Radiation dose to the cochlea and its association with sensorineural hearing loss in head and neck cancer-A prospective study.

AIM: To determine the effect of cochlear dose on sensorineural hearing loss in patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A two-year longitudinal study was conducted on 130 subjects with various head and neck malignancies who were receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiation. 56 patients received only radiotherapy while 74 patients received concurrent chemoradiation five days a week at a dose of 66-70 Gy. They were categorized as having a radiation dose to the cochlea of <35 Gy, <45 Gy or >45 Gy. Pre- and post-therapy audiological evaluation was done using a Pure-tone audiogram, distortion product otoacoustic emission, and impedence. Hearing thresholds were measured at frequencies up to 16,000 Hz. RESULTS: Out of 130 patients 56 received RT alone and 74 received CTRT. There was statistically significant (p value <0.005) difference in Pure-tone audiometry assessment in both the RT and CTRT groups between subjects who received more than and <45 Gy of radiation to the cochlea. There was no significant difference in distortion product otoacoustic emission assessment between patients who received >45 Gy and <45 Gy radiation to the cochlea. Comparison between subjects who received radiation dose of <35 Gy and >45 Gy revealed significant results in the degree of hearing loss (p value <0.005). CONCLUSION: We observed that patients who received >45 Gy of radiation had more sensorineural hearing loss compared to patients who received <45 Gy. A cochlear dose of <35 Gy is associated with significantly lower hearing loss compared to higher doses. We would like to conclude by emphasizing the importance of regular audiological assessments prior to and post radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, with regular follow-ups encouraged over a longer period to improve the quality of life in patients with head and neck malignancy.

Audiological profiling in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the audiological profiles in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis and to study the pattern of hearing loss in osteoporotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 postmenopausal women were evaluated at a tertiary referral center and were divided into normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic based on BMD results. The hearing evaluation was done using PTA, Impedance audiometry and DPOAE and the results were compared between the groups and analyzed. RESULTS: Osteoporotic patients had higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss than normal and osteopenic patients and the results were statistically significant (P ≤0.001) on PTA and DPOAE testing. The mean pure tone thresholds were significantly higher in osteoporotic patients in comparison with normal and osteopenic patients. The average hearing loss in osteoporotic patients with sensorineural loss was of mild degree. CONCLUSION: The data reveal that osteoporosis is associated with sensorineural hearing loss in postmenopausal women. The underlying mechanism needs further research but cochlear dysfunction could be an important factor.

Immune responses to collagen-IV and fibronectin in renal transplant recipients with transplant glomerulopathy.

Antibodies (Abs) to donor HLA (donor-specific antibodies [DSA]) have been associated with transplant glomerulopathy (TG) following kidney transplantation (KTx). Immune responses to tissue-restricted self-antigens (self-Ags) have been proposed to play a role in chronic rejection. We determined whether KTx with TG have immune responses to self-Ags, Collagen-IV (Col-IV) and fibronectin (FN). DSA were determined by solid phase assay, Abs against Col-IV and FN by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and CD4+ T cells secreting interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-17 or IL-10 by ELISPOT. Development of Abs to self-Ags following KTx increased the risk for TG with an odds ratio of 22 (p-value = 0.001). Abs to self-Ags were IgG and IgM isotypes. Pretransplant Abs to self-Ags increased the risk of TG (22% vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Abs to self-Ags were identified frequently in KTx with DSA. TG patients demonstrated increased Col-IV and FN specific CD4+ T cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-17 with reduction in IL-10. We conclude that development of Abs to self-Ags is a risk factor and having both DSA and Abs to self-Ags increases the risk for TG. The increased frequency of self-Ag-specific IFN-γ and IL-17 cells with reduction in IL-10 demonstrate tolerance breakdown to self-Ags which we propose play a role in the pathogenesis of TG.

A novel organ donor facility: a decade of experience with liver donors.

Transplant surgeons have historically traveled to donor hospitals, performing complex, time-sensitive procedures with unfamiliar personnel. This often involves air travel, significant delays, and frequently occurs overnight.In 2001, we established the nation's first organ recovery center. The goal was to increase efficiency,reduce costs and reduce surgeon travel. Liver donors and recipients, donor costs, surgeon hours and travel time, from April 1,2001 through December 31,2011 were analyzed. Nine hundred and fifteen liver transplants performed at our center were analyzed based on procurement location (living donors and donation after cardiac death donors were excluded). In year 1, 36% (9/25) of donor procurements occurred at the organ procurement organization (OPO) facility, rising to 93%(56/60) in the last year of analysis. Travel time was reduced from 8 to 2.7 h (p<0.0001), with a reduction of surgeon fly outs by 93% (14/15) in 2011. Liver organ donor charges generated by the donor were reduced by37% overall for donors recovered at the OPO facility versus acute care hospital. Organs recovered in this novel facility resulted in significantly reduced surgeon hours, air travel and cost. This practice has major implications for cost containment and OPO national policy and could become the standard of care.

Plasmoacanthoma of Lip-A Rare Case with Review of Literature.

Plasmoacanthoma is an extremely rare benign verrucous lesion, with few cases reported in the literature, and it often goes misdiagnosed. An attempt was made to discuss the features and compare them to reduce the diagnostic dilemma in cases of plasmoacanthoma, which mimics squamous cell carcinoma, both for the clinician and pathologist. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the case report. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained. A review of the literature was conducted after a PubMed search with the keyword "Plasmoacanthoma" on September 20, 2023. Nine articles were obtained, out of which two were not available. One was excluded since it was on plasma cell cheilitis. Five articles, all of which were in the English language, with a diagnosis of plasmoacanthoma were retrieved for the study. A 70-year-old female presented with an ulcer-exophytic lesion involving the lower lip, mimicking a typical squamous cell carcinoma, for which an edge biopsy of the lesion was taken to confirm. Histopathology revealed it to be plasma cell mucositis. The patient was put on the medical line of management with corticosteroids as per guidelines, with no response. A wedge excision was later done as the patient was not responding to medical therapy, and the final histopathology came out to be "plasmoacanthoma". Due to their close resemblance to malignant lesions and histologically mimicking plasma cell mucositis, such lesions often get misdiagnosed, leading to inadequate management. Various sources of literature related to plasmoacanthoma were compared, and the features and histological findings were tabulated so that if any cases were similar to the present case reports, then we could have other differential diagnoses and work accordingly. Plasmoacanthoma may be present in any age group, and the clinical features may be similar to those of squamous cell carcinoma. PCM and plasmoacanthoma are clinically and histologically mimicking conditions that should be confirmed by excisional biopsy on histopathological examination rather than incisional biopsy to avoid pathological adversity, as seen in our case. IHC with kappa and lambda light chains will help identify clonal plasma cells seen in plasmoacanthoma.

Amelanotic Melanoma: A Rare Sinonasal Malignancy.

Mucosal melanomas account for less than 1% of all sinonasal malignancies and are aggressive tumours originating from melanocytes in various mucosal epithelia. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms, contributing to challenges in treatment and management. We present a case of a 75-year-old female with epistaxis and nasal blockage, ultimately diagnosed with amelanotic sinonasal melanoma. Despite diagnostic difficulties exacerbated by profuse bleeding during biopsy attempts, a comprehensive approach involving clinical evaluation, imaging, and histopathology led to a definitive diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry played a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis, ruling out differential diagnoses such as olfactory neuroblastoma and lymphoma. Surgical excision, despite intraoperative bleeding, was successful, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to the tumor's advanced stage. The case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and personalized treatment strategies, considering the tumor's molecular characteristics for improved outcomes in managing this rare malignancy.

Giant Cervical Lymphangioma Extending from Skull Base to Clavicle- A Rare Case.

Lymphangiomas are congenital benign lesions commonly seen in pediatric age group with a rare occurrence in the region of head and neck, commonly presenting as asymptomatic masses. Cervical lymphangioma is a rare entity among adults, and giant sized lymphangiomas in this region have sparse mention in literature. This case report describes the rare presentation of a giant cervical lymphangioma and the challenges involved to treat such masses in the region of head and neck. We encountered a rare case of a 52 year old female who presented with a 10 × 5 cm swelling in the right posterior triangle of neck swelling since 6 months extending from skull base up till clavicle. Pathological and radiological entities confirmed the lesion as a "giant cervical lymphangioma". Head and neck lymphangiomas are congenital lesions of benign origin. Lymphangiomas have been classified as macrocystic if larger than 2 cm, and microcystic if less than 2 cm. Our description of a macrocystic 10 × 6 cm lesion is hence definitely one of the largest cervical lymphangiomas encountered till date. It's a problematic and arduous plan of treatment for such masses in head and neck with a high chance of recurrence if incompletely removed.

Myoepithelioma- An Uncommon Parotid Tumour in An Adolescent.

Myoepitheliomas are uncommon neoplasms of major and minor salivary glands. These tumours are encapsulated and slow growing in nature and are benign in majority of the cases. The mean age of presentation is 40 years and this entity is rarely reported in younger age groups. Here, we seek to report a rare case of a 10-year-old patient who presented with a swelling below the right ear. Clinical and radiological evaluation revealed a mass in the parotid gland. This patient was treated with a superficial parotidectomy and subsequent histopathological examination revealed it to be a myoepithelioma.

Arytenoid granuloma: a single-institution experience of management of 62 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the outcome of the medical and/or surgical management of patients presenting with clinical features of arytenoid granuloma. METHODS: The records of 53 males and 9 females were reviewed for predisposing factors, types of treatment received and recurrence following the treatment. RESULTS: Most of the patients (48 out of 62, 77.4 per cent) were treated conservatively with medical management and voice therapy, which resulted in complete resolution of arytenoid granuloma in over two-thirds of the patients treated (32 out of 48, 66.6 per cent). Overall, 28 patients (out of 62, 45.1 per cent) required surgery (14 failed medical treatment cases and 14 surgery as first-line treatment cases). Of these, five patients (out of 28, 17.9 per cent) had recurrence, and were managed with revision surgery and concurrent local injection of Botox. CONCLUSION: Anti-reflux medication and voice therapy are effective first-line management options. Pre- and post-surgery adjuvant treatment improves the results of surgery. Local injection of Botox was successful in the treatment of failed surgical cases.

Assessment of middle ear function after conventional or endoscopic microdebrider assisted adenoidectomy.

Objectives: To compare pre- and post-operative pure tone audiometric and impedance audiometric analysis following conventional and endoscopic microdebrider assisted adenoidectomy and compare the outcomes. Methods: Patients diagnosed with chronic adenoiditis were divided in groups of 25 each. Patients in the first group underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy, while those in second group underwent endoscopic microdebrider assisted adenoidectomy. Pre- and post-operative pure tone and impedance audiometry were performed for all patients and outcomes were compared. Results: The endoscopic microdebrider assisted method resulted in significantly better outcomes compared to conventional curettage. Criteria such as hearing threshold (p value 0.004 at second follow-up), peak pressure (p value 0.045 at first follow-up) and tympanogram (p value 0.016) showed that the endoscopic method was better, while peak compliance (p value 0.340 at first follow-up) did not show any significant difference between groups. Conclusions: The endoscopic microdebrider assisted method for adenoidectomy has a definite advantage of better visualisation resulting in better clearance of tissue, leading to enhanced middle ear function compared to conventional curettage.

Correction: Blood brain barrier permeable gold nanocluster for targeted brain imaging and therapy: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Correction for 'Blood brain barrier permeable gold nanocluster for targeted brain imaging and therapy: an in vitro and in vivo study' by L. V. Nair et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 8314-8321, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TB02247F.

Intratemporal mucormycosis: a rare COVID-19 sequelae.

A man in his 50s presented with a 2-month history of left ear discharge associated with hearing loss and weakness of left half of face since 15 days. The patient had no comorbidities, but he gave history of being treated for COVID-19 pneumonia 2 months ago post which he started experiencing left-sided aural symptoms. Clinical examination of ear revealed a subtotal perforation with multiple granulations in middle ear. Facial nerve examination revealed grade 3 lower motor neuron palsy. The biopsy of the granulations was sent to aid in diagnosis which later confirmed left ear mucormycosis. Otological involvement with facial palsy and sudden sensorineural loss in a patient with prior history of COVID-19 has not been reported until in literature. We try to communicate our experience to bridge the gap in understanding and managing this extremely rare occurrence of mucormycosis in the ear of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma Mimicking Oral Cavity Neoplasm - A Rare Case.

Plasmacytomas are localized monoclonal plasma cell lesions with no evidence of systemic involvement which are divided into solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and extra-medullary plasmacytoma (EMP). The diagnosis of plasmacytomas (PCM) in the oral regions is challenging given the atypical clinical manifestations and low frequency. Here, we report an extremely rare case of plasmacytoma in an elderly male which initially appeared to be arising from the left buccal mucosa on clinical examination but after radiological imaging and intra-operative findings, the epicentre was found to be in the left infratemporal fossa (ITF). The patient underwent en-bloc compartment resection with high clearance of the ITF which proved to be an effective management strategy. It is crucial for the head and neck surgeon to be aware of the solitary bone plasmacytoma in the oral and maxillofacial region in order to identify it early and provide these patients with the best care possible before complications arise.

Cricopharyngeal Myotomy; a Rescue Surgery for Dysphagia in Lateral Medullary Syndrome.

Lateral medullary syndrome/Wallenberg syndrome, is a neurological disorder occurring due to ischemia in the lateral part of medullary oblongata resulting in wide range of symptoms. Dysphagia is usually exhibited in severe and persistent form in LMS. Hence timely intervention is mandatory before the patient further worsens. We describe a case of Lateral medullary syndrome with persisitent dysphagia who was managed successfully with cricopharyngeal myotomy.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome and Association of AHI Scores with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: An Early Predictor.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a condition that is characterised by frequent apnoea and hypopnoea attacks occurring during sleep. The blood supply to cochlea and acoustic nerves is from terminal arteries, thereby making them susceptible to hypoxia. To compare the audiological profiles in patients with OSAS according to Apnoea Hypopnoea index (AHI) score. Descriptive study was conducted in 32 patients diagnosed to have OSAS in a tertiary referral centre over two year period. The study group was divided into mild, moderate, severe OSAS based on AHI score. The hearing evaluation was done using pure tone audiogram (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emission test (DPOAE). Moderate and severe OSAS participants had elevated thresholds at higher frequencies in PTA (4 kHz, 8 kHz), although this was not statistically significant. We also noticed, absent DPOAE responses at higher frequencies (4 k, 6 k, 8 k), with increase in the severity of OSAS at higher frequency, which was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). This study revealed elevated hearing thresholds at higher frequencies (4 kHz, 8 kHz) in PTA and DPOEA with an increase in the severity of OSAS. All OSAS patients, especially with AHI > 30 should be regularly screened for hearing loss.

A Rare Case of Submandibular Actinomycosis.

Actinomycosis is caused by actinomyces israelii, a gram positive nonacid fast, anaerobic, commensal bacterium within the oral cavity. Though it is a commensal in oral cavity, it seldom presents as cervicofacial actinomycosis. But there is limited access to literature proving cervicofacial actinomycosis existence so far. We report a case of 35 year old gentleman who presented with painless progressive neck swelling associated with pain while chewing food. On examination, 3.5*2.5 swelling was noted in right submandibular gland area, radiologically a foreign body was detected in the right submandibular gland. Mass was excised in toto and sent for HPE which revealed submandibular gland actinomycosis. Post operatively, patient was managed with long-term broad-spectrum beta lactams and was on regular follow-up. No evidence of recurrence/ fresh complaints noted till date. Although cervicofacial actinomycosis is rare and dangerous with debilitating complications, timely diagnosis and early intervention with broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical excision (if required) shows promising results with complete eradication of disease leaving no residues. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03498-7.

A Multi-armed Unfurling Actuator for Airway Lumen Measurement.

Objective measurement of the lumen area demands an intraoperative diagnostic tool to aid on-site decision-making. We present a compliant mechanism-based unfurling actuator assembly integrated with a shaft connected to a motorized encoder to translate torque from the user at the proximal end to the actuator at the distal end. The actuator assembly has flexible arms coiled inside a cylindrical casing that moves radially outward upon actuation. Leveraging 3D printing of flexible materials, the unfurling actuator's four-arm design enables patency measurements in circumferential tracheal stenosis of varying grades. The rotary encoder output is correlated with the radially outward movement of the unfurling arms to estimate the lumen diameter. The measurement stability is analyzed using process control charts; data distribution over ten iterations reveals nearly 100% of process data falls between ±3 sigma (Upper and Lower control limits). Comparing measurements from the tool with direct measurement (vernier caliper) and ImageJ analysis, one-way ANOVA for circular morphology yields no significant differences in diameter p = 0.974 and area measurements p = 0.975.Clinical Relevance- Central airway narrowing reduces the effective lumen area in the tracheal and bronchial segments. Grading the degree of narrowing is often based on a suspicion index. A quick but thorough assessment of the airway caliber is essential in emergent or planned intubation, whether congenital, iatrogenic, or idiopathic tracheal stenosis.

ABO-incompatible organ transplantation.

Increases in the patients on the organ transplant wait list have far out paced the number of available organs. This has lead to longer time awaiting transplantation and thus increased morbidity and mortality associated with it. Making more organs available for transplantation remains critical, and hence, extended criteria donors and ABO-incompatible organs are being utilized. Recent reports on the use of conventional immunosuppressive regimens for ABO-incompatible grafts suggest outcomes can be obtained similar to those of ABO-compatible transplants. The delay in the development of natural antibodies to ABO antigens in infants provides an 'immunological window' that allows for successful ABO-incompatible transplants in this age group. This also allows for a unique mechanism long-term tolerance to the graft in infants. ABO incompatibility may no longer be a contraindication in case of kidney transplantation and paediatric heart transplantation. Increased utilization of ABO-incompatible grafts can alleviate the shortage for organs and decrease waitlist times and associated morbidity. In this review, we will discuss the current status of ABO-incompatible transplantation in adult and paediatric solid organ transplantation with attention on recent developments on understanding the mechanisms of graft acceptance in these ABO-incompatible organs.

Development of non-exercise based VO2max prediction equation in college-aged participants in India.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop a linear regression model to predict treadmill VO2max scores using non-exercise data. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, one hundred twenty college-aged participants (60 male, 60 female, mean age 22.02±2.29 years) voluntarily participated and successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a motorized treadmill to assess VO2max (mean±SD; 2.05 L·min-¹±1.03 L·min-¹). The maximal treadmill GXT required participants to exercise to volitional fatigue. RESULTS: Relevant non-exercise data included a mean (±SD) perceived functional ability (PFA) score, and physical activity rating (PA-R) score, body surface area (BSA) of 14.6±3.9, 2.97±1..75, 1.66±0.17, respectively. Multiple linear regression generated the following regression equation (R=0.899, R2=0.805, adjusted R2=0.799, SEE=0.426 L·min-¹): VO2max (L/min)=-1.541+1.096 (gender, 1=male, 0=female) +.081 (PFA) +1.084(BSA). Each predictor variable was statistically significant (P<0.05) with beta weights for gender, PFA, BSA, PA-R, and equal to (-0.518), (0.255), (0.228), (0.092), percent body fat (-0.003), respectively. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by conducting a cross-validation analysis (N.=18). CONCLUSION: This study provides a N-EX regression prediction model that yields results and also provide a convenient and efficient tool that estimate VO2max in healthy college-aged participants in India.

Single Step Treatment of Frontal Sinus Osteomyelitis Using Bone Cement: A Case Report.

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone which is accompanied by bony destruction and sequestrum formation. Osteomyelitis of frontal bone requires us to deal with great caution as it can lead to a great deal of morbidity and mortality. Often when surgical treatment provided, it is radical and leaves behind surgical defect over the frontal bone. We report a case of a 14 year old boy diagnosed with frontal bone osteomyelitis of the left side who was treated using antibiotic loaded bone cement. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-02667-w.