Cochlear implantation through intracochlear fibrosis: A comparison of surgical techniques.

OBJECTIVE: While the implications of ossification on cochlear implantation (CI) have been extensively described, there is a paucity of data regarding the fibrotic stage. We examined the outcomes of different insertion techniques for managing intracochlear fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of case series with case-control comparison. SETTING: University-based tertiary-referral otology-neurotology practice. PATIENTS: Between 2009 to 2020, 384 patients underwent CI. Of those, 7 patients (8 ears) demonstrated intracochlear fibrosis. INTERVENTIONS: CI performed 1-4 months following meningitis/labyrinthitis and 12-24 months after idiopathic sudden SNHL. Fibrosis removal (38%) or dilation (63%) permitted implantation. A styleted-electrode was used in 63% due to dense fibrosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative audiometry with CI in place, additional comparisons with audiometric outcomes in age-matched controls. RESULTS: Full insertion achieved in all except one ear with partial ossification. Mean ipsilateral pure tone average (PTA) improved to 29 ± 15 dB and speech discrimination to 72 ± 28%. Fibrosis removal vs. dilation resulted in no PTA differences (p = 0.76). Poorest outcomes occurred with the longest time to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Good CI audiologic outcomes in the setting of cochlear fibrosis can be achieved and are independent of technique. Instead, they vary with time to implantation. Every attempt should be made to intervene as early as possible.

Conversations in Cochlear Implantation: The Inner Ear Therapy of Today.

As biomolecular approaches for hearing restoration in profound sensorineural hearing loss evolve, they will be applied in conjunction with or instead of cochlear implants. An understanding of the current state-of-the-art of this technology, including its advantages, disadvantages, and its potential for delivering and interacting with biomolecular hearing restoration approaches, is helpful for designing modern hearing-restoration strategies. Cochlear implants (CI) have evolved over the last four decades to restore hearing more effectively, in more people, with diverse indications. This evolution has been driven by advances in technology, surgery, and healthcare delivery. Here, we offer a practical treatise on the state of cochlear implantation directed towards developing the next generation of inner ear therapeutics. We aim to capture and distill conversations ongoing in CI research, development, and clinical management. In this review, we discuss successes and physiological constraints of hearing with an implant, common surgical approaches and electrode arrays, new indications and outcome measures for implantation, and barriers to CI utilization. Additionally, we compare cochlear implantation with biomolecular and pharmacological approaches, consider strategies to combine these approaches, and identify unmet medical needs with cochlear implants. The strengths and weaknesses of modern implantation highlighted here can mark opportunities for continued progress or improvement in the design and delivery of the next generation of inner ear therapeutics.

Preoperative Differences in Intracranial Facial Versus Vestibular Schwannomas: A Four Nerve Assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Assesses whether preoperative functional testing can distinguish vestibular schwannomas from facial nerve schwannomas medial to the labyrinthine segment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: Retrospectively review surgically managed intracranial facial and vestibular schwannomas between January 2015 and December 2019 at two tertiary care centers. Patients with neurofibromatosis 2 and surgery for recurrence were excluded. Preoperative functional testing to include House-Brackmann scores, electroneuronography (ENoG), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP), caloric testing, acoustic brainstem responses (ABRs), acoustic reflexes, and audiograms was compared between the two groups of schwannomas. RESULTS: Twelve facial and 128 vestibular schwannomas met inclusion criteria. In only one case was a facial schwannoma diagnosed preoperatively from imaging. No statistically significant difference was found in preoperative House-Brackmann scores, ENoG, cVEMP, caloric testing, ABRs, or acoustic reflexes. Pure tone average was worse in the vestibular schwannoma group (63 dB [95% CI: 58-68 dB] vs. 46 dB [95% CI: 34-58 dB], P = .01), and the difference was more apparent in the lower frequencies. Word recognition score was better in the facial schwannoma group (66% [95% CI: 45-86%] vs. 41% [95% CI: 34-47%], P = .02). CONCLUSION: Specialized preoperative functional evaluation of the nerves of the internal auditory canal cannot reliably predict the presence of an intracranial facial schwannoma. Hearing is better in facial schwannomas, particularly in the lower frequencies. This should raise the index of suspicion for an intracranial facial schwannoma, especially in candidates for hearing preservation vestibular schwannoma surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2098-2105, 2021.

Shared Surgical Decision Making in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons From Hurricane Katrina.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every surgical discipline. Lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina have informed our department's management of the current crisis. That experience impressed upon us a profound appreciation for shared decision making in the face of scarce resources, an evolving clinical context, and potential harm to patients and health care workers. To that end, we have formed a Resource Utilization Committee to prospectively review all nonemergent surgical cases during the current crisis. This has allowed "state-of-the-pandemic" otolaryngologic care in a real-time, collaborative, and high-information setting. In addition, to protect our patients and health care workers, it has influenced our institution's thoughtful application of COVID testing and the use of personal protective equipment.

Endoscopic Over Under Cartilage Tympanoplasty Is Not Inferior to Underlay Cartilage Tympanoplasty.

Objective: Evaluate whether elevating the tympanic membrane from the malleus during endoscopic tympanoplasty may negatively affect postoperative hearing outcomes or perforation rates by comparing 2 similar endoscopic tympanoplasty techniques. Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: Tertiary care center. Patients: Endoscopic over-under cartilage tympanoplasties age and gender matched to endoscopic underlay cartilage tympanoplasties between January 2015 and January 2019. Exclusion criteria included preoperative or intraoperative cholesteatoma, performance of mastoidectomy or ossicular chain reconstruction, and lack of postoperative audiogram. Interventions: Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty via over-under or underlay technique. Main Outcome Measures: Pre- and postoperative pure-tone average and word recognition score, graft success. Results: A total of 52 patients were evaluated: 26 endoscopic over-under cartilage tympanoplasties were matched to endoscopic underlay cartilage tympanoplasties. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in air conduction hearing (9 dB [P < 0.001] and 6 dB [P < 0.01], respectively), and bone pure-tone average did not worsen in either group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Postoperative air conduction pure-tone average was statistically noninferior in the over-under group compared with the underlay group (P < 0.05). Reperforation was present in 3 patients (12%) in the underlay group and none in the over-under group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Conclusions: Endoscopic over-under cartilage tympanoplasty effectively closes tympanic membrane perforations and improves hearing, without greater risk than underlay tympanoplasty. Elevating the tympanic membrane from the malleus does not confer worsen hearing outcomes.

Can Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scores Assess Vestibular Loss After Vestibular Schwannoma Excision?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare the Dizziness Handicap Inventory with Activities-specific Balance Confidence scores shortly after vestibular schwannoma excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database review. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing vestibular schwannoma excision between January 2015 and December 2019. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative change in Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scores 2 to 3 weeks after surgical intervention in relation to preoperative vestibular testing. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients met inclusion criteria. The average change in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory was 6 (p = 0.07, 95% CI 0-13). This was weakly correlated to preoperative caloric testing values (r = -0.31, p = 0.03), but not cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) values (r = -0.17, p = 0.23). The average change in Activities-specific Balance Confidence was -10% (p = 0.007, 95% CI -3 to -17%). This change was moderately correlated with preoperative caloric values (r = 0.42, p = 0.006), but it was not correlated with cVEMP (r = 0.07, p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: In vestibular schwannoma patients, factors other than preoperative vestibular function likely affect postoperative Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scores. The change in Activities-specific Balance Confidence was slightly more consistent with expected physiological vestibular loss, and it represents another tool in a multidisciplinary vestibular evaluation of the postoperative patient.

Next-Day Loading of a Bone-Anchored Hearing System: Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy for next-day loading of a percutaneous bone-anchored hearing device. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary neurotologic referral centers. SUBJECT AND METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study, a 4.5-mm laser-etched bone-anchored hearing device was implanted in adult subjects who had conductive/mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness. One day following implantation, the surgical site was assessed for soft tissue reaction per the Holgers Scale, and implant stability was evaluated by manual palpation and resonance frequency analysis. On the same day, subjects were fitted with the processor. Follow-up evaluations were at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaires were completed postoperatively. RESULTS: Fourteen devices were implanted in 12 subjects. Two subjects underwent bilateral implantation. Implant stability was rated as firm at every interval for all ears, and the Implant Stability Quotient values at 3 months were stable or increased as compared with day 1 measurements. Skin irritation was limited to Holgers grade 0 and 1, with the majority having no skin irritation. The mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory global score was +43.8, and the mean Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit global benefit score was 60.2%. All 14 implants have remained firmly anchored. CONCLUSIONS: Next-day loading of this 4.5-mm-diameter percutaneous bone-anchored hearing device appears to be a feasible alternative to the original 3-month delayed loading. Although this is a preliminary study, the results support continued investigation of a next-day loading strategy.

Cochlear Enhancement May Precede Cochlear Obliteration After Vestibular Schwannoma Excision.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear obliteration after vestibular schwannoma excision has been noted, with implications on cochlear implantation. Early postoperative cochlear enhancement with gadolinium on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also been observed. Timing of enhancement and association with obliteration is described here. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center, ambulatory. PATIENTS: Patients receiving vestibular schwannoma excision surgery by the senior author performed at one institution between January 2015 and July 2017 with postoperative MRIs INTERVENTION:: Diagnostic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The imaging characteristics on postoperative MRIs examined were loss of fluid signal on postoperative T2 images and cochlear enhancement on gadolinium enhanced T1 images. In the patients receiving labyrinthine sparing procedures, presence of postoperative hearing was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients evaluated, 24 received the translabyrinthine approach and 18 received a labyrinth sparing surgery. Twenty-nine had evidence of cochlear enhancement on T1 with gadolinium contrast, and 27 had evidence of cochlear obliteration on T2 images. The odds ratio of patients with cochlear enhancement having obliteration was 30.0:1 (p < 0.0001). Intense cochlear enhancement (n = 21) appeared a median of 163 days after surgery, and complete or near complete obliteration (n = 18) appeared a median of 480 days after surgery, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Within the labyrinth sparing group, there was no statistically significant association between hearing loss and cochlear obliteration or enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear enhancement is correlated with cochlear obliteration and may precede it.

Malignant Hyperthermia During Translabyrinthine Acoustic Neuroma Surgery After Previous Uneventful Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Review current literature and guidelines for malignant hyperthermia in the context of neurotologic surgery. PATIENT: A case of malignant hyperthermia during vestibular schwannoma surgery, in a patient previously exposed to anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Excision of vestibular schwannoma, acute management of malignant hyperthermia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge of the basic pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment protocols for malignant hyperthermia. RESULTS: Rapid termination of the procedure and appropriate modifications in surgical technique permitted expeditious treatment of malignant hyperthermia and prevented its lethality. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant hyperthermia is a rare and lethal condition that may arise in neurotologic surgery, even in patients who have previously received general anesthesia. The neurotologic surgeon has a role in early recognition and expeditious termination of surgery to help reduce its mortality.

Endoscopic Inside-Out Mastoidectomy with the Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator.

We report our experience using the ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) for transcanal endoscopic "inside out" mastoidectomy. The UBA has irrigation, suction, and nonrotatory ultrasonic bone-removing technology in 1 handpiece, which makes it appropriate for bone removal during this procedure. The results of our study show that this technique is safe and effective for patients with cholesteatoma in a small sclerotic mastoid. We also discuss the nuances associated with using the UBA during endoscopic ear surgery.

Cochlear implantation via middle fossa approach - a case report.

Objective: Cochlear implantation is routinely performed all over the world via the post-auricular, facial recess approach. Our case study describes the middle fossa approach for the management of bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss in a female child with multiple external, middle and inner ear malformations. The middle fossa approach has been reported sporadically and has been used inconsistently in patients with chronic otitis media and inner ear malformations. Case study: A 3-year-old female child presented with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral anotia, right cochlear nerve agenesis, right facial paralysis, bilateral mild inner ear dysplasia and an aberrant left facial nerve covering the left round window. Further tests indicated that she was a suitable candidate for cochlear implantation and was medically cleared for surgery. In view of the multiple malformations and high risk of injury to her only functioning left facial nerve on the side with a cochlear nerve, cochlear implantation via a middle fossa approach was performed. Conclusion: Middle fossa approach to cochlear implantation is challenging but can be safely performed even in children and offers an option in patients when a routine mastoidectomy, facial recess and round window approach cannot be undertaken.

Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube for dilatory dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube with Eustachian tube balloon catheter in conjunction with medical management as treatment for Eustachian tube dilatory dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, we assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, patients age 22 years and older with Eustachian tube dilatory dysfunction refractory to medical therapy to undergo balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube with balloon catheter in conjunction with medical management or medical management alone. METHODS: The primary endpoint was normalization of tympanogram at 6 weeks. Additional endpoints were normalization of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionaire-7 symptom scores, positive Valsalva maneuver, mucosal inflammation, and safety. RESULTS: Primary efficacy results demonstrated superiority of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube with balloon catheter + medical management compared to medical management alone. Tympanogram normalization at 6-week follow-up was observed in 51.8% (72/139) of investigational patients versus 13.9% (10/72) of controls (P < .0001). Tympanogram normalization in the treatment group was 62.2% after 24 weeks. Normalization of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionaire-7 Symptom scores at 6-week follow-up was observed in 56.2% (77/137) of investigational patients versus 8.5% (6/71) controls (P < .001). The investigational group also demonstrated substantial improvement in both mucosal inflammation and Valsalva maneuver at 6-week follow-up compared to controls. No device- or procedure-related serious adverse events were reported for those who underwent balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated superiority of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube with balloon catheter + medical management compared to medical management alone to treat Eustachian tube dilatory dysfunction in adults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b. Laryngoscope, 128:1200-1206, 2018.

Hydroxyapatite cement cranioplasty following translabyrinthine approach: Long-term study of 369 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' experience with hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) cranioplasty and analyze the material's long-term safety and efficacy in repairing translabyrinthine skull-base defects by examining adverse events, specifically cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and surgical site infections. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study (primary study arm); prospective cross-sectional study of patients not examined within the last 5 years (secondary arm). SETTING: tertiary-care neurotology private practice and academic practice (two centers). METHODS: Hydroxyapatite cement implanted following translabyrinthine approach, with or without fat graft, was included. Combined approaches were excluded. Implant-associated adverse events were defined as 1) CSF leaks requiring reoperation or spinal drainage, and (2) infections requiring reoperation. Patients not examined within 5 years were interviewed by telephone to update their condition. Incidence of adverse events was compared to published data for translabyrinthine cranioplasty using fat graft alone. Implant survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: The study cohort included 369 HAC implants in the same number of patients. There were seven CSF leaks and seven infections. Combined (n = 14) incidence of adverse events was 3.8% (2.09%, 6.28%). Compared to fat graft alone, the adverse events associated with HAC were fewer (P < 0.001). Up to 15 years (5,475 days), HAC cement maintained 95% adverse event-free survival. There were no cases of meningitis. CONCLUSION: Cranioplasty using HAC with autologous fat following translabyrinthine skull-base surgery is safer and more effective than fat graft alone, up to 15 years after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2120-2125, 2017.

Is MRI Equal to CT in the Evaluation of Thin and Dehiscent Superior Semicircular Canals?

OBJECTIVE: Can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnose abnormally thin and dehiscent superior semicircular canals (SSCs) that traditionally rely on evaluation by computed tomography (CT) imaging? STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adults who underwent both MRI and CT of the temporal bones over the past 3 years. INTERVENTIONS: CT and MR images of SSCs were separately reviewed, in a blinded fashion by three neuroradiologists at our institution. CT diagnosis of abnormally thin or dehiscent SSC was used as the "gold" standard. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) Dehiscent SSC. 2) Abnormally thin SSC. 3) Normal SSC. RESULTS: One hundred temporal bones with evaluable superior semicircular canals from 51 patients were eligible for review on CT and MR imaging. There were 26 patients of thin SSC and 17 patients of SSC dehiscence on CT imaging, of which 13 and 15 respectively were also found on MRI. There were nine false-positive dehiscent SSC patients and four thin SSC patients observed on MR imaging while not observed on CT. For thin SSCs, MRI sensitivity was 61.9% and specificity of 94.3% with a positive predictive value of 81.3% and a negative predictive value of 86.2%. For dehiscent SSCs, sensitivity was 88.2% and specificity of 89.2% with a positive predictive value of 62.5% and a negative predictive value of 97.4%. CONCLUSION: In this series, MRI in the axial and coronal plane had a high negative predicative value for thin SSC (86%) and dehiscent SSC (97%). However, MRI cannot conclusively diagnose thin or dehiscent SSCs.

Does electrocautery damage cochlear implants?

OBJECTIVES: 1) Evaluate the effects of monopolar cautery on cochlear implant devices. 2) Determine whether voltage fluctuations within the cochlear implant adversely affect the cochlear implant devices STUDY DESIGN: Two Med-El cochlear implants modified to record voltage difference from the apical and proximal electrodes were implanted into an unembalmed, fresh cadaver. Cautery was applied to the ipsilateral pectoralis major muscle and ipsilateral temporalis muscle at bipolar, monopolar coagulation, and monopolar cut settings of 50 W. The intensity in each modality setting was increased by increments of 10 W to a maximum of 100 W. Integrity testing was performed before, during, and after each cautery setting. Voltage fluctuations were measured during cautery, and maximal voltage changes for each setting were noted. After explantation, devices were returned to the manufacturer for in-depth failure analysis to evaluate for any damage to the devices. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS: Cadaveric study. METHODS: Basic science laboratory. RESULTS: No change in impedance or integrity testing occurred at any cautery setting when applied to either to pectoralis major or temporalis. The maximum voltage change was 22 V. Comprehensive device analysis showed no evidence of device damage from the study. CONCLUSIONS: The cochlear implant devices had no evidence of electrical damage by monopolar cautery, even up to levels of 100 W in the temporalis muscle. The maximum voltage change was 22 V, likely resulting from protecting diodes within the implant. Additional study is necessary, but more flexible recommendations regarding electrosurgery in cochlear implant recipients should be considered.

Subjective and objective findings in patients with true dehiscence versus thin bone over the superior semicircular canal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare subjective and objective findings between patients with true dehiscence versus thin bone over the superior semicircular canal (SSC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: All patients from our institution with true dehiscence or thin bone over the SSC on computed tomography temporal bone (oblique view) from 2007 to 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective test: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Objective tests: Infrared video eye recording with varying stimuli (Tulio, Fistula, and Vibration); vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP); electrocochleography; videonystagmography; pure-tone audiometry (i.e., air-bone gap). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (64 ears) were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients (47 ears) had true dehiscence of the SSC on temporal bone computed tomography. Fifteen patients (17 ears) had thin bone over the SSC. There was no statistical difference in DHI scores for patients with true dehiscence versus those with thin bone over the SSC. Only cervical VEMP and air-bone gap via pure-tone audiometry revealed a significant difference between the two groups. The remaining vestibular assessments did not demonstrate any difference. No significant correlations were revealed between DHI and objective test findings across and within the two groups. CONCLUSION: Among the objective tests, cervical VEMP and pure-tone audiometry are the only tools to distinguish between true dehiscence and thin bone over the SSC. DHI does not differentiate between these two groups. Furthermore, no correlation exists between DHI and any objective finding. Further investigation is necessary to develop a validated subjective symptom index of patients with SSC syndrome.

The relationship of age and radiographic incidence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if age affects radiographic incidence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients (0-18 yr) with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) temporal bone scans from April 2001 to February 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic high-resolution CT temporal bone scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Findings of dehiscent, thin, or normal SSC on CT scans (including reconstructed Poschl views). Interobserver radiographic interpretation rate between neuroradiologist and otologist. RESULTS: Seven-hundred CT scans (1,400 ears) were reviewed, and 1,188 ears were acceptable for analysis. Twenty-three ears (1.9%) had dehiscent SSC, 185 ears (15.6%) had thin SSC, and 980 ears (82.5%) had normal SSC. Median ages of dehiscent, thin, and normal canals were 5, 7, and 9 years, respectively ( p < 0.05). As age increased, the incidence of dehiscent and thin SCC cases decreased; for example, dehiscent or thin canal existed in 51.4% of children less than 12 months, 17.5% of children between 1 and 2 years, 18.5% of children between 3 and 10 years, and 10.9% of children between 11 and 18 years. The κ value of agreement between neuroradiologist and otologist was 0.814, demonstrating a high value of agreement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiographic SSCD, although uncommon, appears to be more prevalent in younger children, especially infants younger than 12 months. This suggests that the SSC may develop more bony covering with age.

Cochlear trajectory in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: As cochlear implantation increases, surgeons are noting possible anatomical differences in pediatric population. Outcome objectives were to study pediatric temporal bone anatomy using high-resolution temporal bone imaging, and analyze the anatomical differences in group 1 (<12 months) versus group 2 (1-4 years) versus group 3 (5-10 years) versus group 4 (10-18 years). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart and radiologic review. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiologic review of pediatric patients undergoing high-resolution computer tomography of the temporal bones from April 2001 to February 2013 was conducted. Scans were reviewed to record the transmastoid angle and transcanal angle. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty patients were identified. A total of 1,426 ears were reviewed. The age range was 8 days to 21 years. Of the patients, 57.0% (n = 407) were male. The patients were divided into four groups: group 1 (<12 months), group 2 (1-4 years), group 3 (5-10 years), and group 4 (10-18 years). The transmastoid angle was observed to have variability. Significant differences were observed between groups 2 and 3 (P = .0028) and groups 2 and 4 (P = .0432). Analysis on the transcanal angle was performed. Significant differences existed between age groups 1 and 3 (P = .0150), groups 1 and 4 (P = .0038), and groups 2 and 4 (P = .0358). CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variation exists in pediatric temporal bones. The largest difference in the transmastoid angle was seen in children aged 1 to 4 years. The largest variability in the transcanal angle is between the infant (<12 months) and children >4 years of age. These differences are surgically relevant for round window identification and facial nerve safety during cochlear implant surgery in infants.

The Management of Spontaneous Otogenic CSF Leaks: A Presentation of Cases and Review of Literature.

Objective The types of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae were previously classified into defects through, adjacent to, or distal to the otic capsule. This article presents cases of the three different types of spontaneous CSF fistulae and reviews pertinent literature. We examine the management of the different types of otogenic CSF leaks with modern audiovestibular testing, imaging, and surgical techniques. Design Case series and review of the literature. Setting Academic tertiary neurotologic referral practice. Participants Four patients identified through a retrospective search. Main outcome measures Resolution of CSF leak and absence of meningitis. Results Surgical intervention was performed on the four cases described in this series; none had a return of CSF otorrhea in the postoperative period or meningitis. Conclusions Otogenic CSF fistulae may lead to life-threatening infection and in congenital forms are typically not diagnosed unless meningitis has occurred. Rapid and proper recognition, work-up, and treatment of such leaks decrease the risk of permanent neurologic sequelae as well as recurrent meningitis.