Primary Inverted Papilloma of the Middle Ear.

Significance Statement: Primary middle ear inverted papilloma is an exceedingly rare finding posing a diagnostic challenge, as symptomatology often mimics common clinical entities like serous otitis media. Clinical and radiological findings are not specific, whilst high recurrence rates, local destruction, and potential malignant transformation constitute an overall demanding surgical challenge, requiring aggressive procedures. We report the case of a primary inverted papilloma of the middle ear, discussing diagnostic and therapeutic issues.

Transoral Resection of Giant Parapharyngeal Space Tumors via a Combined Surgical Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors account for 0.5% of the head and neck neoplasms. Based on the evidence, 80% of these tumors are of a benign nature. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for this condition. The present study was conducted to propose transoral resection as an efficient way to excise the benign well-defined tumors of the PPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series study was conducted on seven patients undergoing the transoral excision of the sizeable masses of the PPS via a combined approach. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans revealed giant masses in the PPS in all cases. These neoplasms were preoperatively diagnosed as well-delineated, non-vascular, and benign. RESULTS: All patients underwent transoral tumor excision preceded by an auxiliary transcervical approach, which served as an assurance for the dissection and preservation of the cranial nerves and neurovascular bundle without any tumor spillage. Average hospital stay was limited to a maximum of 3 days, and all patients had an uneventful postoperative course. The follow-up examination did not indicate any recurrence. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, transoral resection can be concluded as an efficient way to excise benign, well-defined tumors of the PPS. This procedure appears to be safe when a secondary transcervical approach is applied. Given the unnecessity of performing mandibulotomy in this procedure, it is expected to have lower morbidity and fewer complications.

An unusual case of a glottic carcinoma metastasis to the tracheal lumen.

Various mechanisms such as second primary lesion, tumour seeding or lymphogenous and haematogenous metastasis could be proposed to explain the nature of dual malignant lesions. We report the case of a glottic laryngeal carcinoma combined with a secondary endotracheal tumour. Following the imaging modalities, the patient underwent total laryngectomy and wide excision of the trachea. Histopathology ultimately established that the tracheal lesion was a metastatic tumour secondary to regional lymphatic spread of the glottic tumour. To our knowledge, there is no previous report in the English literature concerning tracheal lymphogenous metastatic involvement in the context of laryngeal malignancy. Paradoxical lymphatic spread must always remain an issue of head and neck oncology.

Utility of otoacoustic emissions and olivocochlear reflex in predicting vulnerability to noise-induced inner ear damage.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to explore the possible utility of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and efferent system strength to determine vulnerability to noise exposure in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 344 volunteers who had just begun mandatory basic training as Hellenic Corps Officers Military Academy cadets. Pure-tone audiograms were obtained on both ears. Participants were also subjected to diagnostic transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Finally, they were all tested for efferent function through the suppression of TEOAEs with contralateral noise. Following baseline evaluation, all cadets fired 10 rounds using a 7.62 mm Heckler & Koch G3A3 assault rifle while lying down in prone position. Immediately after exposure to gunfire noise and no later than 10 h, all participants completed an identical protocol for a second time, which was then repeated a third time, 30 days later. RESULTS: The data showed that after the firing drill, 280 participants suffered a temporary threshold shift (TTS) (468 ears), while in the third evaluation conducted 30 days after exposure, 142 of these ears still presented a threshold shift compared to the baseline evaluation [permanent threshold shift (PTS) ears]. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that OAEs amplitude is predictive of future TTS and PTS. The results were slightly different for the suppression of OAEs showing only a slight trend toward significance. The curves were used to determine cut points to evaluate the likelihood of TTS/PTS for OAEs amplitude in the baseline evaluation. Decision limits yielding 71.6% sensitivity were 12.45 dB SPL with 63.8% specificity for PTS, and 50% sensitivity were 12.35 dB SPL with 68.2% specificity for TTS. CONCLUSIONS: Interestingly, the above data yielded tentative evidence to suggest that OAEs amplitude is both sensitive and specific enough to efficiently identify participants who are particularly susceptible to hearing loss caused by impulse noise generated by firearms. Hearing conservation programs may therefore want to consider including such tests in their routine. As far as efferent strength is concerned, we feel that further research is due, before implementing the suppression of OAEs in hearing conservations programs in a similar manner.

Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Pure endoscopic surgery (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) has been increasingly replacing external approaches in the management of sinonasal inverted papillomas. Objective To analyze and compare the effectiveness of pure endoscopic procedure with external or combined procedures to paranasal inverted papillomas, including the experience from two institutions in North Greece, over a 20-year period. Methods Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE (1952-2016), EMBASE (1974-2016), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Review of all English-language studies comparing endoscopic and open techniques. Odds ratios (ORs), risk ratio, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and tests for heterogeneity were reported. Recurrence rates according to initial tumor stage. Results In total, 2451 patients had been enrolled in the 23 studies, published between 1992 and 2014. All the included articles are graded as level IV evidence. Among the 1526 patients of the endoscopic group, 212 (13.8%) had recurrence, with the mean time of recurrence to range from 14 to 46.6 months. In the external approach group, 111 (18.7%) of the 592 patients had recurrence, with the time of recurrence to range from 7 to 92 months. The recurrence rate in the combined approach group was 12.9%. The occurrence rate of recurrence attributable to the surgical choice was significantly different between endoscopic and external group (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40-0.92; P = 0.02; 14.9% vs. 18.8% in endoscopic and external group, respectively). Conclusions The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that endoscopic approach seems a favorable treatment option of sinonasal inverted papillomas and confirms the global recommendation that is the gold standard in the treatment of such nose lesions, revealing a lower recurrence rate compared to external approaches.

Factors affecting the outcome of adenoidectomy in children treated for chronic otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cohort was to determine potential risk factors, concerning the effectiveness of adenoidectomy in the treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion in children. METHODS: Ninety six children with chronic otitis media with effusion treated with adenoidectomy were enrolled in this study. A thorough medical history was taken, including family history of otologic disease, parental smoking habits and breast feeding history. Radiographic palatal airway size was measured preoperatively, whereas the presence of allergy was also investigated. All patients were, postoperatively, followed up for a period of two years, in three month intervals. Disease course was classified as "complete remission", "improvement" or "consistence", in every postoperative evaluation, according to strictly established criteria. RESULTS: Children's age proved to be a significant factor in the postoperative outcome of adenoidectomy, as a treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion, especially when comparing patients being over and under the fifth year of age. Also, the presence of allergy, family history of otologic disease and palatal airway size, all proved to influence postoperative outcome in a statistical significant way (p<0.05). On the other hand, child's sex, passive smoking, breast feeding and previous acute otitis media infections did not seem to alter the efficacy of adenoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Adenoidectomy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion in children. Results document that young age, presence of allergy predisposition, otologic family history and small palatal airway can be important drawbacks and should be intensively sought for and taken into account, during treatment planning.

An Exceptional Case of Intraparotid Plexiform Neurofibroma Originating from Autonomic Fibers of the Auriculotemporal Nerve.

Plexiform neurofibromas are benign tumors that tend to occur in patients suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). This report addresses a rare case where the tumor affected the parotid gland, deriving almost exclusively from the peripheral portion of the facial nerve. A 6-year-old male was referred to us complaining about a gradually enlarging swelling over the right parotid area. Imaging localized the lesion to the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, suggesting a neurofibroma. Cosmetic disfigurement and a functional deficit led us to perform complete surgical resection. Meticulous surgical dissection as well as auriculotemporal nerve origin made complete extirpation possible with almost zero morbidity and ensured alleviation of both aesthetic impairment and pain. This is the first case of an intraparotid PN in a pediatric NF-1 patient, which originated from branches of the auriculotemporal nerve and particularly from fibers of the autonomic nervous system. Radical surgical excision was decided according to established decision-making algorithms.

A rare case of a spontaneous neck hematoma in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetic disorder that affects one in 3000 individuals. Although NF-1 notably involves nerves and connective tissue, vascular involvement in large series is estimated to range from 0.4% to 6.4%. Jugular vein involvement in these patients is rare. Spontaneous neck hematomas and hemorrhages are also unusual. We present a case of a NF-1 patient with a spontaneous neck hematoma with possible leakage from the left internal jugular vein, presenting as a lateral neck mass. The fragility of the vein wall and the surrounding tissue led patient to a severe intraoperative bleeding. Pathological examination revealed degenerated neurofibroma which was in contact with or infiltrated the vein wall. ENT and other clinicians should be aware of this potentially fatal entity considering that it may present as a lateral neck mass.

Giant submandibular gland mucocele as a complication of previous sialolith removal.

Mucoceles are common lesions of minor salivary glands. Mucoceles of the major salivary glands including the submandibular gland are extremely rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submandibular space swellings. We present a rare case of a 25-year old man, who was diagnosed with a submandibular gland mucocele and had a history of sialolithiasis and intraductal sialolith excision, as well as numerous evacuating punctures and needle aspirations of the mass. The cyst was surgically excised and the specimen included the sublingual gland, in order to prevent recurrence. No postoperative complications were noted.

Repair of Temporal Bone Encephalocele following Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy.

We report a rare case of a temporal bone encephalocele after a canal wall down mastoidectomy performed to treat chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. The patient was treated successfully via an intracranial approach. An enhanced layer-by-layer repair of the encephalocele and skull base deficit was achieved from intradurally to extradurally, using temporalis fascia, nasal septum cartilage, and artificial dural graft. After a 22-month follow-up period the patient remains symptom free and no recurrence is noted.

Clinically isolated syndrome manifested as acute vestibular syndrome: bedside neuro-otological examination and suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in the differential diagnosis.

A case of a 34-year old woman with acute vestibular syndrome caused by a demyelinating lesion in the root entry zone of the 8th cranial nerve is presented. Neuro-otological bedside examination and suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions provided objective clinical evidence of a retrolabyrinthine lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging and the presence of oligoclonal IgG bands in cerebrospinal fluid analysis established the diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome. This case report highlights the clinical information provided by the neuro-otologist in the differential diagnosis of the acute vestibular syndrome and the diagnosis of possible multiple sclerosis.

Bilateral secondary neurolymphomatosis of the internal auditory canal nerves: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurolymphomatosis describes the malignant lymphomatous infiltration of nerves. METHODS: We encountered a unique case of a 47-year-old patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction and bilateral facial nerve palsy. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enhancement and thickening of internal auditory canal nerves bilaterally consistent with neurolymphomatosis. Patient was treated with combined intrathecal chemotherapy and total brain irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: One must always remain vigilant for metastatic disease in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and/or vestibular dysfunction and facial nerve palsy in the context of known malignancy.

Duplication of the external auditory canal: two cases and a review of the literature.

The objective of the present paper is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, surgical treatment, and outcome of 2 patients with first branchial cleft anomaly. The first case was an 8-year-old girl presented with an elastic lesion located in the left infra-auricular area, in close relation with the lobule, duplicating the external auditory canal. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion, appearing as a rather well-circumscribed mass within the left parotid gland and duplicating the ear canal. A superficial parotidectomy was subsequently performed, with total excision of the cyst. The second patient was a 15-year-old girl presented with a congenital fistula of the right lateral neck. At superficial parotidectomy, a total excision of the fistula was performed. During the operation the tract was recorded to lay between the branches of the facial nerve, extending with a blind ending canal parallel to the external acoustic meatus. Conclusively, first branchial cleft anomalies are rare malformations with cervical, parotid, or auricular clinical manifestations. Diagnosis of first branchial cleft lesions is achieved mainly through careful physical examination. Complete surgical excision with wide exposure of the lesion is essential in order to achieve permanent cure and avoid recurrence.