MRI findings of the middle ear in infants

CONCLUSIONS: While infants under the age of 1 year exhibited a high rate of abnormal intensities in the middle ear and mastoid cavities, older infants showed no abnormal intensities in these regions. From the signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted MRI, the abnormal intensities in the middle ear cavity were considered to represent liquid effusion. Taken together with the findings of temporal bone CT, the abnormal intensities in the mastoid cavity were considered to represent bone marrow. OBJECTIVE: Histopathological studies of the temporal bone and tympanometry investigations have reported the presence of mesenchyme and liquid effusion in the middle ear cavity of infants. However, very few CT or MRI middle ear cavity findings of newborns and infants have been published, and none have included the mastoid cavity. We therefore performed an MRI study of the middle ear and mastoid cavities of infants under 2 years old (83 cases, 88 imaging series). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MRI (1.5 T) was originally performed on suspicion of brain disorders in infants aged under 2 years. All MRI slices were studied and classified on the basis of the distribution of abnormal intensities in the middle ear and mastoid cavities. RESULTS: All the abnormal imaging appeared in infants under 1 year old, in particular, 74.24% (n=49) of abnormal imaging appeared in the first 20 weeks after birth.     

Tympanometric findings in young infants with middle ear effusion: Some further observations

This study sought to investigate further the role of tympanometry in detecting otitis media with effusion (OME) in infants 5 months of age and below. Tympanometric data were obtained from 26 infants (40 ears) with pneumo-otoscopic diagnosis of OME. Results demonstrated normal tympanograms for 8 (20%) of the 40 ears despite the presence of effusion. Results are discussed relative to the possible explanation for normal tympanograms with fluid present in young infants.     

Optimal concentration of epinephrine for vasoconstriction in ear surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal concentration of epinephrine required for vasoconstriction in ear surgery by evaluating changes in laser doppler blood flow. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded. METHODS: Forty subjects undergoing surgical procedures under general anesthesia were injected in a standard posterior external auditory canal block with 1 mL of 1% lidocaine containing varying concentrations of epinephrine (nil, 1:50,000, 1:100,000, or 1:200,000) determined by randomization. Ear canal blood flow measurements were then made at 1-minute intervals for a 10-minute period using a laser doppler flow meter and compared with baseline blood flow. RESULTS: The control solution of 1% lidocaine had a significantly higher blood flow than the epinephrine-containing solutions with an actual 200% increase in blood flow for the first 5 minutes before returning to baseline. All epinephrine-containing solutions had an approximately 50% decrease in blood flow from baseline over the 10-minute period as compared with the control which was statistically significant (P < .0001). There was no significant difference between the blood flow reduction of 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and 1:200,000 epinephrine-containing solutions (P = .8875). CONCLUSIONS: One percent lidocaine control exhibited the expected initial vasodilatory effect for approximately 5 minutes. In this experimental model, using a lower concentration of 1:200,000 epinephrine would supply equivalent vasoconstriction in the ear compared with higher concentrations, thus reducing the possible systemic toxicity and related morbidity.     

Scanning electron microscopy findings in titanium middle ear prostheses

BACKGROUND: Titanium as a biomaterial in ossicular replacement has widely spread within the last couple of years. METHODS: 23 prostheses (12 PORPs, partial ossicular replacement prostheses and 11 TORPs total ossicular replacement prostheses) removed during revision surgery were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The average implantation time was 8 (range 3-15) months. The specimens were investigated regarding tissue growth, epithelialization, inflammation and cellular signs of rejection. RESULTS: Only few prostheses were totally covered by connective tissue or epithelium due to technical problems in removing the implant and the covering tissue as one specimen. But this offered the possibility to study the interface at the edges where the tissue was torn off. The connective tissue looked unremarkable. Polygonal squamous epithelium was detected on several implants. Respiratory epithelium with ciliated cells and mucus producing goblet cells was seen in two specimens. In cases of cholesteatoma or protrusion the explanted prostheses showed typical rosette-like formation of hornifying squamous epithelium. According to underlying disease a lymphocytic infiltration could be seen. There were no cellular signs of incompatibility noticed neither macrophages nor foreign body giant cells. CONCLUSIONS: From these investigations titanium seems to be a favorable biomaterial for ossicular replacement with good acceptance also in an implantation site showing chronic inflammation.     

Wideband middle ear power measurement in infants and children

Wideband middle ear power (WMEP) measurement is a method of middle ear analysis that may provide improved diagnostic capability over single-frequency tympanometry. However, normative data, information about test-retest reliability, and results in clinical disorders are needed for clinical application. Normative and reliability data on WMEP in children three days to 47 months of age were obtained using a prototype commercial instrument. A prospective study was conducted in children enrolled from a well-child pediatric clinic (n = 97), with comparisons of age, gender, and middle ear status and stimulus type (broadband chirp and sine wave). No significant age effect for power reflectance across the age range of this study was found, except at 6000 Hz. Significantly higher-power reflectance was found for ears with poor ear status, specifically otitis media with effusion. Smaller but nonsignificant differences in power reflectance were found for ears with positive and negative tympanometric peak pressure. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed significant correlations of 0.68 to 0.97 at various test frequencies using the chirp stimulus. Multivariate analysis of variance showed no significant effect of stimulus type (sine wave vs broadband chirp), ear, or gender. These results provide normative data for wideband middle ear power analysis for infants and children from birth to age four years.     

多频鼓室声导抗测试在婴幼儿中耳功能诊断中的应用

目的探讨不同频率探测音声导抗测试法及多频率扫描声导抗测试法对婴幼儿中耳功能的评价效率。方法 122例听力正常婴幼儿和141例听力异常婴幼儿,应用GSI Tympstar中耳分析仪,分别以226、678、1000Hz探测音及多频率扫描声导抗测试法检测中耳功能,比较分析其测试效果。结果比较听力正常组和异常组检测结果,各月龄组的678、1000Hz探测音鼓室导纳图图形特点均有统计学意义(P0.05),但226Hz探测音鼓室导纳图在6月龄婴儿的差异无统计学意义(P0.05);组间的共振频率差异在6月龄婴儿虽无统计学意义(P0.05),在6月龄婴儿则有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 3种频率探测音声导抗测试法对6月龄婴幼儿中耳功能诊断均较敏感,而678、1000Hz探测音对于6月龄婴儿中耳功能的诊断较为准确。随月龄增长,婴幼儿中耳共振频率逐渐升高,有助于评价6月龄婴幼儿的中耳功能。     

The influence of the type of breastfeeding on middle ear conditions in infants

Infants should be submitted to hearing screening upon birth, and for the results to be complete, it is necessary to assess middle ear conditions.ObjectiveTo check whether the type of breastfeeding in infants between zero and four months can impact middle ear conditions my means an ENT assessment and acoustic immittance comparing neonates who were submitted to hearing screening with those who failed it.Materials and MethodsOtoacoustic emissions (OAE) was carried out in 60 infants between zero and four months. They were distributed in two groups; group I had the infants with OAE and those infants in group II did not have OAE. They were submitted to tympanometry with a 1000 Hz test tone and ENT assessment.ResultsBottle fed infants or those who were fed in a mixed way had more changes to their audiometry and ENT assessment, with a statistically significant difference. The breastfed infants had a higher occasion of normal tympanometries and normal otorhinolaryngological assessment, with statistically significant difference.ConclusionWe then concluded that those breastfed implants had less ENT changes and as well as less acoustic immittance change, thus enabling OAEs. Breastfeeding alone can be considered a protection factor against middle ear changes.     

Sonotubometry findings in children at high risk from middle ear effusion

The functioning of the eustachian tube has an important role to play in the development of middle ear disease. It would be useful if a clinical test could assist in the identification of eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly if this is shown to be an indicator of persistent middle ear effusion. The aim of this study was to compare the results of sonotubometry using the MMS-10 instrument in children at high risk from middle ear effusion with a group of normal subjects. Forty-one subjects (age range 5–6 years) were allocated to one of two groups (experimental group, 21 subjects; control group 20 subjects) based on a questionnaire designed to identify subjects at high risk from middle ear effusion. The test protocol allowed each subject to swallow three times for each of two pure-tones (7 and 8 kHz) delivered by the nasal probe. Sonotubometry indicated opening of the eustachian tube on swallowing in around 80% of subjects. The incidence of positive findings varied greatly amongst subjects across both groups. In the control group, the mean increase in sound pressure level on swallowing was 11.5 dB (± 4.3) and 9.8 dB (± 2.5) for 7 and 8 kHz, respectively. The corresponding means for duration were 118 ms (± 47.9) and 137 ms (± 61.8). Sonotubometry failed to demonstrate a difference between the two groups of subjects. Hence, the clinical application of sonotubometry to identify subjects at high risk from middle ear effusion is not supported.     

0-12月龄婴幼儿不同频率声导抗测试研究

目的分析0~12月龄听力正常婴幼儿226Hz、678Hz和1000Hz探测音声导抗测试的结果,探讨不同频率探测音声导抗鼓室图在评价该年龄段婴幼儿中耳功能中的作用。方法 200例0~12月听力正常婴幼儿分成4组,每组50例:新生儿期(0~28d)、1~3月龄(±3d)、4~6月龄(±7d),7~12月龄(±7d),用GSI Tymp Star 2型中耳分析仪对200例(400耳)均行226Hz、678Hz和1000Hz探测音声导抗测试,分析不同年龄组婴儿、不同频率鼓室探测音声导抗图形的特点。结果 1226Hz探测音测试时,外耳道容积随着年龄的增大而增大,最大的压力峰值和声顺值随年龄增大而减小2678Hz和1000Hz探测音测试时,1~3月年龄段组的最大的压力峰值和声顺值为最小,其余年龄段组最大的压力峰值和声顺值随年龄增大而增大。相同年龄段组1000Hz鼓室探测音给声时所得最大的压力峰值和声顺值均大于678Hz鼓室探测音给声时所得最大的压力峰值和声顺值。3频率和年龄的因素对鼓室图的导纳最大的压力峰值和声顺值都有显著影响。4中耳共振频率分别为:新生儿期(0~28d)为(284±48)Hz,1~3月龄组为(293±51)Hz,4~6月龄组为(450±152)Hz,7~12月龄组为(650±205)Hz。结论在评估0~6个月婴幼儿中耳功能时,应使用1000Hz探测音声导抗,在1000Hz探测音声导抗测试出现堵塞效应时,可使用678Hz探测音做补充,7-12个月婴幼儿使用226 Hz鼓室图探测音时最好同时使用1000Hz探测音做声导抗测试,不同年龄段婴幼儿应使用不同频率的探测音以及其正常值以便于准确了解婴幼儿的中耳状态。     

Analysis of mastoid findings at surgery to treat middle ear cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVES: To analyze mastoid findings, such as facial nerve dehiscence (FND), labyrinthine fistula, and dural exposure; to review its incidence at cholesteatoma surgery; to analyze its association with semicircular canal fistula; and to elucidate its relationship with dural exposure. DESIGN: One hundred fifty-two patients (65 males and 87 females; 155 ears) were enrolled in a retrospective study of tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy. SETTING: Medical university center hospital. RESULTS: The incidence of FND after exenteration of disease was 29.7% (46/155 ears) for total surgical procedures, 29.7% (43/145 ears) for initial procedures, and 30% (3/10 ears) for revision procedures. The prevalence of FND in the tympanic segment only was 87%, with 8.7% in the vertical segment only and 4.3% in both segments. Three patients (2.0%) developed facial palsy postoperatively, with 8 lateral semicircular canal fistulas (5.2% of total ears operated on), half of these with concomitant FND. The incidence of dural exposure of the mastoid tegmen in the entire surgical group was 16.8% (26 ears), 38.5% with concomitant FND. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of FND in our sample was high at 29.7%, with rates of lateral semicircular canal fistula and dural exposure of 5.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The relationship between FND incidence and presence of lateral semicircular canal fistula was positive in our study. The surgeon should bear in mind that the location of FND with cholesteatoma coincides with the most common area of iatrogenic facial nerve injury during otologic surgery.     

Lidocaine in the middle ear

Anesthesia of the ear canal is produced by injection of lidocaine hydrochloride into the skin of the lateral external ear canal. Ear canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear surgeries are performed with this injection. The fluid found in the middle ear during tympanotomy was collected and analyzed. The percentage of lidocaine in the fluid was calculated by an enzyme immunoassay technique. Fifteen surgical cases were undertaken in which perilymphatic fluid in the middle ear would not be suspected, such as tympanotomy for otosclerosis. Lidocaine was found in all middle ears in which there was sufficient fluid to collect. The authors question the validity of using the presence of clear fluid in the middle ear, even with reaccumulation, as the sole criterion for identifying perilymph and cerebrospinal fluid.     

Sonotubometry findings in children at high risk from middle ear effusion.

The functioning of the eustachian tube has an important role to play in the development of middle ear disease. It would be useful if a clinical test could assist in the identification of eustachian tube dysfunction, particularly if this is shown to be an indicator of persistent middle ear effusion. The aim of this study was to compare the results of sonotubometry using the MMS-10 instrument in children at high risk from middle ear effusion with a group of normal subjects. Forty-one subjects (age range 5-6 years) were allocated to one of two groups (experimental group, 21 subjects; control group 20 subjects) based on a questionnaire designed to identify subjects at high risk from middle ear effusion. The test protocol allowed each subject to swallow three times for each of two pure-tones (7 and 8 kHz) delivered by the nasal probe. Sonotubometry indicated opening of the eustachian tube on swallowing in around 80% of subjects. The incidence of positive findings varied greatly amongst subjects across both groups. In the control group, the mean increase in sound pressure level on swallowing was 11.5 dB (+/- 4.3) and 9.8 dB (+/- 2.5) for 7 and 8 kHz, respectively. The corresponding means for duration were 118 ms (+/- 47.9) and 137 ms (+/- 61.8). Sonotubometry failed to demonstrate a difference between the two groups of subjects. Hence, the clinical application of sonotubometry to identify subjects at high risk from middle ear effusion is not supported.