What is the Current State of Extended Reality Use in Otolaryngology Training? A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To map current literature on the educational use of extended reality (XR) in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) to inform teaching and research. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping Review. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, identifying literature through MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science databases. Findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review checklist. Studies were included if they involved OHNS trainees or medical students who used XR for an educational purpose in OHNS. XR was defined as: fully-immersive virtual reality (VR) using head-mounted displays (HMDs), non-immersive and semi-immersive VR, augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR). Data on device use were extracted, and educational outcomes were analyzed according to Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework. RESULTS: Of the 1,434 unique abstracts identified, 40 articles were included. All articles reported on VR; none discussed AR or MR. Twenty-nine articles were categorized as semi-immersive, none used occlusive HMDs therefore, none met modern definitions of immersive VR. Most studies (29 of 40) targeted temporal bone surgery. Using the Kirkpatrick four-level evaluation model, all studies were limited to level-1 (learner reaction) or level-2 (knowledge or skill performance). CONCLUSIONS: Current educational applications of XR in OHNS are limited to VR, do not fully immerse participants and do not assess higher-level learning outcomes. The educational OHNS community would benefit from a shared definition for VR technology, assessment of skills transfer (level-3 and higher), and deliberate testing of AR, MR, and procedures beyond temporal bone surgery. Laryngoscope, 133:227-234, 2023.

13. Tractional retinal detachments.

Tractional retinal detachments (TRD) occur as a consequence of various retinal pathologies but is most commonly associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Monitoring for diabetic eye disease and early identification of TRD are crucial for preventing vision loss.

FEVR findings in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome type II.

BACKGROUND: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder that has phenotypic overlap with Marfan syndrome. In LDS, the aortic root dissections can be more aggressive and occur at a younger age than Marfan syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of two cases. RESULTS: A 7-year old boy with history of LDS was found to have a vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye. Further examination showed findings of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Both eyes were found to have peripheral non-perfusion and neovascularization. A non-related 25-month-old boy with no molecularly confirmed connective tissue disorder was found to have bilateral peripheral non-perfusion and bilateral tractional retinal detachments. The boy was clinically diagnosed with Larsen syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome kyphoscoliotic form, and Marfan syndrome before presentation. The FEVR lead to consideration of LDS that was molecularly confirmed. Consequently, he was monitored for aortic root dilation. CONCLUSION: FEVR findings may lead to diagnosis of LDS and patients with LDS may present with proliferative retinopathy.

The importance of early diagnosis of Stickler syndrome: Finding opportunities for preventing blindness.

Stickler Syndrome (SS) is a significant cause of retinal blindness in children. The immediate cause of blindness is retina detachment from giant retinal tear (GRT). It is frequently diagnosed late and the giant retinal tear (GRT) may be complicated by high-grade proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The surgery for the combined GRT with PVR has limited structural results and the vision mainly remains impaired. In order to improve the visual outcomes, we propose an organized program oriented toward early diagnosis and surveillance. Adding an effective prophylaxis may maintain normal vision in a high percent of patients. The critical diagnostic moments for this program are prenatal and at birth. The tools include a directed history, general physical exam and advanced ophthalmologic exam looking for the particular features of SS. Some features may need advanced skills transfer, because they are not reliably taught in retina fellowships. Much of this program requires a partnership with obstetricians, pediatricians, neonatologists and geneticists. Finally, we review the evidence regarding prophylaxis and discuss our approach in the absence of guidance from a randomized clinical trial.