Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 mRNA Expression with Subtypes of Pediatric Cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesteatoma is a clinically heterogeneous disease, with some patients showing spontaneous regression, while others experiencing an aggressive, lethal disease. Cholesteatoma in children can be divided into two types: congenital and acquired. Identifying good prognostic markers is needed to help select patients who will require immediate surgical intervention. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) was previously reported to play an important role in cholesteatoma progression, by promoting bone destruction and keratinocyte infiltration. Herein, we analyzed MMP2 mRNA expression level in cholesteatoma using RNA-in situ hybridization in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. METHODS: Sixty patients with cholesteatoma under 15 years old, who underwent their primary surgery at Aichi Medical University's Otolaryngology Department, were analyzed for MMP2 expression level, using RNA-in situ hybridization. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in MMP2 mRNA expression level between congenital cholesteatoma and acquired cholesteatomas. In congenital cholesteatoma, higher MMP2 signals were observed in the open type than in the closed type (p < 0.001). In acquired cholesteatoma, higher MMP2 signals were observed in the pars tensa than in the pars flaccida (p < 0.001). MMP2 mRNA expression level was almost exclusively found in the fibroblasts or in the inflammatory cells in the stroma, but not in the epithelium. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that MMP2 mRNA expression level is strongly associated with the subtypes of cholesteatoma. The findings suggest that the level of expression of MMP2 mRNA may be related to the pathogenesis and aggressive features of cholesteatoma.

Availability of audiological evaluation for the differential diagnosis of clinical otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The availability of an audiological evaluation for the differential diagnosis of clinical otosclerosis (OS) was examined. METHODS: Included were 98 patients (107 ears) with OS and 19 patients (20 ears) with incudostapedial disconnection (ISD) diagnosed by surgery between 2009 and 2017 at Aichi University Hospital. Results of preoperative pure-tone audiometry and impedance audiometry were analyzed. The most reliable index for distinguishing the two diseases was evaluated, and the cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, age, static compliance, reversed ipsilateral acoustic reflex (reversed IAR) at 0.5 kHz and 2 kHz, negative contralateral acoustic reflex (negative CAR), difference between the air-bone gap at 0.25 and 2 kHz (0.25-2 kHzABG) and that at 0.25 and 4 kHz (0.25-4 kHzABG) showed statistical significance between the two diseases, whereas the Carhart notch did not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis by the variable selection method showed that reversed IAR (0.5 kHz), negative CAR, and 0.25-4 kHzABG were statistically significantly better factors for the differential diagnosis of the two diseases. The receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosing OS using the difference between air-bone gap at 0.25 kHz and 4 kHz showed moderate accuracy. If the cut-off value of 0.25-4 kHzABG was 10 dB, then the sensitivity and specificity were 81.1% and 55.0%, respectively. In other words, if the cut-off value of 0.25-4 kHzABG was less than 10 dB, then the possibility of diagnosing ISD becomes higher, and if greater than 10 dB, then the possibility of diagnosing OS becomes higher. CONCLUSION: The differences in the air-bone gap at low and high frequency in pure-tone audiometry, static compliance, and acoustic reflex in impedance audiometry are useful for distinguishing OS from ISD. However, combinations of several examinations including computed tomography imaging are needed for the differential diagnosis of other ear diseases and specific preoperative planning.

Case of malignant transformation of vagus nerve schwannoma to angiosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: It is known that benign tumors have the potential for malignant transformation. Malignant transformation of vagus nerve schwannoma to angiosarcoma is very rare. METHODS: We report a case of malignant transformation in which the initial diagnosis was subsequently altered to angiosarcoma originating from the vagus nerve. We compared the findings of MRI and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) at initial diagnosis with those after malignant transformation. RESULTS: MRI revealed that the mass property had been changed from the initial tumor; also the FNA findings were significantly different from those in the previous ones. The patient had significant clinical progression with multiple cranial neuropathies and died. CONCLUSION: Schwannomas sometimes undergo malignant transformation; therefore, surgery should be recommended. If follow-up observation is chosen, MRI and FNA should be regular and patients should sign a statement acknowledging awareness of the potential for malignant transformation.

Case of partial vertical laryngectomy with vocal cord reconstruction using a thyroid gland flap.

BACKGROUND: To preserve laryngeal function in early-stage laryngeal cancer, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are performed more often than surgery as initial treatment. However, in recurrent cases, complex salvage surgery is often required as patients who received aggressive chemoradiotherapy are susceptible to postoperative complications. We report here salvage therapy that preserved laryngeal function in a recurrent case. METHODS: A 52-year-old man with recurrent laryngeal cancer (rT2N0M0) after chemoradiotherapy and followed by induction chemotherapy underwent partial vertical laryngectomy and right vocal cord reconstruction with a thyroid flap. RESULTS: Laryngeal functions were successfully preserved and the patient was discharged 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The number of salvage surgeries performed after high-dose chemotherapy and radiation is expected to increase in the future. A thyroid gland flap promises to be an effective treatment option for vocal cord reconstruction especially for patients at high risk of postchemoradiotherapy complications.

3D-FLAIR MRI findings in patients with low-tone sudden deafness.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that alterations in the composition of inner ear fluid play important roles in the development of low-tone sudden deafness (LTSD). High-intensity signals on three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) may reflect an increased concentration of protein in the inner ear due to the increased permeability of blood vessels. Disordered blood flow in the inner ear is associated with an increased permeability of the blood-labyrinth barrier. Therefore, the disordered blood flow in the cochlea may be closely related to the pathophysiological mechanisms of LTSD. OBJECTIVES: The 3D-FLAIR sequence has been used to detect alterations in the composition of inner ear fluid. The purpose of this study was to report imaging findings in cases of LTSD. METHODS: 3D-FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging was performed in five women with nonrecurrent-type LTSD. RESULTS: Three of the five patients (60%) showed high-intensity signals in the cochlear basal turn on precontrast 3D-FLAIR. Postcontrast enhancement was not prominent in any patient. In patient 1, the cochlea of the unaffected side showed high-intensity signals. No patients had such signals in the vestibulae or the semicircular canals.