse external deep cervical trauma in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of all external deep neck injuries seen in a tertiary hospital over the course of 24 years that involved changes in structures related to otolaryngology.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included in our study. From all the injuries, 45% were secondary to traffic accidents, 27% from assault with a knife and 23% from attempted suicide. The injuries were open in 15 (68%) cases and closed in 7 (32%). The most common symptom was bleeding (55%), followed by respiratory disorders (23%). On examination, the most frequent sign was the appearance of subcutaneous emphysema (27%). Only 50% of patients underwent imaging before treatment, most often a neck CT (27%). 59% of patients needed surgery, with 6 patients (27%) requiring a tracheotomy. Two of them died (9%) and 6 suffered permanent complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical injuries involving ENT structures are rare in our environment, with the most common cause being traffic accidents. It is important to have standardised guidelines for the management of these patients, because they can often developed severe complications or even die if not treated properly very rapidly.

DFNA8/12 caused by TECTA mutations is the most identified subtype of nonsyndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss

The prevalence of DFNA8/DFNA12 (DFNA8/12), a type of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL), is unknown as comprehensive population-based genetic screening has not been conducted. We therefore completed unbiased screening for TECTA mutations in a Spanish cohort of 372 probands from ADNSHL families. Three additional families (Spanish, Belgian, and English) known to be linked to DFNA8/12 were also included in the screening. In an additional cohort of 835 American ADNSHL families, we preselected 73 probands for TECTA screening based on audiometric data. In aggregate, we identified 23 TECTA mutations in this process. Remarkably, 20 of these mutations are novel, more than doubling the number of reported TECTA ADNSHL mutations from 13 to 33. Mutations lie in all domains of the α-tectorin protein, including those for the first time identified in the entactin domain, as well as the vWFD1, vWFD2, and vWFD3 repeats, and the D1-D2 and TIL2 connectors. Although the majority are private mutations, four of them-p.Cys1036Tyr, p.Cys1837Gly, p.Thr1866Met, and p.Arg1890Cys-were observed in more than one unrelated family. For two of these mutations founder effects were also confirmed. Our data validate previously observed genotype-phenotype correlations in DFNA8/12 and introduce new correlations. Specifically, mutations in the N-terminal region of α-tectorin (entactin domain, vWFD1, and vWFD2) lead to mid-frequency NSHL, a phenotype previously associated only with mutations in the ZP domain. Collectively, our results indicate that DFNA8/12 hearing loss is a frequent type of ADNSHL.

[Treatment of epistaxes in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease) with tranexamic acid]

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent epistaxis is the most frequent clinical manifestation of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Its treatment occasionally presents difficulties as there is no consensus on the appropriate therapeutic protocol. Our objective was to explore the utility of oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of epistaxes in HHT patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A 3-year prospective study was carried on HHT patients with epistaxis treated with oral tranexamic acid in the HHT unit at our hospital.

RESULTS

Ten patients with HHT were treated with oral tranexamic acid during the study. Most of them improved both the frequency and severity of their epistaxis and were satisfied with the treatment. No treatment-related complications were recorded. Two patients needed more aggressive treatments to control epistaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral tranexamic acid is useful for achieving significant reductions in epistaxis frequency and intensity in selected patients with HHT. In those presenting severe epistaxis, however, it may need to be combined with more aggressive therapies.

Therapeutic action of tranexamic acid in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT): regulation of ALK-1/endoglin pathway in endothelial cells

Recurrent epistaxis is the most frequent clinical manifestation of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Its treatment is difficult. Our objective was to assess the use of tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic drug, for the treatment of epistaxis in HHT patients and to investigate in vitro the effects of TA over endoglin and ALK-1 expression and activity in endothelial cells. A prospective study was carried out on patients with epistaxis treated with oral TA in the HHT Unit of Sierrallana Hospital (Cantabria, Spain). Primary cultures of endothelial cells were treated with TA to measure the levels of endoglin and ALK-1 at the cell surface by flow cytometry. RNA levels were also measured by real-time PCR, and the transcriptional effects of TA on reporters for endoglin, ALK-1 and the endoglin/ALK-1 TGF-beta pathway were assessed. The results showed that the fourteen HHT patients treated orally with TA improved, and the frequency and severity of their epistaxis were decreased. No complications derived from the treatment were observed. Cultured endothelial cells incubated with TA exhibited increased levels of endoglin and ALK-1 at the protein and mRNA levels, enhanced TGF-beta signaling, and improved endothelial cell functions like tubulogenesis and migration. In summary, oral administration of TA proved beneficial for epistaxis treatment in selected patients with HHT. In addition to its already reported antifibrinolytic effects, TA stimulates the expression ofALK-1 and endoglin, as well as the activity of the ALK-1/endoglin pathway.

[Open rhinolalia, a typical symptom of velo-cardio-facial syndrome]

The Velocardiofacial (VCF) syndrome is a relatively frequent cromosomopathy that usually associates various otorhinolaryngological features, as hipenasal speech, typical facies and auricular anomalies. We report a patient with VCF syndrome that before being diagnosed had undergone adenoidectomy with a postoperative worsening in speech. Otorhinolaryngological clinical features of the VCF syndrome are discussed and a diagnostic protocol is proposed to achieve an early diagnosis and to prevent iatrogenic interventions in these patients.

[Prevalence of the 35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene, del (GJB6-D13S1830) in the GJB6 gene, Q829X in the OTOF gene and A1555G in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene in subjects with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing impairment of congenital/childhood onset]

INTRODUCTION

The most frequent mutations responsible for non-syndromic hearing impairment in the Spanish population are the 35delG mutation in the connexin 26 gene (GJB2), the del(GJB6-D13S1830) deletion in the connexin 30 gene (GJB6), the Q829X mutation in the otoferlin gene (OTOF), and the A1555G mutation in the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Screening for these mutations was performed on 38 patients from Cantabria with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing impairment of congenital/childhood onset.

RESULTS

The A1555G mutation was detected in homoplasmy in 9 patients (23.7%). Three individuals were heterozygous for the 35delG mutation (7.9%). The heterozygous del(GJB6-D13S1830) deletion was present in one case (2.6%). One subject was homozygous for the Q829X mutation (2.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

These four mutations are present in 36.8% of all cases of non-syndromic hearing impairment in our population.

Manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas en el síndrome de Down

OBJECTIVE

The objective [corrected] of our study was to assess the most frequent otorhinolaryngological manifestations in patients with Down syndrome, and to propose diagnostic and management guidelines to improve their quality of life.

METHODS

Patients with Down's syndrome referred to the ENT Department of two Spanish Hospitals during a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Data of the following variables were collected: main symptoms, diagnosis, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with Down's syndrome were included in our study. The most frequent reasons for referral were hearing loss and newborns from the Hearing Impairment Screening Program. Otitis media with effusion, adenoid hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea were the most common diagnosis. Five patients underwent head and neck surgical procedures without complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss secondary to chronic otitis media with effusion and upper airway obstruction are frequent pathologies in patients with Down syndrome.

Neuropatía auditiva secundaria a la mutación Q829X en el gen de la otoferlina (OTOF) en un lactante sometido a screening neonatal de hipoacusia

We report an infant with auditory neuropathy secondary to the Q829X mutation in the gene encoding otoferlin (OTOF). Included in a universal newborn hearing screening program, the subject passed the otoacoustic emission (OAEs) test. Given that the infant had a familial history of deafness auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing was performed, revealing a profound hearing impairment. The genetic study confirmed that the subject was homozygous for the Q829X mutation in OTOF. The patient underwent a cochlear implant, obtaining satisfactory results. The moderately high prevalence of this mutation in the Spanish population could produce a significant false negative rate in newborn hearing screening programs using OAEs.

Prevalencia de la mutación a1555g en el adn mitocondrial en pacientes con patología auditiva o vestibular debida a la ototoxicidad de los aminoglucósidos

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of the A1555G mutation in the mitochondrial genome among Spanish patients with aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We screened 25 unrelated cases, totalling 39 individuals with cochlear or vestibular damage due to aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. This group was made up of 18 subjects from 4 unrelated families with a history of aminoglycoside ototoxicity in more than one relative, 8 subjects from 8 families that also had other relatives with hearing loss in absence of aminoglycoside exposure, and 13 sporadic cases. Among the 13 sporadic cases, there were 3 patients with vestibular involvement. Detection of the A1555G mutation was seen by mean of techniques for molecular diagnosis.

RESULTS

The A1555G mutation was identified in all of the individuals from 4 families with aminoglycoside-induced cochlear damage and in 6 of 8 individuals with familial hearing loss. None of the sporadic cases carried the mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of patients with cochlear damage due to aminoglycoside ototoxicity and having a familial history of hearing loss, related or not to aminoglycoside exposure, harbor the A1555G mutation.

Estudio de una familia con hipoacusia neurosensorial secundaria a la mutación q829x en el gen otof

OBJECTIVE

To determine the features of hearing loss due to the Q829X mutation in the OTOF gene, the third most frequent mutation causing prelingual deafness reported so far in the Spanish population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out genetic characterisation of 16 individuals from a consanguineous family from Cantabria, in which 4 members were affected by deafness.

RESULTS

All 4 hearing impaired individuals were homozygous for the Q829X mutation in the OTOF gene. The auditory defect was a profound, bilateral, symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss of prelingual onset. No other clinical alterations were observed. Individuals heterozygous for the Q829X mutation were unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

The Q829X mutation in the OTOF gene causes severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss of prelingual onset. Early detection of individuals carrying this mutation is important for the application of palliative treatment and special education.

Etiología de la hipoacusia severa/profunda bilateral pre/perilocutiva en cantabria

OBJECTIVE

To know the etiology of preiperlingual bilateral hearing loss in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the patients diagnosed with bilateral severe/profound, pre or perilingual hearing loss at Sierrallana and Marqués de Valdecilla Hospitals (Cantabria, Spain) during the last 20 years were included in this study.

RESULTS

A hundred patients were diagnosed with bilateral severe/profound pre/perilingual hearing loss. The most frequent etiology was hereditary (49%), followed by severe perinatal hypoxia (11%), ototoxicity (5%), meningitis (3%), hyperbilirubinemia (3%) and rubella (2%). In 21% of cases was not known.

CONCLUSIONS

The two most frequent etiologies found in severe/profound hearing loss in children in our area were hereditary and non infectious perinatal problems. Infectious disease were scarce. Will decrease when genetic test were used as clinical basis.