Electrogustometry thresholds, tongue tip vascularization, and density and morphology of the fungiform papillae in diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate, in parallel, changes in electrogustometric (EGM) thresholds, the morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap), and the shape and density of the vessels at the tip of the human tongue in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODOLOGY: In 36 patients (19 females, 17 males; 12 subjects with type 1 DM and 24 subjects with type 2 DM), we recorded bilateral EGM-thresholds at the areas innervated by the chorda tympani, the glossopharyngeal nerves, and the greater petrosal nerves. We examined the morphology and density of the fPap and blood vessel density and morphology at the tip of the tongue with contact endoscopy (CE). A group of 36 healthy, age-matched, non-smoking individuals served as controls. RESULTS: The fPap density measured by CE was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in DM compared to control groups. EGM-thresholds were significantly higher in the DM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Gender did not have a significant impact on CE and EGM findings within the DM group. Body mass index did not significantly affect EGM-thresholds or the morphology and vascularization of fPap. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that DM significantly reduced gustatory function, based on EGM, and impaired the gustatory anatomical structures, based on CE. Both EGM and CE may be useful in clinical settings to monitor taste disorders in patients with DM.

Cultural adaptation of an olfactory identification test: the Greek version of Sniffin' Sticks.

OBJECTIVE: Sniffin sticks battery is a well-validated olfactory test in German speaking population. However adaptation of this test in the cultural background of a country is mandatory before use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 258 subjects were tested in two stages. The first stage included assessment of 60 healthy subjects with the exact translation of Sniffin' Sticks list and recognition of problematic items. In the second stage a modified list after linguistic changes was tested in a representative for the Greek population study group of 198 healthy subjects. Their results were correlated with a sample of 198 Germans of similar age and sex distribution from the German normative data of Sniffin' Sticks. RESULTS: The use of the initial list showed decreased odour identification (< 70%) of 6 items (anis, turpentine, liquorice, apple, lemon, cinnamon). After the appropriate changes the results of the modified list presented significantly increased identification of all problematic items. Identification ability of Greek population showed significant correlation with the German study group having similar behaviour regarding age and gender differences. CONCLUSION: This study provides cultural adaptation of the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory identification test and normative data for the Greek population.

Subclavian steal syndrome: neurotological manifestations.

The subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by a subclavian artery stenosis located proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery. In this case, the subclavian artery steals reverse-flow blood from the vertebrobasilar artery circulation to supply the arm during exertion, resulting in vertebrobasilar insufficiency. As the vertebrobasilar arterial system feeds both the peripheral and central auditory and vestibular systems, in subclavian steal syndrome, neurotological symptoms are expected because of the vertebrobasilar insufficiency. In this report, we describe three patients suffering from subclavian steal syndrome, who presented with isolated dizziness, recurrent vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. In two of the three cases, a positional nystagmus was detected, which was vertical in two. Abnormal saccades were documented in one, and the auditory brainstem responses were pathological in all three patients; the caloric response was reduced in only one case. Upon magnetic resonance imaging, ischaemic lesions were observed in two patients, in the brainstem and in the hemispheres, respectively. These findings suggest that the central auditory and vestibular system is more likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurotological symptoms in subclavian steal syndrome. Patiehts complaining of numbness of the upper arm and isolated neurotological symptoms should be thoroughly examined for subclavian steal syndrome. Furthermore, regular follow-up must be undertaken in order to prevent other neurological deficits in the vertebrobasilar arterial territory.

Identification of taste quality with the use of meg.

We investigated the localization of current sources for spontaneous magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data in the frequency domain. MEGs were evaluated in three different states: (i) physiological condition; (ii) sweet taste, and (iii) salt taste. Low frequencies can be seen in the maps obtained with the sweet taste, whereas in the physiological and salt taste, the maps show higher frequencies in the majority of channels. A differentiation in the spatial distribution of the frequencies provides novel insights into the identification of taste quality with the MEG systems.

[Sarcoidosis of the larynx (author's transl)]. / Morbus Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann am Larynx (Larynx-Sarkoidose).

The isolated case of sarcoidosis of the larynx is very rare. We are referred to a case of histologically confirmed by the kweim-test of sarcoidosis of the false vocal cord. The problems of the case are discussed.