The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute hearing loss: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Acute hearing loss can have a major impact on a patient's life. This holds true for both acute acoustic trauma (AAT) and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL), two devastating conditions for which no highly effective treatment options exist. This narrative review provides the rationale and evidence for HBOT in AAT and ISSHL. METHODS: Narrative review of all the literature available on HBOT in acute hearing loss, studies were retrieved from systematic searches on PubMed and by cross referencing. DISCUSSION: First, the etiological mechanisms of acute hearing loss and the mechanism of action of HBOT were discussed. Furthermore, we have provided an overview of 68 studies that clinically investigated the effect of HBOT in the last couple of decades. For future studies, it is recommend to start as early as possible with therapy, preferably within 48 h and to use combination therapy consisting of HBOT and corticosteroids. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: HBOT has been used quite extensively for acute hearing loss in the last couple of decades. Based on the amount of studies showing a positive effect, HBOT should be discussed with patients (shared decision making) as optional therapy in case of AAT and ISSHL.

Septoplasty is a proven and effective procedure: an expert's view of a burning issue.

PROBLEM: The scientific research agenda of the Dutch Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery claims that there is a knowledge gap with regard to the efficacy of septoplasty for a blocked nose. This assertion is based on a restrictive approach to evidence-based medicine that could result in unnecessary trials and the abolition or rationing of sound treatment options. METHODOLOGY: The arguments in favour of the effectiveness of septoplasty are based on the total spectrum of evidence from research, clinical experience and basic science. RESULTS: The best available evidence shows that this form of treatment is satisfactory for more than two thirds of all patients. CONCLUSION: If all levels of evidence are taken into account, it becomes clear that there is no knowledge gap with regard to the efficacy of septoplasty for blocked nose.

Injudicious use of EBM: one step forward, two steps back.

PROBLEM: The authors are concerned that an overrestrictive approach to evidence-based medicine could lead to the neglect of valuable treatment options. METHODOLOGY: We describe the need for a personalised approach to evidence-based medicine, and support this with examples from ENT practice. RESULTS: We concur with the point of view that evidence at all levels should be used in clinical decision-making and we suggest that fitness for purpose is more important than hierarchy of evidence. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the application of evidence-based medicine should involve trying to select the best therapy for individuals on the basis of the total spectrum of treatment options. Evidence and expertise should work synergistically.

Suboccipital neuropathy after bone conduction device placement.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of a 70-year-old female with occipital neuropathy following bone conduction device surgery. DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old woman underwent bone conduction device placement surgery on the left temporal bone. Postoperatively she progressively developed chronic pain at the implantation site. The pain led to minimal neck movement, which resulted in complaints of the shoulder and arm on the left side. She was treated by an orthopaedic surgeon for a frozen shoulder. Pain medication and occipital nerve blocking had no sustained effect on the pain. DISCUSSION: Occipital neuropathy is a syndrome with continuous aching involving the occipital and parietal scalp caused by trauma or peripheral compression of the occipital nerves. The most common causes of occipital neuropathy are probably direct trauma to the nerve and hypertrophic fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue surrounding the nerve. Scar formation after surgery may therefore cause entrapment of the nerve. CONCLUSION: We describe a case of occipital neuropathy as a complication of BAHA surgery.

Improved depiction of pterygopalatine fossa anatomy using ultrahigh-resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 7 tesla.

PURPOSE: To study the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) using ultrahigh-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: A human cadaveric tissue block containing the pterygopalatine fossa was examined on a clinical 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system. Subsequently, cryosections of the tissue block were created in a coronal plane. The cryosections were photographed and collected on adhesive tape. The on-tape sections were stained for Mallory-Cason, in order to detail the anatomic structures within the fossa. Magnetic resonance images were compared with surface photos of the tissue block and on-tape sections. RESULTS: High-resolution magnetic resonance images demonstrated the common macroscopic structures in the PPF. Smaller structures, best viewed at the level of the operation microscope, which have previously been obscured on magnetic resonance imaging, could be depicted. Some of the orbital pterygopalatine ganglion branches and the pharyngeal nerve were clearly viewed. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience with one human cadaver specimen, magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla seems effective in depicting pterygopalatine fossa anatomy and provides previously unseen details through its demonstration of the pharyngeal nerve and the orbital pterygopalatine ganglion branches. The true viability of depicting the pterygopalatine fossa with ultrahigh-resolution MR will depend on confirmation of our results in larger studies.

A possible case of complex regional pain syndrome of the nose?

OBJECTIVE: We present a case report of a patient with a putative diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome of the nose. We would like to bring this disorder to the attention of rhinologists. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old man presented with a history of extreme, constant, debilitating pain in his nose that started after he underwent several extensive nasal surgeries. Examination revealed atrophic nasal mucous membranes at the nasal septum. No other abnormalities were found. The pain did not diminish despite administration of analgesics and neuropathic pain medications. We propose a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome of the nose. CONCLUSION: The large number of nasal surgeries performed worldwide and the far reaching consequences of this debilitating syndrome indicate that it merits further investigation to determine whether it is a distinct disorder that should be recognized as such.

Corrugator supercilii transection for headache emanating from the frontal region: a clinical evaluation of ten patients.

Chronic daily headache (CDH) located in the frontal region is a common problem. We have previously described the positive results that were achieved with botulinum toxin (BTX) injections in the musculus corrugator supercilii (MCS) for this disorder. Nowadays, we offer transection of this muscle to patients following a minimum of two BTX injections, provided these injections result in a significant reduction of pain. This procedure is based on the assumption that the pathophysiological mechanism in some of these patients suffering from CDH is a neural entrapment of the supratrochlear nerve in the corrugator muscle. To assess the effect of transection, we have evaluated all the consecutive patients (n = 10) so far. Treatment was successful in nine of these patients. Prior to the treatment, the mean pain score in the 9 successfully treated patients was 8.1 (range 6-9), after transection this had been reduced to 0.8 (range 0-3). All of these successfully treated patients ceased their daily use of pain relief medication for their frontally localised headaches. Moreover, they stated that they would definitely undergo surgery, if they were to find themselves in the same situation again. Therefore, we conclude that transection of the MCS is an efficient and successful procedure for a carefully selected group of patients suffering from CDH in the frontal region. Most of all we intend to popularise this pathophysiological concept based on the distinct possibility that some headaches might be due to neural entrapment.

It's all about timing, early treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and corticosteroids is essential in acute acoustic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) is an acute hearing impairment caused by intense noise-impact. The current management strategy for AAT with substantial hearing loss in the Dutch military is the combination therapy with corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In a previous study, early initiation of the combination therapy was associated with better outcomes. Therefore, we performed a new analysis to assess the difference in hearing outcome between patients in whom combination therapy was started within two days, versus after more than two days. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on military patients diagnosed with AAT with substantial hearing loss who presented between February 2018 and March 2020. Absolute and relative hearing improvement between first and last audiograms were calculated for all affected frequencies (defined as loss of ≥20 dB on initial audiogram). We also determined the amount of patients who recovered to the level of Dutch military requirement, and performed speech discrimination tests. RESULTS: In this analysis, 30 male patients (49 ears) with AAT were included. The median age was 24.5 years (IQR 23-29). The median time to initiation of therapy with corticosteroids and HBOT were one and two days, respectively. HBOT was started within two days in 31 ears, and after more than two days in 18 ears. The mean absolute and relative hearing gains were 18.8 dB (SD 14.6) and 46.8% (SD 31.3) on all affected frequencies. The 100% discrimination/speech perception level improved from 64.0 dB to 51.7 dB (gain 12.3 dB ± 14.1). There was significantly more improvement in absolute and relative hearing improvement when HBOT was started in ≤2 days, compared to >2 days. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows results in favor of early initiation (≤2 days) of the combination treatment of HBOT and corticosteroids in patients with AAT.

Sluder's neuralgia: a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia?

The objective was to formulate distinctive criteria to substantiate our opinion that Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache are two different clinical entities. A systematic review was carried out of all available, original literature on Sluder's neuralgia. Pain characteristics, periodicity and associated signs and symptoms were studied and listed according to frequency of appearance. Eleven articles on Sluder's neuralgia were evaluated. Several differences between Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache became evident. Based on described symptoms, new criteria for Sluder's neuralgia could be formulated. Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache could possibly be regarded as two different headache syndromes, and Sluder's neuralgia could be a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

Microbiology in complicated head and neck infections.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pathogens associated with complicated ear, throat and sinus infections and to link the relevant susceptibility patterns to the empirical therapy currently advised in the Dutch guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive study of consecutive cases. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients with a complicated ear, nose and throat infection who underwent surgery at a tertiary referral centre during a six-year period. The term 'complicated' was used to define infections that had spread outside the primary region of infection (middle ear cavity, pharyngeal mucosa, or paranasal sinus) and which therefore, under our policy, required surgical intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Microbiological culture and susceptibility pattern RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were included in this study. The predominant causative organisms for the infections were Streptococcus pneumonia, beta hemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus milleri for ear, throat, and sinus infections, respectively. These were all susceptible to the recommended empirical therapy. Cultures from 6 patients yielded coagulase-negative staphylococci resistant to frequently used antibiotics. The mortality rate in our series was 13% for ear infections. This was caused by complicated infections in young children and patients with cholesteatoma. Ten per cent of the ear infections in adults yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 25% yielded anaerobes. CONCLUSIONS: Ear infections in young children and in patients with cholesteatoma should be treated aggressively. Our results suggest that patients with intracranial complications stemming from ear infections should preferably be treated with a combination therapy including antibiotics targeting gram negatives and anaerobes. The role of coagulase-negative staphylococci, especially in neck abscesses, may be more important than has been thought until now.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and corticosteroid therapy in military personnel with acute acoustic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) is a sensorineural hearing impairment due to exposure to an intense impulse noise which causes cochlear hypoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) could provide an adequate oxygen supply. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of early treatment with combined HBO and corticosteroid therapy in patients with AAT compared with corticosteroid monotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on military personnel diagnosed with AAT between November 2012 and December 2017. Inclusion criteria for HBO therapy were hearing loss of 30 dB or greater on at least one, 25 dB or more on at least two, or 20 dB or more on three or more frequencies as compared with the contralateral ear. RESULTS: Absolute hearing improvements showed significant differences (independent t-test) between patients receiving HBO and the control group at 500 Hz (p=0.014), 3000 Hz (p=0.023), 4000 Hz (p=0.001) and 6000 Hz (p=0.01) and at the mean of all frequencies (p=0.002). Relative hearing improvements were significantly different (independent t-test) at 4000 Hz (p=0.046) and 6000 Hz (p=0.013) and at all frequencies combined (p=0.005). Furthermore, the percentage of patients with recovery to the functional level required by the Dutch Armed Forces (clinical outcome score) was higher in the HBO group. CONCLUSIONS: Early-stage combination therapy for patients with AAT was associated with better audiometric results at higher frequencies and better clinical outcome score.

Case-report: metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

CASE-REPORT: Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. We present a case of metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma (MPA). The patient died in 2002 at the age of 64 years, following on an initial diagnosis of a pleomorphic adenoma of the right parotid gland at the age of nineteen, multiple local recurrences and finally rib metastases. Histological examination of the excised tissue from the parotid gland and the metastases showed it to be a pleomorphic adenoma without any signs of malignancy, although the metastatic deposits consisted mostly of a myoepithelial component. Both in our case as in most of the literature, MPA follows a probable incomplete removal of the first tumour. We conclude that the first operation is of great importance for the prevention of late recurrences and metastatic spread.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis: a case report.

About 70 to 80 percent of all salivary gland neoplasms, the majority of which are benign, arise in the parotid gland. Sclerosing Polycystic Adenosis (SPA) is a relatively unknown and newly described entity that is considered to be benign in nature. A 55-year-old patient was treated for SPA in our hospital. The diagnostic work-up consisted of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and histological examination. However, in our case, both the cytological appearance, which usually has a high accuracy in discriminating benign from malignant lesions, and the appearance on MR images, mimicked a malignant tumour. This case report illustrates the importance of an adequate histological confirmation of the work-up diagnosis.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers.

OBJECTIVE: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers may be caused by either inner-ear barotrauma or inner-ear decompression sickness. There is no consensus on the best treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in divers. METHOD: A literature review and three cases of divers with sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy are presented. RESULTS: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy resulted in hearing improvement in 80 per cent of patients: 39 per cent had hearing improvement and 41 per cent had full recovery. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved hearing in divers with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

[Arguments favouring the pharmacotherapy of Bells' palsy]. / Vóór medicamenteuze behandeling van Bell-paralyse.

Some clinicians claim a spontaneous complete recovery of facial nerve function after Bell's palsy in more than 80% of patients. However, for elderly patients and patients with a severe paresis/paralysis this is not the case. The main cause of Bell's palsy is probably reactivation of latent herpes viruses. Recent literature supports treatment with corticosteroids and antiviral medication, inhibiting viral replication and reducing oedema in the bony canal of the facial nerve. Using this medication in the first days of the disease provides a further 15% of patients with a good outcome in addition to the ones that improve spontaneously. Therefore, prednisone and valacyclovir are recommended for all patients with Bell's palsy and severe dysfunction, i.e. House-Brackmann facial grading scale IV, V and VI.

Warthin's tumour and smoking.

OBJECTIVE: In an evaluation of our patients with parotid gland neoplasms, we noticed that patients with a Warthin's tumour were heavy smokers. The aim of this study was to confirm earlier findings in the literature concerning a possible association between smoking and the development of a Warthin's tumour. METHODS: A case control study was performed using the clinical records and discharge letters of all consecutive patients with a Warthin's tumour in the pathology database of our hospital covering the last 15 years. Patients with a pleomorphic adenoma and a group of patients visiting our audiology department were used as controls. RESULTS: A smoking history was found in 97.5% of the patients with a Warthin's tumour. Of the patients with a pleomorphic adenoma, 59% had a smoking history; 56.5% of the audiology group had a smoking history. Mean age at the time of the operation was 60.1 years of age in the Warthin's tumour group and 48.6 for the pleomorphic adenoma group. CONCLUSION: The mean age for the development of a Warthin's tumour is ten years older than for a pleomorphic adenoma. Furthermore, the development seems to be closely related to smoking habits.

Antiviral agents convey added benefit over steroids alone in Bell's palsy; decompression should be considered in patients who are not recovering.

BACKGROUND: The management of Bell's palsy has been the subject of much debate, with corticosteroids being the preferred medication. However, evidence also supports the use of antiviral drugs for severe cases and even decompression surgery in patients who, despite medical treatment, are not recovering. METHOD: A literature review was conducted on the management of Bell's palsy. RESULTS: This paper describes the background, statistical evidence, study results and pathophysiological theories that support more aggressive treatment for patients with severe palsy and those who have inadequate recovery. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy including antiviral medication significantly improves outcomes in patients with severe Bell's palsy. Decompression should be considered in patients who have not recovered with drug treatment.

Otitis media with effusion: disease or defense? A review of the literature.

Many studies of otitis media with effusion (OME) have been published, most of them dealing with risk factors. The literature correlates this condition with various patient characteristics and socio-economic factors, but none of these have been identified as the sole causative factor. A review of the literature suggests that otitis media with effusion is a response to pathogenic bacteria and thus a normal protective reaction of the body. Therefore, the decision on whether or not treatment is indicated should take the natural course of that response into account. In light of the literature reviewed here, we conclude that there is usually no need to treat middle ear effusion in young children.

Landmarks for parotid gland surgery.

Many surgical landmarks have been suggested to help the surgeon identify the facial nerve when performing parotid gland surgery. There is no conclusive evidence that any one landmark is better than the rest. In this study distances from the most frequently used surgical landmarks to the main trunk of the facial nerve were measured in 30 halves of cadaver heads. Two ENT surgeons assessed the best landmark in each case. The tympanomastoid suture was nearest to the main trunk and was therefore considered the most reliable landmark. Its average distance to the main trunk of the facial nerve was 2.7 mm. This result was consistent with the subjective best score given by two ENT surgeons.