Normal Serum Levels of Otolin-1 in Patients with Meniere Disease in Remission

Abstract Introduction Degenerative changes in the otolithic organs have been theorized to be caused by the mechanical obstruction to endolymphatic flow, possibly resulting in endolymphatic hydrops (ELH). Otolin-1 is an otoconial matrix protein that crosses the blood labyrinth barrier and has been found in the serum of healthy and diseased patients. Objective To measure the serum levels of Otolin-1 in Meniere disease (MD) patients and compared them with the healthy individuals. Methods This pilot, cross-sectional study was performed at our tertiary care referral center to compare the serum Otolin-1 levels of healthy individuals with those of MD patients. The blood samples were obtained during patients' visit to the vertigo clinic following remission of an acute episode. The data was analyzed using the Stata/SE version 12.0 (StataCorp. College Station, TX, USA). Comparison between the serum Otolin-1 levels in the two groups was performed using the unpaired t-test. A p-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The participants were divided into two groups, with 31 MD patients, and 30 age and gender-matched members of the control group. The serum levels of Otolin-1 in MD patients (247.6, ± 44.2 pg/ml) were not found to be significantly different from those of the control group (236.2, ± 43.5 pg/ml) (p = 0.31). Conclusion The current study reveals that the serum levels of Otolin-1 are not significantly different between the patients with MD in the interictal phase and the control group's healthy ones.

The Role of Serum Galactomannan Assay as a Potential Surrogate Biomarker for Fungal Microinvasion in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis.

We conducted this study to determine if serum galactomannan (GM) can be used as a marker to implicate the invasiveness of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), and correlate this value with the aggressiveness of disease documented via computed tomography (CT). All paranasal CT scans done for AFRS patients prospectively over a five-year period (2015-2019) were included. An indigenous 20-point score was used to document the extent of bone erosion seen on CT, wherein a higher score meant a greater extent of bone erosion. It was then correlated with serum GM scores. The median CT scores of galactomannan-positive (GM+) patients were compared with the median CT scores of galactomannan-negative (GM-) patients 3 using Mann-Whitney U test. The patients were divided into five groups based on the extent of disease-No bone erosion, erosion of only sinus wall/orbit, 3 erosion of orbit and skull base, erosion of only skull base and lateral extension of disease into infratemporal fossa (ITF). Subgroup analysis was conducted over mean GM values in these groups using ANOVA test. p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. A total of 92 patients were included (56 males, 36 females). No statistically significant difference was found (p-value = 0.42) between the CT scores of galactomannan-positive (GM+) group and galactomannan-negative (GM-) group. The mean GM scores amongst the five sub-groups did not show a statistically significant difference. Serum galactomannan values correlate poorly with aggressiveness of disease quantified on non-contrast CT of paranasal sinuses.

An Audit of the Procedure of Open Thyroidectomy at A Tertiary Care Centre.

We plan to evaluate the various variables associated with the complications of thyroidectomy performed at our department in the last 5 years. Medical records of the patients who underwent thyroidectomy during 2014-2018 were collected. Complications of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were analysed in terms of the demography, cytopathology and the extent of surgery. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher exact test and chi square test were applied to look for any significant associations. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. 123 patients were analysed (87 females, 38 males). Mean age was 38.3 years (range 11-71 years). Most common cytopathology was papillary carcinoma thyroid (Bethesda VI) - 43/123 (35%). 107 of these 123 patients underwent primary surgery, 10 underwent revision surgery while 6 underwent completion thyroidectomy. Seven patients incurred RLN palsy out of which 3 were temporary. RLN palsy was seen in only malignant cases (p < 0.05). Incidence was higher in T4a stage (p < 0.05). However, it had no association with a simultaneous central or lateral neck dissection. Hypocalcemia was seen in 22 patients (17.8%), out of whom 9 patients developed permanent hypocalcemia. It was seen significantly higher in patients undergoing central neck dissection (p < 0.05) and in malignant thyroid lesions (p < 0.05). Gender, age and the cytopathology had no bearing on RLN palsy and hypoparathyroidism. Malignant thyroid lesions had a significantly higher incidence of RLN palsy and hypoparathyroidism. A thorough anatomical knowledge can reduce the incidence of these complications.

Imaging features of toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The past decade has witnessed a change in landscape of cancer management with the advent of precision oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment and have played an important role in improving patient survival. While the patients are living longer, treatment with ICIs are sometimes associated with adverse effects, some of which could be fatal. Radiologists can play a crucial role by early identification of some of these adverse effects during restaging scans. Our paper focuses on the imaging features of commonly occurring ICI toxicities based on organ system.

Human papilloma virus in the etiopathogenesis of allergic nasal polyposis: A prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the prevalence of high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV types in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital on the patients of CRSwNP undergoing surgical management. All patients underwent preoperative endoscopic evaluation and radiological assessment using NCCT of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The severity of the disease was graded using the Lund-Mackay score on NCCT. All patients underwent endoscopic polypectomy and the sample of tissues was sent for HPV DNA detection using Hybrid Capture II® technique. The clinicopathological characteristics of HPV positive and negative patients were compared. RESULTS: Sixty cases and 20 controls were included in the study. All controls were negative for HPV DNA. 27 patients (45%) had the presence of HPV DNA, out of which 23 had only LR-HPV and 1 had only HR-HPV types. Three patients had both HR-HPV and LR-HPV subtypes. There was a significant difference between the cases and controls for the presence of HPV DNA (p < 0.001). However, the patients with HPV-positive DNA in the nasal specimen did not differ significantly from HPV-negative patients in age, gender, or severity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Human papillomaviruses may play a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of CRSwNP, however, do not impact the degree of sinus involvement.

Radiographic Measurement of Cochlear Duct Length in an Indian Cadaveric Population - Importance of Custom Fit Cochlear Implant Electrodes

Abstract Introduction Successful cochlear implantation requires an appropriate insertion depth of the electrode, which depends on cochlear duct length CDL). The CDL can vary due to ethnic factors. Objective The objective of the current study was to determine the CDL in an Indian adult cadaveric population. Methods The present was a cadaveric study using the temporal bones obtained after permission of the Institutional Review Board. The temporal bones were subjected to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and the double oblique reformatted CT images were reconstructed through the basal turn of the cochlea. The reformatted images were then viewed in the minimum-intensity projection (minIP) mode, and the 'A' value (the diameter of the basal turn of the cochlea) was calculated. The CDL was then measured using the formula CDL = 4.16A - 4 (Alexiades et al). The data analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel software, version 2016. Results A total of 51 temporal bones were included for imaging analysis. The CDL varied from 27.6 mm to 33.4 mm, with a mean length of 30.7 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two sides. Conclusion The CDL can be calculated with preoperative high-resolution CT, and can provide a roadmap for effective cochlear implant electrode insertion. The population-based anatomical variability needs to be taken into account to offer the most efficient and least traumatic insertion of the electrode.

Study of morphologic variability of incudostapedial angle and its relation with temporal bone pneumatization.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal sound transmission across the ossicular chain is dependent on the appropriate alignment of the middle ear ossicles. Incudostapedial joint (ISJ) is conventionally considered to be at right angle. OBJECTIVE: We intended to study the ISJ anatomy and the impact of temporal bone pneumatization on the same. METHODS: In a cadaveric study comprising of 47 human temporal bones, canal wall down mastoidectomy was carried out under microscopic guidance keeping the ossicular chain intact. The morphology of ISJ was recorded and analysed with respect to the pneumatization status of the temporal bone. The data analysis was performed using statistical software Stata version 12.0. RESULTS: The mean ISJ angle for the 47 bones was 90.50 (SD-150; range:540-1220). The mean angle in well pneumatized bones was 93.70 (SD-16.5; Range:54°-1220) and in sclerotic mastoids was 88.70 (SD-14; Range:68°-1180). The difference in the ISJ angle in these two conditions was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). The mean angle was found to be significantly more obtuse in the cases with partially eroded ISJ (111.40 {SD-8.8; range:100.30-121.90}; p = 0.0001) and in the cases with an 'adherent/tilted morphology' of the stapes suprastructure with the promontory (mean-95.80{SD-13.8; range:70.70- 120.40); p- <0.00001). CONCLUSION: The ISJ angle shows considerable variations. This variability needs to be taken into account when undertaking middle ear reconstructive procedures, specifically the ones involving the stapes footplate. The mastoid pneumatization does not appear to have an impact on the ISJ angle.

Primary Spheno-Petro-Clival Tuberculosis.

The increase awareness and advent of anti-tuberculosis therapy led to decline in tuberculosis. Now a resurgence of tuberculosis is with immunosuppression and with resistant strains. The detection rate of extrapulmonary is increased with the advent of newer modalities of detection, imaging, and better testing. This case series documents our experience with seven cases of primary spheno-petro-clival lesion and details of the clinical and radiological presentations of these patients. Intraoperative obtained tissue was send for histopathological and microbiological evaluation. The most common symptoms were headache and nasal discharge. The final diagnosis of spheno-petro-clival tuberculosis was confirmed in all cases with histopathology and by culture post-operatively. Skull base tuberculosis is relative rare entity in past because of late occurrence of specific symptom, incomplete radiological evaluation and it may present as neck swelling by travelling through various neck spaces. (1) Tubercular infection should be considered as differential in skull base lesion as pickup rate is increasing with advancement in technology. (2) Two of our cases had retropharyngeal abscess have focus in skull base bone. The skull base, hence, may be one of foci in undetermined sites of tuberculous infections and should be searched for.

Study of Sigmoid Sinus Variations in the Temporal Bone by Micro Dissection and its Classification - A Cadaveric Study

Abstract Introduction Sigmoid sinus (SS) variations have been classified variously in the literature. These classifications suffer from some form of shortcoming from a clinical point of view for their application. Objective We propose a clinically relevant classification of the SS in relation to the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) and to the exposure of the presigmoid dural plate. The positioning of the SS was analyzed with reference to the volume of themastoid and to the level of mastoid pneumatization. Methods A total of 94 formalin-preserved human cadaveric temporal bones were microdissected to carry out a complete mastoidectomy. The SS, the presigmoid dural plate, and the PSCCwere exposed, and the position of the former was analyzed in relation to the latter two in order to classify the position of the SS into three grades. Results GradeI hadthebest exposureof the presigmoid dura andof the PSCC,while grade III had the poorest exposure of the presigmoid dura and of the PSCC. Grade I SS was associated with good pneumatization and highermastoid volumescompared with grades II and III. Conclusions The SS exhibits considerable anatomic variability. A favorable positioning of the SS is associated with a large mastoid volume and pneumatization. A careful preoperative study of the imaging may help in understanding the positioning of the SS and the safety of various transmastoid approaches.

A Review of Surgical Nuances and Outcomes of the Reverse Stapedotomy.

The stapes surgery has evolved through different eras of technical and technological development. The current standard of care is creating a stapedotomy with piston placement, and both these aspects have multiple variations and show well-established technological advances. The conventional technique has been fairly standardized,and it offers gratifying results to both the surgeon and the patient. To overcome certain procedural risks and potential complications, the reversal of steps technique was developed and streamlined by Ugo Fisch in the early 1980s. Since its beginning, the technique has been adopted by various centers, and surgical outcomes have been demonstrated to be at par with the conventional technique, with a reduced risk of complications. The aim of the present review is to detail the various surgical nuances and outcomes of this particular technique in a comprehensive narrative manner.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Rare Nasopharyngeal Malignancy with Aggressive Clinical Course.

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is uncommon in head and neck region, with occasional cases in nasopharynx. Distinction from other round cell tumors is imperative to ensure optimal patient management. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with a rapidly growing nasopharyngeal mass.

Temporal Bone Osteomyelitis in a Child Closely Resembles Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Temporal bone osteomyelitis is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients and is very rare in non-immunocompromised individuals. Mucormycosis is a fulminating fungal infection caused by Mucor which is a saprophytic fungus commonly seen in diabetic patients. Here we report a case of temporal bone osteomyelitis in a child with a traumatic history which was causing clinical features of lateral sinus thrombosis. The patient was successfully treated and doing well post-operatively. CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old girl was reported to the emergency dept with fever and headache for 2 weeks. She had a fever of 100-102 °F without chills and rigors which was associated with severe headache on the right side and not associated with any vomiting, nausea, or aura. The patient did not have any other significant complaints except a history of falling 2 years previously when she was 9 years of age. The patient was admitted and a complete evaluation was performed clinically and radiologically. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone was suggestive of soft tissue density at the sigmoid sinus of the right mastoid. The patient underwent surgery for debridement, and the tissue was sent for diagnosis. This revealed mucormycosis of the temporal bone and the patient started medical management. At the present date, the patient remains under follow up. CONCLUSION: Fungal chronic osteomyelitis is a disease among immune-compromised patients involving the temporal bone, and is very rare. In particular mucormycosis is very rare in the temporal bone but is not expected in normal individuals. HRCT of the temporal bone is the gold standard investigation, and tissue biopsy is diagnostic. Tissue debridement and long-time medical management with anti-fungal medication is mandatory to achieve good results.

Morphometric analysis of arcuate eminence: A distinctive landmark for middle cranial fossa approach.

BACKGROUND: The arcuate eminence (AE) is a bony prominence on the middle fossa plate of the temporal bone, hypothesized to be variably associated with superior semicircular canal (SSC) relief, temporal lobe sulcus, and subjacent air cells. We present various morphometric parameters of the AE, as seen using a middle fossa approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 18 formalin-preserved cadaveric human temporal bones. Various morphological and morphometric parameters pertaining to topographic orientation of the AE in relation to surrounding landmarks used in a middle mossa approach were noted, before and after microdissection of the AE under a Leica M320 F12 microscope, using otologic microdrills and suction irrigation. The morphometric parameters were analyzed using ImageJ 1.46r software. RESULTS: The overall incidence of AE was 83% (n = 15/18). The most common shape and pattern noted were linear (53.3%, 8/15) and dual arc (46.7%, 7/15), respectively. Mean angle between the AE and SSC was 19°, with a standard deviation of 15° and a range of 2-49°. The AE overlapped the SSC in 40% (6/15) of bones, and did not correspond to the SSC in 7% of cases. A partially overlapping positional correspondence was noted in 53.3% (8/15). CONCLUSION: When present, the AE corresponds to the SSC in 40% of cases, but it can serve as a rough guide to the SSC in up to 93% of cases. Surgeons need to be familiar with the varying morphology of AEs in order to execute a rapid and safe dissection during middle fossa approaches.

NUT Midline Carcinoma: A Series of Five Cases, Including One with Unusual Clinical Course.

NUT midline carcinomas (NMCs) are rare, poorly differentiated tumors with aggressive biological behavior and a characteristic molecular signature. Availability of NUT antibody has facilitated diagnosis of NMC without molecular testing. We report a series of head and neck NMCs diagnosed using NUT IHC at our institute, including one case with an unusual course. Immunohistochemistry for NUT was performed in nasal and sinonasal tumors with diagnoses of undifferentiated carcinoma, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and malignant neoplasm, not otherwise specified, to identify cases of NMC. Clinicopathological features were reviewed. Five cases of NMC were identified, accounting for 9.6% of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated carcinomas of the sinonasal region. These patients had a sex ratio of 2:3, and ranged in age from of 10 to 31 years (mean: 25.2 years). Patient 4 had previously been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma arising in left nasolacrimal duct, and inverted papilloma of nasal cavity. She presented to us with a left lacrimal fossa mass extending into nasal cavity, which was diagnosed as NMC. NMC is a rare neoplasm, the awareness of which is imperative for pathologists to identify cases in which NUT IHC should be ordered. NUT IHC should be performed in all cases of a poorly differentiated carcinoma, particularly those with foci of squamous differentiation, irrespective of patient age and unusual tumor location, as seen in one of our cases. Although considered a highly aggressive and lethal neoplasm, NMC can have a more prolonged clinical course on occasion.

Comparison between early and delayed facial nerve decompression in traumatic facial nerve paralysis - A retrospective study

ABSTRACT Purpose To study the intraoperative findings in case of early and delayed decompression of facial nerve paralysis and compare their results. Methods Retrospective data analysis of 23 cases of longitudinal temporal bone fracture with House-Brackmann grade V and VI facial nerve paralysis. All cases were thoroughly evaluated and underwent facial nerve decompression through the transmastoid approach. All cases were under regular follow-up till the date of manuscript submission. Results Clinical improvement of the facial nerve function was observed for early vs. delayed facial nerve decompression. In the early decompression group, facial nerve function improved to grade II in eight cases (80%) and grade III in two cases (20%), whereas in the delayed decompression group it improved to grade II in one case (7.70%), grade III in four cases (30.76%), grade IV in seven cases (53.84%), and grade V in one case (7.70%). Conclusions Early decompression of facial nerve provides better results than delayed decompression because it enables early expansion of the nerve.

Establishing a Temporal Bone Laboratory in Teaching Institutes to Train Future Otorhinolaryngologists and Fundamentals of Temporal Bone Laboratory: Considerations and Requirements.

Temporal bone dissection has important role in educating, and training the surgeons. Temporal bone has complicated three dimensional anatomy and it is challenging for young surgeons to understand and operate. Not knowing the anatomy may cause serious consequences to patient due to injury to vital structures. It is important to learn temporal bone harvesting techniques, preservation of specimens, fixation and to reduce the health hazards posed by these specimens by taking safety measures. Spending more time in temporal bone laboratory and repeated dissection of temporal bones provides the skills necessary in the operating room for future generation. All training institutes should establish temporal bone laboratory in their department to provide the necessary expertise to future generation while maintaining safe and secure environment.

A note on the technical aspects and evaluation of the role of navigation system in endoscopic endonasal surgeries.

Development of endoscopic endonasal surgery has made it possible to reach diseases located in difficult areas of nose, paranasal sinuses and skull base. Technical advancements such as development of electromagnetic navigation system have greatly revolutionized the field of endoscopic endonasal surgery. Electromagnetic navigation system has improved the precision and accuracy of performing surgery and complication rates. This paper will emphasize on the technical aspects, mechanism of working, advantages and disadvantages of using electromagnetic navigation system and compare it with optic tracking system. While navigation system has many benefits, it should be used as an adjunctive to the surgical skills of a surgeon but not as a substitute.