Accessory auricle: Classification according to location, protrusion pattern and body shape

BACKGROUND: Accessory auricles (AAs) are common congenital anomalies. We present a new classification according to location and shape, and propose a system for coding the classifications. METHODS: This study was conducted by reviewing the records of 502 patients who underwent surgery for AA. AAs were classified into three anatomical types: intraauricular, preauricular, and buccal. Intraauricular AAs were divided into three subtypes: intracrural, intratragal, and intralobal. Preauricular AAs were divided into five subtypes: precrural, superior pretragal, middle pretragal, inferior pretragal, and prelobal. Buccal AAs were divided into two subtypes: anterior buccal and posterior buccal. AAs were also classified according to their protrusion pattern above the surrounding surface: pedunculated, sessile, areolar, remnant, and depressed.Pedunculated and sessile AAs were subclassified as spherical, ovoid, lobed, and nodular, according to their body shape. Cartilage root presence and family history of AA were reviewed. A coding system for these classifications was also proposed. RESULTS: The total number of AAs in the 502 patients was 1,003. Among the locations, the superior pretragal subtype (27.6%) was the most common. Among the protrusion patterns and shapes, pedunculated ovoid AAs were the most common in the preauricular (27.8%) and buccal areas (28.0%), and sessile lobed AAs were the most common in the intraauricular area (48.7%). The proportion of AAs with a cartilage root was 78.4%, and 11% of patients had a family history. The most common type of preauricular AA was the superior pretragal pedunculated ovoid AA (13.2%) with a cartilage root. CONCLUSIONS: This new system will serve as a guideline for classifying and coding AAs.

Tratamento da orelha em abano, novas e simples táticas / A novel and simple technique for the treatment of protruding ears

Introdução: A orelha de abano é uma deformidade congênita frequente que pode gerar implicações psicológicas desde a infância. Várias táticas cirúrgicas são descritas para correção deste defeito, no entanto, intercorrências frequentemente observadas pela equipe eram a presença de relevos abruptos da cruz posterior da anti-hélice e as recidivas parciais do defeito. O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar uma tática cirúrgica que minimiza essas intercorrências. Métodos: Foram realizadas 65 otoplastias no Hospital Mater Dei, em Belo Horizonte, MG, no período entre 1995 e 2015. Utilizou-se um instrumento cirúrgico elaborado pela equipe de cirurgia plástica, semelhante a uma pinça hemostática de 16 cm. Todos os pacientes foram operados sob anestesia local e sedação assistida por anestesista em ambiente hospitalar. Resultados: A correção do defeito congênito foi alcançada em todos os casos com o uso de um método comum, mas que cursou com a proposição de táticas novas e simples visando facilitar o ato cirúrgico e adquirir os resultados que foram naturais e satisfatórios. Conclusão: As táticas propostas para a cirurgia de otoplastia em abano são simples, de fácil realização, agilizaram o tempo operatório e utilizaram materiais simples, de baixo custo e de fácil aquisição. Também foram alcançados resultados estéticos satisfatórios sem se observar os estigmas decorrentes da quebra da cartilagem auricular.

Introduction: Protruding ears represent a common congenital deformity that can generate psychological implications from childhood. Several surgical techniques have been described to correct this defect; however, clinicians frequently observe the intercurrence of abrupt relief of the posterior crus of the anti-helix and a partial relapse of the original defect. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a surgical technique that minimizes these complications. Methods: Sixty-five otoplasties were performed at Mater Dei Hospital, Belo Horizonte, MG, between 1995 and 2015. A surgical instrument similar to a 16-cm hemostatic forceps was developed by the plastic surgery team. All patients were operated under local anesthesia and sedation, under the supervision of an anesthesiologist in a hospital setting. Results: Correction of the congenital defect was achieved in all cases using a common method that was performed using a simple, novel technique that facilitates surgery and obtains natural and satisfactory results. Conclusion: The proposed techniques for otoplasty of protruding ears are simple, faster, and require easily obtainable and affordable materials. Satisfactory esthetic results were also achieved without observing the stigmas arising from atrial cartilage rupture.

Complicações em Otoplastia / Complications of otoplasty surgeries

INTRODUÇÃO: Orelha em abano é caracterizada pelo pobre desenvolvimento da anti-hélice, hiperplasia da concha, ângulo céfalo-auricular anormal, lóbulo grande e proeminente ou qualquer combinação dos itens citados. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, em que foram acompanhados 60 pacientes submetidos à otoplastia, no período de janeiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2015, no Hospital Municipal Barata Ribeiro. RESULTADOS: Entre as complicações precoces, citamos infecção (0%), hematoma (1,6%) e necrose de pele (3,3%). Entre as complicações tardias: assimetria (10%), recidiva (3,3%), extrusão de pontos (10%), granuloma, cicatriz hipertrófica (0%) e queloide (0%). Quando os pacientes foram questionados quanto aos resultados obtidos com a otoplastia, 3,3% responderam que o resultado foi ruim, 3,3% regular, 3,3% bom, 3,3% ótimo e 86,8% excelente. CONCLUSÃO: As taxas de complicações precoces e tardias são semelhantes às descritas na literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Protruding ears are caused by poor development of the antihelix, hyperplasia of the concha, abnormal cephaloauricular angle, a large and prominent lobule, or any combination of the above. METHODS: A prospective study was performed, in which 60 patients who underwent otoplasty were followed up from January 2014 to January 2015 at the Hospital Municipal Barata Ribeiro. RESULTS: Early complications included infection (0%), hematoma (1.6%), and skin necrosis (3.3%). Late complications included asymmetry (10%), recurrence (3.3%), extrusion of sutures (10%), granuloma formation (0%), hypertrophic scarring (0%), and keloid formation (0%). When patients were asked to rate the otoplasty, 3.3% stated that it was poor, 3.3% fair, 3.3% good, 3.3% very good, and 86.8% excellent. CONCLUSION: The rates of early and late complications are similar to those described in the literature.

A Case of Bilateral Choanal Atresia without Stenting / 대한이비인후과학회지

Bilateral choanal atresia is a rare disorder characterized by bilateral obstruction of the posterior end of the nasal cavity. It can be present in isolation or associated with multiple disorders such as coloboma, heart defect, choanal atresia, retarded growth, genital hypoplasia, ear abnormalities (CHARGE) syndrome. Because congenital bilateral choanal atresia presents as respiratory distress at birth, immediate diagnosis and adequate treatment is required. Traditionally, using stents was a part of the postoperative treatment to provide a low rate of restenosis but recently it is controversial. Currently nasal endoscopic approach is mainly used with or without stenting. We report a case of CHARGE syndrome with bilateral choanal atresia treated by transnasal endoscopic approach without stenting.

Refinamento da técnica de Mustardé para o tratamento das orelhas proeminentes / Refinement of the Mustardé technique for the treatment of prominent ears

Introdução: Tradicionalmente, múltiplas anomalias podem causar as orelhas proeminentes e foram desenvolvidas técnicas específicas para o tratamento de cada deformidade. Neste trabalho, testou-se uma abordagem única para alcançar resultados favoráveis. Método: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os pacientes submetidos a otoplastia bilateral entre junho de 2010 e Dezembro de 2012, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 - técnica convencional de Mustardé e Grupo 2 - Refinamento da técnica de Mustardé. Para comparação foram coletados os dados referentes às complicações precoces, tardias, à necessidade de reoperação e ao grau de satisfação do paciente. A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: No Grupo 1 foram incluídos 9 pacientes tratados com a técnica tradicional de Mustardé. Houve um caso de extrusão de pontos (11,11%). Sete pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos, um satisfeito e um insatisfeito por correção insuficiente, sendo reoperado. No Grupo 2 foram incluídos 19 pacientes submetidos a uma variação da técnica de Mustardé com 3 suturas no terço médio da orelha, rotacionando posteriormente o vértice da antélice. Houve um caso de infecção bilateral (5,26%). Dezessete pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos, um satisfeito e outro insatisfeito por correção insuficiente, sendo reoperado. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. Conclusão: A identificação da alteração básica relacionada com orelhas proeminentes permite uma abordagem única, de fácil aprendizado e execução, com resultados de aparência natural e elevado grau de satisfação do paciente.

Introduction: Traditionally, multiple abnormalities can cause prominent ears, and specific techniques have been developed for the treatment of each abnormality. In this study, we tested a single approach aimed at achieving satisfactory outcomes. Method: Patients submitted to bilateral otoplasty, between June 2010 and December 2012, were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: group 1 ­ patients submitted to the conventional Mustardé technique and group 2 ­ those who underwent the modified Mustardé technique. For comparison, we collected data relating to early and late complications, requirement for a new surgery, and degree of patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test. Results: Group 1 included nine patients treated with the conventional Mustardé technique. A case of suture extrusion (11.11%) was observed. Seven patients reported to be very satisfied, one satisfied, and one dissatisfied because of insufficient correction and a subsequent need for a second surgery. Group 2 included 19 patients submitted to the modified Mustardé technique, which involved three sutures in the middle third of the ear and the posterior rotation of the vertex of the antihelix. One case of bilateral infection (5.26%) was observed. Seventeen patients reported to be very satisfied, one satisfied, and another dissatisfied because of insufficient correction, thus needing to undergo a second surgery. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: The identification of the basic abnormality associated with prominent ears allows performing a single approach that is easy to learn and implement, in addition to providing good outcome (i.e., natural appearance) and a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Clinical Manifestation and Treatment of Malleus Fixation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malleus fixation is one of the important causes of persistent conductive hearing loss. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical manifestation and the treatment outcome of malleus fixation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This study was a retrospective review of medical records between 1989 and 2008. Patients diagnosed as malleus fixation by intraoperative findings at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University Hospital were included. Those cases with chronic otitis media and congenital ossicular anomaly involving the incus or stapes were excluded. A total of 13 patients were included (M:F=4:9, Mean age: 24.4 years old). RESULTS: All patients (100%) complained of hearing loss. Preoperative mean air-bone conduction gap was 34.4 dB and 5 (83.3%) out of 6 patients had A-type in impedence audiometry and 3 (75%) out of 4 patients had negative results in Gelle test. In the temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) findings, we could identify bony spicules (2 cases), sclerosis of ligament (3 cases) and epitympanic contraction (2 cases). According to the different causes of conductive hearing loss, corrective surgery was performed: the release of bony ankylosis (2 cases), lysis of ligament (6 cases) and ossiculoplasty (5 cases) were performed. There was a statistically significant improvement in air-bone conduction gap (34.4 dB vs. 20.3 dB, p=0.009) after surgery. CONCLUSION: Considering the improvement of air-bone conduction gap after the corrective surgery, clinical suspicion of malleus fixation is important in cases of unknown conductive hearing loss.

A Narrow Internal Auditory Canal with Duplication in a Patient with Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss

A narrow internal auditory canal (IAC) with duplication is a rare anomaly of the temporal bone. It is associated with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Aplasia or hypoplasia of the vestibulocochlear nerve may cause the hearing loss. We present an unusual case of an isolated narrow IAC with duplication that was detected by a CT scan. In this case, the IAC was divided by a bony septum into an empty stenotic inferoposterior portion and a large anterosuperior portion containing the facial nerve that was clearly delineated on MRI.

Postoperative Complications Following Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Inner Ear Anomalies / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cochlear implantation is regarded as a safe and effective treatment for patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, a few patients, especially with inner ear anomalies, suffer from complications with variable degrees after operation. This study reports various complications encountered in patients with inner ear anomalies undergoing cochlear implantation in 3rd referreral center. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 342 patients who had cochlear implantation between April 1999 and December 2005. There were 70 patients with various inner ear anomalies. Immediate and delayed complications were defined according to their onset which happened within or over 1 week. Minor and Major complications were defined according to their severity which needed further operation or management. RESULTS: Among 342 patients, there were 35 cases (10.2%) with various postoperative complications. In patients with inner ear anomalies, the total number of complications was 20 cases (28.6%). There were 4 cases (5.7%) of major complications including facial nerve palsy, recurrent meningitis, device failure, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Reimplantation was performed in 3 cases (4.3%). CONCLUSION: Although the rate of postoperative complications in patients with inner ear anomalies was higher than in patients with normal inner ear, most of them were minor and could be managed with conservative treatments. The tolerable rate of major complications suggests that cochlear implantation is a safe operation even for patients with inner ear anomalies.

Osteoma of the Middle Ear: Case Report

Osteomas of the middle ear are exceedingly rare benign neoplasms. To date, only 21 cases have been reported in the literature. They arise from the promontory, the pyramidal process and the ossicles, and they are usually asymptomatic or cause some conductive hearing loss. We report here the CT & pathologic findings in a 38-year-old woman with a benign osteoma of the middle ear along with chronic otitis media.

Inner Ear Anomalies Causing Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss: CT and MR Imaging Findings

Many congenital dysplasias of the osseous labyrinth have been identified, and the differential diagnosis of these dysplasias is essential for delivering proper patient management. We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of 20 children who had congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The children included cases of enlarged vestibular aqueduct and endolymphatic sac (n=8), aplasia of the semicircular canal (n=4), lateral semicircular canal-vestibule dysplasia (n=3), common cavity malformations with a large vestibule (n=1), cochlear hypoplasia (n=1), Mondini's dysplasia with large vestibular aqueduct (n=1), Mondini's dysplasia with a large vestibule (n=1), and small internal auditory canal (n=1). Six cases were unilateral. Nine cases had combined deformities, and nine cases had cochlear implants. CT was performed with a 1.0-mm thickness in the direct coronal and axial sections with using bone algorithms. MR was performed with a temporal 3D T2 FSE 10-mm scan and with routine brain images. We describe here the imaging features for the anomalies of the inner ear in patients suffering from congenital sensorineural hearing loss.

Congenital External Auditory Canal Atresia and Stenosis: Temporal Bone CT Findings

PURPOSE: To determine the computed tomographic (CT) findings of atresia and stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC), and to describe associated abnormalities in surrounding structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the axial and coronal CT images of the temporal bone in 15 patients (M:F=8:7; mean age, 15.8 years) with 16 cases of EAC atresia (unilateral n=11, bilateral n=1) and EAC stenosis (unilateral n=3). Associated abnormalities of the EAC, tympanic cavity, ossicles, mastoid air cells, eustachian tube, facial nerve course, mandibular condyle and condylar fossa, sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb, and the base of the middle cranial fossa were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of bony EAC atresia (one bilateral), with an atretic bony plate, were noted, and one case of unilateral membranous atresia, in which a soft tissue the EAC. A unilateral lesion occurred more frequently on the right temporal bone (n=8, 73%). Associated abnormalities included a small tympanic cavity (n=8, 62%), decreased mastoid pneumatization (n=8, 62%), displacement of the mandibular condyle and the posterior wall of the condylar fossa (n=7, 54%), dilatation of the Eustachian tube (n=7, 54%), and inferior displacement of the temporal fossa base (n=8, 62%). Abnormalities of ossicles were noted in the malleolus (n=12, 92%), incus (n=10, 77%) and stapes (n=6, 46%). The course of the facial nerve was abnormal in four cases, and abnormality of the auditory canal was noted in one. Among three cases of EAC stenosis, ossicular aplasia was observed in one, and in another the location of the mandibular condyle and condylar fossa was abnormal. In the remaining case there was no associated abnormality. CONCLUSION: Atresia of the EAC is frequently accompanied by abnormalities of the middle ear cavity, ossicles, and adjacent structures other than the inner ear. For patients with atresia and stenosis of this canal, CT of the temporal bone is essentially helpful in evaluating these associated abnormalities.

The Exploratory Tympanotomy in the Conductive Hearing Loss with Normal appearing Tympanic Membrane / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exploratory tympanotomy is used in patients with conductive hearing loss when the cause of hearing loss is in doubt. By exploratory tympanotomy, the cause of conductive hearing loss could be found and corrected surgically at the same time. This study was designed to understand the pathology and the clinical feature of the conductive hearing loss with normal appearing tympanic membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with conductive hearing loss who had under gone exploratory tympanotomy, from January, 1990 to May, 1997, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 26 cases, the most common cause of the conductive hearing loss was congenital ossicular anomalies, with congenital fixations of the stapes being the most frequent among them. The other middle ear pathology included congenital cholesteatoma, sequelae of otitis media, idiopathic incus-stapes separation. In most cases, postoperative hearing has improved. CONCLUSION: Through exploratory tympanotomy, abnormal middle ear findings could be found and corrected satisfactorily in most cases of the conductive hearing loss with normal appearing tympanic membrane.

Osteoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report

An osteoma is a protruding mass composed of abnormally dense but otherwise normal bone and arises in the periosteum. It is usually found in the skull or facial bone, most often in the frontal or ethmoid sinuses, rarely occurring in the external auditory canal. The mass is usually hard and painless, and is connected to the osseous canal by its stalk or neck. Differential exestotic diagnosis is important. We report a case of osteoma of the external auditory canal.

Cholesteatoma of the Temporal Bone: MR Findings

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic capability of MR imaging for distinguishingcholesteatoma from other causes of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the MR imagesof 17 patients with a fully opacified middle ear in whom CT of the temporal bone suggested cholesteatoma. Allpatients underwent middle ear surgery and cholesteatoma was verified in 15 cases, granulation tissue in 15,cholesterol granuloma in four and hemotympanium in one. For each lesion, MR and pathologic findings werecorrelated. RESULTS: All cases of cholesteatoma showed low to intermediate signal intensity on T1-weightedimages. On T2-weighted images, 11 cases showed high signal intensity, while seven were less than CSF and four werethe same. Four cases revealed central low signal intensity with peripheral rim of high signal intensity. On GdDTPA-enhanced images, peripheral or marginal enhancement due to surrounding granulation tissue was noted in 12cases. Two appeared to be totally enhanced. One case of congenital cholesteatoma showed no enhancement. OnT2-weighted images, all cases of granulation tissue showed high signal intensity, and on neither T1- norT2-weighted images could these be distinguished from cholesteatoma. On Gd DTPA-enhanced study, all cases ofgranulation tissue were enhanced, and on T1WI, all cases of cholesterol granuloma showed homogeneous bright signalintensity on T1WI. One case of cholesterol granuloma in the mastoid showed bright signal intensity mixed withirregular areas of dark signal intensity. A further comparison of MR imaging with CT is that two case oflabyrinthitis and one of meningitis were diagnosed on Gd- enhanced T1-weighted images. CONCLUSION: Todifferentiate cholesteatoma from granulation tissue and cholesterol granuloma by the evaluation of their signalintensities and enhancement patterns, MR imaging is superior to CT. When there are cholesteatoma-associatedcomplications such as labyrinthitis or meningitis, postcontrast MR imaging can provide better information.

Aberrant Internal Carotid Artery in the Middle Ear: A Case Report

Aberrant internal carotid artery in the middle ear is a rare disease which, if unrecognized on radiological studies, can lead to serious complications during tissue biopsy. We report the imaging features of a case with aberrant internal carotid artery in the middle ear. A 60-year-old woman visited our hospital because of hearing difficulty on the right side. Temporal bone CT showed a well-defined mass of the right middle ear and lateral bony defect in the carotid canal adjacent to the mass. After arterial phase temporal bone CT with spiral CT andangiography, the mass could be diagnosed as aberrant internal carotid artery in the middle ear.