High-throughput RNA sequencing identifies the miRNA expression profile, target genes, and molecular pathways contributing to growth of sporadic vestibular schwannomas.

PURPOSE: To assess the differences in the miRNA expression profile between small (stage I Koos classification) and large solid vestibular schwannoma (VS) tumors, using the RNA-seq technique. METHODS: Twenty tumor samples (10 small and 10 large tumors) were collected from patients operated for VS in a Tertiary Academic Center. Tumor miRNA expression was analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique, with NovaSeq 6000 Illumina system. Bioinformatics analysis was done using statistical software R. Gene enrichment and functional analysis was performed using miRTargetLink 2.0 and DIANA miRpath 3.0 online tools. RESULTS: We identified 9 differentially expressed miRNAs in large VS samples: miR-7, miR-142 (-3p and -5p), miR-155, miR-342, miR-1269, miR-4664, and miR-6503 were upregulated, whereas miR-204 was significantly down-regulated in comparison to small VS samples. Gene enrichment analysis showed that the most enriched target genes were SCD, TMEM43, LMNB2, JARID2, and CCND1. The most enriched functional pathways were associated with lipid metabolism, along with signaling pathways such as Hippo and FOXO signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: We identified a set of 9 miRNAs that are significantly deregulated in large VS in comparison to small, intracanalicular tumors. The functional enrichment analysis of these miRNAs suggests novel mechanisms, such as that lipid metabolism, as well as Hippo and FOxO signaling pathways that may play an important role in VS growth regulation.

Sinus tympani revisited for planning retrofacial approach-radiologic study in pneumatized temporal bones and its surgical implications.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Retrofacial approach (RFA) is an access route to sinus tympani (ST) and it is used in cholesteatoma surgery, especially when type C ST is encountered. It may also be used to gain an access to stapedius muscle to assess the evoked stapedius reflex threshold. The primary object of this study was to evaluate the morphology of sinus tympani and its relationship to facial nerve (FN) and posterior semicircular canal (PSC) in context of planning retrofacial approach in pneumatized temporal bones. METHODS: CBCT of 130 adults were reviewed. The type of sinus tympani was assessed according to Marchioni's classification. Width of entrance to sinus tympani (STW), depth of ST (STD), distance between the posterior semicircular canal and facial nerve (F-PSC), distance between the latter plane to the floor of ST at the right angle (P-ST) were measured at level of round window (RW) and pyramidal ridge (PR). RESULTS: All of the bones were well-aerated and classified in Dexian Tan pneumatization group 3 or 4. Type B of ST is dominant (70.8%) in adult population with no history of inflammatory otologic diseases, followed by type C (22.7%) and then type A (6.5%). The depth of ST (STD) presented significant deviations (ANOVA, p < 0.05) among all three types. STW reaches greater values on the level of PR. F-PSC does not correlate with type of ST. In over 75% of examined type C sinus tympani the distance P-ST was less than 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative classification of the sinus tympani into types A, B and C, introduced by Marchioni is justified by statistically significant differences of depth between individual types of tympanic sinuses. The STW distance reaches greater values inferiorly-it may suggest that RFA should be performed in infero-superior manner rather than opposite direction. Preoperative assessment of temporal bones CT scans gives very important information about size of sinus tympani and distance between FN and PSC.

Solitary breast cancer metastasis to the facial nerve.

Facial nerve (FN) palsy, as a solitary symptom, resulting from metastatic tumor is not frequent. In this article, we report an unusual case of the breast cancer metastasis to the labyrinthine segment of a facial nerve.

A rare case of benign teratoma of the facial fronto-temporal region in adult male.

Teratoma is a germ cell neoplasm composed of tissue derived from at least two of three blastodermic embryonic layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). The incidence of teratoma in the head and neck region is rare, in particularly in adults. A CASE REPORT: We reported an uncommon case of teratoma in a 30 years male with a mass in the right fronto-temporal region of the face. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well encapsulated heterogenous mass with solid-cystic component extending from the fissure zygomatofrontal and the fissure zygomato-temporal. Serum alfa-fetoprotein levels were not elevated. Surgery was performed, the mass was completely removed, and microscopical analysis confirmed a diagnosis of mature benign teratoma. The patients showed no clinical signs of recurrence in 10 years follow-up. This case of teratoma is extraordinary due to three reasons: the location, the age of patient and benign nature of the tumor in patient at this age. Because such tumors occur exceptionally, each case should be studied with a long-term follow-up and reported.

Effect of stapes demineralisation on the development of cochlear otosclerosis.

Objective: The involvement of the inner ear in otosclerosis may lead to the development of cochlear otosclerosis. The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the chemical composition and microstructure of the stapes in the course of otosclerosis compared to healthy stapes. Materials and methods: This analysis included 31 patients with otosclerosis and 9 patients without otosclerosis. Microanalytical and diffraction techniques were used to assess the elemental distribution and orientation topography of the stapes. Results: The concentration of Ca2+ in the study group was significantly lower in the area of the anterior crus of the stapes than in the posterior crus. A reduction in the Ca2+/P3+ ratio in the anterior crus was associated with deteriorated bone conduction and tinnitus. Degradation of the stapes microstructure in the area of otosclerotic lesions was observed with scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions: Bone remodelling is most significant at the closest location to typical otosclerotic lesions with hydroxyapatite porosity and scale-like bone formation according to scanning electron microscopy. There is a relationship between the disturbance of calcium metabolism and the development of clinical symptoms of cochlear otosclerosis.

Intraoperative Hearing Monitoring Using ABR and TT-ECochG and Hearing Preservation during Vestibular Schwannoma Resection.

Background: Quick and appropriate diagnostics and the use of intraoperative monitoring (IM) of hearing during vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection increase the likelihood of hearing preservation. During surgery, various methods of IM can be used, i.e., auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), transtympanic electrocochleography (TT-ECochG), and direct cochlear nerve action potentials. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic values of IM of hearing using ABR and TT-ECochG in predicting postoperative hearing preservation and to evaluate relationships between them during various stages of surgery. Methods: This retrospective study presents the pre- and postoperative audiological test results and IM of hearing records (TT-ECochG and ABR) in 75 (43 women, 32 men, aged 18-69) patients with diagnosed VS. Results: The preoperative pure tone average hearing threshold was 25.02 dB HL, while after VS resection, it worsened on average by 30.03 dB HL. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Hearing Classification, before and after (pre/post) surgery, there were 47/24 patients in hearing class A, 9/8 in B, 2/1 in C, and 17/42 in D. In speech audiometry, the average preoperative speech discrimination score at an intensity of 60 dB SPL was 70.93%, and after VS resection, it worsened to 38.93%. The analysis of electrophysiological tests showed that before the tumor removal the I-V ABR interlatencies was 5.06 ms, and after VS resection, it was 6.43 ms. Conclusions: The study revealed correlations between worse postoperative hearing and changes in intraoperatively measured ABR and TT-ECochG. IM of hearing is very useful in predicting postoperative hearing in VS patients and increases the chance of postoperative hearing preservation in these patients.

Small RNA Deep Sequencing Uncovers microRNAs Associated with Hearing Loss in Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between the miRNA expression profile in vestibular schwannoma (VS) tumor tissue and preoperative patient's hearing status, using the RNA-seq technique. METHODS: Nineteen tumor samples were collected from patients operated for VS in a Tertiary Academic Center. Samples were classified into "good hearing" and "poor hearing" study group based on the results of audiometric studies. Tumor miRNA expression was analyzed using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique, using NovaSeq 6000 Illumina system. Functional analysis was performed with the use of DIANA miRpath v. 4.0 online tool. RESULTS: The most overexpressed miRNAs in VS samples derived from poor hearing patients belonged to miR 449a/b, miR 15/16-1, and hypoxamiR families. Functional analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs regulate cellular pathways associated with hypoxia, adherence junction functions, and signaling pathways such as Hippo, FOXO, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our study identified a specific miRNA expression profile in VS tumor tissues that correlates with hearing impairment. These results suggest potential new molecular mechanisms related to hearing loss in the course of VS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (cohort study) Laryngoscope, 134:3778-3785, 2024.

3D-printed custom ossicular prosthesis - methodology of design and LDV measurements in a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: In tympanoplasty, surgical reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain is well-established; however, its hearing results still require improvement. Custom 3D printing of individualized ossicular prostheses seems to be an attractive solution for optimal prosthesis adjustment and better hearing results. AIM: The aim was to design a custom ossicular prosthesis using a 3D printing method based on Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans and assess the acoustic conduction properties of such prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cadaver fresh frozen temporal bone was used. Based on CBCT images, a new incus prosthesis was designed and 3D printed. Next, canal wall-up tympanoplasty was performed. The intact ossicular chain and reconstructed 3D-printed prosthesis chain movements/vibrations were measured with Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) system and analyzed in detail. RESULTS: The CBCT scans provided enough information about the anatomical structures. For frequencies 500 and 1000 Hz and 80 dB SPL sound intensity, collected velocities were higher for the intact ossicular chain than the 3D-printed ossicular prosthesis. The intensity thresholds for movement at 500 and 1000 Hz were lower in the intact ossicular chain than in the 3D-printed ossicular prosthesis. At 2000 Hz, there was the same intensity threshold value in the two measured circumstances. CONCLUSION: It is possible to design a custom individually fitted ossicular prosthesis using a 3D printing method based on CBCT scans. The acoustic conduction properties of such 3D-printed prosthesis showed differences in movability pattern between the intact and reconstructed ossicular chain. More data are needed to analyze the acoustic properties of such designed prostheses in detail. The results of our experiment showed the 3D-printed prosthesis presents the potential to be an interesting option for conductive hearing loss treatment caused by chronic otitis media and the ossicular chain defects.

[Application of the endoscopy in the middle ear surgery]. / Zastosowanie endoskopii w operacjach ucha srodkowego.

Endoscopy is used in the middle ear surgery for above twenty years when decrease of cholesteatoma recurrence due to employing endoscope was revealed in comparison to standard microscopic only visualisation. Endoscopy may be the only way of visualisation in transcanal myringoplasty for the retraction pocket, stapedoplasty and transcanal ossiculoplasty. In canal wall up or second look tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy endoscopy may serve as an additional point of view supported the classical microscopical technique. In result of many manners in surgical treatment of chronic otitis media, there are very concept for endoscopy application. In the ENT Department at Medical University of Warsaw were performed 53 procedures by aid of endoscopy in period from September 2009 to December 2010. In this study there were 18 canal wall up tympanoplasties, 12 second look tympanoplasties and 8 canal wall down tympanoplasties. According to authors' experience endoscopy is the most useful in: There were three cases of cholesteatoma recurrence in the study found only due to endoscope support. In authors' opinion, the endoscopy is the useful tool in surgical treatment of chronic otitis media. Application of endoscopy during the middle ear surgery results in decrease in frequency of cholestatoma recurrence and increase in the effectiveness of the ossiculoplasty.

[The methodology of measurements of ossicular chain movability during tympanoplasty using Laser Doppler vibrometry]. / Metodologia pomiarów ruchomosci elementów ucha srodkowego za pomoca laserowej wibrometrii dopplerowskiej.

INTRODUCTION: Laser Doppler vibrometry can potentially be applied in the measurement of the acoustic conductivity of the middle ear during tympanoplasty. Its usefulness in estimating the accuracy of ossiculoplasty requires experimentally verified. AIM: The article presents the test procedure developed at the Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw for the displacement measurement of the conductive elements of the middle ear. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In the study were used 14 fresh-frozen temporal bones. In the initial stage was performed antrotomy with posterior tympanotomy. During the measurements, ER-2 speakers generated a signal with a frequency of 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 8000 Hz. Acoustic conductivity of the middle ear was measured on the back branch of the stapes, round window. Laser Doppler Vibrometer was used to measure velocity of each selected elements of the ear. In four experiments were assessed the intraoperative availability of measurement points, the impact of laser beam angle changes and the presence of reflective tape on the amplitude of vibration measured point, intra- and interindividual variability of the method. RESULTS: For all measured frequencies intra-individual differences were no statistically significant. There were observed large differences between the velocity values in various temporal bones. Changing the angle of the laser beam does not significantly affect the results. Mucosal surface of the tympanic cavity does not reflect the laser beam. CONCLUSION: Laser Doppler vibrometry can be used to measure motion of the middle ear sound conductivity with very good repeatability of measurements. Changing the angle of the laser beam should not vary amplitude of measurement during surgery. To maintain the sensitivity of response, it is necessary to use part of reflective tape.

Hemihypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis for facial nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Commonly used classic hypoglossal (CN XII) to facial nerve (CN VII) anastomosis has the disadvantage of tongue hemiatrophy. Thus, various attempts have been made to modify this method to reduce the tongue damage. The aim of this report was to present the results of hemihypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis (HHFA) technique in relation to facial muscles reanimation and hemitongue atrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first 7 consecutive patients who underwent CN VII anastomosis with half of the CNXII, for which the follow-up period exceeded 12 months, were analysed. During the procedure, CN VII was transected as proximally as possible after drilling the mastoid process. CN XII was separated longitudinally into two parts at a short distance to allow suture of the stumps without any tension. One half of CN XII was transected and sutured to the distal stump of CN VII. Recovery from facial palsy was quantified with the House-Brackmann grading system (HB). Tongue function was assessed according to the scale proposed by Martins. RESULTS: Features of initial reinnervation of facial muscles were visible after 6 months in all 7 patients. All patients achieved satisfactory outcome of CN VII regeneration (HB grade III) until the last control examination (12-27 months after surgery, mean 16). No or minimal tongue atrophy without deviation (grades I-II according to the Martins scale) was found in 4 patients. Mild hemiatrophy with tongue deviation < 30 degrees (grade III) was visible in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, HHFA is effective treatment of facial palsy and gives a chance to reduce damage of the tongue.

[Fully implantable middle ear implant--indications, surgical technique and first results]. / Calkowicie wszczepialny implant ucha srodkowego--wskazania, technika chirurgiczna i wyniki pierwszej operacji.

AIM: The aim of this study is to present indications, surgical technique and first results of fully implantable middle ear implant (Otologics Carina), first time in Polish clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24-years-old patient with bilateral moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The surgery with fully implantable middle ear implant was performed on November 11th, 2008 (implant device Otologics Carina). Two months after the surgery the patient was admitted to hospital for the first fitting. Audiological tests were performed before the surgery and after on every fitting visit (4 fitting visits so far). RESULTS: Postoperative bone and air conduction thresholds confirmed no cochlear damage due to the surgery. Free field pure tone and speech audiometry proved better results in aided conditions compared to unaided. Further fitting sessions are planned in 6-8 weeks intervals in order to improve hearing thresholds along with anti-feedback adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that fully implantable middle ear implant is a viable treatment for adult patients with moderate sensorineural hearing loss. In selected cases it may become an alternative to conventional hearing aids.

[Extended middle fossa approach in treatment of vestibular schwannoma--technique of surgery and postoperative complications]. / Poszerzony dostep przez srodkowy dól czaszki w leczeniu nerwiaków nerwu sluchowego--technika operacyjna w aspekcie mozliwych powiklan.

INTRODUCTION: The main tumor of cerebellopontine angle are vestibular schwannoma (80-90%). According to National Institute of Health Consensus Development Conference the best treatment method is microsurgery. There are three principal surgical approaches: translabyrinthin, retrosigmoid and middle fossa. Only the latter two approaches provide the possibility of hearing preservation. AIM: Technique of surgery and postoperative morbidity after MFA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 39 patients (40 tumor) suffered from tumor of cerebellopontine angle, operated by using middle fossa approach in years 1998-2007. We evaluate hearing preservation and function of facial nerve and others postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: 22.5% of patients has hearing impairment and 32.5% has facial weakness. By individual cases we observed: CSF leak, meningitis, corneal ulceration, ischialgia, wound bleeding and venue thrombosis. 1/3 of patients suffered from headache and disequilibrium and 1/6 suffered from tinnitus. CONCLUSION: According to NIH middle fossa approach is one of three possible approaches in microsurgery of cerebellopontine angle tumors. There is possible total tumor removal with hearing preservation. Monitoring of facial and cochlear nerve during operation is recommended.

[Lateral petrosectomy in pathology of the temporal bone]. / Zastosowanie petrosektomii bocznej w patologii ucha i kosci skroniowej.

INTRODUCTION: Certain problems in ear surgery are caused by temporal bone cholestetoma and chronic otitis media complicated by deafness, facial nerve dysfunction, vertigo or meningcephalocele. Lateral petrosectomy offers possibility of radical treatment and prevention of temporal bone destruction and following complications. AIM OF STUDY: It is an analysis of indications for lateral petrosectomy and it's results as a treatment of otitis media and temporal bone cholesteatoma. The possibility of synchronous cochlear implantation is noted. MATERIAL: Retrospective analysis of 62 patients after lateral petrosectomy, operated in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2001-2009. The group consisted of thirty one men and thirty one women. RESULTS: Thirty two patients suffered from chronic granuloma or chronic choleateatoma otitis media or temporal bone cholesteatoma. Seventeen patients suffered from deafness prior surgery. Cochlear implantation was possible in five patients: two of them after cranium fracture, two with deafness caused by chronic otitis media and one with deafness caused by osteoradionecrosis. Intraoperative CSF leak was observed of eight patients. In one case lateral perosectomy was used as a treatment of CSF leak after removal of cerebellopontine tumor. There was no evidence of CSF leak after surgery. Facial nerve dysfunction was observed in fifteen cases. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral petrosectomy offers possibility of radical treatment in same patients with chronic otorrhea. The total removal of cholesteatoma prevents intracranial and intratemporal complications in case of chronic otitis media. Patients after lateral petrosectomy require systematic ENT and radiological (CT, NMR) examination.

[Round window's movability measurements with helping of LDV in evaluation of ossicular chain functioning]. / Przydatnosc badania ruchomosci okienka okraglego za pomoca laser Doppler Vibrometer w ocenie rekonstrukcji lancucha kosteczek sluchowych w tympanoplastykach typu zamknietego.

UNLABELLED: Round window's movability measurements with helping of LDV in evaluation of ossicular chain functioning. AIM OF STUDY: Quantitive evaluation of round window movability in normal conditions and after malleus stapes assembly reconstruction were aims of the study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In the experiment there were taken 10 non-frozen temporal bones harvested within 48 hours. Temporal bones specimens were prepared like in closed technique with antromastoidectomy and large posterior tympanotomy. Hearing system before and after MSA reconstruction were evaluated by measurement of round window movement. Measurements were performed at four frequencies: 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 8000 Hz. RESULTS: In the normal ossicular chain the biggest movability were stated at frequency of 1 kHz. After reconstruction at all frequencies measurements were significantly worse. In reconstructed ears the highest movabilities were stated at frequencies 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. CONCLUSIONS: Round window movability could be measured by Laser Doppler Vibrometry in posterior tympanotomy approach. Before reconstruction the biggest movability were evaluated at 1000 Hz and after MSA at 2000 Hz

[Possibility of hearing preservation treatment by patient suffered from neurofibromatosis type 2: case report]. / Mozliwosci zachowania sluchu u pacjenta z neurofibromatoza typu 2--opis przypadku.

The main tumor of cerebellopontine angle are vestibular schwannoma (80-90%). Most of them are unilateral lesion but 5% of them are bilateral pathological mass. There are genetic disease like neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2. According to National Institute of Heath Consensus Development Conference the best treatment method is microsurgery. The possibility of hearing preservation surgery give middle fossa approach and suboccipital approach, radiotherapy or auditory brainstem implants and cochlear implants. The aim of the study is case report of the patient suffered from bilateral vestibular schwannoma. Early diagnosis and therapy enable hearing preservation and good facial nerve function.

Detailed insight into transtympanic electrocochleography (TT-ECochG) and direct cochlear nerve action potential (CNAP) for intraoperative hearing monitoring in patients with vestibular schwannoma - methodology of measurements and interpretation of results.

<b>Background:</b> The aim was to present the methodology and interpretation of intraoperative hearing monitoring with simultaneous Transtympanic Electrocochleography (TT-ECochG) and direct Cochlear Nerve Action Potential (CNAP) measurements during vestibular schwannoma removal. <br><b>Materials and Methods:</b> Detailed methodology of measurements and interpretation of results are presented in three exemplary patients who underwent tumor removal via middle fossa approach (MFA) with the use of intraoperative monitoring of hearing with TT-ECochG and direct CNAP performed in real time. In addition, all responses were automatically recorded and stored along with surgical information and subjected to detailed analyses and calculation after surgery. <br><b>Results:</b> The following changes in TT-ECochG and direct CNAP responses were observed: Patient #1 - TT-ECochG and CNAP responses with minor, but transient, morphology changes (hearing was preserved); Patient #2 - CNAP responses changed significantly but, temporarily, from triphasic into biphasic responses later, with marked but partially reversible desynchronization of CNAP; changes in TT-ECochG responses were also observed but, at the end, returned to baseline (surgery-related deterioration of hearing); Patient #3 - irreversible changes of TT-ECochG and direct CNAP (complete loss of hearing). <br><b>Conclusions:</b> A combination of TT-ECochG and direct CNAP allows for real-time monitoring of auditory function during vestibular schwannoma resection and surgical manipulation which contribute to the risk of hearing loss. Therefore, the surgeon can be instantly informed about changes which could increase the possibility of preserving the patient's hearing.

[Method of ossicular chain valuation. Experimental measurement and clinical application]. / Metoda oceny ruchomosci kosteczek sluchowych badanie eksperymentalne i mozliwe zastosowanie kliniczne.

AIM OF STUDY: Evaluation of usefulness new non-contact method--Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) in measurements of movability of ossicular chain during second look operation was aim of the study. We would like answer to questions: 1. Is LDV helpful in intraoperative conditions? 2. Which measurements points have the largest practical value? 3. Which measured parameters could be used to determination of effectiveness ossicular chain reconstruction? METHODS AND MATERIALS: In experiment there were taken 3 fresh temporal bones kept in 0,9% NaCl. In first stage were executed: antromastoidectomy with wide tympanotomy. The ossicular chain movability investigation was conducted on: back branch of stapes, front branch of stapes, round window, umbo of eardrum. Laser Doppler Vibrometer was used to measurement ossicular chain's movability. ER-2 loudspeakers were generated wave: 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000Hz. In second stage were executed: Malleus-Stapes Assembly (MSA) ossicular chain's reconstruction and repeated investigation in measured points. RESULTS: The most convenient points to measurement were respectively: back branch of stapes, front branch of stapes, umbo of eardrum. In two cases round window was placed in deep niche and was partly covered by facial nerve. MSA performance didn't influence accessibility of measuring points. Theresholds of measured point's movability was useful to evaluation of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Back branch of stapes, front branch of stapes and umbo of eardrum are useful to intraoperatve measurements ossicular chain movability. Delimitation thresholds of ossicular chain movability can help in reconstruction's evaluation. After next experiments LDV can be use in practice-intraoperative.

Skull base osteomyelitis: factors implicating clinical outcome.

Skull base osteomyelitis is a serious disease with a high risk of complications including neuroinfection. Typically, the inflammation of the skull base results from infection from neighboring tissues. In case of malignant otitis externa, inflammation disseminates from the external auditory canal. In this study, we present our experience with seven patients diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis that began with otitis externa and have been treated in our department for the last 10 years. Department Patient Database was searched for the diagnosis skull base osteomyelitis. The search covered the last 10 years. The search revealed seven patients who met the above-described criteria. Medical records of those patients were carefully analyzed including age, gender, symptoms and signs, diagnostics details, treatment, performed procedures, number of hospitalization days, comorbid diseases, and complications including any cranial nerve palsy. Detailed analysis of medical records of patients included in this study showed that skull base osteomyelitis presents a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment strategy requires prolonged aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy, and in some cases combined with surgical intervention. Cranial nerve paresis indicates progression of the disease and is associated with longer hospital stay. Similar relationship is observed in patients with skull base osteomyelitis that required surgery. Diabetes in patient's medical history may complicate the healing process. Diabetes, neural involvement, and surgery may overlap each other resulting in longer hospital stay. Cranial nerve paresis may not resolve completely and some neural deficits become persistent.