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Biomedical subjects

J R DiBartolomeo

Publications and source records attributed to J R DiBartolomeo.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Herniation of the temporomandibular joint into the external auditory canal: a complication of otologic surgery.

Herniation of the temporomandibular joint into the external auditory canal has been reported as a result of trauma, neoplasia, infection, inflammatory processes, or developmental malformations. This paper reviews the intimate relation of the temporomandibular joint to the temporal bone as well as the literature describing temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal. Four cases of temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal resulting from otologic surgery are presented. Their characteristic location, clinical and radiographic findings are described and contrasted to previously reported cases. Despite striking displacement of the temporomandibular joint into the external auditory canal, there were no clinical symptoms referable to this finding. The absence of symptoms distinguished this postoperative etiology of temporomandibular joint herniation from other etiologies mentioned above.

Adult↗

Patulous eustachian tube identification using tympanometry.

The patulous, or nonclosing, eustachian tube is believed to affect as many as 7 percent of all adults, causing physical and psychological difficulties. This paper provides a brief review of the literature regarding the patulous eustachian tube (PET), its symptoms, precipitating conditions, incidence, diagnosis, and current medical management. Several case studies are also presented to illustrate the use of tympanometry in PET identification.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

A new medication to control patulous eustachian tube disorders.

The disorder of hyperpatent eustachian tube is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed because of the ambiguous symptom of a "plugged ear." But when the patient also complains of autophony and/or hearing amphoric sounds, a patulous tube should be suspected. Persistent symptoms are distressing to most patients. This preliminary report evaluates a new nasal medication that produces closure of the tube and controls or eliminates these symptoms. It is demonstrated to be safe, predictable, and effective with little or no side effects.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Real ear unaided responses in ears with tympanic membrane perforations.

This study evaluated 13 adult patients with tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in one or both ears. Probe microphone real ear unaided responses (REURs) for mean peak frequency and peak dB gain showed no substantial differences among patients, across ears with intact TMs, ears with TM perforations (regardless of size), or between measures taken before and after closure of the perforations. Inspection of individual differences in the patients' REURs, however, produced an interesting finding. The REURs of ears having small TM perforations did not differ from those with intact TMs, but the REURs for ears having larger perforations consistently revealed bimodal responses (two prominent peaks separated by a valley of at least 10 dB lower gain). Thus, size of the perforation affected the REURs.

Acoustics↗

Periodic alternating nystagmus.

Horizontal jerk nystagmus is indicative of a disorder involving the vestibular system. Periodic alternating nystagmus is a form of spontaneous nystagmus with a specific pattern. It is identified by the presence of spontaneous nystagmus in the primary direction of gaze, which beats in one direction for 1 or 2 minutes, followed by a null period, and then reappearance of the nystagmus in the opposite direction for a similar length of time. It may be congenital or acquired, and may be seen in association with vestibular-cerebellar disease or loss of vision. Recent case reports indicate that some forms of periodic alternating nystagmus may respond favorably to baclofen therapy.

Baclofen↗

The petrified auricle: comments on ossification, calcification and exostoses of the external ear.

The petrified auricle is a clinical entity in which the auricle, in part or total, has become stone-hard and moves as a rigid unit. This uncommon condition is most often due to ectopic calcification of the auricular cartilage. It may occur as a result of local trauma, in association with various systemic diseases such as Addison's disease, hypopituitarism, thyroid or parathyroid disorders, or following radiation therapy. Auricular ossificans (ectopic ossification) is a rare phenomenon in which the rigidity of the petrified ear is due to replacement of the elastic cartilage by bone. In the literature there are presently nine cases documented histologically. Two more cases are reported here. In most cases, the auricular changes are preceded by acute, severe hypothermia (frostbite). Exostoses of the external auditory canal is another disease of the external ear in which the proliferation of bone follows chronic mild hypothermia of the external auditory canal caused by exposure to cold water while surfing. It is postulated that if surfers who have developed exostoses of the external auditory canal from the cold water continue to enjoy such littoral activities, ossification of the auricle may also occur.

Adult↗

Cable guide for multiple accessory cords on the operating microscope.

It has been three decades since the operating microscope for otologic surgery was introduced into the United States. Today's surgical microscope is used not only for surgery but also for still photography, motion pictures, and videotape recordings. The needs of photography are such that additional fiberoptic light sources or strobe flash units are often attached to the operating microscope for illumination during photography. Each accessory uses a cord or cable to its electrical source, causing a myriad of cords to be serried alongside the extension arms of the microscope. Multiple cables frequently become entangled and create drag, which restricts the mobility of the microscope. A cable-carrying guide system of stainless steel rods shaped into open spirals of approximately one and one-half turns is described. The system contains the accessory cords while permitting full mobility of the microscope during surgical procedures.

Microscopy↗

Response of vascular lesions of the head and neck to argon laser radiation.

Argon laser radiation is used to treat congenital and acquired vascular lesions of the head and neck. Thirteen patients requiring a total of 36 treatments were followed up for a minimum of 1 year to assess the response of the vascular lesion to argon ion radiation. Of the 13 patients, 10 had an excellent result, with the lesion no longer being identifiable. Three of the patients had residual but minimal color remaining in the lesion. There were no complications or hypertrophic scars after 1 year of follow-up. The laser parameters used and the surgical technique followed are outlined.

Adolescent↗

The argon laser in otology.

The use of lasers in microsurgery is now an accepted procedure. As we learn more about the absorption properties of biologic tissue, we can use different electromagnetic wave lengths to accomplish surgical alteration of these tissues. The electromagnetic wave length of the Argon laser is compatible for surgical alteration of the soft tissue and bone of the middle and inner ear. Thirty patients requiring external ear canal or middle ear surgery were treated using the Argon laser during the course of the surgical procedure. The treatment of soft tissue pathology included tympanoplasty with fascia graft, control of bleeding, lysis of adhesions, and myringotomies performed using the Argon laser. Osseous disease of the external canal was removed and stapedectomy was performed, using the Argon laser on 15 patients. A review of the physics of laser energy and its application in otology is presented. The results of this investigative study demonstrate the advantages of the Argon laser in otologic microsurgery.

Argon↗

Scleroma of the nose and pharynx.

Scleroma of the respiratory tract was first recognized just over a century ago. The disease is endemic in a number of North African, Central American and Latin American countries. However, it has been only rarely seen in the United States. The progression of scleroma takes place through three stages. The first stage of rhinitis has an early catarrhal phase which progresses to one of atrophic rhinitis. The second stage is seen as a proliferative granulomatous growth which obliterates the nasal fossae. The third cicatricial stage is usually accompanied by pronounced scarring and retraction of the tissues involved. Because of the increased ease of international travel by both sea and air, more cases can be expected to occur in the United States. This paper is presented to alert physicians to suspect scleroma in any case of granulomatous disease of the respiratory tract.

Adolescent↗

Exostoses of the external auditory canal.

Exostosis of the external ear canal is a disease unique to man. It has been identified in prehistoric man, affecting the aborigines of the North American continent. Aural exostoses are typically firm, sessile, multinodular bony masses which arise from the tympanic ring of the bony portion of the external auditory canal. These growths develop subsequent to prolonged irritation of the canal. The large, primitive jaw of prehistoric man placed great mechanical stress on the tympanic ring. Chronic aural suppuration seen in the preantibiotic era was soon followed by exostoses. Today, prolonged contact of the external ear canal with cold sea water is the most prevalent cause (aquatic theory). As a result the disease is now essentially limited to coastal regions. In this way we have seen exostoses appear in different stages of the evolution of man as a result of mechanical, chemical and now thermal irritation. The author is an otolaryngologist in a coastal region. In examining 11,000 patients during a ten-year period, 70 cases of symptomatic exostoses of the external auditory canal were identified. The incidence of exostoses was found to be 6.36 per 1,000 patients examined for otolaryngologic disease. It is a predominantly male disease. The development of these "irritation nodules" is painless until the tenth year of aquatic exposure to irritation, when symptoms of obstruction occur. The hearing loss associated with exostoses is usually a conductive type, secondary to occlusion of the canal by impacted cerumen or acute external otitis. The results of studying the thermal characteristics of the body of water used for such aquatic activities is presented.

Adolescent↗

A versatile argon microsurgical laser.

A laser instrument designed for use in otologic, dermatologic, and cosmetic surgery is evaluated. The argon ion laser produces a visible wavelength in the emerald green range (0.488 to 0.415 micrograms). Its attachments include a handpiece and a micromanipulator. The handpiece is manufactured with a 1- or 2-mm spot size and may be used for treatment of cutaneous lesions such as telangiectasis, hemangiomas, and tatto marks. The micromanipulator is made for attachment to the Zeiss Omni I microscope. The working distance coordinates with that of the operating microscope when used for otologic procedures such as ossicular reconstruction, stapedectomy, tympanoplasty, or soft tissue tumor removal. The technical specifications and medical applications are outlined.

Argon↗