Attic retraction pockets: Classification system.

INTRODUCTION: Although attic retractions have previously been classified into Grades 0 through IV, it is often not possible to assign attic retraction pockets into a single specific category. The present study describes an improved classification system based on otoscopic and endoscopic visualization of the retraction pocket fundus, the ossicular status in the attic, degree of scutal erosion, and the presence or absence of cholesteatoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four patients (200 ears) with different grades of attic retraction pockets who were seen by a tertiary referral otology center between August 2015 and July 2018 were selected for this study. OBSERVATIONS: The new classification system (Grades I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc, IVa, IVb, IVc, and V) was applied to these retraction pockets. Pure tone audiometry was obtained. RESULTS: All attic retraction pockets could be classified precisely using the new classification system. Forty-four of 200 (22%) of ears showed Grade I Attic retraction, 18 ears showed Grade IIa (9%), 14 showed Grade IIb (7%), 28 showed Grade IIIa (14%), 12 showed IIIb (6%), 20 showed Grade IIIc (10%), 16 showed grade IVa (8%), 12 showed grade IVb (6%), 28 showed grade IVc (14%), and eight showed grade V (4%) attic retraction pockets. Grades I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IVa had no significant hearing loss. Average hearing loss was 42 dB and 52 dB in Grades IIIb and IIIc, 44 dB and 58 dB in Grades IVb and IVc, and 61 dB in Grade V. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 130: 2034-2039, 2020.

The efficacy of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) for patulous Eustachian tube patient.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) for patulous Eustachian tube (PET) patients. METHODS: A prospective survey of medical records identified 36 patients and 47 ears with PET, and 15 patients and 15 ears as control. The ETDQ-7, patulous Eustachian tube handicap inventory-10 (PHI-10) and Likert scale were evaluated. PET patients were divided into two groups based on severity of symptoms using the PHI score. RESULTS: The Cronbach α value of the PET group was 0.765. The average total score of the ETDQ-7 in the control group was 7.6 ± 1.1 and 22.5 ± 10.0 in the PET group (p < .01). No correlation was found between ETDQ-7 and Likert scale (r = 0.248, p = .09). The average total score of the ETDQ-7 in the mild or moderate PET group was 19.9 ± 9.0 and 25.3 ± 11.1 in the severe PET group and this was not statistically different (p = .08). CONCLUSION: The highest ETDQ-7 score was also observed in PET patients and in ET dysfunction patients. These findings necessitate careful discrimination between ET dysfunction and PET in balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) based on ETDQ-7.

Targeted molecular investigation in patients within the clinical spectrum of Auriculocondylar syndrome.

Auriculocondylar syndrome, mainly characterized by micrognathia, small mandibular condyle, and question mark ears, is a rare disease segregating in an autosomal dominant pattern in the majority of the families reported in the literature. So far, pathogenic variants in PLCB4, GNAI3, and EDN1 have been associated with this syndrome. It is caused by a developmental abnormality of the first and second pharyngeal arches and it is associated with great inter- and intra-familial clinical variability, with some patients not presenting the typical phenotype of the syndrome. Moreover, only a few patients of each molecular subtype of Auriculocondylar syndrome have been reported and sequenced. Therefore, the spectrum of clinical and genetic variability is still not defined. In order to address these questions, we searched for alterations in PLCB4, GNAI3, and EDN1 in patients with typical Auriculocondylar syndrome (n = 3), Pierre Robin sequence-plus (n = 3), micrognathia with additional craniofacial malformations (n = 4), or non-specific auricular dysplasia (n = 1), which could represent subtypes of Auriculocondylar syndrome. We found novel pathogenic variants in PLCB4 only in two of three index patients with typical Auriculocondylar syndrome. We also performed a detailed comparative analysis of the patients presented in this study with those previously published, which showed that the pattern of auricular abnormality and full cheeks were associated with molecularly characterized individuals with Auriculocondylar syndrome. Finally, our data contribute to a better definition of a set of parameters for clinical classification that may be used as a guidance for geneticists ordering molecular testing for Auriculocondylar syndrome. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

URGENT X-RAY DIAGNOSTICS OF INTRACRANIAL PYOINFLAMMATORY OTORHINOSINUSOGENIC COMPLICATIONS.

An analysis of the results of X-ray CT and MR-imaging was made in 46 patients aged from 13 to 78 years old. The patients were admitted to multifield hospitals in Kursk at the period from 2005 to 2015. The research included the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, mastoid and pyramid of the temporal bones and the brain. The study could be repeated with bolus contrast medium infusion. The condition of the patients was evaluated in dynamics at intervals of 5-7 days and these data was associated with clinical picture. The authors presents a complex of symptoms and an algorithm of differentiated X-ray diagnostics of diseases of the ENT organs and the main nosological forms of pyoinflammatory diseases of arachnoid membrane and substances of the brain.

Clasificación de los bolsillos de retracción timpánica del Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau / Classification of Barros Luco Hospital's tympanic pockets retraction

Introducción: Los bolsillos de retracción póstero-superiores de la pars tensa (BR) pueden progresar con erosión osicular y colesteatoma. Se han descrito una serie de mecanismos fisiopatológicos que explican la mayor ocurrencia de retracciones en esta zona. En el Hospital Barros Luco se utiliza una clasificación, variación a la de Sadé, que representaría mejor la progresión de la enfermedad, junto a una propuesta de tratamiento. Objetivo: Aplicar nuestra clasificación de los BR y describir clínica y audiológica-mente cada grado junto a los tratamientos indicados. Clasificar y describir cada grado según: PTP óseo y aéreo, primera cirugía, progresión de la enfermedad, otorrea, hipoacusia, OME y erosión osicular. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de 83 pacientes y 92 oídos presentados al Departamento de Oído del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco más la revisión de su ficha clínica y del primer protocolo operatorio entre los años 2005 a 2009. Con seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Variables: Edad, sexo, PTP óseo y aéreo en 4 frecuencias, primer procedimiento quirúrgico, progresión de la enfermedad, otorrea, hipoacusia, OME y erosión osicular. Resultados: La hipoacusia y los PTP aéreos y óseos no presentaron diferencias entre los grados. Hubo una gradiente de disminución de OME desde el grado I al V. La presencia de otorrea fue aumentando progresivamente hasta el grado IV, disminuyendo discretamente en el V. Hubo un aumento de la presencia de erosión de la rama larga del yunque desde 0 en el grado I hasta 64,3% en el grado IV. En los tratamientos, la timpanectomía más algún tipo de tubo de ventilación con o sin adenoidectomía, representó el 43,5% en el grado III. En el grado IV el procedimiento más frecuentemente efectuado fue la aticotomía con 40%. Conclusiones: Esta clasificación reflejaría grados de gravedad de los BR en aspectos como: otorrea, erosión osicular y tratamiento propuesto. La presencia de hipoacusia y el PTP aéreo no reflejan el grado de progresión de la enfermedad. Se propone una modificación a nuestra clasificación.

Introduction: Pockets of posterior-superior retraction of the pars tensa (BR) can progress with ossicular erosion and cholesteatoma. Has been described a series of pathophysiological mechanisms that explain the higher occurrence of retraction in this area. In the Barros Luco Hospital we use a classification, a modification of Sadé, that would represent best the progression of the disease together to a treatment proposed. Aim: Applying our classification of BR and describe clinical and audiologically each grade with the indicated treatments. Classify and describe each grade by: PTP bone and air, first surgery, disease progression, otorrhea, hearing loss, ossicular erosion and OME Material and method: Retrospective and descriptive analysis of 83 patients and 92 earssubmitted to the Department of Ear of Otolaryngology Service's Hospital Barros Luco, plus review of the clinical record and the first surgical protocol between the years 2005 to 2009. Minimum follow-up of 12 months. Variables: age, sex, and air bone PTP in 4 frequencies, first surgical procedure, disease progression, otorrhea, hearing loss, ossicular erosion and OME. Conclusion: This classification would reflect degrees of severity of BR in aspects such as otorrhea, ossicular erosion and proposed treatment. The presence of hearing loss and air PTP does not reflect the degree of disease progression. An amendment to our classification is proposed.

Comparison of different computed tomography post-processing modalities in assessment of various middle ear disorders.

Several anatomic structures of the middle ear are not optimally depicted in the standard axial and coronal planes. Several 2D and 3D image-processing modalities are currently available for CT examinations in clinical radiology departments. Till now 3D reconstructions of the temporal bone have not been widely used yet, and attracted only academic interest. The aim of this study was to compare axial (source images), 2D and 3DCT post-processing modalities, and to evaluate the value of 3D reconstructed images/virtual endoscopy (VE) in assessment of various middle ear disorders for identification of the best modality/view for assessment of a particular middle ear structure or pathology. 40 patients with various middle ear disorders, planned for surgical intervention were included in prospective study. Multi-slice CT was performed for all patients. Scans were acquired in the axial plane. The axial source datasets were utilized for generation of 2D reformations and 3D reconstructed images. All studied images were divided into three categories: axial (source images), 2D reformations (MPR and sliding-thin-slab MIP) and 3D reconstruction (virtual endoscopy). The visibility of middle ear structures and pathologies with each modality were scored qualitatively using three-point scoring system in reference to operative findings. Stapes superstructure and footplate, incudostapedial joint, oval and round windows, tympanic segment of the facial nerve and tegmen were not optimally depicted in the axial plane. Sinus tympani and facial recess were best visualized with axial images or VE. 3D reconstruction/VE allowed good visualization of all parts of ossicular chain except stapes superstructure. Regarding pathologic changes, 2D reformations and 3D reconstructed images allowed better visualization of erosion of ossicles and tegmen. 3D reconstruction/VE did not allow detection of foci of otospongiosis. 2D reformations can be considered the mainstay in assessment of most middle ear structures and pathologies. 3D reconstruction/VE seems to provide a useful method for a preoperative general overview of the middle ear anatomy, particularly for the ossicular chain, round window and retrotympanum.

HEAR MAPS a classification for congenital microtia/atresia based on the evaluation of 742 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Describe anatomical and radiological findings in 742 patients evaluated for congenital aural atresia and microtia by a multidisciplinary team. Develop a new classification method to enhance multidisciplinary communication regarding patients with congenital aural atresia and microtia. METHODS: Retrospective chart review with descriptive analysis of findings arising from the evaluation of patients with congenital atresia and microtia between January 2008 and January 2012 at a multidisciplinary tertiary referral center. RESULTS: We developed a classification method based on the acronym HEAR MAPS (Hearing, Ear [microtia], Atresia grade, Remnant earlobe, Mandible development, Asymmetry of soft tissue, Paralysis of the facial nerve and Syndromes). We used this method to evaluate 742 consecutive congenital atresia and microtia patients between 2008 and January of 2012. Grade 3 microtia was the most common external ear malformation (76%). Pre-operative Jahrsdoerfer scale was 9 (19%), 8 (39%), 7 (19%), and 6 or less (22%). Twenty three percent of patients had varying degrees of hypoplasia of the mandible. Less than 10% of patients had an identified associated syndrome. CONCLUSION: Patients with congenital aural atresia and microtia often require the intervention of audiology, otology, plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery and speech and language professionals to achieve optimal functional and esthetic reconstruction. Good communication between these disciplines is essential for coordination of care. We describe our use of a new classification method that efficiently describes the physical and radiologic findings in microtia/atresia patients to improve communication amongst care providers.

Manejo actual de la microtia: redefinición anátomo-quirúrgica / Management of microtia based on a redefinition of its anatomical-surgical classification

Background: Incomplete development and growth of the pinna can lead to a small or deformed pinna, called microtia. Aim: To report and evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical technique previously described for the treatment of microtia, based on a new anatomical-surgical classification. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated at two plastic surgery departments from January 2008 to December 2010. We recruited a total of 15 patients aged 9 to 25 years. Thirteen (87 percent) had unilateral and 2 (13 percent) bilateral microtia. All patients underwent the surgical reconstructive technique described by Firmin. Results: Among patients with unilateral microtia, seven belonged to Firmin type I, five to type II and one to type IIIa. Both patients with bilateral microtia, were classified as type IIIb. In all cases with unilateral microtia, a good initial projection of the cartilage frame was achieved during the first surgical procedure. Six patients were subjected to a second operation. During 18 months follow up, four patients (16 percent) had complications. Conclusions: This surgical technique that is based on an anatomical surgical classification, achieves favorable and satisfactory results.

Objetivos: Reportar y evaluar la efectividad de una técnica quirúrgica, previamente descrita para el tratamiento de microtias, basado en un nuevo concepto de clasificación anátomo-quirúrgica. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes tratados en el Hospital Militar y Clínica Alemana de Santiago en el Servicio de Cirugía Plástica desde enero de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2010. Se reclutaron a un total de 15 pacientes, 13 (87 por ciento) de los cuales eran unilaterales y 2 (13 por ciento) bilaterales. A todos los pacientes se les realizó la reconstrucción mediante técnica quirúrgica de Firmin. Resultados: Se operó a 15 pacientes de rango de edad entre 9 y 25 años, con una mediana de 11 años. De los casos unilaterales; 7 correspondían a tipo I de Firmin, 5 casos a tipo II Firmin y un caso tipo IIIa. De los casos bilaterales, ambos tenían microtia tipo IIIb. Se logró en la totalidad de los casos unilaterales una buena proyección inicial del marco cartilaginoso durante el primer tiempo quirúrgico. Seis casos fueron sometidos a un segundo tiempo quirúrgico. Durante el seguimiento mínimo de 18 meses, se observaron complicaciones en 4 (16 por ciento) pacientes. Conclusiones: Se comprueba que mediante una técnica basada en la clasificación anátomo-quirúrgica, los resultados a corto plazo fueron favorables y satisfactorios.

Applying one-vs-one and one-vs-all classifiers in k-nearest neighbour method and support vector machines to an otoneurological multi-class problem.

We studied how the splitting of a multi-class classification problem into multiple binary classification tasks, like One-vs-One (OVO) and One-vs-All (OVA), affects the predictive accuracy of disease classes. Classifiers were tested with an otoneurological data using 10-fold cross-validation 10 times with k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN) method and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The results showed that the use of multiple binary classifiers improves the classification accuracies of disease classes compared to one multi-class classifier. In general, OVO classifiers worked out better with this data than OVA classifiers. Especially, the OVO with k-NN yielded the highest total classification accuracies.

Ear canal cholesteatoma: meta-analysis of clinical characteristics with update on classification, staging and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We present an update on clinical evaluation, staging, classification and treatment of canal cholesteatoma, including a meta-analysis of clinical data of the last 30 years. RECENT FINDINGS: Ear canal cholesteatoma is frequently associated secondarily to other canal pathologies. The cause for the rare idiopathic form of the disease remains enigmatic. Epidemiologic and experimental studies of its pathogenesis have increased; however, the main explanatory theory of a deficient migratory capacity of the canal epithelium affected has been falsified only recently. Therefore, the debate on the pathogenesis has gained additional impetus and more data is needed. SUMMARY: Canal cholesteatoma is a rarity in otologic pathology, often leading to misdiagnosis as external otitis or otomycosis by physicians unfamiliar with the disease. It presents typically with otorrhea, focal erosion and keratin accumulation in the osseous ear canal and has to be distinguished from keratosis obturans, which leads to otalgia and bilateral conductive hearing loss by ceruminal plugs, with circumferential distention of the ear canal. Treatment by canaloplasty is curative and highly successful. Alternative conservative treatment is feasible, however, requiring long-term follow up, with often painful cleaning of the lesion.

Classification of otoneurological cases according to Bayesian probabilistic models.

We show that Bayesian methods can be efficiently applied to the classification of otoneurological diseases and to assess attribute dependencies. A set of 38 otoneurological attributes was employed in order to use a naive Bayesian probabilistic model and Bayesian networks with different scoring functions for the classification of cases from six otoneurological diseases. Tests were executed on the basis of tenfold crossvalidation. We obtained average sensitivities of 90%, positive predictive values of 92% and accuracies as high as 97%, which is better than our earlier tests with neural networks. Our assessments indicated that Bayesian methods have good power and potential to classify otoneurological patient cases correctly even if this is often a complicated task for the best specialists. Bayesian methods classified the current medical data and knowledge well.

Atresia aural congênita unilateral / Unilateral congenital aural atresia

A atresia do canal auditivo externo (ACAE) é uma disordem congênita rara. A ACAE unilateral é de 3 a 6 vezes mais comum que a atresia bilateral. Tradicionalmente, não se acreditava que a ACAE unilateral fosse limitante ao desenvolvimento da linguagem da criança. No entanto, terapias recentes para perda auditiva têm demonstrado a importância da audição bilateral para um ótimo desenvolvimento da fala e da linguagem. Além disso, a audição bilateral é importante na localização de ruídos. Por isso exige diagnóstico rápido, aconselhamento genético e avaliação precoce da audição. Deve-se aconselhar adequadamente e encaminhar essas crianças e suas famílias para que possam ser avaliadas as opções de tratamento e indicações para intervenção. Avaliação clínica, audiológica e com estudo tomográfico de alta resolução do osso temporal é essencial para obter resultados satisfatórios e prevenir complicações na seleção de candidatos adequados para a cirurgia ou para avaliação do paciente, opções de tratamento, época de tratamento cirúrgico, critérios de seleção cirúrgica, técnicas cirúrgicas, complicações, prognóstico e controvérsias atuais relacionadas à atresia aural congênita serão discutidos.

Basic techniques in autogenous microtia repair.

Although several techniques can be used for microtia repair, some standard procedures have been developed over the past few decades. In specialized centers, these techniques are performed most frequently. They include two to four operative steps using autogenous rib cartilage for the framework and local skin for its tegument. We have been using this technique presented here in more than 800 cases over the past two decades with good and mostly stable results.

The learning curve in microtia surgery.

Reconstruction of the auricle is known to be complex. Our objective was to evaluate the improvement of the outcome of the lobulus-type microtia reconstruction. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated. There are no previous reports of the learning process in this field. Postoperative photographs of 51 microtia reconstructions were assessed and rated by a panel made up of six surgeons. The ratings were gathered to generate learning curves. Twenty-two patients assessed the outlook of their reconstructed ears, and the results were analyzed as a self-assessment group. The reliability of the rating by a panel was tested by intraclass correlations. There is a highly significant increasing trend in learning ( P = 0.000001). This trend is not constantly upward, and the steady state was not reached during the study. In the self-assessment group, females were significantly more critical than males ( P = 0.014). Intraclass correlation for six panel members was 0.90, and the rating was considered reliable. Thus, a long and gentle learning curve does exist in microtia reconstruction. To secure good quality and continuity, centralization of the operations and trainee arrangements are highly advisable. Outcomes of plastic surgery can reliably be rated by an evaluation panel.

[Dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal: approach and CT scan classifications]. / Déhiscence du canal semi-circulaire supérieur: approche et classification scanographiques.

UNLABELLED: The syndrome of dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal (DCSS) is primarily associated with vertigo and/or hearing loss. The dehiscence may be completely asymptomatic and represent an incidental finding on radiological investigation. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the advantages of a volume rendered CT study of the petrous temporal bone of patients with hearing loss, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of its systematic application in the protocols of examination. To propose a radiological classification of DCSS with a therapeutic application. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The examination technique which was performed in incremental mode (axial and frontal sections) and in "volume rendered" mode, on a high resolution apparatus is described. The authors studied 154 scans of the petrous temporal bone obtained by this technique. They correlated the cases of DCSS with the indications for the radiological examination. Each 3d CT scan was studied and the type of fistula described. The authors propose a classification of fistulae into three types, depending on 3d CT scan appearance. RESULTS: Out of 154 CT scans of the petrous temporal bone (77 patients), 13 cases of DCSS were discovered. DCSS was bilateral in 4 cases. The primary indication for investigation was the assessment of conductive or mixed hearing loss. The "volumetric" technique was compared with standard imaging techniques and/or reconstructed images in the superior canal plane. The correlation was perfect in all the cases. The description of the fistulae allowed a classification into 3 types: Type I (symmetrical fistula, 8 cases); Type II (asymmetrical fistula, 3 cases) corresponding to the canal dome; Type III (2 cases) involving the foot of the canal. CONCLUSION: The increased frequency of DCSS in this series (prevalence of 17% against 0.5% in post mortem studies) is probably explained by the selection bias of the patients and also by the systematic application of this novel radiological technique. We propose to include this protocol in all CT scans of the temporal bone, particularly when investigating symptoms consistent with a syndrome of Minor or the Tullio phenomenom. This system of classification makes it possible to describe the fistula and to specify its location. This should prove to be a valuable aid for pre-operative planning and intra-operative localisation of the fistula.