Comparison of lateral neck X-ray to neck CT in patients with suspicious bone impaction: "Old habits die hard".

OBJECTIVE: Bone impaction (BI) is a common cause for emergency room visits. Among foreign bodies, fish bone is considered the most common. The sensitivity of symptoms in predicting BI is relatively low, making imaging a central tool to aid diagnosis. Current imaging practices include both neck plain film radiography and none-contrast CT scans of the neck. We evaluated the accuracy of neck plain film radiography and CT scans of the neck for the diagnosis of BI. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who presented to the emergency room between 2009 and 2016 with a suspicious history of BI whom underwent plain film neck radiography or CT. All Images were reviewed by two neuro-radiologist blinded to the clinical symptoms and findings. Symptoms, clinical findings and images results were compared to the final diagnosis. RESULTS: 89 patients (30.7%), out of 290 patients who presented with complaints of BI, were diagnosed with BI. Mean age was 44.7 years old. Plain film neck radiography failed to predict BI (sen. 14.4%, spe 89.8% accuracy 63.2%), neck CT has an improved accuracy and sensitivity in locating BI (sen. 83.3%, spe. 94.1% accuracy 92.5%). Interobserver agreement between the two neuro-radiologists was moderate (0.46) and substantial (0.77) in neck radiography and CT images, respectively. Neck radiography missed 60 (out of 61) oropharyngeal BI's. CONCLUSION: Neck radiography has high inter-observer variability and low sensitivity for the diagnosis of BI. Neck CT should be the first imaging modality in patients with suspicious complaints for BI and negative physical exam.

A Stroke in the Young with Surprising Recovery.

INTRODUCTION: The differential diagnosis of stroke in a comparatively young adult should always include cardiovascular aetiologies as well as central nervous system infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old man, with no significant medical history, presented with headache, nausea and vomiting, and right hemiparesis. Routine stroke investigation was initiated, while CNS infection was also sought. Diagnoses of HIV infection, neurosyphilis, HCV and HBV were established. Targeted therapy resulted in prompt clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of considering CNS infection as a cause of neurological deficits in parallel with other investigations in cases of stroke in a comparatively young adult. LEARNING POINTS: The differential diagnosis should be wide for all patients presenting with stroke.Neurosyphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of stroke in the young and middle-aged.Newly diagnosed HIV patients should be screened for other, sexually transmitted coinfection.

Imaging of the age-related anatomical relationship between the innominate artery and the trachea.

PURPOSE: To measure the age-dependent changes of anatomical positions and relations between the trachea, cricoid cartilage (CC), and innominate artery (IA) in adults by computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A retrospective cohort reviewing images of 127 consecutive adult patients who underwent CT angiography (CTA) of the neck. The trachea-to-IA (T-IA) distance was measured as the minimal horizontal distance between them. The vertical distance between the CC and the IA was measured between the axial section, demonstrating the CC's inferior border to the axial section at the level of the T-IA measurement. RESULTS: Images of 125 patients (median age 53 years, range 18-89; 74 males) were reviewed. The mean T-IA distance was 2.3 ± 1.1 mm for males and 1.7 ± 0.9 mm for females (P = 0.002). The vertical C-IA distance was 44.2 ± 11.4 mm and 49.5 ± 12.5 mm for males and females, respectively (P = 0.01). Age correlated negatively with the vertical C-IA distance (P < 0.0001) and positively with the T-IA distance (P < 0.0001). The rate of IA variants was 23.2%, with no significant difference between the measurements of distances among patients with or without IA variants. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of the relationships between the trachea, CC, and IA distances in adults as depicted on CTA. The T-IA distance becomes larger while the T-CC distance becomes shorter with age.

The anatomical evolution of the thyroid cartilage from childhood to adulthood: A computed tomography evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To enhance knowledge and understanding of the laryngeal framework maturation in different age groups and genders. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort imaging study. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. METHODS: Computed tomography neck scans of 283 patients aged 8 to 20 years were studied. The interlaminae angle (ILA) of the thyroid cartilage at the level of the vocal folds, the anterior projection (angulation) of the thyroid cartilage (TC), and the degree of calcifications were evaluated and compared in sequential age groups of both genders. RESULTS: Neck scans of 171 males and 112 females were reviewed. The average ILA was 76.45° ± 14.2 and 94.25° ± 10.2 for males and females, respectively (P < 10-25). In the female group, the mean angle was relatively constant (91-970) in all age groups, whereas in the male groups the angle decreased with age (920-670) (r = -0.9, P < 0.005) The most significant decrease was measured in the 14- to 15-year age group. The thyroid prominence was significantly more anteriorly angulated in males. The angle in the female age groups was constant (170.1°), and the angle in males decreased with age (161.47°) (P = 0.000008). Calcifications were more prominent at the posterior portion of the cartilage in both genders and increased with age. CONCLUSION: Structural diversities of the TC begin in adolescent males because the thyroid cartilage grows anteriorly with a narrower ILA and with a greater anterior angulation. Our study shows that these changes, along with the degree of laryngeal cartilages calcification in both genders, occur as a continuum throughout puberty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:E354-E358, 2017.

Cholesteatoma and coexisting findings diagnosed incidentally on MRI.

The explosive growth in the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the pre- and postoperative evaluations of patients with cholesteatoma has led to a concomitant increase in the number of incidental findings in this population. We describe our retrospective examination of MRI studies in cholesteatoma patients to look for the presence of other coexisting abnormalities. We examined the brain MRIs of 103 patients-45 males and 58 females, aged 3 to 81 years (mean: 31.9 ± 21.3)-who had undergone pre- or postoperative imaging during the management of a cholesteatoma. The MRIs revealed the presence of at least one other anomaly in 79 of these patients (76.7%)-36 males and 43 females, aged 3 to 81 years (mean: 43.5 ± 18.2). These 79 MRIs detected a total of 124 lesions that had been coexisting with cholesteatomas; some of these lesions had overlapped with the cholesteatoma. The two most common findings were sinonasal mucoperiosteal thickening and polyposis (n = 66) and white-matter changes (n = 29). Our results establish the need for routine skilled interpretation of brain MRIs by expert neuroradiologists to ensure that findings coexisting with cholesteatoma are detected so that appropriate management can be provided.

Novel Anatomic Characteristics of the Laryngeal Framework: A Computed Tomography Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The thyroid cartilage (TC) in men has a more prominent thyroid notch and a narrower interlaminae angle (ILA) as compared with women. Anatomy textbooks classically stipulate that the ILA is 90° in men and 120° in women. Our observation, based on thyroid chondroplasty operations, of a much narrower angle led to the current investigation. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort imaging study. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Computed tomography angiography neck images of adult patients were studied. The ILA was measured on 2 axial planes: at the level of the vocal processes (and the upper portion of thyroarytenoid muscles) and 5 mm superior and parallel to the former. The anterior projection of the TC and the vertical dimensions of the midline cricothyroid membrane (CTM) were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included in the study. The average ILAs were 63.5°±20.6° and 93.3°±16.6° for men and women, respectively (P < 10(-14)), and were significantly narrower at the upper level in comparison with the vocal process level (P < 10(-7) for men, P = .004 for women). The anterior projection of the TC in men was more prominent as compared with women (P = .0003) and significantly correlated with the ILA (P = .0159). The length of the midline CTM was 11.1±2.3 mm in men and 10.3±1.7 mm in women (P = .0355). CONCLUSIONS: The ILA is narrower than that reported in the classic anatomy textbooks. In male patients, the upper part of the TC becomes narrower and projects anteriorly like a "jug's spout." The mean vertical dimension of the midline CTM was 10 to 11 mm.

Imaging prior to endoscopic ear surgery: clinical note.

Cholesteatoma is an epidermoid cyst that is characterized by independent and progressive growth with destruction of adjacent tissues, especially the bone tissue, and tendency to recurrence. Treatment of cholesteatoma is essentially surgical. The choice of surgical technique depends on the extension of the disease, and preoperative otoscopic and radiological findings can be decisive in planning the optimal surgical approach. Cholesteatoma confined to the middle ear cavity and its extensions can be eradicated by use of the minimally invasive transmeatal endoscopic approach. Computerized tomography of the temporal bones fails to distinguish a cholesteatoma from the inflammatory tissue, granulations, fibrosis or mucoid secretions in 20-70% of cases showing opacification of the middle ear and mastoid. Using the turbo-spin echo (TSE), also known as non-echo planar imaging (non-EPI) diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging, cholesteatoma can be distinguished from other tissues and from mucosal reactions in the middle ear and mastoid. Current MRI sequences can support the clinical diagnosis of cholesteatoma and ascertain the extent of the disease more readily than CT scans. The size determined by the TSE/HASTE (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo-spin echo) DW sequences correlated well with intraoperative findings, with error margins lying within 1 mm. Our experience with more than 150 endoscopic surgeries showed that lesions smaller than 8 mm confined to the middle ear and its extension, as depicted by the non-EPI images, can be managed with transmeatal endoscopic approach solely. We call upon our otolaryngologist and radiologist colleagues to use the newest MRI modalities in the preoperative evaluation of candidates for cholesteatoma surgery.

Non-EPI DW MRI in planning the surgical approach to primary and recurrent cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a correlation between preoperative non-echo planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (non-EPI DW MRI) with surgical findings of localization and extension of cholesteatoma and to develop criteria for surgical planning. PATIENTS: Preoperative non-EPI DWMRI was available and positive for cholesteatoma in 27 patients with primary and 23 with residual/recurrent lesions. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with cholesteatoma limited to the middle ear and its extensions were managed with a transcanal endoscopic approach. Patients with extension of the cholesteatoma posteriorly to the lateral semicircular canal underwent retroauricular mastoidectomy combined with an endoscopic approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Comparison of preoperative radiologic to surgical findings. RESULTS: DWI showed isolated tympanic and attic extension in 33 cases and attico-antral and mastoid extension in 17 cases. MRI findings correlated with surgical findings in all patients with primary cholesteatoma, 19 of whom were managed with a transcanal endoscopic approach and 8 with endoscope-assisted ear surgery. The transcanal endoscopic approach was applied in 14 of the patients with residual/recurrent cholesteatoma, and the other 9 residual/recurrent lesions were eradicated using endoscope-assisted mastoidectomy. DWI overestimated cholesteatoma sites in 1 patient with residual lesion. The smallest cholesteatoma detected on DWI was a 3-mm lesion in the middle ear over the facial nerve. CONCLUSION: Primary and residual/recurrent cholesteatoma was accurately detected on non-EPI DWI with 98% clinical and radiologic concordance. Lesions less than 8 mm confined to the middle ear and its extensions can be eradicated with a minimally invasive endoscopic transcanal technique, whereas endoscope-assisted retroauricular mastoidectomy is preferred for larger lesions.

MRI, not CT, to rule out recurrent cholesteatoma and avoid unnecessary second-look mastoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Aural cholesteatoma is an epidermal cyst of the middle ear or mastoid that can be eradicated only by surgical resection. It is usually managed with radical or modified radical mastoidectomy. Clinical diagnosis of recurrent cholesteatoma in a closed postoperative cavity is difficult. Thus, the accepted protocol in most otologic centers for suspected recurrence consists of second-look procedures performed approximately 1 year after the initial surgery. Brain herniation into a post-mastoidectomy cavity is not rare and can be radiologically confused with cholesteatoma on the high resolution computed tomographic images of temporal bones that are carried out before second-look surgery. OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with meningoceles that were confused with recurrent disease in patients who had undergone primary mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma and to support the use of magnetic resonance imaging as more suitable than CT in postoperative follow-up protocols for cholesteatoma. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of four patients. RESULTS: Axial CT sections demonstrated a soft tissue mass in the middle ear and mastoid in all four patients. Coronal reconstructions of CT scans showed a tympanic tegmen defect in two patients. CT failed to exclude cholesteatoma in any patient. Each underwent a second-look mastoidectomy and the only finding at surgery was meningocele in all four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Echo-planar diffusion-weighted MRI can differentiate between brain tissue and cholesteatoma more accurately than CT. We recommend that otolaryngologists avoid unnecessary revision procedures by using the newest imaging modalities for more precise diagnosis of patients who had undergone mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma in the past.

Intracranial complications following mastoidectomy.

Mastoidectomy is a common surgical procedure in otology. However, postoperative complications of various degrees of severity may occur. We present 4 children who underwent mastoidectomy for middle ear and mastoid disease and developed postoperative intracranial complications. One child was operated on for brain abscess 1 week after the initial mastoidectomy. Another child appeared with seizures 5 days after the initial mastoidectomy and a subdural empyema was drained during revision surgery. Large bone defects with exposed middle cranial fossa dura were found at revision surgery in both cases and Proteus vulgaris and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the mastoid and abscess cavities in these children. A small epidural collection was diagnosed in the third patient 2 days after initial mastoid surgery and was managed with intravenous antibiotics only. The other child was found to have sigmoid sinus thrombosis the day after mastoidectomy that was performed for nonresponsive acute mastoiditis. This child received both intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants. Timely revision surgery, combinations of third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins with vancomycin or metronidazole and the addition of anticoagulants in cases of sinus thrombosis can lead to full recovery.

Pulmonary function after pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest.

OBJECTIVE: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is widely used in the reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck region. Pulmonary atelectasis has been reported in patients undergoing these procedures, and many of these patients are heavy smokers and drinkers and have associated cardiopulmonary disorders. Flap harvest and donor site closure may lead to impairment of pulmonary function before and after the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMC) in surgical reconstruction in patients with cancer of the head and neck. METHODS: Patients undergoing extirpation of head and neck tumors with PMC reconstruction were prospectively evaluated. Patient age, smoking history (pack-years), anesthesia duration, percentage predicted pre- and postoperative FEV1, percentage-predicted pre- and postoperative FVC (forced vital capacity), and preoperative SaO2 (oxygen saturation) were evaluated. Preoperative FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated. Chest x-rays were reviewed. RESULTS: Only 11 patients, 5 of whom smoked, could be evaluated postoperatively. Preoperative FEV1/FVC was more than 70 and FEV1 more than 75% predicted in all patients. A decrease in FVC was observed in 7 of the 11 patients, which ranged between 2% and 27% without any clinically obvious respiratory manifestations. A baseline SaO2 of more than 96% was noted in all patients. Four of 9 postoperative chest x-rays demonstrated atelectasis. CONCLUSIONS: PMC harvest and donor site closure may lead to the recorded decrease in FVC measurements. These changes did not manifest clinically. Nevertheless, alternative methods of surgical defect closure should be considered in patients with severe preexisting pulmonary disorders.