SUBMAXILLARY HYPOGLOSSAL NEURILEMOMA

Neurilemmomas of the hypoglossal nerve are uncommon neoplasms. A unique case of submaxillary hypoglossal neurilemmoma is presented with radiological and surgical results. Methods of diagnosis and differential diagnosis are discussed

LINGUAL THYROID - THE DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

Lingual thyroid is an uncommon developmental aberration of embryogenesis. It may present as a mid-line, non-tender, painless, reddish appearing swelling in the throat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively new diagnostic method for this condition. Two cases of lingual thyroid are reviewed with their MRI's and surgical results

High-resolution computed tomographic evaluation of the cochlear capsule in otosclerosis: Relationship between densitometry and sensorineural hearing loss

Otosclerotic cochlear involvement is a rather frequent disease that has not been clearly understood in terms of diagnosis and management. Objective evaluation methods are needed to confirm the clinical diagnosis, investigate the relationship with hearing impairment, and validate the results of treatment. In this study two ear groups with bone conduction hearing loss (BCHL) were investigated with audiometry and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). In the first group (n = 22) the diagnosis of fenestral otosclerosis was confirmed at operation; the second group (n = 9) was composed of ears clinically suspicious for purely cochlear involvement. Additionally, a control group (n = 14) of otologically normal ears was also studied. Foci of demineralization were demonstrated in 58% of the ears in the two groups; the sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in those ears was significantly worse than in those with normal radiologic findings. Three methods of MCT densitometry were used to determine the abnormal regions in the cochlear capsule; the results suggested that hypodense regions were consistent with a greater degree of SNHL, in contrast to the hyperdense ones in ears with better cochlear reserves. Agreement was found between the location of the density change and the frequency topography of the SNHL; densitometric values were correlated with the bone conduction thresholds for certain frequencies. It is concluded that the spongiotic foci are responsible for the SNHL, since there was a correlation between their location and the SNHL frequency. The determination of better hearing in those ears with sclerotic foci supports the hypothesis that the sclerotic phase may not be a healing process following the spongiotic phase, and that it can be the first stage of the disease

TEOAE monitoring of Cisplatin induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs: the protective effect of vitamin B treatment

Objective: To evaluate Cisplatin (CP) induced ototoxicity and the effects of vitamin B treatment on ototoxicity in guinea pigs by using the Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) technique. Methods: Eleven guinea pigs were divided into two groups and they were tested by TEOAE before and after the experiment. A TEOAE response was regarded as positive when all of the following criteria were met: 1. The mean amplitude of the cochlear response in dB pe SPL should be greater than that of the noise in the external auditory canal; 2. The reproducibility rate of the response should be greater than 50%; 3. The stimulus stability rate should be greater than 65%; 4. The signal to noise ratio of the response in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz band frequencies should be greater than 3 dB pe SPL in at least two bands. The first group included five animals that had only CP injections. Six animals in the second group received additional 0.2 ml/kg combined vitamin B preparations for 7 consecutive days. Thereafter, the right and left ears of all animals in both groups were tested by TEOAE. Results: TEOAE responses recorded from 22 ears of 11 guinea pigs before drug administrations showed that the responses with maximum amplitude were originated from the mid-frequency legion. Positive TEOAE responses were significantly reduced after CP administrations in both groups when compared with their respective pretreatment results (P < 0.01). However, vitamin B injections, in addition to a single large dose of CP, resulted in significantly better TEOAE responses than those obtained after only CP injections (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The routine use of TEOAE monitoring is recommended in clinical CP treatment protocols for the early detection and follow up of ototoxicity. Also, prospective clinical trials are needed in order to validate the protective effects of vitamin B treatment against ototoxicity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

MANAGEMENT OF PARAPHARYNGEAL SPACE CYSTS

Parapharyngeal space cysts, besides salivary gland origin may be derived from the first and dorsal portions of the second pharyngeal pouches. They are mucosal or epethelial lined structures with no external or visceral opening and always present on the lateral aspects of the nasopharyngeal wall