Inner-ear malformations as a cause of single-sided deafness.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and distribution of inner-ear malformations in congenital single-sided deafness cases, as details of malformation type are crucial for disease prognosis and management. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 90 patients aged under 16 years with congenital single-sided deafness. Radiological findings were evaluated using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Inner-ear malformations were identified and cochlear nerve status was determined in affected ears. RESULTS: Out of 90 ears, 42 (46.7 per cent) were found to have inner-ear malformation. Isolated cochlear aperture stenosis was the most common anomaly (n = 18, 20 per cent), followed by isolated cochlear aperture atresia (n = 11, 12.2 per cent) and cochlear hypoplasia (n = 7, 7.8 per cent). Cochlear nerve deficiency was encountered in 41 ears (45.6 per cent). The internal auditory canal was also stenotic in 49 ears (54.4 per cent). CONCLUSION: Inner-ear malformations, especially cochlear aperture anomalies, are involved in the aetiology of single-sided deafness more than expected. The cause of single-sided deafness differs greatly between congenital and adult-onset cases. All children with single-sided deafness should undergo radiological evaluation, as the prognosis and management, as well as the aetiology, may be significantly influenced by inner-ear malformation type.

The effect of cochlear implant bed preparation and fixation technique on the revision cochlear implantation rate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of the subperiosteal tight pocket technique versus the bone recess with suture fixation technique on the revision cochlear implantation rate and complications. METHODS: This retrospective study included 1514 patients who underwent cochlear implantation by 2 senior surgeons between October 2002 and January 2016. Revision cases were identified and analysed. RESULTS: In all, 52 patients (3.34 per cent) underwent revision cochlear implantation. The revision rate was 7.18 per cent in the subperiosteal tight pocket group versus 2.37 per cent in the bone recess with suture fixation group (p < 0.001). Device failure was the most common reason for revision surgery in both groups. There was a significant difference in the device failure rate between the bone recess with suture fixation group (2.11 per cent) and subperiosteal tight pocket group (6.88 per cent) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Accurate fixation of the cochlear implant receiver/stimulator is crucial for successful cochlear implantation. As the bone recess with suture fixation technique is associated with a lower revision rate and a similar complication rate as the subperiosteal tight pocket technique, it should be the preferred fixation technique for cochlear implantation.

Facial palsy following embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula.

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations are infrequent. Advances in endovascular treatment techniques have promoted the use of endovascular embolization in management of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Transvenous or transarterial embolization procedures are effective options in the treatment of the arteriovenous fistulas. However, complications such as cranial nerve palsies may occur. Here, we present a case of right-sided lower motor neuron facial paralysis due to embolization of an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula that have presented with clinical findings on the left eye. Facial functions of the patient improved from total weakness to House-Brackmann grade II, following facial nerve decompression surgery.