Exploratory tympanotomy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss for the identification of a perilymphatic fistula - retrospective analysis and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnostic value of exploratory tympanotomy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss remains controversial. This study and review were performed to identify the incidence of perilymphatic fistula in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The effectiveness of tympanotomy for sealing of the cochlear windows in cases with perilymphatic fistula was evaluated. METHODS: A search in common databases was performed. Overall, 5034 studies were retrieved. Further, a retrospective analysis on 90 patients was performed. RESULTS: Eight publications dealing with tympanotomy in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss were identified. In 90 patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and undergoing exploratory tympanotomy, 10 patients (11 per cent) were identified with a perilymphatic fistula, and this corresponds to the results obtained from our review (13.6 per cent). CONCLUSION: There was no significant improvement after exploratory tympanotomy and sealing of the membranes for patients with a definite perilymphatic fistula.

A novel biodegradable frontal sinus stent (MgNd2): a long-term animal study.

The frontal sinus recess consists of anatomically narrow passages that are prone to stenosis in endonasal frontal sinus surgery for chronic sinus disease. Over the past 100 years, diverse frontal sinus stents have been developed and evaluated in clinical and animal studies. However, superinfection, formation of granulations tissue, stent dislocation and late stenosis of the duct have remained challenges and subject of debate in the literature. Currently developed biodegradable materials, including rare earth-containing magnesium alloys are promising candidates for application as temporary implant materials. The Mg 2 % wt Nd alloy (MgNd2) was used to design a nasal stent that fit the porcine anatomy. In the current study, we evaluate biocompatibility, biodegradation and functionality of a frontal sinus stent in 16 minipigs over 6 months. Intraoperative endoscopy revealed free stent lumen in all cases. Blood examination and clinical examinations indicated no systematic or local inflammation signs. The histopathology and elements analysis showed a very good biocompatibility. The µ-computed tomography-based volumetric analysis showed substantial stent degradation within 6 months. Our MgNd2 based stent appears to be a promising, solid basis for the development of a frontal sinus stent for clinical use.

MgNd2 alloy in contact with nasal mucosa: an in vivo and in vitro approach.

Biodegradable and biocompatible magnesium alloys appear to be very promising not only for temporary clinical application but also for developing deformable and degradable medical implants. This study analyzes the in vivo degradation behavior and the impact on the paranasal sinuses of the highly ductile Mg-2 wt%Nd alloy (MgNd2) in order to provide a basis for a satisfying stent system for the therapy of a chronic sinusitis. Moreover, in vitro tests were carried out on primary porcine nasal epithelial cells (PNEC). For the in vivo tests, cylindrical MgNd2 specimens were implanted into the sinus' mucosa of minipigs. During and after a total period of 180 days the long-term biodegradation and biocompatibility properties after direct contact with the physiological tissue were analyzed. Biodegradation was investigated by measuring the mass and volume losses of the MgNd2 specimens as well as by performing element analyses to obtain information about the degradation layer. The influence on the surrounding tissue of paranasal sinuses was evaluated by endoscopic and histopathological examinations of the mucosa. Here, only a locally unspecific chronic infection was found. The degradation rate showed a maximum after 45 days postsurgery and was determined to decrease subsequently. In vitro experiments using PNEC showed adequate biocompatibility of MgNd2. This study demonstrates a good in vivo biocompatibility for MgNd2 in the system of paranasal sinuses and underlines the promising properties of alloy MgNd2 for biodegradable nasal stent applications.

High-frequency jet ventilation for endolaryngotracheal surgery--chart review and procedure analysis from the surgeon's and the anaesthesiologist's point of view.

OBJECTIVE: High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) arose as a ventilation alternative in laryngotracheal surgery as it offers the surgeon a better overview and more space for microsurgical manipulations. On the contrary, anaesthesiologic monitoring is limited and (relative) contraindications exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedure. Contraindications and limitations are discussed from the surgeon's and the anaesthesiologist's point of view, and relevant aspects of oncologic surgery are identified. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and analysis of clinical experiences. SETTING: University Teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eighty adult patients (97 cases) treated at our institution between June 2012 and September 2013 were included. HFJV was performed using thin, subglottically placed catheters. The analysis focuses on complications and practical steps. RESULTS: Indications were benign (63%) and malignant pathologies (37%). The CO2 laser was used in 34 cases (35%). The mean operating time averaged 53 min (3-404 min) and the mean duration of anaesthesia was 81 min (16-438 min). Two thirds of the operated patients had a body mass index higher than 25 kg/m(2) . Eighty-four per cent were classified as ASA I and II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. All pathologies could well be exposed by the surgeon. Two reversible desaturations to 70% were documented. In another case, emergency re-intubation was necessary as the saturation dropped below 50%. In 8 (8%) cases, elective re-intubation to conventional tubes was performed during the course of the operation as HFJV did not establish optimal oxygenation conditions. No severe intra-operative bleeding was observed. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency jet ventilation represents a safe ventilation approach for laryngotracheal surgery in experienced hands. Due to the better overview, it offers a better orientation on anatomical structures and on the pathology. Special attention has to be laid on obesity, reflux and cardiopulmonary diseases. However, individual decisions can be made under consideration of all co-morbidities. A close pre- and intra-operative interdisciplinary work up is required.

In vivo degradation effects of alloy MgNd2 in contact with mucous tissue.

Magnesium alloys are currently being investigated for use as resorbable biomaterials. Various applications for magnesium based implant materials have already been presented. Currently, stents and structures that sustain diseased or narrowed vessels seem to be the most promising areas. This study focuses on the use of a magnesium fluoride (MgF2 ) coated magnesium neodymium based alloy (MgNd2 ) and its use as a postsurgery stent material to avoid proliferation in the sinus region. Simple cylindrical shaped specimens were sown to the sinus' mucosa of pigs and left in place for different periods of time to investigate the long-term corrosion resistance of the alloy and its coating during direct contact with physiological tissue. Investigations made within this study explicitly focused on the corrosive behavior of the alloy in the region of a physiological sinus. Thus, losses in mass and volume, and element analyses were considered to obtain information about the specimens' corrosion performance over time. Furthermore, micrographs support the alloy specific corrosion type analyses which focus on grain boundary effects. This study demonstrates the general in vivo applicability of fluoride coated MgNd2 . The progress of corrosion was determined to be adequate and homogeneous over a total period of 180 days.

[High-frequency jet ventilation in otorhinolaryngology - surgical and anaesthesiologic issues]. / Die Hochfrequenz-Jet-Ventilation in der HNO-Heilkunde - chirurgische und anästhesiologische Aspekte.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) through thin catheters creates more room for surgical procedures in laryngotracheal surgery, while few contraindications exist. In contrast, the anaesthesiologist has to cope with reduced monitoring and numerous contraindications. Therefore, every participating discipline has to thoroughly know the method. We report our experiences with HFJV and focus on relevant points, which contribute to a safe and cooperative procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review for patients, who were operated for benign laryngotracheal lesions using HFJV at the Hannover Medical School, Department of Otorhino-Laryngology between June 2012 and February 2013. We analyze patient characteristics, complications and important anaesthesiologic and operative steps. RESULTS: A total of 46 cases of microlaryngoscopies and tracheoscopies were included in this study. The median body mass index was 27 kg/m(2). According to the ASA-classification, 24% of patients were categorized class I, 54% class II and 22% class III. In 2 cases we had reversible, peripheral desaturations down to 70%. In one case, emergent re-intubation with an endotracheal tube was inevitable due to rapid desaturation below 50%. Further complications were not observed. CONCLUSION: HFJV represents a safe ventilation approach in laryngotracheal surgery, when patients are thoroughly selected. Especially the surgeon benefits from more room in the operating field. Obesity, reflux and cardiopulmonary diseases have to be evaluated well, as these can represent relative contraindications. Individual decisions can be made under consideration of all comorbidities.

Investigation of Balance Function Using Dynamic Posturography under Electrical-Acoustic Stimulation in Cochlear Implant Recipients.

Introduction. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of electrical-acoustic stimulation on vestibular function in CI patients by using the EquiTest and to help answer the question of whether electrically stimulating the inner ear using a cochlear implant influences the balance system in any way. Material and Methods. A test population (n = 50) was selected at random from among the cochlear implant recipients. Dynamic posturography (using the EquiTest) was performed with the device switched off an switched on. Results. In summary, it can be said that an activated cochlear implant affects the function of the vestibular system and may, to an extent, even lead to a stabilization of balance function under the static conditions of dynamic posturography, but nevertheless also to a significant destabilization. Significant improvements in vestibular function were seen mainly in equilibrium scores under conditions 4 and 5, the composite equilibrium score, and the vestibular components as revealed by sensory analysis. Conclusions. Only under the static conditions are significantly poorer scores achieved when stimulation is applied. It may be that the explanation for any symptoms of dizziness lies precisely in the fact that they occur in supposedly noncritical situations, since, when the cochlear implant makes increased demands on the balance system, induced disturbances can be centrally suppressed.

Audiological performance in cochlear implanted patients deafened by meningitis depending on duration of deafness.

The objective of our study was to evaluate audiological outcome in cochlear implanted children deafened by meningitis and its correlation with duration of deafness from meningitis in a retrospective clinical study at an academic tertiary referral center. Sixty patients profoundly deafened by meningitis were evaluated. Two groups of children depending on duration of deafness--group 1 defined by duration of deafness less than 6 months and group 2 defined by duration of deafness over 6 months were evaluated. The control group A (duration of deafness <6 months) and group B (duration of deafness >6 months) with similar demographics data and a non-meningitis-related cause of deafness were evaluated. Patient history, cochlear implantation and audiological findings (MAIS, MUSS and open set tests questionnaire) were investigated. Standardized diagnostic and therapeutic procedure was performed in all patients. Our results showed better auditory performance and language control in children implanted within 6 months after meningitis. Over the period of 36 months group 2 was able to catch up with the group 1 in the MUSS and MAIS tests. However, the results of the common phrases test remain significantly better in group 1 over this time period (P=0.0188). In case of meningitis, audiological and radiological assessment should be performed within 4 weeks after the onset of disease. We see a clear indication for immediate implantation in patients with profound SNHL caused by meningitis. The aim should be bilateral implantation in this population to achieve the best possible performance by implantation before obliteration occurs. Premeningetic auditory experience is an important advantage which should be used. Frequent bilateral and sometimes late obliteration should be taken into consideration in the decision-making process as well.

[Exostosis of the internal auditory canal in a patient with myotonic dystrophy]. / Exostosenbildung des inneren Gehörganges bei einem Patienten mit myotoner Dystrophie Curschmann-Steinert.

A 53-year-old patient with myotonic dystrophy presented to our clinic with progressive bilateral hearing loss. The ENT status and particularly the otological examination were without pathological signs. Pure tone audiograms showed a bilateral moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Routinely performed computed tomography of the temporal bones revealed the rare picture of exostosis of the internal auditory canals and the medial surface of the petrous bones. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing exostosis of the internal auditory canal in a patient with myotonic dystrophy, although at present it remains unclear in how far there is a causal connection between these two pathologies.

[Peripheral facial palsy as the first symptom of a metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma]. / Periphere Fazialisparese als Erstsymptom eines metastasierenden Bronchialkarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of a facial palsy as the initial symptom of a bronchogenic carcinoma. METHODS: Case-report. A 56-year-old patient presented with a peripheral facial palsy. The clinical picture as well as the temporal bone CT were without pathological findings. A 10-day rheologic therapy as well as anti-viral medication were not successful. Five days after rheological therapy had been completed, the patient presented a swelling of the neck. In the computer tomography we found a bilateral thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. In addition, the clinical picture of a left-sided glossopharyngeal palsy appeared. The following thorax CT as well as the diagnostic extirpation of an enlarged cervical lymph node lead to the diagnosis of a metastasized smallcell neuro-endocrine bronchogenic carcinoma with a compression of the right primary bronchus and the vena cava superior as well as an upper inflow congestion. In the cMRT we furthermore found a metastasis in the area of the foramen stylomastoideum. The patient underwent emergency radiation and chemotherapy. RESULTS: According to the present findings, this metastasis lead to the facial palsy as the initial symptom of the bronchogenic carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Therefore, therapy resistant facial palsy should be further diagnosed in detail, especially examined by imaging procedures.

[Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbita]. / Embryonales Rhabdomyosarkom der Orbita.

A 2(1/2) year old girl was presented with an acute, painless orbital swelling without signs of local or systemic inflammation. CT and MRT scanning revealed a tumor which by open biopsy disclosed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. By means of this case we present the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for childhood soft tissue sarcomas. At present our patient receives a poly-chemotherapy which has already shown a good response. For local tumor control, a complete surgical resection as well as radiotherapy may be indicated and have to be considered carefully with respect to the possible late effects. This case demonstrates that in a child with a unilateral, progressive orbital tumor, the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue sarcoma has to be ruled out.

[The interesting case -- case no. 65]. / Der interessante Fall Nr. 65.

Bilateral Osteomyelitis following frontal sinusitis is a rare complication in the antibiotic era. The main risk of a progredient course is mainly the formation of external subperiostal, epidural, subdural abscesses or brain abscesses with potentially life-threatening complications. This is a report on a patient who presented in our department with progredient cephalgia and swelling in the area around the glabella and frontal sinus. Macroscopical examination revealed septum deviation to the right side and nasal polyposis of the right nasal passage. A computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses showed subtotal soft tissue obstruction of all sinuses with the exception of the sphenoidal sinus. Bilateral osteolysis of the ventral osseous borders of the frontal sinus with accompanying osteosclerosis was also observed. The therapy consisted of radical frontal sinus surgery via Unterberger approach. This case demonstrates a rare case of bilateral frontal osteomyelitis together with the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The management consisted of the removal of all osteomyelitic bone and antibiotic therapy. Differential diagnostic procedures must be carried out in order to exclude orbital and intracranial complications. Regular follow-up examinations and a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses are part of the standard therapy.

Detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica using a digoxigenin labelled probe targeting the yst gene.

A 145 base pair digoxigenin-d-UTP-labelled probe, specific for pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica heat-stable enterotoxin yst gene, was prepared by PCR. The probe was used in DNA-DNA colony hybridization and dot-blot hybridization assays. The specificity of the probe was confirmed using 52 strains representing all Yersinia spp., except Y. pestis. Out of a total of 25 Y. enterocolitica strains screened, the probe correctly identified all 18 pathogenic strains. Among the other Yersinia spp. screened, only one strain of Y. kristensenii was positively detected by the yst probe but could be differentiated by its weak signal response as compared with that obtained by pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica.

Detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in milk and pork using a DIG-labelled probe targeted against the yst gene.

A PCR-amplified, digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled yst probe was evaluated in naturally and artificially contaminated pork and milk samples for its ability to detect and differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of Yersinia enterocolitica following enrichment in irgasan-ticarcillin-chlorate (ITC) enrichment broth. A total of 44 raw pork samples were obtained from one meat-processing factory and two local retail stores. Y. enterocolitica serogroup O:3/biovar 4 was isolated from 6 of the 44 (14%) pork samples tested. The hybridization results were in good agreement when compared with those from standard biochemical and serological tests. The lowest concentration detectable by a colony hybridization technique in the milk samples inoculated with Y. enterocolitica O:8 PA-A corresponded to 10 cfu/ml in the original sample. No pathogenic serovars were detected in 6 raw milk and 3 pasteurized milks tested. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the DIG-labelled yst probe is a reliable tool for rapid detection of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica in naturally and artificially contaminated food samples.