Otological manifestations in pregnant women - A study at a tertiary care hospital of eastern India

BackgroundThere are several physiological changes found in pregnant women and amongst them, otological changes are quite important. The otological manifestations in pregnant women are mainly due to changes of sex hormones levels, which return to normal in the postpartum period.ObjectiveTo report otological manifestations among pregnant women.Materials and methodsEighty-four pregnant women participated in this prospective study. A questionnaire was administered in all participants for assessing otological manifestations. The pregnant women were in the age range of 22–35 years. They underwent thorough otological and obstetric examinations. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was done for assessment of hearing loss.ResultsThe mean age of the pregnant women in this study was 26.23 years. The most common otological manifestation was sensation of ear blockage. Eustachian tube dysfunction was common in the last trimester of pregnancy. Other manifestations included vertigo and tinnitus.ConclusionThe alteration of hormonal milieu in pregnant women can lead to several otological manifestations, including eustachian tube dysfunction, hearing impairment, otitis externa, Bell’s palsy, vertigo and tinnitus. Despite these otological manifestations found in pregnant women, yet they are often neglected in clinical practice.     

Ear, nose and throat manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis)

Introduction and objectivesGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously called Wegener's granulomatosis, is a small vessel vasculitis often associated with clinical head and neck manifestations, which are sometimes the presenting symptoms of the disease. The aim of our study was to identify ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations associated with GPA and propose a work-up for the management and diagnosis for patients with suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of this ENT pathology.Patients and methodsRetrospective review of the medical records of all patients diagnosed with GPA who were seen at the Department of Otolaryngology from a tertiary public hospital in Cantabria (Spain) over a 20-year period. Clinical and laboratory data, in particular those concerning ENT manifestations, were retrieved from the patients’ medical records.ResultsTwenty-five patients (age range: 30-81 years) were included in the study. Of these, 88% had ENT manifestations at some point in the course of the disease. In 28% of the cases, ENT features were the presenting manifestations. The most frequent ENT manifestations were sinonasal symptoms (52%), followed by otological manifestations (32%).ConclusionsPatients with GPA often present with clinical ENT manifestations. Consequently, routine ENT physical examination must be performed in patients with suspected vasculitis to establish a diagnosis of GPA or to better determine the degree of organ system involvement in patients with GPA.     

Pediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis and arthritis: Forgotten complications of acute otitis media

ObjectivesTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis and ankylosis represent unusual but potential complications of ear suppuration, especially in children. We performed a review of the literature of pediatric otogenic TMJ arthritis and ankylosis, discussing their clinical and radiological features, their mechanism of infection spread, and the importance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment. We additionally describe a case of TMJ ankylosis following acute mastoiditis in a 4-year-old female patient.MethodsA search of English literature from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2021 was performed on the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) in order to identify studies concerning TMJ complication after ear suppuration.ResultsSeventeen articles were considered eligible for the review. Eight and nine studies described otogenic TMJ ankylosis and arthritis, respectively. A total of 17 children affected by ankylosis consequent to ear infection and a total of 31 cases of TMJ arthritis concurrent to otomastoiditis were identified. Mean time elapsed between ear infection and diagnosis of TMJ ankylosis was 4.8 years (range 0.5–13).ConclusionTMJ involvement during complicated otitis media should be kept in mind. Its prompt recognition is mandatory to set up appropriate treatment and follow-up and reduce the risk of ankylosis with its functional and psychological complications.     

乳突部骨化纤维瘤诊治体会

目的通过对罕见案例分析和文献复习,探讨乳突部骨化纤维瘤的临床表现、诊断及治疗,提高对该病的认识,减少临床漏诊误诊。方法分析2020年8月24日就诊的1例乳突部骨化纤维瘤的女性患者,完善术前临床及影像学检查后,在全麻下行乳突部肿瘤切除术,术后随访12个月。结果术后病理诊断为骨化性纤维瘤。患者术后恢复可,无呕吐、眩晕及面瘫。术后随访12个月,患者未再诉头痛及耳鸣等不适,无复发。结论发生在乳突部的骨化纤维瘤临床上十分罕见,早期无明显临床表现,易被漏诊。目前认为影像学与组织病理学分析是确诊及分类的主要依据,手术切除是患者出现临床症状后的首选的治疗方法,而具体的治疗方式应根据肿块的大小、侵袭程度、周围结构受累情况、临床表现以及患者的预后、耐受程度来灵活选择。     

Ear diseases and other risk factors for hearing impairment among adults: An epidemiological study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of ear diseases, other otological risk factors potentially affecting hearing, and noise exposure among adults. Furthermore, subject-related factors possibly associated with hearing impairment (HI), i.e. handedness, eye color, and susceptibility to sunburn, were studied. Design: A cross-sectional, unscreened, population-based, epidemiological study among adults. Study sample: The subjects (n =?850), aged 54–66 years, were randomly sampled from the population register. A questionnaire survey, an otological examination, and pure-tone audiometry were performed. Results: Chronic middle-ear disease (both active and inactive) was the most common ear disease with a prevalence of 5.3%, while the prevalence of otosclerosis was 1.3%, and that of Ménière's disease, 0.7%. Noise exposure was reported by 46% of the subjects, and it had no effect on hearing among those with no ear disease or other otological risk factors for HI. Dark eye color and non-susceptibility to sunburn were associated with HI among noise-exposed subjects. Conclusions: Common ear diseases and other otological risk factors constitute a major part of the etiologies of HI among adults. Contrary to previous studies, noise exposure turned out to have only marginal effect on hearing among those with no otological risk factors.     

Diagnóstico por imagen de las lesiones benignas del conducto auditivo externo

Introduction and objectivesBenign lesions of the external auditory canal (EAC) are an infrequent cause of temporal bone CT scan requests. We are not usually well versed in the different pathologies located in the EAC, perhaps because it is “only” a conduit and the relevant anatomical structures are located in the middle and inner ear.Our objective was to improve knowledge of this structure by reviewing the different benign conditions found in this location.MethodsWe reviewed the CT studies from 2 years (January 2010 through January 2012), selecting those containing lesions in the EAC. To complement this, due to the importance of these lesions, these medical histories were then analysed considering the presentation and otoscopic examination findings.ResultsThe lesions were classified according to their diagnoses: exostosis, osteoma, cholesteatoma, keratosis obturans, haemangioma, non-neoplastic aural polyp, first branchial cyst and dermatologic disease (malignant external otitis). The presence of EAC occupation in the otological examination and chronic otorrhea as the symptom of presentation were the most relevant exploratory and clinical findings.ConclusionsBenign EAC lesions are an uncommon and seldom studied cause of temporal bone CT scan requests. Knowing the most relevant clinical and radiological findings is necessary for their proper diagnosis.     

Poszczepienne gruźlicze zapalenie ucha środkowego i jego powikłania – opis przypadku

Introduction

Tuberculosis is a major problem of constant importance all over the world. Notably, in the developed countries it is due to immunosuppressive therapy and AIDS. Primary otological tuberculosis constitutes a very small share of cases of this disease. Moreover, the appearance of tuberculomas remains unique to even greater extent.

Case report

Clinical history of a patient who has already been infected tuberculosis for 60 years in result of the BCG vaccination. Ponto-cerebellum angle tumour appeared in his brain as complication ensuing the disease. The first therapeutic method used was based on antituberculous drugs, subsequent surgical intervention (cerebello-pontine angle tumor removal via translabirynthin approche) was necessary however. We suspected another cause of this lesion – cholesteatoma or facial nerve neurinoma. Correct diagnosis give only histopatological examination. Because of facial nerve palsy, facial nerve reconstruction was necessary (connection of n. VII and n. XII).

Conclusion

This case reminds us that correct diagnosis of tuberculosis remains a serious problem despite the long experience and the development of diagnostics and treatment methods. Nowadays we observe the unusual clinical manifestations of the disease (e.g. such as ear pain, tinnitus, rapid hearing loss) more frequently.     

原发性小血管炎首诊耳科2例报告并文献复习

目的 通过报告2例以耳部症状首发并首诊耳科的原发性小血管炎患者的临床表现、诊断并文献复习,探讨原发性小血管炎基本发病机制、病理、临床表现及诊断。方法 对2例患者的临床资料及诊疗经过进行分析,并复习相关文献加以探讨。结果 2例患者临床表现不一,多种途径确诊后治疗,效果良好。结论 原发性小血管炎临床表现复杂多样,极易误诊,特别是以往临床上对血管炎导致的耳科疾病认识较少,在耳科的主要表现为耳痛、耳闷、流脓、听力下降等。早期诊治是改善预后的关键,综合判断分析能减少对此病的误诊。     

Descriptive study of goat external and middle ear through computed tomography and endoscopic evaluation,compared with the human ear

ObjectiveTo describe the external and middle ear of goats, using computed tomography and endoscopic dissection, comparing them with the anatomy of the human ear, aiming to evaluate the viability of this animal model for training in otological endoscopic surgery.MethodsImages of the external and middle ear of goats were produced by computed tomography in the coronal and axial planes and analyzed. The radiological anatomy of the external and middle goat and human ear are described. Some measures of surgical interest were described, such as the length of the external auditory canal, external and internal cross-sectional area of the external auditory canal, middle ear depth, vertical angle of the external auditory canal, length of malleus and incus. After the tomographic study, we analyzed the importance of evaluations through the endoscopic dissection of the goat ear.ResultsThe bony canal is extremely tortuous and shows a bony prominence with significant elevation near the lower edge of the tympanic membrane. The middle ear has a large tympanic bulla in the hypotympanum region. The malleus is shaped similarly to that of the human, but its handle is located anterior to its head. The mastoid is not pneumatized. Compared to the human mastoid, there was a statistically significant difference in the external and internal cross-sectional area, at the depth of the middle ear, in the vertical angle of the canal and in the length of the incus.ConclusionGoat morphometric anatomy showed that this model is suitable for surgical simulation in the initial training for endoscopic otological surgery. It is an important contribution to the development of skills to accelerate the subsequent endoscopic otological surgical training in humans, despite some differences found.     

Retrospective study of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in ear,nose and neck

ObjectiveLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clinical disorder. We retrospectively analysed the clinical manifestations, treatments and prognoses of LCH cases involving the ear, nose, and neck.Materials and methods28 cases with confirmed LCH in ear, nose or neck were reviewed. We recorded patient age, sex, chief complaints, accompanying symptoms, lesional sites, radiological data, treatments and pathologies. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the patient diagnosed with LCH and Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCS).ResultsThe mean age was 14.86 years. Most LCH was in the ear (93%), usually in the mastoid. The most common symptoms were an ear mass and a purulent discharge. Imaging was not very useful. Treatments included surgery, chemotherapy, and radioactive particle implantation. Some cases exhibited multisystem involvement. Most patients enjoyed good prognoses. One patient was diagnosed with both temporal LCH and TCS. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous c.261_272delAGGTACCCTTCC(p.87_91delRGTLPinsR) mutation in exon 2 of the POLR1D gene (NM_015972).ConclusionLCH mostly occurs in children. In head and neck it affects principally the mastoid part of the temporal bone. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation. Most patients enjoy good prognoses. LCH accompanied by TCS is rare and increases the difficulty of diagnosis; molecular data aid in TCS identification.     

Das Cogan-Syndrom

Classical Cogan's syndrome is a disease of the inner ear with participation of the eyes, typically involving keratitis. If no objectively assessable optical symptoms are present, a diagnosis is difficult. Additional nonspecific symptoms can, combined with inner ear participation, suggest Cogan's syndrome. Between 2001 and 2003, we documented the course of two patients with Cogan's syndrome. As indicated in the literature, organ related symptoms could be related to a generalized vascular illness. In addition to the usual otological symptoms with cochleovestibular dysfunction and symptoms of typical and atypical ocular manifestations, other non-specific changes were found. Interstitial keratitis was diagnosed in one patient while in the second objective ophthalmological symptoms failed. The symptoms could be improved by systemic and local administration of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, however, progression of inner ear deafness could not be stopped in one patient and a cochlear implant was necessary.     

Middle ear myoclonus: Systematic review of results and complications for various treatment approaches

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pulsatile tinnitus secondary to middle ear myoclonus.Databases reviewedPubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus.MethodsA systematic review was performed using standardized methodology. Computerized and manual searches were performed to identify studies of all ages (patients) who had middle ear myoclonus (intervention). All study designs were assessed. Extracted data included demographics, clinical features, duration of followup as well as the diagnosis and reversibility of symptoms with medical or surgical intervention. Studies were included if they included subjects with middle ear myoclonus. Exclusion criteria included letters/commentaries and reviews.ResultsTwenty articles representing 115 subjects with middle ear myoclonus were included. The mean age was 29.7 (range 6–67). The follow-up period ranged from 5 weeks to 36 months. Primary treatment consists of medical therapy utilising anxiolytics, antiepileptics, botulinum toxin and surgical treatment involving division of middle ear muscular tendon(s). In total, 60 patients underwent middle ear muscular tenotomies, with division of both stapedius and tensor tympani tendons being the most prevalent (88%). Limitations in the data arose from study design, related comorbidities such as palatal myoclonus, and concomitant drug administration. No study provided any objective criteria to diagnose this condition or evaluate post-treatment outcome.ConclusionMiddle ear myoclonus is an entity that is poorly assessed in the literature. There is a lack of consensus regarding the criteria and strategies for both diagnosing and treating this condition. Although level of evidence of current studies remains modest, it is felt that a stepwise approach is deemed best, with therapeutic decisions being made on an individual basis, evaluating each patient's specific circumstances and priorities.     

Otological manifestations of wegener's granulomatosis

The otological manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis were studied in 13 patients; diagnosis was confirmed histologically in 10, and in 1 patient periarteritis nodosa presented similar appearances. One patient had destruction of the external ear, and several had refractory otitis externa, usually associated with otitis media: 3 patients had serous otitis media, 4 had purulent otitis media of a fairly mild course, while 6 had otitis media of a fulminant and long-lasting course, accompanied in 5 cases by cranial nerve palsy and in 2 by widespread destructions. Most patients had major sensory hearing loss. Two had short-lasting anacusis during exacerbation of the pulmonary lesions. Often, otological manifestations were the initial signs of the disease. It is important to bear this diagnosis in mind in cases of long-lasting and atypical inflammations and in the presence of peculiar constellations of symptoms from several different organ systems.     

Lista de verificación para la evaluación de imágenes de resonancia magnética en patología otológica

Otolaryngology specialists must be familiar with radiological studies that allow the diagnosis of different otological pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging is a complement to computed tomography, which allows a better evaluation of soft tissues and contributes to the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions located in the temporal bone and lateral skull base. It is also the technique of choice for the evaluation of the inner ear and the anatomical structures located in the cerebellopontine angle. In this article we present a checklist for magnetic resonance imaging of the ear with different sections that will allow a systematic review of all structures of interest in otological practice, as well as the preferred sequences for each situation.     

扁桃体滤泡树突细胞肉瘤1例

目的 探讨扁桃体滤泡树突状肉瘤（FDCS）的临床表现、体征、诊断、病理特征、治疗方法，提高对该病的认识，减少误诊率。方法 回顾性分析1例扁桃体FDCS疾病特征，该患者因右侧口咽肿胀入院，无明显临床症状。入院后行颌面部及颈部CT检查，结果示右侧口咽部占位性病变，病理及免疫组化检查结果为FDCS，遂对该患者行右侧扁桃体及肿物扩大切除术。结果 完全切除右侧扁桃体及肿物，术后无出血、感染等并发症。术后予以放疗，随访3个月，未见复发。结论 FDCS是一种罕见的恶性肿瘤，临床症状表现无特异性，在临床工作中易被误诊，病理学及免疫组化检查是诊断该疾病的主要方法，治疗以完全性手术切除为主，术后可辅以放疗和（或）化疗。     

以溃疡为主要表现的咽喉部病变临床诊治分析

目的 回顾分析10例以咽喉溃疡病变为主要表现患者的病历资料,为临床医师诊疗该类疾病提供参考。方法 对纳入的病例从临床表现、病变部位、溃疡特点、诊疗经过、病理诊断、预后情况进行分析,结合典型病例及文献复习阐述该类疾病的临床特点。结果 最后确诊喉结核6例(声门上区1例,声门区4例,声门下区1例),溃疡性咽喉炎2例、淋巴瘤1例、下咽癌1例。所有患者根据最后诊断接受相应治疗。结论 对咽喉部溃疡性病变,首先需明确诊断,除单纯溃疡外,应考虑到特异性感染、恶性肿瘤等疾病可能,明确诊断后才能精准施治,得到确切疗效。     

A nationwide multicenter study of the Cochlin tomo-protein detection test: clinical characteristics of perilymphatic fistula cases

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the positive rate for the Cochlin tomo-protein (CTP: an inner ear-specific protein) detection test among patients with inner ear-related clinical manifestations and evaluate the clinical characteristics of definite perilymphatic fistula (PLF).

Methods: We have performed an ELISA-based CTP detection test using middle ear lavage (MEL) samples from 497 cases of suspected PLF enrolled from 70 clinical centers nationwide between 2014 and 2015. In addition to the CTP-positive rate, audio-vestibular symptoms were compared between CTP-positive and -negative cases.

Results: 8–50% of patients in category 1 (trauma, middle and inner ear disease cases), and about 20% of those in categories 2, 3 and 4 (external origin antecedent events, internal origin antecedent events, and without antecedent event, respectively) were positive for CTP. In category 1 cases, the earlier tested samples showed a higher CTP-positive rate, whereas no differences were observed in categories 2, 3 or 4. The characteristic clinical features in the earlier tested cases were nystagmus and fistula sign in CTP test-positive cases in category 1, and streaming water-like tinnitus in those in categories 2, 3 and 4.

Conclusion: The present study clarified that CTP detection test-positive patients exist at considerable rates among patients with inner ear-related manifestations.     

Otological manifestations of Churg-Strauss syndrome

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the clinical features, pathogenesis, and management of the otological complications in Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of five patients with documented CSS who had otological manifestations in the later stages of CSS. METHODS: The history, treatment, and outcome were evaluated using office and hospital chart data in these five cases. RESULTS: In all cases, otological manifestations occurred during an advanced stage of CSS and was characterized by the presence of dense aural discharge, granulomatous eosinophilic infiltration into mastoid and middle ear, and subacute severe to profound hearing loss. In all cases, the recurrent aural discharge and granulomatous infiltrate was unresponsive to conventional treatment including repeated myringotomies and aggressive antibiotics. Systemic steroid administration resulted in a rapid, complete cessation of aural discharge and reversal or stabilization of hearing loss. Otological manifestations have been stable over a range of follow-up from 1 to 20 years on a maintenance regimen of steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal bone involvement in CSS is rare. Surgical intervention of the temporal bone is relegated to complications that may include infectious mastoiditis and intracranial involvement. Recognition of the association between CSS and otological disease is important because it is highly responsive to systemic steroids, and early steroid treatment may prevent progression to irreversible hearing loss, infectious otomastoiditis, or intracranial complications.     

Menière's disease patients improve specific posturographic parameters following diagnostic intratympanic injection

PurposeEvaluation of specific computerized posturographic parameters in patients with Menière's disease (MD) following the intratympanic injection of gadolinium, a contrast agent, used in radiological diagnosing.Materials and methodsWe have observed 12 adult patients with unilateral Menière's Disease subjected to inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination after intratympanic gadolinium injection (ITG). The diagnoses have been performed according to the guidelines of the American Academy of otolaryngology. Before and after 24 h the ITG, all patients were subjected to the clinical evaluation and computerized posturography (CP), in 4 conditions depending on open/closed eyes and with/without foam cushion under feet.ResultsAfter ITG, in the affected ear the MRI confirmed the endolymphatic hydrops revealing a thin or even disappeared perilymphatic space. The statokinesigram showed improvement of stability only with closed eyes on a foam cushion. The CP performed 24 h after the contrast intratympanic injection showed a significant reduction of Path Length and Confidence Ellipse Area, due to an improvement of vestibular function on static balance. This improvement could be directly dependent to intratympanic pressure modification mediated by volume of contrast liquid, by “columella effect”.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the absence of vestibular damage in patients undergoing intratympanic gadolinium infiltration and confirms the relationship between intratympanic pressure and vestibular stability modifications providing positive evidences for an applicative use of CP as a functional assessment to better address diagnosis and follow-up in MD patients treated with intratympanic injections.