MANAGEMENT OF FACIAL PALSY CAUSED BY OTOLOGIC PATHOLOGY – CASE REPORT

Facial palsy is an invalidating condition especially through the associated aesthetic sequelae. Early diagnosis followed by optimal treatment is of crucial importance for functional rehabilitation of the facial nerve. The first step is the establishment of the etiological factor. One first clue regarding the etiology might be represented by the onset mode of the facial palsy but the value of this sign is questionable. There are cited cases in the literature when a benign or malign tumor will be noticed after sudden onset of facial palsy and not as usual after a progressive symptomatology. This study reports a case of peripheral recurrent facial palsy of congenital cholesteatoma etiology. It is described the onset of the palsy, patient evaluation protocol with special emphasis on differential diagnose, stages needed for treatment and post-operative follow-up

THE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF ACOUSTIC MICRO SENSORS BASED ON MAGNETOSTRICTIVE NANOFIBERS

Introduction: The introduction of implantable devices in the human body determines a series of issues regarding their long-term tolerance. The biological tests represent the most critical stage in the biocompatibility assessment. Purpose of the Study: We proposed the testing of various materials that might be used in the development of implantable devices that function as auditory sensors. Materials and Methods: We conducted in vivo tests (on experience animals – white rats) for the biocompatibility of magnetostrictive materials based on FeGa20 and Co75Fe10B15. We implanted a sample from each material in the interface of the subcutaneous cellular tissue and paravertebral muscles. The biochemical and cellular modifications and also the immune response are evaluated at 14, 60 and 120 days from the implantation. Results: The results at 14, 60 and 120 days were similar for the both types of implanted materials: normal teguments (epidermal tissue of normal thickness, numerous hair follicles, dermal and hypodermal tissues without any modifications) and a normal layer of skeletal muscle fibers. Discussions: The material biocompatibility was assessed by histological examination of the organsim reaction to the implantated foreign body. The lack of biocompatibility is characterised by acute or chronic inflammatory reaction at the site of implantation, with the presence of inflammatory cells as the determinant criteria. Conclusions: Based on the prelevated histological materials examined macroscopically and microscopically we can conclude that, after 3 succesive tests, the evaluated materials (FeGa20, Co75Fe10B15) are biocompatible

Importance of Tissue Doppler Evaluation in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Value of Diastolic Filling Pattern as a Prognostic Predictor

(1) Background: The presence of restrictive left ventricular diastolic filling pattern (LVDFP) is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in many cardiac diseases, but few data are available on the prognostic implications of this pattern in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We aimed to establish the main prognostic predictors at the 1- and 5-year follow-ups in DCM patients and the value of restrictive LVDFP in increasing morbidity and mortality. (2) Methods: A prospective study of 143 patients with DCM divided in non-restrictive LVDFP group (95 patients) and restrictive group (47 patients). The patients were evaluated at a 5-year follow-up through an in-patient visit during the pre-pandemic period and hybrid methods (face-to-face, teleconsultation and home monitoring with a telemedicine application) during the pandemic period. Statistical analysis compared the two groups in terms of NYHA class, quality of life, hospitalizations/emergency department (ED) visits due to HF exacerbation and total mortality. (3) Results: The mortality rate in the restrictive group was markedly higher than that in the non-restrictive group at 1 year (17.02% vs. 10.59%, respectively, p p p p 75 years, markedly dilated LV, comorbidities (DM, COPD), 2nd-degree mitral regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: At the 1- and 5-year follow-ups, the presence of the restrictive LVDFP in DCM patients was independently associated with a poor prognosis, being the best clinical predictor for unfavorable evolution, after adjustment for other well-established predictive parameters in DCM patients