Combined Approach for Giant Temporal Meningoencephalocele.

Introduction: To present a complex case of giant meningoencephalocele after a canal wall down mastoidectomy and describe our preferred approach to repair meningoencephalic herniation of the temporal bone. Case Report: A 20-year-old patient, who had previously undergone type III tympanoplasty with total ossicular reconstruction prosthesis for an attic cholesteatoma, presents with clinical and imaging features compatible with the diagnosis of a giant temporal meningoencephalocele. We performed a combined approach -transmastoid plus minicraniotomy- to repair the skull base defect. A multilayer reconstruction of the defect with septal cartilage and temporal fascia was performed. After a 48 months follow-up, the patient remains symptom free without signs of tissue herniation. Conclusions: Transmastoid plus minicraniotomy combined approach is a safe and feasible technique in case of large and anterior skull base defects with low surgical morbidity, allowing a safe and multilayered reconstruction, even in the context of a simultaneous active chronic otitis media.

Neck glomangiomyoma: A case report and literature review.

Glomus tumors are rare and the hand is classically the most commonly affected site. The present study performed a literature review on the topic and reported on an unusual case of neck glomangiomyoma in a female adult patient. A 31-year-old woman presented with a 4-year history of a growing submandibular tumor with localized non-irradiated pain. A previous fine needle aspiration biopsy had suggested a glomus tumor, and immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for smooth muscle actin, H-caldesmon, muscle-specific actin and collagen type IV. The MRI revealed a well-defined nodular lesion measuring 38x28x33 mm. The patient underwent surgery with no complications. After the histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining, a diagnosis of glomangiomyoma was established. Glomangiomyomas are extremely rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an adult presenting with a neck mass and localized tenderness, especially if no other risk factors for head and neck tumors are present.

Middle turbinate mucosal flap: Low-morbidity option in the management of skull base defects.

BACKGROUND: To describe the low morbidity of middle turbinate mucosal flap (MTMF) to repair anterior skull base defects. METHODS: Skull base endonasal endoscopic surgeries performed at a tertiary hospital between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according the existence or not of a significant intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. In Group 1 (n = 28), gasket seal and a pedicled endonasal flap were used to repair the defect: 13 nasoseptal flaps (NSF), 8 inferolateral wall flaps (ILF), and 7 MTMF. In Group 2 only an endonasal flap was used: 9 NSF, 4 ILF, and 18 MTMF. Surgical and recovery time were analyzed (Student's t test). Our favorite surgical technique is described. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included. Average surgical time was 27.7, 41.6, and 11.3 min for NSF, ILF, and MTMF, respectively. MTMF showed a faster recovery. CONCLUSION: MTMF is a safe reconstructive option for anterior skull base defects.

Sensitization profile in patients with respiratory allergic diseases: differences between conventional and molecular diagnosis (a cross-sectional study).

BACKGROUND: Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) allows to identify single molecular allergen components, and constitutes a routine practice in many allergy units. However, skin prick test (SPT) remains the technique of choice in many otorhinolaryngology departments, thus increasing the risk of using inadequate immunotherapies in patients with respiratory allergies. This study aimed to compare sensitization profiles determined by SPT and CRD in patients with respiratory allergy, and to explore the relationship between sensitization and type and severity of the respiratory disease. METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter study of patients admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Department due to symptoms of respiratory allergy. Extracts from various house dust mites, pollens, and molds were tested by SPT, whereas IgE against the corresponding antigens were measured by CRD. RESULTS: The analysis included 101 patients. The sensitization profile obtained by SPT had low agreement with that of CRD, particularly to dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides sp.) and pollens (Plantago lanceolata, Olea europaea, and Cupressus sempervirens). While SPT did not show any significant relationship between sensitization and type/severity of the respiratory disease, CRD allowed to associate Der p 1, Der f 1 and Lep d 2 sensitizations with asthma, and Der p 2, Der f 2 and Lep d 2 sensitizations with more severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SPT, CRD enables to describe a more accurate sensitization profile and to identify associations between symptoms and specific antigens. The routine use of CRD in an otorhinolaryngology setting may benefit the management of patients with respiratory allergy.Trial registration IB 3108/15 (Retrospectively registered).

Head and Neck Manifestations of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Retrospective analysis of 19 Patients and Review of the Literature.

Introduction Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by a necrositing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and focal/proliferative glomerulonephritis. In more than 70% of the cases, the presenting symptoms are head and neck manifestations that are often misdiagnosed as infectious or allergic in etiology. Objective The present study provides an analysis of head and neck manifestations in a series of patients diagnosed with GPA. It also evaluates their medical and surgical treatment and provides a review of the relevant literature. Methods A retrospective analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with GPA at a public tertiary care hospital between 2006 and 2017 was performed. Results A total of 19 patients were included in the present study, and 16 of them presented head and neck manifestations. Sinonasal symptoms were the most common, affecting 56% of the patients, followed by laryngotracheal (31.25%) and ear (25%) symptoms. In 7 patients, sinonasal symptoms were the first manifestation of the disease (43.75%). Four patients underwent surgery at some stage of the disease. Conclusions Head and neck involvement is common in GPA and may stand for the first or the only manifestation of the disease. The otolaryngologists play a central role in the diagnosis and long-term treatment of these patients, and they have to keep this pathology in mind when treating patients with ENT symptoms that do not respond as expected to the treatment.

Identification of Factors Related to Cases of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Refractory to Canalicular Repositioning Maneuvers and Evaluation of the Need for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in their Management: Retrospective Analysis of a Series of 176 Cases.

Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of peripheral vertigo, and, in most cases, it presents a favorable prognosis. The treatment is based on a series of specific canalicular repositioning maneuvers that offer an efficacy close to 100%. Despite this, there are cases that are refractory to treatment, with the persistence of the vertigo symptoms. Objectives The objective of the present paper is to analyze the factors associated with an increased risk of refractory BPPV and the importance of nuclear magnetic resonance in the study of these patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 176 patients diagnosed with BPPV in our center. We divided them into two groups: responders and non-responders to the treatment, and analyzed the possible risk factors associated with a higher risk of refractory vertigo. Fischer exact test was used. Results We found 11 cases refractory to treatment; all of them underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium according to our protocol. Of these, four had an otoneurologic background or pathology, and two other patients presented a multicanal involvement. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Otoneurologic background and multicanal involvement were associated with a higher risk of refractory BPPV. When dealing with a BPPV with persistent symptomatology/nystagmus or with early relapse after an initial improvement, other entities that enter into the differential diagnosis must always be considered. We consider it essential to perform an MRI with gadolinium to rule out cases of BPPV that have a central cause.

Hearing outcomes of the active bone conduction system Bonebridge® in conductive or mixed hearing loss. / Resultados auditivos del sistema activo de conducción ósea Bonebridge® en hipoacusias conductivas o mixtas.

OBJECTIVE: The active transcutaneous bone conduction implant Bonebridge®, is indicated for patients affected by bilateral conductive/mixed hearing loss or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, showing hearing outcomes similar to other percutaneous bone conduction implants, but with a lower rate of complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the hearing outcomes in a series of 26 patients affected by conductive or mixed hearing loss and treated with Bonebridge®. METHODS: 26 of 30 patients implanted with Bonebridge® between October 2012 and May 2017, were included in the study. We compared the air conduction thresholds at the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000Hz, the SRT50% and the percentage of correct answers at an intensity of 50dB with and without the implant. RESULTS: "Pure tone average" with the implant was 34.91dB showing an average gain of 33.46dB. Average SRT 50% with the implant was 34.33dB, whereas before the surgery no patient achieved 50% of correct answers at a sound intensity of 50dB. The percentage of correct answers at 50dB changed from 11% without the implant to 85% with it. We only observed one complication consisting of an extrusion of the implant in a patient with a history of 2 previous rhytidectomies. CONCLUSIONS: The hearing outcomes obtained in our study are similar to those published in the literature. Bonebridge® represents an excellent alternative in the treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss, and with a lower rate of complications.

Safe use of systemic bevacizumab for respiratory recurrent papillomatosis in two children.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis can be a devastating condition for a child, with severe consequences. Currently, there is no proven successful medical treatment. We describe the use of systemic bevacizumab to treat two children affected by aggressive recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Respiratory symptoms and quality of life improved dramatically in both patients, without observing any toxicity. The only complication was mild proteinuria. Systemic bevacizumab is a promising adjuvant treatment in aggressive recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children. It is effective and well tolerated. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal dosing frequency and duration of therapy. Laryngoscope, 129:1001-1004, 2019.

Head and neck manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a retrospective analysis of 19 patients and review of the literature

Introduction: Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by a necrositing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and focal/proliferative glomerulonephritis. In more than 70% of the cases, the presenting symptoms are head and neck manifestations that are often misdiagnosed as infectious or allergic in etiology. Objective: The present study provides an analysis of head and neckmanifestations in a series of patients diagnosed with GPA. It also evaluates their medical and surgical treatment and provides a review of the relevant literature. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with GPA at a public tertiary care hospital between 2006 and 2017 was performed. Results: A total of 19 patients were included in the present study, and 16 of them presented head and neck manifestations. Sinonasal symptoms were the most common, affecting 56% of the patients, followed by laryngotracheal (31.25%) and ear (25%) symptoms. In 7 patients, sinonasal symptoms were the first manifestation of the disease (43.75%). Four patients underwent surgery at some stage of the disease. Conclusions: Head and neck involvement is common in GPA and may stand for the first or the onlymanifestation of the disease. The otolaryngologists play a central role in the diagnosis and long-term treatment of these patients, and they have to keep this pathology in mind when treating patients with ENT symptoms that do not respond as expected to the treatment (AU)

Efficacy of particle repositioning manoeuvres in benign positional paroxysmal vertigo: A revision of 176 cases treated in a tertiary care centre. / Eficacia de las maniobras de reposicionamiento canalicular en el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno: revisión de 176 casos tratados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common peripheral vertigo disease. The aim of this paper is to review the results obtained with the different specific particle repositioning manoeuvres, evaluating the possible risk factors linked to a poorer prognosis. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six patients with a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were reviewed retrospectively, of whom 150 had vertigo of the posterior canal, 20 had vertigo of the horizontal canal, 3 had vertigo of the superior canal, and 3 had a double vertigo. The Epley manoeuvre was used to treat the posterior and superior canals, and Lempert manoeuvre was used to treat the horizontal canal. An imaging study by nuclear magnetic resonance with gadolin was always used in refractory cases. RESULTS: The Epley manoeuvre showed an efficacy of 74.6 and 100% at first attempt for posterior and superior canals respectively. The efficacy of the Lempert manoeuvre for the horizontal canal was 72.72% in the patients with canalolithiasis, and 58.33% in the patients with cupulolithiasis. The treatment of patients with more than one affected canal and a history of surgery in the previous month was more difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Particle repositioning manoeuvres show a very high success rate, allowing better results in the treatment of the posterior canal. We need more studies to confirm the suspicion that surgery may be a factor of poorer prognosis.