Evaluation of the Relationship Between Facial Nerve and Lateral Semicircular Canal in the Posterior Tympanotomy Approach.

BACKGROUND: To clinically and radiologically evaluate the relationship between the facial nerve and the lateral semicircular canal during posterior tympanotomy. METHODS: Patients who received cochlear implants between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. The relationship between the facial nerve and the lateral semicircular canal was classified into 3 types by evaluating the axial section computed tomography images. If the facial nerve passed medially without contacting the lateral semicircular canal dome, it was classified as type 1; if the facial nerve passed by contacting the medial border of the lateral semicircular canal dome, it was classified as type 2; and if the facial nerve contacted the lateral border of the lateral semicircular canal dome or passed more laterally, it was classified as type 3. RESULTS: In total, 309 ears of 257 patients [139 males (54.1%) and 118 females (45.9%)] were included in the study. Ninety-three (30.1%) of the ears were classified as type 1, 179 (57.9%) were type 2, and 37 (12%) were type 3. It was found that the combined posterior tympanotomy/endomeatal approach was used in 6 ears (1.9%), of which 4 were type 3, and 2 were type 2 (P=.006). CONCLUSION: Systematic evaluation of the relationship between facial nerve and lateral semicircular canal in computed tomography axial sections might help prevent facial nerve damage that can occur during posterior tympanotomy. It was concluded that type 3 ears should be evaluated in this respect, as a combined posterior tympanotomy/endomeatal approach may be required.

Automatic Segmentation of Meniscus in Multispectral MRI Using Regions with Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN).

The meniscus has a significant function in human anatomy, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has an essential role in meniscus examination. Due to a variety of MRI data, it is excessively difficult to segment the meniscus with image processing methods. An MRI data sequence contains multiple images, and the region features we are looking for may vary from each image in the sequence. Therefore, feature extraction becomes more difficult, and hence, explicitly programming for segmentation becomes more difficult. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) extracts features directly from images and thus eliminates the need for manual feature extraction. Regions with Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) allow us to use CNN features in object detection problems by combining CNN features with Region Proposals. In this study, we designed and trained an R-CNN for detecting meniscus region in MRI data sequence. We used transfer learning for training R-CNN with a small amount of meniscus data. After detection of the meniscus region by R-CNN, we segmented meniscus by morphological image analysis using two different MRI sequences. Automatic detection of the meniscus region with R-CNN made the meniscus segmentation process easier, and the use of different contrast features of two different image sequences allowed us to differentiate the meniscus from its surroundings.

Do three-dimensional modeling and printing technologies have an impact on the surgical success of percutaneous transsacral screw fixation?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the role of computed tomography (CT)-derived templates, produced by three- dimensional (3D) modeling, image processing and printing technology, in percutaneous transsacral screw fixation and evaluate the effects of their use on surgical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study conducted between June 2018 and December 2019 utilized 15 composite pelvis models for transsacral-transiliac screw fixation. For the procedure, modeled templates were utilized for wiring on the left side of the pelvis models, while the conventional method was performed on the right side of the pelvis models. In the computed tomography images acquired after wiring, appropriate wire position was evaluated. RESULTS: The placed wires held the S1 body appropriately in all of the procedures with or without template use. With the template use, the wires were placed appropriately in the surgical bone corridor suitable for the transsacral-transiliac screw fixation in all of the models. However, with the conventional methods, the wires were not placed in the safe surgical bone corridor in four models. The wire deviation angle in the axial plane was significantly lower in the template group (p=0.001), whereas it was not different between the template group and the conventional method group in the coronal plane (p=0.054). The amount of deviation from the ideal wire entry site was significantly reduced in the template group compared to the conventional method group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: With the use of 3D modeling and printing technology, CT-derived templates can be produced and utilized for transsacral screw fixation procedures and their use increases surgical success by reducing the surgical margin of error.

Pediatric Mass Lesions of the Head and Neck Region and Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Results.

OBJECTIVE: 1. To provide a classification of pediatric mass of the head and neck region and evaluate their frequency. 2. To examine the findings of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in pediatric patients along with its contribution to diagnosis. METHODS: Totally, 233 pediatric patients (125 boys and 108 girls) operated at Baskent University for head and neck mass were included. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: The mean age was 119±65 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 75±49 months. Localization of the masses was as follows: 208 (89%) in the neck, 21 (9%) in the oral cavity, 2 (1%) in the neck and nasopharynx, and two (1%) in the larynx. The most common surgical procedure was open excisional biopsy (n=105, 45%) followed by cystic mass excision (n=72, 31%) and salivary gland excision (n=33, 14%). Based on histopathological findings, benign cystic lesions were the most common disease group (n=77, 33.1%), whereas reactive lymphadenopathy was the most common condition (n=36, 15%) when a single disease was considered. Infectious/inflammatory diseases, malignancies, and benign salivary gland diseases were present in 49 (21%), 24 (10.3%), and 22 (9.4%) patients, respectively. FNAB was performed in 29.8% of the patients with an accuracy of 90.3% (95% CI, 80.1-96.4). CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of head and neck masses during childhood includes a wide spectrum with the different conditions being benign cystic diseases of congenital origin and reactive lymphadenopathies. Owing to its high predictive value, FNAB represents a rapid and reliable method that can be commonly used in both adult and pediatric patients.

Positron emission tomography evaluation of sinonasal inverted papilloma and related conditions: a prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine whether there is a difference between inverted papilloma (IP) and nasal polyp, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with regard to fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2007 and May 2014, positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) images of 27 patients (20 males, 7 females; mean age 53.4 years; range 18 to 74 years), with unilateral polyposis diagnosed on examination and tomographic scans of paranasal sinus were obtained. Nasal polyps in eight of the patients (group 1), IP in 10 patients (group 2), and SCC in nine patients (group 3) were found. The data were compared with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) values were found to be 2.9 in the group 1; 7.8 in the group 2, and 17.8 in the group 3. There was significant difference in the SUVmax values between the group 1 and the group 2 (p=0.016), the group 1 and the group 3 (p=0.001), and the group 2 and the group 3 (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, PET/CT scan in the patients with unilateral polyposis is invaluable to distinguish nasal polyp from IP and SCC. It is also useful to recognize the distinctions between IP and SCC. In our study of 27 patients, a SUVmax of 6 or higher ruled out the presence of nasal polyp [95% CI (5.93 to 13.39), specificity 100%] might also be clinically useful.

Idiopathic incus necrosis: Analysis of 4 cases.

We evaluated ossicular chain reconstruction in patients with idiopathic incus necrosis who have conductive hearing loss and an intact ear drum. The study included four patients (3 women and 1 man; the ages of the patients were 22, 31, 35, and 56 years, respectively) with unilateral conductive hearing loss, no history of chronic serous otitis media, an intact ear drum, normal middle ear mucosa, and necrosis of the long processes of the incus. On preoperative pure tone audiometry, air-bone gaps were 24, 25, 38, and 33 dB. Bilateral tympanometry and temporal bone computed tomography results were normal. All 4 patients underwent an exploratory tympanotomy. During the operation, the mucosa of the middle ear was normal, with a mobile stapes foot plate and malleus. No evidence of any granulation tissue was found; however, necrosis of the incus long processes was seen. For ossicular reconstruction, we used tragal cartilage between the incus and the stapes in 1 patient; in the other 3 patients, glass ionomer bone cement was used (an interposition cartilage graft also was used in the patients who received the glass ionomer bone cement). In all patients, air-bone gaps under 20 dB were established in the first year after surgery. In the ossicular disorders within the middle ear, the incus is the most commonly affected ossicle. While, the most common cause of these disorders is chronic otitis media, it may be idiopathic rarely. Several ossicular reconstruction techniques have been used to repair incudostapedial discontinuity.

Sinonasal schwannoma of the middle turbinate.

Paranasal schwannomas are uncommon lesions, representing less than 4% of all head and neck schwannomas. They give rise to nonspecific symptoms such as nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and anosmia. Imaging features are generally nonspecific. Here, we present the radiologic features of a benign schwannoma of the middle turbinate with dural invasion in a 71-year-old woman.

[Utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in head and neck masses]. / Bas-boyun kitlelerinde ince igne aspirasyon biyopsisinin yeri.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for head and neck masses, and compared FNAB results with histopathologic diagnoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a group of 352 patients (168 males, 184 females; mean age 44+/-19 years; range 2 to 94 years) who were operated on for head and neck masses, FNAB was performed in 167 patients (47.4%). The results of FNAB were compared with histopathologic diagnoses in four groups of localization: parotid, thyroid, submandibular gland, and cervical levels. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive rates of FNAB were calculated for each group. RESULTS: There were 64 parotid (38.3%), 29 thyroid (17.4%), 19 level V (11.4%), 18 level II (10.8%), 14 level III (8.4%), 9 level I (5.4%), and 7 submandibular gland (4.2%) masses. The overall correlation of FNAB with histopathologic diagnoses was 71.9%, being 76.6% in parotid, 75.9% in thyroid, 57.1% in submandibular gland, and 67.2% in neck (levels I-VI) masses. The highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive rates were determined for parotid masses (98%, 93.3%, 98%, 93.3%, respectively), whereas the lowest rates were obtained in submandibular gland masses (50%, 66.7%, 66.7%, 50%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of FNAB for head and neck masses, in particular parotid masses, provides considerable contribution to treatment planning.

Comparison of AlloDerm, fat, fascia, cartilage, and dermal grafts in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare various graft materials in the rabbit model, including autologous cartilage, dermal tissue, fat, and AlloDerm (a cadaver-derived material). METHODS: Twenty-five New Zealand white rabbits were used. Equally sized autogenous (fat, fascia, cartilage, and dermal) grafts and AlloDerm were implanted into subcutaneous dorsal pockets on the rabbits. Animals were killed 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after surgery. The grafts were examined microscopically for thickness, resorption, fibrosis, neovascularization, inflammation, eosinophilia, and the presence of multinucleated giant cells or microcysts. RESULTS: The cartilage grafts revealed excellent viability with no resorption. The fascial grafts showed negligible volume loss. The dermal grafts developed epidermoid cysts. The AlloDerm grafts demonstrated graft thickening at 1 month and total resorption at 3 and 4 months. The fat grafts demonstrated 30% to 60% partial resorption. CONCLUSIONS: The major disadvantage of using an autogenous fat graft was partial resorption, whereas cyst formation was observed with dermal grafts. AlloDerm caused tissue reaction and resorption. The best graft material was cartilage, with a low absorption rate, good biocompatibility, and minimal tissue reaction or fibrosis, followed by fascia, with a minimal shrinkage capacity and tissue reaction.

[Classic Kaposi's sarcoma of the tongue: a case report]. / Dilde klasik Kaposi sarkomu: Olgu sunumu.

An 81-year-old male patient presented with a painful mass in the tongue that showed a progressive growth within the past two months. Examination revealed a polypoid mass in the midline of the tongue, purple in color, and 1.5x1.5 cm in size. There was no palpable lymph node on neck examination. An excisional biopsy was performed with adequate surgical margins. The histopathological diagnosis was Kaposi's sarcoma. Clinical and radiological evaluations did not show any systemic involvement. An HIV test was negative. He was referred to the medical oncology department. No recurrence was detected during a year follow-up.

Six cases of Forestier syndrome, a rare cause of dysphagia.

Dysphagia is a common presenting complaint in otolaryngology practice, and there are many causes. Forestier syndrome is a rare cause of dysphagia. It is also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) syndrome or vertebral ankylosing hyperostosis. Forestier syndrome consists of anterolateral perivertebral ligament calcification. It was first described by Forestier and Rotes-Querol in 1950; diagnosis is primarily radiological and the etiology is unknown. In addition to dysphagia Forestier syndrome has been reported to cause laryngeal stridor, dyspnea, snoring and hoarseness. Other important symptoms associated with Forestier syndrome are stiffness and pain in the back, pain related to tendinitis, myelopathy related to core compression associated with the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and pain related to vertebral complications such as fracture or subluxation. We report six cases of Forestier syndrome as an etiologic factor in dysphagia and present clinical and radiological findings.

Malignant eccrine poroma invading the parotid gland.

Malignant eccrine poroma was first described by Pinkus and Mehregon in 1963. Because of the histologic characteristics of the tumor, these authors concluded that the tumor was likely of eccrine origin. Malignant eccrine poroma originates from the intraepidermal ductal portion of the eccrine gland. Like other tumors of skin adnexa, malignant eccrine poroma is a rare tumor. It mostly affects older persons. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, and lesions are often mistakenly identified as squamous cell carcinoma or pyogenic granuloma. We report a case of malignant eccrine poroma invading the parotid gland. A 65-year-old man presented with an ulcerated mass (2x3 cm) below the ear lobule of 3 months' duration. The mass was fixed to the skin and underlying parotid gland. The lesion was treated using a superficial parotidectomy approach including the overlying skin. Simultaneous neck dissection was performed. The diagnosis was malignant eccrine poroma invading the parotid gland.