Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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Sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence (SSDD) is an increasingly recognized venous cause for pulsatile tinnitus (PT). SSDD is amenable to surgical/endovascular intervention. We aim to understand the clinical and imaging features of patients with PT due to SSDD. ⋯ SSDD may be the most common identifiable cause for PT from venous origin and is potentially treatable. Temporal bone CT scans should be included in a complete evaluation of PT.
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Promising clinical results of an innovative self-crimping stapes prosthesis in otosclerosis surgery.
This clinical study was performed to retrospectively analyze the hearing improvement of patients with otosclerosis who underwent stapesplasty with a novel nitinol prosthesis in comparison with the use of already established prostheses (titanium and clip prostheses) and to evaluate the suitability of the nitinol prosthesis for ear surgeons with limited experience in otosclerosis surgery. ⋯ Clinical evaluation suggests the novel nitinol prosthesis to be a promising tool in otosclerosis surgery for experienced stapes surgeons as well as for ear surgeons with limited experience in stapes surgery.
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Hearing loss resulting from bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs) has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). A national consensus protocol was produced in England as a guide for cochlear implantation (CI) and auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) in these patients. ⋯ The NF2 centers in England agreed on this protocol. Multisite, prospective assessments of standardized protocols for auditory implantation in NF2 provide an essential model for evaluating candidacy and outcomes in this challenging patient population.
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To determine whether partial tumor removal in large vestibular schwannoma improves facial nerve outcomes while maintaining a low risk of tumor regrowth/recurrence. ⋯ Near total and subtotal removal in large tumors are viable treatment options to maintain facial nerve function. During the follow-up period examined in this study, there was a low risk of need for further treatment. Longer-term follow-up is needed to better assess the need for retreatment in patients treated with NTR and STR.
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The objectives of this study were to assess the readability of Internet-based patient education materials related to acoustic neuromas (AN-IPEMs) by 4 widely validated readability indices, to evaluate scores against the existing sixth grade recommended reading level, and to compare the readability scores of patient education materials (PEMs) produced by professional organizations, clinical practices, hospitals, and miscellaneous sources. ⋯ AN-IPEMs are written at a level significantly higher than that suggested by national recommendations. Current AN-IPEMs may need to be revised in order to enhance patient comprehension.