The Laryngoscope
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Vocal fold paralysis continues to be a dominant topic in laryngology. Although the majority of cases can be attributed to a known etiology, a significant number of patients present without a clear precipitating event. Over 1,500 studies regarding vocal fold paralysis exist in the medical literature, although only a small percentage report on the use of serum or radiographic testing for the evaluation of idiopathic paralysis. Despite this, patients are routinely subjected to diagnostic evaluation to investigate the underlying cause. To characterize contemporary practice, a national survey of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) membership was undertaken. It is hypothesized that the current practice of diagnostic testing for idiopathic vocal fold paralysis is not well supported by an evidence-based medicine (EBM) review of the available medical literature. ⋯ Serum and radiographic testing for the evaluation of vocal fold paralysis is supported by grade "C" evidence only. There are no existing prospective studies estimating the clinical impact of testing on diagnosis or patient outcome. Current practice, as estimated by a survey of the ABEA membership, is not well founded for serum testing and only by retrospective case series with regard to imaging. Further study into the nature of idiopathic vocal fold paralysis and outcomes assessment of diagnostic paradigms may improve clinical practice.
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The objective of this study was to analyze the circumstance, demographic features, clinical findings, and complications of caustic ingestion in relation to the type and amount of caustic substance. ⋯ Severity of injury from caustic ingestion damages depend on the type of ingested substance, which varies depending on ethnicity. Ingestion of caustic agents by children involves specific substances according to the season, cultural and religious festivals, and ethnicity. The majority of adult cases are intentional with more serious injuries and a higher rate of complications. In our series, ingestion of acidic substances and ingestion associated with suicide attempt had the most severe consequences.
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The diagnosis of chronic cluster headache (CH), the most painful form of headache, is based on typical clinical features characterized by strictly unilateral pain with no side shift and ipsilateral oculofacial autonomic phenomena. The attacks occur several times a day for periods of 1 to 2 months in the episodic form of the disease or less frequently on a daily basis in the chronic form. The pathogenesis of CH involves the activation of parasympathetic nerve structures located within the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), which explains many of the associated symptoms, whereas the activation of the ipsilateral hypothalamic gray matter may explain its typical circadian and circannual periodicity. ⋯ We have adopted a new technique based on endoscopic ganglion blockade that approaches the pterigo-palatine fossa by way of the lateral nasal wall and consists of the injection of a mixture of local anesthetics and corticosteroids, which was performed in 20 selected patients with chronic CH, according to the International Headache Society criteria (18 male, 2 female; mean age 40 yr), who were selected for SPG blockade because they were totally drug resistant. The symptoms improved significantly, but always only temporarily, in 11 cases. These results should be considered rather good because, unlike other frequently used techniques, SPG blockade is not invasive and should therefore always be attempted before submitting patients to more invasive surgical approaches.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility and safety of an electromagnetic implanted hearing device (the SOUNDTEC Direct System; SOUNDTEC, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK) implant during a 0.3-Tesla open MRI imaging examination of the head and neck and to develop an MRI protocol that maximizes patient safety while minimizing the need for implant removal. The current literature regarding MRI compatibility of implantable hearing devices was reviewed. ⋯ When considering MRI of implantable ferromagnetic hearing devices, issues related to mechanical forces, implant heating, current induction, implant demagnetization, image degradation, and acoustic trauma must be considered. The SOUNDTEC Direct System is both MRI-compatible and safe in a 0.3-Tesla open MRI environment when a modified protocol is used. Degradation of the head MRI image may impair visualization of the ipsilateral temporal bone and adjacent structures within a 2.5- to 4.3-cm radius of the implant and is minimized by using a fast spin echo sequence.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of oral versus rectal administration of acetaminophen with codeine in postoperative pediatric adenotonsillectomy patients.
To examine whether acetaminophen with codeine administered per rectum is an effective alternative for pain control compared with oral administration after an adenotonsillectomy. ⋯ The suppositories achieved equivalent pain control as oral medication with few side effects and good tolerance. Furthermore, many parents preferred the suppositories to oral medication in maintaining postoperative pain control because of ease of administration. If given the choice for future surgeries, many parents would switch or consider switching from oral pain medication to suppositories.