Efficacy of the additional effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination of systemic steroid and prostaglandin E1 for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

PURPOSE: The efficacies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), systemic steroid, prostaglandin E1, or the combination of any two modalities have been reported in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). However, little is known about the combined efficacy of HBO, systemic steroid, and prostaglandin E1 for this disorder. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of HBO combined with systemic steroids and prostaglandin E1 as triple therapy in patients with ISSNHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 67 patients with ISSNHL who were treated with systemic steroid and prostaglandin E1, with (n = 38) or without (n = 29) HBO. The inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of ISSNHL within 14 days of symptom onset, age ≥15 years, treatment according to the protocol, and clinical follow-up of at least 1 month. The patients' hearing levels were evaluated 1 month after hearing loss onset. The primary outcome was hearing improvement on pure tone audiometry. We also evaluated the demographic profiles of patients. RESULTS: Patients treated with triple therapy showed significantly greater hearing improvement (p < 0.01) than those treated without HBO, despite some differences between the two treatment groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between pure tone audiometry improvement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, after adjustment for confounding factors (odds ratio = 7.42; 95% and confidence interval = 2.37-23.3; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: HBO with systemic steroid and prostaglandin E1 administration conferred significant therapeutic benefits for ISSNHL. Therefore, routine use of triple therapy is recommended for patients with ISSNHL.

Comparative bactericidal activity of four fluoroquinolones against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from chronic suppurative otitis media.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bactericidal activity of four new fluoroquinolones against current isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). METHODS: We examined bactericidal activity of four types of fluoroquinolones, garenoxacin (GRNX), levofloxacin (LVFX), ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and sitafloxacin (STFX) against current isolates of P. aeruginosa (50 strains). RESULTS: STFX exhibited the most potent activity of both MIC50 and MIC90, followed by CPFX, LVFX, and GRNX. The number of GRNX-resistant strains was significantly greater than those of LVFX, CPFX, and STFX (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: STFX showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa for recent pathogens recovered from CSOM as compared with the others, suggesting that the clinical application of topical STFX would be useful to prevent the emergence of resistant mutants of P. aeruginosa.

Case with translating to multiple myeloma at 8 years after radiation therapy for extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx.

We report a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx that was eradicated by radiotherapy; however, 8 years later, the disease had progressed to multiple myeloma. A mid -60s Japanese woman presented with a right-sided arytenoid mass in the larynx who underwent biopsy at another hospital. Based on the biopsy results, the patient was diagnosed with extramedullary plasma cell tumour and was referred to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at our hospital. She received radiotherapy (50.4 Gy) and the laryngeal tumour was eradicated. Positron emission tomography/CT (PET-CT) revealed no abnormal accumulation in the larynx or whole body. After radiotherapy, the department of otorhinolaryngology, in consultation with Ddepartment of haematology performed follow-ups using laryngoscope, blood examination and PET-CT. Five years after the end of radiotherapy, the patient had no local recurrence or transition to multiple myeloma. However, 8 years later, blood examination and PET-CT revealed multiple myeloma. Laryngoscopy did not reveal any recurrent laryngeal tumour. Therefore, chemotherapy for multiple myeloma was administered at the department of haematology. Three months after the initiation of chemotherapy, the accumulation had disappeared in PET-CT. Three years have passed since chemotherapy initiation. At present, no recurrence or metastasis was observed in the larynx or whole body.

A Case Report of Superficial Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Right Parotideomasseteric Region.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors that occur in various soft tissues and organs throughout the body. Superficial SFTs in the head and neck region are uncommon and reports of such cases are limited. An elderly Japanese woman in her 80s presented to our clinic with a smooth mass in the right parotideomasseteric region. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined subcutaneous mass measuring 20 mm. For a definitive diagnosis and treatment, surgical resection was performed under local anesthesia. Intraoperatively, a brown-colored tumor was identified beneath the skin, without surrounding tissue adhesion, and was completely excised. Immunohistochemistry, revealing the expression of STAT6, confirmed the diagnosis of SFT. Based on the SFT risk classification, this case was classified into the low-risk group, and no recurrence occurred during the 4 year postoperative period. According to the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue Tumors, SFTs belong to the intermediate category with recurrence potential. In previous studies, cases of positive margins and recurrence have been reported in superficial SFTs, and SFTs may show benign features on clinical presentation but require precise surgical manipulation. Therefore, it is crucial for otolaryngologists to gain a comprehensive understanding of this tumor for appropriate treatment.

Impact of Reduced Acidic Earwax pH and Earwax-Determinant Genotypes in Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: The development of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism, 538G>A, in the human adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter C11 (ABCC11) gene, which is a determinant of the earwax morphotype, such as wet- and dry-type earwax; however, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. We focused on the earwax pH and aimed to elucidate the mechanism between ABCC11 genotypes and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single-center, academic hospital. METHODS: We recruited 40 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma who underwent surgery and 115 controls with no history of middle ear cholesteatoma. We assessed the earwax pH and ABCC11 genotypes in all participants. Clinical information was collected from the patients with cholesteatoma. RESULTS: The earwax pH was significantly less acidic in patients with cholesteatoma and those carrying wet earwax genotypes (ABCC11 538G/G or 538G/A) than in the controls and those carrying the dry earwax genotype (ABCC11 538A/A), respectively. Furthermore, earwax pH was significantly positively correlated with high preoperative cholesteatoma stages in the patients with cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the less acidic earwax pH was significantly related to the development and progression of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. The less acidic earwax pH may play an important role in the mechanism underlying the association between acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and the ABCC11 gene at site 538.

Association Between Earwax-Determinant Genotypes and Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma in a Japanese Population.

OBJECTIVE: A single-nucleotide polymorphism 538G>A in the human ABCC11 gene is a determinant of the earwax morphotype. ABCC11 538GG and GA correspond to wet earwax and 538AA to dry earwax. Despite a putative positive correlation between the frequency of the 538G allele and the prevalence of cholesteatoma, minimal clinical information is currently available. We aimed to evaluate this association between the ABCC11 genotypes and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Single-center academic hospital. METHODS: We recruited 67 Japanese patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (cholesteatoma group) and 100 Japanese controls with no history of middle ear cholesteatoma. We assessed the ABCC11 genotypes for all participants. Clinical information was collected from the cholesteatoma group. The genotype data of 104 Japanese people from the 1000 Genomes Project who represent the general population were used. RESULTS: The proportion of participants with ABCC11 538GG or GA was significantly higher in the cholesteatoma group than in the control group or general Japanese population (P < .001). The ABCC11 538G allele frequency was also significantly higher in the cholesteatoma group than in the control group or general Japanese population (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between the ABCC11 genotype and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (odds ratio, 5.49; 95% CI, 2.61-11.5; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the ABCC11 genotypes could be associated with the development of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma among Japanese people.

Bacteriologic evaluation of sinus aspirates taken by balloon catheter devices in chronic rhinosinusitis: preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is known to be a polymicrobial infection involving both aerobes and Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes. Accurate bacterial evaluation by adequate culture methods can justify subsequent antimicrobial strategies. METHODS: Two specimens were obtained from each of 10 patients undergoing catheter-based Balloon Sinuplasty™, one from the middle meatus (endoscopic approach) and the other from the sinus (catheter-based approach). RESULTS: The bacterial culture from the middle meatus was positive in 9 of 10 patients, including 6 different aerobes without anaerobes. The bacterial culture of aspirates from the sinuses were positive in 8 out of 10 patients, with 4 different aerobic bacteria and 4 different anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobes were isolated in 0% of middle meatus samples, which was significantly lower than the 62.5% (5/8) detected in the sinus samples. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial culture of sinus aspirates using a catheter-based technique improves the recovery of bacterial pathogens from CRS patients.

A Case of Nasopharyngeal Tuberculosis with Cervical Lymph Node Tuberculosis Suspected of Cervical Malignant Disease at the First Examination.

A case of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis with cervical lymph node tuberculosis is reported. The patient was a 20-year-old female immigrant from Vietnam and cook apprentice. Her chief complaint was left neck swelling with pain for three months. She was diagnosed with left neck lymphadenitis at a previous hospital, which suspected malignant lymphoma and referred her to our hospital. At the time of the first visit, she had left lymph swelling with tenderness and granuloma-like masses in the nasopharynx. PET-CT showed accumulations in both the swollen left neck lymph and nasopharynx. The diagnosis of this case would appear to be nasopharyngeal cancer with left and neck lymph node metastasis or nasopharyngeal tuberculosis with cervical lymph node tuberculosis in addition to malignant lymphoma. Based on some examinations (biopsy, bacteria culture, and imaging), it was diagnosed as nasopharyngeal tuberculosis with cervical lymph node tuberculosis. Therefore, she was treated with anti-tuberculosis agent in respiratory medicine.

Overexpression of GLUT-1 in the invasion front is associated with depth of oral squamous cell carcinoma and prognosis.

OBJECT: Malignant cells show increased uptake, which is considered to be facilitated by glucose transporters (GLUTs). Increased GLUT-1 expression has been reported in many human cancers. We hypothesized that a oral squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by high frequency of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis or local recurrences, was associated with GLUT-1 overexpression in invasion front. METHODS: GLUT-1 immunostaining in invasion front was studied on 24 oral squamous cell carcinomas, and revealed the correlation with the clinical characteristics. RESULT: The analysis showed that all oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and GLUT-1 expression correlated the depth of the tumors (P = 0.023 < 0.05). Furthermore the survival of patients who had overexpression of invasion front was significant shorter than that of patients with GLUT-1 weakly positive (P = 0.046 < 0.05). No significant association was noted between GLUT-1 immunostaining and either age, gender, subsites, tumor size, or lymph node status. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that GLUT-1 served as a marker indicating that tumors with deep invasion tended to result in a worse prognosis in patients due to either lymph node metastasis, a recurrence of the primary lesion or distant metastasis.

Relationship between olfactory acuity and peak expiratory flow during postoperative follow-up in chronic rhinosinusitis associated with asthma.

OBJECTIVES: The link between nasal and bronchial disease has been studied extensively for chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. The concept of "united airway allergy" has become widely accepted in the past decade. We evaluated the relationship between the upper and lower airways during follow-up after endoscopic sinus surgery by monitoring sinonasal and pulmonary functions. METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis associated with bronchial asthma were entered in this study. A self smell test using stick-type odorant materials was carried out daily to evaluate postoperative recurrence of sinonasal disease. Each patient was assessed for peak expiratory flow (PEF) 3 times daily. RESULTS: The average (+/- SD) scores of initial symptoms were 8.3 +/- 2.2, which was significantly decreased to 1.5 +/- 1.4 by 3 months after operation. During postoperative follow-up, 25 of 39 patients showed no decrease in PEF, whereas the other 14 patients had at least 1 episode of a significant decline in PEF. In the postoperative course, with respect to the self smell test, 24 patients showed no aggravation of smell, but 15 patients had episode(s) of decreased olfaction. Twelve patients demonstrated worsening on the smell test concomitant with a decreased PEF. A discrepancy between olfactory acuity and pulmonary function was recognized in 5 patients. There were 22 patients with a good prognosis of parameters of both the upper and lower airways. CONCLUSIONS: Daily monitoring of both upper and lower respiratory tract functions clearly revealed dual relationships, indicating that worsening of sinusitis accompanies asthma exacerbation. Appropriate measures of the upper and lower airways following endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to predict patient outcome.

Expression of IL-17 and its role in bone destruction in human middle ear cholesteatoma.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to elucidate the immunoreactivity and protein level of IL-17 in human cholesteatomas. PROCEDURES: The expression and localization of IL-17 and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) were examined by immunohistochemistry in tissue specimens collected from 24 patients with cholesteatomas. The cellular sources of IL-17 were assessed by double staining with CD4. The level of IL-17 protein was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of bone destruction was compared with the IL-17 immunoreactivity. RESULTS: IL-17 immunoreactivity was detected in the inflammatory cells in the granulation tissues and there were increased levels of IL-17 protein. The localization of IL-17 expression coincided with CD4-positive lymphocytes. IL-17 was correlated with the cells positive for RANKL. The degree of bone destruction was dependent on the number of infiltrated IL-17-positive cells. IL-17-driven pathology was observed in the congenital type as compared with the acquired type. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that IL-17 is related to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Tracheal stenosis and recurrent nerve paralysis due to thyroid malignant lymphoma with huge chronic thyroiditis.

We experienced a case of huge chronic thyroiditis with malignant lymphoma that caused dyspnea with tracheal stenosis, dysphagia with esophagus stenosis and recurrent nerve paralysis. In this case, thyroidectomy was performed and, after the surgery, there was no sign of breathing or swallowing difficulties, and it was confirmed by the postoperative computed tomography that the tracheal stenosis had improved. We considered two possible explanations for the preoperative right recurrent nerve paralysis. In the first, the right recurrent nerve could have suffered from mechanical stimulation such as compression and traction to the recurrent nerve due to enlargement of the malignant lymphoma together with chronic thyroiditis. The second possible explanation was that malignant cells had invaded neurons. We could not distinguish between the two possibilities, since this right recurrent nerve was spared and could not be examined histopathologically.

Development of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in C57BL/6J mice.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) have been used to examine the development of hearing in the rat and gerbil. However, no reports of DPOAE measurement from the onset of hearing in mice are available. Commercially-available components were assembled and adapted to provide a suitable probe microphone and sound delivery system for measuring DPOAE in developing C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, DPOAE data were compared with the findings of the auditory brainstem response (ABR). DPOAEs were obtained at 8 kHz from 11 days after birth, 20 kHz from 12 days, and 30 kHz from 13 days. Adult-like patterns of DPOAE were obtained 21 days at 8 and 20 kHz, and 28 days at 30 kHz. On the other hand, the ABR thresholds at 12 to 36 kHz appeared between 11 and 12 days and were saturated at 14 days. Based on these data, the onset of measureable DPOAEs in the mouse were earlier than in the rat and gerbil. The maturation of DPOAE in the mouse begins at a lower frequency in the high frequency range. In addition, the ABR threshold reached maturation earlier than DPOAE.

Prevention of ultrasonic coagulator-mediated mucoperiosteal flap injury and defects by using a clip manipulation in the resection of the posterior nasal nerve.

We previously reported on the clinical effectiveness of functional inferior turbinosurgery utilizing modified vidian neurectomy, the resection of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), combined with inferior turbinoplasty. In order to prevent re-innervation of the PNN after resection and to avoid postoperative massive hemorrhage--presumably resulting from insufficient fixation and unexpected exposure of the bony or cartilaginous fragments covered on the resected neurovascular bundle containing the sphenopalatine vessels and the PNN--we designed a surgical technique during which a vascular clip was used in order to provide traction of the mucoperiosteal flap. Then we compared it with the previous procedure (without the use of the clip). The injury and defects of the mucoperiosteal flap were evaluated by the degree of exposure to the bony or cartilaginous fragments and scored on a scale of 0 to 2 points. The defects of the mucoperiosteal flap were reduced by using a vascular clip. The average score of the defects was 0.97 +/- 0.73 (n = 64) in the conventional procedure without any manipulation and 0.27 +/- 0.45 (n = 60) in the procedure using a vascular clip. The difference observed between the two gropups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). These results demonstrated that this is a safe technique to prevent injury and defects of the mucoperiosteal flap in gaining access to expose the PNN. This should promote early wound healing, reduce the chance of recurrence and of postoperative massive hemorrhage.

Postoperative Management of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Impact of High-Dose Corticosteroid Nasal Spray.

Introduction Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is characterized by an eosinophilic inflammation driven by Th2-type cytokines. Glucocorticosteroids are the most common first-line treatment for ECRS with nasal polyps. Objective We have evaluated the long-term treatment with double-dose intranasal corticosteroids in refractory ECRS nasal polyps resistant to the conventional dose and assessed the risk of adverse systemic effects Methods Sixteen subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects had ECRS after endoscopic sinus surgery that resulted in recurrent mild and moderate nasal polyps and were undergoing a postoperative follow-up application of mometasone furoate at a dose of 2 sprays (100 µg) in each nostril once a day (200 µg). All the patients were prescribed mometasone furoate, administered at a dose of 2 sprays (100 µg) in each nostril twice a day (400 µg) for 6 months. Results The average scores of the symptoms during the regular dose of intranasal steroid treatment were 5.2 ± 2.2, but 6 months after the high-dose application, they had significantly decreased to 2.5 ± 1.4 ( p < 0.05). The polyp size showed an average score of 1.38 during the regular dose which was significantly reduced to 0.43 ( p < 0.01) by the double dose. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) showed normal ranges in all the patients tested. The cortisol plasma concentration was also normal. Conclusion Doubling the dose of the nasal topical spray mometasone furoate might be recommended for the treatment of recurrent nasal polyps in the postoperative follow-up of intractable ECRS.

Noninvasive in vivo delivery of transgene via adeno-associated virus into supporting cells of the neonatal mouse cochlea.

There are a number of genetic diseases that affect the cochlea early in life, which require normal gene transfer in the early developmental stage to prevent deafness. The delivery of adenovirus (AdV) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) was investigated to elucidate the efficiency and cellular specificity of transgene expression in the neonatal mouse cochlea. The extent of AdV transfection is comparable to that obtained with adult mice. AAV-directed gene transfer after injection into the scala media through a cochleostomy showed transgene expression in the supporting cells, inner hair cells (IHCs), and lateral wall with resulting hearing loss. On the other hand, gene expression was observed in Deiters cells, IHCs, and lateral wall without hearing loss after the application of AAV into the scala tympani through the round window. These findings indicate that injection of AAV into the scala tympani of the neonatal mouse cochlea therefore has the potential to efficiently and noninvasively introduce transgenes to the cochlear supporting cells, and this modality is thus considered to be a promising strategy to prevent hereditary prelingual deafness.

Are human ATP-binding cassette transporter C11 and earwax associated with the incidence of cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma is an ear disease based on a locally destructive noncancerous conglomerate of epidermis and keratin debris. Abnormal growth of stratified keratinized squamous epithelium in the temporal bone causes destruction of the outer and middle ear, potentially leading to hearing impairment, facial palsy, vertigo, lateral sinus thrombosis, and intracranial complications. Although cholesteatoma is effectively treated by surgical resection (mastoidectomy), the lack of effective and nonsurgical therapies potentially results in fatal consequences, establishing the need for a comprehensive investigation of cholesteatoma pathogenesis. Although its etiology is still being debated, interestingly, we found that the trend associated with the 538G allele frequency of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter C11 (ABCC11) gene, the determinant of wet-type earwax, and ethnic groups was similar to that between the incidence of cholesteatoma and ethnic groups (countries). The incidences of cholesteatoma in Europe (Denmark, Finland, and Scotland) are higher than in East Asia (Japan), and the frequencies of the ABCC11 538G allele in African, American, and European (Finland and Scotland) populations are higher than those in East Asian populations (Japan). Additionally, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the ABCC11 gene (rs17822931, 538G > A; Gly180Arg) is closely related to earwax morphotypes. While earwax is often beneficial to ear health, it is sometimes harmful in cases where it causes hearing impairment. Based on independent findings of associations between ABCC11 and the physiological environment of the auditory canal, we hypothesize a possible link between ABCC11, earwax, and the incidence of cholesteatoma.

Histopathologic changes of contralateral human temporal bone in unilateral Ménière's disease.

HYPOTHESIS: To disclose the histopathologic findings in the contralateral temporal bone in unilateral Ménière's disease. BACKGROUND: Several functional studies reported abnormal findings in the contralateral ears in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease. METHODS: This study involved quantitative analysis, including the number of spiral ganglion cells, the loss of cochlear hair cells, the area of stria vascularis, and the density of fibrocytes in the spiral ligament. It included 14 temporal bones from 7 subjects with bilateral Ménière's disease, 30 temporal bones from 15 subjects with unilateral Ménière's disease, and 17 age-matched normal control temporal bones from 12 subjects. RESULTS: The mean number of spiral ganglion cells in the contralateral temporal bones in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease was 17,376.0 and was significantly lower than that in normal controls. The mean loss of inner and outer hair cells in the contralateral temporal bones in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease was significantly greater than that in normal controls in all turns. The stria vascularis was severely atrophic and degenerated in patients with Ménière's disease. The mean area of stria vascularis in contralateral temporal bones in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease was significantly smaller than normal controls. There was no significant difference in the density of fibrocytes in the spiral ligament between the diseased side and the contralateral side in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease and between normal control and contralateral side. CONCLUSION: The contralateral inner ear in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease has significantly more damage compared with inner ears of normal controls.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx: a case report from Japan.

Laryngeal plasmacytoma is rare in Japan; to the best of our knowledge, only 8 other cases have been previously reported. We report a new case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx in a 76-year-old Japanese woman. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed that her disease had not progressed to multiple myeloma. The patient declined radiotherapy, and her condition remained stable at the 6-month follow-up.