Τετάρτη 18 Αυγούστου 2021

Decreased Facial Emotion Recognition in Elderly Patients With Hearing Loss Reflects Diminished Social Cognition

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 17:34894211040057. doi: 10.1177/00034894211040057. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the correlation between the severity of hearing loss and the facial emotional recognition as a critical part of social cognition in elderly patients.

METHODS: The prospective study was comprised of 85 individuals. The participants were divided into 3 groups. The first group consisted of 30 s ubjects older than 65 years with a bilateral pure-tone average mean >30 dB HL. The second group consisted of 30 subjects older than 65 years with a PTA mean ≤30 dB HL. The third group consisted of 25 healthy subjects with ages ranging between 18 and 45 years and a PTA mean ≤25 dB HL. A Facial Emotion Identification Test and a Facial Emotion Discrimination Test were administered to all groups.

RESULTS: Elderly subjects with hearing loss performed significantly worse than the other 2 groups on the facial emotion identification and discrimination tests (P < .05). Appealingly, they identified a positive emotion, "happiness," more accurately in comparison to the other negative emotions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that increased age might be associated with decreased facial emotion identification and discrimination scores, which could be deteriorated in the presence of significant hearing loss.

PMID:34404263 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211040057

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Successful management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension with epidural blood patch

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BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Aug 17;14(8):e240936. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240936.

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is characterised by postural headache and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure of ≤6 cmH20 measured with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Other symptoms include tinnitus, altered hearing, diplopia, photophobia, nausea and neck stiffness, and must not have occurred within a month of dural puncture. Symptoms typically remit after normalisation of CSF pressure or successful sealing of the CSF leak. An epidural blood patch (EBP) is a treatment option in those who have not responded to bed rest, fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or caffeine. We present a case of SIH successfully treated with both conservative measures and EBP. We compare our case with similar cases in the literature and summarise what is known about EBP for SIH to help clinicians take a more informed approach to managing such patients.

PMID:34404644 | DOI:10.1136/bcr-2020-240936

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Update on 'Treatment of orthostatic headache without intracranial hypotension: A case report' - nine years later

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Cephalalgia. 2021 Aug 18:3331024211038656. doi: 10.1177/03331024211038656. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2013, one of the authors described a 36-year-old female with orthostatic headache without documented intracranial hypotension or evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak, despite extensive workup. Headache was unresponsive to conservative treatment since 2010, showed only transient benefit after repeated epidural blood patches while vitamin A supplementation resulted in progressive improvement.

CASE: Since 2013, the patient followed a relapsing and remitting course yet relapse control became difficult after a drug induced liver injury required vitamin A discontinuation in 2017, when her headache became chronic. Greater occipital nerve blocks provided pain relief as alternative but were stopped due to the pandemic and her latest severe relapse, in late 2020, required not only restarting anaesthetic blocks and aggressive m edication management, but also reassessing and treating comorbidities (obstructive sleep apnoea and major depressive disorder) with modest benefit.

CONCLUSION: Orthostatic headache without intracranial hypotension is rare, with only 28 cases reported so far, all treated empirically and all treatment options revealing to be mostly ineffective. Vitamin A anecdotally appeared to be useful in our case but had to be stopped for severe side effects, so unfavourable long-term prognosis, in ours and 2/3 of the reported cases, seems to be the rule in this intriguing entity.

PMID:34404249 | DOI:10.1177/03331024211038656

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Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck: CRTC1/3 MAML 2 translocation and its prognosticators

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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Aug 17. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07039-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the head and neck is a prevalent malignant salivary gland tumour with a reported good outcome. The aim of this study was to report the outcome in our centre.

METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis with survival analyses was performed combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to assess CRTC1/3 MAML 2 fusion gene presence.

RESULTS: Sixty-four cases of MEC were identified. Median age at presentation was 51.4 years with a predominance for parotid gland involvement. Five, 10- and 20- year disease-free survival was 98%, 90% and 68%, respectively. Overall survival was 94%, 90% and 64%, respectively. Local recurrence was seen up to 14 years after primary diagnosis; distant metastases were diagnosed up to 17 years later. The overall recurrence rate was less than 2 0 per cent. CRTC1/3 MAML 2 fusion gene presence showed no survival benefit.

CONCLUSION: MEC of the head and neck has a favorable outcome with the exception of high-grade MEC. PNI and nodal involvement are not rare. CRTC1/3 MAML 2 fusion gene presence showed no survival benefit. The tendency for late onset of loco-regional and distant recurrence should not be underestimated.

PMID:34405264 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-07039-2

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Selpercatinib-Enhanced Radioiodine Uptake in RET-Rearranged Thyroid Cancer

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Thyroid. 2021 Aug 18. doi: 10.1089/thy.2021.0144. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metastatic thyroid cancers may dedifferentiate and become radioactive iodine refractory. The redifferentiating effect of pharmacological drugs was reported with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway in cancer with point mutation in oncogenes. The potential redifferentiating effect of inhibitors targeting oncogenic fusion genes is only suggested by a recent and unique publication using larotrectin ib in a NTRK rearranged tumor. Patients finding. Selpercatinib a highly selective RET inhibitor, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of RET fusion-positive lung and thyroid cancers. We had the unprecedented opportunity to observe restoration of iodine-131 uptake after selpercatinib treatment for a non-radioiodine avid metastatic thyroid cancer with a RET/PTC3 fusion gene.

CONCLUSION: This finding of a redifferentiation effect with selpercatinib targeting a RET fusion gene, reinforces the proof of concept of this new therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, future clinical trials and treatment strategies must not forget to evaluate the redifferentiating effect of drugs targeting gene rearrangements. Furthermore, the combined approach with a targeted therapy and radioactive iodine may increase anti-tumor efficacy and minimize acquired resistance to RET inhibitors.

PMID:34405703 | DOI:10.1089/thy.2021.0144

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Histone Deacetylase 4 Controls Extracellular Matrix Production in Orbital Fibroblasts from Graves' Ophthalmopathy Patients

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Thyroid, Ahead of Print.
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Assessing Intraoperative Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of Parathyroid Glands in Relation to Total Thyroidectomy Patient Outcomes

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Thyroid, Ahead of Print.
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The role of vitamin D in subjective tinnitus—A case-control study

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Via Tinnitus

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by Magdalena Nowaczewska, Stanisław Osiński, Maria Marzec, Michał Wiciński, Katarzyna Bilicka, Wojciech Kaźmierczak

Regarding the high prevalence of vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in the population and its possible association with ear diseases, we aimed to investigate the 25(OH)Dserum level in patients with subjective, nonpulsating tinnitus and its effect on tinnitus severity. The study included 201 tinnitus patients and 99 controls. Patient clinical information, including tinnitus characteristics and severity according to Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), loudness assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), audiometry, and the blood level of vitamin D, was recorded. The level of 25(OH)D in tinnitus patients was significantly decreased compared with the controls (19.86 ± 7.53 and 27.43 ± 8.85 ng/ml, respectively; P value 15 ng/dl). There was a strong correlation between the 25(OH)D level and THI. Our findings suggest that a large proportion of tinnitus patients suffers from vitamin D deficiency and that the vitamin D level correlates with tinnitus impact. We recommend a vitamin D assessment for a ll tinnitus patients.
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Nerve transfer in the spastic upper limb: anatomical feasibility study

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Surg Radiol Anat. 2021 Aug 18. doi: 10.1007/s00276-021-02810-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nerve transfers represent an innovative tool in the surgical treatment of upper limb paralysis. Well-documented for brachial plexus sequalae and under evaluation for tetraplegic patients, they have not yet been described for spastic upper limbs. The typical spastic deformity involves active and spastic flexor, adductor and pronator muscles, associated with paralysed exten sor and supinator muscles. Experience with selective neurectomy has shown an effective decrease in spasticity together with preservation of muscle strength. We conceptualized a combination of neurectomy and nerve transfer, by performing a partial nerve transfer from a spastic elbow flexor muscle to a paralyzed wrist extensor muscle, hypothesizing that this would reduce the spasticity of the former and simultaneously activate the latter.

METHODS: Ten cadaveric dissections were performed in order to establish the anatomic feasibility of transferring a motor branch of the brachioradialis (BR) onto the branch of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) or brevis (ECRB). We measured the emergence, length, muscle entry point and diameter of each branch, and attempted the transfer.

RESULTS: We found 1-4 motor nerve for the BR muscle and 1-2 for the ECRL muscle. In all cases, the nerve transfer was achievable, allowing a satisfactory coaptation. The ECRB branch emerged too dist ally to be anastomosed to one of the BR branches.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that nerve transfers from the BR to the ECRL are anatomically feasible. It may open the way to an additional therapeutic approach for spastic upper limbs.

PMID:34406434 | DOI:10.1007/s00276-021-02810-w

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Treatment Outcomes for Osteoradionecrosis of the Central Skull Base: A Systematic Review

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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733973

Objective Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base can have catastrophic consequences if not detected early and managed appropriately. This is a systematic review of the different treatment modalities for skull base ORN and their outcomes. Study Design This study is a systematic review. Materials and Methods Two researchers extracted information including patient population, surgical technique, outcomes of interest, and study design. A computerized search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library (January 1990–June 2020) looked for several papers on the subject of skull base ORN. Results A total of 29 studies had met inclusion criteria, including data from 333 patients. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common primary tumor (85%). Average age at diagnosis of ORN was 55.9 years (range = 15–80 years) and 72.3% of patients were males. The average time to diagnosis of ORN after radiation therapy was 77 months with an average radiation dose of 76.2 Gy (range = 46–202 Gy). Nighty-eight patients (29.4%) also had chemotherapy as part of their treatment regimen. Although all parts of the central skull base were reported to be involved, the clivus and sphenoid bone were the most commonly reported subsites. Trial of medical treatment had a success rate of 41.1%. About 66% of patients needed surgical treatment, either primarily or after failing medical treatment. Success rate was 77.3%. Overall, the surgical treatment was superior to medical treatment (p < 0.0001). Conclusion ORN is a rare complication of the treatment of skull base tumors. Most cases require surgical treatment, including endoscopic debridement or free flap reconstruction, which has a high success rate. Level of Evidence Level 3 evidence as a systematic review of case studies, case reports, retrospective, and prospective trials with no blinding or controls.
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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Endoscopic Paramaxillary Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa and Pterygomaxillary Space: Computer Modeling Analysis and Clinical Series

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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733919

Objective Several different open and endoscopic approaches for the pterygomaxillary space and infratemporal fossa have been described. Limitations to these approaches include restricted exposure of the infratemporal fossa and difficult surgical manipulation. Study Design Consecutive clinical cases utilizing a novel approach to access lesions in the infratemporal fossa and pterygomaxillary space were reviewed. Data was collected on pathology, lesion location, and surgical approach(es) performed. Computer modeling was performed to analyze the full extent of surgical access provided by the paramaxillary approach to the range of target locations. Results Ten consecutive cases met inclusion criteria. Surgical access to the target lesion was achieved in all cases. Computer modeling of the approach derived the anatomical boundaries of the paramaxillary approach. Wide access to the posterior maxilla, and lateral or medial to the mandibular condyle allows for variability in endoscopic angles and access to more medial pterygomaxillary space lesions. The lateral extent is limited proximally only by the extent of cheek/soft tissue retraction and by the zygomatic arch more superiorly. The superior limit of dissection is at the temporal line. Conclusion The endoscopic paramaxillary approach is a transoral minimally disruptive approach to the ITF and PS that provides excellent surgical exposure for resection of lesions involving these areas. Compared with previously described endoscopic approaches, there are no external incisions; tumor manipulation is straightforward without angled endoscopy, and all areas of the infratemporal fossa and pterygomaxillary space can be accessed.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

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