Tinnitus in COVID-19 Pandemic

Tinnitus is a symptom that can significantly affect the quality of life of every patient. In patients with tinnitus, one of the most important diagnostic element is medical history data. Patients classify the pitch and loudness of tinnitus graphically using the visual analog scale (VAS). Visual analog scale and similar questionnaires constitute a valuable addendum of the clinical picture in patients with tinnitus. It seems essential, especially in the light of the information presented in the case report on the probability of correlation between tinnitus and stress and depression associated with social isolation infection avoidance. The knowledge about the patient's hearing condition before contracting COVID-19, the early symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the method of diagnosis of the infection, the time and method of isolation of the patient, and the time from the diagnosis of COVID-19 to the appearance of otolaryngological symptoms might enable the reader to gain more knowledge on the correlation between COVID-19 and tinnitus. New research reveals that tinnitus is being exacerbated by COVID-19.

Prognostic Factors in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Our Experience and a Review of the Literature

Objectives:

We investigated prognostic factors in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods:

Our study group consisted of 133 patients with SSNHL who were treated at our department between 1980 and 2000. Eighty-one of them (group B) were treated between 1980 and 1996; they received vasodilators and small doses of steroids. The others (52 patients; group A) were treated between 1997 and 2000; they received vasodilators, steroids at high doses, and hyperbaric oxygen. A multivariate stepwise linear regression was used to identify the prognostic factors that were related to hearing improvement as measured by objective change of gain in the overall average (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 kHz), the pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2 kHz), the high tone average (4, 6, 8 kHz), and the pure middle tone average (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz). The following factors were included in the analysis: group (method of treatment), age, gender, seasonal occurrence of disease, presence of tinnitus and vestibular symptoms, time delay before first visit, type of initial audiogram, and type of caloric reaction. In group A, an additional analysis was conducted to include the results of certain laboratory tests: blood morphology parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glucose level, coagulogram, lipidogram, thyroid-stimulating hormone, autoantibodies (antimitochondrial antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies, and anti-brush border antibodies), and immunoglobulins G, A, and M. Values for p of less than .05 were considered significant.

Results:

Our analysis suggests the presence of the following prognostic factors for SSNHL: method of SSNHL treatment (better results in group A); time delay before the start of treatment (better results when treatment started within 10 days of the first symptoms of SSNHL); and type of caloric reactions (worse results in patients with canal paresis). In group A, the factors for poor prognosis for absolute hearing improvement were as follows: delayed treatment, labyrinth responsiveness disorders, and decreased level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. In group A, better hearing improvement was observed in those patients in whom SSNHL was diagnosed in the spring.

Conclusions:

A short time delay before starting treatment (within 10 days), treatment with high doses of steroids and hyperbaric oxygen, preserving complete caloric function of the labyrinths, normal function of the thyroid, and seasonal occurrence of the disease in the spring were positive prognostic factors for hearing recovery in SSNHL.

[Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses]

INTRODUCTION

Paranasal sinus mucocoele is a benign pseudocystic lesion, which may originate from any sinus cavities when their natural ostia are blocked. Raising mucocoele in frontal, ethmoid or sphenoid sinus causes headache, disorders of eye mobility and deformities of forehead or orbit.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

was clinical analysis of treatment results taking into consideration the method of surgical treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Presented material consists of 42 patients (39 adults and 3 children), 22 females and 20 males, in the age from 8 to 76 treated at Department of Otolaryngology of Medical University of Gdansk in the years from 1995 to 2005 for paranasal sinuses mucocoele.

RESULTS

Fronto-ethomidal mucocoele was found in 22 (52.4%) patients, ethmoidal--in 10 (23.8%), frontal--in 4 (9.5%), spheno-ethmoidal--in 4 (9.5%) and maxillar in 2 (4.8%) patients. 14 (33.3%) cases were primary and 28 (66.7%) secondary of mucocoeles. The most frequent symptoms of frontal or ethmoidal mucocoele were: headache, lacrimation, deformity of orbit, blepharoedema, and diplopia. Sphenoethmoidal and maxillar mucocoele caused mostly nose obstruction and severe headache. Destruction of sinuses and orbital bony wall was found in 16 patients (38.1%), and in 9 of them (21.4%) there were in medial wall of orbit, in 3 (7.1%)--in inferior wall of frontal sinus, in 3 (7.1%)--in anterior wall of frontal sinus, and in 1 (2.3%) in anterior wall of maxillary sinus. In 3 patients (97.1%) with fronto-ethmoidal mucocoele as the consequence of disease the development of empyema was observed. Endoscopic intranasal treatment was applied in 9 patients (21.4%) with fronto-ethmoidal, spheno-ethmoidal and maxillar mucocoele. Complete recovery was observed in 30 (71.4%) patients, recurrence was noted in 12 (28.6%) and these patients were operated from extranasal approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Paranasal sinuses mucocoele is found when natural ostia of sinuses are blocked after prior operation. They cause destruction of bony walls of sinuses. Extranasal approach is an optimal method of treatment in extended mucocoele and their complications.

[HIV infected child in otolaryngological practice]

The authors present material about 12 HIV infected children at the age between 0 and 18 years observed and treated in Department of Infectious Diseases Medical University of Gdansk in the period between 1991 till 2006. Retrospectively medical records of 4 of them currently undergoing observation and treatment have been analyzed taking into consideration: ways of HIV infection, applying the possible retroviral profilactic to a mother and a child, the damaging o of immunological condition in the period of observation and treatment as well as the possible head and neck changes. The authors come to conclusion that changes in oral cavity may be the first symptom of child HIV infection and in the oral candidiasis symptoms the possibility of HIV infection should be taken into account.

[Noninvasive fungal sinusitis (fungus ball)--diagnostic difficulties]

Noninvasive fungal sinusitis (fungus ball) is usually found in one sinus and the most frequently is caused by Aspergillus. Diagnostic criteria are based on histopathology, and fungal cultures are frequently negative. The clinical symptomatology mimics chronic rhinosinusitis and radiology, specially CT and MRI are helpful for making decision of surgery. The authors present 4 cases of fungus ball of the paranasal sinus. In one case clinical symptoms, endoscopic examination of nasal cavity and CT scans suggested foreign body in the maxillary sinus. In other case clinical and radiological evidences made us to thing of neoplasmatic disease of the frontal sinus. In remaining two cases mycetoma was found in the sphenoid sinus. Surgical removal was the treatment in all cases and followed by systemic antifungal therapy in one case because of bone destruction. Histopathology revealed hyphae of Aspergillus without evidence of tissue invasion, fungal cultures in two cases were negative, an in other two Aspergillus fumigatus culture were obtained.

[Complications of acute mastoiditis in children]

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of complications resulting from acute otitis media has significantly decreased since the introduction of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics has lead to decrease in the complications of acute mastoiditis as well as the mortality of the disease. The purpose of the study was to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complications of acute mastoiditis in children. Study design. Retrospective clinical study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a retrospective study of 70 children with extracranial and intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis who were treated in the period from 1968 to 2006 at Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Gdansk. Their treatment has been documented with long period of otologic follow-up.

RESULTS

Extracranial complications occurred in 41 (30.4%) of treated acute mastoiditis cases, and subperiostal abscess was the commonest one in 37 (90.2%) patients. Intracranial complications occurred in 29 (21.4%) of acute mastoiditis cases and facial paralysis was the commonest one in 14 (40.0%) cases, followed by sigmoid sinus thrombosis and perisinus abscess. Ear cultures grew in patients with otogenic complications, the most often Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found. Mastoidectomy with myringotomy resolved the disease in 46 (65.7%) children, only myringotomy in 6 (8.6%) and canal wall down mastoidectomy in 18 (25.7%) children. Complete resolution was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The persistent othorrea, otalgia and headache, prolonged high fever, neurological signs were the most common symptoms associated with the development of intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis in children. Computed tomography and MRI are necessary tools for diagnosis and surgery planning in every case of latent mastoiditis. Antibiotic treatment of acute mastoiditis does not prevent otogenic complications. Extracranial or intracranial complications of acute mastoiditis need surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The present study found evidence for decreased incidence of mastoiditis and their suppurative complications during last years.

Expression patterns of Ki-67 and telomerase activity in middle ear cholesteatoma

BACKGROUND

Keratinocytes in cholesteatoma demonstrate uncoordinated hyperproliferation, migration, and invasion properties. There is a controversy regarding the impact of Ki-67 and telomerase activities on cellular proliferation in cholesteatoma. We studied expression of Ki-67 protein and telomerase activity in cholesteatoma and its relationship with clinical findings.

METHODS

The expression level of Ki-67 protein was examined by immunohistochemical analysis of 51 cholesteatomas and 6 skin tissues obtained from patients during ear surgery. Telomerase activity was determined in 23 samples of cholesteatomas and 6 skin samples by polymerase chain reaction-based telomeric-repeat amplification protocol assay.

RESULTS

The presence of Ki-67 protein was observed in 21 (41.2%) of 51 samples of acquired cholesteatoma. The average Ki-67 labeling index in the cholesteatoma group was 28.9 +/- 9.2 and was higher than that in the skin group (18.2 +/- 6.1). Telomerase activity was detected in 2 (8.7%) of 23 samples of cholesteatoma (21 of them were Ki-67 staining positive and 2, negative) and in 3 (50%) of 6 of control skin samples (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study showed increased expression of Ki-67 in cholesteatoma, whereas there was no significant difference in rate of Ki-67 positive staining between skin and cholesteatoma (p = 0.066). Telomerase activation is a rare event in cholesteatoma. We assume that the absence of telomerase may lead to generation dysfunctional telomeres what in turn may impair the proliferative capacity of cholesteatoma.

Otitic hydrocephalus associated with lateral sinus thrombosis and acute mastoiditis in children

The incidence of intracranial complications of acute otitis media (AOM) has decreased and the need for operative and medical treatment is declined during the antibiotic era. To describe pathognomonic signs, evaluation management, operative findings, clinical course and outcome of otitic hydrocephalus and lateral sinus thrombosis as complications of AOM and mastoiditis in pediatric patients. Two children, 9 and 13 years old, with the diagnosis of OH and TK and MRI findings are presented. Intracranial complications in children resulted from unsuccessful treatment of AOM, which led to acute mastoiditis and lateral sinus thrombosis. Both of the presented children had thrombus in their sigmoid sinus preoperatively, demonstrated by MRI, causing decreased blood flow. Both patients underwent a mastoidectomy and delamination of sigmoid sinus with puncture of sinuses. After medical and surgical treatment, blood flow through the sinus increased significantly. In both cases signs of increased intracranial pressure ceased. The clinical presentation of otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) as a complication of acute otitis media (AOM) can be masked by antibiotic treatment. The episodes of vomiting, headache, visual impairment and a history of AOM seem to be indicative for otitic hydrocephalus. MRI scans of patients with similar symptoms should be carefully studied to facilitate the early diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis with increased intracranial pressure. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging play a major role in determining diagnosis and treatment plans in this intracranial complications. Management included systemic antibiotics, short-term heparin anticoagulation and surgical decompression. In our patients intensive i.v. antibiotic treatment, steroids, anticoagulants and surgery led to a significant improvement in the clinical condition.

Cell cycle inhibitory protein p27 in human middle ear cholesteatoma

AIM

To evaluate the immunohistochemical and molecular presentation of protein p27 in cholesteatoma.

METHODS

42 cholesteatoma samples and 6 external ear canal skin (EECS) specimens were investigated and analyzed taking into consideration congenital, acquired, recurrent cholesteatoma, and EECS.

RESULTS

The expression of p27 was found in 16 (38.1%) out of 42 specimens of cholesteatoma and in 5 (83.3%) out of 6 specimens of EECS. There was a significant difference in p27-positive staining rate between EECS and cholesteatoma epithelium (p < 0.008). The presence of p27 was detected in 10 cases of acquired cholesteatoma, 2 cases of congenital and 3 cases of recurrent cholesteatoma. There was no significant difference between the presence of p27 in cholesteatoma and EECS (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The down-regulation of p27 is a key player in cell cycle control and plays an undefined role in the pathogenesis of all types of cholesteatoma.

Value of hyperbaric oxygen in bacterial and fungal malignant external otitis treatment

Malignant external otitis (MEO) is an invasive, morbidity, even mortality, mainly pseudomonal infection of the external auditory canal, frequently involving the base of the skull, multiple cranial nerve and the meninges. In many cases conventional therapy has been prolonged, intensive and relatively ineffective, especially in infections other than bacterial (mainly fungal). We presented theoretical principles of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in MEO, our own experience and others' experience in applying this treatment method. We treated eight patients with MEO applying pharmacotherapy, topical management, surgery in one case and also adjunct HBO. In six patients, infection was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in one by Staphylococcus sp. and in one by Aspergillus sp. Complete recovery was achieved in seven patients. In the patient with MEO caused by Aspergillus sp., intracranial complications developed and the patient died. Our experiences in employing HBO in bacterial-caused MEO have confirmed the role of HBO as a valuable, beneficial, supporting classical treatment method. Small number of patients with MEO, especially with non-bacterial infection, and unforeseen clinical course of disease make our experience difficult to objectivize.

[Influence of hyperbaric oxygen on the view of chicken's inner ear damage after exposure to wide-band noise]

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of hyperbaric oxygen on regeneration processes which take place in the inner ear (basilar papilla - BP) of chicken after exposure to wide-band noise at the level 120 dB for 48 hours. We found, that hyperbaric oxygen applied once a day after exposure to the noise restricted he extensiveness and decreased the dynamics of hair cells injury. Quantative and qualitive differences in histological changes which take place in chick basilar papilla after exposure to hyperbaric oxygen and glucocorticoids may prove the presence of different their effectory points of acting.

[The influence of glucocorticoids on the view of chicken's inner ear damage after exposure to wide-band-noise]

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of glucocorticoids on the view of hair cell regeneration process being in the chicken's inner ear (basilar papilla - BP) after exposure to wide-band noise at the level 120 dB (A) for 48 hours. We found that glucocorticoids given during and/or after exposure to the noise have a cytoprotective activity to the hair cells, they limitate the extensiveness and decrease the dynamics of hair cells injury. We observed that new "young" hair cells reappeared at the sensory epithelium on the 7th day after the end of exposure. Regenerated hair cells have immature, short and thick cilia and small apical surface area.

[Acute autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss in pregnant women with Leśniowski-Crohn disease]

Acute sensorineural hearing loss may appear in some autoimmune diseases. Authors presented a case of 31 years old pregnant woman with Leśniowski-Crohn disease, in who acute total deafness of one ear and sensorineural hearing loss in the second ear appeared after she got pregnant. Immunological etiology was confirmed by presence of antinuclear and anti-type II collagen antibodies. Hearing level improvement after treatment with steroids was observed.

[Auditory function in children with Brachmann-de Lange syndrom]

THE AIM

The aim of the research work is the evaluation of auditory function in children with rare, genetically determined Brachmann-de Lange syndrome.

METHODS

Test material came from 18 children (7 girls and 11 boys) between 11 months and 18 years of age with Brachmann-de Lange syndrome who have been diagnosed and treated at ENT Department and Department of Paediatrics, Haematology, Oncology and Endocrinology Medical University of Gdansk with support of Cornelia de Lange Association - Poland. In all children examinations of brainstem auditory evoked potential have been carried out as well as tympanometric examination in case of finding hearing loss. All these examinations were carried out in ENT Department of Medical University of Gdansk, using Racia-Alvar Centor C apparatus and Madsen-Zodiak 901.

RESULTS

9 (50%) of patients demonstrated hearing loss. In 3 (16.7%) cases the conduction hearing loss was connected with the chronic diseases of middle ear which required medical treatment. In remaining 6 (33.3%) cases due to sensorineural hearing loss children had hearing aids applied and underwent rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that all children with Brachmann-de Lange syndrome should undergo examinations of brainstem auditory evoked potential. It enables to detect hypoacusis and initiate proper treatment. Lack of the opportunity of having a hearing aid applied and further rehabilitation deepens the social isolation of the little patients and inhibits their natural progress in communication. In such cases mental retardation may subsequently occur.

Suppurative complications of frontal sinusitis in children

A retrospective review of children diagnosed and treated for suppurative complications of paranasal sinusitis was undertaken to describe clinical presentation, microbiology, and treatment. This review includes children with subgaleal abscess and osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, subdural empyema, frontal lobe abscess, meningitis, and encephalitis. Staphylococcus aureus and group C beta-hemolytic Streptococcus were isolated agents. All children were treated with intravenous antibiotics with drainage of both the sinus and extracranial and intracranial suppurations. Results of treatment in the series support the opinion that combined aggressive surgical and antibiotic treatment is a preferred method in complicated sinusitis in children.

Zygomatic abscess with temporal myositis - a rare extracranial complication of acute otitis media

Acute mastoiditis is the most common complication of acute otitis media (AOM) and its early recognition and management still poses a challenge due to potentially serious consequences. The incidences of extracranial and intracranial suppurative complications of AOM in children have decreased significantly, yet they remain a serious clinical problem, especially when caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The authors presented a case of rare AOM complication - zygomatic abscess with temporal myositis. A 6-year-old boy was admitted to the ENT Department with 4 weeks of ear pain, treated for AOM with cefuroxime axetyl and amoxicilline, with acute mastoiditis and subsequent abscess formation in zygomatic and preauricular region. The inflammatory process spread through anterior air cells to the zygomatic cells leading to a fistula formation in the zygomatic bone and breakthrough into the temporal muscle. The surgical procedures applied were: myringotomy with drainage, cortical mastoidectomy and revision of zygomatic area and treatment with antibiotics (ceftriaxon). Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus viridans were found in the culture of middle ear and mastoid effusion. After half a year of follow-up the child had a normal hearing. Severe complications of AOM are rare today. An early diagnosis in order to promote adequate management and prevent inherently suppurative complications is essential.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complications of irradiation in head and neck area

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We have investigated the treatment results of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) to patients with radiation-induced tissue complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight patients (1.4%) from 548 with head and neck cancers treated surgically with post- or preoperative radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone in standard doses who developed postradiation complications (6 patients with laryngeal chondroradionecrosis, 1 patient with osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone, and 1 patient with soft tissue radionecrosis) are presented. To evaluate radiation reactions occuring in the head and neck region, we used the Chandler grading system for classification of postradiation larynx injuries and SOMA/LENT score for classification of postradiation injuries of mucosa of upper aerodigestive tract. Grades I and II in those grading systems are expected side effects of radiation therapy, thus our cases were all in grades III and IV. The HBO2 was performed after failure of the conventional treatment (antibiotics, steroids, topical therapy). The number of HBO2 expositions was from 8 to 39 and the delay to therapy from 2 to 22 months.

RESULTS

Symptoms resolved in all treated patients. Six patients with laryngeal chondroradionecrosis had no symptoms after therapy and in three of them after partial laryngectomy the decannulation was performed. In one patient with mucosal radionecrosis after total laryngectomy, the esophageal fistula was closed and in one patient with osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone, wound debridement followed.

CONCLUSION

The authors' experience supports the increasing clinical evidence that HBO2 is an effective adjunct therapy for treatment of complications of irradiation in head and neck area.

[History of one surgical procedure in the light of Tomasz Drobnik achievements]

The authors present achievements of Polish physician Tomasz Drobnik (1858-1901) in the field of surgery. The history of reconstructive surgery of the facial nerve is described. Tomasz Drobnik, surgeon from Poznań, on the turn of 19th century carried out many innovatory operations in the field of orthopedics, general surgery and otolaryngology. He was extremely talented practitioner and very much engaged in scientific research and social work, which he realized in a difficult time of Prussian occupation. For over hundred years he was regarded as a pioneer in treatment of the facial nerve injuries (by uniting it with the spinal accessory). The authors present some arguments which may deny the priority of Drobnik in this procedure. The authors conclude, that Drobnik's contribution to the development of surgery has not been estimated enough. His achievements were much ahead of his time and has not been wide enough described.

Usefulness of High Doses of Glucocorticoids and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of pharmacologic (steroids, vasodilators, vitamins, and Betaserc) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

METHODS

The pharmacologic arm of the study consisted of 52 patients with defined sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated simultaneously in the ENT Department and National Center for Hyperbaric Medicine of the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland, from 1997 to 2000 (Group A). The hyperbaric oxygen therapy consisted of exposure to 100% oxygen at a pressure of 250 kPa for a total of 60 minutes in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. The control group included 81 patients with defined sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated in the ENT Department, Medical University of Gdansk, from 1980 to 1996 (Group B). Both groups were comparable regarding the age of the patients, season of hearing loss occurrence, tinnitus and vestibular symptom frequency, delay before therapy, and average threshold loss before the start of treatment. The treatment results (hearing gain) were estimated using pure-tone audiometry. We retrospectively analyzed the audiograms of all patients.

RESULTS

Patients from Group A (blood flow-promoting drugs, glucocorticoids in high doses, betahistine, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy) showed significantly better recovery of hearing levels compared with those from Group B (blood flow-promoting drugs and glucocorticoids in low doses) at seven frequencies (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 Hz) (p < 0.05) and four groups of frequencies (pure-tone average, high-tone average, pure middle-tone average, and overall average) (p < 0.05). Percentage hearing gain in all investigated frequencies was also better in Group A versus Group B, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that hyperbaric oxygen therapy with high doses of glucocorticoids improves the results of conventional sudden sensorineural hearing loss treatment and should be recommended. In addition, the best results are achieved if the treatment is started as early as possible.

Jan Mikulicz-Radecki (1850-1905): pioneer of endoscopy and surgery of the sinuses, throat, and digestive tract

The authors described the medical achievements of Jan Antoni Mikulicz-Radecki--a famous surgeon and laryngologist of Polish origin, belonging to the Viennese surgical school of Prof. Theodor Billroth at the turn of the 20th century. His scientific and clinical activity in Vienna, Cracow, Konigsberg, and Wroclaw resulted in 232 publications and several new surgical methods. He changed the opinion on scleroma and described benign lymphoepithelial lesions. He was one of the authors of modern aseptics, antisepsis in surgery, and is regarded as a pioneer of endoscopic procedures. He was interested mainly in thoracic surgery, surgery of the abdomen, orthopedics, and laryngology. Mikulicz was the first to describe the method of surgical treatment of the maxillary sinus, osteoplastic surgery of the nose, esophagoscopy, and lateral pharyngotomy in tonsil carcinoma. Prof. Mikulicz was the first to perform thoracic surgery; he performed the first pyloroplasty, the first partial esophagectomy and gave rise to antiseptic procedures and general surgical management. He described many modifications of surgical operations and he constructed the esophagoscope, scoliozymeter, and many other useful surgical devices.