Pharyngeal flap outcomes for velopharyngeal insufficiency: Evaluation of speech, obstructive sleep apnea, and velopharyngeal anatomy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the speech outcomes, reveal postoperative rates of obstructive sleep apnea, and characterize changes in the pharyngeal flap and velopharyngeal anatomy following pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency. A retrospective chart was reviewed for patients with clefts who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery between November 2020 and November 2021. The data collected included age, gender, cleft palate type, age at pharyngeal flap surgery, postoperative complications, age and type of primary palatoplasty, preoperative and postoperative speech assessments, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and obstructive sleep apnea outcomes. The authors included 72 nonsyndromic patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery following cleft palate repair. The mean age at pharyngeal flap surgery was 10.6 ± 6.2 years. There was a significant improvement in the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score Hypernasality Component and the nasalance scores of oral syllables (p < 0.001). The obstructive sleep apnea rate after pharyngeal flap surgery was 6.9%. Compared to preoperatively, the velar angle was more acute (p < 0.001), the velar length was longer (p < 0.001), the distance of the velum tip to the posterior pharyngeal wall was shorter (p < 0.001), the size of velopharyngeal gap was narrower (p < 0.001), and the pharyngeal flap atrophied (p < 0.001) at 6 months postoperatively. The pharyngeal flap improved speech outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency with a relatively low incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (6.9%). The velum is positioned more superiorly and posteriorly, and the size of the velopharyngeal gap is substantially reduced after pharyngeal flap surgery. In addition, the pharyngeal flap partially atrophied over time.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Upper Airway Changes After Bimaxillary Surgery of Skeletal Class 3 Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional changes in upper airway space of class 3 patients after surgery with sleep-related breathing disturbance. This is a retrospective cohort study included 25 patients who had undergone bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with maxillary advancement and mandibular setback for skeletal class 3 deformity. The changes in minimum axial area, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway volume were determined by cone-beam computed tomography images, as well as the sleep parameters by polysomnography preoperatively and postoperatively. The impacts of mandibular setback and maxillary advancement amounts on the airway structures were evaluated and compared with other parameters. The results show that pharyngeal volume measurement means were found to be significantly increased postoperatively ( P <0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean values of minimum axial area and sleep parameters after the operation ( P> 0.05). A positive relationship was determined between the oropharyngeal volume and minimum axial area changes at a rate of 60% ( r : 0.600). No relationship was revealed between airway volume changes and polysomnographic parameters. An increase in the total airway volume and no postoperative sleep-related disturbance symptoms were observed in the patients treated by maxillary advancement and mandibular setback surgery.

Sandwich graft technique outcomes in medium and large size nasal septal perforations / Resultados da técnica de enxerto sanduíche em perfurações do septo nasal de médio e grande porte

Abstract Introduction: Surgical treatment of medium and large sized nasal septal perforation is challenging. Techniques with and without interposition grafts are used. Objective: The aim of this study is to explain how we apply the sandwich graft technique that we use in medium and large nasal septal perforations as well as to present the results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the patients who were operated with the sandwich graft technique between January 2014 to December 2018 and followed up for at least 6 months. The demographic data, symptom scores, examination, and surgical findings of the patients were taken from the hospital records. Surgical outcomes were presented according to both perforation etiologies (idiopathic or iatrogenic) and sizes (Group A: < 2cm, Group B: ≥ 2 cm). Results: We reviewed 52 cases and 56 surgeries. The average diameter of the perforations was 19.2 mm. The success rate after initial surgeries was 84.6% (44/52). After 4 revision surgeries, the perforation was closed in 88.5% of the cases (46/52). Success rates for Group A and Group B were 90.0% and 86.4%, respectively (p = 0.689). The success rates in idiopathic and iatrogenic cases were 93.3% and 86.5%, respectively (p = 0.659). Conclusion: This study showed that the success rate of sandwich graft technique was higher in medium-sized perforations than large-sized ones and in idiopathic perforations compared to iatrogenic ones, but the latter rate was not statistically significant. This demonstrated that perforation size was not as important in the sandwich graft technique as in flap techniques.

Resumo Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da perfuração do septo nasal de médio e grande porte ainda é um desafio. Várias técnicas são usadas, com e sem enxertos de interposição. Objetivo: Descrever o uso da técnica de enxerto sanduíche que usamos nas perfurações de septo nasal de médio e grande porte e apresentar os resultados. Método: Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes que foram operados com a técnica de enxerto sanduíche entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2018, com acompanhamento por pelo menos seis meses. Os dados demográficos, escores de sintomas, exames e achados cirúrgicos dos pacientes foram extraídos dos registros hospitalares. Os resultados cirúrgicos foram apresentados de acordo com as etiologias (idiopática ou iatrogênica) e os tamanhos da perfuração (Grupo A: < 2cm, Grupo B: >2cm). Resultados: Revisamos 52 casos e 56 cirurgias. O diâmetro médio das perfurações foi de 19,2 mm. A taxa de sucesso após as cirurgias iniciais foi de 84,6% (44/52). Após quatro cirurgias de revisão, a perfuração foi fechada em 88,5% dos casos (46/52). As taxas de sucesso para os Grupos A e B foram, respectivamente, 90,0% e 86,4% (p = 0,689). As taxas de sucesso nos casos idiopáticos e iatrogênicos foram, respectivamente, 93,3% e 86,5% (p = 0,659). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a taxa de sucesso da técnica de enxerto sanduíche foi maior nas perfurações de médio porte do que nas de grande porte e nas perfurações idiopáticas do que nas iatrogênicas, mas sem significância estatística. Esse dado demonstrou que o tamanho da perfuração não foi tão importante na técnica de enxerto sanduíche quanto nas técnicas com uso de retalho.

Recovery of cyanosis after esophageal intubation in a neonate with tracheal agenesis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal agenesis (TA) is a rare congenital defect that consists of a complete or partial absence of the trachea below the larynx, with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). It is a severe congenital defect with a very high mortality rate. The recommended surgical approach is esophageal ligation and gastrostomy. Despite the progress in reconstructive surgical techniques, the outcome of the anomaly is still very poor. We described a case of TA with a TEF in a female newborn with a hemivertebra, single ventricle, single atrioventricular valve, single atrium, and cardiac left isomerization. CASE: The patient, who was born at 37 weeks of age, was diagnosed with imaging methods, as the cyanosis did not improve despite being intubated many times in the delivery room; the cyanosis improved after esophageal intubation. Despite all life support treatment, the patient died on the fourth day of life. At autopsy, tracheal agenesis was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: In newborns who cannot be intubated in the delivery room or whose lungs cannot be ventilated despite being intubated and whose cyanosis cannot be corrected, tracheal agenesis should be considered and ventilation with esophageal intubation should also be tried.

Covid-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab Related CSF Rhinorrhoea: A case report.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of nasopharyngeal swab samples has increased significantly. In this case report, the treatment of a patient who developed unilateral rhinorrhea after nasopharyngeal swab sample is presented. It is aimed to draw attention to the fact that this complication can be prevented with the appropriate technique during nasopharyngeal swab sampling.

The utility of acoustic pharyngometry in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients with expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty surgery.

PURPOSE: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) is a common surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which aims to correct the obstruction at the palatal level. The effectiveness of ESP has been widely shown in the literature using surgical success rates, but to our knowledge, there is no research which documents the changes in the upper airway anatomy objectively. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty using acoustic pharyngometry. We also aimed to study the possible utility of acoustic pharyngometry in predicting surgical outcomes. METHODS: Pre- and post-operative acoustic pharyngometry and polysomnography data of patients who underwent expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty were compared prospectively. Minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and total volume of the pharynx (TPV), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and surgical success rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with OSA were invited to this study, and 35 patients who agreed to participate were enrolled. All patients underwent ESP surgery. Surgical success rate was 63% according to Sher's criteria. The mean AHI of the patients decreased from 29.6 ± 16.3 to 18.3 ± 18.1. MCA increased from 1.1 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.4 cm2, and TPV increased from 21.1 ± 6.9 to 31.7 ± 5.5 cm3. Comparative analysis of the successful and unsuccessful groups yielded no significant differences between the groups concerning pre- and post-operative MCA and TPV or in mean changes in MCA and TPV achieved with the surgery. CONCLUSION: Improvement in the upper airway anatomy by expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty can be clearly demonstrated using acoustic pharyngometry. Acoustic pharyngometry findings are quite similar in patients with successful and unsuccessful outcomes; therefore, pharyngometry findings cannot be used to predict surgical success; and surgical success cannot be solely attributed to the changes in MCA and TPV.

Supine or non-supine apnea; which can be treated better with expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty?

OBJECTIVES: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty is a well-known palatal correction surgery applied for obstructive sleep apnea patients. Even though high success rates are reported, in some patients, the desired outcome cannot be achieved. Therefore, patient selection is crucial to avoid undesirable outcomes. In this study we present our results with expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, and we aim to show the difference between supine and non-supine apnea in terms of their response to the surgery, in order to utilize position dependency for selection of surgical candidates. METHODS: Pre- and post-operative polysomnography results of patients who underwent expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty were analyzed retrospectively. Total AHI, supine AHI, non-supine AHI, supine/non-supine AHI ratio and surgical success values are compared. RESULTS: 85 patients were included to the study. Mean AHI significantly decreased from 48.7 ± 27.99 to 26.37 ± 21.16 with the surgery. Surgical success rate was found to be 51.8%. Both supine and non-supine apnea decreased significantly with the surgery, but the decrease was significantly higher in non-supine apnea (20.6% to 39.1% respectively, p = 0.016). There was significant negative correlation between pre-operative supine to non-supine AHI ratio and the change in AHI, showing that supine dominant patients had less improvement with the surgery (r = 0.274, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty is an effective surgery which achieves significant improvement in AHI. Non-supine respiratory events respond better to the surgery than supine events.

Sandwich graft technique outcomes in medium and large size nasal septal perforations.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of medium and large sized nasal septal perforation is challenging. Techniques with and without interposition grafts are used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explain how we apply the sandwich graft technique that we use in medium and large nasal septal perforations as well as to present the results. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patients who were operated with the sandwich graft technique between January 2014 to December 2018 and followed up for at least 6 months. The demographic data, symptom scores, examination, and surgical findings of the patients were taken from the hospital records. Surgical outcomes were presented according to both perforation etiologies (idiopathic or iatrogenic) and sizes (Group A: < 2 cm, Group B: ≥ 2 cm). RESULTS: We reviewed 52 cases and 56 surgeries. The average diameter of the perforations was 19.2 mm. The success rate after initial surgeries was 84.6% (44/52). After 4 revision surgeries, the perforation was closed in 88.5% of the cases (46/52). Success rates for Group A and Group B were 90.0% and 86.4%, respectively (p = 0.689). The success rates in idiopathic and iatrogenic cases were 93.3% and 86.5%, respectively (p = 0.659). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the success rate of sandwich graft technique was higher in medium-sized perforations than large-sized ones and in idiopathic perforations compared to iatrogenic ones, but the latter rate was not statistically significant. This demonstrated that perforation size was not as important in the sandwich graft technique as in flap techniques.

Results of coblation midline glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of coblation midline glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when used as an isolated procedure. We also aim to compare the effect of this surgical procedure on supine and non-supine apnea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent isolated tongue base surgery as a part of step-wise surgeries between January 2014 and February 2019 are retrospectively reviewed. Pre-operative and post-operative Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), body mass index (BMI), and polysomnographic data, including the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), supine AHI, and non-supine AHI of the patients were compared. RESULTS: The study included 29 patients (26 male and 3 female). AHI improved significantly, decreasing from 34.9 ± 20.9 to 25.8 ± 17.6. Supine AHI decreased from 62.55 ± 28.23 to 55.18 ± 31.67 post-operatively, but this decrease was not significant. Non-supine AHI decreased significantly from 22.49 ± 24.02 to 14.08 ± 17.46. ESS and ODI also improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Coblation midline glossectomy is an effective surgical procedure when applied solely, with a success rate of 52%. Non-supine apnea benefits to a greater degree than supine apnea from this surgical procedure.

Assessment of the relationship between polysomnography parameters and plasma malondialdehyde levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: The relationship of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) with major parameters of PSG was investigated to find out if there was a correlation between these variables. METHODS: Polysomnograms were done on a total of 37 adults who do not have a history of any systemic illness, smoking, and supplement use. Plasma MDA measurements and their relationship with PSG parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean MDA concentrations in patients with lower AHI values were also lower than those in the patients with higher AHI (p < 0.001). Higher predominance of apnea in patients with similar AHI values, longer mean apnea durations, O2 saturation dips to < 90%, and higher ODI values predicted higher plasma MDA concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Higher oxidative stress measurements predicted more severe clinical picture. These findings show that oxidative stress measurement with MDA may provide a simple tool to screen patients for OSA and help select them for PSG study appropriately, if indicated.

Huge Dentigerous Cyst in the Maxillary Sinus: A Rare Case in Childhood.

Dentigerous cyst (DC) is the second most common type of odontogenic cyst. It is thought to have a developmental origin, arising from an anomaly in the reduced dental epithelium. Rarely seen in early childhood, DC is mostly prevalent among people aged between 20 and 40. The most common location of DC is the mandibular third molar, more rarely occurring in the maxillary sinus. Enucleation is the standard treatment. Herein, we report an 11-year-old boy with DC that developed into the maxillary sinus, measuring 5×2.5×1.7 cm. We also present an evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment of this type of DC.

The serum leptin level in non-obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the serum leptin level in non-obese OSA patients. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included non-obese OSA patients that presented with sleep-related disturbances and underwent polysomnography (PSG) between April 2015 and June 2016. The serum leptin level was measured and its relationship to PSG parameters was investigated. RESULTS: The study included 73 OSA patients (20 female and 53 male) with a mean age of 41.1±11.5 years and mean body-mass index (BMI) of 26.4±2.7kgm-2. The serum leptin level in 44 patients with moderate/severe OSA (AHI ≥15) was 3.4±2.6ngmL-1, versus 4.5±3.8ngmL-1 in 29 patients with snoring/mild OSA (AHI <15) (P=0.20). There were not any correlations between any of the PSG parameters and the serum leptin level, but there was a significant correlation between the leptin level and BMI (r=0.345, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The serum leptin level does not differ significantly between non-obese OSA patients with moderate/severe and snoring/mild OSA. Obesity is the primary factor associated with the serum leptin level.

Effects of Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index and Heart Rate Variability.

PURPOSE: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive and sensitive method used to evaluate autonomic function of the heart based on specific polysomnographic parameters. This study aimed to determine the effect of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) on HRV and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hacettepe University Hospital (Ankara, Turkey), were diagnosed with OSA, and underwent ESP. Patient medical records, including demographic data, polysomnographic findings, and HRV parameters, were reviewed. The predictor variable was the effect of ESP on the AHI and the primary outcome variables were HRV parameters. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed using χ2 test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mean age of the 28 patients (20 men and 8 women) was 43 ± 9.9 years. Surgical success (AHI, <20; 50% decrease in the AHI) was achieved in 16 patients (57.1%). The AHI decreased in 22 patients (78.6%) but increased in 6 patients (21.4%) after ESP. The ratio of low-frequency power (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) decreased significantly in the patients with successful surgery and in those whose AHI decreased after surgery (P = .02 and P = .001, respectively). For the change in the LF/HF ratio, 19 patients had a decrease in sympathetic activity, whereas 9 had an increase in sympathetic activity, after ESP. A decrease in sympathetic activity after ESP was significantly associated with surgical success and a decrease in the AHI (P = .033 and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: ESP is an effective surgical option for the treatment of OSA and lowers the AHI. Successful ESP plays a role in decreasing sympathetic activity of the heart, which might be associated with a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Anterior Glottic Web Formation for Voice Feminization: Experience of 27 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Voice feminization is needed for male-to-female transsexuals, males with testicular feminization, and females with constitutional androphonia. Anterior glottic web formation affords advantages: endoscopic surgery without skin incision and scar, outpatient surgery, potential reversibility, and low risk for vocal fold and airway damage. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nonrandomized prospective cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 27 cases of androphonia were treated with endoscopic anterior glottic web formation. Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30); acoustic analysis with /a/ including F0, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio; and acoustic analysis of connected speech for speaking F0 were determined pre- and postoperatively. Patients and medical students rated pre- and postoperative voices as feminine, masculine, or neither. RESULTS: The pre- and postoperative mean total VHI scores of patients were 38 and 24, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Their pre- and postoperative mean F0 and speaking F0 were 152 and 158 and 195 and 200 Hz, respectively; these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Their pre- and postoperative acoustic analysis results were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Seven patients (26%) needed laser reduction glottoplasty for voice feminization because they were not satisfied with the voice result. Patients' self-evaluations of their postoperative voice revealed 20 feminine, 2 masculine, and 5 neither results, giving a rise to patient satisfaction rate of 74%. Medical students rated 85% of postoperative voice samples as feminine, giving rise to overall success rate of 85%. CONCLUSION: Anterior commissure web formation is a successful surgical option for voice feminization. However, additional surgery may be necessary for patient satisfaction.

The status of the middle turbinate and the risk of sinusitis after endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy.

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the occurrence of postoperative middle turbinate lateralization and the relationship between this lateralization and the risk of iatrogenic sinusitis after endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy procedure. Patients who undergone endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy and came under the surveillance of our otorhinolaryngology department between the January of 2010 and the December of 2015 were retrospectively scanned. Among them, the patients who were evaluated with paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) postoperatively were included in the study. The amount of middle turbinate lateralization in each patient was evaluated by comparing their routine preoperative CT image with the postoperative CT image. The air-fluid levels or soft tissue opacifications in the sinuses or obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex were accepted as the evidence of sinusitis on the images. The patients were asked questions regarding their symptoms of sinusitis on a phone interview for the statistical evaluation of their preoperative and postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores of complaints of sinusitis. The difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001, 95% CI). The middle turbinate position was lateralized in 31 patients (81.6%), medialized in four patients (10.5%), and remained unchanged in three patients (7.9%). Overall, the sinus opacification and mucosal thickening rates did not change significantly which suggested the operation did not pose patients at increased risk of sinusitis. Mean VAS scores of complaints of sinusitis did not change significantly except for sensation of facial pressure, which showed a minor but statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001). This study revealed the lateralization of the middle turbinate after transnasal sphenoidotomy. However, it seemed that this lateralization did not create a predisposing factor for the development of acute and chronic sinusitis.

Parapharyngeal giant ganglioneuroma with multifocal bone involvement in a pediatric female patient.

Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor that originates from neural crest. Tumor tends to be slow growing, asymptomatic but can cause symptoms because of pressure to neighboring structures. In the head and neck region they are relatively rarely seen. We hereby present a rare case of multiple ganglioneuromas that were located in parapharyngeal space, iliac bone and other bones in a 13-year-old girl. Patient underwent surgery for the excision of a large mass, extending from parapharyngeal space to neck, with transparotid and transcervical combined approach. After operation, MIBG (iodine-123-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) scintigraphy was performed and involvement of parietooccipital bone, lumbal vertebra, right iliac wing medial cortex and left humerus were detected. No adjuvant therapy was given to the patient. There is no evidence of recurrence in the head and neck region in the following 12 months. In conclusion, complete surgical excision of the tumor, if possible, is the treatment of choice with high success rate. Close clinical and radiological follow-up for these tumors after surgery should be made.

Sole effect of genioglossus advancement on apnea hypopnea index of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

CONCLUSION: Selected patients might have benefited from genioglossus advancement (GA), even it was applied solely. GA provided significant reduction on the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), with a 53% surgical success. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of GA on AHI of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHOD: From January 2008 to April 2014 patients who underwent a genioglossus advancement procedure alone were included into the study and records of these cases were analyzed retrospectively. Pre-operative and post-operative values of body mass index (BMI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), nocturnal polysomnographic data including AHI, mean, and minimum oxygen saturation were compared. RESULTS: There were 16 males and one female patient with the mean age of 46 years. The AHI showed a significant reduction from 27.5 ± 8 pre-operatively to 17.3 ± 12.6 post-operatively. The pre-operative and post-operative mean O2 saturation value improved from 92.1 ± 2.4% to 93.4 ± 1.7%. Pre-operative ESS scores decreased significantly from 7.7 ± 1.6 to 4.8 ± 1.9. There were no significant difference between pre- and post-operative values of BMI and minimum O2 saturation. The success rate was found to be 53%, which was based on success criteria as an AHI of <20 with at least 50% reduction.

Submandibular gland pleomorphic adenoma in a seven-year-old child: a case report.

Salivary gland neoplasms are rare in the pediatric age group. Pleomorphic adenomas in the submandibular gland are rarer. In this article, we present a seven-year-old female with a slowly growing mass in her right submandibular area. The firm, mobile and painless mass was about 2x3 cm in size and with bimanual palpation it was indiscriminated from the submandibular gland. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed a heterogeneous and minimally lobulated mass within the submandibular gland with clearly defined borders. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and we performed right submandibular gland excision under general anesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma with sparse mitotic figures that may be interpreted as having a potential of malignant transformation. This patient who was followed up for one year without any complication is to our knowledge the youngest case cited in the English-language literature.

Inner ear involvement in Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess cochlear involvement and hearing loss in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHOD: Forty-two patients with BD and 24 sex and age matched healthy subjects were included in the study. pure-tone audiometry including high frequencies (250-16000Hz) and DPOAE were performed to all participants. Results of the audiological evaluation were compared and correlation between the audiologic status and clinical manifestations of the BD were investigated. RESULTS: Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was detected in 27 (64.3%) patients. Hearing thresholds were found to be higher in patients with BD at all of the frequencies except at 500Hz when compared to control group (p<0.05). The difference in the hearing levels tend to increase in high frequencies. Compared with control group, distortion products and SNR of the BD patients were lower in all of the tested frequencies (p<0.05) which indicates weaker outer hair cell motility. There was no correlation between the clinical manifestations and the audiological parameters. CONCLUSION: Even having hearing levels within normal limits in speech frequencies, increased hearing thresholds in high frequencies and decreased signal-noise ratios (SNR) in distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) indicate a cochlear involvement in patients with BD.