Muzaffer Kanlikama

Variations of sphenoid and related structures

Abstract. The aim of this study was to delineate the precise relationship between the sphenoid sinus and internal carotid artery and the optic nerve, as well as to assess incidence of the anatomic variations of these structures. A review of 92 paranasal sinus tomographic scans was made for anatomic variations of the sphenoid sinus and related bony and neurovascular structures. Coronal and axial tomographic sections were obtained with 2.5-mm section thickness. We assessed the protrusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the optic nerve (ON) into the sphenoid sinus, bone dehiscence of these structures, and pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and pterygoid recess (PR), as well as the variations of the sphenoid sinus septum. The protrusion of the ICA into the sphenoid sinus was found in 24 (26.1 %) patients. An ON protrusion was present in 29 (31.5 %) patients. Pneumatization of the PR was encountered in 27 (29.3 %) patients. There was not a statistically significant relationship between the pneumatization of the PR and ICA protrusion into the sphenoid sinus (χ2 = 0.258, p = 0.168). A significant relationship between the ACP pneumatization and protrusion of the ON into the sphenoid sinus was found (χ2 = 0.481, p = 0.007). Preoperative recognition of the anatomic variations by the radiologist is beneficial for identification of the limits of dissection. This is particularly important in the sphenoid sinus area where extensive pneumatization of the skull base bones may distort the anatomic configuration. Therefore, axial and coronal CT sections should always be obtained prior to any surgery in the sphenoid sinus area.

Management strategy of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the typical clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis (MCL). Medical records of 87 patients who were treated for MCL were retrospectively reviewed. Definitive diagnosis of MCL was made when a neck mass persisted for several weeks or months and one or more of the following was obtained: (1) positive mycobacterial cultures from biopsy material; (2) Positive mycobacterial staining of biopsy material; (3) Granulomatous inflammation and caseating necrosis on histopathological examination of biopsy material. Clinical findings were reviewed prior to treatment. The treatment included standard antituberculous medications followed by surgery in which either total excision or selective nodal dissection of the cervical lump was made. Follow-up results are presented. The chief complaint was a cervical mass that was localized mostly to the posterior cervical or submandibular regions. A fistula formation was encountered in 11.5 per cent. All patients recovered from MCL by combined antituberculous drug and surgical treatments. Clinical presentation of the disease and histopathological assessment are important in the diagnosis of MCL as well as in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and nontuberculous MCL. Utilizing the combined medical and surgical treatment options, both tuberculous and non-tuberculous cervical adenitis can be treated successfully.

Audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-eight patients with SLE and 28 healthy control subjects were included. Pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and electronystagmography (ENG) were used for baseline evaluation. Laboratory tests were carried out. Cranial and brain stem magnetic resonance imagings (MRI) were undertaken. RESULTS: Nineteen (67%) patients reported audiovestibular symptoms. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 6 (21%) patients. Abnormal results on ENG were significantly higher (50%) (P < 0.01). Abnormal laboratory data were available from 26 patients (P < 0.05). MRI did not show any pathosis. CONCLUSION: The audiovestibular disturbances in SLE are more prevalent than previously recognized. Although no cause and effect relationship can be established by this type of study, it appears that a relationship exists. SIGNIFICANCE: Audiologic research should be directed toward routine, pure tone audiometry, and ENG assessment for patients with SLE to enable crucial treatment.

Gross dehiscence of the bone covering the facial nerve in the light of otological surgery

Understanding the relationship between the anatomy of the fallopian canal and a variety of ear diseases is necessary. In this study, our purpose was to identify the incidence of facial nerve dehiscence in patients undergoing surgery for a variety of chronic ear diseases. The operative records of 219 patients were reviewed retrospectively for dehiscence of the facial canal. The diagnoses were cholesteatoma (n = 49), tympanosclerosis (n = 51), adhesive otitis media (n = 38), and chronic otitis media (n = 81). Only 17 of 219 who underwent tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy were excluded from the calculations. Dehiscence of the facial canal was encountered in 18 (8.9 per cent) of 202 patients. The dehiscence rate was highest with cholesteatoma, followed by adhesive otis media, chronic otis media and tympanosclerosis (p < 0.01). The canal dehiscence was mainly seen in the tympanic segment and second genu, and was rare in the mastoid segment. Labyrinthine fistula was the most common pathology that coexisted with the dehiscence. It was encountered in two (11.1 per cent) of 18 patients. In conclusion, the likelihood of dehiscent bone covering the tympanic segment of the fallopian canal is significantly higher in cholesteatoma than the other chronic ear diseases. The surgeon can feel somewhat more confident while performing surgery for tympanosclerosis as far as the dehiscence in the fallopian canal is concerned.

Use of the auditory brainstem response testing in the clinical evaluation of the patients with diabetes mellitus

The objective of the study was to assess whether a relationship exists between the auditory brain stem response (ABR) results and diabetes mellitus with and without complications. In the clinical and audiometry laboratory settings, diabetic patients with and without complications (retinopathy and/or nephropathy) were examined using ABR testing, and the results were interpreted for their applicability in clinical practice. Fifty-nine patients with diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy (study group) and 20 diabetic patients without any known diabetic complication (control group) were assessed with audiometry and ABR testing. ABR revealed that the absolute latencies and interwave intervals of the waves I through V were prolonged significantly in the study group when compared to the control group. The amplitudes of waves I through V were diminished in the study group when compared to the control group, but a statistical significance was present only for wave V amplitude. Quantitative (wave I to wave V amplitude ratio) and qualitative analyses of the ABR waves showed abnormal waveforms in the study and control groups by 55.2 and 27.6%, respectively. There is a brain stem neuropathy in diabetes mellitus which can be assessed with ABR testing. The likelihood of encountering a diabetic complication increases as the ABR results become abnormal.

Bone cement ossiculoplasty: incus to stapes versus malleus to stapes cement bridge.

Objective: In this study, our purpose was to evaluate results of our experience with bone cement repair of ossicular discontinuity between the incus and stapes and between the malleus and stapes. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent surgery for chronic otitis media between March 2000 and December 2002 were evaluated retrospectively. Fifty-seven patients who underwent bone cement ossiculoplasty and had appropriate follow-up data were included in the study. Bone cement reconstruction of the ossicular chain was performed 1) from incus to stapes (I-S) in the absence of long arm or lenticular process of the incus and 2) from malleus to stapes (M-S) in the absence of the incus. The clinical data of the patients were evaluated by otoscopic examination and audiometry. Results: The graft take rate was 84.1%. I-S procedure was performed in 42 and M-S in 8 patients. Pre- and postoperative PTAs of all patients were compared, which showed a significant improvement in air PTA (p < 0.001) while bone PTA did not change (p > 0.05). In I-S and M-S groups, successful hearing restoration could be achieved in 78.6.1% and 87.5% of the patients, respectively. Hearing results of different aural pathologies (chronic otitis media and conductive hearing loss) and surgeries (tympanotomy and tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy) were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Bone cement ossiculoplasty offers cost effective and significant improvement in conductive hearing loss.

Three-layer reconstruction with fascia lata and vascularized pericranium for anterior skull base defects

SummaryBackground. We report an assessment of the efficiacy of a triple layer graft composed of fascia lata and vascularized pericranium for anterior skull base reconstruction. This technique is based on the concept that vascularized tissue over a free flap may promote vascularization and rapid wound healing. Method. A large fascial graft is prepared from the fascia lata and divided in two pieces and trimmed to a size larger than the bone and dural defect. Vascularized pericranium is harvested after bicoronal incision and elevating the bifrontal scalp flap down to the supraorbital rims. First is dural repair, which is performed with fascia lata placed between the brain and remaining dura. Second, fascia lata is placed over the skull base defect and secured with mini titanium screws over the cranial surface of the orbital ridges. Third, vascularized pericranium is laid between the two layers of fascia lata. Findings. We studied 17 patients of whom 2 had malignancy, 6 had olfactory groove meningioma, 6 had skull base fracture and rhinorrhea, 1 case had orbital meningioma, 1 had invasive pituitary adenoma and 1 had basal encephalocele. The transbasal approach was used as a single procedure in 13 cases. The extended transbasal approach combined with a transfacial approach was used in 3 cases and with a pterional approach in 1 case. In each patient, reconstruction of the cranial base was performed with triple layer graft of fascia lata and vascularized pericranium. The patients were followed-up 2 months to 5 years. None of the patients experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, abscess, brain herniation and tension pneumocephalus. Interpretation. Fascia lata with vascularized pericranium is highly reliable, tensile and well suited for reconstruction of the anterior skull base.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the temporal bone.

Histiocytosis X or Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease that possesses three less distinctive and overlapping states called eosinophilic granuloma (EG), Hand-Schuller-Christian (HSC) disease and Letterer-Siwe (LS) disease. EG is the least severe and localized form of all LCHs and possesses the best prognostic result. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose the EG, especially when an ear disease is refractory to medical treatment. Early detection is important to manage the EG properly and to minimize the complications or sequels of treatment. Definitive diagnosis of histiocytosis is made by histopathological means and immunohistochemical detection of S-100 and CD1 antigens in the tissue samples. And differential diagnosis of the subgroups is made according to the clinical manifestations such as visceral organ or bone involvement. Surgical excision, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination, are the main treatment options.

Management of Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis

Abstract. The treatment results of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis in 69 patients between 1990 and 1993 are reviewed. All patients underwent surgical procedures consisting of total excision or selective nodal dissection for lymphadenopathies and curettage for fluctuant cases, followed by antituberculous chemotherapy applied according to the likely or proved mycobacterial species. For this purpose, three or four drugs (including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin) were used for 12 to 18 months. The cure rate was 100% after a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Clinical features, treatment modes, and guidelines for management are discussed.

Incudostapedial Rebridging Ossiculoplasty with Bone Cement

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate hearing results of our experience with ionomeric bone cement repair of ossicular discontinuity between incus and stapes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-six patients who underwent incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative audiologic results of incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with bone cement were evaluated. One year of follow-up is provided. RESULTS: The postoperative air-bone gap was less than 20 dB in 81.6 percent after one year. The mean preoperative and postoperative pure-tone avarages of the patients were 52.82 ± 5.59 and 32.81 ± 7.18 dB, respectively (P < 0.01). The mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps were 35.83 ± 4.73 and 16.54 ± 5.01, respectively (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the hearing results of different types of surgeries (P >0.05). No complications in the middle ear related to bone cements were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement is a reliable method for ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.