Tumour Recurrence, Depth of Invasion, and Temple Location as Independent Prognostic Parameters of Lymph Node Metastases of Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

The excellent survival rate of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) exceeding 90% is reduced by the presence of nodal metastases by over 50%. We analysed various risk parameters of cSCC to predict the incidence of nodal metastases. A total of 118 patients with the head cSCC were included in a single-institution retrospective study covering the period from 2008 to 2020. Tumour recurrence, temple location, and tumour infiltration depth were found to be independent predictors of nodal metastases (increasing the probability of metastases by 8.0, 8.1, and 4.3 times, respectively). Furthermore, univariate analysis shows that the tumour size and T stage are significant factors increasing the risk of metastases. Several independent risk factors for the development of metastases in the head cSCC have been confirmed. These findings might help identify at-risk patients who require additional attention for adequate radical treatment and close follow-up. In contrast, elective treatment of lymph nodes is not recommended due to the low incidence of regional metastases.

Parotid Gland Metastases of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head: Occult Metastases Occurrence and Their Late Manifestation.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are malignant tumours with excellent prognosis unless nodal metastases develop. The aim of our study is to determine the prognostic significance of the clinical stage of parotid gland metastases and the incidence of occult cervical lymph node involvement in cSCC of the head. Our retrospective analysis includes 39 patients with cSCC parotid gland metastases, 15 of whom had concurrent cervical node involvement. In 32 patients, the lymph nodes manifested at stage N3b. A total of 26 patients were treated with parotidectomy, 9 patients received radiotherapy alone, and 4 received symptomatic therapy. The surgical treatment included either total conservative (21 cases) or superficial parotidectomy (5 cases) and neck dissection (therapeutic neck dissections in 11 cases and elective in 14 cases). In all cases, surgery was performed with sufficient tumour-free resection margins. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered postoperatively in 16 patients. Occult metastases were present in 21% of cases after an elective neck dissection, but not in any case in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The five-year overall survival and recurrence-free interval were 52% and 55%, respectively. Patients with the cN3b stage and G3 histological grade tend to have a worse prognosis, but not at a statistically significant level. The prognosis was not worse in patients with concurrent parotid and cervical metastases compared to those with metastases limited to the parotid gland only. The addition of adjuvant irradiation, in comparison to a single modality surgical treatment, was the only statistically significant prognostic factor that reduced the risk of death from this diagnosis (p=0.013). The extent of parotidectomy (partial vs. total) had no impact on either the risk of recurrence or patient prognosis. The combination of surgery with irradiation provides the best results and should be applied to all patients who tolerate the treatment. A partial superficial parotidectomy should be sufficient, with a minimum risk of occult metastasis in the deep lobe. Conversely, the relatively high incidence of occult neck metastases indicates that patients could likely benefit from elective neck dissection.

Malignant myoepithelioma of the external auditory canal - a rare case report with literature review and clinical importance of foramen of Huschke.

BACKGROUND: A malignant myoepithelioma is a rare tumor, mostly arising from the salivary glands. Myoepitheliomas of the ear have rarely been reported. The manuscript reports myoepithelial carcinoma of the external auditory canal (EAC) spreading to the infratemporal fossa. A clinician must be aware of anatomical variation of the bony EAC wall, such as the foramen of Huschke. This rare defect may be a pathway for spreading pathologies between these two anatomical regions. CASE REPORT: We present a case of osteoma-like stenosis of the EAC, which turned out to be an extremely rare malignant tumor. The preoperative MRI and PET/CT revealed that two parts of the tumor communicated through a defect in the antero-inferior portion of the bony ear canal. No distant metastases were detected. Subsequently, the tumor was resected from the ear canal and the infratemporal fossa en bloc. Perioperatively the defect in the EAC wall was suspected of the foramen of Huschke. After the surgery, the older scans of the patient from the past showed no presence of a congenital EAC wall defect. Therefore, the authors concluded that the tumor aggressively grew through the bone due to its biological nature. CONCLUSION: Malignant myoepithelioma of the external auditory canal is an extremely rare condition and could be misdiagnosed as other benign lesions. In cases of suspicious lesions, it is advisable to do a probatory biopsy from the EAC. Surgery is the treatment of choice in malignant myoepitheliomas, and regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for recurrence or metastatic disease. Any mass located at the antero-inferior portion of the EAC wall warrants close evaluation due to its potential for expansion from the EAC.

Comparison of capabilities and limitations of endoscopes in endoscopic ear surgeries using 3D printed models.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic ear surgery has become a popular operative approach to treat middle ear diseases. Surgeons use either 0° or 30° endoscopes worldwide. The main aim of the work was to compare the properties of these two types of endoscopes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since this type of evaluation is hard to perform in vivo during the actual surgery, we designed 3D printed temporal bone models with different levels of complexity. The evaluation of endoscopes was based on image analysis or visibility of anatomical structures. RESULTS: The results show that a 30° endoscope offers a view of lateral walls from 4 mm distance, contrary to a 0° endoscope which cannot see lateral walls from this distance at all. On the other hand, visible area of the anterior wall is up to 40 % larger using 0° endoscope, compared to 30° endoscope. Angled endoscope distorts the picture and leads to the deterioration of the image. At commonly used distances above 5 mm from middle ear structures, resolution and image distortion is comparable between both endoscopes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not offer a definitive opinion on which endoscope is better for ear surgery. Both types of endoscopes have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the surgeon's personal preference and on the type of planned procedure.

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head.

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. RESULTS: We diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUCION: Our negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: How common is the problem? Step 4 (Case-series) Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard) What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Step 4 (Case-series) Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Step 4 (Case-series).

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head

Abstract Objective Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. Results We diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclucion Our negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. Level of evidence How common is the problem? Step 4 (Case-series) Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard) What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Step 4 (Case-series) Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Step 4 (Case-series)

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Study and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland (pPSCC) is a rare tumor, accounting for less than 3% of all parotid carcinomas. There is no general consensus on the management of this tumor, since clinical experience for pPSCC is minimal. Moreover, pPSCC is often misdiagnosed for metastatic cutaneous carcinoma. In our study, we focused on evaluating its biological and clinical characteristics, treatment results and prognosis. We proposed an update on diagnostic and therapeutic management of pPSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort included 18 patients diagnosed and treated for pPSCC in three tertiary head and neck centers between 2008 and 2022. We retrospectively evaluated their prognosis and established a therapeutic recommendation after analyzing our own and previously published data. RESULTS: Fourteen of 18 tumors were diagnosed in stage IV. Five-year overall survival was 36 months. Six patients received palliative therapy. Twelve patients underwent parotidectomy, neck dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Remission was achieved in 8 patients (follow-up interval 3-56 months). One patient died with recurrent disease. The others are alive and in complete remission. CONCLUSION: The definitive diagnosis of pPSCC must meet the histological and clinical criteria. First of all, the metastatic origin of the tumor must be excluded. Five-year survival of this very aggressive tumor does not exceed 50%. Without surgery, the prognosis is poor. The best results, irrespective of tumor stage, are achieved with surgery. Therefore, a total parotidectomy, neck dissection (therapeutic or elective) and adjuvant radiotherapy are indicated for all resectable tumors.

Current status and future perspectives of oral HPV testing in the diagnosis and monitoring of oropharyngeal cancer. A review.

HPV16 status in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is an important prognostic factor. Its determination, based on immunistochemical analysis of p16 oncoprotein requires an invasive biopsy. Thus, alternative methods are being sought. Determining oral HPV16 status appears to be a promising alternative. However, it is not used routinely. This prompted us to perform a systematic literature review enabling us to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive ability of this approach. Thirty-four relevant studies were finally selected. For determination of HPV status in OPC, the calculated average sensitivity and specificity for oral sampling was 74% and 91%, respectively, with p16 tumour tissue marker being the gold standard. The method appears to be valuable in monitoring treatment response as well as the biological activity of the tumour, enabling early detection of persistent or relapsing carcinoma sufficiently long before its clinical and/or radiological manifestation. It can also contribute to identification of the primary tumour in cases of metastases of unknown origin. Last but not least, the screening HPV oral testing would help to identify individuals with persistent HPV oral infection who are at increased risk of development of OPC.

Optimal Light Source Intensity Setting in Endoscopic Ear Surgery.

HYPOTHESIS: Higher light intensity settings do not yield improved image quality in endoscopic ear surgery. BACKGROUND: Light intensity is a parameter with major impact on the quality of digital images. For ear surgery, light produces heat associated with a thermal risk to ear structures and the light source setting should be accordingly optimized. METHODS: Several series of still images were acquired during live middle ear surgery, using cadaveric and plastic temporal bone models and with three-dimensional printed models. Images obtained under varying light intensities were compared with the image acquired at maximum intensity of a light emitting diode light source. We analyzed digital image brightness and noise using quantitative methods. RESULTS: Our measurements revealed significantly decreased image brightness with light intensities set below 20% with an increase in noise at light intensities lower than 30%. CONCLUSION: The optimal light source setting corresponded to 30% intensity in our experimental set-up. Special attention should be given to those cases where faster image quality degradation is expected (dark or bloody scenes or larger cavities). The results were strongly dependent on the equipment used. The methods described in this study can serve as a general guide for determining the optimal light source setting in any specific set-up.

Postoperative pain and analgesic consumption after endoscopic and microscopic ear procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is considered a minimally invasive technique. It is hypothesized that patients after endoscopic procedures experience less pain and require fewer painkillers. Our aim was to compare patients' postoperative pain and need for analgesics in patients undergoing microscopic and endoscopic ear surgeries. METHODS: a single-institution, prospective study included 92 patients undergoing ear procedures (48 cholesteatoma and 44 reconstructive);(43 endoscopic and 49 microscopic) during 1/2016-1/2018. The postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) 0-10) and painkillers consumption were recorded and compared in each subgroup. RESULTS: VAS (P=0.02) and analgesics consumption (P=0.06) were lower after endoscopic ear surgeries. In the cholesteatoma group, 94% of endoscopic patients reported VAS 0-2 in contrast to 58 % of microscopic patients on day 1 (P=0.04). Similar tendencies were revealed in reconstructive cases, i.e. 92% compared to 73% (P>0.05). On day 1, 92% of endoscopic, and 77% of microscopic reconstruction patients received no painkillers group (P=0.06). In the cholesteatoma patients, 88% of endoscopic patients, 43% of microscopic patients using endaural approach, and 75% of microscopic patients using retroauricular approach, required no painkillers on the postoperative day 1 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the EES is associated with less postoperative pain than the conventional microscopic ear surgery. It seems that it is rather the transmeatal approach, and not the endoscope itself that reduces postoperative pain. The removal of the same size cholesteatoma using endoscope (rather than using microscope) leads to less intensive postoperative pain. Consequently, it was not surprising that patients after endoscopic ear surgery very rarely took painkillers.

Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal-benefit of the early surgical management.

Background: Antiresorptive drugs are widely used to reduce bone mineral loss in patients with osteoporosis and to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic cancers and multiple myeloma (MM). Both the bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab typically used in this indication were shown to be effective and relatively safe. Obviously, this medication could have some adverse effects; one of them is osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal. Only sporadic cases of external auditory canal osteonecrosis have been published yet. Here, we provide a case of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal successfully treated surgically in the early stage of the disease.Case report: A 68-year-old patient with breast cancer underwent comprehensive oncological treatment, including denosumab administration. She was diagnosed with osteonecroses in the jaw and ear canal. The necrotic bones in both regions were resected with primary wound closure. Both affected sites healed well with no signs of necrosis recurrence.Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal is a rare but probably underdiagnosed complication of antiresorptive medication. It has a negative impact on patient quality of life if left untreated. Early surgical treatment appears to be effective. The authors highlight several similarities with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Therefore, an analogous disease staging and treatment rationale is suggested.

International Survey of Operative Practices for Otologists and Neurotologists During the COVID-19 Crisis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on operative practices of otology and neurotology providers internationally. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A 78-question survey was distributed to otologists and neurotologists between May 12, 2020 and June 8, 2020 to assess the impact of the pandemic on surgical practices. Sections within the survey delineated time periods: prior to the crisis, onset of the crisis, during the crisis, postcrisis transition. RESULTS: Of 396 survey respondents, 284 participants from 38 countries met inclusion criteria.Respondents were 16.9% female and 82.4% male, with a most common age range of 40 to 49 years (36.3%). 69.8% of participants had been in practice for over 10 years and most respondents worked in an academic medical center (79.2%). The average operative weekly caseload was 5.3 (SD 3.9) per surgeon prior to the crisis, 0.7 (SD 1.2) during the COVID-19 crisis, and 3.5 (SD 3.3) for those who had begun a postcrisis transition at the time of survey administration (p < 0.001). 71.5% of providers did not perform an elective otologic or neurotologic operative procedure during the initial crisis period. 49.8% reported modifying their surgical technique due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of powered air-purifying respirators and filtering facepiece 2 or 3 (FFP2/FFP3) respirators were in minimal supply for 66.9% and 62.3% of respondents, respectively. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the otology and neurotology community globally, resulting in significant changes in operative volume and case selection. Modification of surgical technique and shortages of personal protective equipment were frequently reported.

In Vivo Measurements of Middle Ear Temperature During Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The light emitted from the endoscope during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) heats the intratympanic space. This heat may potentially be dangerous to nearby important structures, as documented by in vitro and by animal and cadaveric studies. The aim of our work was to monitor middle ear temperatures during TEES in vivo. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Four patients (15-69 yrs old) underwent transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasties for chronic perforation or retraction. INTERVENTION: After elevating the tympanomeatal flap, a thermocouple was placed in the middle ear to measure the heat generated by a 30° Hopkins rod telescope (11 cm long, 2.7 mm wide) and fiberoptic light emitting diode light source. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Middle ear temperature in the retrotympanum was monitored under these conditions: at 50 and 100% light intensity, after removing and wiping the endoscope tip, during suctioning and following middle ear irrigation. RESULTS: Maximum middle ear temperature ranged from 36.26-37.30°C. Pulling out and wiping the endoscope caused no change or minimal decrease of 0.16°C. Middle ear irrigation caused a temperature drop of 2.05°C to 5.11°C. Suctioning was associated with a drop from 0.24°C to 3.91°C that was dependent on the depth of the endoscopic tip. CONCLUSION: Middle ear temperatures during TEES using a Hopkins rod telescope and light-emitting diode light source reach values corresponding to physiological body temperature, and do not reach dangerous levels.

Coexistent neck enteric cyst and intraspinal neurenteric cyst: Embryopathogenetic implications.

INTRODUCTION: Enteric cysts are very rare conditions, occurring mainly in the posterior mediastinum and posterior neck. Their pathomorphology corresponds with that of intraspinal neurenteric cysts. Both formations are derivatives of the posterior foregut. However, their embryopathogenesis has not been elucidated satisfactorily as yet. For those associated with vertebral anomalies, the split notochord theory has been widely accepted. However, this is be hardly conceivable for cases free of these anomalies. CASE REPORT: Here, a patient with concurrent separated enteric and neurenteric cysts and cervical spine dysmorphism is presented. DISCUSSION: The review of the relevant literature revealed sporadic analogical cases in which a transvertebral communication between the two cysts was present or absent. The latter was associated with a minimal abnormality of the vertebral body. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that normal vertebrae may be formed in patients with enteric cysts, which would make the notochord-split theory plausible also for those free of spinal malformations.

Shear wave elastography in diffuse thyroid disease.

AIM: Our aim was to examine the contribution of shear wave elastography to ultrasonographic assessment in diffuse thyroid disease, specifically to evaluate the stiffness of the thyroid gland in diffuse thyroid disease and compare it with healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 46 patients with diffuse thyroid disease were examined clinically, by conventional ultrasound, and shear wave elastography. The conventional ultrasound parameters followed were: volume, margin quality, presence of nodules, and vascularisation. We measured the mean, minimum, and maximum stiffnesses by shear wave elastography. Results were correlated with values in 128 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Patients with diffuse thyroid disease had significantly higher mean and maximal stiffnesses of the thyroid gland: 12.5 ± 5 kPa and 35.3 ± 12.8 kPa, respectively, and lower minimal stiffness: 0.5 ± 0.6 kPa than the healthy control group with mean, maximal, and minimal values of 9.5 ± 3.6 kPa, 22.5 ± 7.3 kPa, and 2.2 ± 2.1 kPa (P<0.001). Stiffness values were positively correlated with BMI and volume of the thyroid; they did not correlate with margin quality, presence of nodules nor vascularisation. Compared with healthy volunteers, thyroid glands of patients with diffuse thyroid disease had a blurred margin more frequently and the amount of nodules and vascularisation were higher. Patients with Graves-Basedow disease did not have significantly different mean, maximal, nor minimal stiffnesses than those with thyroiditis. CONCLUSION: Both mean and maximal stiffness of the thyroid gland are significantly higher in diffuse thyroid disease than in the healthy population, while minimal stiffness is lower.

Heterotopic acinic cell carcinoma and its clinical implications.

This is a review of the clinical and histopathological published data on very rare heterotopic acinic cell carcinomas (AcCCs) with suggested optimal management. Extrasalivary AcCCs originate primarily in parotid lymph nodes. They present at low clinical stage, show mostly low-grade histopathology and are circumscribed with a complete nodal capsule. Extracapsular dissection was advocated as adequate therapy. In rare cases with positive surgical margins, a completion parotidectomy or adjuvant radiotherapy should follow. Heterotopic high-grade AcCCs are rare, necessitating radical surgery including neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. The short term prognosis is excellent, long term outcomes are not known. Longer term follow-up is essential.

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules in the maxillary sinus. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules are biologically inactive formations simulating true actinomycotic granules. They occur mainly in the female genital tract. Here we describe a previously unreported case of these granules in a maxillary sinus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 74-year old man underwent maxillectomy for a carcinoma of the right alveolar ridge. In the tumor-free sinus mucosa, a deposit of condensed mucus, cell debris and eosinophilic granules, surrounded by leukocytes, were seen. These Gram-positive granules were refractile, not bi-refringent and revealed radiate pattern with peripheral club-like thickening. Alcian blue staining was negative, PAS reaction was present at the periphery. Ziehl-Neelsen, Grocott and Kongo red reactions tested negatively. In the mucoid surroundings, strong IgM, moderate IgG, weak IgA and IgG4, but no IgD immunoreactivity was present. CONCLUSIONS: PAMRAGs in the maxillary sinus have not been described so far. Despite their extremely rare occurence, they must be taken into consideration in histopathological differential diagnosis of actinomycosis of that anatomic location.

The Role of Ultrasound and Shear-Wave Elastography in Evaluation of Cervical Lymph Nodes.

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic value of ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes. METHODS: A total of 99 patients with enlarged lymph nodes (99 lymph nodes presenting as a neck mass) were examined clinically with conventional ultrasound including Doppler examination and shear-wave elastography. The results of the examinations were compared with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 43 benign and 56 malignant lymph nodes in our cohort. Age and sex were significant predictors of malignancy. The standard ultrasound parameters-node size, long/short axis ratio, hilum, vascularization, and the presence of microcalcifications-were also statistically significant. Lymph node volume combined with age showed the best predictive power. The maximum stiffness found on SWE was also a significant predictor of malignancy. The combination of epidemiologic, classic ultrasound, and elastographic parameters yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of malignancy; however, the additional impact of elastographic parameters was low. CONCLUSION: A combination of epidemiologic and classic ultrasound parameters can discriminate between malignant and benign lymph nodes with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. Examining the stiffness of lymph nodes by means of SWE does not add much new predictive power.

Chronic inflammation of the middle ear with cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is a cystic pseudotumor. It is consisted of a keratinized squamous epithelium producing keratin masses. It occurs in purulent form of chronic otitis media. It can behave aggressively and cause osteolysis of surrounding structures in the middle ear, such as the middle ear bone, facial nerve channel, inner ear, etc. Diagnosis of cholesteatoma is based on otomicroscopy and the use of modern imaging methods (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging). The treatment is surgical and must be radical enough to prevent recurrence of the disease. Despite precise surgical technique, recurrence is relatively frequent, especially in childhood. Early diagnostics and adequate surgical therapy can prevent severe otogenic complications of middle ear inflammation.

Evaluation of the Effect of Tissue Compression on the Results of Shear Wave Elastography Measurements.

Shear wave imaging is considered to be more precise and less operator dependent when compared with strain imaging. It enables quantitative and reproducible data (Young's modulus of the imaged tissue). However, results of shear wave imaging can be affected by a variety of different factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the pressure applied by the ultrasound probe during examination on the measured values of Young's modulus. The effect of the tissue compression on the results of the real-time shear wave elastography was evaluated via the gelatine phantom measurements, via the ex vivo experiments with pig liver, and via the in vivo measurements of the thyroid gland stiffness on healthy volunteers. The results of our measurements confirmed that the measured value of Young's modulus increases with the increasing pressure applied on the imaged object. The highest increase was observed during the ex vivo experiments (400%), and the lowest increase was detected in the case of the phantom measurements (8%). A two- to threefold increase in Young's modulus was observed between the minimum and maximum pressure in the case of the in vivo elastography measurements of thyroid gland. The Veronda-Westman theoretical model was used for the description of the tissue nonlinearity. We conclude that tissue compression by the force exerted on the probe can significantly affect the results of the real-time shear wave elastography measurements. Minimum pressure should be used when measuring the absolute value of Young's modulus of superficial organs.