Fourth case of cerebral, ocular, dental, auricular, skeletal syndrome (CODAS), description of new features and molecular analysis.

Cerebral, ocular, dental, auricular, skeletal syndrome (CODAS, OMIM 600373) is a very rare congenital malformation syndrome. This clinical entity is highly distinctive and associates mental retardation, cataract, enamel abnormalities, malformations of the helix, epiphyseal and vertebral malformations, and characteristic dysmorphic features. Since 1991, only three affected children have been reported. The etiology and pattern of inheritance of CODAS syndrome still remain unknown. We describe a new sporadic case presenting with all the characteristic features of CODAS syndrome associated with previously unreported malformations of the heart, larynx, and liver. All investigations such as karyotype, metabolic screening and array CGH were normal.

Unusual presentation of a first Branchial cleft cyst associated with an abnormal bony canal -a case report.

BACKGROUND: First branchial cleft anomalies are rare, accounting for only 10% of all branchial cleft anomalies. We report an even more rare and unique case of a branchial cleft cyst with features of both first and second arch derivatives. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old boy presented to us with a left conductive hearing loss associated with pre-tympanic keratin debris and an ipsilateral painful cervical mass. He had a past medical history of left ear surgery for presumed cholesteatoma 2 years prior and left neck abscess drainage 6 months prior. CT and MRI revealed a lesion originating in the external auditory canal and extending cervically through a bony canal located medial to the facial nerve and terminating as a parapharyngeal cyst. The complete removal was accomplished in one surgical stage consisting of three distinct steps: robotic assisted transoral resection of the pharyngeal cyst, an endaural approach and a parotidectomy approach. CONCLUSION: We believe that our detailed description of this rare first branchial cleft cyst with pharyngeal extension, possibly a hybrid case between a first and second branchial cyst, can serve as a valuable tool to Otolaryngologists - Head and Neck Surgeons who come across a similar unusual presentations.

Childhood granular cell tumors: two case reports.

Granular cell tumors (GCT), also known as Abrikossoff tumors, are rare tumors found largely in children, with few reports of laryngo-tracheal involvement. Two childhood cases of laryngo-tracheal GCT are reported here, of which one case had multifocal lesions. The histopathological features and the therapeutic management of GCT are also discussed.

[Congenital cysts, sinuses and fistula of head and neck]. / Kystes et fistules congénitaux de la face et du cou.

Congenital cervical cysts, sinuses and fistulae are uncommon malformations. Diagnosis and management of congenital cervical cysts, sinuses and fistulae requires a good understanding of their embryological development and topography. Thyroglossal duct cysts are most common, followed by branchial cleft anomalies and dermoid cysts. In this review, we discuss both the classical and current aspects of these malformations.

Esophageal lesions following button-battery ingestion in children: Analysis of causes and proposals for preventive measures.

OBJECTIVES: To study recent cases of esophageal injury due to button-battery ingestion in children presenting in pediatric ENT emergency departments of the Paris area of France (Île-de-France region), in order to propose appropriate preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive single-center study included all children under 15 years of age, presenting in pediatric ENT emergency departments between January 2008 and April 2014 for button-battery ingestion with esophageal impaction requiring emergency removal. RESULTS: Twenty-two boys and 4 girls, with a median age of 25 months, were included. Twenty-five of the 26 batteries had diameters of 20mm or more. Median esophageal impaction time was 7 hours 30 minutes (range, 2 to 72 hours). The complications rate was 23%. Mean hospital stay cost was €38,751 (range, €5130-119,737). The origin of the battery was known in 23 of the 26 cases: remote control without screw-secured compartment (42.3%), open battery pack (15.4%), children's toy (15.3%), camera (7.7%), watch (1 case) and hearing aid without screw-secured compartment (1 case). CONCLUSION: Esophageal lesions due to ingestion of button-batteries in children are almost always due to batteries larger than 20mm in diameter, mostly from devices with a poorly protected compartment, or batteries that are not individually packaged. These lesions cause serious complications in a quarter of cases and their management entails high health costs. Legislation requiring screw-secured compartments and individual blisters for batteries could have prevented 69.2% of the ingestions.

Results of cochlear implantation in two children with mutations in the OTOF gene.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to present the results of cochlear implantation in case of deafness involving mutations in the OTOF gene. This form of deafness is characterized by the presence of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). In cases of profound deafness with preserved TEOAE, two main etiologies should be considered: either an auditory neuropathy (a retrocochlear lesion) or an endocochlear lesion. It is essential to differentiate these two entities with regards to therapy and screening. PATIENTS: We report two children who presented with profound prelingual deafness, confirmed by the absence of detectable responses to auditory evoked potentials (AEP), associated with the presence of bilateral TEOAE. Genetic testing revealed mutations in OTOF, confirming DFNB9 deafness. Both patients have been successfully implanted (with a follow-up of 18 and 36 months, respectively). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical (oral production, closed and open-set words and sentences list, meaningful auditory integration scale), audiometric evaluation (TEOAE, AEP) before and after implantation, and neural response telemetry (NRT). RESULTS: Both patients present a good quality of clinical responses and electrophysiological tests after implantation, indicating satisfactory functioning of the auditory nerve. This confirms the endocochlear origin of DFNB9 and suggests that these mutations in OTOF lead to functional alteration of inner hair cells. CONCLUSION: In the absence of a context of neurological syndrome, the combination of absent AEP and positive TEOAE should lead to a genetic screening for mutations in OTOF, in order to undertake the appropriate management.

[Slide tracheoplasty in congenital tracheal stenosis]. / Hypoplasies trachéales complexes du nourrisson: extension des limites de la "Slide Tracheoplasty".

OBJECTIVES: Slide Tracheoplasty has progressively become the gold standard in the management of long-segment tracheal stenosis in children and infants. However, in certain situations this operation might become difficult and others techniques might be preferred. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients, 1 to 6 month old had surgery by our team, for complex tracheal stenosis between 2001 and 2005. Tracheal hypoplasia was considered complex because it was associated to either: an acquired critical stenosis, a cricoid stenosis, a bronchial stenosis, a tracheal bronchus or associated to oesophageal atresia and severe tracheomalacia. All of them have been treated by a modified slide tracheoplasty. RESULTS: The postoperative status required an average of 15 days in ICU, including 8 days of ventilation. Two patients had laryngeal nerve injury. Medium term follow up (27 months) demonstrated no need for re-intervention, good potential growth and normal child activity. CONCLUSIONS: Slide tracheoplasty can provide good results in certain cases of severe and complex tracheal hypoplasia in infants.

Newborn hearing screening: Prevalence and medical and paramedical treatment of bilateral hearing loss in a neonatal series in the Île-de-France region of France.

OBJECTIVES: We report results for newborn hearing screening in a cohort of children born in the Île-de-France region of France, as part of a national screening program set up by the French national health insurance agency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed on neonates undergoing hearing screening by automated auditory brainstem response at 35 dB in maternity departments between 2005 and 2011. In case of positive findings, a further check was performed; if this was also positive in one or both ears, the child was referred to the diagnostic center. RESULTS: The study recruited 27,885 births; 96% of neonates were tested. Retest was positive in 0.84% of cases. Bilateral hearing loss was diagnosed in 0.63% of infants. Fifty-nine percent of these had ≥ 1 risk factor. Hearing normalized by end of follow-up in 25% of cases. Hearing loss was moderate in 59% of hearing-impaired children, severe in 12% and profound in 29%. Mean age at hearing aid fitting ranged from 4 months in profound hearing loss to 11.4 months in moderate hearing loss. In children receiving a cochlear implant, mean age at implantation was 14 months. CONCLUSION: Newborn hearing screening is now public policy. It is effective in terms of exhaustiveness, age at diagnosis and early management. Caution is appropriate in the treatment of moderate hearing loss. In case of moderate hearing loss associated with otitis media serosa, transtympanic aerators should be suggested as of the age of 6 months to enable hearing threshold measurement. Hearing aid fitting can then be considered around 9 months of age if hearing has not improved.

Unusual outer ear swelling: Childhood auricular rhabdomyosarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children and makes up 5% of all pediatric malignant tumors. The main head and neck locations are the base of the skull, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and orbit. An outer ear location is considered extremely rare. We present 3 cases of children, aged 6 to 14 years, presenting with auricular RMS. CASE REPORTS: The first child, aged 6, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgical resection of the tumor bed, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The second, aged 14, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by external radiation therapy of the tumor bed and lymph node areas, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. The third, aged 13, was managed by 4 chemotherapy cycles followed by surgery, completed by 5 further cycles of chemotherapy. DISCUSSION: In these 3 patients, the treatment program achieved complete disease control. Prognosis was good, thanks to good surgical access. Diagnosis should be considered in case of unusual progressive swelling in the outer ear.

Cochlear implantation in children with internal ear malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical aspects and results of cochlear implantation in inner ear malformations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Ear, nose, and throat department of a tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Out of 260 implanted children, 18 (6.9%) had inner ear malformations: complex cochleovestibular malformation (n = 11), common cavity (n = 1), and enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) (n = 6). Deafness was progressive in 12 cases (G1) and congenital in 6 cases (G2). Genetics lead to diagnosis in 12 of 13 cases: PSD mutation (n = 11), Waardenburg syndrome (n = 1), negative (1). Mean age at implant was 7.8 years. Mean follow-up period was 48 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical and surgical outcomes were reported. Closed (CSW) and open (OSW) set word perception and level of speech production were evaluated each year. The results were compared pre- and postoperatively and between the two groups. RESULTS: Gusher at surgery was observed in 50% of cases, with a persistent leak in one case. No facial injury or infectious complications were observed. At 12 months, 83% of the population had achieved more than 75% recognition in CSW, versus 16% before implant (p = 0.001). After 2 years, 64% of patients had more than 50% recognition in OSW. Good oral language was seen in 76% at 2 years and 100% at 3 years, versus 55% before implant (respectively, p > 0.05 and p = 0.03). At 1 year after implant, 83% of the G1 and 20% of the G2 achieved more than 50% recognition in OSW (p = 0.02). After 24 months, 83% of G1 and 40% of G2 had more than 50% in OSW (p > 0.05). Before implant, 75% in G1 and 0% in G2 had good oral language (p = 0.01). At 1 year, 83% in G1 and 16% in G2 had good oral language (p = 0.02). At 2 years, 100% in G1 and 20% in G2 had good oral language (p = 0.02). One child in G1 had no improvement after implantation. CONCLUSIONS: No major complication was seen. Perceptive and linguistic results were variable and depended on the type of the deafness. In progressive deafness, the perceptive and linguistic result are expected to be good. In congenital deafness, the results are more variable.

Auditory neuropathy or endocochlear hearing loss?

AIMS: The purpose of the study was to define boundaries between endocochlear hearing loss and auditory neuropathy in children with congenital profound hearing loss and positive otoacoustic emissions. PATIENT: A child presented with bilateral profound hearing loss, which was confirmed by the absence of evoked auditory potentials at 110 dB and with conserved otoacoustic emissions. The lack of any relevant medical history, a normal neurologic pediatric examination, and the improvement obtained with powerful hearing aids suggested an endocochlear cause. Genetic testing identified mutations in OTOF, responsible for the DFNB9 recessive form of hearing loss. RESULTS: In recent years, cases of children with hearing loss associated with positive otoacoustic emissions have been labeled as "auditory neuropathy." Classically, this form of hearing loss is refractory to the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Mutations in OTOF lead to inner hair cells dysfunction, whereas the outer hair cells are initially functionally preserved. As this form of endocochlear hearing loss can be detected at a molecular level, genetic testing can be proposed for cases of nonsyndromic auditory neuropathy, as those children could benefit from cochlear implantation. CONCLUSION: It is advisable to reserve the term "auditory neuropathy" for patients who present hearing loss and conserved otoacoustic emissions in the context of a neurologic syndrome or for children with suggestive perinatal history. In other cases, genetic testing for mutations in OTOF should be carried out.

Speech perception, production and intelligibility in French-speaking children with profound hearing loss and early cochlear implantation after congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze speech in children with profound hearing loss following congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection with cochlear implantation (CI) before the age of 3 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cohort of 15 children with profound hearing loss, speech perception, production and intelligibility were assessed before and 3 years after CI; variables impacting results were explored. RESULTS: Post-CI, median word recognition was 74% on closed-list and 48% on open-list testing; 80% of children acquired speech production; and 60% were intelligible for all listeners or listeners attentive to lip-reading and/or aware of the child's hearing loss. Univariate analysis identified 3 variables (mean post-CI hearing threshold, bilateral vestibular areflexia, and brain abnormality on MRI) with significant negative impact on the development of speech perception, production and intelligibility. CONCLUSION: CI showed positive impact on hearing and speech in children with post-cCMV profound hearing loss. Our study demonstrated the key role of maximizing post-CI hearing gain. A few children had insufficient progress, especially in case of bilateral vestibular areflexia and/or brain abnormality on MRI. This led us to suggest that balance rehabilitation and speech therapy should be intensified in such cases.

Magnetic resonance imaging at one year for detection of postoperative residual cholesteatoma in children: Is it too early?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the residual cholesteatoma detection accuracy of diffusion-weighted (DW) and T1 delayed sequences for magnetic resonance at one year postoperative with second-look surgery in pediatric patients who have undergone primary middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma. METHODS: This was a prospective monocentric consecutive study conducted in a tertiary academic referral center. Children were referred for MR imaging (MRI) one year after surgery. A 1.5T MRI was utilized, using nonecho-planar DW images and delayed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging was assessed by two radiologists before surgery. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were assessed using the κ test. Magnetic resonance imaging data were compared with surgery, which was considered as the gold standard. RESULTS: Twenty-four consecutive unselected pediatric patients were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the first observer were of 40%, 86%, 67%, and 67%, respectively, and those for the second observer were 30%, 86%, 60%, and 63%, respectively. The only two cholesteatoma with a size superior to 3mm were diagnosed before surgery, but the majority of small cholesteatoma were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a key examen to diagnosed the residual cholesteatoma but is limited by the size of the lesion under 3mm. Delaying the realization of MRI during follow-up could increase sensitivity, thus avoiding misdiagnosis as well as unnecessary second look surgery.

Management of acute otitis media caused by resistant pneumococci in infants.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical outcome and risk of failure after oral vs. intravenous treatment in otitis media caused by penicillin-resistant pneumococci. To determine the possible correlations between pneumococcal minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to penicillin and clinical outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 156 cases collected between 1993 and 1995. Mean follow-up: 5 months. Setting. Two tertiary academic medical centers in Paris, France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pneumococcus was isolated from 191 of 570 ear samples obtained from children with otitis media and shown to be penicillin-resistant in 156. Medical history, antibiotic therapy during the previous 3 months and day-care center attendance were reviewed. For the current episode microbiologic characteristics of the isolated strains, type of treatment, therapy efficacy and clinical outcome were analyzed. Patients were predominantly young (76.3% were <1 year old) and bacteriologic samples were taken mainly because of previous treatment failure. RESULTS: Among 156 children with pneumococcal penicillin-resistant otitis media, 72.2% attended day-care centers, 71.8% had been previously treated with aminopenicillin and 52.5% with cephalosporins. Failure of previous empirical oral therapy was noted in 84% (one-third of these had been receiving amoxicillin-clavulanate). Patients treated intravenously had had a more protracted otitis but no greater number of previous episodes of acute otitis media than those receiving oral therapy. Acute mastoiditis occurred in 4 infants resulting in mastoidectomy. Oral treatment (mainly with high dose amoxicillin,120 to 150 mg/kg/day) and intravenous therapy (cephalosporin or glycopeptide) had been used in 59 and 41%, respectively. Mean duration of therapy was 10.7 days. Three failures (1.9%) and 10 recurrences (6.4%, average 28 days) occurred. No statistical difference was found between intravenous and oral therapy with respect to risk of recurrence. A high penicillin MIC value was correlated with previous antibiotic treatment but not with clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Oral therapy appears to be as effective as intravenous therapy for the treatment of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal otitis media. Intravenous treatment should not necessarily be dictated by the penicillin susceptibility value but should be considered in cases of failure to thrive, persistent otitis or other complications.

Tracheal dyskinesia associated with midline abnormality: embryological hypotheses and therapeutic implications.

Abnormalities of tracheal rigidity, which may lead to the collapse of the airway during expiration and consequent complications, characterize two groups of disorders: tracheomalacia (weakness of the anterior cartilaginous arc of the trachea) and tracheal dyskinesia (dysfunction of the posterior membranous trachea). Tracheal dyskinesia can either be isolated or associated with a more complex syndrome of malformations: esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula and laryngotracheal cleft. Although our knowledge of the embryological development of the tracheoesophageal axis remains limited, the existence of these associations suggests that tracheal dyskinesia is of congenital origin. The presentation of three clinical cases demonstrates that the coexistence of a midline malformation and of tracheal dyskinesia complicates the therapeutic management of the first malformation. In particular, the postoperative follow-up is often more difficult, and a long-term tracheostomy is often required (sometimes for several years). However, it must be pointed out that tracheal dyskinesia, even in the associated forms, has a good long-term prognosis, since spontaneous resolution as the child grows up is the rule.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts in children.

Thirty-six children with nasal dermoid sinus cysts were treated in the Department Pediatric Otolaryngology, Armand Trousseau's Children's Hospital (Paris, France) between 1974 and 1994. Ten of the patients presented with a midline cyst only, eight had nasal pits only, and 18 had combined cases. In six of the 36 patients, presurgical imagery indicated signs of intracranial extension of the tract, reaching the foramen caecum without intracranial mass. Three surgical techniques were used: an external rhinoplasty approach with medial crura section in 23 cases, a direct median approach in seven cases, and a paracanthal approach in six cases. Only two cases had meningeal adherences. Two superficial recurrences occurred within the 7-year follow-up period. Widening of the scar occurred in four children after verticomedian approach or nasal pit excision. The external rhinoplasty procedure with medial crura section results in a wide surgical approach, low recurrence rate, and good aesthetic results.

Indications of the carbon dioxide laser in tracheobronchial pathology of the infant and young child: 14 cases.

Fourteen children aged between 6 months and 7 years (mean age = 3.5 years) were treated by CO2 broncholaser in the ENT Department of Trousseau Hospital. Three groups of diagnostic indication were identified: 1. Granulomas treated after mucosal trauma (tracheotomy, foreign body). 2. Granulomas due to pulmonary and/or lymph node tuberculosis. 3. Adhesions and stenosis secondary to neonatal ventilation. The operative and anesthetic technique is described in detail, together with any possible adverse events. The CO2 broncholaser appears to be a technique of choice in this age group, in which the narrowness of the airways makes any endoscopic procedure difficult. The broncholaser allows the early treatment of obstructive tracheobronchial pathology with its risks of severe ventilatory sequelae.

Posterior laryngeal clefts: preliminary report of a new surgical procedure using tibial periosteum as an interposition graft.

OBJECTIVE: To present the preliminary results of a new surgical procedure for posterior laryngeal cleft repair. DESIGN: Retrospective study in an academic tertiary care center. METHOD: The study included three male patients (age at surgery, 2, 13, and 14 mo). One presented with severe aspiration and cyanotic attacks, the two others with aspiration and recurrent chest infections. The types of laryngeal clefts included complete cleft of the cricoid with varying degrees of tracheal involvement but not further than the first six tracheal rings. Associated malformations included one VATER syndrome, one esophageal atresia, and one tracheoesophageal fistula. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation. A vertical anterior laryngofissure was performed. The mucosal margins of the clefts were incised and then repaired in two layers with polyglactin sutures. The original feature of this procedure was the interposition of a small piece of tibial periosteum between the two layers. This fascia graft is known to be strong and resistant in cleft palate surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical and endoscopic follow-up was used for evaluation of results. RESULTS: The three patients had successful laryngeal repair at a mean follow-up of 6 months (range, 4-14 mo). CONCLUSION: The anterior laryngofissure provides a good surgical access to the cleft. The interposition of tibial periosteum allows durability of the cleft repair. A longer follow-up is needed to confirm these preliminary results. A computed tomography scan study and a study on the rabbit are planned in order to evaluate the outcome of these periosteal grafts.

Penetration of ceftazidime into middle ear fluid in children with otitis media with effusion.

Twenty-five children with otitis media with effusion received ceftazidime 50 mg/kg intravenously before bilateral myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes. Concentrations of ceftazidime measured in serum and middle ear fluid exceeded 4 mg/L (i.e., largely above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for the gram-negative pathogens commonly recovered from children with otitis media) for at least 4 hours. Mean peak concentrations occurred 30 to 90 minutes after the injection and reached 11 to 14 mg/L. These results are in keeping with the clinical efficacy of ceftazidime in the treatment of chronic middle ear infections in children.

Myringoplasty in children: predictive factors of outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the results of myringoplasty in children and to determine which factors independently influence the postoperative results. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of the anatomic and functional results of 231 consecutive myringoplasties performed in 188 children between 1988 and 1992. Multivariate analysis of poor prognostic factors by cross-sectional comparison 1 year after surgery. METHODS: Myringoplasties were performed via an endaural approach with a fascia temporalis underlay graft. RESULTS: In 216 of 231 ears (93.5%) the tympanic membrane was closed. A good anatomic outcome was considered to have been achieved in 188 ears (81.6%), although in 18 ears (7.8%) seromucous otitis media occurred, in 8 ears (3.5%) a progressive retraction pocket was encountered, and in 2 ears significant lateralization was present. One hundred thirty-nine (67.5%) of the 206 ears tested in the postoperative period had a postoperative air-bone gap of 10 dB or less. On average, mean bone conduction remained unaltered. The age of the patient and the size and the location of the perforation did not affect the outcome. Three prognostic factors for an abnormal postoperative tympanic membrane were found, with 95% confidence intervals: inflammatory changes in the middle ear mucosa (P < .05), contralateral tympanic perforation (P < .05), and contralateral cholesteatoma (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Myringoplasty with underlay grafting of the fascia temporalis in children gives good anatomic and functional results. Inflammatory changes within the middle ear mucosa, contralateral tympanic perforation, and contralateral cholesteatoma independently influence the risk of an abnormal postoperative tympanic membrane. The presence of one of these factors preoperatively should lead to the consideration of alternative, more durable graft material, such as autologous cartilage.