Saccular function in otosclerosis patients: bone conducted-vestibular evoked myogenic potential analysis

Vestibular involvements have long been observed in otosclerotic patients. Among vestibular structures saccule has the closest anatomical proximity to the sclerotic foci, so it is the most prone vestibular structure to be affected during the otosclerosis process. The aim of this study was to investigate the saccular function in patients suffering from otosclerosis, by means of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential [VEMP]. The material consisted of 30 otosclerosis patients and 20 control subjects. All participants underwent audiometric and VEMP testing. Analysis of tests results revealed that the mean values of Air-Conducted Pure Tone Average [AC-PTA] and Bone-Conducted Pure Tone Average [BC-PTA] in patients were 45.28 +/- 15.57 and 19.68 +/- 10.91, respectively and calculated 4 frequencies Air Bone Gap [ABG] was 25.64 +/- 9.95. The VEMP response was absent in 14 [28.57%] otosclerotic ears. A statistically significant increase in latency of the p13 was found in the affected ears [P=0.004], differences in n23 latency did not reach a statistically significant level [P=0.112]. Disparities in amplitude of p13-n23 in between two study groups was statistically meaningful [P=0.009], indicating that the patients with otosclerosis had lower amplitudes. This study tends to suggest that due to the direct biotoxic effect of the materials released from the otosclerosis foci on saccular receptors, there might be a possibility of vestibular dysfunction in otosclerotic patients

Huge myxoid liposarcoma of the esophagus: a case report

Although esophageal liposarcoma is an extremely rare tumor, liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. Liposarcoma is currently classified into the types of well-differentiated, myxoid, round cell, pleomorphic and dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Up to now only a few cases of esophagus liposarcoma have been described in the world literature. We describe a myxoid type liposarcoma of the esophagus in a 68 year old man presented with hoarseness and intermittent dysphagea to solid food. He had a huge mass in his mouth which was mobile with gag reflex. A barium swallow, esophageal manometery and CT scan of the esophagus have not clearly revealed the mass. After endoscopic surgical resection of the tumor the histological examination revealed a myxoid liposarcoma. Both the presenting signs and symptoms and the histology type are rare for such tumor. This case demonstrate a rare differential diagnosis of intermittent dysphagia as early diagnosis is so important in those tumors and should kept in mind them, although they are quite rare