Evaluation of Eustachian tube dimensions by temporal bone computed tomography in patients with chronic otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship between Eustachian tube dimensions and chronic otitis media aetiology using temporal bone computed tomography. METHODS: The data of 231 adults who had undergone surgery for unilateral chronic otitis media were reviewed retrospectively. Diseased and healthy ears were enrolled in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1A included chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (n = 28) and group 1B included chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma (n = 203). The Eustachian tube dimensions of groups 1 and 2 were compared, to clarify the relationship between the Eustachian tube dimensions and chronic otitis media aetiology. Groups 1A and 1B were compared to assess the effect of Eustachian tube dimensions on cholesteatoma development. RESULTS: The Eustachian tube was shorter, narrower and located more horizontally in ears with chronic otitis media. No significant difference was found between groups 1A and 1B. CONCLUSION: Eustachian tube dimensions are closely related to chronic otitis media aetiopathology, but are not related to cholesteatoma development.

The assessment of fukuda stepping test results in prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal postural vertigo originating from the peripheral vestibular system is characterized by brief vertigo spells triggered by the sudden head motion. Usually, vestibular dysfunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo is unilateral. Fukuda stepping test which is helpful in the diagnosis of unilateral vestibular dysfunction, may also be valuable in the prediction of prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relevance of Fukuda stepping test results with resistant and/or recurrent benign paroxysmal postural vertigo cases. METHODS: We evaluated 62 patients with unilateral, idiopathic benign paroxysmal postural vertigo of posterior and/or lateral canals. The Fukuda stepping test was performed prior to the Dix-Hallpike and head-roll tests. Two groups were created according to the Fukuda stepping test results. In Group 1 Fukuda stepping test results were positive with a deviation angle >45°, while in Group 2 the results were negative with no apparent deviation. Two groups were compared by the number of canalith repositioning manuevers performed and the frequency of recurrences. RESULTS: We found Fukuda stepping test to be invaluable in the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo since the ratio of Fukuda stepping test positivity and negativity were similar in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients. However, the need for multiple canalith repositioning manuevers was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.0103). In addition, the recurrence frequency was found significantly lower in the Group 2 (p = 0.0441). CONCLUSION: Although the sensitivity of Fukuda stepping test in detecting mild/moderate unilateral vestibular dysfunction is poor, it may be valuable in prediction of the prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. We suggest that positive Fukuda stepping test results in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients indicate poor prognosis, the need for multipl canalith repositioning manuevers and the higher possibility of recurrences.

The assessment of fukuda stepping test results in prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo / Avaliação dos resultados do teste da marcha de Fukuda no prognóstico da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna

Abstract Introduction Benign paroxysmal postural vertigo originating from the peripheral vestibular system is characterized by brief vertigo spells triggered by the sudden head motion. Usually, vestibular dysfunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo is unilateral. Fukuda stepping test which is helpful in the diagnosis of unilateral vestibular dysfunction, may also be valuable in the prediction of prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relevance of Fukuda stepping test results with resistant and/or recurrent benign paroxysmal postural vertigo cases. Methods We evaluated 62 patients with unilateral, idiopathic benign paroxysmal postural vertigo of posterior and/or lateral canals. The Fukuda stepping test was performed prior to the Dix-Hallpike and head-roll tests. Two groups were created according to the Fukuda stepping test results. In Group 1 Fukuda stepping test results were positive with a deviation angle >45°, while in Group 2 the results were negative with no apparent deviation. Two groups were compared by the number of canalith repositioning manuevers performed and the frequency of recurrences. Results We found Fukuda stepping test to be invaluable in the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo since the ratio of Fukuda stepping test positivity and negativity were similar in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients. However, the need for multiple canalith repositioning manuevers was significantly higher in Group 1 (p= 0.0103). In addition, the recurrence frequency was found significantly lower in the Group 2 (p= 0.0441). Conclusion Although the sensitivity of Fukuda stepping test in detecting mild/moderate unilateral vestibular dysfunction is poor, it may be valuable in prediction of the prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. We suggest that positive Fukuda stepping test results in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients indicate poor prognosis, the need for multipl canalith repositioning manuevers and the higher possibility of recurrences.

Resumo Introdução A vertigem posicional paroxística benigna com origem no sistema vestibular periférico é caracterizada por breves crises de vertigem desencadeadas pelo movimento súbito da cabeça. Geralmente, a disfunção vestibular na vertigem posicional paroxística benigna é unilateral. O teste da marcha de Fukuda, útil no diagnóstico de disfunção vestibular unilateral, também pode ser valioso para prever o prognóstico da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. Objetivo Avaliar a relevância dos resultados do teste da marcha de Fukuda em casos de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna resistente e/ou recorrente. Método Avaliamos 62 pacientes com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna unilateral idiopática dos canais posterior e/ou lateral. O teste da marcha de Fukuda foi feito antes dos testes de Dix‐Hallpike e head‐roll (giro da cabeça). Dois grupos foram criados de acordo com os resultados do teste de Fukuda. No Grupo 1, os resultados do teste de Fukuda foram positivos com um ângulo de desvio > 45°, enquanto no Grupo 2 os resultados foram negativos sem desvio aparente. Dois grupos foram comparados pelo número de manobras de reposicionamento canalicular feitas e pela frequência de recorrências. Resultados Observamos que o teste de Fukuda é inestimável no diagnóstico de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna, pois a relação entre a positividade e a negatividade do teste de Fukuda foi semelhante nos pacientes com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. No entanto, a necessidade de múltiplas manobras de reposicionamento canicular foi significantemente maior no Grupo 1 (p = 0,0103). Além disso, a frequência de recorrência encontrada foi significantemente menor no Grupo 2 (p = 0,0441). Conclusão Embora a sensibilidade do teste de Fukuda para detectar disfunção vestibular unilateral leve/moderada seja baixa, o teste pode ser valioso na previsão do prognóstico de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. Sugerimos que os resultados positivos do teste da marcha de Fukuda em pacientes com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna indicam mau prognóstico, necessidade de múltiplas manobras de reposicionamento canicular e maior possibilidade de recorrências.

Hypoparathyroidism in Total Thyroidectomy due to Benign Thyroid Diseases.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to compare the effects of exposing the recurrent laryngeal nerve throughout its entire course with exposing the nerve only at its entry to the larynx in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy due to benign thyroid diseases, and to evaluate the effects of these methods on the risk for hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: The medical records of 437 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy at the ear, nose, and throat clinic between 2001 and 2015 for benign thyroid diseases were evaluated retrospectively. Mean patient age was 46.7 years (range 18-79 years). Eighty-six patients were male and 351 were female. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to recurrent laryngeal nerve exposure during surgery. In the first group, the nerve was observed as it entered the larynx, and its course was not completely exposed. In the second group, the nerve was identified in the tracheoesophageal groove, and its course was fully exposed. Group 1 consisted of 256 patients (47 male and 209 female) and group 2 consisted of 181 patients (39 male and 142 female). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age and gender, and the groups were homogeneously distributed. FINDINGS: Transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 15 (5.8%) patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in 3 (1.1%) patients in group 1, and transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 23 (12.7%) patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in 7 (3.8%) patients in group 2. The rates of both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were higher in the patients in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Transient recurrent nerve palsy was seen in 1 patient in each group. Permanent recurrent nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient in group 2, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.28). IMPLICATIONS: Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were less common in thyroidectomies that involved detection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve at the site of entry to the larynx and keeping its dissection minimal; this technique was also more reliable.

Association of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo with Osteoporosis and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Case Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of vertigo caused by the peripheral vestibular system. The majority of cases are accepted as idiopathic. Calcium metabolism also plays a primary role in the synthesis/absorption of otoconia made of calcium carbonate and thus might be an etiological factor in the onset of BPPV. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of osteoporosis and vitamin D in the etiology of BPPV by comparing BPPV patients with hospital-based controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case-control study comparing the prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in 78 BPPV patients and 78 hospital-based controls. The mean T-scores and serum vitamin D levels were compared. The risk factors of osteoporosis, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, and blood pressure were all compared between the groups. To avoid selection bias, the groups were stratified as subgroups according to age, sex, and menopausal status. RESULTS: In this study, the rates of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency detected in BPPV patients were reasonably high. But there was no significant difference in mean T-scores and vitamin D levels, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency prevalence between the BPPV group and controls. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency is reasonably high in the general population. Unlike the general tendencies in the literature, our study suggests that osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency are not risk factors for BPPV; we conclude that the coexistence of BPPV with osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency is coincidental.

Osteoma Originating from Mastoid Cortex.

Mastoid osteomas are very rare and defined as benign masses growing gradually in size. Temporal bone computed tomography is the examination of choice for their diagnosis and differentiation. Surgical resection is used to treat mastoid osteomas causing cosmetic deformity. Prognosis is good in cosmetic and curative aspects, and recurrences are very rare. No case of malign transformation has been reported. In this study, an adult patient who was treated because of a mastoid osteoma is presented with review of the current literature.

Pretreatment Prediction of the Outcomes of Intranasal Steroid Sprays in Cases with Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Intranasal steroid sprays (INSS) are frequently prescribed for treating inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). Complications due to the long-term application of INSS such as crusting, epistaxis, nasal mucosa dryness, and septal perforation may occur. Predicting patients who would benefit from INSS early might lower treatment costs and complication rates. We examined the predictive value of nasal decongestant response rates for the outcomes of INSS in ITH. METHODS: Fifty patients with bilateral ITH were included in two groups: patients benefiting from INSS and those not benefiting. Nasal airflow was assessed by peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement in all cases. Measurements were taken three times: before and after the application of nasal decongestant sprays and after the application of INSS. RESULTS: In both groups, the nasal air flow rates significantly increased after the application of nasal decongestant sprays; however, the nasal decongestant response rates were higher in the group with patients benefiting from INSS. There was a strong correlation between the nasal air flow rates measured after the application of nasal decongestant sprays and after the application of INSS. The cut-off value for the relationship between increased nasal air flow rates after the application of nasal decongestant sprays and outcomes of INSS was 23%. CONCLUSION: Measurement of nasal airflow increase rate after the application of nasal decongestant sprays is a simple and easy method for the early prediction of the outcomes of INSS in ITH. A higher than 23% increase in nasal air flow rates after the application of nasal decongestant sprays indicates much better outcomes of INSS for patients.

Evaluation of Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Findings in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: Although there has been a wide consensus on the mechanism of nystagmus and clinical presentation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the neuroepithelial pathophysiology of BPPV still remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the pathophysiology of BPPV by evaluating the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) findings of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six BPPV patients and 20 healthy volunteers were included. Bilateral cVEMP tests were performed on all participants. The participants were divided into the following three groups: those with a BPPV-affected ear, those with a BPPV-unaffected ear, and the healthy control group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding the latencies of the first positive (p1) and negative (n1) peaks among the three groups. The mean normalized amplitude asymmetry ratio also did not differ between the BPPV and control groups. However, the normalized amplitudes of the BPPV patients (with both affected and unaffected ears) were significantly lower than those of the healthy control group. CONCLUSION: We detected that the cVEMP data of the affected and unaffected ears of the BPPV patients was similar and that their normalized amplitudes significantly differed from those of the healthy controls. Eventually, we concluded that even if the symptoms of BPPV were unilateral, the findings suggest that the bilateral involvement of the macular neuroepithelium is important in understanding the pathophysiology of BPPV. This finding supports the conclusion that the pathophysiological process starts with neuroepithelial membrane degeneration and continues with otoconia separation.

The effects of the time of intranasal splinting on bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort after septoplasty operations / Efeitos do tempo de permanência de splints intranasais sobre a colonização bacteriana, complicações no pós-operatório e desconforto do paciente após septoplastia

Abstract Introduction: The main reason for nasal tampon placement after septoplasty is to prevent postoperative hemorrhage, while the secondary purpose is internal stabilization after operations involving the cartilaginous-bony skeleton of the nose. Silicone intranasal splints are as successful as other materials in controlling postoperative hemorrhages of septal origin. The possibility of leaving the splints intranasally for extended periods helps stabilize the septum in the midline. However, there is nothing in the literature about how long these splints can be retained inside the nasal cavity without increasing the risk of infection, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of intranasal splinting and bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Methods: Patients who had undergone septoplasty were divided into three groups according to the day of removal of the silicone splints. The splints were removed on the fifth, seventh, and tenth postoperative days. The removed splints were microbiologically cultured. Early and late complications were assessed, including local and systemic infections, tissue necrosis, granuloma formation, mucosal crusting, synechia, and septal perforation. Postoperative patient discomfort was evaluated by scoring the levels of pain and nasal obstruction. Results: No significant difference was found in the rate of bacterial colonization among the different groups. Decreased mucosal crusting and synechia were detected with longer usage intervals of intranasal silicone splints. Postoperative pain and nasal obstruction were also diminished by the third postoperative day. Conclusions: Silicone splints were well tolerated by the patients and any negative effects on postoperative patient comfort were limited. In fact, prolonged splint usage intervals reduced late complications. Long-term silicone nasal splint usage is a reliable, effective, and comfortable method in patients with excessive mucosal damage and in whom long-term stabilization of the bony and cartilaginous septum is essential.

Resumo Introdução: A principal razão para a colocação de tampões nasais em septoplastias é a prevenção de hemorragia pós-operatória, enquanto o objetivo secundário é a estabilização interna após cirurgias que envolvam o esqueleto cartilaginoso do nariz. Os splints intranasais de silicone são tão eficazes como outros materiais para o controle de hemorragias do septo no pós-operatório. A possibilidade de manter os splints intranasais por longos períodos ajuda a estabilizar o septo na linha média. No entanto, não há nada na literatura sobre quanto tempo esses splints podem ser mantidos na cavidade nasal sem aumentar o risco de infecção, complicações no pós-operatório e causar desconforto ao paciente. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre o tempo de tamponamento com splints intranasais e colonização bacteriana, complicações no pós-operatório e desconforto do paciente. Método: Os pacientes submetidos a septoplastia foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o dia da remoção dos splints de silicone. Os splints foram removidos no 5°, 7° e 10° dias de pós-operatório, e a seguir, cultivados microbiologicamente. Complicações precoces e tardias foram avaliadas, incluindo infecções locais e sistêmicas, necrose do tecido, formação de granulomas, crostas na mucosa, sinéquias e perfuração do septo. O desconforto do paciente no pós-operatório foi avaliado com o uso de pontuação dos níveis de dor e de obstrução nasal. Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada na taxa de colonização bacteriana entre os diferentes grupos. Diminuições da formação de crostas na mucosa e de sinéquias foram detectadas com tempos mais longos de uso de splints de silicone. A dor e a obstrução nasal também diminuíram no terceiro dia de pós-operatório. Conclusões: O uso de splints de silicone foi bem tolerado pelos pacientes, e seus efeitos negativos sobre o conforto do paciente no pós-operatório foram limitados. De fato, o tempo prolongado de uso teve um efeito redutor sobre as complicações tardias. O uso prolongado de splint nasal de silicone é um método confiável, eficaz e pouco desconfortável em pacientes com lesão excessiva da mucosa e naqueles cuja estabilização óssea e cartilaginosa do septo a longo prazo é essencial.

Comparison of Endolymphatic Duct Dimensions and Jugular Bulb Abnormalities Between Meniere Disease and a Normal Population.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Meniere disease (MD) has not been fully understood. According to the widely accepted theory, imbalances due to overproduction and/or impaired absorption of endolymph may cause endolymphatic hydrops, which is the hallmark pathological finding in MD. Some developmental temporal bone abnormalities may impair endolymph circulation and absorption, and these abnormalities could be a part of MD pathophysiology. However, structural features of the temporal bone cannot explain MD pathophysiology definitively. The authors aimed to determine the length and width of the endolymphatic duct (ED) along with jugular bulb (JB) abnormalities in MD patients and normal controls using high-resolution computed tomography, and to discuss the results supporting and opposing endolymphatic hydrops based on the data obtained. METHODS: Thirty-six ears of 18 patients with unilateral MD and 34 ears of 17 normal subjects were enrolled. Jugular bulb abnormalities and ED dimensions were evaluated in 3 groups: affected and unaffected ears of MD patients, and healthy controls. The ED dimensions and JB abnormalities were evaluated with high-resolution computed tomography. RESULTS: The ED was found to be significantly shorter and narrower in the affected ears of the MD patients than in the healthy control group. In addition, more JB abnormalities were detected in the affected ears of the MD patients than in the healthy control group. However, there was no difference between the affected and unaffected ears of the MD patients. CONCLUSION: Structural ED abnormalities and JB abnormalities may be predisposing factors for the development of Meniere disease, but cannot fully explain MD pathophysiology.

The effects of the time of intranasal splinting on bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort after septoplasty operations.

INTRODUCTION: The main reason for nasal tampon placement after septoplasty is to prevent postoperative hemorrhage, while the secondary purpose is internal stabilization after operations involving the cartilaginous-bony skeleton of the nose. Silicone intranasal splints are as successful as other materials in controlling postoperative hemorrhages of septal origin. The possibility of leaving the splints intranasally for extended periods helps stabilize the septum in the midline. However, there is nothing in the literature about how long these splints can be retained inside the nasal cavity without increasing the risk of infection, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of intranasal splinting and bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. METHODS: Patients who had undergone septoplasty were divided into three groups according to the day of removal of the silicone splints. The splints were removed on the fifth, seventh, and tenth postoperative days. The removed splints were microbiologically cultured. Early and late complications were assessed, including local and systemic infections, tissue necrosis, granuloma formation, mucosal crusting, synechia, and septal perforation. Postoperative patient discomfort was evaluated by scoring the levels of pain and nasal obstruction. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the rate of bacterial colonization among the different groups. Decreased mucosal crusting and synechia were detected with longer usage intervals of intranasal silicone splints. Postoperative pain and nasal obstruction were also diminished by the third postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone splints were well tolerated by the patients and any negative effects on postoperative patient comfort were limited. In fact, prolonged splint usage intervals reduced late complications. Long-term silicone nasal splint usage is a reliable, effective, and comfortable method in patients with excessive mucosal damage and in whom long-term stabilization of the bony and cartilaginous septum is essential.

Diagnostic value of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in Ménière's disease and vestibular migraine.

Overlaps can be seen between vestibular migraine (VM) Ménière's Disease (MD) and diagnosis is difficult if hearing is normal. We aimed to investigate the sacculo-collic pathway in VM patients, MD patients, and healthy controls to define the diagnostic role of cervical VEMP (cVEMP). VEMP testing in response to 500 Hz and 1000 Hz air-conducted tone burst (TB) stimulation was studied prospectively in 22 subjects with definite VM (according to Bárány nomenclature), 30 subjects with unilateral definite MD, and 18 volunteers matched healthy controls. In VM subjects, response rate, p13 and n23 latencies were similar to healthy controls, but peak-to-peak amplitudes were bilaterally reduced at 500 Hz TBs (p= 0.005). cVEMP differentiated MD patients from VM and healthy controls with asymmetrically reduced amplitudes on affected ears with low response rates at 500 Hz TBs, and alteration of frequency dependent responses at 500 and 1000 Hz TBs. These findings suggest that cVEMP can be used as a diagnostic test to differentiate MD from VM. On the other hand, VEMP responses are symmetrically reduced on both sides in VM patients, suggesting that otolith organs might be affected by migraine-induced ischemia.

Bilateral Nasolabial Cyst as a Rare Case Report.

The etiology, clinical features, and treatment of an extremely rare case of a bilateral nasolabial cyst have been evaluated in this report. A 60-year-old female presented to our clinic with a pain-free swelling above the upper lip for a year and obstruction of the left nasal cavity for two months. On undergoing a physical ENT examination, she showed bulging of both nasal fossae and effacement of the bilateral nasolabial groove with a fluctuating smooth mass. A paranasal sinus CT scan showed a smooth, ovoid mass of 20×13 mm at the right side and 26×22 mm at the left side occupying the floor of the nasal fossa and restricted to the soft parts of the premaxillary region, without any bony destruction. The patient underwent surgical excision under general anesthesia via sublabial approach. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral nasolabial cyst. The patient was asymptomatic during 18-month of postoperative follow-up. Bilateral nasolabial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic masses of the nasal vestibule and deformities of the premaxillary region. Although endonasal endoscopic cyst marsupialization is a relatively new treatment, surgical resection with the sublabial approach is the treatment of choice.

Propranolol and venlafaxine for vestibular migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: We compared the effectiveness of venlafaxine and propranolol for the prophylaxis of vestibular migraine (VM). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty-four subjects with definite VM were enrolled. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive propranolol (group P, n = 33) or venlafaxine (group V, n = 31) for VM prophylaxis. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and the number of vertiginous attacks were recorded before and 4 months after treatment. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were also recorded to monitor the resolution of psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: At 4 months after treatment, the DHI total score decreased from 55.8 ± 2.7 to 31.3 ± 3.7 and from 50.9 ± 2.5 to 19.9 ± 2.9 (P < .001), the mean number of total vertiginous attacks decreased from 12.6 ± 1.8 to 1.9 ± 0.7 and from 12.2 ± 1.8 to 2.6 ± 1.1 (P < .001), and VSS decreased from 7.3 ± 0.3 to 2.1 ± 0.4 and from 7.9 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.5 (P < .001) in groups P and V, respectively. However, the treatment effects were similar in both groups (P > .05). BAI scores significantly decreased in both groups, whereas BDI scores decreased only in group V. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence that venlafaxine and propranolol show equal effectiveness as prophylactic drugs for ameliorating vertiginous symptoms in VM patients. However, venlafaxine may be superior to propranolol in ameliorating depressive symptoms.

The effects of different radiofrequency energy magnitudes on mucociliary clearance in cases of turbinate hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) application is a commonly used technique for the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophies. As the number of RFA applications has increased, some problems have been reported regarding the patient discomfort. The most frequent problems among these are the extended turbinate crusting and nasal obstruction. METHODS: Patients who received RFA were divided into two groups based on the applied energy value during the employment of the technique. Each group was including 30 patients. The patients in the first group received 8 watts and those in the second received 12 watts of energy. Saccharin transport times (STT) were measured four times. First a baseline measurement was performed followed by measurements on the 15th, 30th, and 45th days after the initial procedure. Nasal obstruction was twice assessed by peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurements, which were taken both before the procedure and on the 45th day after the procedure. Turbinate surface crustings that were observed for more than 15 days were considered as an extended turbinate crusting. RESULTS: The STT and PNIF measurements taken before the procedure were not significantly different between the two groups. Postprocedure STT measurements were significantly higher than the preprocedure measurements taken in both groups, and were stable within the physiological range. The STT increase in Group II was significantly greater than in Group I. Postprocedure PNIF values in both groups were significantly higher than the preprocedure values. Group II had showed a significantly higher rate of crusting. CONCLUSION: Higher magnitudes of energy elongate the healing process of the turbinate tissue and they affect more extensively the mucociliary clearance. Elongation of the healing process of the turbinate tissue may increase the rate of postprocedural complications such as turbinate surface crusting.

Diagnostic value of frequency-associated vestibular-evoked myogenic potential responses in Ménière's disease.

Thirty subjects with unilateral Ménière's disease (MD) and 18 age-matched controls underwent cervical (cVEMP) and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) testing using bilateral air-conducted stimulation (ACS) with stimulus frequencies of 500 and 1,000 Hz. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of frequency-associated responses in MD using oVEMP and cVEMP following 500- and 1,000-Hz ACS. In healthy controls and unaffected ears, responses to 500 Hz were found better than 1,000-Hz ACS in both oVEMP and cVEMP, while ears with MD responded to 1,000-Hz ACS better than to 500-Hz ACS in oVEMP. In cVEMP tests, affected ears responded to 500-Hz and 1,000-Hz ACS equally. Amplitude ratios of 1,000/500 Hz in both oVEMP and cVEMP were successful in differing affected ears from unaffected ears and healthy controls. This study showed frequency alteration of oVEMP and cVEMP can be used as a diagnostic test battery in MD.

Effect of recurrent laryngeal nerve identification technique in thyroidectomy on recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and hypoparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification technique used in thyroidectomy affects RLN paralysis and hypoparathyroidism. DESIGN: Patients were allocated into 2 groups according to the thyroidectomy technique used to identify the RLN: (1) superior-inferior direction, exploring the nerve where it enters the larynx, followed by superior pedicle ligation; and (2) inferior-superior direction, following the inferior pedicle ligation and identifying the nerve in the tracheoesophageal groove. The first and second groups included 67 and 128 patients, respectively. In the first group, 19 patients underwent lobo-isthmectomy, and 48 underwent total thyroidectomy. In the second group, 42 patients underwent lobo-isthmectomy, and 86 underwent total thyroidectomy. We performed 115 and 214 RLN dissections in the first and second groups, respectively. SETTING: Academic tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: The study included 195 consecutive patients, 161 female (82.5%), and 34 male (17.5%), who underwent thyroidectomy for goiter between January 2006 and August 2009. Their mean age was 44.7 years (range, 14-79 years). The mean follow-up was 26 months (range, 12-42 months). INTERVENTIONS: Unilateral or bilateral total thyroidectomies performed using extracapsular dissection with 2 different RLN identification techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of hypocalcemia, vocal cord paralysis, hemorrhage, and wound infection. RESULTS: No RLN paralysis was observed in the first group. In the second group, unilateral RLN paralysis was seen in 2 of 128 patients (1.5%). Groups 1 and 2 included 48 and 86 total thyroidectomies, respectively. Temporary hypoparathyroidism was observed in 4 patients in the first group (8.3%). In the second group, permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed only in 4 patients (4.6%), and temporary hypoparathyroidism was observed in 14 patients (16.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the 2 groups based on the frequencies of RLN paralysis and hypoparathyroidism, we found that complications were significantly lower in the first group (P < .05) in terms of hypoparathyroidism. The rate of hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the thyroidectomies that located the RLN using the superior-inferior approach. In our hands, the superior-inferior approach was a safer technique, in terms of avoiding complications.