Effects of Amniotic Membrane Extract on the Hyperplastic Response of the Middle Ear Mucosa in a Bacterially-Induced Otitis Media Rat Model: A Preliminary Study

Objectives@#. Human amniotic membrane extract (AME) is known to contain numerous bioactive factors and anti-inflammatory substances. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of AME on the middle ear (ME) mucosa are unclear. This study assessed the effects of AME on the growth of the ME mucosa in response to bacterially-induced otitis media (OM). @*Methods@#. OM was induced by inoculating nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) into the ME cavity of rats. ME mucosal explants were cultured in AME concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 50 μg/mL. The area of explant outgrowth was measured in culture and analyzed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after explantation. The expression of Ki-67, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the explants was also evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunocytochemistry (ICC). @*Results@#. The NTHi-induced ME mucosa growth increased gradually over the 7-day culture period in all explants at different AME concentrations. There was a trend for mucosal growth inhibition at higher concentrations of AME, although the growth was not significantly different among the groups until day 5. The ME mucosal explants treated with the 50 μg/mL concentration of AME showed significantly suppressed growth on postexplantation day 7 compared with other explants on the same day. PCR and ICC staining revealed that the expression of Ki-67, MUC5AC, TNF-α, and IL-10 further decreased in the explants with higher concentrations of AME than in those with lower concentrations of AME. @*Conclusion@#. Our results showed that higher concentrations of AME reduced the mucosal proliferative response in bacterial OM in rats. These findings provide evidence that AME has an influence on the inflammatory and proliferative responses to NTHi infection in ME mucosa.

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy as a Treatment for Acute Radiculopathy after Osteoporotic Lumbar Compression Fracture: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To document unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) as a treatment for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture leads to claudication. Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with accompanying radiating pain is challenging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with an osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3 after slipping and falling. Vertebroplasty was performed for the osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3. She still complained of right lower extremity radiating pain. UBE was performed to treat acute radiculopathy. RESULTS: Foraminal decompression using UBE was performed at the L3–4 right foraminal area. Her symptoms resolved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: UBE is a useful treatment method for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Evaluation of Muscular Atrophy and Fatty Infiltration Using Time-zero Magnetic Resonance Imaging as Baseline Data, After Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated postoperative changes in the supraspinatus from time-zero to 6 months, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that restoration of the musculotendinous unit of the rotator cuff by tendon repair immediately improves the rotator cuff muscle status, and maintains it months after surgery. METHODS: Totally, 76 patients (29 men, 47 women) with rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus tendon who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were examined. MRI evaluation showed complete repair with intact integrity of the torn tendon at both time-zero and at 6 months follow-up. All patients underwent standardized MRI at our institution preoperatively, at 1 or 2 days postoperative, and at 6 months after surgery. Supraspinatus muscular (SSP) atrophy (Thomazeau grade) and fatty infiltrations (Goutallier stage) were evaluated by MRI. The cross-sectional area of SSP in the fossa was also measured. RESULTS: As determined by MRI, the cross-sectional area of SSP significantly decreased 11.41% from time-zero (immediate repair) to 6 months post-surgery, whereas the Goutallier stage and Thomazeau grade showed no significant changes (p<0.01). Furthermore, compared to the preoperative MRI, the postoperative MRI at 6 months showed a no statistically significant increase of 8.03% in the cross-sectional area. In addition, morphological improvements were observed in patients with high grade Goutallier and Thomazeau at time-zero, whereas morphology of patients with low grade factors were almost similar to before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that cross-sectional area of the initial repair appears to decrease after a few months postoperatively, possibly due to medial retraction or strained muscle.

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy as a Treatment for Acute Radiculopathy after Osteoporotic Lumbar Compression Fracture: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES@#To document unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) as a treatment for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture leads to claudication. Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with accompanying radiating pain is challenging.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with an osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3 after slipping and falling. Vertebroplasty was performed for the osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3. She still complained of right lower extremity radiating pain. UBE was performed to treat acute radiculopathy.@*RESULTS@#Foraminal decompression using UBE was performed at the L3–4 right foraminal area. Her symptoms resolved after surgery.@*CONCLUSIONS@#UBE is a useful treatment method for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Evaluation of Muscular Atrophy and Fatty Infiltration Using Time-zero Magnetic Resonance Imaging as Baseline Data, After Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND@#This study evaluated postoperative changes in the supraspinatus from time-zero to 6 months, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that restoration of the musculotendinous unit of the rotator cuff by tendon repair immediately improves the rotator cuff muscle status, and maintains it months after surgery.@*METHODS@#Totally, 76 patients (29 men, 47 women) with rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus tendon who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were examined. MRI evaluation showed complete repair with intact integrity of the torn tendon at both time-zero and at 6 months follow-up. All patients underwent standardized MRI at our institution preoperatively, at 1 or 2 days postoperative, and at 6 months after surgery. Supraspinatus muscular (SSP) atrophy (Thomazeau grade) and fatty infiltrations (Goutallier stage) were evaluated by MRI. The cross-sectional area of SSP in the fossa was also measured.@*RESULTS@#As determined by MRI, the cross-sectional area of SSP significantly decreased 11.41% from time-zero (immediate repair) to 6 months post-surgery, whereas the Goutallier stage and Thomazeau grade showed no significant changes (p<0.01). Furthermore, compared to the preoperative MRI, the postoperative MRI at 6 months showed a no statistically significant increase of 8.03% in the cross-sectional area. In addition, morphological improvements were observed in patients with high grade Goutallier and Thomazeau at time-zero, whereas morphology of patients with low grade factors were almost similar to before surgery.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results indicate that cross-sectional area of the initial repair appears to decrease after a few months postoperatively, possibly due to medial retraction or strained muscle.

Influence of Vitamin D Deficiency on Progression of Experimental Otitis Media in Rats

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune response against infection. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of vitamin D deficiency on the progression of otitis media (OM) using an experimental rat model. METHODS: Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=72) were divided into two groups based on their diet: a control diet group (n=36) and a vitamin D-deficient diet group (n=36). After 8 weeks of diet, experimental OM was induced by inoculation of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae in the middle ear cavity. The rats were evaluated with otomicroscopy to determine the inflammation in the middle ear mucosa on days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 post-inoculation. Bullae from sacrificed rats were collected and analyzed histologically. RESULTS: The middle ear mucosa from rats with vitamin D deficiency showed a significantly higher thickness than that of controls during the course of OM. The maximum mucosal thickness was 56.0±9.1 µm in the vitamin D deficiency group, and 43.9±9.8 µm in the control group, although there was no significant difference in the tympanic membrane score between the two groups evaluated with otomicroscopy. An immunohistochemical study showed increased expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α in rats manifesting vitamin D deficiency and decreased expression of IL-10 compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the pathophysiological changes of OM via altered cytokine production. Therefore, maintaining vitamin D status in the optimal range may be beneficial for proper management of OM.

Loss of Disc Height after Spontaneous Regression of a Herniated Lumbar Disc: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report 3 cases of loss of disc height after spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Reports of spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc were identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conservatively treated 3 patients who were diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. During outpatient follow-up, radiating pain improved in all patients, but they complained of chronic lower back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for diagnostic purposes. RESULTS: On MRI, spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar discs was observed, but loss of disc height was also found. CONCLUSIONS: A herniated lumbar disc may be a risk factor for loss of disc height. It is important to recognize that a patient with a herniated lumbar disc can struggle with chronic lower back pain even if spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar disc occurs.

Fistula Formation Between the Disc and Dura after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report OBJECTIVES: To document fistula formation between the disc and dura by an unrecognized dural tear after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The risk of durotomy is relatively low with PELD, but cases of unrecognized durotomies have been reported. An effective diagnostic tool for such situations has not yet been identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient twice underwent transforaminal PELD under the diagnosis of a herniated lumbar disc at L4-5. She still complained of intractable pain and motor weakness around the left lower extremity at 6 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no specific findings suggestive of violation of the nerve root. However, L5 and S1 nerve root injury was noted on electromyography. An exploratory operation was planned to characterize damage to the neural structures. RESULTS: In the exploration, a dural tear was found at the previous operative site, along with a fistula between the disc and dura was also found at the dural tear site. The durotomy site was located on the ventrolateral side of the dura and measured approximately 5 mm. The durotomy site was repaired with Nylon 5-0 and adhesive sealants. The patient's preoperative symptoms diminished considerably. CONCLUSIONS: Fistula formation between the disc and dura can be caused by an unrecognized dural tear after PELD. Discography is a reliable diagnostic tool for fistulas formed by an unrecognized durotomy.

Outcome of Canalith Repositioning Procedure in Patients with Persistent and Transient Geotropic Direction-Changing Positional Nystagmus: Short-term Follow-up Evaluation / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Patients, who showed persistent geotropic-direction changing positional nystagmus (p-DCPN) tend to have different clinical manifestations from those who showed transient geotropic DCPN (t-DCPN). We investigated the clinical characteristics between p-DCPN and t-DCPN patients, and its recovery rate after canalith repositioning procedure (CRP). METHODS: Based on the duration of nystagmus, 117 geotropic DCPN patients were classified to 2 groups, p-DCPN and t-DCPN. Barbeque maneuver had been introduced towards the opposite direction of null plane for the p-DCPN patients, and to the opposite direction of stronger nystagmus for the t-DCPN patients. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients showed t-DCPN and 43 patients were classified to the p-DCPN cases. No p-DCPN patient showed prompt improvement after the 1st canalolith reposition therapy. Among the t-DCPN patients, 18 canal switch cases were found , but, there was no canal switch cases found among the p-DCPN The CRP has showed less effective for the p-DCPN patients than the t-DCPN patients (after the 1st CRP, 37 in 74 improved, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Due to its distinguishing clinical manifestation, p-DCPN may have different pathogenesis and clinical mechanisms from t-DCPN. And for the p-DCPN patients, the CRP seems not an efficient treatment compared to the t-DCPN patients. Further study with larger number of enrolled subjects is necessary.

Loss of Disc Height after Spontaneous Regression of a Herniated Lumbar Disc: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES@#We report 3 cases of loss of disc height after spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Reports of spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc were identified.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We conservatively treated 3 patients who were diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. During outpatient follow-up, radiating pain improved in all patients, but they complained of chronic lower back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for diagnostic purposes.@*RESULTS@#On MRI, spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar discs was observed, but loss of disc height was also found.@*CONCLUSIONS@#A herniated lumbar disc may be a risk factor for loss of disc height. It is important to recognize that a patient with a herniated lumbar disc can struggle with chronic lower back pain even if spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar disc occurs.

Fistula Formation Between the Disc and Dura after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES@#To document fistula formation between the disc and dura by an unrecognized dural tear after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The risk of durotomy is relatively low with PELD, but cases of unrecognized durotomies have been reported. An effective diagnostic tool for such situations has not yet been identified.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A patient twice underwent transforaminal PELD under the diagnosis of a herniated lumbar disc at L4-5. She still complained of intractable pain and motor weakness around the left lower extremity at 6 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no specific findings suggestive of violation of the nerve root. However, L5 and S1 nerve root injury was noted on electromyography. An exploratory operation was planned to characterize damage to the neural structures.@*RESULTS@#In the exploration, a dural tear was found at the previous operative site, along with a fistula between the disc and dura was also found at the dural tear site. The durotomy site was located on the ventrolateral side of the dura and measured approximately 5 mm. The durotomy site was repaired with Nylon 5-0 and adhesive sealants. The patient's preoperative symptoms diminished considerably.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Fistula formation between the disc and dura can be caused by an unrecognized dural tear after PELD. Discography is a reliable diagnostic tool for fistulas formed by an unrecognized durotomy.

Dizzy and Psychological Scales in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Suspicious Patients without Characteristic Nystagmus / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Patients, who have had a history of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)-like symptoms, but no characteristic nystagmus, were often present. They are diagnosed as having a resolved state from BPPV or normal, and tend to be overlooked. We investigated the dizzy and psychological scales in BPPV-suspicious patients. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients, which they had vertigo of a short duration at the specific head position, and clinically suspicious BPPV, but no nystagmus in positional tests, were enrolled. We compared dizzy and psychological scales of suspicious BPPV patients with 138 BPPV patients, using dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), the beck depression inventory (BDI), and the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. Additionally, among the BPPV-suspicious group, patients with a BPPV history were compared with those with no previous BPPV. RESULTS: No differences in the all scales were found between the two groups. However, DHI scores of patients with a previous BPPV attack were significantly higher than those of patients with no BPPV-like symptoms; in particular, there was a significant difference in emotional scores. CONCLUSION: Although the patients had no characteristic nystagmus, if they have a BPPV-like history and symptoms, emotional support and periodic follow up are needed. In particular, careful observation should be performed in patients with previous BPPV attack.

Clinical Analysis of Dizzy Patients with High Levels of Depression and Anxiety

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some patients experiencing dizziness also report psychological distress. However, the association between vestibular deficits and psychological symptoms remains controversial. Thus, the aim of this paper is to report the proportion of patients who complained of dizziness who also had high depression and anxiety indices. Also we investigated the severity of their dizziness and the distribution of the diseases underlying this symptom. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We assessed the dizziness and psychological distress of 544 patients experiencing dizziness using the Korean versions of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We also reviewed the audio-vestibular symtoms of patients with high levels of depression and anxiety. RESULTS: The incidences of high depression and anxiety scores were 11% (60/544) and 18% (98/544), respectively. Patients with vestibular migraine were most likely to have high depression and anxiety indices. Patients in the high-BDI or high-STAI groups (117/544) obtained significantly higher DHI scores than those in neither the high-BDI nor the high-STAI group (427/544). We noticed that about 20% of the patients experiencing dizziness had high levels of psychological distress in this study; this group also suffered from various vestibular diseases and more symptoms of dizziness. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that psychological evaluation should be considered when assessing patients with vertigo.

Guide wire fracture during percutaneous coronary intervention / 영남의대학술지

Guide wire fracture during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare. It can cause fatal complications such as thrombus formation, embolization, and perforation. Guide wire fracture could occur during intervention for severely calcified stenotic lesions, and rarely from distal small branches of stenotic lesions. There are several methods for its management depending on the material character, position, length of the remnant, and the patient's condition. If percutaneous retrieval was not achieved, the surgical procedure should be considered for prevention of potential risks, although the remnant guide wire does not usually cause complications. We experienced a patient with a guide wire fracture during PCI, and managed to prevent its complications through surgical removal of the remnant wire. We report this case here.

Analysis of Voice and Swallowing Symptoms after Thyroidectomy in Patients without Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury in Early Postoperative Period

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: After thyroidectomy, many patients experience problems report such things as reduced voice range and vocal fatigue, swallowing problems without superior and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate voice and swallowing problems before and after thyroid surgery without laryngeal nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients who underwent thyroidectomy without laryngeal nerve injury and completed the follow-up evaluations were studied between June 2013 and December 2015. Each evaluation was performed preoperatively, as well as 1 week, 1 month postoperatively. Analysis was performed including voice handicap index (VHI), dysphagia handicap index (DHI), and acoustic voice analysis. RESULTS: Patients show significant variation of parameters in the fundamental frequency (F), maximal phonation time (MPT), shimmer, jitter and soft phonation index (SPI) early after operation, and most of them showed recovery of parameters after 1month of operation. Perceptive complaint of voice and swallowing also showed significant decreased after operation (p<0.005). After 1 month of operation, MPT, highest frequency and frequency ranges still showed significant decreased parameters. Comparing acoustic and perceptive parameters of total thyroidectomy and lobectomy, there was no significant changes between them except highest frequency (p=0.042). CONCLUSION: The results from both subjective and objective evaluations show voice and swallowing disturbance after thyroidectomy even in the absence of laryngeal nerve and provide patients information about the recovery process after surgery. Highest frequency parameter showed most significant changes after operation.

Acute Myocardial Infarction with Simultaneous Thrombosis of Multiple Coronary Arteries

Simultaneous thrombosis of multiple coronary arteries in acute myocardial infarction is very rare in clinical settings. Its mechanism is not yet clear, but patients displaying multivessel simultaneous thrombosis tend to have poor clinical outcomes. Hence, it is important to recognize this condition and provide timely and proper management. We report a case of simultaneous thrombosis involving multiple coronary arteries in a patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Vestibular Paroxysmia in a 7-Year-Old Child / 대한평형의학회지

Neurovascular cross-compression of the eighth cranial nerve is characterized by brief attacks of vertigo, unilateral audiologic symptoms such as tinnitus, ear fullness and hearing disturbance and relatively rare disease, in particular, in children. We report a 7-year-old female patient who presented with recurrent spontaneous vertigo, lasting 15 seconds and occuring up to 40 times per day and often associated with physical activity. Her symptoms were developed by hyperventilation. Associated aural symptoms are not founded. Magnetic resonance image showed the eighth cranial nerve compression caused by the vascular loop. She was treated with oxcarbazepine and showed improving symptoms. Therefore we report our clinical experience with a brief review of literature.

Warthin's Tumor with Skin Ulceration Mimicking Parotid Malignancy / 대한이비인후과학회지

Warthin's tumor with skin ulceration is extremely uncommon. We report on a 64-year-old man with Warthin's tumor with skin ulceration in the right parotid gland. The ulceration may have resulted from malignant transformation of either the epithelial or lymphoid component, or, as in very rare cases, an inflammatory process crossing the capsule of the tumor into the adjacent parotid parenchyma and overlying skin. Although Warthin's tumor is a common benign tumor of the parotid area, once ulcerated, it is difficult to make a clinical diagnosis. The gross finding of the case reported herein was close to the malignant form, but because an fine needle aspiration biopsy history existed, the possibility of whether more inflammatory changes might have occurred was considered. Therefore, since complications such as facial nerve injury may arise, extensive surgeries should be avoided.

Unusual Presentation of a Metastatic Tumor to the Temporal Bone: Severe Otalgia and Facial Paralysis

Metastatic temporal bone tumors are rare diseases and they are usually clinically asymptomatic, so it is difficult to diagnose them. Breasts are the most common sites of temporal bone metastasis. Tumors of lung, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, prostate gland, larynx and thyroid gland are the other sites. The pathogenesis of the temporal bone is most commonly related to the hematogenous route. We present the case of a 78-year-old man with facial paralysis combined with severe otalgia. This patient was initially diagnosed with Bell's palsy. However, based on the radiologic findings, the patient was diagnosed with lung cancer with temporal bone metastasis.

Results of Dual Growing Rods Treatment for Progressive Pediatric Spinal Deformity

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. OBJECTIVES: To report the results of new designed dual growing rods system for progressive pediatric spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The current expandable spinal implant system appears effective in controlling progressive pediatric spinal deformity, allowing for spinal growth. However, there was no report concerning the growing rod in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2011, seven pediatric patients, who had a minimum of 1year follow-up, had undergone surgery for spinal deformity correction with a dual growing rods technique. We analyzed the demographic and radiologic data, including height, weight, age at surgery, diagnosis, number of lengthening, Cobb's angle of the major curve, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, T1-S1 length, instrumented segment length, and complications, from the preoperative period to the last follow up period. RESULTS: Four male and three female patients with 5 neuromuscular scoliosis, 1 idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis and 1 spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia had underwent corrective surgery with dual growing rods. The mean age at the initial surgery was 11.6 years (7-13.8). The mean follow-up duration was 19.3 months (12-24), and the mean lengthening procedure time was 2.8 (2-4) for every patient. Cobb's angle of scoliosis curve was corrected from preoperative 80.2degrees(55-136) to 37.6degrees (15-81) on the last follow-up. Thoracic kyphosis angle and lumbar lordosis angle were changed from preoperative 48.7degrees(12-101) and 38.3degrees(9-72) to 44.5degrees(12-75) and 18.8degrees(1-46) on the last follow-up, respectively. Growth length during the follow-up period was measured as instrumented segment is 46 mm (33-59) and T1-S1 segment is 82 mm (66-98). Complications, such as breakage of rod in 3 cases and soft tissue infection in 1 case, occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: New designed dual growing rods system for pediatric patients with progressive spinal deformity is an effective and relatively safe method because of adequate correction and acceptable rate of complications.