Evaluation of inner ear damage by mastoid drilling with measurement of serum prestin (SLC26A5) levels.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to demonstrate any inner ear injury caused by drilling in mastoid surgery with prestin, outer hair cell motor protein specific to the cochlea. METHODS: The patients with chronic otitis media requiring mastoidectomy (n = 21) and myringoplasty (n = 21) were included. Serum prestin level obtained from blood samples was measured before surgery and on postoperative days 0, 3, and 7 using Human Prestin (SLC26A5) ELISA Kit. All patients underwent the Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test before surgery and on the postoperative 7th day. The drilling time was also recorded for all patients who underwent mastoidectomy. RESULTS: In both mastoidectomy and myringoplasty groups, the postoperative serum prestin levels increased on days 0 and 7 (pday-0 = 0.002, pday-7 = 0.001 and pday-0 = 0.005, pday-7 = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the serum prestin levels between the two groups, postoperatively. The PTA thresholds at day 7 did not change in either group. A significant decline at 2000 Hz of bone conduction hearing threshold in both groups and a decline at 4000 Hz in the myringoplasty group were found. There was no correlation between the drilling time and the increase of prestin levels in the postoperative day 0, 3, and 7. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that mastoid drilling is not related to a significant inner ear injury. Although the myringoplasty group was not exposed to drill trauma, there was a similar increase in serum prestin levels as the mastoidectomy group. Also, a significant decline at 2000 Hz of bone conduction hearing threshold in both groups and a decline at 4000 Hz in the myringoplasty group were found. These findings suggest that suction and ossicular manipulation trauma can lead to an increase in serum prestin levels and postoperative temporary or permanent SNHL at 2000 and 4000 Hz. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-4.

Evaluation of inner ear damage by mastoid drilling with measurement of serum prestin (SLC26A5) levels

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to demonstrate any inner ear injury caused by drilling in mastoid surgery with prestin, outer hair cell motor protein specific to the cochlea. Methods The patients with chronic otitis media requiring mastoidectomy (n= 21) and myringoplasty (n= 21) were included. Serum prestin level obtained from blood samples was measured before surgery and on postoperative days 0, 3, and 7 using Human Prestin (SLC26A5) ELISA Kit. All patients underwent the Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test before surgery and on the postoperative 7th day. The drilling time was also recorded for all patients who underwent mastoidectomy. Results In both mastoidectomy and myringoplasty groups, the postoperative serum prestin levels increased on days 0 and 7 (pday-0 = 0.002, pday-7 = 0.001 and pday-0 = 0.005, pday-7 = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the serum prestin levels between the two groups, postoperatively. The PTA thresholds at day 7 did not change in either group. A significant decline at 2000 Hz of bone conduction hearing threshold in both groups and a decline at 4000 Hz in the myringoplasty group were found. There was no correlation between the drilling time and the increase of prestin levels in the postoperative day 0, 3, and 7. Conclusion Our results showed that mastoid drilling is not related to a significant inner ear injury. Although the myringoplasty group was not exposed to drill trauma, there was a similar increase in serum prestin levels as the mastoidectomy group. Also, a significant decline at 2000 Hz of bone conduction hearing threshold in both groups and a decline at 4000 Hz in the myringoplasty group were found. These findings suggest that suction and ossicular manipulation trauma can lead to an increase in serum prestin levels and postoperative temporary or permanent SNHL at 2000 and 4000 Hz. Level of evidence: Level-4.

Colesteatoma congénito: revisión de la literatura / Congenital cholesteatoma: literature review

El colesteatoma congénito es una entidad clínica única y desafiante, que se caracteriza por acumulación anormal de queratina en el oído medio, medial a la membrana timpánica. Se presenta, mayoritariamente, en el género masculino, con una incidencia estimada de 0.12 por 100.000 habitantes, representando el 4% a 24% de los colesteatomas en población pediátrica y un 2% a 5% del total de colesteatomas. Su origen aún es controversial, siendo la teoría más aceptada, la del arresto epitelial. Su diagnóstico es clínico, variando la sintomatología según severidad del compromiso, presentándose desde hallazgo incidental, hipoacusia de conducción, hasta presentar otalgia y perforación timpánica. Las imágenes se consideran un apoyo complementario preoperatorio. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, con diferentes técnicas disponibles, las cuales se deben definir de manera individual en el caso de cada paciente. Es fundamental su diagnóstico y manejo precoz, para lograr un tratamiento oportuno con menor tasa de complicaciones y compromiso a largo plazo. A continuación, se presenta una revisión de la literatura respecto de esta patología, para difusión en nuestro medio.

Congenital cholesteatoma (CC) is a unique and challenging clinical entity characterized by abnormal accumulation of keratin in the middle ear, medial to the tympanic membrane, being more frequent in the male gender, with an estimated incidence of 0.12 per 100,000 inhabitants. It represents 4% to 24% of cholesteatomas in the pediatric population and 2% to 5% of all cholesteatomas. Its cause is still controversial, the most accepted theory being epithelial arrest. The diagnosis is clinical, varying the symptoms according to the severity of the compromise, from incidental finding, through conduction hearing loss, to presenting otalgia and tympanic perforation. Images are considered additional preoperative support. Treatment is predominantly surgical, with different techniques available, which must be defined individually. Its early discovery and management are essential to achieve proper treatment with a lower rate of complications and long-term commitment. We present a review of the literature regarding CC to provide information relevant to our area of expertise.

A three-dimensionally printed otological model for cholesteatoma mastoidectomy training.

PURPOSE: To relate the creation and expert validation (face and content validity) of an affordable three-dimensional (3-D) printed model of temporal bones with chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (COMC) as a simulator for mastoidectomy. METHODS: We performed computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones of a patient with COMC followed at the University of São Paulo (USP) Hospital with 3-D Slicer to create a 3-D model of the affected bone using light-curing resin and silicone (cholesteatoma). The final 3-D printed images were scored by 10 otologists using a customized version of the Michigan Standard Simulation Scale Experience (MiSSES). Internal consistency and inter-rater reliability were assessed using Cronbach's α and intraclass correlations. RESULTS: Otologists consistently scored the model positively for fidelity, educational value, reactions, and the overall model quality. Nine otologists agreed that the model was a good educational device for surgical training of COMC. All experts deemed the model ready-or nearly ready-for use. The final cost of the model, including raw materials and manufacturing, was 120 USD. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3-D printing technology, we created the first anatomically accurate, low-cost, disease-reproducing 3-D model of temporal bones for mastoidectomy training for cholesteatoma.

Concordancia entre hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos en pacientes sometidos a mastoidectomía / Concordance between radiological and surgical findings in patients undergoing mastoidectomy

Introducción: Existe gran controversia acerca de los signos radiológicos de la patología de oído medio y su relación con la extensión real de la patología que nos sugiera decidir un comportamiento determinado. Objetivo: establecer la concordancia entre los hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos encontrados en pacientes sometidos a mastoidectomía. Material y Método: Diseño observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de prueba diagnóstica. Se revisó fichas clínicas y se especificó el tipo de cirugía junto con los hallazgos intra-quirúrgicos. Resultados: se observó erosión de la cadena osicular intraoperatoria en 75 pacientes, 63 predichos correctamente por tomografía computada (TC), con sensibilidad del 84% y especificidad del 94% (k = 0,625). Se detectó erosión del tegmen tympani en nueve pacientes por TC de los 10, con un VPP = 90% y un VPN = 95% (k = 0,809). Hubo sospecha de erosión del canal semicircular lateral en cinco pacientes y se encontró dehiscencias intraoperatorias en 12, sin falsos positivos (k = 0,554). La TC detectó dehiscencia del canal del nervio facial con sensibilidad del 55% y especificidad del 98% (k = 0,636). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la TC preoperatoria con evidencia radiológica de erosión osicular tiene una buena a muy buena concordancia con los hallazgos intraoperatorios.

Introduction: There is a great controversy about the radiological signs of middle ear pathology and its relation with the real extension of the pathology that suggests us to decide a certain medical choice. Aim: To establish concordance between radiological and surgical findings in patients submitted to mastoidectomy. Material and Method: An observational and descriptive design of retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic test. Clinical records were reviewed to specify the type of surgery and intraoperative findings. Results: Intraoperative ossicular chain erosion was observed in 75 patients, 63 were correctly predicted by computed tomography (CT), with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 94% (k = 0.625). Tegmen tympani erosion was detected by CT in 9 patients out of 10, with a PPV = 90% and NPV = 95% (k = 0.809). There was suspected lateral semicircular canal erosion in 5 patients and intraoperative dehiscence was found in 12, with no false positives (k = 0.554). CT detected facial nerve canal dehiscence with sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 98% (k = 0.636). Conclusion: The results suggest that preoperative CT with radiological evidence of ossicular erosion has good to very good agreement with intraoperative findings.

Modelos de simulación para entrenamiento en cirugía de hueso temporal / Temporal bone surgery simulation-training models

El fresado de hueso temporal (HT) es un desafío para los otorrinolaringólogos. Este procedimiento requiere un conocimiento detallado de esta zona anatómicamente compleja y un dominio de la técnica quirúrgica. La exposición a una mastoidectomía simple o mastoidectomía radical varía entre residentes y distintos programas de especialidad y, frecuentemente, no se cumple el número requerido para la curva de aprendizaje durante la formación. Por lo anterior, surge la necesidad de realizar simulación quirúrgica de fresado de HT. El gold standard para su entrenamiento son los modelos cadavéricos, sin embargo, su costo y baja disponibilidad representan una limitación importante. Los modelos de simulación no cadavéricos podrían jugar un rol importante en el entrenamiento de esta cirugía. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura sobre los modelos de simulación disponibles en fresado de HT. Se encontraron estudios sobre modelos cadavéricos, basados en impresión 3D, realidad virtual y de bajo costo. Los modelos de impresión 3D y realidad virtual han sido evaluados favorablemente en cuanto a adquisición de habilidades, aprendizaje de anatomía, similitud con modelos cadavéricos y sensación táctil. Los modelos de impresión 3D presentan mayor fidelidad anatómica y física, pero tienen un mayor costo. En suma, se han desarrollado modelos de fresado de HT no cadavéricos que cuentan, principalmente, con validez de apariencia y contenido, y solo algunos con validez de constructo. Se necesitan más estudios para evaluar su validez predictiva y transferencia de habilidades al paciente real.

Temporal bone (TB) dissection is a challenging procedure for otolaryngologists. It requires a detailed knowledge of this anatomically complex area and mastery of the surgical technique. Exposure to a simple or radical mastoidectomy may vary among residents and specialty programs, frequently not complying with the required number of surgeries to complete the learning curve during residency. Hence, TB dissection simulation is of great importance. The gold standard for simulated training are cadaveric models, nevertheless, the associated high cost and low availability represent a major limitation for this modality. Non-cadaveric simulation models could play a key role in simulated training for this surgery. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the available simulation models for TB dissection was conducted. Articles for cadaveric, 3D-printed, virtual reality and low-cost models were identified. 3D-printed and virtual reality models have been favorably evaluated in terms of skill acquisition, anatomy learning, similarity to cadaveric models, and tactile sensation. 3D-printed models present superior anatomic and physical fidelity, but are more expensive. In sum, the current non-cadaveric models for TB dissection mostly present face and content validity, while few models count with construct validity. Further studies are required to assess predictive validity and skill transfer to the real patient.

O uso do retalho de fáscia parietotemporal no tratamento do colesteatoma recidivado: caso clínico / The use of parietotemporal fascia flap in the treatment of recurrent cholesteatoma: clinical case

O colesteatoma consiste em um processo inflamatório que resulta na migração do epitélio escamoso queratinizado para o ouvido médio. Embora considerada uma entidade histopatologicamente benigna, pode se comportar de forma bastante agressiva sendo uma importante causa de surdez em todos os países. Descarga, dor, ruptura do tímpano com extensão para o ouvido interno levando à surdez e vertigem, são as manifestações clínicas mais comuns. O tratamento consiste na excisão cirúrgica de todo o epitélio estranho da orelha média. As recorrências podem chegar a 50% e são um desafio para os médicos de ouvido, nariz e garganta. Neste relato de caso descrevemos um caso de colesteatoma recorrente adquirido em um hospital terciário em Portugal, tratado com ablação radical de ouvido médio e cavidade mastóide pelos médicos otorrinolaringologistas. A opção reconstrutiva escolhida foi a obliteração do espaço morto com retalho fascial temporo-parietal pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica.

Cholesteatoma consists of an inflmmatory process that results in the migration of squamous keratinized epithelium into the middle ear. Although regarded as a histopathologically benign entity it can behave quite aggressively being an important cause of deafness in all countries. Ear discharge, pain, ear drum rupture with extension into the inner ear leading to deafness and vertigo, are the most common clinical manifestations. Treatment consists of surgically excising all the foreign epithelium from the middle ear. Recurrences can be as high as 50% and are a challenge to Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. In this case report we describe a case of an acquired recurrent cholesteatoma in a tertiary hospital in Portugal, treated with radical ablation of middle ear and mastoid cavity by the otolaryngologists. The chosen reconstructive option was obliteration of the dead space using a temporo-parietal fascial flap by the Plastic Surgery Department

"Benefits of the pedicled osteoplastic flap as a surgical approach of mastoidectomy in cochlear implant surgery".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the esthetic and functional results of an osteoplastic flap for mastoid cavity closure in cochlear implant surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: tertiary referral center. INTERVENTION(S): On hundred and twenty-six patients were randomized in 2 groups for cochlear implant surgery. Cases (n: 63) underwent simple mastoidectomy using an anteriorly pedicled osteoplastic flap for mastoid closure. In controls (n: 63), a traditional periosteal flap was used. Evaluation with the POSAS questionnaire was performed 1 year after surgery to assess surgical wound esthetics. Sixteen patients from each group had postoperative CT-scans and wideband tympanometry to assess mastoid aeration and middle ear absorbance. Gender and time after surgery were correlated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Evaluation of the quality of the surgical wound with the application of a questionnaire validated in the medical literature and translated into Portuguese language called POSAS, considering the perception of the blinded patient and doctor regarding the surgical technique proceeded. A lower POSAS score suggests better esthetics of the surgical wound. Secondary outcomes are volumetric measurement of aeration inside mastoid cavity using 3D computer tomography exam, which aims to analyze the influence of fibrocicatricial retraction in the surgical wound into the mastoid and the interference of its aeration volume in the absorption of sound in the middle ear, using the wideband tympanometry exam. RESULTS: The POSAS questionnaire in the Case group showed a lower level of local pain and itchiness, a skin color and thickness more similar to the surrounding skin and less irregularity and stiffness, with no influence from time after surgery and gender compared to the Control group. The median tomographic volume was 6.37 cc in the cases and 4.60 cc in controls. Wideband tympanometry showed general smaller sound absorbance in the Case group results, specially, at 1000 Hz frequency. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed with the osteoplastic flap. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is an effective and safe alternative to alleviate common problems of mastoid surgery for cochlear implantation. In addition to esthetic benefits, it has less interference in middle ear physiology of sound absorbance and less fibrous tissue into the mastoid cavity during the follow-up of more than 1 year.

[Complicated cholesteatoma in a child with Down syndrome: a case report]. / Colesteatoma complicado en un niño con síndrome de Down: un caso clínico.

Acquired cholesteatoma in children is an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth and high recurrence rate. The complications are divided into intra-and extratemporal complications or intracranial complication. Subperiosteal abscess is the most common extratemporal complication. It is most frequent in young children. However, there are also other associated complications described in the literature. Down syndrome patients have anatomical and functional predisposing factors that contribute to chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media. The prevalence is greater than 80 %. In this report, we present a case of subperiosteal abscess in an 8-year-old child with Down's syndrome. This abscess presented as a complication of an extended cholesteatoma and required inmediate surgery for resolution.

El colesteatoma adquirido en niños es una enfermedad agresiva debido a su rápido crecimiento y la alta tasa de recurrencia. Las complicaciones se dividen en dos grandes grupos: las relacionadas con el hueso temporal (dentro o fuera de él) y las complicaciones intracraneales. El absceso subperióstico es la complicación extratemporal más común y es más frecuente en los niños más pequeños. Los pacientes que padecen síndrome de Down tienen una prevalencia elevada (superior al 80 %) de otitis media con efusión, que puede estar determinada anatómicamente por la hipoplasia mediofacial con una nasofaringe estrecha y adenoides hipertrófica, junto a trastornos funcionales y mecánicos de la trompa auditiva. Se presenta un niño de 8 años con síndrome de Down que desarrolló un absceso subperióstico como complicación de un colesteatoma que requirió abordaje quirúrgico inmediato para su resolución.

Mastoid obliteration and reconstruction techniques: A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To review the published literature related to the different obliteration and reconstruction techniques in the management of the canal wall down mastoidectomy. METHODS: A PubMed (Medline) and LILACS databases as well as crossed references search was performed with the following Mesh terms: "cholesteatoma", "cholesteatoma-middle ear", "otitis media", "otitis media, suppurative", "mastoiditis", "mastoidectomy", "canal wall down mastoidectomy", "radical mastoidectomy", "mastoid obliteration" and crossed references. Inclusion criteria were adult patients subject to mastoid cavity obliteration and posterior canal wall reconstruction. The technique and materials used, anatomic and functional results, complications, recurrence rates, and changes in quality of life, were analyzed. A total of 94 articles were screened, 38 were included for full-text detailed review. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Techniques and materials used for canal wall reconstruction, tympanoplasty, and ossiculoplasty were varied and included autologous, biosynthetic, or both. Auditory results were reported in 16 studies and were inconsistent. Three studies reported improvement in the quality of life using the GBI scale. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 83 months. Eleven articles used imaging studies to evaluate postoperative disease recurrence. The highest recurrence rate reported for cholesteatoma after obliteration was 19%. The most frequently reported complications were retraction pockets and transient otorrhea. CONCLUSION: Plenty of techniques combining grafts and other materials have been used to overcome mastoidectomy cavity problems. So far, it is still not possible to standardize an ideal procedure. The available level of evidence for this topic is low and limited.

Barrier for Particle Dispersion Control During Mastoidectomy.

Introduction The China Health Authority alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of pneumonia, and the WHO has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Mastoidectomy is a high-risk aerosol generating procedure with the potential to expose the surgeon to infectious particles. Objective Aim to develop a low-cost prototype for a barrier device that can be used during mastoidectomy. Methods Describe the steps involved during otological emergency, requiring immediate surgical procedure, in untested patients. The Otorhinolaryngology Surgical Team of Walter Cantídio Hospital developed the barrier for particle dispersion presented here. Results During surgery, the prototype did not compromise visualization of the surgical field and instrumentation. Microscope repositioning was not compromised or limited by tent Instrumentation and instrument pouch under the Microscope-Tent (MT) performed surgery. After surgery, the plastic sheet was removed simply, without requiring strength. Bone dust and irrigation droplets were collected on the tent. Conclusion Our team developed and practiced, in an otologic emergency, a low-cost and reproducible barrier device that can be used in mastoidectomy in COVID-19 patients. Further tests on efficacy may be necessary.

Colesteatoma complicado en un niño con síndrome de Down: un caso clínico / Complicated cholesteatoma in a child with Down syndrome: a case report

El colesteatoma adquirido en niños es una enfermedad agresiva debido a su rápido crecimiento y la alta tasa de recurrencia. Las complicaciones se dividen en dos grandes grupos: las relacionadas con el hueso temporal (dentro o fuera de él) y las complicaciones intracraneales. El absceso subperióstico es la complicación extratemporal más común y es más frecuente en los niños más pequeños. Los pacientes que padecen síndrome de Down tienen una prevalencia elevada (superior al 80 %) de otitis media con efusión, que puede estar determinada anatómicamente por la hipoplasia mediofacial con una nasofaringe estrecha y adenoides hipertrófica, junto a trastornos funcionales y mecánicos de la trompa auditiva. Se presenta un niño de 8 años con síndrome de Down que desarrolló un absceso subperióstico como complicación de un colesteatoma que requirió abordaje quirúrgico inmediato para su resolución.

Acquired cholesteatoma in children is an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth and high recurrence rate. The complications are divided into intra-and extratemporal complications or intracranial complication. Subperiosteal abscess is the most common extratemporal complication. It is most frequent in young children. However, there are also other associated complications described in the literature. Down syndrome patients have anatomical and functional predisposing factors that contribute to chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media. The prevalence is greater than 80 %. In this report, we present a case of subperiosteal abscess in an 8-year-old child with Down's syndrome. This abscess presented as a complication of an extended cholesteatoma and required inmediate surgery for resolution.

Barrier for Particle Dispersion Control During Mastoidectomy

Abstract Introduction The China Health Authority alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of pneumonia, and the WHO has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Mastoidectomy is a high-risk aerosol generating procedure with the potential to expose the surgeon to infectious particles. Objective Aim to develop a low-cost prototype for a barrier device that can be used during mastoidectomy. Methods Describe the steps involved during otological emergency, requiring immediate surgical procedure, in untested patients. The Otorhinolaryngology Surgical Team of Walter Cantídio Hospital developed the barrier for particle dispersion presented here. Results During surgery, the prototype did not compromise visualization of the surgical field and instrumentation. Microscope repositioning was not compromised or limited by tent Instrumentation and instrument pouch under the Microscope-Tent (MT) performed surgery. After surgery, the plastic sheet was removed simply, without requiring strength. Bone dust and irrigation droplets were collected on the tent. Conclusion Our team developed and practiced, in an otologic emergency, a low-cost and reproducible barrier device that can be used in mastoidectomy in COVID-19 patients. Further tests on efficacy may be necessary.

Actinomicosis en el hueso temporal. Reporte de un caso pediátrico / Actinomycosis in temporal bone. A pediatric case report

La actinomicosis es una infección causada por un bacilo anaerobio Gram-positivo, filamentoso, ramificado, no esporulado. Integra la flora habitual de la orofaringe y coloniza transitoriamente el tracto gastrointestinal, genital femenino y el árbol bronquial. Es poco frecuente en el hueso temporal. Por su semejanza a un hongo, es difícil su reconocimiento, lo que hace necesaria la sospecha clínica para obtener los cultivos apropiados en condiciones anaeróbicas en forma prolongada. Los hallazgos microscópicos típicos incluyen necrosis con gránulos de azufre amarillento y la presencia de filamentos que se asemejan a infecciones fúngicas. El tratamiento requiere de elevadas y prolongadas dosis de antibiótico con penicilina o amoxicilina, entre 6 y 12 meses. La duración de la terapia antimicrobiana podría ser reducida en pacientes que han sido operados quirúrgicamente. Se presenta, a continuación, un caso clínico de actinomicosis en el hueso temporal en un paciente pediátrico que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico para su resolución.

Actinomycosis is an infection caused by a Gram-positive, filamentous anaerobic bacillus. Mainly belonging to the human commensal flora of the oropharynx, it normally colonizes the human digestive and genital tracts and the bronchial tree. It is slightly frequent in the temporal bone. Bacterial cultures and pathology are the cornerstone of diagnosis, but particular conditions are required in order to get the correct diagnosis. Prolonged bacterial cultures in anaerobic conditions are necessary to identify the bacterium and typical microscopic findings include necrosis with yellowish sulfur granules and filamentous Gram-positive fungal-like pathogens. Patients with actinomycosis require prolonged (6- to 12-month) high doses of penicillin G or amoxicillin, but the duration of antimicrobial therapy could probably be shortened in patients in whom optimal surgical resection of infected tissues has been performed. A pediatric patient with actinomycosis in temporal bone who needed surgery resolution is reported.

[Actinomycosis in temporal bone. A pediatric case report]. / Actinomicosis en el hueso temporal. Reporte de un caso pediátrico.

Actinomycosis is an infection caused by a Gram-positive, filamentous anaerobic bacillus. Mainly belonging to the human commensal flora of the oropharynx, it normally colonizes the human digestive and genital tracts and the bronchial tree. It is slightly frequent in the temporal bone. Bacterial cultures and pathology are the cornerstone of diagnosis, but particular conditions are required in order to get the correct diagnosis. Prolonged bacterial cultures in anaerobic conditions are necessary to identify the bacterium and typical microscopic findings include necrosis with yellowish sulfur granules and filamentous Gram-positive fungal-like pathogens. Patients with actinomycosis require prolonged (6- to 12-month) high doses of penicillin G or amoxicillin, but the duration of antimicrobial therapy could probably be shortened in patients in whom optimal surgical resection of infected tissues has been performed. A pediatric patient with actinomycosis in temporal bone who needed surgery resolution is reported.

La actinomicosis es una infección causada por un bacilo anaerobio Gram-positivo, filamentoso, ramificado, no esporulado. Integra la flora habitual de la orofaringe y coloniza transitoriamente el tracto gastrointestinal, genital femenino y el árbol bronquial. Es poco frecuente en el hueso temporal. Por su semejanza a un hongo, es difícil su reconocimiento, lo que hace necesaria la sospecha clínica para obtener los cultivos apropiados en condiciones anaeróbicas en forma prolongada. Los hallazgos microscópicos típicos incluyen necrosis con gránulos de azufre amarillento y la presencia de filamentos que se asemejan a infecciones fúngicas. El tratamiento requiere de elevadas y prolongadas dosis de antibiótico con penicilina o amoxicilina, entre 6 y 12 meses. La duración de la terapia antimicrobiana podría ser reducida en pacientes que han sido operados quirúrgicamente. Se presenta, a continuación, un caso clínico de actinomicosis en el hueso temporal en un paciente pediátrico que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico para su resolución.

Surgical Management of Retraction Pockets: Does Mastoidectomy have a Role?

Introduction Retraction pocket is a condition in which the eardrum lies deeper within the middle ear. Its management has no consensus in literature. Objective To assess the role of mastoidectomy in the management of retraction pockets added to a tympanoplasty. Methods Prospective study of patients with retraction pocket and referred to surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one managed with tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy and the other group with tympanoplasty only. The minimum follow-up considered was 12 months. The outcomes were: integrity of eardrum, recurrence, and hearing status. Results This study included 43 patients. In 24 cases retraction occurred in the posterior half of the eardrum, and in 19 patients there was clinical evidence of ossicular interruption. The two groups of treatment were composed by: 21 patients that underwent tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy and 22 patients had only tympanoplasty. One case of the first group had a recurrence. In 32 cases patients follow up was longer than 48 months. The average air-bone gap changed from 22.1 dB to 5 dB. The percentage of air-bone gap improvement was assessed at 60% in those patients treated with mastoidectomy, and 64.3% in those without it ( p > 0.5). Conclusion Tympanoplasty and ossiculoplasty should be considered to treat atelectatic middle ear and ossicular chain interruption. Mastoidectomy as a way to increase air volume in the ear seems to be a paradox; it does not add favorable prognostic factor to management of retraction pockets.

Surgical Management of Retraction Pockets: Does Mastoidectomy have a Role?

Abstract Introduction Retraction pocket is a condition in which the eardrum lies deeper within the middle ear. Its management has no consensus in literature. Objective To assess the role of mastoidectomy in the management of retraction pockets added to a tympanoplasty. Methods Prospective study of patients with retraction pocket and referred to surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one managed with tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy and the other group with tympanoplasty only. The minimum follow-up considered was 12 months. The outcomes were: integrity of eardrum, recurrence, and hearing status. Results This study included 43 patients. In 24 cases retraction occurred in the posterior half of the eardrum, and in 19 patients there was clinical evidence of ossicular interruption. The two groups of treatment were composed by: 21 patients that underwent tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy and 22 patients had only tympanoplasty. One case of the first group had a recurrence. In 32 cases patients follow up was longer than 48 months. The average air-bone gap changed from 22.1 dB to 5 dB. The percentage of air-bone gap improvement was assessed at 60 % in those patients treated with mastoidectomy, and 64.3 % in those without it (p > 0.5). Conclusion Tympanoplasty and ossiculoplasty should be considered to treat atelectatic middle ear and ossicular chain interruption. Mastoidectomy as a way to increase air volume in the ear seems to be a paradox; it does not add favorable prognostic factor to management of retraction pockets.

Management of acquired cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial anomalies: An institutional experience.

PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical management of cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial abnormalities, cleft lip/palate by reviewing the institutional experience. The secondary aim was to identify and describe the epidemiological profile of the collected data, and to relate the cleft palate and cholesteatoma. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective chart review includes 97 patients with craniofacial abnormalities and acquired cholesteatoma with anatomopathological proven in 118 ears. The following data were collected from the medical records between 1994 and 2018. RESULTS: The first surgery performed on 76 of the 118 ears (64.4%) was the wall up mastoidectomy, while 42 of the 118 ears (35.5%) received the wall down technique. During the follow-up period of these patients, which ranged from 2 to 29 years, with an average of 13.4 years (±5.88), 77 wall up (40.3%) and 114 wall down (59.6%) mastoidectomies were performed. This brought the total to 191 mastoidectomy surgeries in 118 ears of 97 patients. Of the wall up mastoidectomies, 65 of the 77 (84.4%) presented with cholesteatoma recurrence. In the wall down mastoidectomies follow up, there were new surgical approaches in 15 of the 114 procedures (13.1%), with 6 patients (5.2%) having anatomopathologically proven cholesteatoma recurrences and 9 (7.8%) having clinical instability for cavity cleaning without identification of disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Early approach with wall down/modified techniques guided by specific indication criteria may be more resolute, prevent multiple procedures, and preserve the bone pathway to facilitate possible future hearing rehabilitation in these patients.

Resultados de la mastoidectomía radical modificada en pacientes con otitis media crónica supurada / Results of modified radical mastoidectomy in patients with chronic suppurative media otitis

RESUMEN Fundamento: la otitis media crónica es causa importante de morbilidad, deterioro auditivo e ingresos hospitalarios debido a recurrencias y complicaciones, donde la mastoidectomía radical modificada la técnica adecuada para lograr resultados anatómicos y funcionales. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la mastoidectomía radical modificada en pacientes con otitis media crónica supurada. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, longitudinal en 54 pacientes con otitis media crónica, a los que se les realizó mastoidectomía radical modificada. Las variables objeto de estudio fueron de caracterización clínica y epidemiológica y los resultados se evaluaron en excelente, bueno, regular y malo. Los datos fueron procesados utilizando la estadística descriptiva para distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y se reflejaron en tablas. Resultados: el mayor número de operados fue del sexo masculino, entre la tercera y cuarta década de la vida; la hipoacusia, otorrea y perforación timpánica fueron las manifestaciones más frecuentes. La imagen tumoral e hipoacusia conductiva y la Pseudomona aeruginosa, se hallaron con mayor frecuencia. La mastoidectomía con timpanoplastia tipo III por lisis de los huesecillos, cavidades limpias, amplias, muros bajos e injerto íntegro, permitió que la mayoría de los pacientes tuvieran buenos resultados anatómicos y funcionales, y las complicaciones fueron escasas. Conclusiones: la técnica utilizada fue la mastoidectomía radical modificada, asociada a timpanoplastia tipo III y predominaron los resultados excelentes, buenos y regulares en los enfermos operados.

ABSTRACT Background: chronic media otitis is an important cause of morbidity, hearing impairment and hospital admissions due to recurrences and complications, with modified radical mastoidectomy being the appropriate technique to achieve anatomical and functional results. Objective: to describe the results of the modified radical mastoidectomy in patients with suppurative chronic media otitis. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal descriptive study in 54 patients with chronic media otitis, who underwent modified radical mastoidectomy. The variables under study were of clinical and epidemiological characterization and the results were evaluated as excellent, good, fair and bad. The data were processed using descriptive statistics for distribution of absolute and relative frequencies, and were reflected in tables. Results: the largest number of patients was male, between the third and fourth decade of life; hearing loss, otorrhea and tympanic perforation were the most frequent manifestations. The tumor image and conductive hearing loss and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found more frequently. The mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty type III by lysis of the ossicles, clean, wide cavities, low walls and intact graft, allowed the majority of patients to have good anatomical and functional results, and complications were scarce. Conclusions: the technique used was modified radical mastoidectomy, associated with tympanoplasty type III and excellent, good and regular results prevailed in the operated patients.

Therapeutic approach to pediatric acute mastoiditis - an update / Abordagem terapêutica da mastoidite aguda pediátrica - uma atualização

Abstract Introduction: Acute mastoiditis remains the most common complication of acute otitis media. It may rarely appear also in cochlear implant patients. However, the treatment recommendations for this disease are not precisely defined or employed, and in the current literature the differences regarding both the diagnosis and management are relatively substantial. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine a standard and safe procedure to be applied in case of pediatric acute mastoiditis. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 73 patients with 83 episodes of acute mastoiditis hospitalized at our tertiary-care center between 2001 and 2016 was conducted. Bacteriology, methods of treatment, hospital course, complications, and otologic history were analyzed. Based on our experience and literature data, a protocol was established in order to standardize management of pediatric acute mastoiditis. Results: All the patients treated for acute mastoiditis were submitted to an intravenous antibiotic regimen. In the analyzed group pharmacological treatment only was applied in 11% of children, in 12% myringotomy/tympanostomy was added, and in the vast majority of patients (77%) mastoidectomy was performed. In our study recurrent mastoiditis was noted in 8% of the patients. We also experienced acute mastoiditis in a cochlear implant child, and in this case, a minimal surgical procedure, in order to protect the device, was recommended. Conclusions: The main points of the management protocol are: initiate a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment; mastoidectomy should be performed if the infection fails to be controlled after 48 h of administering intravenous antibiotic therapy. We believe that early mastoidectomy prevents serious complications, and our initial observation is that by performing broad mastoidectomy with posterior attic and facial recess exposure, recurrence of acute mastoiditis can be prevented.

Resumo Introdução: A mastoidite aguda continua a ser a complicação mais comum da otite média aguda. Pode ocorrer também, embora raramente, em pacientes com implante coclear. Entretanto, as recomendações de tratamento para essa doença não são bem definidas ou usadas e, na literatura corrente, as diferenças em relação ao diagnóstico e ao manejo são relativamente significativas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar um procedimento padrão e seguro a ser aplicado em caso de mastoidite aguda pediátrica. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de 73 pacientes com 83 episó-dios de mastoidite aguda hospitalizados em nosso centro terciário entre os anos de 2001 a 2016. Foram analisados a bacteriologia, métodos de tratamento, evolução hospitalar, complicações e histórico otológico. Com base em nossa experiência e dados da literatura, foi estabelecido um protocolo para padronizar o tratamento da mastoidite aguda pediátrica. Resultados: Todos os pacientes tratados para mastoidite aguda foram submetidos a antibioticoterapia endovenosa. No grupo analisado, o tratamento farmacológico só foi aplicado em 11% das crianças, em 12% a miringotomia/timpanostomia foi adicionada e na maior parte dos pacientes (77%) foi feita a mastoidectomia. Em nosso estudo, mastoidite recorrente foi observada em 8% dos pacientes. Também observamos mastoidite aguda em criança usuária de implante coclear e, nesse caso, foi recomendada a minimização de procedimentos cirúrgicos, a fim de proteger o dispositivo. Conclusões: Os principais pontos do protocolo de conduta são: iniciar um tratamento antibiótico endovenoso de amplo espectro; a mastoidectomia deve ser feita caso a infecção não seja controlada após 48 horas da administração de antibioticoterapia intravenosa. Acreditamos que a mastoidectomia precoce previne complicações graves e nossa observação inicial é que, com uma mastoidectomia ampla com exposição do ático posterior e do recesso facial, a recorrência de mastoidite aguda pode ser evitada.