Temporal bone histopathology of osteopetrosis

Congenital Anomalies of the Inner Ear Introducing a New Classification of Labyrinthine Anomalies

In a literature review of 108 articles a special effort was made to find and classify inner ear anomalies and diseases associated with inner ear anomalies. This study showed the following. Most of the diseases associated with inner ear anomalies are also associated with anomalies in other parts of the body. Hereditary characteristics comprise the most common etiological factor among the diseases associated with inner ear anomalies. Among anomalies observed in the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals, anomalies in the cochlea are most frequently associated with various diseases and were observed in 30 of 43 diseases. Anomalies of the vestibule were observed in 25 diseases, and those of the semicircular canals in 18 diseases. Anomalies in both the osseous and the membranous labyrinth were most frequently associated with the diseases studied, as they were observed to occur with 10 of the 43 diseases. In this paper a new classification system for labyrinthine anomalies is introduced, based on this study of the literature.

When bone becomes marble: Head and neck manifestations of osteopetrosis

Osteopetrosis is a genetically determined bone disease resulting from malfunction of osteoclastic activity, leading to excessive deposition of immature bone. This may result in complete agenesis of the paranasal sinuses, oral complications and multiple cranial neuropathies. The case of a 12-year-old boy with osteopetrosis is presented.

Rare osteodysplasia of the temporal bone

Temporal bone osteodysplasia can produce many different symptoms, such as involvement restricted to the temporal bone or impairment of other bones. We consider, in this study two entities that are rare osteodysplasia cases, which are osteopetrosis and Camurati-Engelmann disease, the latter being extremely rare. We present two cases of benign form of osteopetrosis (Albers-Schulenburg's disease), a patient of 11 years old and another one of 48 years old, both male, and a patient of 28 years old, female, with Camurati-Engelmann's disease. The facial palsy was a manifestation in two of the patients. We discuss some aspects about the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, as well as differential diagnostic and therapy in view of the complications of the diseases.

Osteodistrofias raras do osso temporal

As osteodistrofias do osso temporal podem se manifestar de diversas maneiras, como envolvimento restrito ao osso temporal ou com envolvimento de outros ossos do crânio ou ainda fazerem parte de uma manifestação sistêmica. Consideramos, em nosso trabalho, duas entidades como osteodistofias raras, a osteopetrose e a doença de Camurati-Engelmann, esta última de incidência extremamente rara, com poucos relatos na literatura. Apresentamos dois casos de osteopetrose em sua forma benigna (doença de Albers-Schöenberg), um paciente de 11 anos e outro de 48 anos, ambos do sexo masculino, e um paciente de 28 anos do sexo feminino com a doença de Camurati-Engelmann (displasia diafisária hereditária progressiva), doenças hereditárias autossômicas que apresentam sintomas diversos. A paralisia facial periférica se manifestou em dois dos nossos pacientes. Discutimos alguns aspectos relacionados às manifestações clínicas destas doenças, achados radiológicos, assim como o diagnóstico diferencial e a conduta terapêutica diante de complicações das doenças.

Pathology of the otic capsule

The otic capsule is unique in retaining calcified cartilage, known as globuli interossei, throughout life and shows changes consequently, which are peculiar to it. In Paget's disease of bone, the otic capsule appears resistant to involvement and this occurs with extensive disease at a late stage. In contrast, otosclerosis is a new bone formation of unknown cause that is limited to the otic capsule. In osteogenesis imperfecta, the poor formation of collagen leads to abnormally thin bony trabeculae with a poorly formed otic capsule. In osteopetrosis, the otic capsule is greatly expanded by increased globuli interossei, as a result of defective osteoclast function. When fractured the middle layer of the otic capsule does not form callus, but heals by fibrosis.

Otolaryngologic Features of Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia, one of several rare familial systemic bone disorders of the osteopetrosis bone-disease group, is characterized by abnormal bony thickening of the skull and multiple cranial neuropathies. Hearing loss, commonly of a mixed type, is the usual symptom presented to the otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon; however, recurring facial paralysis, blindness, and atypical fades may also be noted. A case of bilateral facial nerve dysfunction in a neonate, the offspring of a thoroughly studied kindred with known craniometaphyseal dysplasia, Is presented. The clinical and radiographic features of the disorder are discussed, including an outline of the operative management of facial paralysis.

Ultrastructural morphology of mucoid effusion in secretory otitis media

The ultrastructural morphology of 19 mucoid middle ear effusions in 14 children with secretory otitis media was studied. Phagocytosing neutrophil granulocytes were the most common inflammatory cells, and ingested bacteria were present in some of them. The next in frequency were macrophages and lymphocytes. Monocytes and polyblasts were also present in most specimens. No plasma cells, eosinophil granulocytes or mast cells were seen. Epithelial cells were common, and great numbers of free and phagocytosed mucus granules were found. Considerable numbers of all the celltypes were in various stages of disintegration. Thus, it seems that the effusion in secretory otitis media is primarily of inflammatory origin, and the dissolution of the cells with liberated cellular contents, together with the secretion of the mucosa, contributes to the formation of the effusion.

Pathology of congenital deafness. Present status and future priorities

The pathology of congenital hearing loss is as varied as the etiologies. Severe external ear anomalies, such as microtia, and middle ear defects have a significant incidence of accompanying inner ear aplasias, more often of the vestibular than of the cochlear end-organs. Classic inner ear aplasias are discussed, including Michel, Mondini, Alexander and Scheibe. A case illustrating close resemblance between a genetically induced Scheibe malformation and rubella inner ear deformities is present. A variety of ear disorders acquired during intrauterine or neonatal life, including cytomegalic inclusion disease, hypoxia, erythroblastosis fetalis and later-onset genetic disorders are also discussed. Illustrative case histories are presented as well as priorities for future investigations into the pathology of congenital and genetic hearing loss.

Head and neck manifestations of malignant osteopetrosis

Malignant osteopetrosis is the autosomal recessive form of osteopetrosis. Besides anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and the osteopetrotic bone seen on roentgenogram, the head and neck manifestations are important to the diagnosis and clinical course of this disease. Eye, ear, nose, face, teeth, mandible, maxilla, central nervous system structures, and cranial nerves are often involved.