Multiple, peripheral aneurysms of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery.

In this case report, a 49-year-old woman developed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the right cerebellopontine angle cistern and blood into the fourth ventricle from a ruptured peripheral aneurysm of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) located at the meatal loop. Concomitantly, a contralateral peripheral aneurysm was found in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). A second peripheral aneurysm, not identified by previous angiography, was found in the caudomedial branch of AICA. We describe this diagnostic dilemma, management, and review the clinical presentation and location of 84 other peripheral AICA aneurysms reported in the literature.

Early perioperative use of polytef suspension for the management of facial paralysis after extirpative skull base surgery.

BACKGROUND: The satisfactory management of facial paralysis after extirpative skull base surgery has been notoriously difficult. To optimize physical and psychological recovery, early perioperative use of polytef (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) facial suspension has been used in patients with either profound electrophysiological or anatomical disruption of the facial nerve. OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of this clinical algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Tertiary care University Hospital Inc, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records review of 32 patients who underwent lateral skull base surgery with resultant facial paralysis who had facial rehabilitation using polytef suspension. RESULTS: All patients who underwent polytef facial suspension reported improvement in both facial function as well as aesthetics. One patient had a late extrusion of the polytef implant. CONCLUSION: The early peri-extirpative application of this technique provides psychological and physical support to patients with facial paralysis who are recovering from lateral skull base surgery. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:243-248

Selective indications for the management of extensive anterior epitympanic cholesteatoma via combined transmastoid/middle fossa approach.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Cholesteatoma that is present in the anterior epitympanic space may extend medially along the supralabyrinthine route to the geniculate ganglion, labyrinth, and cochlea and medially toward Kawase's triangle and the anterior petrous apex. Superiorly it may erode into the middle fossa. Contemporary microsurgical techniques allow for optimal management of these lesions with minimal morbidity, provided that the irregular and complex osteology of the petrous base is understood. The objective of the study was to review the relevant regional anatomy, pathobiology, and current algorithm used in treatment of this select patient population using a combined transmastoid/middle fossa (TM/MF) approach. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all clinical and radiographic data from patients undergoing combined TM/MF management of extensive anterior epitympanic cholesteatoma between July 1984 and June 1998. Data from physical examinations, preoperative imaging studies, and operative findings and other relevant data were tabulated and analyzed for patients undergoing TM/MF management of cholesteatoma. RESULTS: Of 488 patients with cholesteatoma treated by the otological service between 1984 and 1998, 11 patients underwent TM/MF exposure and removal of anterior epitympanic cholesteatoma. Total cholesteatoma removal was accomplished in six patients. In three patients, because of facial nerve involvement, labyrinthine fistulae, or internal carotid artery involvement, open-cavity surgery was performed. In two patients, residual or recurrent cholesteatoma was exteriorized at "second-look" procedures. In this small cohort of patients the majority had extension to the arcuate eminence, geniculate ganglion, or Kawase's triangle or had "blue-lining" of the cochlea or labyrinth. To a lesser degree, the middle ear and mastoid contents were involved. Further facial nerve dysfunction or sensorineural hearing loss was not noted after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Selective TM/MF removal of cholesteatoma provides an optimal route for removing complex cholesteatoma in patients with intact sensorineural function and medial cholesteatoma extension.

Petroclival meningiomas: predictive parameters for transpetrosal approaches.

OBJECTIVE: To determine parameters that influence the selection of the proper petrosal approach or combined approaches for the excision of petroclival meningiomas. METHODS: We dissected 15 cadaver heads, inspected the petroclival region in 50 dry human skulls, and performed a retrospective analysis of the cases of 35 patients with petroclival meningiomas who underwent surgery via transpetrosal approaches. RESULTS: The petroclival region was divided into three "zones" based on the extent of surgical exposure achieved via the petrosal approaches with microscopic dissection of 15 preserved and silicone-injected cadaveric heads and with the measurements of 50 dry skulls. Zone I, defined as the area from the dorsum sellae to the internal auditory canal, is accessible via the anterior petrosal approach. Zone II, defined as the area from the internal auditory canal to the upper border of the jugular tubercle, is easily accessible in its lateral portion via the posterior petrosal approach. The medial portion of Zone II, the "central clival depression," is accessible only with cochlear resection and posterior facial nerve transposition. Zone III, defined as the area from the upper border of the jugular tubercle to the lower edge of the foramen magnum, is accessible via a suboccipital/transcondylar approach. The retrospective analysis of the cases of 35 patients who underwent transpetrosal resection of petroclival meningiomas between 1991 and 1998 was used to determine the predictive value of these anatomic parameters. The degree of tumor resection was analyzed with a novel grading scale combining the percentage of resection and the percentage of brainstem reexpansion. Total excision was achieved in 37% of the patients and complete brainstem reexpansion was achieved in an additional 40%. Residual tumor was concentrated in the central clival depression in Zone II, as predicted by anatomic parameters, and around infiltrated neurovascular structures. New cranial nerve deficit occurred in 31% of the patients in the early postoperative period and improved to 17% at 6 months. Major morbidity occurred in 9% of the patients, and mortality was 0%. Early Karnofsky scores were reduced in 37% of the patients, but 6-month Karnofsky scores were equal to preoperative baseline scores or improved in 91%. CONCLUSION: Anatomic parameters can predict the resectability of petroclival meningiomas. Judicious application of cytoreductive surgery in selected patients maintains an acceptable morbidity and achieves adequate brainstem reexpansion.

Role of aerating mastoidectomy in noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success rate of revision tympanoplasty with aerating mastoidectomy in patients with noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media who had failed at least one prior tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 135 patients available for clinical and audiometric studies with a minimum of 18 months' follow-up. All patients had failed at least one prior tympanoplasty and presented with: 1) a persistent tympanic membrane perforation with intermittent drainage, or 2) a wet draining ear, unresponsive to systemic antibiotic and topical management. All patients underwent 1.5-mm, high-density, bone window computed tomography (CT) scanning to assess middle ear, epitympanic, and mastoid air cell pneumatization. All patients underwent revision tympanoplasty with aerating mastoidectomy via a postauricular approach. Patient charts were reviewed for information regarding preoperative radiographic findings, mucosal and ossicular findings at the time of surgery, and success or failure of revision tympanomastoidectomy. RESULTS: The tympanic membrane graft take rate for the entire group of 135 patients was 90.4% (13 grafts failed). A majority of the patients were found to have radiographic and intraoperative evidence of middle ear/mastoid disease. CONCLUSION: For patients with noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media who have failed prior tympanoplastic reconstruction, an aerating mastoidectomy may be indicated and may improve the success rate of the surgery.

Maternally inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss.

In this study we characterized clinically and evaluated molecularly a large family with maternally inherited hearing impairment. Relatives were evaluated audiologically and clinically, the most likely pattern of inheritance was deduced, and molecular DNA analysis for the known mitochondrial mutations associated with hearing impairment was performed. Clinical examination of several relatives showed a normal general state of health, but in 14 of the members tested variable degrees of sensorineural hearing loss were noted. The pedigree was established and demonstrated a clear pattern of maternal inheritance, with 34 of 38 offspring of deaf mothers being hearing impaired, but none of 22 offspring of deaf fathers having any hearing impairment. Since by far the most likely explanation of such a maternal inheritance pattern is a mitochondrial mutation, molecular testing for the three known mitochondrial mutations, A1555G, A7445G, and Cins7472, was performed on 27 of the relatives. All of the individuals tested had the normal sequence at the sites tested. This family with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss has an inheritance pattern strongly suggestive of a mitochondrial mutation. However, molecular testing for the three known mitochondrial mutations associated with nonsyndromic hearing impairment was negative, implying that additional molecular defects can lead to the same phenotype. The search for this novel molecular defect is underway.

Trigeminal schwannomas: the role of the neurotologist in multidisciplinary management.

Trigeminal neuromas are slow-growing benign tumors representing approximately 10% of all intracranial neuromas and less than 0.5% of all intracranial tumors. Historically, excision of these tumors through traditional neurosurgical routes--including the frontotemporal transsylvian, subtemporal-intradural, subtemporal-transtentorial, or suboccipital approaches--has resulted in an unsatisfactorily high rate of recurrence. In this study we compare contemporary skull base/neurotologic approaches with conventional procedures for trigeminal neuroma extirpation.

The role of endolymphatic mastoid shunt surgery in the managed care era.

OBJECTIVE: Ongoing controversy regarding the surgical management of Meniere's disease has prompted us to review the effectiveness of the endolymphatic mastoid shunt procedure in the control of vertigo. In the current managed care environment in which outcome measures, cost effectiveness, and procedural efficacy must be demonstrated, the surgeon can no longer rely on anecdotal or empirical observations regarding the effectiveness of a treatment paradigm. STUDY DESIGN: Retrooperative case review. SETTING: A tertiary care center. PATIENTS: The records of 327 patients with presumed Meniere's-related vertigo referred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center were reviewed. One hundred nine patients underwent endolymphatic mastoid shunt. Our study population consists of 96 of these patients that were available for 5 years follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Endolymphatic mastoid shunt for the control of medically refractory vertigo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Control of vertigo. RESULTS: Using the Arenberg anatomic classification system, patients with a type I endolymphatic sac achieved 68% control of vertigo, those with a type II endolymphatic sac had a 92% control rate, and patients with a type III endolymphatic sac achieved 78% relief. CONCLUSIONS: Based on an assessment of outcome variables, we conclude that there remains a definite role for endolymphatic shunt surgery in the contemporary approach to patients with Meniere's disease.

Fallopian bridge technique in surgery for chronic ear disease.

Disease that lies in the posterior mesotympanum, including inflammatory polyps, cholesterol granuloma, and cholesteatoma, is often difficult to extirpate. The literature reflects a divided and often controversial opinion regarding the removal of the bony posterior canal wall to reach this disease. Recently, endoscopic visualization has been advocated to enhance exposure. Employing a fallopian bridge technique wherein the bone medial to the facial nerve is opened into the posterior mesotympanum the authors have used this approach in selective circumstances to optimize the eradication of disease. Three hundred patients undergoing tympanomastoidectomy were included in this analysis. The fallopian bridge technique was attempted in 58 cases and was successfully employed in 42 patients. Indications as well as limitations for this procedure are discussed.

Desmoplastic fibroma of the temporal bone.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic fibroma is a benign, locally aggressive, intraosseous neoplasm with a propensity for local recurrence. Desmoplastic fibroma most commonly originates within the mandible (70% of cases), and long bones with rare lesions reported in the maxillary, frontal, and parietal bones. We report two patients with desmoplastic fibroma arising within the temporal bone. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. PATIENTS: Two patients with desmoplastic fibroma with intracranial and extra cranial growth patterns are presented. Both were young females with aural fullness and decreased hearing. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic and therapeutic. RESULTS: Both tumors were surgically extirpated and the patients have remained disease free for 18-48 months. Neither tumor expressed estrogen or progesterone receptors. CONCLUSION: Desmoplastic fibroma is a highly invasive local destructive lesion which is best treated by nondestructive surgical intervention. Immunohistochemical analysis may demonstrate hormonal receptors, in which case Tamoxifen may reduce recurrence.

Anterior petrosectomy approach to infraclinoidal basilar artery aneurysms: the emerging role of the neuro-otologist in multidisciplinary management of basilar artery aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the basilar artery are uncommon. Historically, because of the central location of these basilar lesions, surgical access has been difficult. Moreover, while this disease and its surgical management inherently carry a high risk of patient morbidity, the presence of neighboring vital neural and vascular structures introduces additional intraoperative challenges. Since 1986 we have employed a transpetrous approach for access to selective aneurysms involving the basilar artery. Removal of the petrous apex has provided an expanded deep window through which infraclinoidal basilar artery aneurysms can be controlled. Reported herein are our results utilizing an anterior petrosectomy approach to the management of infraclinoidal artery aneurysms.

Perspectives on a state enacted hearing screening assessment program in the newborn population.

OBJECTIVE: A review of the early performance of Ohio's statewide infant hearing screening program was performed to provide insight as to the impact of the current medical and socioeconomic climate on its implementation. BACKGROUND: In March 1988, the State of Ohio enacted a law that required universal screening of newborn children for hearing loss through a program known as the Infant Hearing Screening and Assessment Program (IHSAP). The program design consisted of a universally applied high-risk questionnaire followed by a screening auditory assessment for those who fail. Although the value of such a program engendered little early public debate, the institution of such a program represented a significant challenge from a public health perspective. STUDY DESIGN: The program performance was analyzed using data from the index population of 160,000 live births per annum and hospital surveys. RESULTS: The questionnaires were found to be failing twice the number of newborns as originally projected, whereas completion rates and compliance were excellent. The assessment arm was plagued with poor compliance rates and limited resources. Lack of resources for effective data management has prevented an accurate evaluation of the program's sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: IHSAP performance is being hampered by poor assessment follow-up and resource limitations, both in terms of screening equipment and habilitative follow-up services for infants identified as hearing impaired. The reasons for these problems are discussed in relation to existing legislative guidelines and medicoeconomic realities.

Removal of jugular foramen tumors: the fallopian bridge technique.

Despite recent advances in neuroradiographic and electrophysiologic assessment, the surgical extirpation of lesions of the bony skull base remains challenging. Moreover, as surgeons have gained experience in removing tumors from the irregular osteologic confines of the skull base, attention has been directed toward preservation of vital neural and vascular structures traversing the operative field. This report describes the creation of a fallopian bridge with preservation of the facial nerve in removing tumors that arise within or juxtaposed to the jugular fossa. Thirty-five patients are reported herein with analysis of pathology, surgical approach, and outcome. An algorithm for use of the fallopian bridge, as opposed to facial nerve mobilization and rerouting, is presented with particular emphasis on limitation of this selective procedure.

Temporal bone carcinoma: contemporary perspectives in the skull base surgical era.

Historically, malignant tumors that arose within the temporal bone or that intimately juxtaposed the petrous ridge portended an ominous prognosis. Perusal of the surgical literature from 1950 to 1975 strongly supports the impression that despite heroic surgical efforts many of these patients sustained significant morbidity and a high mortality rate. This report reviews data accumulated over a 10-year period study from July 1984 to June 1994 that examines the changing clinical approach to these lesions from both a diagnostic and therapeutic perspective. Analysis of data from 46 patients cared for at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center is presented with a minimum follow-up of 16 months to a long-term follow-up of 11 years. A management algorithm is presented that reflects our contemporary approach to assessment and management of this select patient population.

Transmastoid labyrinthectomy in older patients.

Transmastoid labyrinthectomy is an effective procedure for the control of episodic vertigo due to unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. However, its application in older patients has been limited, primarily because of concerns that older patients may not compensate well postoperatively. Poor vestibular compensation results in constant disequilibrium, motion intolerance, and visual symptomatology. The purpose of this report is to review our results with transmastoid labyrinthectomy in patients over the age of 65. Complete records were available for 22 patients operated on between July 1984 and June 1994. Patient's records were reviewed for age, preoperative duration of symptoms, coexistent medical conditions, vertigo control, and postoperative disequilibrium. Advanced age need not be a contraindication to transmastoid labyrinthectomy.

Predictability of recovery from Bell's palsy using evoked electromyography.

The role of surgery in the treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) has been the subject of much controversy. Some have advocated aggressive surgical therapy to prevent nerve injury based on evoked electromyography (EEMG) results. The present study analyzes the outcome of 23 patients who presented with Bell's palsy and were evaluated with EEMG. Of the 15 patients who showed greater than 90 percent compound action potential reduction in the affected side, a widely used criterion for surgical decompression of the facial nerve, almost half (47%) had normal to near-normal recovery, and only three (20%) had residual severe dysfunction. Results infer that patients who meet surgical criteria based on EEMG results but who do not undergo surgery do not show a greater morbidity. The authors conclude that conservative criteria should be used when recommending facial nerve decompression.

Transpetrosal access to meningiomas juxtaposing the temporal bone.

Meningiomas arising from the petroclival dura have presented a challenge to both otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. Access by means of subtemporal, suboccipital, translabyrinthine, or transcochlear routes have inherent limitations both surgically as well as from resultant morbidity. Since 1988, the authors have used a transpetrosal transtentorial (combined subtemporal suboccipital presigmoid) approach to these lesions in selected cases. The goals of this technique have been to preserve function of the cranial nerves, to avoid excessive retraction of the temporal lobe and cerebellum, and to eliminate damage to the venous sinus and Labbés vein. Exposure of the base of the tumor for ablation of the blood supply and access for tumor removal is an important advantage of this approach.