Comparison of Preoperative Temporal Bone CT with Intraoperative Findings in Patients with Cholesteatoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cholesteatoma is traditionally diagnosed by otoscopic examination and treated by surgery. The necessity for imaging in an uncomplicated case is controversial. This study was planned to investigate the usefulness of a preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan in depicting the status of middle ear structures in the presence of cholesteatoma and also to compare the correspondence between pre- and intraoperative CT findings in patients with cholesteatoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective descriptive study was performed from January 2009 to May 2011 in 36 patients with cholesteatoma who were referred to the Kashani and Al-Zahra Clinics of Otolaryngology. Preoperative high-resolution temporal bone CT scans (axial and coronal views) were carried out and compared with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Evaluation of 36 patients and their CT scans revealed excellent correlation for sigmoid plate erosion, widening of aditus, and erosion of scutum; good correlation for erosion of malleus and tegmen; moderate correlation for lateral canal fistula (LCF) and erosion of mastoid air cells; and poor correlation for facial nerve dehiscence (FND), incus, and stapes erosion. CONCLUSION: A preoperative CT scan may be helpful in relation to diagnosis and decision making for surgery in cases of cholesteatoma and ossicular erosion. The CT scan can accurately predict the extent of disease and is helpful for detection of lateral canal fistula, erosions of dural plate, and ossicular erosions. However it is not able to distinguish between cholesteatoma and mucosal disease, facial nerve dehiscency, incus, and stapes erosion.

Comparing the effects of Botulinum Toxin-A and cetirizine on the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports on the effects of intranasal Botulinum Toxin-A (BTX-A) as a treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). In this study, we compared the efficacy of intranasal BTX-A to cetirizine in the treatment of AR. METHODS: Fifty AR patients at the age of 26.2 ± 9.1 years (64% females), were recruited to the trial according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) criteria. Participants randomly received either intranasal injection of BTX-A (75IU Dysport®) or cetirizine (10mg/day). Symptoms (based on the ARIA) and side effects were assessed every two weeks for two months. Quality of life was evaluated before and after the study using the Rhinasthma questionnaire. RESULTS: Total symptom severity score of patients significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and quality of life significantly improved (P < 0.001) at the same level in both groups. Side effects included nasal dryness (4%) and epistaxis (4%) in the BTX-A group. In the cetirizine group 44% sleepiness and 4% blurred vision was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal injection of BTX-A shows the same therapeutic effects as cetirizine in the management of AR. Since BTX is expensive, we do not suggest it in the first line of treatment for AR. However, BTX-A is a potential treatment for patients who are resistant or not compliant to the routine medications of AR. Further studies are required to investigate implications and limitations of BTX-A in the treatment of AR.

Does amphotericin B nasal douching help prevent polyp recurrence following functional endoscopic sinus surgery?

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of nasal polyposis following surgical intervention is very common. Antifungal therapy has been an appealing alternative to reduce its recurrence and severity. Early studies showed definite positive response, but recent studies have raised doubts about its efficacy in treatment of polyposis. METHODS: This prospective case-control clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients suffering from nasal polyposis in Isfahan University of medical sciences. All patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. CT scanning of paranasal sinuses was done preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to stage the disease. Patients were assigned to two groups: amphotericine B group were instructed to irrigate the nasal cavity with a solution of amphotericine B, while the normal saline group used the physiologic normal saline for 6 months. RESULTS: 68% of patients in Normal saline and 84% of cases in amphotericine B group reported history of allergies. In amphotericine B group, stage of the disease improved in 84% of patients and remained unchanged in the rest. In normal saline group, imaging stage improved in 22 patients and remained unchanged in 3. The two cohorts were compared for reduction in imaging stage and no significant difference was found between them. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no benefits for topical amphotericin B solution over normal saline. It might be better to retreat to the traditional normal saline nasal douching following functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of polyposis.