Determination of the radioanatomical factors related to the position of facial nerve in accessing jugular foramen and carotid artery in temporal bone.

Introduction: Preservation of the facial nerve is of great importance in temporal bone surgeries. We intend to investigate the measurements of the radioanatomical factors related to the position of the facial nerve in accessing jugular foramen and internal carotid artery (ICA) in temporal bone of patients who were candidates for temporal high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. Methods: In this correlation cross-sectional study, samples were selected from patients referred to Amir Alam Hospital who were previously candidates for temporal HRCT. Radioanatomic factors were evaluated in three axial, coronal and sagittal views. Analyzes were performed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and factor analysis. Results: A total of 173 samples were investigated. The most reliable radioanatomical factor based on coefficient of variation (CV) was the distance of the 7th nerve to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the inferior to the cochlea in the sagittal view (variable name S2) (CV = 8.1%) and then the distance from the 7th nerve to the TMJ in the inferior section of the cochlea in the axial view (variable name AI3) (CV = 8.4%). Based on correlation analysis and then confirmatory factor analysis, three common latent factors were identified (overall R2 = 0.999). Conclusion: The results of this study can be used for two purposes. First, the direct use of the estimated measures in surgical operations, and the second is more advanced modeling to choose the approach in the surgical operation and how to implement that approach. For the first aim, the two factors AI3 and S2 were the most reliable radioanatomical factors in different people. For the second aim, the three-dimensional understanding of the obtained measurements and the further identification of the anatomical nature of the latent factors can help in choosing the approach in surgery.

Predictive role of facial nerve palsy improvement in malignant external otitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of different factors on facial nerve palsy improvement in patients with malignant external otitis (MEO) and the predictive role of improvement on MEO. METHODS: Data were collected from all MEO patients with facial paralysis who were hospitalized between 2012 and 2017 at a tertiary referral center. We contacted patients at least 6 months after their admission to evaluate their facial nerve function and survival rate. RESULTS: In a study of 19 samples with a mean age of 69.1 years, 9 patients (47.7%) had some or complete improvement, while 10 (52.6%) had no or very minimal improvement. In this study, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without facial nerve palsy improvement in terms of age, sex, usage of antifungal treatment alongside antibiotics, duration of hospital stays, HbA1c level, presentation of hearing loss and vertigo, the severity of facial palsy, comorbidity score, mean of fasting blood sugar, leukocytosis, first ESR and ESR drop, CRP and physiotherapy. We found a positive correlation between improving facial palsy and patients' survival rates. CONCLUSION: Considering the possible influence of facial paralysis improvement prognosis on MEO patients' survival, it could affect our approach to the disease.

Omega-3 Adjunctive Therapy in Idiopathic SSNHL: A Randomised, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a subset of sensorineural hearing loss will be confirmed by a progressive hearing loss of at least 30 dB at three contiguous frequencies over 72 hours or less. A sudden or abrupt hearing loss correlates with the time course, and a vascular event is presumptive aetiology. There is an inverse association between Omega-3 consumption and hearing loss. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Omega-3 adjunctive therapy in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss by audiometric assessments. Materials and Methods: In this randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, all participants aged 18-70 with a history of sudden deafness (within 12 hours and ≤ 30 days) were eligible for enrollment. They were included if audiology diagnostic tests confirmed the SSNHL. Ultimately, they were randomised to the Omega-3 group and the placebo group. Results: Thirty-three patients were randomly allocated to the Omega-3 group and thirty-two to the placebo group. Vertigo (32.3% of all patients) and underlying conditions had significant relationships with complete response (C.R.)-final hearing level ≤of 25 dB in pure-tone average (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between both groups before and after treatment. Although it was not statistically significant, patients in the Omega-3 group had faster recovery than placebo. Conclusions: Omega-3 adjunctive therapy did not have a therapeutic effect on SSNHL patients. Moreover, C.R. happened in half the patients. Vertigo and underlying conditions considerably worsen the recovery from SSNHL.

Cranial nerve palsy prevalence and associated factors in patients with malignant otitis externa.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of cranial nerve (CN) palsy and its associated factors in malignant otitis externa (MOE). Methods: In a retrospective study, records of MOE patients from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. MOE and CN involvement were evaluated based on patient demographics, clinical, and paraclinical data. Results: Overall, 119 MOE patients with a mean age of 65.9 ± 11.3 were included. 69.7% were male, and 63.0% had a history of diabetes. The most common symptoms and signs were otalgia (97.5%), otorrhea (44.5%), and ear canal erythema/edema (24.4%). Thirty-three patients (27.7%) had CN involvement. The facial nerve was mostly involved (26.1%). Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) was present in 59 patients. When excluding patients younger than 30 and older than 80, age decade was correlated with CN palsy. 66.9% of patients with CN palsy and 65.6% without CN palsy were male, which was significantly different. The following factors were not significantly different between patients with and without CN palsy: Comorbidities, signs and symptoms, diagnostic delay, erythrocyte sedimentation rate level, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c level, antifungal therapy, hospitalization duration, and SBO on imaging. Tinnitus was correlated with SBO evidence on imaging (specificity: 96.7%). Conclusion: CN involvement occurs in about three out of 10 MOE patients. Male gender and advanced age may be related to a higher incidence rate of CN palsy. Tinnitus can be a specific indicator of SBO. These findings could help in better decision-making for early interventions. Level of Evidence: 4.

Intracapsular Dissection Approaches (Enucleation) in Surgical Resection of Carotid Body Tumors.

Intracapsular dissection approaches in surgical resection of carotid body tumors. Laryngoscope, 133:2627-2630, 2023.

Predictive factors in treatment response of malignant external otitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of various predictive factors including diabetes control in malignant external otitis (MEO) treatment response. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study on MEO patients, we defined treatment response with three indices; ESR level decrease, hospitalization period, and systemic antifungal drug usage. The impact of diabetes control and other predictive factors on these indices have been evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 164 patients with a mean age of 67.8 ± 9.7 years were included. Cranial nerve involvement was present in 56 patients. Nine patients had immunodeficiency. 19.5% of cases had leukocytosis. Diabetes mellitus was present in 156 patients, suffering for an average of 13.9 ± 8.6 years. The overall mean hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) level was 8.3% (4.4-12.8%), and the mean fasting blood sugar was 146.4 mg/dl (63-292 mg/dl). 29.3% of patients had good diabetes control before admission (HbA1c < 7%), 54.9% had poor control (7% < HbA1c < 10%) and 15.9% had very poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 10%). The predictive role for the following factors were not statistically significant: age, gender, comorbidities, diabetes, diabetes management method used before and during hospitalization, diabetes duration, leukocytosis, immunodeficiency, fasting blood sugar level, HbA1c level, glycemic control index, and insulin amount. However, CRP level with a mean value of 34.3 mg/L showed a significant correlation with ESR decrease, hospitalization period, and antifungal drug usage. CONCLUSION: CRP level could be used as a predictor for the hospitalization period, the need for systemic antifungal and ESR level decrease. It would be helpful to check the CRP level at the time of diagnosis to predict the hospitalization period and the necessity of systemic antifungal management to adjust the treatment strategy.

Iatrogenic facial nerve injury in mastoidectomy: The impact of variables on the outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate iatrogenic facial nerve injury in mastoidectomy and its paralysis improvement result after nerve injury management. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of 21 patients with iatrogenic facial nerve injury following mastoidectomy who underwent nerve injury management in a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: There were nine males and 12 females, with a mean age of 40.4 ± 15.1 years. Cholesteatoma was the most common primary pathology (76.2%). Mastoidectomy was canal wall up in 8 patients and canal wall down in 13. Nerve injury was due to drilling in 10 patients and sharp tools in 11. The tympanic segment of the facial nerve was the most common injured site (50.0%). Decompression was the most common nerve injury management method (52.4%). Other injury management methods were end-to-end anastomosis (14.3%), great auricular nerve graft (23.8%), and facial-hypoglossal nerve transfer (9.5%). No statistically significant correlation was found between facial nerve function 3-6 months after injury management and the following factors: age, gender, primary pathology, type of mastoidectomy, surgeon's experience, nerve injury site, mechanism of trauma, and nerve injury management method and timing. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the surgeon's experience or technique applied, a meticulous approach may be more valuable in decreasing the chance of iatrogenic facial nerve injury.

Rhinosinusitis Quality-of-Life Assessment: A Persian Adaptation and Validation.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosinusitis involves inflammation within the paranasal sinuses and the nasal mucosa. It is a very common chronic health condition. This paper performs a validation process on the Persian translation of the rhinosinusitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RhinoQOL), for use in clinical assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. The Lund-Mackay score is also used widely in assessing CRS, and this study aims to describe its relationship to RhinoQOL. METHODS: The Persian RhinoQOL adaptation was carried out on 110 CRS patients. A follow-up questionnaire was completed two weeks later. Psychometric properties were determined by statistical analysis (reliability, reproducibility, validity, responsiveness). A total of 45 patients were included for radiologic score calculation. The Spearman's test was used for assessing the correlation between the RhinoQOL scores and Lund-Mackay score. RESULTS: Internal reliability was excellent for the impact scale (Cronbach's alpha=0.92). Cronbach's alpha was 0.63 and 0.55 for frequency and irritation scales, which reflects lower internal consistency values. Temporal stability or Test-retest reliability was excellent across all three scales. ICC was 0.96, 0.97, and 0.99 for RhinoQOL frequency, irritation, and impact scales. No significant correlation was observed between the Lund-Mackay score and RhinoQOL scores in terms of frequency, irritation and impact scales. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of RhinoQOL appears to be as reliable, valid, and sensitive to change as the English version.

Occult nodal metastasis in head and neck carcinoma patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Neck lymph node metastasis plays an important role in the prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occult nodal metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemo radiotherapy. METHODS: In this 5-year prospective study, patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HN-SCC) after primary treatment with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy that candidate for surgery were enrolled. In total, 50 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck with N0 neck were included in the study. Age, initial location of recurrent tumor, T staging in primary and recurrent tumors, neck condition (N0 or N+), and pathology report for neck metastasis, number of affected lymph nodes and duration of tumor recurrence were examined. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients with mean age of 57.04 ± 14.4 years, 13 were female (26%) and 37 (74%) were male. In terms of primary tumor size, 52% (26 patients) were in T2 stage. The primary and recurrent tumor was located in the oral cavity in 33 patients (66%). Nine 0f 50 patients (18%) had occult metastases. CONCLUSION: It seems that END surgery is necessary for treatment the occult lymph node neck metastasis of recurrent head and neck cancers with N0 neck. Therefore, it is possible that END surgery has reduced cervical recurrence in these patients.

Prevalence of submandibular gland involvement in neck dissection specimens of patients with oral cavity carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The submandibular gland is commonly removed during neck dissection in patients with head and neck cancer. The patient experiences various complications due to the removal of the submandibular gland. Therefore, the necessity of submandibular gland removal should be evaluated. This study aimed to was to determine the frequency of submandibular gland (SMG) involvement in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients with oral cavity cancer who were referred to Amir Alam Hospital between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed. Patient data includes surgical report, histopathology report (tumor size, number of lymph nodes involved, and SMG tumor involvement), Tumor Location, History of Smoking, History of Opium, and Alcohol consumption was extracted from patients' medical records and statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: Of the total 60 patients, 24 (40%) were female and 36 (60%) were male. Smoking was reported in 55% of patients with a mean of 4.11 pack-year. Alcohol and opium use was observed in 18.3% and 26% of patients. The majority of patients (78.3%) had tongue cancer. More than half of the patients (53.3%) reported tumors of 2 cm or smaller, and 16.7% of patients had tumors larger than 4 cm. The majority of patients (80.3%) did not have cervical lymph node metastasis, 13.1% had 1-2 involved lymph nodes and 4.9% had 3 to 6 involved lymph nodes and there were no cases of metastasis to more than 6 lymph nodes. Finally, no individual had submandibular gland involvement, ie 100% of patients had no submandibular gland metastasis. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that SMG involvement is very rare in patients with oral SCC and therefore it is not necessary to remove the gland as part of treatment. Preservation of the submandibular gland prevents complications related to the removal of this gland and reduces morbidity and increases the quality of life of patients after surgery.

Evaluation of Serum Immunoreactivity to Common Indigenous Iranian Inhalation and Food Allergens in Patients with Meniere's Disease.

BACKGROUND: A few studies investigated the relationship between allergy and Meniere disease considering complete allergen panel. We aimed to evaluate the serum immunoreactivity in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) compared with healthy people according to common indigenous Iranian inhalation and food allergens. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with MD referred to Rasoul Akram Hospital (Tehran, Iran) were evaluated and compared with a 41 membered control group. A panel of common inhalation and food allergens (using an immunoblotting method), as well as total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level (using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method), were checked on the patients' serum. RESULTS: The mean total IgE level was 193.85 ± 175.43 IU/ml in the patients with MD and 117.61 ± 138.05 IU/ml in the control group, which was significantly higher than the other subjects in the control group (P = .016). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding inhalation allergens such as; sweet vernal grass, cultivated rye, cultivated oat, Russian thistle, goosefoot, and rough pigweed (P = .01-0.038). Patients with MD reported more reactive to food allergens such as; rye flour, hazelnut, pepper, citrus mix 2, potato, strawberry, and celery allergens. There was a significant relationship between Meniere and serum immunoreactivity to inhalation and food allergens (both P = .001).Conclusion: Serum total IgE level in patients with MD (in both inhalation and food allergens groups) was higher than the control group, and there was a relationship between MD and immunoreactivity to common indigenous inhalation and food allergens of Iran.

Association of Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Gene Polymorphism with Meniere's Disease in an Iranian Sample.

Meniere's disease (MD) is known as a rare chronic disorder of the inner ear with elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6. This study aims to evaluate genes polymorphism in some pro-inflammatory cytokines in a group of Iranian MD patients compared to the healthy controls. In this case-control study, 25 MD patients and 139 healthy controls were enrolled. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers assay. MD patients and controls were examined in terms of allele, genotype, and haplotype frequency of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. Only the frequencies of alleles A/G at position -238 in the promoter of the TNF-α gene differed significantly between MD patients and healthy controls. G to A allele ratio was 23 and 3.6 in MD and controls, respectively. In individuals with MD, genotype GG was found to be significantly more prevalent at position -238 of the TNF-α gene promoter sequence. In addition, the heterozygote AG variant of -238 A/G TNF-α gene polymorphism was lower in MD patients than controls. Compared to the control group, the haplotype TNF- (-308, -238) AG was higher in MD patients, although not statistically significant. This is the first study that we know of that evaluates the frequencies of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in an Iranian MD sample. This study shows the association between TNF-α and susceptibility to MD.

Evaluation of Patients with Delayed Endolymphatic Hydrops by Videonystagmography, Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials, and Electrocochleography.

INTRODUCTION: The categorization of delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) based on the ear which produces vertigo may sometimes cause misdiagnosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was investigating the vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), electrocochleography (ECoG), and videonystagmography (VNG) in cases with DEH to determine the ear that originates symptoms. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 34 patients - 20 males and 14 females - with profound unilateral sensorineural deafness and vertigo attacks were recruited and evaluated by the ECoG, VNG, and VEMPs tests. RESULTS: The average age was around 43; the summating potential/action potential was abnormal in 29.4% of patients in their normal auditive ear. In 32.4, 17.6, and 50% of cases with a deaf ear, absent, normal, and abnormal VEMPs results were sequentially observed, respectively. In normal-hearing ears, absent, normal, and abnormal VEMPs were observed in 23.5, 50, and 26.5%, respectively. In the normal-hearing ear, the distribution of abnormal VEMPs was 26.5%, and in the deaf ear, this parameter was abnormal in 50% of the opposite ear (p value = 0.00021). In the VNG test, among patients with a normal-hearing ear, results in 27 and 7 patients were sequentially normal and hypofunction. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The probability of a hypofunction VNG test in a normal-hearing ear might be greater when the VEMPs results of the contralateral deaf ear are normal. In patients with a normal-hearing ear, the distribution of abnormal VEMPs in the contralateral deaf ear is greater, although the intact side may also manifest abnormality in VEMPs tests. The initial evaluation should begin in a deaf ear as well as for the normal-hearing ear ere utilizing ablation surgery.

Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of long-acting betamethasone and dexamethasone as injections in the treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of long-acting betamethasone, and its comparison with Dexamethasone as an intratympanic injection in the treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients who do not respond to systemic steroids and poor prognosis patients were enrolled in this study. The patients divided randomly into two groups: 1- Dexamethasone and 2- Long acting betamethasone. Dexamethasone (0.4 ml/mg) or long-acting betamethasone (0.1 ml/mg) was slowly injected (0.4 to 0.6 cc) into the superior-anterior area of the tympanic membrane as 6 injections twice a week for a total of 3 weeks. Right after the treatment and one, two and six months after completion of treatment, an audiometry was performed and compared with the pre-injection values. RESULTS: Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) showed improvements in both groups immediately after treatment and in the follow-up period, compared to baseline. Speech Discrimination Score (SDS) also improved in both groups directly after treatment and at one-month follow-up. The hearing improvement in the Dexamethasone group was clinically better than in the Beta group, but due to the non-parametric data, it was not possible to analyze the hearing improvement process in the variable group. CONCLUSION: According to the results obtained in this study, intratympanic corticosteroid injection in the treatment of patients with SSNHL has positive and promising results on improving hearing level.

Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media.

INTRODUCTION: Operations on the tympanic membrane of the middle ear, myringoplasty, and tympanoplasty are now widely accepted, and attempts are underway all over the world to standardize the surgical techniques. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic cartilage myringoplasty in patients suffering from chronic otitis media (COM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study compared 130 patients with COM who underwent transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty by repairing perforation using auricular concha cartilage under general anesthesia (n=75) and conventional repairing method by postauricular incision and tympanomeatal flap elevation under microscopic surgery (n=55). RESULTS: According to the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of hearing gain 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P=0.063); however, higher hearing gain scores were observed in the endoscopic group. Moreover, lower recovery time and post-operative pain were reported in patients who underwent the endoscopic approach, compared to those who treated with the conventional repairing method (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic myringoplasty technique is a safe and effective way to improve hearing loss as much as the conventional method. However, due to the lower recovery time and post-operative pain, it seems to be the method of choice in myringoplasty surgery.

Facial nerve paralysis in malignant otitis externa: comparison of the clinical and paraclinical findings.

BACKGROUND: Malignant otitis externa is an uncommon but critical challenging disease with some degree of cranial nerve involvement. AIM/OBJECTIVE: to examine the factors leading to facial paralysis in these patients and clarify indications for aggressive treatment in the group most at risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a case-control study, demographic, clinical, laboratory, audiometric, imaging, and treatment characteristics of 139 patients in groups with and without facial paralysis were analysed. RESULTS: 45 patients (32.4%) had facial paralysis. Compared to patients without facial nerve involvement, patients with facial palsy had a higher rate of inflammatory markers (mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate on admission [67.71 vs 51.16 mm/h], and the average of total ESR [64.27 vs 54.46 mm/h], as well as the mean C-reactive protein [38.96 vs 27.53 mg/L]). Also, the involvement of the facial canal (p < .01) and nasopharyngeal space (p < .05) were related to the incidence of facial paralysis. CONCLUSION: Nasopharyngeal extension of the inflammation and facial nerve canal erosion might be useful as predictors of facial nerve dysfunction. The elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is correlated with the increased risk of facial paralysis, and aggressive medical management is more crucial. SIGNIFICANCE: Improvement in predicting the outcome of patients with malignant otitis externa.

Results of End-To-Side Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Anastomosis in Facial Paralysis after Skull Base Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of facial reanimation surgery is to restore tone, symmetry, and movement to the paralyzed face. Hypoglossal-facial end-to-side anastomosis provides satisfactory facial reanimation in the irreversible proximal injury of the facial nerve. This study discussed the facial function results of end-to-side anastomosing of hypoglossal nerve to facial nerve when the injury occurred during skull base surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study enrolled a total of 10 patients who underwent end-to-side hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after facial nerve paralysis due to skull base surgery. The data of the patients were gathered from hospital records, pictures, and movies during the 18 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At the 18 months of follow-up, seven (70%) and three (30%) patients were reported with grades III and IV of the House-Brackmann scoring system, respectively. In total, out of the seven grade III patients, six subjects underwent early anastomosis (within the first year of the paralysis). On the other hand, among patients with grade IV, two subjects had late anastomosis. CONCLUSION: It seems that early end-to-side hypoglossal-facial anastomosis can be a favorable surgical option with good facial function results for reanimating the facial function of patients with facial paralysis following skull base surgery.

MTHFR AND ApoE genetic variants association with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

HYPOTHESIS: Although the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is not clear, however several causes including genetic factors seems to be implicated. We hypothesized that common genetic variants might be involved in SSNHL. BACKGROUND: SSNHL is known to be an idiopathic disease because the causative factors have not been identified. Several causes including genetic and viral infection besides immune system reaction, neurological disorders, medications, etc. have been previously reported. We examined the association between ApoE and MTHFR gene variants in SSNHL. METHODS: This study includes case-control scheme encompassing a total of 177 individuals, include patients inflicted with SSNHL and healthy subjects as control group. Genotyping of MTHFR and ApoE variants was conducted by PCR - RFLP method. RESULT: Our study showed that MTHFR rs1801133 allele frequency is significantly different between cases and controls. Also genotype distribution of ApoE was significantly different between patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: MTHFR C677T and ApoE gene variant may be associated with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in an Iranian population.

3T magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a powerful diagnostic modality for assessment of thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a powerful tool for structural studies of chemical compounds and biomolecules and also documented promising findings as a potential imaging technology in thyroid oncology. This prospective study was to ascertain the clinical significance of 3 Tesla MRS in the evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules (TNs) as an ancillary diagnostic technique for thyroid carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3T at echo- times (TEs) 136 and 270 ms was carried out on 15 patients with total number of 32 TNs larger than 1 cm3, which all were surgically resected. Choline (Chol) to creatine (Cr) ratio was assessed at 136 and 270 TEs on each nodule and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine optimal cut-off point. The findings were compared with histopathology of thyroid specimens. RESULTS: There were 23 benign and 9 malignant lesions (7 papillary and 2 follicular thyroid carcinomas). The mean values of Chol/Cr at 136 and 270 TEs was 2.28 ± 3.65 and 1.52 ± 1.67 respectively and the difference between benign and malignant nodules was only significant at 136 TEs. The study revealed that Chol/ Cr ratio cut-off point of 2.5 best correlates with histopathology results (sensitivity = 75%; specificity = 100%; PPV = 100%; NPV= 92%). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study showed that 3T magnetic resonance spectroscopy might be a specific modality for the evaluation of thyroid nodules in differentiation of benign from malignant thyroid tissue. However, a larger series would give much greater confidence that this state-of-the-art technology will worth pursuing in clinical practice.

eNOS gene Glu298Asp variant confer risk in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) causes the loss of hearing of 30 dB or greater on at least three contiguous frequencies. It is known to be a multifactorial disease which the exact cause is unknown, rendering it as an idiopathic disorder of patients. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to shed further light on pathogenesis of this disease by studying the association between eNOS gene Glu298Asp polymorphism and VDR gene FokI polymorphism with SSNHL in Iranian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study involves a total of 77 cases and 100 controls, with patients inflicted with SSNHL categorized in case group and healthy subjects as control group. Genotyping of the VDR and eNOS genes was conducted by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: Our results showed a statistically significant association between genotype frequencies of eNOS gene Glu298Asp polymorphism in case group compared to healthy individuals in the control group (p = .01). Also, TT genotype was significantly the most prevalent genotype in case group in comparison to control group (TT vs GT + GG, OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.18-11.79). On the other hand, analysis of VDR gene FokI polymorphism frequencies showed no statistically significant association with SSNHL. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings showed a significant association between the eNOS gene Glu298Asp polymorphism and SSNHL in the Iranian population; and "TT" genotype might be considered as a risk factor for SSNHL.