Treatment Efficacy of Various Maneuvers for Lateral Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo With Apogeotropic Nystagmus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives@#The aim of this study was to determine the most effective treatment approach by comparing the impacts of various otolith reduction techniques in patients with apogeotropic lateral semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (LC-BPPV). @*Methods@#We performed a multicenter randomized prospective study from January to December 2015, involving 72 consecutive patients with apogeotropic LC-BPPV. The patients were divided into three treatment groups: therapeutic head-shaking (group A), the Gufoni-Appiani maneuver (group B), and the cupulolith repositioning maneuver (CuRM; group C). Each group underwent evaluation and treatment up to the fourth week. Treatment success was defined as the disappearance of positional vertigo and nystagmus. @*Results@#This study included 72 patients (49 male and 23 female), with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 55.4±13.5 years. The mean duration of vertigo experienced prior to treatment was 3.9±4.4 days. The mean latency and duration of nystagmus were 2.7±3.0 seconds and 47.9±15.8 seconds, respectively. The overall treatment frequency was 2.0±0.9. The number of treatments differed significantly among the three groups (P0.05). However, CuRM was the only method with a 100% treatment success rate. @*Conclusion@#While no clear difference was observed among the three treatments for LC-BPPV, CuRM was found to be superior to the other approaches in the long term.

Relationship Between Dizziness With Cognitive Impairment / 대한이비인후과학회지

Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in the elderly. Various vestibular disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, can cause dizziness. The vestibular system consists of the peripheral vestibular organs in the inner ear and the extensive central nervous system from the cerebellum and brainstem to the thalamus to cortex. In particularly, vestibular sensory input plays a important role in spatial cognitive abilities such as spatial memory and spatial navigation. In the elderly, cognitive decline, such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, is a very frightening disease that worsens the quality of life. It is possible to evaluate vestibular dysfunction through vestibular function test, and there are various evaluation methods for cognitive function. The evidence has been gradually accumulating to suggest that the balance organs or ‘vestibular system,’ might also be important in the development of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Animal studies, pathologic and imaging evidence, and behavioral assays on the relationship between various diseases related to dizziness and cognitive dysfunction are supporting that. Given that vestibular dysfunction can be treated through physical-therapy such as vestibular rehabilitation, identifying and treating dizziness in older adults with and without cognitive impairment may provide potential benefits in preventing, mitigating cognitive decline.

Bilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Sepsis: A Case Report and Literature Review / 대한이비인후과학회지

Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is rare and usually indicates a serious systemic pathology. We describe an unusual case of bilateral SSNHL caused by sepsis. A 28-year-old female complained of acute-onset bilateral hearing impairment; in addition to otological symptoms, she had a systemic condition that met the criteria for sepsis. We performed a physical examination and laboratory tests to diagnose sepsis. Pure tone audiogram and videonystagmography were performed to evaluate the otological symptoms. Intravenous antibiotics and high-dose methylprednisolone were prescribed for treatment, and audiogram was repeated during that period. The fever subsided and the vital signs were stabilized. The electrolyte imbalance and abnormal urine parameters became normal. Hearing gradually recovered to a normal level on day 7 of hospitalization. In conclusion, sepsis should be considered as a cause of SSNHL. When conducting a detailed examination of patients with bilateral SSNHL, the clinician should consider systemic disease.

Underlay Versus Modified Circumferential Subannular Graft Technique in Endoscopic Tympanoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#To describe and evaluate modified circumferential subannular tympanoplasty (MCST) via endoscopic approach, we compared the results of MCST to those of the underlay technique and the results of previous studies.Subjects and Method A retrospective comparative study was conducted of 31 patients who underwent endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. Patients were classified into the MCST group (n=11) and the underlay group (n=20) according to the graft technique. Demographic data, size and location of the perforation, pre- and postoperative hearing, operating time, complication rate, and graft success rate were analyzed in each group. @*Results@#No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the demographic data or the locations of the perforations. The sizes of the perforations were 31.4±14.3% and 25.0±18.1%, respectively. The average operating times were 68.6±16.5 min and 64.9±9.3 min, respectively, and canaloplasty was not required in any patient. The postoperative hearing improvement and air-bone gap were not significantly different. No postoperative complications were observed in either group. @*Conclusion@#MCST is a feasible and effective technique for endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. The postoperative results and operating times of MCST were comparable to those of other graft techniques. MCST showed more stable results in anterior perforation than in underlay graft.

Arnold-Chiari Type 1 Malformation Mimicking Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo / 대한평형의학회지

Arnold-Chiari malformation type 1 is a congenital disease characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Most common clinical symptom is pain, including occipital headache and neck pain, upper limb pain exacerbated by physical activity or valsalva maneuvers. Various otoneurological manifestations also occur in patients with the disease, which has usually associated with dizziness, vomiting, dysphagia, poor hand coordination, unsteady gait, numbness. Patients with Arnold-Chiari malformation may develop vertigo after spending some time with their head inclined on their trunk. Positional and down-beating nystagmus are common forms of nystagmus in them. We experienced a 12-year-old female who presented complaining of vertigo related to changes in head position which was initially misdiagnosed as a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

A Case of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Vertigo during Epidural Nerve Block / 대한평형의학회지

Epidural anesthesia has significantly advanced in neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia. It is used for surgical anaesthesia and treatment of chronic pain. Hearing loss during or after epidural anesthesia is rare, and it is known to occur by the change of the intracranial pressure. Cerebrospinal fluid is connected with perilymph in the cochlear and vestibule that is important to hearing and balance. If the intracranial pressure is abruptly transferred to the inner ear, perilymph can be leak, that called perilymphatic fistula, dizziness, and hearing loss can occur suddenly. We report a 65-year-old woman who presented with acute onset dizziness and hearing loss during the epidural nerve block for back pain, wherein we speculated a possibility of perilymphatic fistula as the mechanism of hearing loss and dizziness. The mechanism of dizziness and hearing loss was suspected with perilymphatic fistula.

Incidence of Progression into Ménière Disease from Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Midterm Follow-up Study / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Ménière disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by the four major symptoms of episodic vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Sensorineural hearing loss, especially low frequency, is the characteristic type of audiogram in Ménière's disease. However, it is difficult to distinguish idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with vertigo from the first attack of Ménière disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of progression into Ménière Disease from low frequency ISSNHL. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three patients were included in this study. We classified the patients with ISSNHL according to the hearing loss in audiogram and analyzed how many of them actually progressed to Ménière disease based on diagnosis criteria. RESULTS: Among the 240 patients, 37.1% (89 patients) were confirmed low frequency ISSNHL and 14.6% (13 patients) of them were diagnosed with Meniere disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the progression from low frequency ISSNHL to Ménière disease was higher than other frequency ISSNHL, as in other studies.

A Case of Ceruminous Adenoma Arising from the External Auditory Canal / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Ceruminous adenoma is a benign neoplasm of the ceruminous gland, and its development in human external auditory canal is very rare. Due to the limited number of cases, controversy still exists about nomenclature, classification, diagnosis and its treatment. Recently we experienced a 55 years old woman who was diagnosed with ceruminous adenoma of the external auditory canal, and who was treated with wide excision. So we report this uncommon case in combination with a review of the literature.

Long-Term Results of CyberKnife Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Since the 2000s, CyberKnife radiosurgery (CKRS) is either a primary or an adjunct management approach used to treat patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). The goals of CKRS are prevention of tumor growth, preservation of cranial nerve function and prevention of new neurologic deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of CKRS, in terms of tumor control, hearing preservation, and complications. METHODS: Forty patients with VS underwent CKRS as a treatment modality for from January 2010 to February 2016. The long term results of 32 patients were evaluated who received CKRS as primary treatment. 8 patients presented with previously performed surgical resection. Information related to clinical history, Brain MRI and outcomes of patients with VS collected retrospectively by reviewing patient's chart and telephone survey. RESULTS: The mean tumor volume was 3.3 cm³ and the mean follow-up was 41 months. The most recent follow-up showed that tumor size decreased in 17 patients (42.5%), displayed no change in 19 patients (47.5%), and increased in 4 patients (10%). Progression-free survival rates after CKRS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 95%, 90%, and 90%. After CKRS, 13 patients experienced hearing degradation. The overall rate of preservation of serviceable hearing at the long-term follow-up was 60%. Vertigo, ataxia, and headache were improved after CKRS compared with pretreated status. But, facial weakness, trigeminal nerve neuropathy, and tinnitus were worsen. CONCLUSION: CKRS provide an excellent tumor control rate and a comparable hearing preservation rate in VS patients. Also CKRS is associated with low rate of cranial neuropathy, other complications.

The Change of the Auricular Shape after Middle Ear Surgery Via Retroauricular Approach; Is the Reconstruction of Posterior Auricular Muscle Effective? / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many patients experience middle ear surgery via retroauricular approach. While not a main interest of the surgery, the change of the auricular shape after surgery has been a subject of complaint by some patients. In this study, we wanted to determine if a change in the auricular shape occurs after middle ear surgery and evaluate the possibility of using reconstruction of posterior auricular muscle as a treatment option for this kind of change. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Forth patients who received middle ear surgery were enrolled in this study. Retroauricular incision and canal up mastoidectomy were carried out to all patients. The patients were separated into two groups randomly before surgery: one group that had the reconstruction of posterior auricular muscle during surgery, and the other that did not. The average of heights of the helix was compared. Also, patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about auricular shape before and after surgery. RESULTS: The heights of helix increased about 1.6 mm after surgery; however, the difference of increment as a result of reconstruction of posterior auricular muscle was not statistically significant. Questionnaire about the change of auricular shape after surgery showed that only 8% patients had noticed about the change of auricular shape after surgery. CONCLUSION: Most patients have no complaint about auricular shape after middle ear surgery via retroauricular approach. The average of heights of the helix increases after middle ear surgery. However, the reconstruction of the posterior auricular muscle is not effective for reducing the observed increment of heights of the helix following middle ear surgery via retroauricular approach.

Incidence of Gastric Cancer in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cancer in Korea and the most common in men in the south of the country. We investigated the incidence of synchronous GC in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the southern part of Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HNSCC patients treated between 2011 and 2014. In patients with synchronous GC, evaluation included a history of smoking and alcohol consumption, endoscopic findings, Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test, and immunohistochemical analysis of preserved HNSCC tissues. RESULTS: Analysis of the records of 153 HNSCC patients revealed tumors of the larynx in 56 patients (36.6%), of the pharynx in 74 patients (48.4%), and tumors at other locations in 23 patients (15.0%). The mean age of patients was 66.0 years, and the men:women ratio was 8:1. Synchronous cancers were detected in 12 patients. We observed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in five patients (3.3%), and gastric adenocarcinoma in seven patients (4.6%). Synchronous GC was detected in patients with laryngeal SCC. All cases of GC were classified as early GC. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous GC was as frequent as esophageal SCC in patients with HNSCC, and all cases of GC were observed to be early stage cancers in this study. Thorough endoscopic examination should be performed in patients with laryngeal cancer to detect the presence of synchronous GC.

Correlation between Rotating Chair Test and Dizziness Handicap Inventory in Patients with Acute Unilateral Vestibular Neuritis / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Vestibular neuritis (VN) is one of the most common causes of acute spontaneous vertigo. However, such dizziness symptoms in patients with VN vary among patients, and various methods are used to evaluate subjective vestibular symptoms following attack of VN. Studies on correlation between subjective vestibular symptom changes and result of rotation chair test after vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) have not been reported. Therefore, we compared change of dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and results of rotation chair test in patients with VN between attack and 3 month later following VRT. METHODS: Forty-seven patients were included in this study. In patients with VN, DHI and rotation chair test were performed at the time of VN attack and recovery time of 3 months after VN attack. RESULTS: In general, the DHI score and the percentage of directional preponderance (DP) in a rotation chair test performed on patients with VN have all decreased. However, the changes in these results were not statistically significant. DP% difference and DHI score were compared to each other among patients with VN and showed no relational significance to each other (r=0.326). CONCLUSION: The degree of improvement in a rotation chair test done on patients with VN did not reflect the severity of improvement for symptom like dizziness.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Patient with Bilateral Peripheral Vestibular Deficit / 대한평형의학회지

Bilateral vestibular deficit affects far fewer patients than unilateral deficit, and thus has been understudied. When bilateral vestibular organs are injured, loss of input of vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflex that normally stabilize the eyes and body, affected patients suffer blurred vision during head movement, postural instability, and disequilibrium. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution. The rationale for the exercises, which originated from the observation that patients who were active recovered faster, was based on the supposition that the head movements that provoke the patient's dizziness play an important role in hastening the recovery process. Here the author reviews the clinical manifestation and treatment of bilateral vestibular deficit that include vestibular rehabilitation therapy and vestibular device that studied today.

Analysis of Autonomic Function Tests in Patients with Orthostatic Dizziness / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Orthostatic dizziness (OD) is defined as dizziness provoked by standing up from a supine or sitting position. It can be caused by the abnormality of autonomic nerve function system as well as vestibular system. We studied the autonomic nerve function in patients with OD. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The authors reviewed the medical records of 50 OD patients who showed normal findings of vestibular function test and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 50 patients, 34 patients were enrolled in this study. We performed a standardized autonomic function test to 34 OD patients. RESULTS: The result of autonomic nerve function test revealed abnormal findings in 26 (76%) of the 34 patients. Tests performed were for the following: sympathetic failure, including abnormal decrease in blood pressure during tilt table test, Valsalva maneuver, sympathetic skin response and heart rate response to deep breathing. CONCLUSION: Autonomic dysfunction is frequently found in patients with OD after excluding other causes with extensive investigations. Sympathetic failure or hyperactivity may be postulated as one of the possible causes of OD. Autonomic function test could be useful in understanding the mechanism of OD and treatment of OD in patients.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of most common peripheral vestibular disorders. The aim of this study was to identify recurrence in the long-term follow-up of patients with BPPV after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers, and to determine which factors contribute to recurrence. METHODS: The authors reviewed the medical records of 202 consecutive patients with BPPV during the period January 2002 to December 2004 and investigated 112 patients with BPPV treated over the same period. Finally, 71 patients were enrolled in this study. The estimated risk of recurrence used a Kaplan-Meier analysis. For long-term follow-up, patients were contacted by telephone for further information by one experienced doctor. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients with idiopathic BPPV fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Forty-two patients had posterior semicircular canal-BPPV and 29 patients lateral semicircular canal-BPPV. Recurrence rates in the posterior semicircular canal-and lateral semicircular canal-BPPV were 24% (18/42) and 41% (12/29), respectively (p>0.05). Recurrence following successful treatment during a long-term follow-up period was 23 out of 30 patients within 1 year, 5 patients between 1 and 3 years, 1 patient at between 3 and 5 years, 1 patient after 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: The authors found no significant difference between the posterior semicircular canal and lateral semicircular canal-BPPV regarding recurrence. Recurrence mostly occurred within the first 3 years (93%) following successful canalith repositioning procedure.

Bilateral Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Occurred during Dancing Rehearsal / 대한평형의학회지

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of recurrent vestibular vertigo. The etiology of BPPV is unidentified in 50%-70% of patients. However in secondary BPPV, the etiologies are well known a head injury as an example. And it has been reported that even minor head trauma can evoke BPPV. The authors experienced a case of bilateral BPPV occurred during a dancing rehearsal in a school thereby we report the case with a review of the related literatures.

Successful Treatment of Infectious Scleritis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Autologous Perichondrium Graft of Conchal Cartilage

Infectious scleritis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known vision-threatening disease. In particular, scleral trauma following pterygium surgery may increase the risk of sclera inflammation. Surgical debridement and repair is necessary in patients who do not respond to medical treatments, such as topical and intravenous antibiotics. We reports herein the effectiveness of an autologous perichondrium conchal cartilage graft for infectious scleritis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This procedure was performed on four eyes of four patients with infectious scleritis who had previously undergone pterygium surgery at Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH), Jinju, Korea from December 2011 to May 2012. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in cultures of necrotic scleral lesion before surgery. The conchal cartilage perichondrium graft was transplanted, and a conjunctival flap was created on the scleral lesion. The autologous perichondrium conchal cartilage graft was successful and visual outcome was stable in all patients, with no reports of graft failure or infection recurrence. In conclusion, autologous perichondrium conchal cartilage graft may be effective in surgical management of Pseudomonal infectious scleritis when non-surgical medical treatment is ineffective. Further studies in larger, diverse populations are warranted to establish the effectiveness of the procedure.

Clinical Characteristics and Course of Recurrent Vestibulopathy Following Diuretics Medication / 대한평형의학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent vestibulopathy (RV) is a clinical syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by multiple episodic vertigo without auditory or neurological signs or symptoms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and the natural course of RV with diuretics medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period January 2008 to December 2010, we reviewed the clinical records of 30 patients diagnosed with RV. All patients were given hydrochlorothiazide medication at least 3 months, approached by telephone and using a questionnaire to make a long term follow-up. The analysis included age, sex distribution, natural history, pure tone audiometry, caloric response, age at onset, and the characteristics of vertigo. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 29 months (range, 27-37 months). Patients had a mean age at onset of 48.2 years and a mean duration of 2.75 years. An obvious female predilection was found, and unilateral caloric paresis (> or =25%) was seen in 23.3%. Of the 30 patients, symptoms resolved in 80% but were unchanged in 20%. No patient with RV developed a central nervous system disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that in the majority of cases, vertigo resolved following diuretics medication. In cases of the patients with severe or disabling recurrent vestibulopathy, the diuretics medication may be effective in reducing the frequency of vertigo attacks.

A Case of Surgically Treated Pulsatile Tinnitus by Sigmoid Sinus Diverticulum and/or Dehiscence (SSDD) / 대한이비인후과학회지

Tinnitus is a bothersome symptom, and definite treatment of tinnitus is unclear. However, somatostatic tinnitus caused by vascular bruit is sometimes treatable. Sigmoid sinus diverticulum and/or dehiscence (SSDD) is common vascular abnormality, which is also known to cause pulsatile tinnitus. An endovascular embolization that can treat SSDD has been reported already, however, an external approach has not been reported yet in Korea. We experienced a 34-year-old woman who had complained of pulsatile tinnitus by SSDD and she was successfully treated with an external apporoach. So we report this case with a review of literatures.

A Case of Invasive Fungal Otitis Media Progressed to Brain Abscess / 대한이비인후과학회지

Although invasive fungal infections of the paranasal sinuses have been well described in immunocompromised patients, those affecting the ear and temporal bone are uncommon. For these diseases, early suspicion and proving the invasiveness of the fungus with biopsy are very important. Systemic antifungal treatment and wide surgical debridement are the treatment of choice. However, a latent infection is always at risk during the long-term medical therapy. We report, with a literature review, a case of brain abscess from invasive fungal otitis media in an immunocompromised patient who has shown improvement with earlier antifungal medication and surgical debridement.