Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Isolated Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty: Short- and Medium-term Follow-up Results Based on Tubomanometry, ETDQ-7, Tympanometry, and Valsalva Maneuver.

Introduction Balloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) allows the treatment of the main etiology of eustachian tube disfunction (ETD). Objective To evaluate the efficacy of isolated BET, through objective and subjective results, in the short and medium term, in patients with chronic obstructive ETD. Methods Adult patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive ETD who underwent BET between January 2018 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study. We performed a prospective observational study of BET efficacy, by comparing subjective data, based on the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7), and objective data, obtained by tympanometry, objective Valsalva maneuver and tubomanometry, prior to BET with these outcome tools on postprocedure follow-up. Results In total, 30 BETs were performed and analyzed. There were no complications with the procedure. Analysis of BET efficacy was performed in the short-term (average of 7.5 weeks) and in the medium-term (average of 8 months). There was a significant reduction ( p < 0.0001) in the total ETDQ-7 score from baseline to both follow-up periods. A normalization of the ETDQ-7 score was observed in 60 and 83.3% of the performed procedures, in the short- and medium-term, respectively. In tubomanometry, we verified a significant improvement ( p < 0.0001) at all pressures, with a normalization of tubomanometry values in 53.3% and 43.3% of cases in the short- and medium-term, respectively. Tympanogram normalization occurred in 71.4% of patients with abnormal preoperative assessments. Conclusion As an isolated procedure, BET results in significant improvements in symptomatology and objective metric results. This, associated with its safety profile, currently makes BET the most indicated therapeutic option in refractory obstructive ETD.

Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Isolated Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty: Short- and Medium-term Follow-up Results Based on Tubomanometry, ETDQ-7, Tympanometry, and Valsalva Maneuver

Abstract Introduction Balloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) allows the treatment of the main etiology of eustachian tube disfunction (ETD). Objective To eval uate the ef ficacy of isolated BET, through objective and subjective results, in the short and medium term, in patients with chronic obstructive ETD. Methods Adult patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive ETD who underwent BET between January 2018 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study. We performeda prospective observational study of BET efficacy, by comparing subjective data, based on the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7), and objective data, obtained by tympanometry, objective Valsalva maneuver and tubomanometry, prior to BET with these outcome tools on postprocedure follow-up. Results In total, 30 BETs were performed and analyzed. There were no complications with the procedure. Analysis of BET efficacy was performed in the short-term (average of 7.5 weeks) and in the medium-term (average of 8 months). There was a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in the total ETDQ-7 score from baseline to both follow-up periods. A normalization of the ETDQ-7 score was observed in 60 and 83.3% of the performed procedures, in the short- and medium-term, respectively. In tubomanometry, we verified a significant improvement (p < 0.0001) at all pressures, with a normalization of tubomanometry values in 53.3% and 43.3% of cases in the short-and medium-term, respectively. Tympanogram normalization occurred in 71.4% of patients with abnormal preoperative assessments. Conclusion As an isolated procedure, BET results in significant improvements in symptomatology and objective metric results. This, associated with its safety profile, currently makes BET the most indicated therapeutic option in refractory obstructive ETD.

Value of simple otoscopy in diagnosing otitis media with effusion in children

Aims To explore the value of otoscopy in diagnosing OME when performed by otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, and primary care physicians; to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of interpretation of otoscopy images. Material and methods A cross-sectional study using an anonymous mailed survey was used. We presented pre-recorded otoscopy images of pediatric patients to otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, and primary care physicians (ten volunteer specialists and residents from each medical specialty). All participants had to answer “yes” or “no” if they considered that the image corresponded or not to an OME case, respectively. We considered that the images were positive for OME whenever the respective tympanogram was type B. Results Thirty-one otoscopy images and 1860 responses provided by sixty physicians were analyzed. The accuracy of otoscopy in diagnosing OME was highest in the Otolaryngologists group (mean 74.8%), with the worst rate observed in the primary care residents group (mean 51.3%). Overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of otoscopy for diagnosing OME were significantly higher when performed by otorhinolaryngologists (75.8%, 72.8%, 66.8%, respectively). Fleiss' kappa showed that interobserver agreement was globally weak within each group of specialties, with overall better interobserver agreement observed among otorhinolaryngologists (κ = 0.30; 95% CI 0.27–0.32). Conclusion According to our data, simple otoscopy as a single diagnostic method in pediatric OME is insufficient, even for otorhinolaryngologists. Current recommendations must be followed to improve diagnostic accuracy. (AU)

Functional and patient-reported outcomes of bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA): A prospective case series study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and patient-reported outcomes, and their correlation, after percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation. Methods: A prospective study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020 in a tertiary care center. All adult patients who were implanted with a percutaneous BAHA device during this evaluation period were included in the study. Complete auditory function and patients reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed in the preoperative period and 6 months after the implant activation. The PROMs included a generic form (Medical Outcome Study 36 Short Form Healthy Survey (MOS SF-36)), and three disease-specific forms (Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI), Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life Scale (SADLS), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)). Results: Twenty-two patients with an average age of 53 years were included in the study. The overall functional gain with the BAHA in sound-field pure tone average (PTA) was 29 dB, with no statistically significant differences according to surgical indication (F(3,18) = 2.319, p = 0.110). The greater the preoperative air-bone gap, the greater the functional gain obtained (r = 0.505, p < 0.05). In the PROMs, we found a significant improvement in HHI scores (p < 0.005) and a significant increase in overall SADLS scores (p < 0.05) with the use of percutaneous BAHA devices. We did not verify any statistically significant correlation between functional and PROMs results. Conclusions: The BAHA is a safe and effective alternative hearing rehabilitation option in selected patients. The PROMs results prove patient's overall satisfaction.

Value of simple otoscopy in diagnosing otitis media with effusion in children.

AIMS: To explore the value of otoscopy in diagnosing OME when performed by otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, and primary care physicians; to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of interpretation of otoscopy images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous mailed survey was used. We presented pre-recorded otoscopy images of pediatric patients to otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, and primary care physicians (ten volunteer specialists and residents from each medical specialty). All participants had to answer "yes" or "no" if they considered that the image corresponded or not to an OME case, respectively. We considered that the images were positive for OME whenever the respective tympanogram was type B. RESULTS: Thirty-one otoscopy images and 1860 responses provided by sixty physicians were analyzed. The accuracy of otoscopy in diagnosing OME was highest in the Otolaryngologists group (mean 74.8%), with the worst rate observed in the primary care residents group (mean 51.3%). Overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of otoscopy for diagnosing OME were significantly higher when performed by otorhinolaryngologists (75.8%, 72.8%, 66.8%, respectively). Fleiss' kappa showed that interobserver agreement was globally weak within each group of specialties, with overall better interobserver agreement observed among otorhinolaryngologists (κ = 0.30; 95% CI 0.27-0.32). CONCLUSION: According to our data, simple otoscopy as a single diagnostic method in pediatric OME is insufficient, even for otorhinolaryngologists. Current recommendations must be followed to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Vestibular and cochlear dysfunction in aging: Two sides of the same coin?

Objective: Nonspecific complaints of hearing loss, vertigo, imbalance, and instability, without a defined etiology, are very prevalent in the elderly population, with a great impact on morbidity and mortality in this age group. The objectives of this study were to verify whether there is age-related vestibular dysfunction and to test the association of vestibular dysfunction with presbycusis in the elderly population. Methods: Original retrospective analytical cross-sectional study, carried out with 80 patients who underwent a videonystagmography and complete audiometric evaluation due to nonspecific vestibular complaints, without a specific vestibular disorder diagnosis. Patients were selected and divided into two distinct age groups (group A: >60 years; group B: 18-50 years) and, in both groups, we analyzed the caloric tests and the pure-tone audiometry. Results: In the vestibular evaluation, we found that there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between groups in the prevalence of bilateral vestibular weakness (group A: 22.5%; group B: 5%), and that the increase in age, above 60 years, is negatively correlated with the mean total caloric response. Additionally, we obtained a reasonable negative and statistically significant correlation (r = -0.320, P < 0.05) between the mean bone conduction thresholds at high frequencies and total caloric responses in group A. Conclusions: In patients with hearing loss, it is essential to perform a complete vestibular study to diagnose vestibular disorders and, consequently, prevent adverse outcomes that may result from these alterations.

[Vestibular Disorders in the Pediatric Age: Retrospective Analysis and Review of the Literature]. / Patologia Vestibular em Idade Pediátrica: Análise Retrospetiva e Revisão da Literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular disorders in pediatric patients is still a controversial subject but has gained relevance over the years. In recent studies, its prevalence varied between 0.7% and 15%. Nevertheless, the true prevalence can be underestimated given that its clinical presentation is expressed compared to adults; it can present as rotatory vertigo, but It can also cause vision complaints, headaches, motor delay, and learning disability. Although middle ear effusion is considered the main cause of vestibular dysfunction in this age group, other diagnoses should be considered. The aim of this study was to describe clinical features of the pediatric population referred to a subspecialist Otorhinolaryngology vertigo clinic in a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2017. We also aimed to compare the results and carry out a literature about the most common causes, diagnostic features and treatment approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records of patients referred to a subspecialist Otorhinolaryngology vertigo clinic with suspicion of vestibular dysfunction aged between 0 and 18 years old were reviewed. Patients with middle ear effusion were excluded. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. From these, 59% were female, with a mean age of 10.9 years old during the first consultation. The most common reason for referral was rotatory vertigo. Nausea and headache were also frequent complaints in our population. All patients performed audiometry; videonistagmography was performed in 41% of the cases; imaging studies were done in 59% of patients. The most common causes of vestibular dysfunction were vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (both in 27% of the cases), followed by vestibular neuritis (in 22% of the cases). DISCUSSION: Although our findings partially concur with the literature, compared with other specialist centers, the range of reasons for referral and of conditions is not as diverse, which may suggest that there is underdiagnosis of vestibular dysfunction in this age group. CONCLUSION: Vestibular dysfunction in the pediatric age can have several causes; pediatricians, neurologists, physiatrists, family doctors and otorhinolaryngologists must be aware of the different forms of presentation. Referral and evaluation protocols addressing pediatric patients should be created.

Introdução: A patologia vestibular na população pediátrica é um tema bastante controverso, mas que tem ganho cada vez mais destaque. A prevalência reportada nesta população varia entre 0,7% e 15%. No entanto, este valor pode estar subestimado, uma vez que a sua forma de expressão na população pediátrica é muito diferente da dos adultos, podendo ir desde a vertigem rotatória até queixas de alterações da visão, cefaleias, atraso motor ou dificuldades na aprendizagem. Embora na literatura a otite média com efusão seja considerada a principal causa de disfunção vestibular nesta faixa etária, existem outras que devem ser consideradas. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características clínicas da população pediátrica encaminhada para avaliação em consulta de Otorrinolaringologia num hospital terciário, por suspeita de disfunção vestibular, desde o ano de 2013 até 2017; Também se pretendeu comparar os resultados e realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca das etiologias mais frequentes, características diagnósticas e abordagem terapêutica.Material e Métodos: Foram analisados de forma retrospetiva os processos clínicos dos doentes observados na consulta de subespecialidade de Vertigem de Otorrinolaringologia com idades entre 0 e 18 anos. Foram excluídos os doentes com diagnóstico de otite média com efusão.Resultados: Cumpriam os critérios de inclusão 37 doentes, dos quais 59% eram do sexo feminino, sendo a idade média da primeira consulta de 10,9 anos. O motivo mais frequente de referenciação foi a vertigem rotatória. As náuseas e cefaleias foram também sintomas frequentemente descritos. Todos os doentes foram submetidos a audiometria tonal; a videonistagmografia foi realizada em 41% dos casos; exames de imagem foram realizados em 59% dos doentes. No que respeita às etiologias do quadro, as mais frequentes foram a enxaqueca vestibular e a vertigem paroxística benigna da infância (ambas em 27% dos casos), seguida da neuronite vestibular (em 22% dos casos).Discussão: Embora os resultados sejam, em parte, sobreponíveis à literatura, comparativamente a outros centros de referência a diversidade de motivos de referenciação e de patologias é menor, o que pode apontar para o subdiagnóstico da disfunção vestibular nesta faixa etária.Conclusão: A disfunção vestibular em idade pediátrica pode ter uma multiplicidade de etiologias, pelo que pediatras, neurologistas, fisiatras, médicos de família e otorrinolaringologistas devem estar alerta para as diversas formas de apresentação desta entidade. Deverão ser criados protocolos de referenciação e avaliação adequados para esta população.

Helicobacter pylori colonization of the adenotonsillar tissue: fact or fiction?

OBJECTIVE: The transmission of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori involves the oral route. Molecular techniques have allowed the detection of H. pylori DNA in samples of the oral cavity, although culture of H. pylori from these type of samples has been sporadic. Studies have tried to demonstrate the presence of H. pylori in adenotonsillar tissue, with contradictory results. Our aim was to clarify whether the adenotonsillar tissue may constitute an extra gastric reservoir for H. pylori. METHODS: Sixty-two children proposed for adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy were enrolled. A total of 101 surgical specimens, 55 adenoid and 46 tonsils, were obtained. Patients were characterized for the presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies by serology. On each surgical sample rapid urease test, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a peptide nucleic acid probe for H. pylori, and polymerase chain reaction-DNA hybridization assay (PCR-DEIA) directed to the vacA gene of H. pylori were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of the individuals had anti-H. pylori antibodies. Rapid urease test was positive in samples of three patients, all with positive serology. Immunohistochemistry was positive in samples of two patients, all with negative serology. All rapid urease test or immunohistochemistry positive cases were negative by FISH. All samples tested were negative when PCR-DEIA for H. pylori detection was used directly in adenotonsillar specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The adenotonsillar tissue does not constitute an extra gastric reservoir for H. pylori infection, at least a permanent one, in this population of children. Moreover, techniques currently used for detecting gastric H. pylori colonization are not adequate to evaluate infection of the adenotonsillar tissues.

Blastomicose articular / Articular blastomycosis

Os autores apresentam um caso de blatomicose sul-americana difusa e grave, cujo diagnóstico foi postergado pela falta de confirmaçäo laboratorial, sendo realizado posteriormente pela biópsia sinovial. Confirmada a etiologia, foi introduzido tratamento específico, com boa resposta e sem seqüelas

Poliarterite nodosa: comprometimento intestinal / Polyarteritis nodosa: intestinal compromising

Os autores descrevem um caso de poliarterite nodosa (PAN) evoluindo com abdome agudo e óbito por necrose e perfuraçäo de alça intestinal. Paciente do sexo masculino, com manifestaçöes clínicas iniciais de febre, emagrecimento e fraqueza muscular, foi diagnosticado como polimiosite (PM). Após dois anos de evoluçäo, apresentou manifestaçöes de abdome agudo por necrose segmentar de alça intestinal, cujo histopatológico foi compatível com PAN. Os autores discutem as diversas manifestaçöes clínicas da PAN, enfatizando o comprometimento muscular e gastrintestinal, neste com mortalidade de 75 a 100 por cento dos casos