Bow and Lean Test for Rare Variants of Vertical Semicircular Canal BPPV.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical significance of the Bow and Lean Test (BLT) for the diagnosis of different variants of vertical canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BLT is commonly used for diagnoses of lateral semicircular canal (LSC) BPPV. However, vertical nystagmus in the BLT may indicate the presence of other variants such as PSC-BPPV. METHODS: 567 patients with vertical canal BPPV were recruited. Patients with anterior semicircular canal (ASC) or PSC-BPPV were weekly examined until the negativization of BPPV. Nystagmus characteristics during BLT were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 567 patients with vertical canal BPPV, 1.4% had ASC-BPPV. BLT was positive in 155 patients, showing patterns like down-beating nystagmus in bowing and no nystagmus in leaning (15.52% of patients), and down-beating in bowing and up-beating in leaning (6.17%), which was predominantly present in PSC-canalolithiasis. Statistically significant differences were observed in the direction of nystagmus provoked by BLT in PSC-BPPV subtypes. No significant differences were found in nystagmus latency or duration during BLT positions. Among BPPV subtypes, there was a significant difference in nystagmus duration and latency, especially between cupulolithiasis and other variants. BLT's sensitivity was 0.93 in bowing and 1 in a leaning position, while specificity was 0.93 and 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSION: Beyond the LSC, the BLT has expanded to other variants. However, study results differ likely due to variations in patient characteristics and test execution. Currently, no specific features for ASC have been found to differentiate it from PSC-BPPV limiting the test's use for this variant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, according to Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Laryngoscope, 134:2405-2410, 2024.

Protocolo de vértigo de origen dudoso / Unclear origin vertigo protocol

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: El diagnóstico diferencial de vértigo supone un reto diagnóstico en el ámbito de urgencias. En nuestro centro hemos creado un protocolo de vértigo para ayudar a distinguir las diferentes patologías y su manejo en urgencias. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la eficacia de nuestro protocolo hospitalario en la actitud diagnóstica y terapéutica ante un síndrome vestibular agudo. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, sobre pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de síndrome vestibular agudo en urgencias mediante nuestro protocolo de vértigo de origen dudoso. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una exploración que incluyera el protocolo HINTS y tuvieron un seguimiento mínimo durante seis meses. Se compararon los resultados del estudio de impresiones clínicas por parte de los especialistas, así como la exploración física con los diferentes diagnósticos finales clasificados en periférico, central y otro origen. RESULTADOS: Obtuvimos 97 pacientes con una edad media de 61,46 años. Los diagnósticos finales fueron de 26 pacientes en el grupo periférico (26,8%), 38 en otro origen (39,2%) y 33 en central (34%). En este último se objetivaron accidentes cerebrovasculares en 18 de ellos, siendo el motivo más frecuente de activación del protocolo una discordancia clínico-exploratoria. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro protocolo ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil para poder diferenciar un posible síndrome vestibular agudo de origen central de uno periférico, evitando la realización de pruebas de imagen de manera innecesaria. La causa más frecuente de activación del protocolo fue la discordancia clínico-exploratoria vista por el otorrino de guardia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Differential diagnosis of vertigo is a diagnostic challenge in the emergency setting. In our centre we have created a vertigo protocol to distinguish the different pathologies and their management in the emergency department. Our goal is to determine the efficacy of our hospital protocol in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to acute vestibular syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective descriptive observational study on patients with a diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome in the emergency department using our unclear origin vertigo protocol. All patients underwent an examination that included the HINTS protocol and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The results of the clinical assessments by the specialists were compared, as well as the physical examination with the different final diagnoses classified as peripheral, central and other-origin. RESULTS: We obtained 97 patients, with a mean age of 61.46 years. The final diagnoses were 26 patients for the peripheral group (26.8%), 38 for the other-origin group (39.2%) and 33 for the central group (34%). Stroke was found in 18 of the latter group, clinical-exploratory disagreement being the most frequent reason for activation of the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol has proven to be a useful tool to differentiate a possible acute vestibular syndrome of central origin from a peripheral one, avoiding unnecessary imaging tests. The most frequent cause of activation of the protocol was clinical-exploratory disagreement seen by the ENT doctor

Vibration-induced nystagmus and head impulse test screening for vestibular schwannoma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2. BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumors of the eight cranial nerve that may cause asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASHL) and vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the role of the video head impulse test (vHIT) and vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) test in diagnosing vestibular schwannoma in a population of patients with Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this prospective case-control study, 23 consecutive patients with ASHL and normal magnetic resonance were enrolled in the control group, and 33 consecutive patients with ASHL and vestibular schwannoma were enrolled in the case group. Gold standard was magnetic resonance imaging. Audiometry, vHIT, and VIN tests were performed for each patient. Significance of VIN and vHIT testing was determined by evaluation of their sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with vestibular function tests. RESULTS: Regarding the vHIT, sensitivity and specificity were 45.5% and 82.6%, respectively, for horizontal canal gain, 60.6% and 87.6%, respectively, for posterior canal gain, and 45.5% and 78.3%, respectively, when analyzing superior canal gains. Regarding the VIN test, the sensitivity and specificity were 81.8% and 73.9%, respectively, when based on the presence of a VIN with any mastoid stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that using the VIN test may be an efficient approach to screen for vestibular schwannoma in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that using the VIN test may be an efficient approach to screen for vestibular schwannoma in patients with ASHL.

Unclear origin vertigo protocol. / Protocolo de vértigo de origen dudoso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Differential diagnosis of vertigo is a diagnostic challenge in the emergency setting. In our centre we have created a vertigo protocol to distinguish the different pathologies and their management in the emergency department. Our goal is to determine the efficacy of our hospital protocol in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to acute vestibular syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective descriptive observational study on patients with a diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome in the emergency department using our unclear origin vertigo protocol. All patients underwent an examination that included the HINTS protocol and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The results of the clinical assessments by the specialists were compared, as well as the physical examination with the different final diagnoses classified as peripheral, central and other-origin. RESULTS: We obtained 97 patients, with a mean age of 61.46 years. The final diagnoses were 26 patients for the peripheral group (26.8%), 38 for the other-origin group (39.2%) and 33 for the central group (34%). Stroke was found in 18 of the latter group, clinical-exploratory disagreement being the most frequent reason for activation of the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol has proven to be a useful tool to differentiate a possible acute vestibular syndrome of central origin from a peripheral one, avoiding unnecessary imaging tests. The most frequent cause of activation of the protocol was clinical-exploratory disagreement seen by the ENT doctor.

Microscopic approach for repairing nasal septal perforations using bilateral advancement flaps.

BACKGROUND: Septal perforations consist in an anatomic defect of the mucosal, cartilaginous and/or bone tissues of the nasal septum. A huge variety of approaches and techniques for nasal perforation repair have been reported. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Between January 2008 and January 2017, 38 patients were treated for nasal septal perforation in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. A novel approach is presented based on microscope. Septal perforation closure was performed with endonasal bilateral advancement flaps-established technique and autologous cartilage and muscle temporal fascia grafts. We performed a retrospective review of closure rates and complications. RESULTS: A postoperative follow-up of at least 12 months was performed in 37 patients. The mean size of perforation was 1.33 cm. After the withdrawal of the silicone splints, perforations were completely closed in all cases. However, during the follow-up, four patients resulted in a reperforation, so our closure rate was 89.19%. For all cases, symptoms related to septal defect were solved. Only one case was reported of local infections that was resolved with antibiotics in a few days. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic approach of septal perforation closure using bilateral advancement flaps can be an affordable technique with a high percent of success and low rate of complications.

Paratiroidectomía mínimamente invasiva videoasistida sin determinación intraoperatoria de hormona paratiroidea / Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy without intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring

Introducción y objetivos: La cirugía del hiperparatiroidismo primario ha evolucionado desde la clásica exploración bilateral del cuello hacia las técnicas mínimamente invasivas gracias a la mejora en los métodos de localización preoperatoria. La necesidad de emplear la determinación intraoperatoria de hormona paratiroidea (PTH) como adjunto a estas técnicas es debatida. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los resultados de la paratiroidectomía mínimamente invasiva videoasistida (MIVAP) sin la determinación de PTH intraoperatoria. Métodos: Se estudia a los pacientes intervenidos mediante MIVAP entre los años 2007 y 2013 por hiperparatiroidismo primario sin realizar determinación de PTH intraoperatoria. En todos los casos, había una localización preoperatoria del posible adenoma mediante gammagrafía con 99Tc-sestamibi, ecografía o tomografía computarizada. Resultados: Se incluyó en el estudio a 71 pacientes (56 mujeres y 15 varones) con una edad media de 60 años. Hubo que convertir la técnica a paratiroidectomía abierta en 3 casos (4%). Se consiguió la normalización de los niveles de calcio y PTH en la primera cirugía en 69 pacientes (97%) y en los 2 restantes (un segundo adenoma contralateral y otro segundo adenoma intratiroideo) en una segunda intervención. Un paciente presentó una infección de la herida quirúrgica, otro una hipocalcemia, y 4 una parálisis recurrencial transitoria. No hubo parálisis permanentes ni otras complicaciones. Conclusiones: La MIVAP es una técnica eficaz y segura para el tratamiento quirúrgico del hiperparatiroidismo primario. La determinación de PTH intraoperatoria no parece ser necesaria de rutina en los pacientes operados mediante esta técnica (AU)

Introduction and objectives: surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism has evolved from the classical bilateral neck exploration to minimally invasive techniques due to recent advances in preoperative localisation methods. The additional value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring is questioned. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) without intraoperative PTH monitoring. Methods: the patients who underwent MIVAP without PTH monitoring for primary hyperparathyroidism between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated. In all cases the suspected enlarged gland was identified preoperatively by 99Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, ultrasound or computed tomography. Results: 71 patients were studied (56 females and 15 males), with a mean age of 60 years. In 3 cases (4%) the technique was converted to open parathyroidectomy. Calcium and PTH levels were normalised after first surgery in 69 cases (97%), and after a second surgery in the remaining 2 cases (a second contralateral and a second intrathyroid adenoma). One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, 1 postoperative hypocalcaemia, and 4 transient vocal fold paralysis. No permanent vocal fold paralysis or other complications were observed. Conclusions: MIVAP is a safe, effective surgical technique to cure primary hyperparathyroidism. Intraoperative PTH monitoring may not be routinely necessary in patients treated with this technique (AU)

Análisis acústico de la voz mediante el programa Praat: estudio comparativo con el programa Dr. Speech / Acoustic voice analysis using the Praat program: Comparative study with the Dr. Speech program

Introducción y objetivos: El protocolo de la European Laringological Society (ELS) para la valoración funcional de la disfonía incluye 5 dimensiones: percepción, análisis acústico, videoestroboscopia, aerodinámica y autovaloración del paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo es correlacionar los resultados obtenidos con el programa comercial Dr. Speech con los obtenidos con el programa gratuito Praat en 2 ámbitos: 1. Espectrograma de banda estrecha (presencia de ruido según Yanagihara y presencia de subarmónicos) (semicuantitativo). 2. Parámetros acústicos de la voz (jitter, shimmer, relación armónico-ruido, frecuencia fundamental) (cuantitativo). Material y métodos: Se estudiaron un total de 99 muestras de voz diagnosticadas mediante videoestroboscopia de edema de Reinke. En este estudio un observador independiente utilizó el Dr. Speech 3.0 y otro el Praat (Phonetic Sciences, University of Amsterdam). El análisis espectrográfico consistió en obtener un espectrograma de banda estrecha a partir de las anteriores voces digitalizadas por parte de los 2 observadores independientes. Después determinaron la presencia de ruido en el espectrograma siguiendo los grados de Yanagihara y la presencia de subarmónicos. Por último, se obtuvieron los siguientes parámetros acústicos: jitter, shimmer, relación armónico-ruido (HNR) y el valor de la frecuencia fundamental (Fo). Resultados: Los resultados indican que el espectrograma y el parámetro de perturbación de la frecuencia jitter son comparables en los 2 programas. También es comparable el parámetro de perturbación de la amplitud shimmer, a pesar de haber analizado tanto voces de tipo 1, como de tipo 2 y de tipo 3. Conclusiones: Los programas Praat y Dr. Speech ofrecen similares resultados en el análisis acústico de las voces patológicas (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The European Laryngological Society (ELS) basic protocol for functional assessment of voice pathology includes 5 different approaches: perception, videostroboscopy, acoustics, aerodynamics and subjective rating by the patient. In this study we focused on acoustic voice analysis. The purpose of the present study was to correlate the results obtained by the commercial software Dr. Speech and the free software Praat in 2 fields: 1. Narrow-band spectrogram (the presence of noise according to Yanagihara, and the presence of subharmonics) (semi-quantitative). 2. Voice acoustic parameters (jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, fundamental frequency) (quantitative). Material and methods: We studied a total of 99 voice samples from individuals with Reinke's oedema diagnosed using videostroboscopy. One independent observer used Dr. Speech 3.0 and a second one used the Praat program (Phonetic Sciences, University of Amsterdam). The spectrographic analysis consisted of obtaining a narrow-band spectrogram from the previous digitalised voice samples by the 2 independent observers. They then determined the presence of noise in the spectrogram, using the Yanagihara grades, as well as the presence of subharmonics. As a final result, the acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio and fundamental frequency were obtained from the 2 acoustic analysis programs. Results: The results indicated that the sound spectrogram and the numerical values obtained for shimmer and jitter were similar for both computer programs, even though types 1, 2 and 3 voice samples were analysed. Conclusions: The Praat and Dr. Speech programs provide similar results in the acoustic analysis of pathological voices (AU)

Piomiositis del esternocleidomastoideo en un paciente inmunocompetente / Sternocleidomastoid pyomyositis in an immunocompetent patient

No disponible

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy without intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism has evolved from the classical bilateral neck exploration to minimally invasive techniques due to recent advances in preoperative localisation methods. The additional value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring is questioned. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) without intraoperative PTH monitoring. METHODS: the patients who underwent MIVAP without PTH monitoring for primary hyperparathyroidism between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated. In all cases the suspected enlarged gland was identified preoperatively by 99Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, ultrasound or computed tomography. RESULTS: 71 patients were studied (56 females and 15 males), with a mean age of 60 years. In 3 cases (4%) the technique was converted to open parathyroidectomy. Calcium and PTH levels were normalised after first surgery in 69 cases (97%), and after a second surgery in the remaining 2 cases (a second contralateral and a second intrathyroid adenoma). One patient developed a postoperative wound infection, 1 postoperative hypocalcaemia, and 4 transient vocal fold paralysis. No permanent vocal fold paralysis or other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: MIVAP is a safe, effective surgical technique to cure primary hyperparathyroidism. Intraoperative PTH monitoring may not be routinely necessary in patients treated with this technique.

[Acoustic voice analysis using the Praat program: comparative study with the Dr. Speech program]. / Análisis acústico de la voz mediante el progama Praat: estudio comparativo con el programa Dr. Speech.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The European Laryngological Society (ELS) basic protocol for functional assessment of voice pathology includes 5 different approaches: perception, videostroboscopy, acoustics, aerodynamics and subjective rating by the patient. In this study we focused on acoustic voice analysis. The purpose of the present study was to correlate the results obtained by the commercial software Dr. Speech and the free software Praat in 2 fields: 1. Narrow-band spectrogram (the presence of noise according to Yanagihara, and the presence of subharmonics) (semi-quantitative). 2. Voice acoustic parameters (jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, fundamental frequency) (quantitative). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a total of 99 voice samples from individuals with Reinke's oedema diagnosed using videostroboscopy. One independent observer used Dr. Speech 3.0 and a second one used the Praat program (Phonetic Sciences, University of Amsterdam). The spectrographic analysis consisted of obtaining a narrow-band spectrogram from the previous digitalised voice samples by the 2 independent observers. They then determined the presence of noise in the spectrogram, using the Yanagihara grades, as well as the presence of subharmonics. As a final result, the acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio and fundamental frequency were obtained from the 2 acoustic analysis programs. RESULTS: The results indicated that the sound spectrogram and the numerical values obtained for shimmer and jitter were similar for both computer programs, even though types 1, 2 and 3 voice samples were analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The Praat and Dr. Speech programs provide similar results in the acoustic analysis of pathological voices.

SOX2 expression in hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck display high frequencies of DNA copy number gains at chromosomal region 3q26-27. Recently SOX2 has been postulated as a driver oncogene for these amplifications; however, its role as a prognostic marker is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of SOX2 protein expression in three different sublocalizations of head and neck SCC and its possible role as prognostic marker. SOX2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 102 pharyngeal, 67 laryngeal, and 51 sinonasal SCCs, and the relation to clinicopathological and follow-up data was studied by χ(2) and Kaplan-Meier analysis. SOX2 expression was significantly (P = .002) more frequent in hypopharyngeal and laryngeal SCC (38%, 39/101) and (42%, 28/67), respectively, compared to sinonasal cancer SCC (14%, 7/51). SOX2 expression did not correlate to disease stage, T or N classification, lymph node metastasis, recurrence or clinical outcome in any of the three sublocalizations. These results indicate that SOX2 expression is a common event in hypopharynx and larynx, but not in sinonasal SCC. The absence of correlation to clinical outcome, may suggest a role for SOX2 in tumor initiation, but not in tumor progression.

DNA methylation signatures identify biologically distinct thyroid cancer subtypes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the global patterns of aberrant DNA methylation in thyroid cancer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We have used DNA methylation arrays to determine, for the first time, the genome-wide promoter methylation status of papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid tumors. RESULTS: We identified 262 and 352 hypermethylated and 13 and 21 hypomethylated genes in differentiated papillary and follicular tumors, respectively. Interestingly, the other tumor types analyzed displayed more hypomethylated genes (280 in anaplastic and 393 in medullary tumors) than aberrantly hypermethylated genes (86 in anaplastic and 131 in medullary tumors). Among the genes indentified, we show that 4 potential tumor suppressor genes (ADAMTS8, HOXB4, ZIC1, and KISS1R) and 4 potential oncogenes (INSL4, DPPA2, TCL1B, and NOTCH4) are frequently regulated by aberrant methylation in primary thyroid tumors. In addition, we show that aberrant promoter hypomethylation-associated overexpression of MAP17 might promote tumor growth in thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid cancer subtypes present differential promoter methylation signatures, and nondifferentiated subtypes are characterized by aberrant promoter hypomethylation rather than hypermethylation. Additional studies are needed to determine the potential clinical interest of the tumor subtype-specific DNA methylation signatures described herein and the role of aberrant promoter hypomethylation in nondifferentiated thyroid tumors.

Transoral CO2 laser surgery for supraglottic cancer.

There are several therapeutic options for laryngeal cancer, including those that provide a functional preservation without worsening the oncological results, such as transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The aim of this study was to analyze both oncological and functional results of TLM in supraglottic cancer. We studied 49 consecutive patients with a primary supraglottic carcinoma who underwent a TLM between the years 1999 and 2009. Nineteen patients were classified as stage I-II and 30 as stage III-IV disease. Forty-five patients underwent also neck dissection. Thirteen patients received postoperative radiotherapy. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. Three- and five-year disease-specific survival rate was 93.2 and 82.2 %, respectively. Of the patients, 36.7 % had some complication after surgery, aspiration being the most frequent (16.32 %). Of the 43 patients who were alive, 39 (91 %) without evidence of disease 3 years after diagnosis had a functional larynx. Our results suggest that TLM is a safe and effective treatment for supraglottic cancer, with a low morbidity rate and excellent functional results.

Prognostic significance of postoperative wound infections after total laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: In oncologic surgery, the relationship between postoperative wound infections and prognosis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to establish the prognostic significance of surgical wound infections in laryngectomized patients. METHOD: We studied 129 consecutive patients with previously untreated laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent a total laryngectomy. Minimum follow-up was 24 months. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (44%) developed a wound infection. Infections were more frequent in hypopharyngeal tumors (p < .001). Surgical wound infection was associated with a worse disease-specific survival (p = .046), but this association was due to the hypopharyngeal subgroup of cases (p = .024). In multivariate analysis, the only parameters significantly associated with a worse disease-specific survival in these cases were nodal extracapsular invasion (p < .001) and surgical wound infection (p = .02). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the development of a postoperative wound infection is a poor prognostic sign in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers surgically treated.