Fibrous dysplasia: rare manifestation in the temporal bone.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign disorder, in which normal bone is replaced by fibrosis and immature bone trabeculae, showing a similar distribution between the genders, and being more prevalent in the earlier decades of life. Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone is a rare condition, and there is no consensus as to whether it is more common in monostotic or polyostotic forms. External auditory meatus stenosis and conductive dysacusis are the most common manifestations, with cholesteatoma being a common complication, whereas the involvement of the otic capsule is an unusual one. Surgical treatment is indicated to control pain or dysacusis, otorrhea, cholesteatoma, and deformity. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical experience of a tertiary referral hospital with cases of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone. METHODS: Sampling of patients diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone, confirmed by tomography, treated at the pediatric otology and otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics, between 2015 and 2018. The assessed variables were age, gender, laterality, external auditory meatus stenosis, deformity, hearing loss, presence of secondary cholesteatoma of the external auditory meatus, lesion extension and management. RESULTS: Five patients were included, four females and one male, with age ranging from 13 to 34 years. Three had the polyostotic form and two the monostotic form of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone. Four patients had local deformity and external auditory meatus stenosis, two of which progressed to cholesteatoma. All patients showed some degree of hearing impairment. All had preserved otic capsule at the tomography. Two patients are currently undergoing clinical observation; two were submitted to tympanomastoidectomy due to secondary cholesteatoma; one was submitted to lesion resection, aiming to control the dysacusis progression. CONCLUSION: Five cases of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone were described, a rare disorder of which the otologist should be aware.

Endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay cartilage graft in an university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure aimed at the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and restoration of the sound conducting mechanism. It can be performed with several types of access and grafts and is considered successful when it achieves complete closure of the tympanic perforation and sound conduction improvement. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of successful closure of tympanic perforations and auditory results of endoscopic tympanoplasty with an inlay tragus cartilage graft. METHODS: Retrospective study developed at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients with central tympanic perforations and intact ossicular chains operated with endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay tragus cartilage graft were included. The neo-tympanum integrity index was evaluated, and the preoperative and postoperative auditory parameters were compared using the paired Student's t-test. RESULTS: We identified 83 endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay cartilage, of which 63 (76 %) had an intact neo-tympanum and 20 (24 %) had residual perforations. The preoperative air-bone gap was, on average, 18 ±â€¯8.9 dBHL, and the postoperative 11 ±â€¯10 dBHL (p = 0.0005), showing reduction in 71 % and complete recovery in 27 %. The mean preoperative speech recognition threshold was 35 ±â€¯13.5 and the postoperative SRT was 27 ± 14.4 (p = 0.0002). The preoperative tritonal mean was 34 ±â€¯14.3 and the postoperative was 24 ±â€¯15 (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: In this series, endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay tragus cartilage graft showed a 76 % prevalence of complete closure of the tympanic perforation, with significant improvement in the auditory parameters.

Facial paralysis associated with acute otitis media.

UNLABELLED: Acute otitis media with facial paralysis is not a very frequent association. AIM: The goal of the present investigation was to asses the evolution of facial paralysis caused by acute otitis media. STUDY FORMAT: Clinical-retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 40 patients with this association, from a total of 2758 cases of facial paralysis seen during this time in the department of facial nerve disorders. All the patients were clinically assessed and had epidemiological data, prognostics and evolution. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The paralysis was of sudden onset in 95% of the cases. Recovery was of 85% for grade I (House-Brackman) and 15% for grade II (House-Brackman). Treatment was clinical, with antibiotics and steroids - yielding good results. In those patients with electrical bad prognosis, facial nerve decompression turned their evolution into a favorable one.

Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. RESULTS: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Influence of cyclic AMP on facial nerve regeneration in rats.

UNLABELLED: Promoting facial nerve regeneration is a significant challenge. AIM: To evaluate the possible neurotrophic influence of cyclic AMP on facial nerve regeneration of Wistar rats. METHOD: The right facial nerve of thirty-two animals were completely transected and immediately sutured, followed by exposure or not to topical cyclic AMP. Behavioral and histometric analyses were done at 14 and 28 days. RESULTS: Statistical differences (p<0.05) were found in the behavioral and histometric analyses on the 14th day, suggesting an early regenerative response of the facial nerve to cAMP exposure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a possible neurotrophic effect of cAMP on facial nerve regeneration in rats.

Anatomical study of a temporal bone from a non-human primate (Callithrix sp).

UNLABELLED: The search for experimental (animal) models is essential to the development of clinical studies. AIM: To demonstrate, by means of micro dissection techniques, the anatomical structures of temporal bones from the primate Callithrix sp. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. METHODS: Dissection of temporal bone structures of Callithrix sp and photographic documentation. RESULTS: We identified the main constituents of the temporal bone (external, medium and inner ear and facial nerve). CONCLUSION: The non-human primate Callithrix sp. is an adequate experimental model for the studies of temporal bone structures given its close anatomical similarities to that found in humans.

Plug cartilage tympanoplasty in children.

UNLABELLED: The treatment of tympanic membrane perforations in the pediatric population with sequelae of chronic otitis media represents a challenge to otolaryngologists. AIM: To assess the clinical and audiometric results of the inlay technique with a tragus cartilage plug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 23 patients (ages between 1 and 15 years) who underwent plug tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: clinical retrospective. RESULTS: Repair success rate was of 82.6%, with audiometric parameters improvement in 87.5% of the patients. Complications were minimum. CONCLUSION: Considering the results attained, this method of tympanoplasty should be considered a good treatment option for tympanic membrane perforation in children.

How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial resistance burden has increased in the past years, mainly due to inappropriate antibiotic use. Recently it has become an urgent public health concern due to its impact on the prolongation of hospitalization, an increase of total cost of treatment and mortality associated with infectious disease. Almost half of the antimicrobial prescriptions in outpatient care visits are prescribed for acute upper respiratory infections, especially rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngotonsillitis. In this context, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in orienting patients and non-specialists in the utilization of antibiotics rationally and properly in these infections. OBJECTIVES: To review the most recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, adapted to our national reality. METHODS: A literature review on PubMed database including the medical management in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, followed by a discussion with a panel of specialists. RESULTS: Antibiotics must be judiciously prescribed in uncomplicated acute upper respiratory tract infections. The severity of clinical presentation and the potential risks for evolution to suppurative and non-suppurative complications must be taken into 'consideration'. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic revisions on guidelines and recommendations for treatment of the main acute infections are necessary to orient rationale and appropriate use of antibiotics. Continuous medical education and changes in physicians' and patients' behavior are required to modify the paradigm that all upper respiratory infection needs antibiotic therapy, minimizing the consequences of its inadequate and inappropriate use.

Vocal fold immobility after thyroidectomy with intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative nerve monitoring has emerged as a valuable tool to facilitate recurrent laryngeal nerve identification during thyroid surgery, thereby avoiding its injury. The aim was to evaluate vocal fold mobility in patients who underwent thyroidectomy with intraoperative nerve monitoring. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort formed by a consecutive series of patients, at a tertiary cancer hospital. METHODS: The subjects were patients who underwent thyroidectomy using intraoperative laryngeal nerve monitoring, between November 2003 and January 2006. Descriptive analysis of the results and comparison with a similar group of patients who did not undergo nerve monitoring were performed. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were studied. Total thyroidectomy was performed on 65 patients. Vocal fold immobility (total or partial) was detected in 12 patients (6.8% of the nerves at risk) at the first postoperative evaluation. Only six (3.4% of the nerves at risk) continued to present vocal fold immobility three months after surgery. Our previous series with 100 similar patients without intraoperative nerve monitoring revealed that 12 patients (7.5%) presented vocal fold immobility at the early examination, and just 5 (3.1%) maintained this immobility three months after surgery, without significant difference between the two series. CONCLUSION: In this series, the use of intraoperative nerve monitoring did not decrease the rate of vocal fold immobility.

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis associated to chronic otitis media.

UNLABELLED: Otogenous lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) is a rare disease and presents a controversial treatment. AIM: Clinical aspects and treatment were reported based on our experience. METHODS: Retrospective study. Six cases of OLST were treated in our institution in the last ten years. Clinical and imaging data were analyzed. RESULTS: All six patients had the lateral sinus thrombosis detected during image evaluation for other symptoms related to chronic otitis media (COM) complications. Fever, headache and facial paralysis were the main clinical manifestation related to mastoiditis, meningitis and cerebellar abscess. We could not identify, in any case, specific features of lateral sinus thrombosis. In all cases a mastoidectomy was associated with large spectrum antibiotics maintained for 3 months. In three cases anticoagulation therapy was introduced and in three cases anticoagulation was not indicated. All cases presented a good clinical evolution, without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: OLST is almost always associated with other complications of COM. It is diagnosed almost by accident during the investigative image study. We believe such disease is underestimated. In our experience, OLST presents a benign course, and mastoidectomy with antibiotics is the treatment of choice.

Gastroesophageal reflux in patients with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis.

UNLABELLED: Evidence of a relation between gastroesophaeal reflux and pediatric respiratory disorders increases every year. Many respiratory symptoms and clinical conditions such as stridor, chronic cough, and recurrent pneumonia and bronchitis appear to be related to gastroesophageal reflux. Some studies have also suggested that gastroesophageal reflux may be associated with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis, contributing to its recurrence and severity. AIM: the aim of this study was to verify the frequency and intensity of gastroesophageal reflux in children with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ten children of both genders, aged between 3 and 12 years, presenting laryngeal papillomatosis, were included in this study. The children underwent 24-hour double-probe pH-metry. RESULTS: fifty percent of the patients had evidence of gastroesophageal reflux at the distal sphincter; 90% presented reflux at the proximal sphincter. CONCLUSION: the frequency of proximal gastroesophageal reflux is significantly increased in patients with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis.

Fibrous dysplasia: rare manifestation in the temporal bone / Displasia fibrosa: manifestação rara no osso temporal

Abstract Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign disorder, in which normal bone is replaced by fibrosis and immature bone trabeculae, showing a similar distribution between the genders, and being more prevalent in the earlier decades of life. Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone is a rare condition, and there is no consensus as to whether it is more common in monostotic or polyostotic forms. External auditory meatus stenosis and conductive dysacusis are the most common manifestations, with cholesteatoma being a common complication, whereas the involvement of the otic capsule is an unusual one. Surgical treatment is indicated to control pain or dysacusis, otorrhea, cholesteatoma, and deformity. Objectives: To describe the clinical experience of a tertiary referral hospital with cases of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone. Methods: Sampling of patients diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone, confirmed by tomography, treated at the pediatric otology and otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics, between 2015 and 2018. The assessed variables were age, gender, laterality, external auditory meatus stenosis, deformity, hearing loss, presence of secondary cholesteatoma of the external auditory meatus, lesion extension and management. Results: Five patients were included, four females and one male, with age ranging from 13 to 34 years. Three had the polyostotic form and two the monostotic form of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone. Four patients had local deformity and external auditory meatus stenosis, two of which progressed to cholesteatoma. All patients showed some degree of hearing impairment. All had preserved otic capsule at the tomography. Two patients are currently undergoing clinical observation; two were submitted to tympanomastoidectomy due to secondary cholesteatoma; one was submitted to lesion resection, aiming to control the dysacusis progression. Conclusion: Five cases of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone were described, a rare disorder of which the otologist should be aware.

Resumo Introdução: Displasia fibrosa é uma desordem benigna, na qual o osso é substituído por fibrose e trabeculado ósseo imaturo, com distribuição semelhante entre sexos, mais comum nas primeiras décadas de vida. O acometimento do osso temporal pela displasia fibrosa é raro, não há consenso se é mais comum nas formas monostóticas ou poliostóticas. Estenose do meato acústico externo e disacusia condutiva são as manifestações mais comuns. Colesteatoma é também uma complicação comum e o acometimento da cápsula ótica incomum. O tratamento cirúrgico está indicado para controle de dor ou disacusia, otorreia, colesteatoma, deformidade. Objetivos: Descrever a experiência clínica de hospital terciário de referência com casos de displasia fibrosa do osso temporal. Método: Amostragem dos pacientes com diagnóstico de displasia fibrosa do osso temporal, confirmado pela tomografia, atendidos nos ambulatórios de otologia e otorrinolaringologia pediátrica, entre 2015 e 2018. As variáveis avaliadas foram idade, gênero, lateralidade, estenose do meato acústico externo, deformidade, perda auditiva, presença de colesteatoma secundário de meato acústico externo, extensão da lesão e conduta adotada. Resultados: Foram incluídos cinco pacientes, quatro do sexo feminino e um masculino, de 13-34 anos. Três apresentaram a forma poliostótica da displasia fibrosa do osso temporal e dois a forma monostótica. Quatro apresentaram deformidade local e estenose do meato acústico externo, dois desses evoluíram com colesteatoma. Todos manifestaram algum grau de comprometimento auditivo. Todos apresentaram cápsula ótica preservada na tomografia. Duas pacientes estão em observação clínica; duas foram submetidas a timpanomastoidectomia devido a colesteatoma secundário; um foi submetido a ressecção da lesão para controle de progressão da disacusia. Conclusão: Foram descritos cinco casos de displasia fibrosa do osso temporal, desordem rara para a qual o otologista deve estar atento.

Standardization of techniques used in facial nerve section and facial movement evaluation in rats.

AIM: Standardization of the technique to section the extratemporal facial nerve in rats and creation of a scale to evaluate facial movements in these animals before and after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. METHOD: twenty Wistar rats were anesthetized with ketamine xylazine and submitted to sectioning of the facial nerve near its emergence through the mastoid foramen. Eye closure and blinking reflex, vibrissae movement and positioning were observed in all animals and a scale to evaluate these parameters was then created. RESULTS: The facial nerve trunk was found between the tendinous margin of the clavotrapezius muscle and the auricular cartilage. The trunk was proximally sectioned as it exits the mastoid foramen and the stumps were sutured with a 9-0-nylon thread. An evaluation and graduation scale of facial movements, independent for eye and vibrissae, was elaborated, together with a sum of the parameters, as a means to evaluate facial palsy. Absence of eye blinking and closure scored 1; the presence of orbicular muscle contraction, without blinking reflex, scored 2; 50% of eye closure through blinking reflex, scored 3, 75% of closure scored 4. The presence of complete eye closure and blinking reflex scored 5. The absence of movement and posterior position of the vibrissae scored 1; slight shivering and posterior position scored 2; greater shivering and posterior position, scored 3 and normal movement with posterior position, scored 4; symmetrical movement of he vibrissae, with anterior position, scored 5. CONCLUSION: The rat anatomy allows easy access to the extratemporal facial nerve, allowing its sectioning and standardized suture. It was also possible to establish an evaluation and graduation scale of the rat facial movements with facial palsy based on the clinical observation of these animals.

Behavioral and histologic experimental model of facial nerve regeneration in rats.

UNLABELLED: To setup an experimental model is the first step to study neural regeneration. AIM: Setting up an experimental model on facial nerve regeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats with complete sectioning and suturing of the extratemporal facial nerve trunk; with a behavioral and histological analysis for 9 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental prospective study. RESULTS: Progressive clinical and histological recovery of the animals. CONCLUSION: Our method is acceptable to study facial nerve regeneration in rats.

Transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty: a case series in a university center.

INTRODUCTION: Transcanal myringoplasty has the advantages of demanding lower operative time and minimal external incisions. It can be performed using the microscopic or endoscopic approach. In the last decade, the use of endoscopes in ear surgery has increased significantly. This technique may allow "around the corner" visualization of small recesses, through narrow spaces, without the aid of canalplasty in unfavorable ear canals. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty performed in a university service. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of this technique are also discussed. METHODS: A case series study, based on the chart review of patients submitted to transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty in the period from January of 2012 to October of 2014. RESULTS: Data from 22 patients were analyzed. Tympanic perforation closure three months after surgery was observed in 86.4% of all patients. There was statistically significant improvement in pure tone average thresholds after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure; it can be an alternative to microscopic surgery.

Endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay cartilage graft in an university hospital / Timpanoplastia endoscópica com enxerto de cartilagem inlay em hospital universitário

Abstract Introduction Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure aimed at the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and restoration of the sound conducting mechanism. It can be performed with several types of access and grafts and is considered successful when it achieves complete closure of the tympanic perforation and sound conduction improvement. Objective To describe the prevalence of successful closure of tympanic perforations and auditory results of endoscopic tympanoplasty with an inlay tragus cartilage graft. Methods Retrospective study developed at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients with central tympanic perforations and intact ossicular chains operated with endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay tragus cartilage graft were included. The neo-tympanum integrity index was evaluated, and the preoperative and postoperative auditory parameters were compared using the paired Student's t-test. Results We identified 83 endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay cartilage, of which 63 (76 %) had an intact neo-tympanum and 20 (24 %) had residual perforations. The preoperative air-bone gap was, on average, 18 ± 8.9 dBHL, and the postoperative 11 ± 10 dBHL (p = 0.0005), showing reduction in 71 % and complete recovery in 27 %. The mean preoperative speech recognition threshold was 35 ± 13.5 and the postoperative SRT was 27 ± 14.4 (p = 0.0002). The preoperative tritonal mean was 34 ± 14.3 and the postoperative was 24 ± 15 (p = 0.0002). Conclusion In this series, endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay tragus cartilage graft showed a 76 % prevalence of complete closure of the tympanic perforation, with significant improvement in the auditory parameters.

Resumo Introdução Timpanoplastia é o procedimento cirúrgico voltado para a reconstrução da membrana timpânica e restauração do mecanismo condutor do som. Pode ser executada através de diversos tipos de acesso e de enxertos e é considerada bem-sucedida quando obtém fechamento completo da perfuração timpânica e melhoria na condução sonora. Objetivo Descrever a prevalência de sucesso no fechamento completo das perfurações timpânicas e os resultados auditivos das timpanoplastias endoscópicas com enxerto de cartilagem de tragus inlay. Metodologia Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido em hospital terciário de referência. Pacientes com perfurações timpânicas centrais e com cadeias ossiculares íntegras submetidos a timpanoplastias endoscópicas com enxerto de cartilagem de tragus inlay foram incluídos. Foram avaliados o índice de integridade do neotímpano e os parâmetros auditivos pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados com o teste t de Student pareado. Resultados Foram identificadas 83 timpanoplastias endoscópicas com cartilagem inlay, 63 (76%) obtiveram neotímpano íntegro e 20 (24%), perfurações residuais. O gap aéreo-ósseo pré-operatório foi, em média, 18 ± 8,9 dBNA e o pós-operatório 11 ± 10 dBNA (p = 0,0005), sofreu redução em 71% e recuperação completa em 27%. O SRT pré-operatório médio foi 35 ± 13,5 e o pós-operatório 27 ± 14,4 (p = 0,0002). A média tritonal pré-operatória foi 34 ± 14,3 e a pós-operatória 24 ± 15 (p = 0,0002). Conclusão Nesta casuística, as timpanoplastias endoscópicas com cartilagem de tragus inlay apresentaram fechamento completo da perfuração timpânica em 76% dos casos, com melhoria significativa dos parâmetros auditivos.

Expression of aquaporin 2 following facial nerve crush in rats.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated an early increase in aquaporin 2 (AQP2) expression in a motor nerve (extratemporal facial nerve, FN) following acute peripheral compression (crush), concomitant to effective development of motor dysfunction (facial palsy). The early increase in AQP2 expression that occurred concomitantly with the appearance of a deficit in a peripheral motor nerve suggests that this protein is involved in the physiological events associated with post-injury edema, similar to the already demonstrated behavior of AQP4 in the central nervous system (CNS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the expression of AQP2 in the FN of rats up to 7 days after crush. METHODS: The extratemporal trunk of the right FN of rats was subjected to mechanical crush, and the expression of AQP2 in the affected (right) and non-affected (left) FN was measured by means of western blotting at days 1, 3, and 7 after injury. Behavioral analysis of the development of facial palsy was also performed over the same time period. RESULTS: Increased expression of AQP2 was shown in the affected FN compared with its corresponding control at day 1 after compression, simultaneously with the appearance of facial palsy.

Anatomical study of the pigs temporal bone by microdissection.

PURPOSE: Initial study of the pig`s temporal bone anatomy in order to enable a new experimental model in ear surgery. METHODS: Dissection of five temporal bones of Sus scrofa pigs obtained from UNIFESP - Surgical Skills Laboratory, removed with hole saw to avoid any injury and stored in formaldehyde 10% for better conservation. The microdissection in all five temporal bone had the following steps: inspection of the outer part, external canal and tympanic membrane microscopy, mastoidectomy, removal of external ear canal and tympanic membrane, inspection of ossicular chain and middle ear. RESULTS: Anatomically it is located at the same position than in humans. Some landmarks usually found in humans are missing. The tympanic membrane of the pig showed to be very similar to the human, separating the external and the middle ear. The middle ear`s appearance is very similar than in humans. The ossicular chain is almost exactly the same, as well as the facial nerve, showing the same relationship with the lateral semicircular canal. CONCLUSION: The temporal bone of the pigs can be used as an alternative for training in ear surgery, especially due the facility to find it and its similarity with temporal bone of the humans.

Anatomical study of the pigs temporal bone by microdissection.

PURPOSE: Initial study of the pig`s temporal bone anatomy in order to enable a new experimental model in ear surgery. METHODS: Dissection of five temporal bones of Sus scrofa pigs obtained from UNIFESP - Surgical Skills Laboratory, removed with hole saw to avoid any injury and stored in formaldehyde 10% for better conservation. The microdissection in all five temporal bone had the following steps: inspection of the outer part, external canal and tympanic membrane microscopy, mastoidectomy, removal of external ear canal and tympanic membrane, inspection of ossicular chain and middle ear. RESULTS: Anatomically it is located at the same position than in humans. Some landmarks usually found in humans are missing. The tympanic membrane of the pig showed to be very similar to the human, separating the external and the middle ear. The middle ear`s appearance is very similar than in humans. The ossicular chain is almost exactly the same, as well as the facial nerve, showing the same relationship with the lateral semicircular canal. CONCLUSION: The temporal bone of the pigs can be used as an alternative for training in ear surgery, especially due the facility to find it and its similarity with temporal bone of the humans.

Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR) / Tradução, validação e adaptação cultural do questionário "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) para o português brasileiro (BR)

Abstract Introduction: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. Results: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. Conclusion: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva pode causar diversos sintomas e doenças de orelha média e impactar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Estima-se que é uma morbidade relativamente frequente, acomete cerca de 5% dos adultos. Os instrumentos diagnósticos para essa afecção ainda são insuficientes. Em 2012 McCoul et al. publicaram um questionário para a avaliação da disfunção da tuba auditiva denominado ETDQ-7. Eles demonstraram sua reprodutibilidade e validade. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi de maior ou igual a 14,5 com 100% de sensibilidade e 100% de especificidade. Objetivo: Traduzir, adaptar e validar o questionário ETDQ-7 para o português brasileiro. Método: Traduzimos o questionário para o português do Brasil e o aplicamos em 50 pacientes, 20 com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e 30 controles. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos no questionário americano foram confirmados na versão brasileira. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi maior ou igual a 14, também com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, muito semelhante ao ETDQ-7. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que o ETDQ-7 seja usado como um complemento na história clínica do paciente com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e pode ser usado também como uma importante ferramenta para fins de diagnóstico, seguimento de pacientes e manejos no tratamento.