Studies on the relationship between electrogustometry and sour taste perception

OBJECTIVE: Electrogustometry is used as a measurement of taste perception. The prevailing theory is that the anodal current delivered to the tongue mucosa stimulates the sour taste receptors, but this is not universally accepted. Our aim was to evaluate to what extent electrogustometry relates to an ability to detect sour taste--rather than sweet, salt, or bitter. METHODS: We compared automated electrogustometric thresholds with visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of various tastant solutions in 114 subjects. The whole mouth, and each side of the tongue were tested separately. VAS scores from the strongest set of solutions, and the lowest electrogustometry thresholds for each location were used for statistics. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between electrogustometry threshold and the whole mouth perception of the salt taste solution. Electrogustometry correlated significantly but weakly for all taste qualities when testing was confined to left and right oral tongue. The positive predictive values of electrogustometry were no better in relation to sour taste perception than to the other taste qualities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support the theory that electrogustometry is mediated by sour taste receptors or even that it reflects the sour taste quality. We postulate that electrogustometry measures a function of taste perception, which is different from that induced by chemical stimuli.     

Aerosinusitis (author's transl)]

After distinguishing a nonobstructive from an obstructive form of aerosinusitis, different pathological changes are discussed. Two cases illustrate the possibility of endoscopic removal of submucous sinus hematomas. Nonobstructive aerosinusitis may be due to highly viscous paranasal secretion. In obstructive sinus disease intranasal application of vasoconstrictors may prevent additional aerosinusitis. In 71 patients with obstructive frontal and maxillary sinusitis, aerosinusitis followed a negative sinus pressure of 66 mm Hg and 35 mm Hg respectively. Intranasal application of a vasoconstrictive and antiexsudative solution for prophylaxis of aerosinusitis lead to an increase of negative pressure tolerance of 47-57 mm Hg.     

Orbital decompression (author's transl)]

Decompression of the orbit for retro-orbital haematoma is not usually performed. On the other hand it is recommended when ophthalmoscopy shows impending thrombosis secondary to a massive orbital haematoma. In such cases both surgical decompression of the orbit and splitting of the optic nerve sheath should be done. The indications for the surgical exposure of the optic canal are: 1. When there is progressive change on perimetry of the visual fields; 2. When there is radiological evidence of narrowing of the optic canal; 3. When there is papilloedema. Because of the magnitude of the surgery it is only rarely utilized, and a conservative management is most frequently better.     

Dacryocytography in traumatology (author's transl)]

Radiological technique in the investigation of the lacrimal system has greatly benefited from various advances in radiology; techniques of catheterisation, contrast media, seriography, subtractions, associated complex tomography (dacryocystotomography), tomodensitometry. To these may be added the dynamic nature of isotope studies (cinegammadacrycystography). These different techniques may be used in the precise analysis of the morphology of the lacrimal system, from the canaliculi to the meatuses. After reviewing normal radiological anatomy, the authors describe morphological abnormalities, according to different forms of obstruction, according to their site. This morphological discovery requires possible changes in technique (additional tomography, for example). The quality of the preoperative morphological exploration influences the quality of the therapeutic results obtained.     

Electro-acupuncture in otolaryngology (author's transl)]

As an introduction to electro-acupuncture, the author discusses the basic theory of classical acupuncture as well as the therapeutic applications of low frequency positive or negative half-waves. Electro-therapy using specific points of acupuncture which refer to selected organs can now be carried out with a compact apparatus called ELBION. This instrument had originally been designed by the author for reliable and uncomplicated applications in oto-rhino-laryngology. ELBION thus permits the realization of a complete electro-acupuncture (EAP). Typical indications for EAP, as confirmed by the author, include influenzal anosmia, Bell's paralysis and central equilibrium disturbances of the neurovascular type. EAP serves as a most helpful additional treatment in cases of frontal sinusitis, various kinds of neuralgia, cervical otalgia, as well as sialoses of obscure or chronic genesis.     

Kaposi's disease (author's transl)]

A case of Kaposi's disease is reported with a lesion in the buccal mucosa, and the history, classification, signs and symptoms, and treatment of this disease are described.     

Gardner's syndrome (author's transl)]

Gardner's syndrome is an association of rectopolyposis, to which the prognosis is related, with bony lesions : osteomas, essentially craniofacial, and osteocementosis : dental : multiple inclusions, supernumerary teeth; and cutaneous manifestations : lipomas, adenomas, fibromas ; and sometimes desmoid tumours, either cutaneous at the site of an abdominal scar, sometimes mesenteric. This complex histodysplasia, subject to the possibility of complications where it occurs (in particular craniofacial osteomas) requires digestive surveillance and further treatment when necessary : colectomy with colo-rectal anastomosis associated with coagulation diathermy of rectal polyps. When the latter is impossible, abdominoperineal excision of the rectum is followed by permanent ileostomy.     

Motion sickness (author's transl)]

A short introduction to motion sickness is followed by a historical survey of the various theories, with special reference to those concerning the inner ear. The symptomatology and the consequences of the disease are discussed. Prevention and therapy are considered.     

Cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome (author's transl)]

This rare condition associates a Pierre Robin syndrome with costal and intellectual abnormalities. It usually rapidly results in death from pulmonary complications.     

Unilateral deafness (author's transl)]

Unilateral conductive deafness has a readily determined aetiology in most cases. In contrast, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss requires more refined and extensive investigation. The most frequent causes of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in our patients were sudden deafness, Menière's disease, cranio-vertebral dysplasia and cerebellopontine angle tumors. Early diagnosis of acoustic neuroma or other lesions of the internal auditory meatus or cerebellopontine angle requires special attention. The definitive diagnosis of these tumors often demands intensive clinical investigation but a high degree of suspicion may be entertained following modern routine audiometry, vestibular function testing and radiological examination. The importance of early diagnosis of these lesions is stressed with regard to the mortality rate for larger tumors and to the preservation of facial nerve function. The reliability of different diagnostic investigations is documented.     

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (author's transl)]

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome, of genetic origin, consists invariably of an association of finger malformations, changes in the hair system and nasal malformations. There may also be other facial abnormalities. Plastic surgery may improve the appearance of these subjects.     

Muco-gingival procedures (author's transl)]

The gingival marginal region, in which the inflammatory processes of parodontal disease commence, needs to be protected by a sufficient height and thickness of attached gum. Surgical procedures for these lesions must, therefore, involve the attached gum. A variety of muco-gingival procedures have recently replaced the classical vestibular deepening operation which was always followed by a relapse.     

Stomatitis and antimitotics (author's transl)]

The authors report a case of stomatitis, in a patient receiving antimitotic therapy, which was found to be due to an acute leukosis. They feel that patients on antimitotics who develop stomatitis should have a white cell count to exclude leukosis, which is not a very rare finding today.     

Atresia of the ear (author's transl)]

The results of operations for congenital deformities of the external and middle ear throughout a 10-year period, 1962-1972, are presented. 38 ears were operated upon, of which 26 obtained an average hearing gain of 25 dB. In 12 ears no improvement was obtained, and no ear became worse. Among the 15 patients with bilateral deformities 11 obtained a postoperative hearing in one or both ears of 40 dB or better, in average 30 dB.     

Cyst of the nostril (author's transl)]

Cysts at the edge of the nostril develop from the remains of the antero-inferior prolongation of the lacrimonasal duct, in approximately 98% of cases in the woman. It is a rare condition, the diagnosis of which is easy if the practitioner has ever seen a case. Its clinical appearance is, in fact, very uniform, characterised by the appearance and increase in size of the extra-osseous neoplasm, with extension into and under the nostril. Excision is easy and should be performed by a buccal approach.     

Myoblastoma of the larynx (author's transl)]

The case of a 35-year-old man in whom a broad-based tumour of the left vocal cord was found to be the cause of hoarseness of 4 months' duration is reported. The tumour was completely removed and proved to be a myoblastoma. Twelve months postoperatively there was no recurrence. Whether these are true neoplasms in all cases is still uncertain. Recurrence, multifocal origin and malignant change, factors which cannot be excluded, underline the need for the long-term follow-up.