Hearing loss due to urate deposition in the middle ear: A case report and literature review

Gout is the most common cause of monoarthritis in men occurring classically in the great toe and the knee.Extra-articular gout manifestations are rare.Only a few cases of head and neck urate crystals deposits have been described in the literature.Precipitations in the middle ear cause conductive hearing loss with common otoscopic anomalies and difficult imaging diagnosis.We report a case of a healthy 58-years-old man with a middle ear urate deposit causing a progressive hearing loss as the very first symptom of gout.The nature of the deposit was unsure on computer tomography(CT)due to atypical density.The final diagnosis was revealed after surgical procedure and histologic examination.A review of the literature is also presented.Seven cases of middle ear urate deposit as the first symptom of gout were found and compared.Progressive conductive hearing loss in middle-aged patients with abnormal otoscopy and middle ear atypical density mass on CT scan must lead to a minimal surgical procedure with a histologic examination to exclude urate crystals deposits.     

Advances in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy is a commonly seen cranial nerve disease and can result in compromised facial appearance and functions. Its etiology, prognosis and treatment are still being debated. This paper is a review of recent development in the understanding of etiology, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of Bell’s palsy.     

Facial nerve hemangiomas: A review

Facial nerve hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors with primary symptoms including progressive facial nerve palsy and hearing loss. They can involve various segments of the facial nerve, especially the geniculate ganglion (G.G.). Preoperative MRI and CT imagining is of great importance for early diagnosis of such lesions. The most accepted treatment for facial nerve hemangiomas is surgical excision1 and the type of approach depends on tumor location, preoperative hearing level and tumor size. In consideration of the difficulties in differential diagnosis, otologists should pay attention to avoid missed or incorrect diagnosis in hemangiomas of facial nerve.     

Diagnostic aids for detection of oral precancerous conditions

Oral cancer has a tendency to be detected at late stage which is detrimental to the patients because of its high mortality and morbidity rates. Early detection of oral cancer is therefore important to reduce the burden of this devastating disease. In this review article, the most common oral precancerous lesions are discussed and the importance of early diagnosis is emphasized. In addition, the most common non-invasive oral cancer devices that can aid the general practitioners in early diagnosis are also discussed.     

Development of video otoscopy quiz using a smartphone adaptable otoscope

Background:Otoscopy examination can be challenging.Traditional teaching uses still image illustrations.Newer attempts use video samples to simulate the otoscopy exam which is a dynamic process.Aims/Objective:To assess whether recorded otoscopy videos from a smartphone adaptable otoscope can be used to develop a video-based otoscopy quiz which may be used for instructing and familiarizing participants to normal anatomy and pathologic ear conditions.To use this quiz to assess current pediatric residents’competency of common otoscopy diagnosis.Method and materials:This study was conducted in 2018.Video samples of ear pathology were collected at the Albany Medical Center using a smartphone adaptable otoscope-Cellscope.The videos were used to create a video otoscopy quiz(VOQ)without clinical vignettes.45 pediatric residents from 3 academic institutions were evaluated with the quiz.Results:The weighted mean for the VOQ was 66.90%(95%CI 58.89%-68.42%).The breakdown by questions are:myringosclerosis 72.88%,retraction pocket 80.65%,cholesteatoma 42.22%,hemotympanum 75.04%,tympanic membrane perforation 79.62%,cerumen impaction 95.46%,otitis externa 52.54%,otitis media with effusion 63.30%,acute otitis media 75.55%,normal ear 36.39%.Conclusion:We found that videos of otoscopy exams can be obtained with a smartphone adaptable otoscope and validated to develop a video-based quiz,which may be used to supplement otoscopic instruction.Following our testing process,we found pediatric residents are relatively well equipped to identify ear pathology on VOQ.     

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods.For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system,1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined.Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton’s method.C-shaped canals were identified in 397(34.64%) mandibular second molars by radiography(type I,31.23%;type II,38.29%;type III,30.48%).Clinical examination showed that 449(39.18%) cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems(C1,22.94%;C2,48.11%;C3a,15.59%;C3b,13.36%).As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination,C-shaped root canals were found in 473(41.27%) mandibular second molars(C1,21.78%;C2,45.67%;C3a,16.70%;C3b,15.86%).The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination(P,0.05).The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population.The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.     

Stability of computed tomography densitometry in patients with otosclerosis:a two-year follow-up

Objectives:To quantify the progression of otosclerosis in the unoperated ear between two stapedotomy procedures for patients with bilateral otosclerosis which can help to determine whether a HRCT scan should be re-performed before the second surgery for patients who already received HRCT imaging before the initial surgery.Methods:35 patients who underwent bilateral stapedotomy were included.Two rounds of HRCT examination and audiometry were performed at the time of the first surgery and second surgery on the ear that was not operated on during the initial surgery.The relationship between the changes in HRCT densitometry and audiometry over time was analyzed.Results:The second round of HRCT did not add significant information about the changes to the otosclerosis lesions in either the imaging diagnosis or the HRCT density values except for small changes in the HRCT densitometry readings at the area anterior to the inner auditory(P=0.01).While the changes in HRCT manifestation are small,changes near the fissula ante fenestram(FAF)were still positively correlated with the air bone gap(ABG)of patients(p=0.031,r=0.388).Conclusions:The progression of lesions in otosclerosis is slow resulting in small and insignificant changes to the HRCT features.Therefore,a repeat HRCT evaluations prior to surgery is not necessary for patients who have had a previous HRCT evaluation within 2 years of the operation.The small changes in HRCT manifestation near the FAF were still correlated with negative effects on the ABG which could cause worsened hearing thresholds over this timeframe。     

The prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction in a local tertiary hospital

Objective:Patients with dizziness may present with symptoms of tilting,swaying,rocking,floating or with disequilibrium.This may be suggestive of an isolated otolithic dysfunction yet,there is little emphasis on this emerging clinical entity.To characterize and describe the prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction in a local tertiary hospital and correlate them with clinical diagnosis.Methodology:Retrospective medical chart review of patients who presented with dizziness to the specialist outpatient Otolaryngology clinic,who required vestibular laboratory investigation.Results:Of the 206 patients,more than half of them(52.4%)fulfilled the criteria for either probable or definite isolated otolith dysfunction.When there are clinical symptoms of otolith dysfunction reported,there is a 1.62 odds of a remarkable laboratory otolith finding.The most common clinical finding was“no clear diagnosis”(65.5%)followed by Vestibular Migraine(13.6%).Conclusion:The prevalence of isolated otolith dysfunction is quite high.Laboratory tests of otolith function should be performed more routinely.This can be done in a sequential way to optimize cost effectiveness in countries with no insurance reimbursement.Prospective cohort studies on isolated otolith dysfunction,will lay the groundwork for achieving diagnostic consensus and formulating rehabilitation plans to aid this group of patients。     

Tinnitus and hyperacusis in children: clinic reports and basic research

Objective Tinnitus and hyperacusis are subjective symptoms which can be reported by people of any age. Although tinnitus and hyperacusis can have a negative effect on child development, these symptoms are commonly overlooked by their parents and clinicians. In this paper, we review clinical reports on tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and basic scientific studies on these disorders in order to provide updates of these disorders in the pediatric population. Recent studies have found that tinnitus and hyperacusis are not uncommon in children, especially in those with conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The parents and clinicians should pay attention when children show abnormal behaviors and especially when they develop hearing loss. Since there is no objective measurement for tinnitus and hyperacusis, the diagnosis in children can be challenging. Tinnitus and hyperacusis are also common in Williams syndrome and autism but the mechanisms are still not clear. High doses of salicylate and noise exposure can induce tinnitus. Animal studies have determined lack of inhibition in the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus may be critical for tinnitus and hyperacusis generation. The non-classic auditory system may also be involved in the awareness and tolerance of tinnitus and hyperacusis.     

Angiosarcoma of the scalp diagnosed by the presence of neck inflammation: a case report

Angiosarcoma is an uncommon malignancy,which spread out from the endothelial cells of vessels.Scalp angiosarcoma with cervical lymph node metastasis is particularly rare.This article describes a rare case of angiosarcoma of the scalp,presenting as neck inflammation.Imaging procedures such as computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance image(MRI) and ultrasonography(US) were not sufficient to diagnose this case.A needle biopsy provided an effective and accurate diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis.Additional observation and physical examination was required to diagnose the origin of the primary cancerous lesion.Once the angiosarcoma diagnosis was confirmed histologically,sequential weekly and monthly docetaxel(DTX) treatment was effective in preventing reoccurrence.Nonetheless,the optimization of angiosarcoma treatment remains a future goal.Although patients generally describe pain and swelling at the primary lesion site,this patient complained only of painful neck inflammation,without any indication of pain or swelling of the scalp.A revised diagnostic protocol should note that cervical lymph node metastasis of unknown primary origin may result from angiosarcoma of the scalp.     

小切口非超声乳化白内障囊外摘除术700例（725眼）

白内障是我国致盲率最高的眼病,基层医院面对的白内障患者以老年人居多,术后角膜内皮水肿、前房反应相对较重,影响了术后效果.传统大切口术后所产生的角膜散光是影响术后视力恢复的重要原因之一,我科通过非超声乳化术,做巩膜隧道反眉状小切口,将切口缩小至6 mm,取得了良好效果,报告如下.     

不典型Hunt综合征伴迷走神经累及4例报告

Hunt综合征是由水痘一带状疱疹病毒（VZV[1]和单纯疱疹病毒引起的,以侵犯听神经、面神经为主的多发后组脑神经疾病[2]。本病在临床上首发于耳部疼痛及疱疹的不少见,但以咽喉部等其他部位不适为主诉的不典型Hunt综合征甚少见,易延误诊治。我科2011-2012年收治了4例不典型Hunt综合征,患者均以咽喉部疼痛不适为首发症状,病程中均出现了侵犯迷走神经症状,后转入相关科室治疗。为利于今后的临床诊治,现总结报告如下。     

鼻内镜下射频治疗下鼻道穹隆部出血的临床分析

鼻出血是耳鼻咽喉科常见急重症之一，常规前鼻镜检查无法探查到出血部位的，或经前、后鼻孔填塞无效的鼻出血即难治性鼻出血，临床上处理起来较为棘手。而下鼻道穹隆部出血是难治性鼻出血最多见的情形之一，因其出血灶位置深在隐蔽，填塞物不易压迫到位，往往止血效果不佳；多次填塞可造成鼻腔黏膜损伤，而且鼻腔填塞对患者心理、生理上均伤害较大，尤其后鼻孔填塞并发症发生率较高，如急性中耳炎、急性鼻一鼻窦炎、鼻部损伤、低氧血症、诱发心肌梗死和脑血管意外等，对老年患者更具危险性。随着鼻内镜技术的发展，在鼻内镜下明确出血部位并进行治疗已成为一种常规方法。我院2005-O1-2013-01门诊及住院的2200例鼻出血患者中，有98例患者经鼻内镜下探查明确出血灶位于下鼻道穹隆部，同期进行射频止血，取得良好效果，现报告如下。     

鼻内镜下治疗顽固性鼻出血64例临床分析

顽同性鼻出血患者的出血点多位于鼻腔后端。采用传统的鼻腔填塞止血法治疗顽同性鼻出血须行后鼻孔栓塞,该方法易损伤鼻腔黏膜,常不能彻底止血,多需反复填塞,易导致鼻腔感染或其他并发症的发生,给患者带来较大痛苦。我科2007-01-2012-12应用鼻内镜对鼻腔填塞止血失败的64例顽同性鼻出血患者进行检查并止血治疗,术后应用钠吸绵填塞,疗效满意,现报告如下。     

小儿气管及支气管异物多学科协同治疗

小儿气管、支气管异物是耳鼻咽喉科常见的危急症,国外调查显示1岁以内意外死亡的患儿中40％系呼吸道异物所致。     

内镜下治疗侵及眼眶的鼻窦黏液囊肿临床分析

鼻窦黏液囊肿是一种缓慢生长的囊性病变,囊肿的持续膨胀生长可侵及整个窦腔,甚至多个窦腔,向周围延伸出现并发症。蝶额筛区黏液囊肿可向颅底及眼部侵犯,如不及时诊断、引流,会导致严重并发症。我院2007—01—2010-01采用鼻内镜手术治疗侵及眼眶的鼻窦黏液囊肿12例,取得了良好的治疗效果,现报告如下。     

二次固定法在内耳耳蜗切片标本制作中的应用

内耳耳蜗的结构非常特殊,由两套管道套叠而成：外层骨蜗管（bony cochlear duct）和内层膜蜗管（membranous cochlear duct）[1-2]。特殊的结构导致了标本制作时膜蜗管内组织极易自溶、取材耗时久、不易及时固定等难题。许多研究者采用了各自不同方法制作内耳切片标本,比较经典的有耳蜗开窗固定法[3]、颈动脉灌注法[4]、石蜡包埋切片法[5-8]、OCT包埋冷冻／恒冷切片法[9-10]、非脱钙冷冻切片法[11-12]、石蜡火棉胶双重包埋切片法[3,13]、火棉胶包埋切片法等[14],但这些方法不是未能取得满意的效果,就是制作过程复杂、周期长,难以批量制作切片标本。本研究采用心脏灌注在第一时间对豚鼠内耳组织进行初步迅速固定,再在耳蜗顶尖部及底部钻孔后二次充分固定,保留内耳膜蜗管的完整结构,以期找出一种理想的内耳切片标本制作方法。     

微动敏感床垫式睡眠监测仪在失眠症诊断中的应用

失眠症是最常见的睡眠障碍疾病类型之一,发病率高达30%以上〔1〕。对此类患者睡眠状态的客观判定主要依靠睡眠过程中PSG监测〔2〕。无捆绑、无粘贴的微动敏感床垫式睡眠监测系统是近年来新出现的一种诊断技术,它可以监测患者睡眠时的逐拍心动周期、呼吸、体动等生理信号,以此为依据判别呼吸事件以及分辨不同的睡眠时相。其优点是检查时方便、舒适,监测过程中患者的睡眠更接近自然状态,适用于临床诊断、病情评价和临床科研〔3〕。我科自2013年5月与大连市精神病医院合作,对失眠患者同时进行2种方法监测,效果良好,现报告如下。     

飞秒激光制瓣的LASIK术后高眼压引发角膜瓣下层间积液1例

1 病例资料 患者男,22岁.因右眼行飞秒激光制瓣的准分子激光手术( laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis,LASIK)后视物模糊2d于2011年11月23日来我院就诊. 3个月前患者因双眼近视于我院行飞秒激光制瓣的LASIK手术.术前资料显示右眼屈光度-8.00 D,左眼-7.50D,矫正均1.0.A超角膜厚度右眼538 μm,左眼541 μm.眼压右眼16 mmHg,左眼16.3 mmHg.     

听骨链修复与功能重建的理论与实践

旨在消除或缩小气骨导差的中耳重建技术起自20世纪初,Matte（1901）首先报道的鼓膜一镫骨连接技术（nlyringostapediopexy）被认为具有标志性意义,此后”j现了很多旨在建立鼓膜和内耳淋巴液间联系的方法。直到20世纪50年代,Zollner（1955）和Wullstein（1956）的工作使之成为公认的现代听骨重建技术的奠基者。与之相伴的外科技术以及材料科学的进步,使得中耳重建手术的效果逐步提高。虽可明品改善患者听力水平,但欲获得稳定的远期疗效仍面临许多问题。术后感染、局部粘连、排斥反应以及耳咽管功能障碍等成为影响效果的主要因素。