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At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

[Adult onset otitis media with effusion: an etiologic study].

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the etiologic causes and the value of nasal endoscopy in adult onset otitis media with effusion (OME). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients with adult-onset OME (28 males, 22 females; mean age 46 years; range 18 to 41 years). Pneumatic otoscopy, otomicroscopy, pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry were performed in all patients. The nasal cavity and the nasopharynx were examined by nasal endoscopy. Skin prick tests were performed and serum specific IgE levels were determined in all patients. Computed tomography scans of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and the skull base were obtained when indicated. RESULTS: Adult-onset OME was bilateral in 24 patients. Allergy was detected in three patients. Four patients had marked septal deviation. Mucopurulent discharge in the middle meatus was observed in 20 patients and polypoid tissue in the lateral nasal wall in two patients. Mucoid and purulent discharge and edema were observed at the orifice of the eustachian tube in 13 patients and 10 patients, respectively. Biopsies obtained from nasopharyngeal masses revealed squamous cell carcinoma in one patient and lymphoid hyperplasia in four patients. CONCLUSION: We concluded that nasal endoscopy was a reliable method in the investigation of etiologic factors in adult-onset OME.

Adolescent↗

Bilateral aberrant internal carotid arteries with bilateral persistent stapedial arteries and bilateral duplicated internal carotid arteries.

A 5-year-old boy was evaluated for a left retrotympanic mass found at otoscopy. Subsequent petrous bone CT and MR angiographic examinations demonstrated bilateral aberrant internal carotid, bilateral stapedial artery persistence, and bilateral duplicated internal carotid arteries. Imaging findings and their clinical relevance are discussed. A second case of unilateral aberrant internal carotid artery with a persistent stapedial artery is included for comparison.

Carotid Artery, Internal↗

[Failure of regain full function after surgery for otosclerosis: causes, diagnosis and treatment].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the causes, the diagnosis, the treatment and the results obtained by revision surgery, in cases of stapedectomy failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 50 recent cases operated on between January 1997 and December 2001. DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE: All reoperated patients had clinical and audiological assessment; CT scan with virtual endoscopy. RESULTS: The mean time of onset of failure was 23 months. The mean preoperative air bone gap was 25.5 dB. Otoscopy revealed a retraction pocket caused by poor eustachian tube function in 9 cases. CT scan proved to be very effective at differentiating the cause of the failure. OPERATIVE FINDINGS: In 11 cases the prosthesis was too short, in 8 cases the prosthesis had migrated out of the hole of stapedotomy and in 6 cases the piston was fixed in the stapedotomy hole. A partial or complete lysis of the long process of the incus was frequently associated, but in 9 cases it was the only cause of the failure. In all the cases when the piston was displaced, the stapedotomy was found to be covered by a thin mucous membrane, avoiding labyrinthine fistula. In 3 cases, the failure was due to recurrent otosclerosis. In 5 cases the failure was due to a local anomaly at the level of the oval window niche, 2 cases of failure were due to a malleus ankylosis. In 5 cases fibrous adhesion was found between the incus and the mucosa of the promontory. In one case a reparative granuloma was found at the level of the oval window. TREATMENT: In cases of partial lysis of the long process of the incus, a new prosthesis was placed in a 0.4 mm diameter stapedotomy, performed using a KTP laser. A 0.4 mm diameter piston was extended 0.2 mm below stapedotomy to avoid a new extrusion. Indeed some prosthesis extrusion could be due to increased movements of the ossicular chain in cases of eustachian tube dysfunction. In cases of complete lysis of the long process of the incus, or in cases of a very short long process of the incus, a piston was put in the stapedotomy and attached to the malleus manubrium. The results of revision stapedotomy were favorable in the absence of associated fibrous tissue adhesion or local malformation. The air bone gap was found to be less than 10 dB in 40 cases and between 10 and 20 dB in 8 cases. An impairment of the air bone gap was found in 2 cases. No case of bone conduction impairment was found in this series.

Adult↗

The pediatric tympanic membrane: see it, describe it, treat it.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common childhood conditions for which antibiotics are prescribed, often unnecessarily. Current medical literature focuses on the treatment of AOM, appropriate antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance. Placing more emphasis on examination and description of the tympanic membrane (TM) reduces the over-diagnosing of AOM and concerns associated with antibiotic use. A thorough examination of the ear must be performed in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This article presents a three-step technique to assist providers to perform pneumatic otoscopy, visualize the TM, describe their findings, and subsequently treat AOM.

Acute Disease↗

Closed tympanoplasty in middle ear cholesteatoma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of closed tympanoplasty surgery for middle ear cholesteatoma and to compare the postoperative results with the outcomes of canal-wall-down mastoidectomy. METHODS: Seventy patients with middle ear cholesteatoma were involved in the study. Pneumo-otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, anamnestic and clinical data were evaluated before the surgery. Modified radical mastoidectomy was performed for 31 patients. Thirty-nine patients were treated with closed tympanoplasty surgery, including intact canal wall mastoidectomy, endaural atticotomy, lateral attic and aditus wall reconstruction and tympanoplasty. The follow-up examination was carried out 12 months after the surgery. The recurrence of cholesteatoma, otorrhea and hearing level were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: Otorrhea was estimated in 4 cases (10.3%) after closed tympanoplasty surgery and in 6 cases (19.4%) after modified radical mastoidectomy. Among the patients who were operated using closed tympanoplasty technique the middle ear cholesteatoma recurrence rate was 12.8% and among those, who underwent modified radical mastoidectomy recurrent disease occurred in 9.7% of the cases. The hearing improvement was found in 15 cases (38.46%) after closed tympanoplasty, while there was no hearing improvement after modified radical mastoidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that despite the fact, that cholesteatoma recurrence rate after closed tympanoplasty is relatively high, this surgical method permits to preserve adequate hearing level and releases from postoperative cavity care problems as compared with modified radical mastoidectomy.

Adolescent↗

[Secretion of middle ear in infants -- occurrence, recurrence and related factors].

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at evaluating the occurrence and recurrence of middle ear secretion and possible associated factors in the first two years of life of 190 newborns and infants, participants in the interdisciplinary prevention, detection, and intervention program at the Clínica de Educação para Saúde of Universidade do Sagrado Coração. METHODS: Newborns and infants were monthly submitted to anamnesis, otoscopy, behavioral hearing assessment using sound instruments and pure tones (pediatric audiometry) and tympanometry. RESULTS: The results revealed that 68.4% of infants presented one or more episodes of middle ear secretion during their two first years, with more recurrence among males. Peak occurrence was between four and 12 months of age and, the earlier the first episode, the higher the probability of recurrence. Greatest incidence was during May and August. It was found that, of the variables investigated, the period of exclusive breastfeeding actuated as a protector factor. With respect of risk factors, it was observed that passive smoking, gastro-esophageal reflux and respiratory allergy were related with the recurrences of effusion. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed the importance of periodic auditory follow-up for infants during their first two years of life, considered to be the critical period of auditory system maturation, during which sensory deprivation can be responsible for damage to the development of speech, language and other auditory abilities.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Medical management of middle ear disease in children less than 2 years of age with sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: With emerging early hearing detection and communication development programs, physicians are increasingly requested to review young children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and associated conductive hearing loss (CHL). The purpose of this critical review is to develop an evidence-based approach to the management of the child less than 2 years of age with fluctuating CHL and coexisting SNHL. METHODS: A critical review of the 1966-2002 MEDLINE database was performed to address the diagnosis, natural history, and management of otitis media with effusion (OME) and the management of acute otitis media (AOM) in the child under 2 years of age with underlying SNHL. RESULTS: Pneumatic otoscopy should be used to diagnose middle ear effusion. Clearance of OME may be prolonged in children with craniofacial abnormalities. Antibiotics provide a small short-term increase in the resolution of OME and may be warranted in children with coexisting SNHL and OME for 4 to 6 weeks. If OME persists for 8 to 12 weeks, bilateral myringotomy and tube placement (BM&T) with short-term tubes will improve hearing and help resolve OME. AOM in children less than 2 years of age should be treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics may be useful in avoiding tube placement in children less than 2 years of age with recurrent AOM. BM&T with short-term tubes are recommended if recurrent AOM persists. Pneumococcal vaccination can decrease episodes of AOM by 6 to 7%. CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based algorithm for the management of fluctuating CHL in children less than 2 years of age with an underlying SNHL is presented.

Acute Disease↗

[Effect of the middle ear status on the recording of vestibular evoked myogenic potential--VEMP].

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the middle ear status on the recording of air- and bone-conducted vestibular evoked myogenic potential. Forty eight children were included in the study, ranging in age from 4 to 10 years. All of the children underwent otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and air- and bone-conducted VEMP in response to click. There were 3 groups according to the condition of the middle ear: group I--52 ears (type A and C1 tympanogram, pure tone average < or = 20 dB), group II--23 ears (type C2 and B tympanogram, pure tone average < or = 20 dB), group III--21 (type B tympanogram, pure tone average > 20 dB). The threshold, presence of correct waveform morphology of the response and latency was evaluated. The condition of the middle ear has no significant effect on the recording of VEMP and mean level of the response threshold with bone stimulation, based on the performed studies. However, with air stimulation it has effect on the recording of VEMP, increase of the mean threshold response and shortening of latency p13 and n23.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

[The practice guideline 'Otitis media with effusion' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners; a response from the perspective of general practice].

The usefulness of tympanotomy tubes in children with otitis media with effusion who also have speech and language retardation is doubtful in view of the natural development. The second revision of the practice guideline 'Otitis media with effusion' from the Dutch College of General Practitioners is still not in complete agreement with this. The indications for performing an adenoidectomy are now more limited. Pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry are diagnostic aids that may deserve a permanent place in the general practitioner's medical practice in the future.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

[The practice guideline 'Otitis media with effusion' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners; a response from the perspective of otorhinolaryngology].

The revised practice guideline 'Otitis media with effusion' from the Dutch College of General Practitioners constitutes a valuable contribution to the discussion regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. A few critical comments can, however, be made. Pneumatic otoscopy and physical examination are considered to be very valuable. However, many general practitioners do not possess either the means or the skill to perform these investigations correctly. Patients with signs of (serious) hearing impairment should in the first place be referred to an otorhinolaryngologist, who can then refer children with proven perceptive hearing loss to a centre for audiology. This practice guideline recommends referral to an otorhinolaryngologist in case of hearing loss of more than 30 dB; according to otorhinolaryngologists this should be 25 dB or more. However, the duration and severity of the symptoms are more important. Speech and language retardation, behavioural problems at school due to hearing impairment and the possible development of an atelectatic tympanum are important reasons for referral. Otorhinolaryngologists also object to the wait-and-see attitude that is recommended in the practice guideline. Since there is no unambiguous evidence regarding the consequences ofotitis media with effusion in the long term, it would seem more reasonable to take the decision whether or not to treat the condition (and if so, when) in consultation with the parents. It is the parents who can best judge whether the child can live with the negative consequences of an untreated otitis media with effusion.

Humans↗

A field trial of 2 telemedicine camera systems in a family practice.

Previous reports of telemedicine consultations have demonstrated that the technology is effective but inefficient. Little attention has been directed to the use of telemedicine in a primary care practice, especially the use of the medical peripheral devices. We used a functioning primary care practice as a telemedicine test bed, providing unselected patients in the study group. The goal was to study the performance of a new generation of a compact set of medical peripheral devices specifically designed for telemedicine examinations. In a 3-week field trial, 2 second-generation camera systems were used by physician faculty and residents in family practice to examine the skin, ears, and pharynx of 34 patients, ranging in age from 10 months to 78 years. Evaluations by the clinicians and patients were obtained. The average duration of an examination using these systems was 2 minutes. Patients' response was uniformly positive. A "pistol grip" video otoscope obtained an acceptable image, unless canal debris obscured the view. The system that provided pneumatic otoscopy was preferred, with some modifications necessary to obtain an airtight seal. The preferred skin camera was one that provided an image of a size that clinicians were most accustomed to viewing, although stability of this handheld camera was a problem. This camera also worked well to visualize the pharynx, especially in children with symptoms of pharyngitis. Color was deemed important in all 3 anatomical areas, and using auto-white balance and excluding fluorescent lights were preferred. Thus, the second-generation telemedicine peripheral devices were effective for use in a group of unselected primary care patients. These camera systems can be used by nursing personnel and require a minimum of time per examination.

Adolescent↗

Otogenic intracranial abscess: concurrent craniotomy and mastoidectomy--changing trends in a developing country.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate (1) the clinical profile, treatment, and outcome of adult and pediatric patients presenting with intracranial abscess of otogenic origin and (2) the advantages of concurrent craniotomy and mastoidectomy. DESIGN: A prospective case series. SETTING: An academic tertiary referral center in India. PATIENTS: Thirty-six patients clinically diagnosed as having intracranial abscess that was secondary to suppurative otitis media and confirmed by computed tomographic scanning. INTERVENTION: Concurrent craniotomy and mastoidectomy. RESULTS: Children were more commonly affected than adults, and there was a male preponderance. All patients had cholesteatoma at surgery, although one third of the children had only granulation tissue on otoscopy. More than two thirds of the patients in both the groups presented with more than one intracranial complication and definitive surgical intervention was done later than 24 hours. Meningitis was the most frequent intracranial complication, followed by cerebellar abscess. There was no significant intraoperative or postoperative morbidity, mortality, recurrence of intracranial complications, or residual neurological deficits. Three children (14%) showed evidence of recidivism cholesteatoma requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In suppurative otitis media with intracranial complications, it is accepted practice to treat the neurosurgical complication first, followed by mastoidectomy at a later date after the patient has been stabilized. Craniotomy with concurrent mastoidectomy is not only safe, but it also removes the source of infection at the same time the complications are being treated, thus avoiding reinfection while the patient is awaiting the ear surgery. In addition, the treatment is completed with a single, shorter hospital stay, which is more economical for the patient.

Adolescent↗

Prevention of otitis media with effusion by repeated air inflation in a monkey model.

OBJECTIVES: To test the following hypotheses that (1) middle ear (ME) air inflation prevents the development of otitis media with effusion in a monkey model of functional eustachian tube obstruction, and (2) ME inflation treatment of otitis media with effusion can cause artifactual clinical improvements due to fluid displacement from the tympanum to the adjacent airspaces. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: Twelve cynomolgus monkeys. INTERVENTIONS: Eustachian tube dysfunction was induced by botulinum paralysis of the right tensor veli palatini muscle in all monkeys. Before and on study days 9, 15, and 21 after paralysis, the presence or absence, and distribution of ME effusion were documented using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Right and left ears were examined twice daily for 21 days using tympanometry, and right ME air inflation (n = 6 ears) or sham inflation (n = 6 ears) was done immediately after those examinations if the ME pressure was -100 mm H2O or less. On 10 of the scheduled MRI evaluations, the MRI was repeated immediately after an inflation to document the possible redistribution of fluid within the ME caused by the maneuver. RESULTS: Middle ear pressure remained within normal limits for the follow-up period in 11 of the 12 nonparalyzed left ears, in none of the 6 sham-inflated right ears, and in 3 of the 6 air-inflated right ears. Three air-inflated right ears developed flat tympanograms (ie, days 14 through 16). Magnetic resonance imaging documented inflammation and fluid in 1 of the 11 nonparalyzed left ears and in all sham-inflated right ears. Lesser degrees of inflammation and effusion based on MRI evaluations were noted for the 3 air-inflated right ears that retained near-ambient pressures when compared with the right 3 ears that developed a flat tympanogram. The MRI measure of effusion quantity within the tympanum was decreased acutely after inflation, but was simultaneously increased in the adjacent airspaces of the temporal bone. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated air inflation prevented the development of otitis media with effusion in 50% of the ears with functional eustachian tube obstruction. Postinflation MRI documented the displacement of fluid by inflation from the tympanum to the mastoid and petrous air cells. Using standard clinical evaluations such as tympanometry and otoscopy, this fluid redistribution can cause a false diagnosis of improvement.

Animals↗

Endoscopic photography: digital or 35 mm?

OBJECTIVE: To compare off-the-shelf digital imaging equipment with a standard single lens reflex 35-mm endoscopic camera in a busy pediatric ears, nose, and throat setting. DESIGN: Two digital cameras with an endoscope adapter and a step-down ring were evaluated to obtain optimal settings for digital endoscopic photography. The equipment was used in various clinical and surgical settings to include otoscopy, sinonasal endoscopy, laryngoscopy, and bronchoscopy. The overall quality, color, brightness, and diagnostic quality of the endoscopic digital photographs were compared with those of the single-lens reflex 35-mm flash-generated photographs by experienced endoscopists. Cost analysis and ease of use were also compared. Subjects Initial digital endoscopic settings were formulated from cadaveric tests. These settings were then studied in multiple patients during endoscopy. RESULTS: Endoscopic digital photography resulted in high-quality images in all settings. Digital images were comparable to 35-mm images. The digital system was easier to use and less expensive than the 35-mm system. CONCLUSIONS: We introduce a simple, inexpensive, and easily available endoscopic digital photography system. Digital photography offers numerous advantages over analog photography in a clinical practice. Digital imaging and archiving is more durable and easier to incorporate into patient records and clinical presentations. As the demand for high-quality digital imaging increases, easy-to-use inexpensive digital endoscopic photography will soon replace 35-mm camera technology.

Endoscopy↗

Hearing threshold in sport divers: is diving really a hazard for inner ear function?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of scuba diving on the hearing threshold of sport divers who have no history of excessive noise exposure or of diving-related inner ear damage. DESIGN: Cross-sectional controlled comparison study. SETTING: General sports diving community. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty sport divers with an average of 650 dives each and at least 4 years of diving experience (mean, 10 years) were compared with a control group of 63 nondivers from our hospital staff or patients referred for rhinologic problems or benign tumors of the salivary gland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: After microscopic otoscopy and tympanometry, we used pure-tone audiometry to measure the hearing threshold for air and bone conduction. The participants were divided into 3 age groups, and the hearing test results for both ears combined were statistically compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the hearing thresholds between sport divers and nondivers. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced hearing levels of professional divers found in other studies are probably due to the high noise levels that they have to deal with or may be a result of inner ear accidents.

Adult↗

Preventing collapse of external auditory meatus during audiometry.

Occlusion of the external auditory meatus resulting from earphone pressure can produce a pseudoconductive hearing loss. I describe a method for detecting ear canal collapse by otoscopy and I suggest a method of correcting the problem with a polyethylene tube prosthesis.

Aged↗

Acoustic impedance and otoscopic findings in young children with Down's syndrome.

This study sought to determine the point incidence of middle ear pathologic conditions and to ascertain the value of acoustic impedance-admittance measurements in detecting otitic pathologic conditions in young children with Down's syndrome. Pneumo-otoscopy and acoustic impedance measures were performed on 38 children (mean age, 3.1 years) with Down's syndrome. Results indicated that more than 60% of the series demonstrated otoscopic and acoustic impedance evidence of middle ear effusion, which is in keeping with results reported previously for older children and young adults with Down's syndrome. Of particular interest was the large number of normal ears that displayed absent crossed and uncrossed acoustic reflexes,which suggested that measurement of the acoustic reflex may be an unreliable parameter for confirming the presence of middle ear effusion in children with Down's syndrome. To maximize the educational potential of these children, a careful examination to detect middle ear effusion must be performed at periodic intervals. If persistent effusion is detected, appropriate surgical management should be instituted without delay.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Brain stem evoked potential findings in children with otitis media.

Sixty-three children from 2 to 12 years of age were studied by means of brain stem evoked potentials (BEP) and otoscopic evaluation in a preliminary assessment of the sensitivity of BEP latency measures to middle ear abnormality. Wave I proved to be the most sensitive component; 81.25% of subjects with acute suppurative otitis media and 62.50% of subjects with secretory otitis media demonstrated latencies prolonged by more than 1 SD beyond the values observed in normal control subjects. Of the same subject groups, 86.21% and 93.31% demonstrated wave I latencies within normal limits upon retesting after the otitis had resolved. The BEP technique permitted identification of several subjects with abnormal audiometric findings despite normal otoscopy. There are implications for use of the BEP as a clinical adjunct to traditional methods of auditory assessment.

Acute Disease↗