Speech reception after cochlear implantation for Cogan's syndrome: Case series following CARE guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Cogan's syndrome is a rare form of vasculitis mainly affecting young subjects of whatever gender, associating cochleovestibular and ophthalmological damage. Despite medical treatment, auditory prognosis is uncertain, with 50-60% of patients showing irreversible severe to profound hearing loss, thus being candidates for cochlear implantation. Following CARE guidelines, we report 10 cases of cochlear implantation in Cogan's syndrome, with assessment of speech reception threshold and maximum intelligibility after a minimum 1 year's experience with the implant.

CASE SERIES

Ten patients from 4 centers received cochlear implants (14 implants) for Cogan's syndrome between 2005 and 2020. After 1 year's experience, there was significant improvement in speech reception threshold (P=0.0002) and maximum intelligibility (P=0.0002).

CONCLUSION-DISCUSSION

Audiovestibular signs associated with ophthalmological manifestations should suggest Cogan's syndrome. Hearing impairment is usually irreversible. Cochlear implantation may be necessary and improves hearing performance.

Auditory brainstem response: Key parameters for good-quality recording

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is widely used in ENT to investigate hearing loss. This test evaluates the response of the ascending auditory pathway, from cochlea to mesencephalon, following auditory stimulation. It provides precise analysis of waves numbered I to V according to location on the auditory pathway, in terms of amplitude, latency and inter-wave interval. Good-quality assessment requires familiarity with the parameters to be used and the factors likely to modify response. We describe the procedure for ABR examination and the recorded responses, with particular attention to factors influencing response to which the examiner must be vigilant. These factors are related to the individual (age, gender, hearing loss, body temperature, drug treatments), transducer (air or bone conduction), stimulation parameters (type, polarity, intensity, calibration, duration, cadence, number of clicks, background noise) and acquisition parameters (analysis window, scale, electrodes). We also briefly describe the clinical applications of this examination.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) and the French Society of Audiology (SFA) for Speech-in-Noise Testing in Adults

OBJECTIVES

This document presents the fundamentals of speech audiometry in noise, general requirements for implementation and criteria for choice among the tests available in French according to the health-professional's needs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The recommendations are based on a systematic analysis of the literature carried out by a multidisciplinary group of doctors, audiologists and audioprosthetists from all over France. They are graded A, B, C or expert opinion according to decreasing level of scientific evidence.

RESULTS

Eight tests of speech audiometry in noise can be used in France.

CONCLUSION

To be complete, evaluation of hearing status requires testing understanding of speech in noise. The examination must begin with a minimum of two measurements familiarizing the subject with the test procedure. For initial diagnosis, adaptive procedures establishing the 50% speech reception threshold (SRT50) in noise are to be preferred in order to obtain a rapid and standardized measurement of perception of speech in noise. When the aim is to measure real-life speech comprehension, tests based on sentences, cocktail-party noise and free-field stimulation are to be preferred. Prosthetic gain is evaluated exclusively in free field. This is the only way to evaluate the contribution of binaurality and to measure perception in noise in an environment as close as possible to real life. In order to avoid acoustic interference in free field, at least five loudspeakers should be used, in particular for evaluating the effectiveness of directional microphones, CROS devices enabling sounds picked up in the damaged ear to be rerouted to the functional ear, or bimodal fitting (i.e., when hearing is enabled by two modalities: for example, hearing aid for one ear, cochlear implant for the other).

Hearing loss in inherited metabolic disorders: A systematic review

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) have been observed in individuals with hearing loss (HL), but IMDs are rarely the cause of syndromic HL. With early diagnosis, management of HL is more effective and cortical reorganization is possible with hearing aids or cochlear implants. This review describes relationships between IMDs and HL in terms of incidence, etiology of HL, pathophysiology, and treatment. Forty types of IMDs are described in the literature, mainly in case reports. Management and prognosis are noted where existing. We also describe IMDs with HL given age of occurrence of HL. Reviewing the main IMDs that are associated with HL may provide an additional clinical tool with which to better diagnose syndromic HL.

Otosclerosis surgery under local anesthesia with sedation: Assessment of quality of life and stress

OBJECTIVES

The main study endpoint was tolerance of stapedotomy under local anesthesia with sedation and under general anesthesia using stress and quality of life assessment questionnaires. Secondary endpoints comprised operative time and functional results.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In a consecutive series of stapedotomy patients operated on over a 12-month period, quality of life and perioperative stress were analysed by 3 questionnaires: the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, Cohen's perceived stress scale and the Post-traumatic stress disorder checklist scale. Questionnaire responses and audiometric data were compared between groups treated under local anesthesia with sedation and under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included in the local anesthesia with sedation group and 6 in the general anesthesia group. There was no difference between the groups for quality of life, onset of post-traumatic stress, or perceived pre- and postoperative stress. There was also no difference in operative time. The audiometric data confirmed the reliability of stapedotomy. Stapedotomy under local anesthesia with sedation improved air conduction with≤10dB air-bone gap (ABG), comparable to results under general anesthesia. The rate of ABG≤10dB was 71.4%; no labyrinthisation was observed.

CONCLUSION

Under local anesthesia with sedation, stapedotomy was well tolerated without increasing the stress associated with otosclerosis surgery. By correcting hearing loss, the procedure improves quality of life.

Training in temporal bone drilling

Acquiring surgical experience in the operating room is increasingly difficult. Simulation of temporal bone drilling is therefore essential, and more and more widely used. The aim of this review is to clarify the limitations of classical surgical training, and to describe the different types of simulation available for temporal bone drilling. Systematic Medline search used the terms: "temporal bone" and training and surgery; "temporal bone" and training and drilling. Seventy-one of the 467 articles identified were relevant for this review. Various temporal bone simulators have been created to get around the limitations (ethical, financial, cultural, working time) of temporal bone drilling. They can be classified as cadaver, animal, physical or virtual models. The main advantages of physical and virtual prototyping are their ease of access, the possibility of repeating gestures on a standardised model, and the absence of ethical issues. Validation is essential before these simulators can be included in the curriculum, to ensure efficacy and thus improve patient safety in the operating room.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) are commonly recorded in patients experiencing vertigo or chronic instability. This test evaluates the patient's otolith function and is often combined with both Videonystagmography and Video Head Impulse Test. VEMP is a simple, reproducible test, in the absence of any pre-existing conductive hearing loss. Cervical VEMP explore both saccular function and the inferior vestibular nerve, whereas ocular VEMP assess utricular function and the superior vestibular nerve. In combination with previously described tests, VEMP allows characterization of vertigo and provides support for the diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, Menière's disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular schwannoma or idiopathic bilateral vestibulopathy. A good knowledge of these electrophysiological tests is essential in order to precisely assess the presence or absence of vestibular function impairment. We describe the test recording technique and the most common pitfalls in interpretation of the results. We then outline the results observed in various diseases impacting vestibular function.

Emotional prosody perception in presbycusis patients after auditory rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

Perception of emotion plays a major role in social interaction. Studies have shown that hearing loss and aging degrade emotional recognition. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the benefit of first-time hearing aids (HA) for emotional prosody perception in presbycusis patients. Secondary objectives comprised comparison with normal-hearing subjects, and assessment of the impact of demographic and audiologic factors.

METHODS

To assess HA impact, 29 subjects with presbycusis were included. They were tested without HA and 1 month after starting to use HA. A test with emotional hearing stimuli (Montreal Affective Voice test: MAV) was performed at various intensities (50, 65 and 80dB SPL). Patients' experience was evaluated on the Profile of Emotional Competence questionnaire, before and after HA fitting. Results were compared with those of 29 normal-hearing subjects.

RESULTS

Auditory rehabilitation did not significantly improve MAV results (P>0.005), or subjective questionnaire results (P>0.005). Scores remained lower than those of normal-hearing subjects (P<0.001). MAV results, before and after HA, showed significant correlation with pure-tone average (r=-0.88, P<0.001) and age (r=0.44, P=0.018). The older the presbycusis patient and the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the difficulty in recognising emotional prosody.

CONCLUSION

Despite hearing rehabilitation, presbycusis patients' results remained poorer than in normal-hearing subjects.

Telemedicine in Audiology. Best practice recommendations from the French Society of Audiology (SFA) and the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL)

Objectives

Access to diagnosis and treatments for auditory disorders and related pathologies has regressed in France during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing a risk to the patient's chance of recovery. This best practice recommendations guide aims to list the existing technological solutions for the remote examination of a patient with hearing complaint, and to outline their benefits and, where applicable, their limitations.

Methods

The recommendations were developed both from the clinical experience of the medical experts who drafted the guide, and from an extensive review of the literature dealing with clinical practice recommendations for tele-audiology. Tele-audiometry solutions were identified on the basis of a search engine query carried out in April 2020, prior to verification of their availability on the European market.

Results

Video otoscopy solutions allow for the teletransmission of images compatible with a high-quality diagnosis, either by connecting via internet to a tele-health platform or using a smartphone or a tablet with an iOS or Android operating system. Using the same telecommunication methods, it is possible to remotely conduct a pure-tone audiometry test in accordance with standard practice, a speech-in-quiet or a speech-in-noise audiometry test, as well as objective measures of hearing. Clinical and paraclinical examinations can be accessed by the physician to be interpreted on a deferred basis (asynchronous tele-audiology). Examinations can also be conducted in real time in a patient, at any age of life, as long as a caregiver can be present during the installation of the transducers or the acoumetry. Tele-audiology solutions also find application in the remote training of future healthcare professionals involved in the management of deafness and hearing impairment.

Conclusion

Under French law, tele-otoscopy is a medical procedure that is either a tele-expertise (asynchronous adive) or a teleconsultation act (synchronous advice). Subjective and objective evaluation of the patient's hearing functions can be done remotely provided that the listed precautions are respected.

Influence of surgical technique on residual cholesteatoma location and prevalence

OBJECTIVE

Compared to canal wall up (CWU) tympanoplasty, canal wall reconstruction (CWR) allows better visualization of cholesteatoma extension. The canal wall up approach provides good functional outcomes, but with higher rates of residual cholesteatoma. The aim of this study was to compare residual cholesteatoma prevalence and location between the two approaches.

METHOD

Subjects were adult patients with residual cholesteatoma following CWU or CWR surgery between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. During this period, 94 patients underwent CWU and 71 CWR; 22 presented with residual cholesteatoma: 16 after CWU (R-CWU group) and 6 after CWR (R-CWR group).

RESULTS

There was no significant inter-group difference in residual cholesteatoma prevalence: 17% after CWU, 8.4% after CWR. Locations comprised: 13 (81%) in the attic, 9 (56%) in the tympanic cavity and 4 (25%) in the mastoid in the R-CWU group, and 6 (100%) in the attic in the R-CWR group. There were significantly fewer tympanic cavity locations after CWR compared to CWU (P=0.046).

CONCLUSION

Residual cholesteatoma prevalence did not significantly differ between the CWU and CWR approaches. The most frequent location was the attic; significantly more locations were in the tympanic cavity with the CWU approach. These findings are important for surgeons and neuro-radiologists during follow-up.

Assessment of auditory discrimination in hearing-impaired patients

Hearing loss can impair auditory discrimination, especially in noisy environments, requiring greater listening effort, which can impact socio-occupational life. To assess the impact of hearing loss in noisy environments, clinicians may use subjective or objective methods. Subjective methods, such as speech audiometry in noise, are used in clinical practice to assess reported discomfort. Objective methods, such as cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs), are mainly used in research. Subjective methods mainly comprise speech audiometry in noise, in which the signal-to-noise ratio can be varied so as to determine the individual speech recognition threshold, with and without hearing rehabilitation, the aim being to highlight any improvement in auditory performance. Frequency discrimination analysis is also possible. Objective methods assess auditory discrimination without the patient's active participation. One technique used for patients with auditory rehabilitation is the study of auditory responses by CAEPs. This electrophysiological examination studies cortical auditory rehabilitation oddball paradigms, enabling wave recordings such as mismatch negativity, P300 or N400, and analysis of neurophysiological markers according to auditory performance. The present article reviews all these methods, in order to better understand and evaluate the impact of hearing loss in everyday life.

Maxillofacial brown tumours: Series of 5 cases

OBJECTIVES

Brown tumours are benign bone tumours secondary to hyperparathyroidism. The authors describe the various clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment modalities for maxillofacial brown tumours.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicentre retrospective study comprised 5 patients (four women and one man, between the ages of 29 and 70 years) with one or several maxillofacial brown tumours observed over a 16-year period from January 2000 to December 2016.

RESULTS

Four patients presented secondary hyperparathyroidism in a context of chronic renal failure, one patient presented primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma. Three patients presented a mandibular brown tumour, and two patients presented a maxillary brown tumour. The diagnosis was based on histological examination and laboratory tests. Brown tumours were treated either surgically or conservatively. A favourable outcome was observed in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Brown tumours are rare lesions. This diagnosis must be considered in a context of giant cell tumour associated with hyperparathyroidism. Brown tumours should be treated conservatively.

Tympanometry and isolated fracture of the stapes

INTRODUCTION

Temporal bone fractures are frequently associated with ossicular dislocations or fractures, most commonly involving the incus. To our knowledge, isolated fracture of the posterior crus of the stapes has not been previously reported.

CASE REPORT

A 20-year-old man consulted for persistent left hypoacusis several months after a head injury. Initial computed tomography of the temporal bone showed a simple temporal bone fracture with no other associated abnormalities. The diagnosis of stapes fracture was suggested by increased compliance on tympanometry, leading to a second thin-section temporal bone computed tomography, which suggested a fracture of the posterior crus of the stapes. Endaural surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis and allowed placement of ionomer cement in the posterior crus.

DISCUSSION

The possibility of ossicular dislocation or fracture must be considered in patients with persistent conductive hearing loss associated with increased compliance on tympanometry, even when computed tomography of the temporal bone does not show dislocation of the ossicular chain or ossicular fracture. Hearing rehabilitation can be performed by hearing aid or surgical reconstruction of the ossicles.

Electrophysiological exploration of hearing

Electrophysiologic hearing tests have been developed since the 1960s to determine hearing thresholds objectively. They are now implemented in newborn hearing screening. While they determine thresholds, interpretation requires subjective pure-tone and speech audiometry to determine the type of hearing loss. Each examination tests a different anatomic region, enabling the auditory system to be explored from the organ of Corti to the auditory cortex. Thus, the various objective audiometric examinations are complementary.

The effect of the transducers on paediatric thresholds estimated with auditory steady-state responses

The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) for estimating hearing thresholds in young children, compared with behavioural thresholds. The second objective was to investigate ASSR thresholds obtained with insert earphones versus supra-aural headphones to determine which transducer produces ASSR thresholds most similar to behavioural thresholds measured with supra-aural headphones. This retrospective study included 29 participants (58 ears): 12 children (24 ears) in the insert group and 17 children (34 ears) in the supra-aural group. No general anaesthesia was used. For both groups, there was a strong correlation between behavioural and ASSR thresholds, with a stronger correlation for the insert group. When behavioural thresholds are difficult to obtain, ASSR may be a useful objective measure that can be combined with other audiometric procedures to estimate hearing thresholds and to determine appropriate auditory rehabilitation approaches.

Cancer of the external auditory canal

INTRODUCTION

Cancer of the external auditory canal is a rare tumour with an annual incidence of one per one million inhabitants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates in a series of patients with carcinoma of the external auditory canal and to compare our results concerning the clinical presentation, management and survival with those of the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Ten patients were included in this retrospective, single-centre study over a 20-year period. Data concerning age, symptoms, imaging, TNM stage according to the Pittsburgh classification, histology, management, sequelae, recurrences and survival were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients of this series was 60.7 years. Seven patients had a squamous cell carcinoma. The other histological types were undifferentiated carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Staging was based on the Pittsburgh classification with one stage I, one stage III and eight stage IV tumours. Five-year overall survival rates were 100%, 50% and 0%, respectively. The mean 5-year overall survival rate was 35% and the mean 5-year disease-free survival rate was 24%.

CONCLUSION

Carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a difficult diagnosis when the tumour does not present as a fungating mass protruding from the external auditory canal. The Pittsburgh classification was used for TNM staging of these tumours, allowing comparison of our results with those of the literature. The clinical findings and survival rates observed in this study are comparable to those reported in the literature. These tumours are associated with a poor prognosis on the basis of our results and published data.

Radiofrequency tonsillotomy versus bipolar scissors tonsillectomy for the treatment of OSAS in children: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Tonsillotomy is an effective treatment for the management of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children with tonsillar hypertrophy and appears to be associated with less pain and postoperative morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative morbidity and short-term and intermediate-term efficacy of radiofrequency tonsillotomy (TT) and bipolar scissors tonsillectomy (TE) in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Children with OSAS due to tonsillar hypertrophy were included in a prospective, non-randomized study between February 4, 2008 and March 20, 2010. Exclusion criteria were recurrent tonsillitis (≥ 3 episodes per year), clotting disorders and age less than 2 years. Postoperative complications, efficacy on OSAS, and operating times were evaluated. Pain was evaluated by the Postoperative Pain Measure for Parents score on D0, D1, D7 and D30.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-three children were included: 105 in the TE group (age: 4.75 ± 2.37 years) and 88 in the TT group (age: 4.88 ± 2.6 years). The pain score was significantly lower in the TT group than in the TE group during the first postoperative week (P<0.05). A significant difference was observed for the secondary postoperative bleeding rate (1 after TT versus 8 after TE). No significant difference was observed between the two techniques in terms of the efficacy on OSAS. At 1 year, the tonsil regrowth rate in the TT group was 4.5%.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency tonsillotomy is a safe technique for the treatment of obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy in children with good results on OSAS and a reduction of postoperative pain.

Late metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid and nasal cavity: report of a case

Multifocal cervico-facial metastases are very rare. Medical history of the patient and clinical context make easier the diagnosis. A 54-year-old woman presenting with a nasal obstruction, was referred to our department. She had a past medical history of an operated renal cancer 12 years ago and a right hemithyroidectomy 30 years ago. Clinical examination revealed a polypoid lesion obstructing the right nasal cavity and a thyroid goiter. Fine-needle aspiration was positive for a renal metastasis. Computed tomography confirmed the nasal lesion without bone destruction and a cervical cystic lesion into the left thyroid lobe. Completion thyroidectomy and polyp excision were performed. The final histologic examination revealed a metastasis from a renal cancer. The association of intra-thyroid and nasal cavity metastases is uncommon and not related in the literature, the practitioner must suspect the diagnosis if the patient had a thyroid tumor, a suspicious nasal lesion and a past history of cancer. The surgical management is recommended for isolated metastasis to the nasal cavity and the thyroid gland especially in renal cancer.

Minimization of cochlear implant artifact in cortical auditory evoked potentials in children

OBJECTIVES

In congenitally deaf children fit with a cochlear implant, little is known about the maturation of the auditory cortex. Cortical auditory evoked potentials are a useful methodology to study the auditory cortical system of children with cochlear implants. Nevertheless, these recordings are contaminated by a cochlear implant artifact. The objective of this study was to use independent component analysis to minimize the artifact of the cochlear implant to study cortical auditory evoked potentials.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHOD

A total of 5 children ranging in age from 21 to 49 months who were fitted with a cochlear implant for at least 6 months were included in this study. The stimuli were pure tones (750 Hz, 200 ms duration, 70 dB SPL) presented with an irregular interstimulus interval (1000-2000 ms) via loud speakers. The cortical auditory evoked potentials were recorded from 17 Ag-AgCl electrodes referenced to the nose. The peak latency and amplitude of each deflection culminating at the fronto-central and temporal sites were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The P100-N250 peak latencies and amplitudes of the cortical auditory evoked potentials recorded from children fitted with cochlear implants. Scalp map potentials distributions were done for each child for the N250 wave.

RESULTS

The use of independent component analysis permitted to minimize the cochlear implant artifact for the five children. Cortical auditory evoked potentials were recorded at fronto-central and temporal sites. Scalp map potentials distributions for the N2 wave showed activation of temporal generators contralateral at the CI for the five children.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary electrophysiological study confirms the value and the limits of independent component analysis. It could allow longitudinal studies in cochlear implant users to examine the maturation of auditory cortex. It could also be used to identify objective cortical electrophysiological measures to help the fitting of CIs in children.

Lipoleiomyosarcoma of the larynx

BACKGROUND

Lipoleiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor consisting of well-differentiated liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. The ear-nose-throat location of lipoleiomyosarcoma has not been previously described.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 37-year-old man with a dysphagia had a dyspnea after an endoscopy. A large tumor was exteriorized from the man's mouth. The lesion was pedicled to the epiglottis. A histologic examination determined that the tumor was a lipoleiomyosarcoma. MDM2 and CDK4 gene amplification were positive. Due to the risk of recurrence, a second intervention was performed to complete the excision.

CONCLUSION

These tumors develop in cavities slowly and gradually. The treatment of this lesion is surgical with a sufficient resection margin.

[Use of inomeric cement: preliminary results in revision stapes surgery]

OBJECTIVES

Lonomeric cement can be used in revision of stapes surgery to extend the long process of the incus. Indeed, necrosis of the long process of the incus is the most common peroperative finding in this surgery. The objective in this study is to describe the technique and precautions of using SerenoCem, in the reconstruction of the long process of the incus in this indication.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with necrosis of the long process of the incus were included from September 2009 to October 2010. We analyzed peroperative findings and evaluated functional results by hearing tests before and three months after surgery.

RESULTS

Nine patients, were included. The preoperative air-bone gap was 29 dB (+/- 14) whereas postoperative air-bone gap was 16 dB (+/- 10). The rate of postoperative air-bone gap closure to within 10 dB was 55% (n = 5). No sensorineural hearing loss occured in this study. Results of revision surgery were more successful when the piston is directly attached to the incus remnant and stabilized with cement, compared to incus reconstruction followed by piston attachment.

CONCLUSION

Ionomeric cement permits reconstruction of the necrosis of the long process of the incus during revision surgery. Preliminary results reveal a significant hearing improvement, without complementary morbidity.

Cemento-ossifying fibroma involving paranasal sinuses and skull base

INTRODUCTION

Ossifying fibroma is a rare benign fibro-osseous lesion that usually affects mandible and maxillary bone. Their localisation to paranasal sinus and skull base is uncommon.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We report a huge recurrence of ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid paranasal sinus involving the skull base.

CASE REPORT

Ten years after the removal of ossifying of the ethmoid 34 year old man presented headache with diplopia. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) showed a recurrent tumour witch extended to the nasal cavity, the sphenoid and the posterior ethmoid sinuses, and the skull base. The tumour was totally removed using an anterior subcranial approach with removal of the orbital rim. Histopathology confirmed an ossifying fibroma. Two years later a subdural empyema with frontal suppuration necessited to remove the frontal bone flap, which was re-constructed 12 months later using a synthetic material.

CONCLUSION

Ossifying fibroma is a rare, benign tumour witch may recur if incomplete resection is performed. A long follow up with CT scan and MRI is required.

[Submental flap for auricule reconstruction]

OBJECTIVE

We present our experience in the use of submental flap in reconstruction of post-auricular excision defects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three patients underwent reconstruction with submental flap.

RESULTS

The submental flap has been used in 3 patients for auricular defect reconstruction. All patients had a carcinoma involving the auricle. All the donor site defects were closed primarily. Outcomes were simple. In one case, we noticed a partial necrosis of the flap extremity.

CONCLUSION

The submental flap produces excellent skin color and contour. It leaves a very well-hidden donor site. The operative technique makes it easy to use. So, the submental flap has definite advantages over distant flaps and it is a useful addition to the reconstruction in head and neck surgery.

[Metastatic melanoma to the oropharynx]

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic mucosal melanoma to the oropharyngeal area is extremely rare. Only 0.6% to 3% of patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma will have metastases to the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract.

CASE REPORT

A 60-year-old woman presented with a past history of dorsal melanoma and metastatic inguinal node was referred to our department for odynophagia. Physical examination revealed a mass of the right tonsil. A cervico-facial computed tomography, a magnetic resonance imagery and PET-scanner were performed and showed the tumefaction located at the right tonsil. Biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. The histological examination revealed a metastatic melanoma. After discussion a palliative treatment with chemotherapy was begun. The patient died of disseminated disease 2 months after the beginning of the chemotherapy, only 4 months after the initial diagnosis.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

The case presentation indicates that careful examination of the head and neck should be part of the routine follow-up examination in all melanoma patients. The discovery of mucosal metastasis in head and neck indicated widespread dissemination and a poor prognosis.

A review of 89 revision stapes surgeries for otosclerosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the causes and the audiometric results of revision surgery following stapedotomies and stapedectomies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a series of 89 revisions after surgery for otosclerosis between 1993 and 2008. Intraoperative findings, causes of failure, and pre- and postoperative audiometric results were noted retrospectively.

RESULTS

The leading causes of failure found intraoperatively included dislocated prosthesis and necrosis of the long process of the incus. The average postoperative air-bone gap was 13 dB. Closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB was achieved in 52% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Stapes revisions had less satisfactory results compared with primary procedures in this series. However, certain precautions during initial surgery should decrease the number of stapes surgery revisions.

Cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary sinus

INTRODUCTION

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) can be found in several areas of the body. Maxillary sinus localization is considered rare.

CASE REPORT

A 37-year-old male presented with acute febrile sinusitis. Nasal endoscopy showed a nasal polyp at the middle meatus. Computed Tomography (CT scan) of the sinus showed complete opacity of the right maxillary sinus without calcification and partial opacification of frontal and ethmoidal sinuses. Functional endoscopic sinus approach was performed. Marsupialization of the cyst which a brownish fluid, which evoked the diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma.

CONCLUSION

The definite diagnosis is made by histology, although intra-operative finding could be suggestive. Complete excision is achievable by endoscopic approach.

[Microdebrider-assisted partial turbinoplasty: technique and results in perennial non-allergic rhinitis]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess objective and subjective outcomes in patients with perennial non-allergic rhinitis who had undergone endoscopic microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients (13 men and 7 women; age range, 15-64 years; mean age, 42.6 years) were included in a prospective study. Each patient had a perennial non-allergic rhinitis with substantial mucosal hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates, resistant to a 4- to 6-week course of nasal saline irrigations and nasal steroid spray. Then, they underwent endoscopic microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty with follow-up 6 months after surgery. This technique describes an elevator incorporated into a small microdebrider blade (2.0 mm). It provides a method for achieving the goals of volumetric reduction with mucosal preservation, with 0O endoscopic guidance, and minimal risk of complications. Objective outcomes were evaluated by peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), an easy and highly reproducible measurement. Subjective symptoms were measured by a standard 10-cm visual analog scale, and analyzed before, at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Preoperative PNIF measurement was 65 L/min, 98 L/min at 1 month, 123 L/min at 3 months and 126 l/min at 6 months. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon signed rank test) showed significant improvement between preoperative and 1, 3 and 6 months. Subjective nasal obstruction improvement was statistically significant between preoperative and 1, 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty is effective for decreasing objective and subjective nasal in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis who have substantial nasal congestion.

Otosclerosis in children and adolescents: a clinical and CT-scan survey with review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of the CT-scan in the preoperative evaluation of juvenile otosclerosis and to study additional outcome data.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We performed a retrospective case series study from an academic referral hospital using data from 1992 to 2005.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected patients younger than 18-year-old who had undergone primary stapedectomy for otosclerosis among the 10 stapedectomies performed over the study period and analyzed the patients' systematic pre- and post-operative audiograms and CT-scan findings.

RESULTS

For this survey, complete data was available for 7 children, totaling 10 primary stapedectomies for otosclerosis. Their ages at diagnosis ranged from 10 to 17 years. In 4 children, CT-scan demonstrated bilateral findings typical of otosclerosis: poorly calcified foci near the fissula ante fenestram, associated with a hypodense edging surrounding the labyrinthine capsule in 2 children. The youngest patient had no CT-scan abnormalities. Stapedectomy was performed in one case and laser stapedotomy in 9 cases. Seven children were immediately improved following surgery and no postoperative facial palsy or prolonged vertigo was reported. The mean (S.D.) postoperative ABG was 6.5dB (+/-3.7). The mean closure was 19dB (+/-11.2). The mean change in high-tone bone conduction level was 1.8dB (+/-7.5). Six children had a postoperative ABG less than 10dB while in one, the ABG was inferior to 20dB.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative CT-scan is useful for the preoperative diagnosis of otosclerosis in children. The images seen must be distinguished from other footplate pathologies or deformities of the ossicular chain which are often associated with poorer surgical results. This survey provides additional evidence that stapes surgery is an effective procedure for treating juvenile otosclerosis.

Anterior cerebrospinal fluid leaks in children and adults: five years experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe surgical experience in the repair of anterior skull base defects, we studied patients with congenital or acquired defects. According to a multidisciplinary evaluation, all subjects underwent surgery performed by an ENT surgeon in order to avoid craniotomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of patients who were treated for an anterior skull base defect between 2000 and 2005 at a tertiary referral centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve patients had surgery to correct anterior skull base defects. Four patients had spontaneous anterior basal defect and eight had a post-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The diagnosis was made with imaging studies: Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, possibly supplemented by a cisternography. The defects were repaired using the endoscopic endonasal approach excepted in frontal sinus location.

RESULTS

CT and MRI scans demonstrated the defect in all but two cases. In one of them, MR cisternography showed the intranasal sac and in the other CT cisternography demonstrated a CSF fistula without any bone defect at the ethmoid roof. After surgery, the follow-up period was at least 16 months (mean 26 months). Success rate at first attempt was 83%. Two adults needed a second surgical repair with successful outcome in one, increasing the success rate to 92% after the second attempt. One female patient, obese with a body mass index > 30 and hydrocephaly, had a recurrence of CSF leakage despite surgical revision. Postoperative imaging studies, CT scan or MRI, showed that the defect had successfully been repaired in 11 patients.

CONCLUSION

High-resolution CT scan, MRI with or without cisternography, should investigate osteo-meningeal defect. Our report confirms that endonasal surgical techniques are useful for treating meningoceles and meningo-encephaloceles. The external route is to be preferred when the lesion is located in the apex of the frontal sinus.

Métastase thyroïdienne d'un cancer rénal

INTRODUCTION

Intrathyroid metastases are uncommon. Clinically, the distinction may be difficult with thyroid malignant tumor.

CASE REPORT

A 76-year-old woman was referred to our department for an evaluation of a dysphonia. She had a past history of renal cancer 6 months ago. A multinodular goiter was noticed at the palpation. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was observed; there was no cervical lymph node. Fine-needle aspiration was not contributive. Computed tomography confirmed the multinodular goiter. Total thyroidectomy was performed and final histologic examination revealed a metastasis of a renal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Even if intrathyroid metastasis are rare, the practitioner must suggest the diagnosis if the patient had a thyroid tumor and a past history of cancer. A fine-needle aspiration can help the diagnosis. The surgical management is recommended for isolated metastasis to the thyroid gland especially in renal cancer.

Neuro-endocrine adenoma of the middle ear: a case study

Neuroendocrine adenomas are rare tumors, which can appear in the middle ear. Approximately a hundred cases have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 58-year-old man who consulted for an abnormal sensation of fullness in the right ear. The otoscopic examination showed a retrotympanic tumefaction. The CT scan and MRI of the middle ear demonstrated a well-defined tissue mass without any osteolysis. We performed surgical exeresis by transcanal procedure with a cartilage graft tympanoplasty. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry revealed an endocrine adenoma of the middle ear. Neuroendocrine adenomas can develop in a number of different sites. When they appear in the middle ear they usually produce hypoacousia. The otoscopic examination shows non-specific findings with only retrotympanic swelling. Surgical exeresis enables histologic and immunohistochemically analysis of the surgical specimen. The adenoma is composed of two cellular types: neuroendocrine (which closely resemble carcinoid tumors) and glandular. Regular clinical and radiologic follow-up is necessary since recurrence is possible. The formal diagnosis of neuroendocrine adenomas of the middle ear requires histologic and immunohistochemically confirmations since the clinical symptoms are non-specific. Surgical excision with removal of the ossicular chain is the treatment of choice in order to prevent recurrence.

[Isolated tracheo-oesophageal fistula in neonates]

INTRODUCTION

Congenital isolated tracheo-oesophageal fistulae without oesophageal atresia account for about 4% of tracheo-oesophageal malformations. An Otolaryngologist, even with a paediatric practice, is unlikely to treat a lot of cases during his career. We report 3 cases and discuss the investigations and management of the fistulae.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three neonates with an isolated congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula were treated between 1997 and 2002. We describe their presentation, investigation and treatment. We present radiology, endoscopic and surgical images for one case.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis of congenital isolated fistula was 6.7 days. In retrospect, the symptoms were usually present from birth. A barium swallow had demonstrated the tracheo-oesophageal fistula in 2 infants. In all three cases the fistula was clearly visualized by tracheoscopy. The most distal fistula was 25 millimetres below the true vocal cords. The closure of the fistula was made by cervicotomy in all cases. Our results are discussed with regards to the literature.

CONCLUSION

Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistulae are rare malformations. Diagnostic delay is common. Tracheo-oesophageal endoscopy is the investigation of choice. Good results are obtained with surgery treatment via a cervical approach. The management of such fistulae requires medical teams familiar with neonatal endoscopy and cervical surgery.

Anévrysme de l’artère carotide interne dans sa portion extracrânienne

INTRODUCTION

Extracranial aneurysm of the internal carotid artery is an exceptional finding.

CASE REPORT

An 89-year-old woman consulted for a peritonsillar mass. Physical examination revealed a parapharyngeal pulsatile mass in the oropharynx. Computed tomography (CT) provided the diagnosis of extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm. Endovascular or surgical treatment were declined. Anticoagulation medication was given.

DISCUSSION

We reviewed the CT and magnetic resonance imaging findings and the clinical manifestations of extracranial internal artery aneurysm. Endovascular treatment is an alternative to open surgery.

Immunohistochemical and virological study of skin in the papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome

The pathogenesis of viral exanthems remains unclear. We have undertaken an immunohistochemical study of lesional skin biopsies in patients with the papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS) secondary to parvovirus B19 infection. Intracytoplasmic staining of the dermal endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and sweat glands was shown with an antibody to parvovirus B19. There were perivascular dermal infiltrates with T cells, sometimes with exocytosis. By polymerase chain reaction, virus DNA was detected in all skin biopsies and in one serum sample. The cutaneous manifestations of parvovirus infection seem secondary to infection of the endothelium and epidermis.