The Effect of Gingko Biloba on Hearing in Mice with Noise-Induced Temporary Threshold Shift

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gingko biloba extract is known for enhancing blood circulation, scavenging free radicals, and antagonizing against platelet-activating factor. This study evaluated the effect of Gingko biloba on the noise-induced temporary threshold shift of hearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Temporary threshold shift was induced by exposing mice to 110 dB SPL sound for 1 hour. The experimental group consisted of mice fed Gingko biloba [3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)] for 7 days before noise exposure. CMC solution without Gingko biloba was fed to control mice. Hearing threshold was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). RESULTS: The hearing threshold increased after noise exposure and recovered to normal within 5 days in all groups. Compared to control mice (fed CMC solution only), mice fed Gingko biloba showed more rapid recovery of ABR threshold at 16 kHz in all three experimental groups. At the other frequencies, there was no significant change in hearing recovery in the Gingko biloba groups. There was no difference in DPOAE between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary threshold shift of hearing after noise exposure was partly affected by oral Gingko biloba.

Superior Canal Dehiscence Patients Have Smaller Mastoid Volume than Age- and Sex-Matched Otosclerosis and Temporal Bone Fracture Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare the mastoid air-cell volume of the patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and that of the control patients with otosclerosis and temporal bone (TB) fracture. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with SCDS were enrolled and 10 patients with bilateral otosclerosis and TB fracture were selected as control groups by age and sex matching. To measure the mastoid air-cell volume, 3D reconstruction software was used. RESULTS: In 10 patients with SCDS, the mean age was 44.5 years, ranging from 16 to 79 years (M : F=4 : 6). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was 3319.9 mm3, whereas 4177.2 mm3 in the normal side (p=0.022). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in the right side of otosclerosis patients was 6594.3 mm3 and it was not different from 6380.5 mm3 in the left side (p=0.445). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in normal side of TB fracture was 6477.2 mm3. The mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was significantly smaller than that of otosclerosis and TB fracture patients (p=0.009, p=0.002, respectively). The mastoid air-cell volume in the normal side of SCDS was significantly smaller than that of TB fracture (p=0.019), but not significant with that of otosclerosis (p=0.063). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was significantly smaller than control group, which suggest that the decreased mastoid pneumatization is closely related to the generation of SCDS.

Superior Canal Dehiscence Patients Have Smaller Mastoid Volume than Age- and Sex-Matched Otosclerosis and Temporal Bone Fracture Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare the mastoid air-cell volume of the patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and that of the control patients with otosclerosis and temporal bone (TB) fracture. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with SCDS were enrolled and 10 patients with bilateral otosclerosis and TB fracture were selected as control groups by age and sex matching. To measure the mastoid air-cell volume, 3D reconstruction software was used. RESULTS: In 10 patients with SCDS, the mean age was 44.5 years, ranging from 16 to 79 years (M : F=4 : 6). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was 3319.9 mm3, whereas 4177.2 mm3 in the normal side (p=0.022). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in the right side of otosclerosis patients was 6594.3 mm3 and it was not different from 6380.5 mm3 in the left side (p=0.445). Mean mastoid air-cell volume in normal side of TB fracture was 6477.2 mm3. The mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was significantly smaller than that of otosclerosis and TB fracture patients (p=0.009, p=0.002, respectively). The mastoid air-cell volume in the normal side of SCDS was significantly smaller than that of TB fracture (p=0.019), but not significant with that of otosclerosis (p=0.063). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the mastoid air-cell volume in the SCDS side was significantly smaller than control group, which suggest that the decreased mastoid pneumatization is closely related to the generation of SCDS.

A Case of Suspension Laryngoscope Assisted Removal of Migrating Cervical Screw after Anterior Cervical Fusion / 대한이비인후과학회지

Anterior cervical approaches to the cervical spine have been widely and safely used in spine surgery in recent years; however, they also have posed some otorhinolaryngological complications. We present a case of suspension laryngoscope assisting in the removal of a cervical screw. The patient was a 63-years-old man who was operated on traumatic cervical herniated disc. Surgical interference included C5 corpectomy, iliac bone autograft, anterior cervical fusion at C4-C6 level using an anterior cervical plate and screws. Five years later, he presented a foreign body sensation in the neck and odynophagia. The laryngoscopic exam showed the medial wall of the right pyriform sinus protrusion and the migration of an upper screw was observed in plain films and computed tomography of the cervical spine. The suspenson laryngoscope and C-arm fluoroscope were used for the transpharyngeal screw removal. The removal of the screw in question was successful with no complications. We report this case with a review of the literature.

Clinical Features of Bilateral Paranasal Sinus Fungus Ball

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Paranasal sinus fungus balls occur usually in a single sinus, most frequently the maxillary sinus. The goal of this study was to delineate the clinical features of a bilateral paranasal sinus fungus ball. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed seven patients who presented with a bilateral sinus fungus ball and who received endoscopic sinus surgery between July 2004 and January 2009. We analyzed age, gender, chief complaint, associated symptoms, nasal endoscopic findings, ostiomeatal unit (OMU) computed tomography (CT) results, and surgical findings. RESULT: The male to female ratio was 1:6, and the age range was from 40 to 76 years. The chief complaints were nasal obstruction in three patients, foul odour in two, postnasal dripping in one, and cheek pain in one patient. Calcification of the paranasal sinus upon CT was observed in three cases (43%). A fungus ball was found in the maxillary sinus or middle meatus in all cases. CONCLUSION: Bilateral paranasal sinus fungus balls usually involve the bilateral maxillary sinus or middle meatus and often invade the anterior ethmoid sinus or frontal sinus.

Ultrasonography Guided Percutaneous Aspiration and Drainage of Deep Neck Abscesses / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For abscesses in the head and neck, traditional open surgical incision-and-drainage procedure may incur added morbidity and result in disfiguring scars. Therefore, a noninvasive alternative to open surgical drainage may be quite beneficial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous ultrasonography-guided aspiration and drainage in the management of the selected head and neck abscesses. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Retrospective review was done for 12 patients with unilocular or multilocular abscess sized 2 cm or more in the greatest in different locations and origins. All patients did not present imminent airway compromise and subsequently underwent ultrasonography guided aspiration and drainage. RESULTS: All of the abscesses were resolved in 11 patients within 10 days. Even multilocular abscesses were resolved without open surgical drainage. One abscess in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated persisted more than 3 weeks in spite of ultrasonography guided aspiration and drainage, and resolved by antituberculosis medication of more than 10 months. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ultrasonography-guided aspiration and drainage is a safe and effective procedure, for the abscesses in the head and neck without life threatening conditions.

Acetic Acid Induced Laryngitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acetic acid is not uncommon suicidal material and it can cause serious laryngitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, proper management, and clinical course of laryngitis induced by acetic acid. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We analyzed the medical records of 39 patients with acetic acid ingestion from 1996 to 2006, retrospectively. RESULTS: Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed supraglottic laryngeal edema or mucosal ulcer with narrowed airway in 15 cases (38.5%). More common reason of ingestion was suicidal attempt than accidental exposure. There was no significant correlation between severity and the amount of ingestion, or the reason of ingestion. Eight patients needed orotracheal intubation for airway management, but no emergency tracheotomy was imperative. Most laryngeal lesions were relieved by supportive care within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Acetic acid laryngitis could narrow airway, and could be resolved by supportive management. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was useful in evaluating laryngeal involvement and severity.