Myringoplasty using rotation flap of canal skin for total tympanic membrane perforation

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel technique of using rotation flap of canal skin in patients with total or subtotal tympanic membrane (TM) perforation with no anterior residual tympanic membrane.

Methods

A retrospective study of 50 patients with total or subtotal perforation repaired with rotation flap of canal skin. Clinical and audiometric data were recorded.

Results

The overall perforation closure rate was 96%. A statistically significant shortened healing time was observed.

Conclusion

The rotation flap of canal skin could be an effective and safe technique for perforations with no anterior residual TM.     

Efficacy of Curcumin in the healing of paracentesis in rats

Objectives

The present study was designed to investigate the possible beneficial effect of Curcumin (CMN) in healing of paracentesis in terms of wound thickness, sclerosis and closure by histological evaluation. To evaluate the efficacy of CMN, paracentesis was performed experimentally in the rats; and the results were presented histologically.

Methods

Sixteen, each 270–310 g weighted, healthy Sprague-Dawley female rats were included into the study. In both groups, paracentesis was performed into the eardrum bilaterally. In Group 1 (Paracentesis + Saline Group), saline drop was applied; and in Group 2 (Paracentesis + Curcumin group), Curcumin drop treatment was applied. Paracentesis area did not healed bilaterally in two rats (one in Group 1 and one in Group 2). Therefore, these two rats were excluded from the study. Histological examination performed in 14 rats and 28 temporal bones on the 15th day after the completion of drop treatment and closure of the paracentesis-area and wound healing were evaluated according to the histological examination criteria: Thickening of the tympanic membrane (ThicTM); and sclerosis.

Results

Both tympanic membrane thickening and sclerosis values of Paracentesis + Curcumin Group (Group 2) were significantly lower than those of the Paracentesis + Saline Group's (median: 2.0) (p = 0.001). Histological examination by light microscopy showed that in Paracentesis + Curcumin Group (Group 2), the structure of the tympanic membrane is near to the normal and decreased sclerosis was observed in connective tissue. Whereas in Paracentesis + Saline Group (Group 1), tympanic membrane thickening and connective tissue sclerosis were observed.

Conclusions

Curcumin improves wound healing process in paracentesis of TM. By using Curcumin drops, the closured paracentesis area was observed near to the normal eardrum; and thickness of the TM and sclerosis were less than the control, showing the improved healing at 15th day. The possible mechanisms may be anti-inflammatory effect, improving collagen deposition, and increasing fibroblast and vascular density in wounds thereby enhancing impaired wound healing.     

Loop overlay tympanoplasty for anterior or subtotal perforations

Objective

To report our experience with “loop overlay” tympanoplasty, a modified overlay technique with a superiorly based skin flap, for the reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients undergoing loop overlay tympanoplasty from March 1998 to February 2007 was performed. Four hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent loop overlay tympanoplasty and then follow-up visits a minimum of 6 months later were included in this study. Hearing test results were reported using a four-frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz) pure tone average air–bone gap. The outcome was considered successful if the TM was intact without lateralization or anterior blunting after the follow-up visit.

Results

There was a 98.8% success rate. There was no graft lateralization, anterior blunting, neocholesteatoma, or sensorineural hearing loss. The mean preoperative to postoperative four-tone air–bone gap improved from 23.5 to 8.1 dB, which is a mean gain of 15 dB; this was statistically significant (p < 0.001, paired sample t-test).

Conclusion

The loop overlay graft method is a safe and effective technique for reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total TM perforations, with excellent graft take and significant improvement of hearing. It provides a precise replacement of the flap and a preserved healing plane.     

Late crust formation as a predictor of healing of traumatic,dry, and minor-sized tympanic membrane perforations

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of crust formation on the healing of traumatic, dry, and minor-sized tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) in humans.

Study design

Case series with a chart review.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Materials and methods

The clinical records of patients with traumatic TMPs who met the case selection criteria were retrieved and categorized according to the presence of a crust and the timing of crust formation into three groups: no crust, early crust formation, and late crust formation. Healing outcomes (i.e., healing rate and time) in the three groups were analyzed.

Results

In total, 83 patients were analyzed. The perforation closure rates were 92%, 100%, and 78% in the groups with no-crust, early crust formation, and late crust formation, respectively. No significant difference was seen between the groups with no-crust and with late crust formation (p > 0.05). By contrast, closure rates differed significantly between the early and late crust formation groups (p < 0.05). Overall, the no-crust and early crust formation groups showed shorter healing times compared with the late crust formation group (p < 0.05). However, closure times did not differ significantly between groups with early crust formation and no crust (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Crust formation at the margin of a traumatic TMP may serve as a predictor of healing outcome. Compared with perforations with early crust formation or no crust, late crust formation can result in delayed healing and failure to close completely.     

Chronic tympanic membrane perforation in an animal model

Objective

The aim of this study was to revalidate and reproduce a chronic tympanic membrane perforation animal model.

Study design

Prospective, animal study.

Methods

Eight female chinchillas underwent bilateral thermal myringotomy. The edges of the perforation were folded inward using microflaps. The perforations were followed over time to monitor the course of closure.

Results

Two animals were excluded from the study because of ear infection. None of the other tympanic membrane perforations remained open. The closing time varied from 4 to 6 weeks.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the thermal myringotomy combined with infolding technique is not a reliable and consistent method to create a chronic tympanic membrane perforation. The closing time is shorter than expected and varies among the study subjects.There is a clear need for developing a reliable chronic tympanic membrane perforation model.     

Proces gojenia perforacji błon bębenkowych u szczurów

Introduction

Tympanic membrane (TM) perforations are commonly seen in clinical practice as a result of trauma or in the course of otitis media. The TM is a unique structure suspended in air which makes its healing processes different than in the skin wounds.The aim of the study was otoscopical and histological evaluation of the rat's TM healing process.

Material and methods

56 male Wistar rats were used for the study. Fifty of them had TMs perforated bilaterally using CO₂ laser, additional 6 served as a controls. The animals were sacrificed on either day 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 post injury. Process of healing was assessed otoscopicaly, subsequently TM were dissected and processed for histological evaluation.

Results

At day 6 after perforation half and on day 10 all of TM were healed. On the first day, in histological evaluation, focal thickening of the epithelial layer was observed at some distance from the edge of perforation, on the side of annulus. On the following day proliferation of epithelium covering outer surface of TM on the side of the malleus handle and annulus was clearly visible. An eosinophilic mass containing macrophages and granulocytes was seen in front of the migrating epithelium. On day 3–6 migrating epithelium reached the edge of perforation. Proliferation of the connective tissue layer followed the epithelium.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that the squamous epithelium covering the outer surface of TM constitutes the first layer which restores continuity of TM. The proliferation of the connective tissue occurs in the direct vicinity of the proliferating and migrating epithelium.     

Remote evaluation of video-otoscopy recordings in an unselected pediatric population with an otitis media scale

Background

A recently validated image-based grading scale for acute otitis media (OMGRADE) can be used to assess tympanic membrane (TM) status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of this scale for remote assessments of TM status using video-otoscopy recordings in an unselected pediatric population.

Method

Children 2–16 years attending a South African primary health clinic were offered an ear examination by an otologist using otomicroscopy. An ear and hearing telehealth facilitator then made video-otoscopy recordings (9–33 s) of the ears and uptakes were uploaded to a secure server for remote assessments in Sweden by an otologist and general practitioner at four- and eight-weeks post onsite assessment. TM appearance was judged according to the OMGRADE scale. Concordance between onsite otomicroscopy and asynchronous assessments of video-otoscopy recordings was calculated together with intra- and inter-rater agreements.

Results

One hundred and eighty ears were included. Concordance of TM classifications using the OMGRADE scale was found to be substantial (weighted kappa range 0.66–0.79). Intra- and inter-rater agreement (test–retest) was found to be substantial to almost perfect (weighted kappa range 0.85–0.88 and 0.69–0.72, respectively).

Conclusion

The OMGRADE scale can be used to accurately assess the normal TM and secretory otitis media (SOM) remotely using video-otoscopy recordings in an unselected pediatric population.     

Clinical analysis of secondary acquired cholesteatoma

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the clinical features of patients who underwent surgery for secondary acquired cholesteatoma (SAC).

Materials and methods

The subjects were 30 patients who underwent surgery for SAC in 30 ears. We investigated the age distribution, sex, tympanic membrane (TM) findings, temporal bone pneumatization, morphology of TM epidermis invasion, extent of cholesteatoma invasion, ossicular erosion, surgical methods and surgical results.

Results

There were 10 males (33.3%) and 20 females (66.6%), with a mean age 54.9 years. The TM perforation was medium-sized or larger in 27 ears (90%). Temporal bone pneumatization was poor or bad in 90% (18/20) of the evaluated ears. The cholesteatoma invaded from the malleus manubrium to the promontory in 23 ears (76.7%). There were no patients in whom the cholesteatoma invaded the antrum or mastoid. The ossicles were affected in 19 ears (63.3%). Ossiculoplasty with a columella on the stapes was the most frequent procedure, performed for 16 ears (53.3%). There were no hearing results with a postoperative air-bone gap of more than 31 dB.

Conclusions

Although SAC is rare, it is important for the clinician to keep this type of cholesteatoma in mind.     

Wyniki strukturalne myringoplastyki metodą podkładania

Introduction

The method of tympanic membrane repairing is called myringoplasty.

Aim of the study

We analysed the reasons of failure of this procedure.

Material and methods

The structural results were observed among 36 patients under restricted criteria with diagnosed chronic otitis media. The unsuccessful procedure was one with reperforation. We studied Eustachian tube function and also localisation and size of the perforation.

Results

The failure rate was 25%, which was mainly observed among individuals with incorrect Eustachian tube function – 70% and margin perforations – 50%. The localisation and the size of the perforation did not matter.

Conclusions

The main reasons of myringoplasty failure were incorrect Eustachian tube function and margin perforations of tympanic membrane.     

Inhibitory effect of N-acetyl cysteine and ascorbic acid on the development of myringosclerosis: An experimental study

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of ascorbic acid and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) antioxidants on the development of myringosclerosis (MS) in an experimental model.

Methods

Myringotomies were performed in the ears of 15 guinea pigs, and Spongostan^® pieces were placed on the perforated regions of the tympanic membrane. The subjects were divided randomly into three groups and treated with three different solutions on the Spongostan—group 1: (control, 0.9% saline), group 2 (ascorbic acid), and group 3 (NAC). On day 15 after treatment, specimens from the tympanic membranes were obtained and examined via light microscopy. Sclerosis and inflammation scores and the tympanic membrane thicknesses were evaluated. Immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the expression of VEGF, TGF-β, iNOS, and IL1-β in all groups.

Results

Lower sclerosis and inflammation scores and reduced tympanic membrane thicknesses were observed in groups treated with NAC or ascorbic acid compared with the control group. Immunohistochemical studies revealed significantly less expression of VEGF, TGF-β, and iNOS in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1. Additionally, IL1-β expression was significantly less in group 3 than in group 1. Compared with group 1, group 2 animals exhibited reduced inflammation in the lamina propria, fewer active fibroblasts, less leukocyte infiltration, and decreased thickness of the vessels; group 3 animals exhibited decreased numbers of active fibroblasts and collagen fibers in the lamina propria.

Conclusions

Inflammation scores, cellular infiltration, and expression of VEGF, TGF-β, and iNOS were reduced by ascorbic acid and/or NAC treatments, thereby decreasing MS development. Decreased expression of IL1-β was observed only in animals treated with NAC.     

Hearing loss effects of administering boric alcohol solution prepared with alcohol in various degrees on guinea pigs (an experimental study)

Objective

To investigate the ototoxic effect of boric acid solution prepared with different degree of alcohol.

Methods

This study was performed on 28 young albino guinea pigs. After the animals divided four groups prior to the application of the solution an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was applied to the each animal under general anesthesia. Their tympanic membranes perforated and test solutions were administrated to the middle ear through the perforation. On 15th day, ABR measurements were carried out and comparison was made with preadministration values.

Results

The degrees of hearing loss occurring as a result of the administration of 4% boric alcohol solutions prepared with 60° and 40° alcohol differed significantly (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

It was established that 4% boric acid solution prepared with 60 alcohol affected hearing in guinea pigs more negatively and an increase in degree of alcohol also increased the ototoxicity of the boric acid solution.     

Mucosal expression of aquaporin 5 and epithelial barrier proteins in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to characterize the association between altered epithelial barrier function, represented by changes in histology and differential expression of the mucosal water membrane permeability protein aquaporin 5 (AQP5), and the pathophysiology of chronic refractory sinusitis (CRS) in patients with and without nasal polyposis.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Tertiary rhinology referral center.

Participants

Sinonasal samples were obtained from seven CRS subjects with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), seven CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP), and five control healthy patients.

Methods

Mucosal membrane changes were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin staining of the membrane barrier and immunohistochemical staining of AQP5 expression, a membrane channel protein that affects trans-epithelial water permeability and tissue edema. AQP5 expression was confirmed by real-time PCR (rt-PCR) and western blot. Levels of other membrane proteins, including E-cadherin and Septin-2, were also assessed.

Results

CRSwNP patients showed substantial histologic evidence of membrane remodeling with increased edema and glandular hyperplasia. The epithelial expression of AQP5 was significantly lower in CRSwNP as compared to CRSsNP or control. There was no significant difference in the expression of E-cadherin and Septin-2.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data suggest that the mucosal epithelial barrier is compromised in the context of CRS (predominantly in CRSwNP) when compared to control and that AQP5 acts as a key tight junction protein in the maintenance of mucosal water homeostasis. We hypothesize that AQP5 plays a possible role in the pathophysiology of mucosal edema and polyp formation.     

The mRNA of claudins is expressed in the endolymphatic sac epithelia

Objective

Claudins are a family of membrane proteins which localize to tight junctions (TJs). Recent studies have shown that claudins can form pores for ions in the TJs and regulate the permeability of epithelial paracellular ion transport. The endolymphatic sac (ES) is a part of the inner ear, absorbing the endolymphatic fluid. ES dysfunction may result in endolymphatic hydrops. In this study, we focused on the paracellular transport and examined claudin mRNA expression in the ES epithelia.

Materials and methods

Total RNA was isolated from whole ES epithelia of rats by laser capture microdissection. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of claudins. The expression of each claudin mRNA in the epithelial cells of rat ES was confirmed by in situ hybridization.

Results

RT-PCR indicated the expression of cldn2, cldn4, cldn6, cldn7, cldn9, cldn11, cldn12, and cldn14. The expression of these claudin mRNAs in the epithelial cells of rat ES was confirmed by in situ hybridization.

Conclusion

We demonstrated mRNA expression of multiple claudins in the rat ES epithelia. These results in the ES epithelia were consistent with a role of claudins in paracellular ion transport.     

Hearing loss in the shaken baby syndrome

Objectives

To evaluate hearing in children diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted in a pediatric tertiary care center between 2006 and 2012. Children diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome were included for hearing evaluation by conventional audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses.

Results

Twenty-eight children were included (22 boys and 6 girls). The mean age of children at presentation was 8 months (range 1–26 months) and the mean delay before audiometric evaluation was 30 months (range 1–87 months). One child was diagnosed as having a moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The tympanic membrane mobility was normal (type A) for both ears in 22 children, one child had a reduced tympanic mobility in one ear, two children had a negative pressure, one child had a functional trans-tympanic tube and test was not performed in 2 patients.

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting hearing loss as a possible result of shaken baby syndrome. However, further studies with larger number of children would be preferable. We recommend hearing evaluation for these children to rule out hearing loss.     

Reduced E-cadherin expression is associated with lymph node metastases in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective

To investigate the expression of E-cadherin and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

Methods

Sixty-four patients who had previously undergone complete resection of tumor for LSCC were studied retrospectively. The level of E-cadherin expression in tumor tissues and paired nontumor tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The expression of E-cadherin in tumor tissues was significantly lower than nontumor tissues (P < 0.001). Reduced E-cadherin expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates showed a significant correlation between E-cadherin expression and patient survival rate (log-rank P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis confirmed that lymph node metastases (P = 0.001) and tumor stage (P = 0.013) were statistically significant, independent predictor of prognosis.

Conclusion

Expression of E-cadherin is an independent predictor of lymph node metastases in LSCC. However, it does not appear to be a better prognostic predictor than other established markers in LSCC.     

Lateral petrosectomy with obliteration cavity for spontaneous cerebrospinal otorrhea in children

Purpose

The most common causative factors of CSF otorrhea in children are injuries and congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone. Spontaneous CSF leak as a consequence of congenital temporal bone defects may result in recurrent meningitis. Diagnosis and management of such an entity are particularly difficult in early childhood.

Materials and methods

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features and to discuss possible methods of treatment of spontaneous CSF otorrhea in children.

Results

Severe unilateral sensorineural hearing loss or total deafness was found in children with CSF otorrhea. CT and MRI of the temporal bones revealed dehiscences in the walls of the tympanic cavity and defects of the inner ear, which were confirmed intraoperatively. Lateral petrosectomy and closure of the fistula with muscle tissue and fat obliteration cavity were performed. The children remain free of otorrhea and recurrences of meningitis.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of spontaneous otorrhea in children is based on the severe unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and presence of CSF in the middl? ear cavity. It may be successfully treated by means of lateral petrosectomy with obliteration of the vestibule with muscle tissue and tympanic cavity with fat tissue.     

Rate of tympanic membrane perforation after intratympanic steroid injection

Purpose

To determine the rate of persistent tympanic membrane perforation after intratympanic steroid injection. To determine which comorbid conditions and risk factors are associated with prolonged time to perforation closure following intratympanic steroid injection.

Clinical characterization of a novel COCH mutation G87V in a Chinese DFNA9 family

Objectives

To characterize the clinical features of a Chinese DFNA9 family associated with a novel COCH mutation and to confirm the proposed genotype–phenotype correlation of COCH.

Methods

Mutation screening of 79 deafness genes was performed in the proband by targeted next-generation sequencing. Co-segregation of the disease phenotype and the detected variants was confirmed in all family members by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. The progression of hearing impairment in affected family members was followed and the concomitant vestibular dysfunction was verified by the caloric vestibulo-ocular reflex test.

Results

A novel COCH mutation p.G87V was identified in the family segregating with late-onset, progressive sensorineural hearing impairment and consistent vestibular dysfunction.

Conclusion

The p.G87V mutation leads to a very similar phenotype as a previously reported p.G87W mutation of COCH. Our study suggested that the G87 residue is critical for function of COCH and further confirms a previously proposed genotype–phenotype correlation for DFNA9.     

Mutation analysis of seven consanguineous Uyghur families with non-syndromic deafness

Objective

To investigate the genetic causes of consanguineous Uyghur families with nonsyndromic deafness.

Method

Seven consanguineous Uyghur families with nonsyndromic deafness were recruited in this study and characterized for their audiometric phenotype. Mutation analysis of common deafness genes GJB2, SLC26A4 and MT-RNR1 was performed in all families by direct sequencing.

Result

Bi-allelic mutations in SLC26A4, including p.N392Y/p.N392Y, p.S57X/p.S57X and p.Q413R/p.L676Q, were detected in three families as the pathogenic causes for the deafness. No mutations were identified in GJB2 and MT-RNR1.

Conclusion

Mutations in SLC26A4 was the most common causes of the Uyghur consanguineous deaf families.