The Journal of laryngology and otology
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Case Reports
Microvascular decompression may be an effective treatment for nervus intermedius neuralgia.
To report microvascular decompression as a possible effective treatment for patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia, and to contribute to the literature regarding both this syndrome and this specific form of treatment. ⋯ Patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia who do not respond to medical treatment may benefit from microvascular decompression.
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Case Reports Comparative Study
Bronchoscopy versus multi-detector computed tomography in the diagnosis of congenital vascular ring.
Vascular rings are congenital vascular anomalies of the aortic arch complex which cause compression of the trachea and/or oesophagus. A variety of investigations may lead to diagnosis of these anomalies, including bronchoscopy and computed tomography. During the latter, image acquisition and processing use the multi-detector row technique and new reconstruction algorithms, producing high-resolution images which can be visualised as complex, three-dimensional renditions. ⋯ Bronchoscopy and radiological evaluation are essential for the diagnosis and pre-operative evaluation of congenital vascular ring. Multi-detector row computed tomography can provide more information about the nature of the disease, and can facilitate better communication between clinicians, compared with conventional computed tomography.
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To investigate levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and of their tissue inhibitor (i.e. tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1), in the serum of patients with tympanosclerosis. ⋯ Tympanosclerosis surgery has poor success rates, since the pathological process is still active. We suggest that high levels of matrix metalloproteinases may play a role in the continuation of the disease process.
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We undertook collagen injection laryngoplasty to achieve arytenoid augmentation in patients with dysphagia and persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy, and we evaluated the efficacy of arytenoid augmentation in aiding neoglottic closure and ensuring airway safety. ⋯ Arytenoid augmentation by injection laryngoplasty can be considered a safe and effective surgical tool for the treatment of dysphagia with persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy.
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Epistaxis can be caused or exacerbated by anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. This prospective study assessed the prevalence of epistaxis in patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication, and monitored differences in patients' clinical courses. ⋯ Increasingly, emergency and ENT departments are being presented with epistaxis in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. A better understanding of such medication and its effects may enable more effective management of these patients.