Facial nerve palsy following mild mastoid trauma on trampoline.

We present a case report of a 14-year-old boy who was jumping on a trampoline when he struck his right mastoid on a support pole. The following day, he developed a right-sided facial droop and inability to close his right eye. He presented to the emergency department, where CT of his temporal bone was negative and he was started on prednisone. Over the next month, he had spontaneous recovery of his facial nerve (FN) function. In cases of traumatic FN palsy, urgent referral to otolaryngology is needed, even without a fracture of the temporal bone, as edema within the facial nerve could require decompressive surgery. Steroids, while used in this patient, are of questionable benefit in the limited data available. Patient's with traumatic FN palsies should be instructed to use eye lubricant frequently and tape his eye closed at night, as corneal drying could lead to permanent damage. Proper evaluation, management, and referral are needed in cases of traumatic FN palsy to prevent long-term morbidity.

Spontaneous Epidural Pneumocephalus.

Spontaneous epidural pneumocephalus is a rare condition. The authors reported a 35-year-old male patient with tinnutus, dull headache, and swelling on his head. Patient had a history of head trauma and skull fracture from when he was 5 years old. Cranial computed tomography revealed increase in pneumatization of right mastoid air cells and large epidural air in temporoparietal region. Inner table of right temporal bone got thinner, causing communication of mastoid air cells with epidural space. Epidural air had septations and exerted mass effect on the right parietal lobe with minimal midline shift. Thinning of also right parietal bone caused extension of epidural air into the right parietal subcutaneous tissue and hence subcutaneous swelling. There was no obvious fracture line. Spontaneous epidural pneumocephalus is extremely rare condition that may cause severe complications. There are several etiologic factors. Head trauma can be the eliciting factor in the authors' patient. It is important to be familiar with its presentation and imaging findings to make early diagnosis and treatment.

Labyrinthine concussion following gunshot injury: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: Labyrinthine concussion due to a postauricular gunshot wound has not been well reported. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. STUDY SAMPLE: We describe an otherwise healthy 22-year-old male who received a gunshot wound to the left mastoid and subsequently reported hearing loss and rotational vertigo. RESULTS: Audiometric testing demonstrated significant inverted scoop shaped sensorineural hearing loss. Vestibular diagnostic testing indicated a significant uncompensated left peripheral vestibulopathy. Imaging demonstrated no structural changes to the middle ear or labyrinth, suggesting that the auditory and vestibular losses noted on diagnostic examination were likely due to labyrinthine concussion. CONCLUSIONS: Labyrinthine concussion may lead to reduced vestibular reflex pathway following gunshot wounds to the temporal bone. Clinical presentation is likely to vary significantly among cases.

Calculation of the mastoid cell volume of infants from computed tomography imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to calculate the mastoid cell volume of infants using computed tomography imaging. METHODS: We calculated the mastoid cell volumes of 87 infants younger than 1 year classified into 4 age groups. RESULTS: There were significant (P = 0.0001) differences in the ear mastoid cell volumes (cm(3)) among the 0- to 3-, 4- to 6-, 7- to 9-, and 10- to 12-month age groups. Generally, the mastoid cell volume increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoid cell volume correlates with the age of infants up to 1 year. We plan to expand this study and determine cutoff values for the mastoid cell volumes of infants.

Comparison of the clinical relevance of traditional and new classification systems of temporal bone fractures.

Temporal bone fractures are traditionally classified as transverse, longitudinal or mixed. Since these categories have shown little association with clinical symptoms, new classifications have been introduced, including those related to the involvement of the petrous bone and otic capsule. We have formulated a new classification based on the involvement of four parts of the temporal bone (squama, tympanic, mastoid, and petrous) and assessed which of these classification systems is the most rational using a retrospective chart review in hospital settings (KyungHee Medical Center, Seoul, Korea and Samsung Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Korea). The association between each classification and clinical symptoms was examined by analyzing temporal bone computed tomography scans of 129 patients diagnosed as temporal bone fractures over the past 7 years. Using the traditional classification, there was a significant correlation between transverse fractures and the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with petrous bone fractures had significantly higher incidence rates of sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and eardrum perforation than patients without petrous bone involvement. Involvement of the otic capsule was significantly associated with sensorineural hearing loss and the severity of hearing loss. The associations of the traditional classification and the classification according to the involvement of the otic capsule, four parts of temporal bone with clinical symptoms were not high. Petrous bone fractures were significantly associated with sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and eardrum perforation, suggesting that this classification may be optimally associated with clinical symptoms including hearing and the results of otological examination.

Management of complication from temporal bone fractures.

The objective of the study is to review clinical findings and outcomes in patients with temporal bone fractures, and to show an incidence and management of complications. It is the retrospective clinical study and the study took place at tertiary referral center. Fifty-two patients with temporal bone fractures. Data were collected from patients' charts and clinical review. Patients were classified into five groups according to the CT scan. The primary endpoint of study was to show management of possible complication from temporal bone fractures and to analyze association with intracranial injuries. The second endpoint was to show incompleteness of traditionally classification of fracture type. Of the 52 patients with 54 fractures, 27 (50%) had longitudinal fractures, 4 (7.4%) had transverse fractures, 17 (31.5%) had temporal squama-mastoid fractures, 4 (7.4%) had mixed fractures and 2 (3.7%) had isolated meatal fracture. Fifty-eight percent of patients had at least one intracranial pathologic finding, of which 11% had two or more. Persistent conductive hearing loss was noted in 8 of 16 affected patients. The facial paralysis occurred in seven patients. One patient had benign paroxysmal positional vertigo developed 3 weeks after injury. In conclusion, rarely temporal bone fractures are isolated injures. The squama-mastoid fracture in most cases associated with intracranial injuries. Coordination between the neurosurgeon and otologist is essential in the care of such patients. Further large studies will be done to give a more complete classification of temporal bone fractures which will include all fracture patterns and predict clinical outcome.

Reconstruction of Mastoid Cortex Defects with Hydroxyapatite Cement for Negative Sequelae of Mastoidectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Mastoid cortex defects resulting from mastoidectomy surgery can rarely lead to negative sequelae, including unsightly post-auricular depression and discomfort. This study sought to evaluate the use of hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) to reconstruct mastoidectomy cortex defects. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was undertaken for all patients that underwent reconstruction of the mastoid cortex using HAC at a single tertiary medical center between 2013 and 2019. Collected data included demographics, indications for mastoidectomy, complications, and associated symptom status. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients that underwent mastoid cortex repair using HAC were included, and ten of these underwent mastoid revision in a secondary procedure to reconstruct the mastoid cortex with a specific goal to eliminate negative signs and symptoms. There were no associated postoperative complications and no instances of post-auricular depression following repair. All cases of secondary reconstruction resolved the primary signs and symptoms that prompted mastoid revision. CONCLUSIONS: HAC mastoid cortex reconstruction may be a safe and effective method to resolve negative sequelae resulting from previous mastoidectomy defects. Also, upfront HAC mastoid cortex reconstruction appears viable in select instances as an option to prevent potential future complications.

Dislocation of stapes with footplate fracture caused by indirect trauma.

We report the first case of isolated stapedial dislocation caused by indirect head trauma, and present imaging and surgical findings in the case of a 25-year-old woman who suffered hearing loss and dizziness after head trauma caused by a traffic accident. The pure tone average was 60 dB, with an air-bone gap of 50 dB. The stapedial reflex was positive with the probe on the affected ear. Computed tomography scans revealed a longitudinal fracture of the temporal bone and a dislocated stapedial superstructure in the tympanic cavity, adhering to the tympanic membrane. During surgery, it was found that the stapes was broken at the base of the posterior crus and at the anterior one third of the footplate and that the stapedial superstructure was dislocated outward and downward, with the anterior one third of the footplate adhering to the tympanic membrane. The stapedial tendon was connected to the superstructure. Ossicular chain reconstruction was performed with success. In the present case, two mechanisms may have acted together: 1) an increase in perilymphatic pressure that caused the footplate to fracture, and 2) a distorting force that broke the posterior crus, disconnecting the incudostapedial joint, and finally dislocating the stapedial superstructure together with the anterior part of the footplate.

A rare case report: Cervical subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema due to mastoid fracture.

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air enters the soft tissue, which usually appears in the soft tissues of the chest wall or neck. It may also arise from pneumothorax or skin lacerations after trauma or other reasons. Mediastinal emphysema may be either associated with subcutaneous emphysema or seen alone. The air in the mastoid cells may spread from the retropharyngeal region or various neck compartments into the mediastinum. Usually, no severe neurological or clinical findings are observed except crepitation on palpation. We present a case report of a mastoid fracture as a rare cause of cervical subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema.

[Impairment of optic nerves as the result of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis]. / Uszkodzenie nerwów wzrokowych w nastepstwie zakrzepowego zapalenia zatok zylnych podstawy czaszki.

UNLABELLED: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a disease with potentially serious consequences and usually affecting young to middle aged people. Headache was the most frequent symptom. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, radiological imaging (CT scan, MRI), bacteriological examinations and laboratory biochemical tests. Mastoidectomy and tympanic cavity drainage is performed in cases with lateral sinus thrombosis in acute mastoiditis. Intravenous antibiotics therapy should be continued for 2 weeks. Anticoagulants should be given, taking into consideration parameters of coagulation system and the type of thrombus. Because of moderate to high mortality rate, patients should be closely monitored. PURPOSE: Presentation of the case of bilateral optic nerve atrophy after extensive thrombus of sigmoid and right transverse sinuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the case of a boy, who suffered inflammation of venous sinuses of cranial basis, when he was 6 years old. It happened 1 month after right mastoid bone injury. In the course of this disease, intracranial hypertension with bilateral optic disc swelling appeared. RESULTS: 5 years after thrombosinusitis, the child has pale optic discs, changes in the peripheral visual field, abnormal VEP and incorrect contrast sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma in the region of the temporal bone may cause hard complications from thrombosinusitis, and lead to bilateral optic damage.

Nasal blowing induces subcutaneous emphysema post penetrating mastoid tip trauma.

We describe the case of a child with an isolated penetrating trauma to the mastoid tip. Nasal blowing consequently induced air bubbles coming through the mastoid cutaneous fistula and causing extensive subcutaneous neck emphysema. A computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a right mastoid tip bone fracture with extensive cervical subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was treated conservatively with antibiotics and did not require operative intervention. His subsequent course was uncomplicated. This case emphasizes the importance of taking seriously even what seems to be a minor skin laceration.

Mastoid bone fracture presenting as unusual delayed onset of facial nerve palsy.

Delayed-onset facial nerve paralysis is a rather uncommon complication of a mastoid bone fracture for children younger than 10 years. We routinely arrange a cranial computed tomography (CT) for patients encountering initial loss of consciousness, severe headache, intractable vomiting, and/or any neurologic deficit arising from trauma to the head. However, minor symptomatic cranial nerve damage may be missed and the presenting symptom diagnosed as being a peripheral nerve problem. Herein, we report a case of a young boy who presented at our emergency department (ED) 3 days subsequent to his accident, complaining of hearing loss in the right ear and paralysis of the ipsilateral face. Unpredictably, we observed his cranial CT scan revealing a linear fracture of the skull over the right temporal bone involving the right mastoid air cells. The patient was treated conservatively and recovered well without any adverse neurologic consequences. We emphasize that ED physicians should arrange a cranial CT scan for a head-injured child with symptomatic facial nerve palsy, even if there are no symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, Battle sign, and/or initial loss of consciousness.

Facial nerve problems and hearing loss in patients with temporal bone fractures: demographic data.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of temporal bone fractures have increased in recent decades together with the increasing traffic and population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cause, treatment methods, radiologic, and intraoperative findings in patients with temporal bone fractures. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with temporal bone fracture who have been followed between 1992 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Computerized tomography and audiometric tests were obtained. Electrophysiological evaluation of the facial nerve in patients with traumatic facial paralysis was carried by serial electromyogram (EMG). House-Brackmann grading system was used to evaluate the function of the facial nerve. Twenty-three patients underwent operation for facial paralysis or hearing loss. Results of medical and surgical therapy were documented. RESULTS: Traffic crash was the most common cause (54%). Eighteen (51.4%) of patients had conductive hearing loss, 6 (17.14%) of the patients had sensorineural hearing loss, and 11 (31.42%) had normal hearing. Transient or persistent facial paralysis was detected in 24 of 35 patients (68.57%). Nineteen patients underwent partial or total facial decompression. Preoperative EMG of the majority of the operated patients revealed total axonal degeneration. The most common affected area of the facial nerve by trauma was the vertical segment (31.58%). House-Brackmann 1 and 2 grade was achieved in majority of the patients. Fourteen ossicular abnormalities were detected in 10 patients, and the abnormality was usually related to the incus. More than 10 dB air-bone gap closure was achieved in six of eight patients (75%). CONCLUSIONS: Traffic crashes continue to be the main cause of temporal bone fractures. Facial paralysis caused by temporal bone trauma can be satisfactorily treated by decompression. EMG, clinical grading, and onset of the paralysis are important guides for the surgery. Restoration of the hearing can be achieved in majority of patients.

Mastoid Osteoma - Is "Trauma" A Possible Etiologic Factor.

A 19 year old female presented with painful postaural swelling of three years duration with preceding history of trauma. Clinically and radilogically the diagnosis of mastoid osteoma was made. As patient was symptomatic the osteoma was removed and cortical mastoidectomy was done. We emphasise that symptomatic mastoid osteomas must be treated early even if they are small in size to prevent the development of giant osteomas. The case is reported for its rarity with relevant review of literature. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report in which there is a definitive history of trauma preceding the development of osteoma suggesting its possible role as an inciting factor.

MRI of mastoid and middle ear disease.

MR and CT are complementary studies in evaluating inflammatory disease or neoplasms of the mastoid and middle ear cavities. CT should be performed prior to MR in the evaluation of patients with primary temporal bone pathology because of its ability to detect and delineate both soft tissue and bony abnormalities. CT should be performed whenever intratympanic or facial nerve pathology is suspected, even if the MR examination is normal. MR can be used to further characterize tympanic cavity masses as effusion, glomus tumor, hemorrhage or cholesterol granuloma. The prospect of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR promises increased sophistication in the detection of glomus tumors and facial nerve neuromas. Noncontrast MR cannot differentiate between cholesteatoma and granulation tissue. The efficacy of Gd-DTPA in inflammatory disease of the temporal bone awaits further investigation.

Air in acute epidural hematomas. Report of two cases.

Two pediatric patients with acute epidural hematomas containing air bubble(s) are reported. A skull fracture was observed extending to the mastoid cells of the temporal bone in both patients. In one patient the hematoma and air bubbles subsequently increased in volume, requiring a craniotomy. The clinical significance of air in an acute epidural hematoma is discussed.

Gunshot injury to the temporal bone: an analysis of thirty-five cases.

By retrospective analysis of 35 surviving gunshot injuries to the temporal bone and by presentation of 6 representative cases, the management and reconstructive procedures of these injuries in the Tulane University affiliated hospitals are presented. The most frequent single injury was facial nerve paralysis (16 cases), followed by external canal injury and conductive hearing loss. Anacusis occurred in 12 cases. In conductive hearing loss the intact posterior wall tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy (16 cases), or the modified radical mastoidectomy (5 cases), allowed middle ear reconstruction. Transmastoid facial canal decompression, combined with the above procedures or with a middle fossa craniotomy, was performed in 6 cases. Delayed facial reconstruction (5 cases) utilized microneural anastomosis between facial-facial and hypoglossal-facial nerves and fascia lata slings. Intracranial complications of thrombosis of internal carotid artery, dural venous lacerations, temporal lobe aphasia, bitemporal hemianopsia, cerebral abscesses and meningitis are also discussed.

[The accuracy of plain-film radiology in demonstrating the shadows of the pneumatic spaces of the skull--a comparison with computed tomography]. / Treffsicherheit der Nativradiologie im Nachweis von Verschattungen der pneumatisierten Räume des Schädels--Vergleich mit der Computertomographie.

The accuracy of plain-film radiography in the diagnosis of opacities of the pneumatic system of the skull was evaluated in 302 patients in comparison with computed tomography. Plain films were performed using standard projections (Schüller, Stenvers, NNH o.n., paranasal sinus). Concerning the paranasal sinuses sensitivity of plain film radiography ranged from 36.7 to 66.4% depending on localisation. In the mastoid, a sensitivity of only 35% was found. Specificity was high (90% and over) with the exception of the maxillary sinus (82%). More sensitive, noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques are indicated in the following conditions: therapy-refractory opacification of one sinus, indeterminate otological symptoms in the presence of a low pneumatized mastoid, and definitive exclusion of infectious foci in the pneumatic system of the skull.