Endoscopic evaluation of middle ear anatomic variations in autopsy series: analyses of 204 ears.

INTRODUCTION: Microsurgery of the ear requires complete evaluation of middle ear surgical anatomy, especially the posterior tympanic cavity anatomy. Preoperative assessment of the middle ear cavity is limited by the permeability of eardrum and temporal bone density. Therefore, middle ear exploration is an extremely useful method to identify structural abnormalities and anatomical variations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine anatomic variations of the middle ear in an autopsy series. METHODS: All evaluations were performed in the Forensic Medicine Institute Morgue Department. The cases over 18 years of age, with no temporal bone trauma and history of otologic surgery included in this study. RESULTS: One hundred and two cadavers were included in the study. The mean age was 49.08±17.76 years. Anterior wall prominence of the external auditory canal was present in 27 of all cadavers (26.4%). The tympanic membrane was normal in 192 ears (94%) while several eardrum pathologies were detected in 12 ears (6%). Agenesis of the pyramidal eminence and stapedial tendon was found in 3 ears. While the ponticulus was bony ridge-shaped in 156 of 204 ears (76.4%), it was bridge-shaped in 25 ears (12.3%). The ponticulus was absent in 23 ears (11.3%). While complete subiculum was present in 136 of all ears (66.7%), incomplete subiculum was present in 21 ears (10.3%). Subiculum was absent in 47 ears (23%). Facial dehiscence was found in 32 ears and the round window niche was covered by a pseudomembrane in 85 ears (41.6%). A fixed footplate was present in 7.4% of all ears, and no persistent stapedial artery was seen in any cases. CONCLUSION: The pseudomembrane frequency covering the round window niche was found different from reports in the literature. In addition, the frequency of the external auditory canal wall prominence has been reported for the first time.

Wideband acoustic absorbance in children with Down syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanometry is currently the most frequently used tool for assessing the status of the middle ear, commonly assessed using a single 226Hz tone. However, the use of the Acoustic Immittance Measures with a wideband stimulus is a promising high-resolution evaluation, especially in individuals known to have middle ear alterations, such as Down syndrome patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the acoustic absorbance measurements in children with Down syndrome. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, approved by the institution's ethics committee. Data were collected from 30 children, with a mean age of 8.4 years, 15 with Down syndrome (DS-study group) and 15 children with typical development and no hearing complaints (control group). Energy absorbance was measured at frequencies of 226-8000Hz at ambient pressure and at peak pressure as a function of frequency using TITAN equipment. Statistical analysis was performed using the established level of statistical significance of 5%. RESULTS: With the 226Hz probe tone, 30 ears of the control group and 22 of the study group exhibited Type A tympanograms, whereas Type B was observed in eight children in the study group. The mean acoustic absorbance ratio of the study group was lower than that of the control group at frequencies centered at 2520Hz (p=0.008) for those with normal tympanometry results, and 226-4000Hz (p<0.03) for those with a Type B tympanometry curve. CONCLUSION: The low energy absorption in the presence of normal tympanograms in children with Down syndrome may suggest middle ear abnormalities.

Reabilitação auditiva com sistemas Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo / Hearing rehabilitation with Baha® transcutaneous and percutaneous systems

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar longitudinalmente a influência dos limiares tonais auditivos obtidos com as próteses auditivas ancoradas no osso transcutâneas e percutâneas na percepção da fala em indivíduos com malformação de orelha externa e/ou média e Otite Média Crônica. Método Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de seguimento longitudinal de 30 indivíduos usuários unilaterais de sistema Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo, para coleta de dados secundários dos limiares tonais obtidos por meio da audiometria em campo livre e do limiar de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e no ruído nas condições: sem a prótese; no momento de ativação; no primeiro mês de uso (pós 1); e no terceiro mês (pós 2). Resultados Houve diferença significante entre os limiares tonais obtidos nas frequências de 3 e 4kHz, com melhores resultados para o percutâneo em todos os momentos de avaliação. Para os dois sistemas, observou-se melhor desempenho no reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e ruído, com diferença significante na ativação (p<0,001), porém manteve-se estável nos demais momentos de avaliação. O sistema percutâneo mostrou melhor benefício no reconhecimento de sentenças no ruído apenas na ativação (p=0,036), quando comparado ao transcutâneo. Conclusão O sistema percutâneo possibilitou melhor audibilidade para as frequências altas; contudo, tal audibilidade não influenciou no reconhecimento de sentenças na situação de silêncio para ambos os sistemas. Para a situação de ruído, melhores respostas foram observadas no sistema percutâneo; porém, a diferença não se manteve no decorrer do tempo.

ABSTRACT Purpose Longitudinally verify the influence of auditory tonal thresholds obtained with transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids on speech perception in individuals with external and/or middle ear malformation and chronic otitis media. Methods Observational, retrospective, longitudinal follow-up study of 30 unilateral users of the transcutaneous and percutaneous Baha® system for the collection of secondary data on pure tone thresholds obtained through free field audiometry and sentence recognition threshold in silence and noise in conditions: without the prosthesis; at the time of activation; in the first month of use (post 1); and in the third month (post 2). Results There was a significant difference between pure tone thresholds obtained at frequencies of 3 and 4kHz with better results for the percutaneous technique at all evaluation moments. For both systems, better performance was observed in sentence recognition in silence and in noise, with a significant difference in activation (p<0.001), but it remained stable during the other evaluation moments. The percutaneous system showed better benefit in recognizing sentences in noise only on activation (p=0.036), when compared to the transcutaneous system. Conclusion The percutaneous system provided better audibility for high frequencies; however, such audibility did not influence sentence recognition in the silent situation for both systems. For the noise situation, better responses were observed in the percutaneous system, however, the difference was not maintained over time.

Tinnitus: una revisión narrativa / Tinnitus: A narrative review / Tinnitus: uma revisão narrativa

El tinnitus o acúfeno es la percepción de sonido en ausencia de un estímulo acústico externo; es uno de los motivos de consulta más comunes en el área de otorrinolaringolo­gía. Se ha asociado a diversas etiologías tales como ototoxicidad, tumores, traumatismo craneoencefálico y trastornos psiquiátricos, siendo también las causas de carácter idio­pático ampliamente conocidas. Las características clínicas de los tinnitus son variables de paciente a paciente, por lo que su diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento son un desafío clínico Si bien recientes estudios han propuesto distintos manejos clínicos y terapéuticos, estos continúan hoy en día en estudio. Esta revisión narrativa pretende realizar una actualización sobre el abordaje diagnóstico, clínico y terapéutico de los tinnitus en la última década.

Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic stimulus, is one of the most common reasons for consultation in the area of otorhinolaryngology. It has been associated with various etiologies such as ototoxicity, tumors, head trauma, and psychiatric disorders; idiopathic causes are also widely known. The clinical characteristics of tinnitus are variable from patient to patient; therefore, its diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are a clinical challenge. Although recent studies have proposed different clinical and therapeutic approaches, these are still under analysis today. This narrative review aims to update the diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic approach to tinnitus in the last decade.

Tinnitus ou zumbido é a percepção do som na ausência de um estímulo acústico externo; é um dos motivos mais comuns de consulta na área de otorrinolaringologia. Tem sido associada a várias etiologias, como ototoxicidade, tumores, traumatismo craniano e distúrbios psiquiátricos, sendo também amplamente conhecidas causas idiopáticas. As características clínicas do zumbido são variáveis de paciente para paciente, por isso seu diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento são um desafio clínico, embora estudos recentes tenham proposto diferentes abordagens clínicas e terapêuticas, ainda hoje estão em estudo. Esta revisão narrativa visa atualizar a abordagem diagnóstica, clínica e terapêutica do zumbido na última década.

Ear shut and Dentistry: ethical and legal approach / Ear shut e Odontologia: abordagem ética e legal

Introduction: As a health science, dentistry seeks to raise self-esteem and improve patients' quality of life. However, the emergence of the aesthetic procedure "ear shut," which proposes correcting protruding ears without surgery, has raised ethical and legal doubts in the dental profession, especially concerning the limits of professional activity. Objective: To conduct a survey of the laws, norms, and resolutions on the area of performance of dental surgeons, as well as to discuss the limits and consequences of their extrapolation from the perspective of the procedure propagated as "ear shut." Method: A search was carried out for administrative norms on the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) websites and the Federal Council of Medicine and legal provisions on the Portal da Legislação website. Results: In the civil sphere, the disclosure of procedures such as the "ear shut" can characterize a promise of result and lead to judicial accountability. Exceeding professional boundaries constitutes an illegal exercise and a crime under the Brazilian Penal Code. In addition to not covering the area of clinical practice of dentists, at the administrative level, CFO Resolutions No. 198/2019 and No. 230/2020 emphasize that ear procedures are not part of the scope of procedures relevant to Dentistry and may lead to ethical infractions and consequent administrative proceedings. Conclusion: At present, based on the skills, prohibitions, rights, and duties of dentists, it can be stated that performing the "ear shut" by these professionals confronts civil, criminal, and administrative obligations.

Introdução: Como ciência da saúde, a Odontologia busca elevar a autoestima e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Entretanto, o surgimento do procedimento estético "ear shut", que propõe a correção da orelha em abano sem cirurgia, gerou dúvidas de ordem ética e legal na classe odontológica, sobretudo no que diz respeito aos limites de atuação profissional. Objetivo: Realizar o levantamento das leis, normativas e resoluções sobre a área de atuação dos cirurgiões-dentistas, bem como discutir os limites e as consequências de sua extrapolação sob a perspectiva do procedimento propagado como "ear shut". Método: Foi realizada uma busca de normas administrativas nos sites do Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) e do Conselho Federal de Medicina, bem como de dispositivos legais no site Portal da Legislação. Resultados: Em âmbito cível, a divulgação de procedimentos como o "ear shut" pode caracterizar promessa de resultado e levar à responsabilização judicial. Ultrapassar os limites profissionais constitui exercício ilícito e constitui crime segundo o Código Penal Brasileiro. Além de não abranger a área de atuação clínica dos cirurgiões-dentistas, no âmbito administrativo, as Resoluções do CFO N° 198/2019 e N° 230/2020 enfatizam que procedimentos na orelha não compõem o escopo de procedimentos pertinentes à Odontologia, podendo levar a infrações éticas e consequente processo administrativo. Conclusão: No momento atual, com base nas competências, vedações, direitos e deveres dos cirurgiões-dentistas, pode-se afirmar que a realização do "ear shut" por estes profissionais confronta obrigações de ordem cível, penal e administrativa.

Rejuvenescimento cirúrgico do lóbulo senil: uma inovação técnica / Surgical rejuvenating for the aged earlobe: a technical innovation

Os autores apresentam técnica corretiva conservadora para o lóbulo senil. A literatura pertinente é rica em técnicas redutoras de lóbulos longilíneos ou rasgados. Os autores creem que a cirurgia para os lóbulos deve poupar tecidos in situ, a despeito de usuais técnicas de preenchimento com material orgânico e biocompatíveis. A presente técnica se baseia na clássica redução lobular periférica da borda livre, que agrega ao componente do face lifting para reduzir o lóbulo e ao mesmo tempo poupar tecidos e encorpá-lo na cicatriz oculta retrolobular. Resolução tripartite até hoje não apresentada na literatura. Com oito casos operados: seis tipo pec-man no passado; um na forma clássica marginal e três recentes com esta modificação técnica.

The authors present a new surgical approach to the aging earlobe. The technique is based on the classic marginal reduction technique of the earlobe contour that has been improved. In essence, it seeks to preserve the subdermal fat layer of the distal flap created for the purpose of raising the earlobe while being shortened, thickened and smooth, in a hidden scar. It is a tripartite resolution to this problem never seen in the relevant literature. Four 68-yearold women were treated: the first with the classic manner in 2009 and the others with this modification to improve the earlobe withered appearance in 2017-2019. The study shows a rejuvenating eutrophic reduction technique.

Characteristics of 419 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cholesteatoma is a destructive lesion that can result in life-threatening complications. Typically, it presents with hypoacusis and continuous otorrhea as symptoms. Because it is a rare disease, there are few studies in Brazil describing the characteristics of patients with the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cholesteatoma in patients with chronic otitis media and describe clinical, audiological and surgical characteristics of patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma treated at a referral hospital in the public health system. METHODS: Cross-sectional and prospective cohort study, including 1710 patients with chronic otitis media, treated between August 2000 and June 2015, without prior surgery. Detailed clinical history, videotoscopy, and audiometry were performed, in addition to review of medical records to search for surgical data. Cholesteatomas were classified according to their route of formation. RESULTS: Of the patients with chronic otitis media, 419 (24.5%) had cholesteatoma; mean age of 34.49 years; 53.5% female and 63.8% adults. Bilateral cholesteatoma was observed in 17.1%. Anterior epitympanic cholesteatoma corresponded to 1.9%; posterior epitympanic, 32.9%; posterior mesotympanic, 33.7%; two routes, 14.8%; and indeterminate, 16.7%. The mean air-bone gap was 29.84dB and did not differ between routes of formation. There were no correlations between gap size and patient age or duration of symptoms. Of the surgical cases, 16.8% underwent closed tympanomastoidectomy and 75.2% open tympanomastoidectomy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cholesteatoma in patients with chronic otitis media was 24.5% and it was more common in adults than in children. Posterior mesotympanic cholesteatoma was more frequent, with no difference in mean air-bone gap between the different routes of formation. In patients undergoing surgery, open tympanomastoidectomy was the procedure most frequently chosen.

Prognostic value of pre-operative peripheral inflammation markers in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal / Valor prognóstico dos marcadores de inflamação periférica pré-operatórios em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo

Abstract Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a rare entity. Previous studies have suggested predictors for tumor recurrence. However, most of the prognostic factors were from the clinicopathological aspect. Objective: This study aims to analyze the correlation between pre-operative peripheral inflammation markers and survival outcomes, in order to identify prognostic biomarkers for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal who underwent surgery at our institute. The pre-operative circulating inflammatory markers, such as the neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, and monocyte counts were measured and their ratios including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were calculated. The prognostic value of the measured hematologic parameters in relation to the survival outcomes was also evaluated. Results: A total of 83 patients were included, of which 26 patients showed tumor recurrence and 57 without recurrence. Neutrophil counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were closely connected with tumor stage. In the patients with recurrence, neutrophil counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were elevated (p< 0.0001, p< 0.0001 and p = 0.001), while lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were decreased (p = 0.013 and p = 0.016, respectively). The receiver operating curve analysis indicated that pre-operative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a potential prognostic marker for recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal (area under curve = 0.816), and the cut-off points was 2.325. Conclusions: Pre-operative neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte are significantly correlated with tumor recurrence in patients with external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may be unfavorable prognostic factors of this disease.

Resumo Introdução: O carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo é uma doença rara. Estudos anteriores sugeriram preditores de recorrência do tumor. Entretanto, a maioria dos fatores prognósticos se originou do aspecto clínico-patológico. Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre marcadores inflamatórios periféricos pré-operatórios e os desfechos de sobrevida e identificar biomarcadores prognósticos para pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo. Método: Analisamos retrospectivamente pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo submetidos à cirurgia em nosso instituto. Os marcadores inflamatórios circulantes pré-operatórios, como as contagens de neutrófilos, linfócitos, plaquetas e monócitos, foram medidos e as suas relações calculadas, inclusive as relações neutrófilos/linfócitos, plaquetas/linfócitos e linfócitos/monócitos. O valor prognóstico dos parâmetros hematológicos medidos em relação aos desfechos de sobrevida também foi avaliado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 83 pacientes, entre os quais 26 apresentaram recorrência tumoral e 57 não apresentaram. A contagem de neutrófilos e a relação neutrófilo/linfócito estavam intimamente associadas ao estágio do tumor. Nos pacientes com recorrência, a contagem de neutrófilos, a relação neutrófilos/linfócitos e a relação plaquetas/linfócitos eram elevadas (p < 0,0001, p > 0,0001 e p = 0,001), enquanto a contagem de linfócitos e a relação linfócitos/monócitos estavam diminuídas (p = 0,012 ep = 0,016, respectivamente). A análise da curva, Receiver Operating Characteristic, indicou que a relação neutrófilos/linfócitos pré-operatória era um potencial marcador prognóstico para a recorrência de carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo (Área sob a curva = 0,816) e o ponto de corte foi de 2,325. Conclusão: A contagem pré-operatória de neutrófilos e linfócitos, as relações neutrófilos/linfócitos, plaquetas/linfócitos e linfócitos/monócitos estão significativamente correlacionadas com a recorrência do tumor em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular do meato acústico externo. Além disso, a relação neutrófilos/linfócitos pode ser um fator prognóstico desfavorável dessa doença.

Uso do retalho tubular retroauricular para reconstrução da hélice e lóbulo da orelha / Use of retroauricular tubular flap for ear helix and ear lobe reconstruction

Defeitos de orelha são frequentes e de etiologias diversas. Ainda assim, a reconstrução de orelha permanece um desafio dentro da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva, principalmente devido a anatomia e a escassez de tecido local. Embora pouco utilizado, o retalho tubular retroauricular se apresenta como alternativa para reconstrução da hélice e lóbulo. No presente estudo os autores descrevem a técnica operatória, bem como relatam um caso em que foi utilizado. Realizou-se uma avaliação do resultado operatório de quatro casos de reconstrução de orelha utilizando o retalho tubular retroauricular, através de questionários encaminhados para avaliadores leigos e cirurgiões plásticos. O resultado estético final foi classificado como bom ou excelente por 35% dos avaliadores leigos e 50% dos cirurgiões plásticos. Já o resultado operatório foi avaliado como bom ou excelente por 70% dos leigos e 80% dos cirurgiões plásticos. Os resultados permitem concluir que a técnica do retalho tubular retroauricular para reconstrução de defeitos da borda de hélice pode ser indicada, com resultados satisfatórios.

Ear defects are frequent and result of many etiologies, even though ear reconstruction remains a challenge in plastic reconstructive surgery due to anatomy and local tissue paucity. Despite being rarely used, the tubular retroauricular flap presents as an alternative for helix and lobule reconstruction. In this article, the authors describe the operative technique and report a case in which it was used. Also, plastic surgeons and laypeople rated the operative results of four cases of ear reconstructions using the tubular retroauricular flap. The final esthetic result was rated as good or excellent by 35% of laypeople and 50% of plastic surgeons, whereas the operative result was rated as good or excellent by 70% of laypeople and 80% of plastic surgeons. Thereby the findings and authors' experience, we can recommend the tubular retroauricular flap technique for reconstructing ear helix border defects.

O uso do retalho de fáscia parietotemporal no tratamento do colesteatoma recidivado: caso clínico / The use of parietotemporal fascia flap in the treatment of recurrent cholesteatoma: clinical case

O colesteatoma consiste em um processo inflamatório que resulta na migração do epitélio escamoso queratinizado para o ouvido médio. Embora considerada uma entidade histopatologicamente benigna, pode se comportar de forma bastante agressiva sendo uma importante causa de surdez em todos os países. Descarga, dor, ruptura do tímpano com extensão para o ouvido interno levando à surdez e vertigem, são as manifestações clínicas mais comuns. O tratamento consiste na excisão cirúrgica de todo o epitélio estranho da orelha média. As recorrências podem chegar a 50% e são um desafio para os médicos de ouvido, nariz e garganta. Neste relato de caso descrevemos um caso de colesteatoma recorrente adquirido em um hospital terciário em Portugal, tratado com ablação radical de ouvido médio e cavidade mastóide pelos médicos otorrinolaringologistas. A opção reconstrutiva escolhida foi a obliteração do espaço morto com retalho fascial temporo-parietal pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica.

Cholesteatoma consists of an inflmmatory process that results in the migration of squamous keratinized epithelium into the middle ear. Although regarded as a histopathologically benign entity it can behave quite aggressively being an important cause of deafness in all countries. Ear discharge, pain, ear drum rupture with extension into the inner ear leading to deafness and vertigo, are the most common clinical manifestations. Treatment consists of surgically excising all the foreign epithelium from the middle ear. Recurrences can be as high as 50% and are a challenge to Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. In this case report we describe a case of an acquired recurrent cholesteatoma in a tertiary hospital in Portugal, treated with radical ablation of middle ear and mastoid cavity by the otolaryngologists. The chosen reconstructive option was obliteration of the dead space using a temporo-parietal fascial flap by the Plastic Surgery Department

Subjective visual vertical after treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Otolith function can be studied by testing the subjective visual vertical, because the tilt of the vertical line beyond the normal range is a sign of vestibular dysfunction. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a disorder of one or more labyrinthine semicircular canals caused by fractions of otoliths derived from the utricular macula. OBJECTIVE: To compare the subjective visual vertical with the bucket test before and immediately after the particle repositioning maneuver in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. METHODS: We evaluated 20 patients. The estimated position where a fluorescent line within a bucket reached the vertical position was measured before and immediately after the particle repositioning maneuver. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Before repositioning maneuver, 9 patients (45.0%) had absolute values of the subjective visual vertical above the reference standard and 2 (10.0%) after the maneuver; the mean of the absolute values of the vertical deviation was significantly lower after the intervention (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a reduction of the deviations of the subjective visual vertical, evaluated by the bucket test, immediately after the particle repositioning maneuver in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Arteriovenous malformation of the external ear: a clinical assessment with a scoping review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Auricular Arteriovenous Malformation of the external ear is a rarely encountered disease; in particular, arteriovenous malformation arising from the auricle, with spontaneous bleeding, has seldom been reported. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, we report an unusual case of late-onset auricular arteriovenous malformation originating from the posterior auricular artery that was confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. The case was successfully managed by pre-surgical intravascular embolization followed by total lesion excision. Prompted by this case, we also present a scoping review of the literature. METHODS: A case of a 60 year-old man with right auricular arteriovenous malformation treated in our tertiary care center, and 52 patients with auricular arteriovenous malformation described in 10 case reports and a retrospective review are presented. Auricular arteriovenous malformation can manifest as swelling of the ear, pulsatile tinnitus, pain, and/or bleeding. On physical examination, a pulsatile swelling and/or a tender mass is evident. When arteriovenous malformation is suspected, the lesions should be visualized using imaging modalities that optimally detect vascular lesions, and managed via embolization, mass excision, or auricular resection. Effectiveness of the various diagnostic methods used and the treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Various imaging modalities including Doppler sonography, computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or transfemoral cerebral angiography were used to diagnose 38 cases reported in the literature. In another 15 cases, no imaging was performed; treatment was determined solely by physical examination and auscultation. Of the total of 53 cases, 12 were not treated (their symptoms were merely observed) whereas 20 underwent therapeutic embolization. In total, 32 patients, including 1 patient who was not treated and 10 with persistent or aggravated arteriovenous malformation after previous embolization, underwent mass excision or auricular resection depending on the extent of the lesion. No major postoperative complication was recorded. The postoperative follow-up duration varied from 1 month to 19 years, and only one case of unresectable, residual cervicofacial arteriovenous malformation was recorded. CONCLUSION: Auricular arteriovenous malformation is a rarely encountered disease, but should be suspected if a patient presents with a swollen ear and pulsatile tinnitus. Appropriate imaging is essential for diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of disease. As embolization affords only relatively poor control, total surgical removal of the vascular mass is recommended.

Middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors: suggestion for surgical strategy / Tumores neuroendócrinos adenomatosos da orelha média: sugestão de estratégia cirúrgica

Abstract Introduction Middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare neoplasms with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation, accounting for fewer than 2% of all middle and inner ear tumors. Universal standard surgical procedures for different stages of these tumors remain elusive due to the limitation of the small number of case reports or investigations. Objective(s) This study intends to investigate proper surgical strategies for patients with middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors. Methods Six patients with middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (Nanchang, China) and the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University (Shanghai, China) respectively. Clinical characteristics and management strategies of patients were reviewed. The mean follow-up time was 63.7 months (range, 13-153 months). All the information was collected from medical records and prognosis postoperatively. Results Three patients underwent canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy, including one patient with recurrence who underwent a previous tympanotomy; the other three patients underwent lateral temporal bone resection All of these patients were followed up with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Patients underwent canal wall-up surgery treatment accompanied with hearing function preservation measurements during follow-up periods. Conclusions Complete surgical resection provided good results for patients with middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors. The ossicular chain should be removed. Because of the propensity for local recurrence and invasiveness, as well as regional or distant metastasis of these tumors, it is necessary to schedule long-term follow-up and an observation plan postoperatively.

Resumo Introdução Os tumores neuroendócrinos adenomatosos da orelha média são neoplasias extremamente raras, com diferenciação epitelial e neuroendócrina, responsáveis por menos de 2% de todos os tumores de orelha média e interna. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos padrão universais para diferentes estágios desses tumores permanecem indefinidos, devido à limitação do pequeno número de relatos de casos ou investigações. Objetivo Este estudo foi feito com o objetivo de investigar estratégias cirúrgicas adequadas para pacientes com tumores neuroendócrinos adenomatosos da orelha média. Método Seis pacientes com tumores neuroendócrinos adenomatosos da orelha média foram tratados no Second Affiliated Hospital da Nanchang University (Nanchang, China) e no Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital da Fudan University (Xanghai, China), respectivamente. As características clínicas e estratégias de tratamento dos pacientes foram revisadas. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 63,7 meses (variação de 13 a 153 meses). Todas as informações foram coletadas dos prontuários e prognóstico no pós-operatório. Resultados Três pacientes foram submetidos à timpanomastoidectomia do tipo canal wall-up, inclusive um paciente com recorrência submetido a uma timpanotomia anterior; os outros três pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção lateral do osso temporal. Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados, sem evidência de recorrência ou metástase. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico com a técnica de canal wall-up acompanhado de medidas de preservação da função auditiva durante os períodos de seguimento. Conclusões A ressecção cirúrgica completa proporcionou bons resultados para pacientes com tumores neuroendócrinos adenomatosos da orelha média. A cadeia ossicular deve ser removida. Devido a propensão à recorrência e invasão local, bem como metástases regionais ou distantes desses tumores, é necessário um seguimento de longo prazo e um plano de seguimento no pós-operatório.

The changes of endotracheal tube intracuff pressures after ear and head and neck surgery-related positions: a prospective observational study / Alterações na pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal após posições cirúrgicas nas cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Introduction The cuff of an endotracheal tube seals the airway to facilitate positive-pressure ventilation and reduce subglottic secretion aspiration. However, an increase or decrease in endotracheal tube intracuff pressure can lead to many morbidities. Objective The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different head and neck positions on endotracheal tube intracuff pressure during ear and head and neck surgeries. Methods A total of 90 patients undergoing elective right ear (Group 1: n = 30), left ear (Group 2: n = 30) or head and neck (Group 3: n = 30) surgery were involved in the study. A standardized general anesthetic was given and cuffed endotracheal tubes by the assistance of video laryngoscope were placed in all patients. The pilot balloon of each endotracheal tube was connected to the pressure transducer and standard invasive pressure monitoring was set to measure intracuff pressure values continuously. The first intracuff pressure value was adjusted to 18.4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) at supine and neutral neck position. The patients then were given appropriate head and neck positions before related-surgery started. These positions were left rotation, right rotation and extension by under-shoulder pillow with left/right rotation for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The intracuff pressures were measured and noted after each position, at 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th minutes and before the extubation. If intracuff pressure deviated from the targeted value of 20-30 cm H2O at anytime, it was set to 25 cm H2O again. Results The intracuff pressure values were increased from 25 to 26.73 (25-28.61) cm H2O after left neck rotation (p = 0.009) and from 25 to 27.20 (25.52-28.67) cm H2O after right neck rotation (p = 0.012) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In Group 3, intracuff pressure values at the neutral position, after extension by under-shoulder pillow and left or right rotation were 25, 29.41 (27.02-36.94) and 34.55 (28.43-37.31) cm H2O, respectively. There were significant differences between the neutral position and extension by under-shoulder pillow (p < 0.001), and also between neutral position and rotation after extension (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant increase of intracuff pressure between extension by under-shoulder pillow and neck rotation after extension positions (p = 0.033). Conclusion Accessing the continuous intracuff pressure value measurements before and during ear and head and neck surgeries is beneficial to avoid possible adverse effects/complications of surgical position-related pressure changes.

Resumo Introdução O manguito ou cuff de um tubo endotraqueal sela as vias aéreas para facilitar a ventilação com pressão positiva e reduzir a aspiração de secreção subglótica. Entretanto, o aumento ou diminuição da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal pode levar a muitas morbidades. Objetivo Investigar o efeito de diferentes posições da cabeça e pescoço da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço. Método Participaram do estudo 90 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva na orelha direita (Grupo 1: n = 30), orelha esquerda (Grupo 2: n = 30) ou cabeça e pescoço (Grupo 3: n = 30). Um anestésico geral padronizado foi administrado e o tubo endotraqueal com cuff foi colocado em todos os pacientes através de videolaringoscopia. O balão-piloto de cada tubo endotraqueal foi conectado ao transdutor de pressão e o monitoramento-padrão da pressão invasiva foi estabelecido para medir continuamente os valores da pressão intracuff. O primeiro valor de pressão intracuff foi ajustado para 18,4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) na posição supina e neutra do pescoço. Em seguida, os pacientes foram colocados nas posições cirúrgicas apropriadas de cabeça e pescoço antes do início da cirurgia. Essas posições foram rotação esquerda, rotação direita e extensão por rotação esquerda/direita com almofada sob o ombro, para os grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. As pressões intracuff s foram medidas e anotadas após cada posição, aos 15, 30, 60, 90 minutos e antes da extubação. Se a pressão intracuff saísse do valor desejado de 20 ~ 30 cm H2O a qualquer momento, ela era definida em 25 cm H2O novamente. Resultados Os valores de pressão intracuff aumentaram de 25 para 26,73 (25-28,61) cm H2O após a rotação do pescoço para a esquerda (p = 0,009) e de 25 a 27,20 (25,52-28,67) cm H2O após rotação do pescoço para a direita (p = 0,012) nos grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. No Grupo 3, os valores da pressão intracuff na posição neutra, após extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação para a esquerda ou direita, foram 25, 29,41 (27,02-36,94) e 34,55 (28,43-37,31) cm H2O, respectivamente. Houve diferenças significativas entre a posição neutra e a extensão com almofada sob o ombro (p < 0,001) e também entre a posição neutra e a rotação após a extensão (p < 0,001). Entretanto, não houve aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão intracuff entre extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação do pescoço após as posições de extensão (p = 0,033). Conclusão As medições contínuas do valor da pressão intracuff antes e durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço são benéficas para evitar possíveis efeitos adversos/complicações de alterações de pressão relacionadas à posição cirúrgica.

Perfil clínico e audiológico de pacientes submetidos a timpanostomia e inserção de tubo de ventilação / Clinical and audiological features in patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement

Introdução: A presença de líquido na orelha médiapode causar perdas auditivas de condução e atrasos no desenvolvimento da criança. A timpanotomia e colocação do tubo de ventilação é o tratamento para casos em que o acúmulo de secreção é persistente. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e audiológico dos pacientes submetidos a timpanotomia e colocação do tubo de ventilação. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e transversal baseado em revisão de prontuários. Resultados: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes que realizaram o procedimento. O sexo masculino correspondeu a 64% e a média de idade foi de 8 anos. Otite média secretora foi o diagnóstico predominante. Pelo menos uma comorbidade foi encontrada em 63 pacientes, com predomínio de rinite alérgica. A maioria realizou apenas 1 operação. A bilateralidade da colocação do tubo ocorreu em 57%. Amigdalectomia e/ou adenoidectomia foram frequentemente adicionadas. Hipoacusia, roncopatia, prurido nasal, obstrução nasal e respiração oral noturna foram as queixas predominantes. Em relação à audiometria, 68% evoluíram para limiares normais; já na timpanometria 62% mostraram melhora no timpanograma. Conclusão: No tratamento com colocação de tubo de ventilação bilateral houve melhora pós-operatória na audiometria e timpanometria na maioria dos casos.

Introduction: The presence of fluid in the middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss and developmental delays in children. Tympanotomy and ventilation tube placement is the treatment for cases where secretion accumulation is persistent. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and audiological profile of patients submitted to tympanotomy and ventilation tube placement. Methods: Observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study based on medical records. Results: 69 patients who underwent the procedure were included. Males accounted for 64% and the mean age was 8 years. Secretory otitis media was the predominant diagnosis. At least one comorbidity was found in 63 patients, with a predominance of allergic rhinitis. Most performed only 1 operation. Bilateral tube placement occurred in 57%. Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were frequently added. Hypoacusis, snoring, nasal itching, nasal obstruction and nocturnal oral breathing were the predominant complaints. Regarding audiometry, 68% evolved to normal thresholds; in the tympanometry 62% showed improvement in the tympanogram. Conclusion: In the treatment with placement of a bilateral ventilation tube, there was postoperative improvement in audiometry and tympanometry in most cases.

Disfunções metabólicas e vertigem: apresentação e revisão dos métodos diagnósticos / Metabolic dysfunctions and vertigo: presentation and review of diagnostic methods

Contexto: A tontura é um sintoma de alta prevalência e as labirintopatias de causas metabólicas destacam-se como uma das mais frequentes em nosso meio. Distúrbios do metabolismo glicêmico, disfunções tireoidianas e dislipidemias são as principais. Objetivos: Os objetivos deste estudo são descrever a porcentagem das principais disfunções metabólicas nos pacientes com vertigem e revisar os métodos diagnósticos. Desenho e local: Estudo observacional de pacientes atendidos no setor de Otoneurologia do Instituto Penido Burnier. Métodos: Avaliação de 506 pacientes com vertigem por meio da análise do hormônio tireoestimulante, glicemia de jejum, hemoglobina glicada, insulina de jejum, curvas glicoinsulinêmica de três horas, colesterol total e suas frações (lipoproteína de alta densidade [HDL] e lipoproteína de baixa densidade [LDL]) e triglicerídeos. Foi feita a comparação entre os sexos e com os dados encontrados na população geral. Resultados: Níveis de HDL, triglicerídeos e glicemia de jejum foram mais alterados no sexo masculino e o colesterol total foi mais elevado no sexo feminino. A elevação do HOMA (homeostatic model assessment) foi a alteração mais significante encontrada no grupo em estudo comparando com a população geral, entretanto as curvas glicoinsulinêmicas mostraram mais alterações em comparação ao HOMA. Discussão: A análise do HOMA e da curva glicoinsulinêmica mostrou que a porcentagem de alteração é diferente entre os métodos, não havendo concordância entre eles. O HOMA não substitui as curvas na investigação dos pacientes com vertigem e suspeita de distúrbios do metabolismo glicêmico. Conclusão: É alta a porcentagem das disfunções metabólicas na população com vertigem, justificando a investigação laboratorial neste grupo de pacientes.

Subjective visual vertical with the bucket method in Brazilian healthy individuals.

INTRODUCTION: The capacity of a healthy individual to estimate the true vertical in relation to the Earth when a fluorescent line is aligned in a completely dark room is called the subjective visual vertical. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subjective visual vertical using the bucket method in healthy Brazilian individuals. METHODS: Binocular subjective visual vertical was measured in 100 healthy volunteers, 50 females and 50 males. The volunteers indicated the estimated position in which a fluorescent line inside a bucket reached the vertical position. A total of ten repetitions were performed, five clockwise and five counterclockwise. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: It was observed that the highest concentration of absolute values of vertical deviation was present up to 3°, regardless of gender, and the vertical deviation did not increase with age. The analysis of the mean of the absolute values of deviations from the vertical of 90% of the sample showed a maximum value of 2.6°, and at the analysis of 95%, the maximum value was 3.4° deviation from the vertical. CONCLUSION: The bucket method is easy to perform and interpret when assessing the deviation of the subjective visual vertical in relation to the true vertical in healthy Brazilian individuals.

Transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty: a case series in a university center.

INTRODUCTION: Transcanal myringoplasty has the advantages of demanding lower operative time and minimal external incisions. It can be performed using the microscopic or endoscopic approach. In the last decade, the use of endoscopes in ear surgery has increased significantly. This technique may allow "around the corner" visualization of small recesses, through narrow spaces, without the aid of canalplasty in unfavorable ear canals. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty performed in a university service. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of this technique are also discussed. METHODS: A case series study, based on the chart review of patients submitted to transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty in the period from January of 2012 to October of 2014. RESULTS: Data from 22 patients were analyzed. Tympanic perforation closure three months after surgery was observed in 86.4% of all patients. There was statistically significant improvement in pure tone average thresholds after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Transcanal endoscopic myringoplasty is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure; it can be an alternative to microscopic surgery.

Prosper Menière: the man who located vertigo in the inner ear / Prosper Menière: o homem que localizou a vertigem na orelha interna

ABSTRACT Since the Greek Aellus Galenum (129 AD - c.200/c.216), vertigo was considered a problem attributed to a cerebral disorder, diagnosed as the manifestation of apoplectiform cerebral congestion. In the mid-19th century, the Frenchman Prosper Menière changed this concept by placing the origin of this symptom in the inner ear. The main objective of this historical note is to highlight who Menière was, his work, and some aspects of the disease that bears his name.

RESUMO Desde o grego Aellus Galenum (129 d.C. - c.200/c.216), a vertigem era considerada um problema atribuído a um distúrbio cerebral, diagnosticado como a manifestação de uma 'congestão cerebral apoplectiforme'. Em meados do século 19, o francês Prosper Menière mudou esse conceito, colocando a origem desse sintoma na orelha interna. O principal objetivo desta nota histórica é ressaltar quem foi Menière, seu trabalho e alguns aspectos da doença que leva seu nome.

Prevalence of middle ear disease in Chilean natives and the impact of development over 14 years / Prevalência de doenças da orelha média em nativos chilenos e o impacto do desenvolvimento ao longo de 14 anos

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of middle ear disease and its risk factors have been the subject of multiple studies. High prevalence of middle ear disease has been described among North American natives, especially chronic otitis media. Such studies have not been carried out in South America. Objective To describe the prevalence of middle ear pathology and risk factors in native schoolchildren from southern Chile who belong to the Mapuche ethnic group, as well as the impact of socio-economic and demographic changes after 14 years of development. Material and methods Two otologic evaluations with an interval of 14 years were performed in schoolchildren with a percentage of indigenous population above 85%. Socioeconomic and demographic data were collected from national official statistical data. Results A total of 1067 schoolchildren were examined. Many described risk factors for ear pathology were found. An overall prevalence of 0.19% for tympanic membrane perforation, 5.6% for pars tensa retraction pockets, 1.5% for pars flaccida retraction pockets and 11.1% of otitis media with effusion was found. There were several socioeconomic improvements after 14 years. The difference between the prevalence of symptoms and the presence of otitis media with effusion was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions Despite the presence of several risk factors for middle ear disease, this study population showed a low prevalence of middle ear disease. The ethnic-racial factor seems to be a protective factor.

Resumo Introdução A prevalência de doenças da orelha média e seus fatores de risco já foram objeto de múltiplos estudos. A alta prevalência dessas doenças foi descrita entre os nativos da América do Norte, principalmente a otite média crônica. Tais estudos não foram feitos na América do Sul. Objetivo Descrever a prevalência de doenças da orelha média e fatores de risco em crianças de idade escolar, nativos do sul do Chile pertencentes à etnia Mapuche, bem como o impacto de mudanças socioeconômicas e demográficas após 14 anos de desenvolvimento. Método Foram feitas duas avaliações otológicas com intervalo de 14 anos em escolares com percentual da população indígena acima de 85%. Dados socioeconômicos e demográficos foram coletados a partir de dados estatísticos oficiais nacionais. Resultados Foram examinados 1.067 escolares. Foram encontrados diversos fatores de risco descritos para doença otológica. Foi encontrada uma prevalência geral de 0,19% para perfuração da membrana timpânica, 5,6% para retrações da pars tensa, 1,5% para retração da pars flácida e 11,1% de otite média com efusão. Houve várias melhorias socioeconômicas após 14 anos. A diferença entre a prevalência de sintomas e a presença de otite média com efusão foi estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001). Conclusões Apesar da presença de vários fatores de risco para doença da orelha média, a população estudada apresentou baixa prevalência da doença. O fator étnico parece ser protetor.