The importance of bone density and anatomical structure in superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the importance of bone density, surface area, and diameter of anatomical structures of the superior semicircular canal (SSC), lateral semicircular canal (LSC), posterior semicircular canal (PSC), utricle, and saccule in patients diagnosed with superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone density, surface area, and diameter of SSC, LSC, PSC, utricle, and saccule were measured and compared between the SSCD group and control group. Fifteen ears in the SSCD group and 60 ears in the control group were evaluated. Additionally, within the SSCD group, the dehiscent and healthy sides were evaluated independently. RESULTS: SSC's bone density was significantly lower in the SSCD group compared to the control group (p = 0.008). No significant differences were found in surface area and diameter between the groups (p > 0.05). While most of the anatomical structures showed no significant difference in bone density between dehiscent and healthy ears (p > 0.05), SSC bone density was significantly lower in affected ears (p = 0.000) in SSCD group. CONCLUSION: Based on the data obtained in this study, bone density and anatomical structure may be useful in patients diagnosed with SSCD.

Semicircular canals are long in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: To search for any morphological variation contributing to aetiopathogenesis and the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, we measured the sizes of the semicircular canals in patients with and without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: Cranial bone computed tomography images of 30 benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients and 30 control patients were acquired with a 128-slice computed tomography scanner and a transverse plane with a thickness of 0.67 mm. The inner diameter, height and width of the canals were measured. RESULTS: The width of the anterior semicircular canals, and the width and height of the posterior semicircular canals of the affected ears in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients (n = 30) were significantly greater than in the control patients (n = 90; p = 0.001, p = 0.023, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients, the posterior and anterior semicircular canals are longer than those in people without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. These morphological changes may contribute to elucidating the aetiopathogenesis and be used as a radiological sign for diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo disease.

Dehiscence or thinning of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to evaluate a relationship between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal (SSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 (114 ears) individuals, 20 of whom were controls and 37 of whom were IIH, were included in the study. Individuals were evaluated with 0.8 mm slice thickness computed tomography (CT) images for SSC bony roof thickness and SSCD. Thickness of the bony roof over the SSC was graded from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Grade 3 was defined as pre-dehiscence and Grade 4 as dehiscence. RESULTS: Bony roof thickness was 1.25 mm in the control group and 0.76 mm in the IIH group. When bony roof thickness was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly thinner in the IIH group (p = 0.012). In the IIH group, while dehiscence was detected in 25 of 74 ears, no dehiscence was detected in 49 ears. In the control group, while dehiscence was detected in 5 ears, no dehiscence was detected in 35 ears. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.015). The correlation between bony roof thickness and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in the IIH group was not statistically significant (p = 0.343; rho = 0.110). The correlation between bony roof thickness and age in the IIH group was not statistically significant (p = 0.082; rho = - 0.164). CONCLUSION: Increased CSF pressure in patients with IIH may cause chronic, progressive, and irreversible damage to the bone of the SSC and, according to our study, the rate of SSCD was found to be high in IIH patients.

Comparison of Isotonic Seawater Nasal Spray Containing Chamomile Liquid Extract and Other Isotonic Seawater Nasal Washing Solutions for Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to demonstrate the effect of an isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract on symptoms and nasal mucociliary clearance in patients with allergic rhinitis by comparing it with other isotonic seawater nasal washing solutions. METHODS: The study included 123 patients. Based on Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines, mometasone furoate intranasal spray treatment was started for all patients in the group diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. In addition to this treatment, isotonic seawater spray with chamomile liquid extract was added to Group A, isotonic seawater spray to Group B, and isotonic seawater nasal irrigation to Group C. The fourth group (Group D) was given only nasal steroid spray without nasal washing treatment. Before and after treatment in all patients, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 was performed, and nasal mucociliary clearance times were measured by the saccharin test. RESULTS: The differences in duration of nasal mucociliary clearance and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 values were taken before and after treatment. In Group A, B, C, and D the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 differences were statistically significant (P ≤.001; P ≤ .001; P ≤ .001, and P = .048, respectively). Only Group A and Group B experienced a significant difference in nasal mucociliary clearance times (P ≤ .001; P = .010, respectively). When the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 score and nasal mucociliary clearance time differences before and after treatment were compared between all groups, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score difference was higher in Group A than in Groups B, C, and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .003; P ≤ .001, respectively). The nasal mucociliary clearance time difference was higher in Group A than in Groups C and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract is seen as a good alternative treatment option for allergic rhinitis patients.