Adjuvant N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine in blood cardioplegia does not improve myocardial protection in ischemically damaged hearts.

Oxyradicals potentially limit the myocardial protection provided by blood cardioplegia in ischemically damaged hearts. We tested the hypothesis that the addition to blood cardioplegic solution of a new oxyradical scavenger--N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine--would result in improved left ventricular performance and oxygen consumption compared to that resulting from the use of blood cardioplegia alone. Gauges and transducer-tipped catheters for left ventricular minor axis ultrasonic dimension were placed in 17 open-chest dogs, and instantaneous left ventricular pressure-diameter data were acquired by computer. The aorta was crossclamped for 30 minutes during total vented bypass to induce ischemic injury. The heart was reoxygenated and protected by multidose, hypothermic blood cardioplegic solution alone (n = 9) or enhanced with 0.0132 mmol N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (n = 8) for 1 hour of cardioplegia-induced arrest. Preischemic and postischemic left ventricular performance was measured by slope changes in end-systolic pressure-diameter relations induced by gradual afterload reduction during right heart bypass. When blood cardioplegia alone was used, postischemic left ventricular systolic performance was depressed by 73.2% +/- 10.0% (166.8 +/- 56.1 mm Hg/mm versus 25.1 +/- 7.0 mm Hg/mm). N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine did not significantly attenuate this functional depression (62.7% +/- 9.0%, 146.6 +/- 67.6 mm Hg/mm versus 33.6 +/- 11.9 mm Hg/mm). The postischemic end-diastolic pressure-diameter relation was shifted to the right, whereas chamber stiffness was increased comparably, with or without N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine. Postischemic oxygen consumption in the beating working state, calculated from left ventricular blood flow (measured by microspheres) and arterial-coronary sinus oxygen extraction, averaged 7.8 +/- 0.9 ml O2/100 gm/min with blood cardioplegia alone and 7.5 +/- 1.0 ml O2/100 gm/min with N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine, and was unchanged from paired preischemic values in both groups. We conclude (1) that N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine added to blood cardioplegic solution in the dose and delivery regimen tested did not improve ventricular systolic and diastolic performance compared with blood cardioplegia alone and (2) that postischemic oxygen consumption may not parallel the extent of left ventricular functional recovery.

Myocardial protection with blood cardioplegia in ischemically injured hearts: reduction of reoxygenation injury with allopurinol.

Myocellular injury mediated by oxygen radicals potentially limits myocardial protection in ischemically damaged hearts. This damage may be greater with oxygen-carrying blood cardioplegic solutions. A major mechanism of oxygen radical production is the conversion of hypoxanthine to uric acid by xanthine oxidase. In 16 anesthetized dogs, we studied whether adding allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, to blood cardioplegia would improve recovery of left ventricular (LV) performance and oxygen consumption. Millar transducer-tipped catheters and minor axis ultrasonic crystals were placed to assess LV performance by the slope of the end-systolic pressure-minor axis diameter relationships (Emax). Following total vented bypass, the hearts underwent 30 minutes of normothermic ischemia and then hypothermic blood cardioplegia with 1 mM allopurinol (N = 8) or without allopurinol (N = 8). Postischemic LV performance was significantly better with allopurinol than without (49.5 +/- 8.0 versus 17.4 +/- 4.1% of preischemic Emax; p less than 0.004). Postischemic LV oxygen consumption in the beating working state, calculated from LV blood flow (15 microm microspheres) and oxygen extraction, was comparable to preischemic values with and without allopurinol (10.2 +/- 1.2 versus 8.6 +/- 1.2 ml O2/100 gm/min). We conclude that allopurinol enhancement of blood cardioplegia increases myocardial protection in severely ischemic ventricles.

Prophylactic antibiotics in surgery for chronic ear disease.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The role of prophylactic antibiotics in otologic surgery continues to be debated and perhaps misused. Prior studies have provided conflicting evidence with regard to the benefit obtained from the use of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery for chronic otitis media. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in the outcomes of surgery for chronic ear disease. It was the authors' impression that there was no indication for prophylactic antibiotics in such surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective study performed in a tertiary care facility. METHODS: Patients who met inclusion criteria (n = 146) were randomly assigned to an antibiotic treatment group or a control group receiving no prophylactic antibiotics. Patients in the antibiotic treatment group were given preoperative intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics for 5 days after surgery. Patients were followed postoperatively and observed for clinical evidence of infection and graft failure. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to the incidence of postoperative infection or graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery for chronic ear disease cannot be recommended based on the findings of this study.

Preservation of the stapedius tendon in laser stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The stapedius tendon is routinely transected during stapes surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technique of stapedial tendon preservation during stapes surgery and to compare results of these cases with cases where the stapedial tendon was not preserved. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Four groups of patients were evaluated. Two groups had undergone stapes surgery with preservation of the stapedial tendon. One of these groups underwent a laser stapedotomy minus prosthesis (laser STAMP) procedure, while the other group had a prosthesis inserted. The other two groups had undergone laser stapedotomy with one of two different prostheses being used. Audiometric data were obtained and reviewed both preoperatively and at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: All groups had overall successful results demonstrating that stapedial tendon preservation is technically possible and does not compromise outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it is recommended that the stapedius tendon be preserved whenever possible during laser stapes surgery. Reasons justifying its preservation are discussed.

Expected neurologic outcomes for surgical treatment of cervical neurilemomas.

OBJECTIVE: Neurilemomas are classically described as fusiform tumors that eccentrically displace the undisturbed neural fascicles. The authors seek to clarify the relationship of cervical neurilemomas to their nerve of origin and assess the functional outcome of surgical extirpation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of clinical, intraoperative, and histopathologic data of six patients with cervical extracranial neurilemomas. METHODS: Additional histochemical staining of the pathologic specimens was performed to evaluate the tumor for neurites. A comprehensive literature review of cervical neurilemoma cases and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes in these cases were performed. RESULTS: In the series of five consecutive cervical neurilemomas, only one was an eccentric mass pushing the undisturbed nerve aside. In the five other cases, excision of the neurilemoma required complete nerve excision. Neural elements traveling through the central portions of the tumor were clearly demonstrated histologically. Collective analysis of the literature on cervical neurilemomas revealed that although some cases allow nerve preservation, preservation of function is frequently poor. CONCLUSIONS: This experience and that reported in the literature suggest that it is frequently impossible to preserve the function of the nerve of origin with surgical treatment of cervical neurilemomas.

Prophylactic antibiotic drops after tympanostomy tube placement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic polymyxin B sulfate-neomycin sulfate-hydrocortisone drops in decreasing the incidence of posttympanostomy otorrhea. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: University referral center. PATIENTS: Three hundred patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement (including those undergoing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or both) were randomized into three groups. INTERVENTION: The use of polymyxin B-neomycin-hydrocortisone drops. Patients in group 1 received no antibiotic drops; group 2, a single dose intraoperatively, and group 3, an intraoperative dose followed by a 5-day course. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Posttympanostomy otorrhea. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the incidence of posttympanostomy otorrhea between the control (16.4%) and treatment groups (group 2, 8.3%; group 3, 8.1%) (P = .011). A single dose of antibiotics was effective when patients' middle ears were dry or had serous effusions. A 5-day course was indicated for those whose ears had mucoid or purulent contents. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic ear drops are indicated in all patients. A single dose is as effective as a 5-day course, but our data support a longer course in certain subgroups.

Protection against aminoglycoside otic drop-induced ototoxicity by a spin trap: I. Acute effects.

Topical administration of aminoglycoside antibiotic drops containing neomycin and polymyxin B disrupts cochlear structure and function in rodents, possibly as a result of reactive oxygen species generation. This study investigated the ability of a spin trap, alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN), to prevent acute aminoglycoside antibiotic drop-induced cochlear dysfunction. Guinea pigs were monitored for compound action potential thresholds and 1.0 microV root-mean-square cochlear microphonic isopotential curve values, then injected intraperitoneally with PBN (60 mg/kg) or saline solution. After 10 minutes, 50 microl of PBN (100 mmol/L) or artificial perilymph was applied to the round window membrane, followed after 10 minutes with artificial perilymph or aminoglycoside antibiotic drops (50 microl). From 10 to 60 minutes after exposure, mean compound action potential thresholds progressively increased in the artificial perilymph-aminoglycoside antibiotic drop group, beginning with high frequencies and later including ever-lower frequencies. These threshold shifts in compound action potentials were significantly greater (p<0.05) than those seen in the artificial perilymph-artificial perilymph or PBN-aminoglycoside antibiotic drop groups. This finding indicates that PBN provided protection against acute aminoglycoside antibiotic drop-induced compound action potential threshold sensitivity loss. Mean cochlear microphonic shift values at 60 minutes in the artificial perilymph-aminoglycoside antibiotic drop group significantly exceeded those of the other groups only at the highest frequencies. These data suggest that acute aminoglycoside antibiotic drop-induced cochlear disruption primarily affects high frequency compound action potential function and may be partially reactive oxygen species-mediated and preventable.

Primary amyloidosis presenting as massive cervical lymphadenopathy with severe dyspnea: a case report and review of the literature.

Amyloidosis is an end point of several diseases in which the unifying characteristic is the association and extracellular deposition of the insoluble protein fibrils within various tissues and organs. We have discussed a variety of clinical findings of primary amyloidosis with emphasis on its otolaryngologic manifestations. This case represents the second report in the literature of a neck mass resulting from a plasma cell dyscrasia and the first report of AL disease producing such extensive cervical lymphadenopathy as to cause significant respiratory compromise.

Cyclandelate in the management of tinnitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Cyclandelate is a vasodilating agent that, like papaverine, acts directly on the smooth muscles of blood vessels. The drug has been used primarily as an adjunctive treatment for various peripheral vascular diseases; some studies advocate its use for treating ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Early nonrandomized and uncontrolled studies suggest that cyclandelate is efficacious in treating tinnitus. Recent personal communications regarding cyclandelate's effectiveness in treating tinnitus prompted this study. Fifty-nine adult patients with constant tinnitus for more than 1 year were randomly selected for this prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with a treatment period of 3 months. Audiometric testing with tinnitus pitch and loudness matching was performed before initiation of treatment and at the end of treatment, and frequent questionnaire evaluations were performed during the treatment period. Four patients in the cyclandelate group and three in the placebo group reported a subjective reduction in the loudness of their tinnitus. Audiologic testing before and after treatment showed no significant changes in tinnitus pitch or loudness. Although cyclandelate treatment was beneficial for some patients and the decrease in subjective loudness scoring was significant for the cyclandelate group, the impact of its effect did not appear to warrant its continued use by those patients. A significant percentage of patients could not tolerate the drug because of side effects.

Direct round window membrane application of gentamicin in the treatment of Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the round window membrane (RWM) Gelfoam gentamicin technique in patients with Meniere's disease who were unresponsive to medical management or in whom surgical therapy failed. STUDY DESIGN: Protocol 1, single intratympanic gentamicin infusion; protocol 2 (the best method), 2 infusions, 5 days apart with reevaluation at 1 month; and protocol 3, multiple infusions 1 to 4 weeks apart. PATIENTS: In total, 32 patients (19 male, 13 female) were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 65 years (range 34 to 94 years). Seven of these patients were surgical salvage cases. INTERVENTIONS: Laser-assisted otoendoscopy with a 1.7-mm otoendoscope (Smith-Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN) was performed first. If the RWM was obscured by mucosa or adhesions, these were cleared before placing a 2 x 3 mm piece of dry Gelfoam against the RWM. Buffered gentamicin (26.7 mg/mL) was then injected into the middle ear (0.2 to 0.3 mL). RESULTS: Overall, vertigo was controlled in 75% of the patients after the completion of the treatment, with subtotal vestibular ablation in two thirds of patients. Hearing was preserved in 90% of the patients (within 15 dB pure-tone average or 15% speech discrimination score), tinnitus improved in 48%, and aural pressure improved in 62.5%.

Retropharyngeal cellulitis: a manifestation of Kawasaki disease in children.

Kawasaki disease (KD) or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome is an acute febrile illness with prominent vasculitic features. The cause is unknown and the disease is seen most commonly in young children. After its initial description in Japan, the disease was thought to be rare in the United States, but recognition has dramatically increased over the past decade. Common symptoms of the disease for which the otolaryngologist may be initially consulted include inflammation of the lips and oral cavity and acute cervical lymphadenopathy. We present a case of Kawasaki disease initially complicated by retropharyngeal soft tissue swelling. Similar reports are rare in the pediatric literature; however, no such reports appear in the otolaryngology literature.

Renal clear cell carcinoma appearing as a left neck mass.

Malignant clear cell tumors of the head and neck are uncommon. Primary tumors may arise from the salivary glands, thyroid gland, or parathyroid glands, while metastatic tumors most commonly arise from the lungs, kidneys, and female genital tract. Renal cell carcinoma is the third most common metastatic tumor to the bone and soft tissues of the head and neck. Despite this, there have been few reported cases of renal clear cell carcinoma metastases to the neck. Here we report a unique case of an otherwise asymptomatic young woman with a left neck mass as the first clinical sign of advanced renal clear cell carcinoma.

Superficial carotid artery secondary to cervical teratoma.

Cervical teratomas are rare tumors, presenting as a mass in the neck at birth. Affected infants usually have respiratory compromise and dysphagia, secondary to tracheal and esophageal compression. Treatment consists of airway control, followed by surgical excision, which may be complicated by marked displacement of normal tissues. We present a case in which displacement of neck contents by mass effect resulted in a carotid artery course as close as 2mm from the skin surface. Radiographic and ultrasonographic documentation is included.

Outcomes after laser stapedotomy with and without preservation of the stapedius tendon.

Our goal was to investigate the postoperative differences in hearing between patients who had their stapedius tendon sacrificed and those whose stapedius tendon was preserved during laser stapes surgery for otosclerosis. To that end, we performed a retrospective review by mailing extensive questionnaires to patients who had been operated on between 1994 and 1997. We also performed routine and special audiometric testing to augment the subjective data. Seventy-nine of 124 questionnaires (64%) were returned. Of the respondents, 75 patients had undergone additional pre- and/or postoperative audiometric testing, including tests to evaluate "hearing in noise" and to determine the "uncomfortable loudness level" (dynamic range). We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to their subjective responses and their audiologic test results. The responses to the questionnaire indicated that in most cases, hearing was improved by stapes surgery. We conclude that the stapedius tendon should be preserved whenever possible during stapes surgery, provided that it does not jeopardize the exposure or outcome.

Anomalies of the branchial apparatus: a case report and review of embryology, anatomy and development.

The majority of congenital anomalies occurring in the neck are related to the development of the branchial apparatus. This area is responsible for the development of multiple structures in the head and neck and thus its anatomy and embryology are complex. Although cysts, sinuses, and fistulas of the branchial region are not common occurrences, they do present in a variety of settings and are generally easily managed if diagnosed early. A fundamental understanding of their anatomy, embryology, and presentation is needed to appropriately diagnose and manage them. These fundamentals are reviewed and a case report is used to illustrate one of the more common presentations.

Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea: effects on sleep, breathing, and oxygenation.

Advances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea have evolved rapidly over the past two decades. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are effective, but are neither curative nor universally well tolerated. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been reported to have widely varying success rates; many studies of this procedure do not include data about sleep quality, oxygenation, or patient satisfaction. The role of nasal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in the hands of a single surgeon, specifically evaluating its effects on sleep and oxygenation parameters. Overall, 12 of 15 patients (80%) had marked improvement, reflected by oximetry and patient interview. This pilot study shows that the combined use of UPPP and nasal surgery, when indicated, for obstructive sleep apnea is an acceptable alternative in nasal CPAP-intolerant patients. Further studies with larger numbers are needed to further substantiate these findings.

Facial Nerve Monitoring under Neuromuscular Blockade.

The characteristics of facial nerve electromyography at various levels of neuromuscular blockade are unclear. Partial blockade is well known to facilitate anesthetic safety and management. However, the use of neuromuscular blockage in many skull base procedures is avoided to allow intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.We studied the influence of various levels of neuromuscular blockade on facial nerve stimulation in the New Zealand white rabbit. The facial nerve was exposed in the middle ear of six rabbits. Using electromyographic-type facial nerve monitor, we recorded the facial electromyography signals in these rabbits at increasing levels of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. All animals demonstrated reliable facial electromyography response at all levels of partial neuromuscular blockade (P < .02). Five of the six animals could be monitored throughout complete blockade. These results clearly demonstrate that rabbit facial electromyography monitoring is possible under neuromuscular blockade. The effect of neuromuscular blockers on facial electromyography monitoring deserves further study, as partial blockade would greatly facilitate the management of anesthesia in otologic, neurotologic, and skull base surgery.