Outcomes of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty for Large Perforations: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in South Korea

Objectives@#. Endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) provides minimally invasive transcanal access to the middle ear and improves middle ear visibility for the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. However, the literature on surgical outcomes for large TM perforations is lacking and limited to small series. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of ET for large TM perforations. @*Methods@#. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at nine tertiary referral hospitals in South Korea, where 252 patients who underwent ET as primary surgery from September 2019 to August 2021 were included. The outcome measures included the graft success rate and pre- and postoperative audiometric data. @*Results@#. In 239 patients, the graft success rate of ET for large or subtotal perforations was 86.2% (206 patients), while the graft failure rate was 13.8% (33 patients). The graft failure rate was directly correlated with surgical techniques, including overlay and medial or lateral underlay tympanoplasty (P=0.027). Lateral underlay tympanoplasty showed the most favorable results. Sex, laterality, etiology, site and size of perforation, operation time, and graft materials did not vary significantly between the graft success and failure groups (P>0.05). The mean air-bone gap (ABG) improved significantly in both groups (graft success group: 10.0±0.6 dB and graft failure group: 7.7±0.3 dB; P<0.001). However, the ABG improvement did not significantly differ between the groups. Analysis of covariance revealed that the postoperative 500-Hz bone conduction threshold improved after successful ET (adjusted coefficient, –11.351; 95% confidence interval, –21.491 to –1.212; P=0.028). @*Conclusion@#. This study involved the largest population to date of large TM perforations treated by ET. The study findings suggest that ET is feasible and effective in treating large TM perforations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Ethmoidal Mucocele Presenting as Oculomotor Nerve Paralysis

A 56-year-old male was admitted with an acute headache and sudden ptosis on the right side. No ophthalmological or neurological etiologies were apparent. A mucocele of the right posterior ethmoid sinus was observed with radiology. After the marsupialization of the mucocele via a transnasal endoscopic approach, the patient's symptoms (oculomotor nerve paralysis and headache) resolved in 4 weeks. Oculomotor paralysis is a rare symptom of an ethmoidal mucocele. In this article, we report this rare case along with a literature review.

A Case of Intravestibular Lipoma Presenting with Sudden Hearing Loss / 대한이비인후과학회지

Intracranial lipomas are unfrequent tumors developed from mesenchymatous cells. The corpus callosum is the most frequent location (50%) in the intracranial regions, and these tumors are rarely present in the cerebellopontine angle, the internal acoustic meatus, or intravestibular lesions. With a review of literature, authors report a rare case of the left-sided intravestibular lipoma presented as sudden hearing loss in 17-year-old female. Furthermore, differential diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of lipomas are discussed in detail.

Clinical Characteristics and Natural Course of Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study / 대한평형의학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is suggested that some patients with benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) go on to develop migraine. However, neither the natural course nor the clinical features of BPVC have been determined, and therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and the natural course of BPVC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period January 2002 to December 2009, we reviewed the clinical records of 58 patients diagnosed with BPVC. All patients were approached by telephone and using a questionnaire. The clinical characteristics of vertigo, such as sex and age distribution, duration and frequency of vertigo, associated symptoms, development of migraine, and neurologic abnormalities, were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 73.2 months (range, 31-119 months). Patients had a mean age at onset of 11.8 years and a mean duration of 6.1 years. An obvious female predilection was found, and 40% of BPVC developed to migraine had a family history of migraine. Of the 32 patients, symptoms resolved in 68.7% but were unchanged in five patients (15.6%). BPVC developed to migraine in five patients (15.6%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that vertigo spontaneously resolves in the majority of cases. However, the incidence of development to migraine in the BPVC patients is higher than that in general population.

A Case of Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction Following Oseltamivir Medication / 대한평형의학회지

The threat of pandemic influenza has focused attention and resources on virus surveillance, prevention, and containment. The World Health Organization has strongly recommended the use of the antiviral drug, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu(R)), to treat and prevent pandemic influenza infection. In recent years, there have been case reports of vestibulocochlear events during or after oseltamivir treatment, other countries. Oseltamivir is generally well-tolerated and its most frequent adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Up to now, bilateral vestibular hypofunction after oseltamivir medication has not been reported. Herein, we report a very rare case of a 36-year-old female with bilateral vestibular hypofunction following oseltamivir medication.

Current Trends in the Treatment of Subjective Tinnitus at University Hospitals in Korea / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effective management of subjective tinnitus should start with an accurate diagnosis based on an appropriate classification. Since there is no gold standard for managing subjective tinnitus, clinicians can select from various treatment options after considering the multifactorial etiology of tinnitus. This study surveyed otologists at university hospitals in Korea to identify the treatments used for subjective tinnitus and to obtain basic information on evidence-based medicine for treating tinnitus. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A five-major-item questionnaire on current tinnitus treatments was sent by email to otologists at 37 university hospitals in Korea; 30 (81.1%) replied. RESULTS: The mean incidence of tinnitus in otology outpatient clinics was 22.7% (range 10-40%). Common treatments were oral pharmacological therapy, regular counseling with tinnitus retraining or cognitive behavioral therapy and hearing aids. Tinnitus retraining therapy and hearing aids were considered the most effective when the visual analog scale scores were 7.0 and 6.6, respectively, and considered safe when the scores were 9.9 and 9.3. Ginkgo biloba and benzodiazepines were the most frequently prescribed drugs, although their reported effectiveness was questionable. Intra-tympanic steroid injection was not considered effective (3.8) or safe (6.3). Somatosensory-based treatments such as treating neck muscle or temporomandibular joint disorders were also used to relieve a subgroup of somatic tinnitus. CONCLUSION: Our results showed trends similar to those in other countries, yet we have not reached the level of evidence-based clinical practice due to the lack of reliable and effective treatment options. Further research on tinnitus-treatments is needed, particularly about randomized controlled studies with blinding.

A Case of Tubular Adenoma in the External Auditory Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

Tumors occurring in the external auditory canal (EAC) are rare. In particular, tubular adenoma (TA) is an extremely rare sweat gland neoplasm occurring in the EAC and is generally considered as benign. Up to now, less than one hundred cases of TA have been reported in the English literature. In fact, a comprehensive review of literature shows that TA in the EAC has seldom been reported. Herein, we report a case of a 35-year-old man with TA that occured in the EAC, together with characteristic histopathological findings.