Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, Jan 2, 2016
To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a n... more To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a novel imaging tool for assessing and monitoring treatment response in necrotizing otitis externa (NOE). Seven adults with a diagnosis of NOE on both clinical and computed tomography (CT) criteria who were subsequently monitored with at least two echoplanar DW-MRI investigations were included in this retrospective longitudinal observational study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including echoplanar diffusion-weighted sequences, within 2 weeks of diagnosis of NOE to determine the extent of infection and to provide a baseline scan for monitoring response to treatment. Repeated imaging was undertaken after the agreed initial course of antimicrobial therapy was completed. The primary outcome measure for complete treatment response was complete resolution of high inflammatory signal on the DW-MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. This was correlated to clinical, bi...
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2015
There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment ... more There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment of post-operative cholesteatoma in children. This is important to address as this technique is particularly relevant in a paediatric setting. We searched a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing DWMRI for the assessment of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma. Imaging findings were correlated with findings at revision surgery. 320 investigations were divided into paediatric and adult groups (90 in children, 230 in adults) and compared. Operative findings were available for 158 cases, of which 54 were children. The accuracy of DWMRI in children was 96.3%, and in adults was 88.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values between adults and children. An increasing number of patients are not undergoing confirmatory surgery after negative DWMRI scans. False negative results are commonly secondary to small foci of disease; false positives have several possible causes. Performing MRI on children can be challenging, but sedation may be helpful in younger children. The performance of diffusion weighted MRI is similar in paediatric and adult settings. This study suggests that DWMRI may be used in clinical practice in a similar way in children and adults.
The objective of this study was to compare the results of treating acute postintubation stenotic ... more The objective of this study was to compare the results of treating acute postintubation stenotic airway lesions with the results of treating mature lesions and to assess whether early intervention improves the outcome. Patients without previous surgery, treated for postintubation airway stenosis, were reviewed. Those with airway lesions presenting within weeks of intubation (n = 11) were treated with intralesional steroids, laser reduction, and balloon dilatation. Patients with mature airway lesions (n = 20) were initially treated with laser, balloon dilatation, and topical mitomycin C. Preoperative patient and lesion characteristics, details of the treatment, and intervention-free intervals were recorded. Data were compared with unpaired Student t test or chi test as appropriate, and intervention-free intervals were compared with log-rank statistics. Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of intervention-free interval. There were 18 males and 13 females. The average age at presentation was 47 +/- 2.7 years. The two groups were statistically comparable for demographic and lesion characteristics. Patients treated for acute injury required significantly fewer interventions (P < .03), the majority being treated with a single treatment. They had a significantly longer intervention-free interval (P < .02; log-rank analysis) and did not require external laryngotracheal reconstruction (P < .001) compared with patients treated for mature fibrotic scars leading to airway stenosis. Early treatment of acute fibroinflammatory airway lesions has the potential to favorably modify the natural history of postintubation tracheal injury, raising the tantalizing possibility of an early cure. These findings have significant implications for early identification, referral, and treatment of postintubation tracheal stenosis and need to be confirmed with further studies.
Oropharyngeal lipomas are rare tumours. We present the case of a young man with an asymptomatic l... more Oropharyngeal lipomas are rare tumours. We present the case of a young man with an asymptomatic lipoma almost completely occluding his supraglottic airway, found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a separate oral cavity lesion. Pre-operative anaesthetic assessment was undertaken because of the risk of airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. We discuss the awake fibre-optic technique used for induction, as well as the treatment and follow-up of these tumours. This case highlights the need for formal anaesthetic assessment, in such cases, to avoid total airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. It also emphasizes the extent of supraglottic obstruction that can be present without giving rise to any symptoms.
Our retrospective study aims to assess the ability of computed tomography arteriography and venog... more Our retrospective study aims to assess the ability of computed tomography arteriography and venography (CT A/V) to detect various findings that suggest a potential cause of pulsatile tinnitus and to examine the association between these findings and the side of pulsatile tinnitus. A retrospective review of CT arteriography and venography of 32 patients with established pulsatile tinnitus and normal otoscopic examination was performed. The scans were performed using a 64-slice multidetector scanner and were reviewed to look for findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus. One or more findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus were detected on the symptomatic side in 30 patients; on the asymptomatic side in 3 patients, one patient with bilateral pulsatile tinnitus showed a potential cause of symptoms only on one side, and in one patient no potential cause could be identified. There is a significant association seen between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected (P < 0.001), between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential venous cause detected (P < 0.001), and between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the side of dominant venous system (P = 0.02). CT arteriography and venography is a useful tool in detecting many described potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Significant association is demonstrated between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected by CT arteriography and venography when the otoscopic examination is normal. 4. Laryngoscope, 2014.
To determine whether there is a difference between the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of ... more To determine whether there is a difference between the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted (DW) images and to determine, with interobserver agreement, a predictive accuracy for diagnosis of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma. Patients who underwent DW magnetic resonance (MR) examination before repeat explorative surgery for postoperative cholesteatoma were included in this study. There were 72 patient episodes and 56 patients. DW MR images were acquired with b values 0 and 1000 sec/mm(2) and 2-mm section thicknesses. Two observers assessed images qualitatively for presence of cholesteatoma and recorded ADCs. Surgery with histologic confirmation established final diagnosis of abnormal middle ear cleft soft tissue. ADCs between cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue were compared with Mann-Whitney test. Effects of ADCs and confidence intervals to indicate presence of cholesteatoma were examined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, logistic regression analysis, and interobserver agreement. Forty-six patients had cholesteatoma and 25 patients did not; sensitivity and specificity were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively, for the qualitative diagnosis of postoperative cholesteatoma by using a five-point confidence scale. ADC of cholesteatoma (median, 707 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 539-858 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001) was significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue (median, 1849 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 1574-1982 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001). There was good accuracy (area under the ROC curve, 0.97) and interobserver agreement for detecting postoperative cholesteatoma with ADC threshold less than 1300 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec. The ADC value of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma is significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue and has good accuracy for detecting cholesteatoma.
To examine the evidence for the role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis and management of oto... more To examine the evidence for the role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis. A review of contemporary (1990 to present) English medical literature via MedLine using the terms imaging, otosclerosis, otospongiosis, stapes surgery, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, CT, and MRI was performed. Abstracts were reviewed independently by 2 authors and relevant articles were then evaluated. Exclusion criteria included editorials, non-English language, comments, and letters. Level of evidence was assigned in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine guidance (Levels I-V). Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which, 11 were of Level III, 22 of Level IV, and 4 of level V evidence. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones is the imaging technique of choice in the diagnosis of otosclerosis with newer multidetector scanners demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity in excess of 90%. There is Level III evidence that CT densitometry and extent of disease on CT correlates with hearing thresholds. Extensive and multifocal disease on CT has a poorer prognosis (Level III/IV). The potential use of CT in staging classifications, surgical planning, predicting surgical outcomes and risk of complications has also been described and evaluated. This systematic review indicates that imaging has a useful role in both the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis, supported principally by Level III/IV evidence.
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of Non-EPI (echo-planar imaging) diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMR... more OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of Non-EPI (echo-planar imaging) diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) against surgical findings in the detection of cholesteatoma, to ascertain whether DWMRI could replace second-look mastoid surgery.
Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, Jan 2, 2016
To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a n... more To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a novel imaging tool for assessing and monitoring treatment response in necrotizing otitis externa (NOE). Seven adults with a diagnosis of NOE on both clinical and computed tomography (CT) criteria who were subsequently monitored with at least two echoplanar DW-MRI investigations were included in this retrospective longitudinal observational study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including echoplanar diffusion-weighted sequences, within 2 weeks of diagnosis of NOE to determine the extent of infection and to provide a baseline scan for monitoring response to treatment. Repeated imaging was undertaken after the agreed initial course of antimicrobial therapy was completed. The primary outcome measure for complete treatment response was complete resolution of high inflammatory signal on the DW-MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. This was correlated to clinical, bi...
Clinical Otolaryngology Official Journal of Ent Uk Official Journal of Netherlands Society For Oto Rhino Laryngology Cervico Facial Surgery, Dec 1, 2006
The primary purpose of this study was to assess the pharyngoesophageal segment in total laryngect... more The primary purpose of this study was to assess the pharyngoesophageal segment in total laryngectomy patients using a videofluoroscopy e-tool. Cross-sectional study. Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Tertiary Referral Centre. Forty-two patients following total laryngectomy. Videofluoroscopy using an e-tool (JRuler). Subjective and objective videofluoroscopy parameters correlated with the GRBAS scale and treatment variables. Of 32 men and 10 women, mean age 63.5 years (10.8) the majority (64.3%) had a reasonable voice (good = 11 and poor = 4 patients). Comparing subjective and objective parameters, significant correlations were only seen with a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation with no regurgitation of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and a type 1 shape of neoglottis at phonation (P = 0.02). There were also significant correlations between smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.02), smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at rest and absence of stasis of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and the length of neoglottis at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.01). For perceptual evaluation, significant correlation was seen only between G1 voice and a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation (P = 0.03) amongst the subjective and objective parameters. There were no correlations between visual parameters and the clinical parameters. Our observations suggest that this interesting concept has limitations. While objective and quantifiable data can be obtained using videofluoroscopy in laryngectomees, only a few correlate with each other and with voice quality.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2015
There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment ... more There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment of post-operative cholesteatoma in children. This is important to address as this technique is particularly relevant in a paediatric setting. We searched a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing DWMRI for the assessment of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma. Imaging findings were correlated with findings at revision surgery. 320 investigations were divided into paediatric and adult groups (90 in children, 230 in adults) and compared. Operative findings were available for 158 cases, of which 54 were children. The accuracy of DWMRI in children was 96.3%, and in adults was 88.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values between adults and children. An increasing number of patients are not undergoing confirmatory surgery after negative DWMRI scans. False negative results are commonly secondary to small foci of disease; false positives have several possible causes. Performing MRI on children can be challenging, but sedation may be helpful in younger children. The performance of diffusion weighted MRI is similar in paediatric and adult settings. This study suggests that DWMRI may be used in clinical practice in a similar way in children and adults.
To validate the VOXEL-MAN TempoSurg simulator for temporal bone dissection. Prospective internati... more To validate the VOXEL-MAN TempoSurg simulator for temporal bone dissection. Prospective international study. Otolaryngology departments of 2 academic health care institutions in the United Kingdom and United States. Eighty-five subjects were recruited consisting of an experienced and referent group. Participants performed a standardized familiarization session and temporal bone dissection task. Realism, training effectiveness, and global impressions were evaluated across 21 domains using a 5-point Likert-type scale. A score of 4 was the minimum threshold for acceptability. The experienced group comprised 25 otolaryngology trainers who had performed 150 mastoid operations. The referent group comprised 60 trainees (mean otolaryngology experience of 2.9 years). Familiarization took longer in the experienced group (P = .01). User-friendliness was positively rated (mean score 4.1). Seventy percent of participants rated anatomical appearance as acceptable. Trainers rated drill ergonomics worse than did trainees (P = .01). Simulation temporal bone training scored highly (mean score 4.3). Surgical anatomy, drill navigation, and hand-eye coordination accounted for this. Trainees were more likely to recommend temporal bone simulation to a colleague than were trainers (P = .01). Transferability of skills to the operating room was undecided (mean score 3.5). Realism of the VOXEL-MAN virtual reality temporal bone simulator is suboptimal in its current version. Nonetheless, it represents a useful adjunct to existing training methods and is particularly beneficial for novice surgeons before performing cadaveric temporal bone dissection. Improvements in realism, specifically drill ergonomics and visual-spatial perception during deeper temporal bone dissection, are warranted.
Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, Jan 2, 2016
To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a n... more To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a novel imaging tool for assessing and monitoring treatment response in necrotizing otitis externa (NOE). Seven adults with a diagnosis of NOE on both clinical and computed tomography (CT) criteria who were subsequently monitored with at least two echoplanar DW-MRI investigations were included in this retrospective longitudinal observational study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including echoplanar diffusion-weighted sequences, within 2 weeks of diagnosis of NOE to determine the extent of infection and to provide a baseline scan for monitoring response to treatment. Repeated imaging was undertaken after the agreed initial course of antimicrobial therapy was completed. The primary outcome measure for complete treatment response was complete resolution of high inflammatory signal on the DW-MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. This was correlated to clinical, bi...
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2015
There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment ... more There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment of post-operative cholesteatoma in children. This is important to address as this technique is particularly relevant in a paediatric setting. We searched a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing DWMRI for the assessment of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma. Imaging findings were correlated with findings at revision surgery. 320 investigations were divided into paediatric and adult groups (90 in children, 230 in adults) and compared. Operative findings were available for 158 cases, of which 54 were children. The accuracy of DWMRI in children was 96.3%, and in adults was 88.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values between adults and children. An increasing number of patients are not undergoing confirmatory surgery after negative DWMRI scans. False negative results are commonly secondary to small foci of disease; false positives have several possible causes. Performing MRI on children can be challenging, but sedation may be helpful in younger children. The performance of diffusion weighted MRI is similar in paediatric and adult settings. This study suggests that DWMRI may be used in clinical practice in a similar way in children and adults.
The objective of this study was to compare the results of treating acute postintubation stenotic ... more The objective of this study was to compare the results of treating acute postintubation stenotic airway lesions with the results of treating mature lesions and to assess whether early intervention improves the outcome. Patients without previous surgery, treated for postintubation airway stenosis, were reviewed. Those with airway lesions presenting within weeks of intubation (n = 11) were treated with intralesional steroids, laser reduction, and balloon dilatation. Patients with mature airway lesions (n = 20) were initially treated with laser, balloon dilatation, and topical mitomycin C. Preoperative patient and lesion characteristics, details of the treatment, and intervention-free intervals were recorded. Data were compared with unpaired Student t test or chi test as appropriate, and intervention-free intervals were compared with log-rank statistics. Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of intervention-free interval. There were 18 males and 13 females. The average age at presentation was 47 +/- 2.7 years. The two groups were statistically comparable for demographic and lesion characteristics. Patients treated for acute injury required significantly fewer interventions (P < .03), the majority being treated with a single treatment. They had a significantly longer intervention-free interval (P < .02; log-rank analysis) and did not require external laryngotracheal reconstruction (P < .001) compared with patients treated for mature fibrotic scars leading to airway stenosis. Early treatment of acute fibroinflammatory airway lesions has the potential to favorably modify the natural history of postintubation tracheal injury, raising the tantalizing possibility of an early cure. These findings have significant implications for early identification, referral, and treatment of postintubation tracheal stenosis and need to be confirmed with further studies.
Oropharyngeal lipomas are rare tumours. We present the case of a young man with an asymptomatic l... more Oropharyngeal lipomas are rare tumours. We present the case of a young man with an asymptomatic lipoma almost completely occluding his supraglottic airway, found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a separate oral cavity lesion. Pre-operative anaesthetic assessment was undertaken because of the risk of airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. We discuss the awake fibre-optic technique used for induction, as well as the treatment and follow-up of these tumours. This case highlights the need for formal anaesthetic assessment, in such cases, to avoid total airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. It also emphasizes the extent of supraglottic obstruction that can be present without giving rise to any symptoms.
Our retrospective study aims to assess the ability of computed tomography arteriography and venog... more Our retrospective study aims to assess the ability of computed tomography arteriography and venography (CT A/V) to detect various findings that suggest a potential cause of pulsatile tinnitus and to examine the association between these findings and the side of pulsatile tinnitus. A retrospective review of CT arteriography and venography of 32 patients with established pulsatile tinnitus and normal otoscopic examination was performed. The scans were performed using a 64-slice multidetector scanner and were reviewed to look for findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus. One or more findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus were detected on the symptomatic side in 30 patients; on the asymptomatic side in 3 patients, one patient with bilateral pulsatile tinnitus showed a potential cause of symptoms only on one side, and in one patient no potential cause could be identified. There is a significant association seen between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected (P < 0.001), between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential venous cause detected (P < 0.001), and between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the side of dominant venous system (P = 0.02). CT arteriography and venography is a useful tool in detecting many described potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Significant association is demonstrated between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected by CT arteriography and venography when the otoscopic examination is normal. 4. Laryngoscope, 2014.
To determine whether there is a difference between the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of ... more To determine whether there is a difference between the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted (DW) images and to determine, with interobserver agreement, a predictive accuracy for diagnosis of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma. Patients who underwent DW magnetic resonance (MR) examination before repeat explorative surgery for postoperative cholesteatoma were included in this study. There were 72 patient episodes and 56 patients. DW MR images were acquired with b values 0 and 1000 sec/mm(2) and 2-mm section thicknesses. Two observers assessed images qualitatively for presence of cholesteatoma and recorded ADCs. Surgery with histologic confirmation established final diagnosis of abnormal middle ear cleft soft tissue. ADCs between cholesteatoma and noncholesteatomatous tissue were compared with Mann-Whitney test. Effects of ADCs and confidence intervals to indicate presence of cholesteatoma were examined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, logistic regression analysis, and interobserver agreement. Forty-six patients had cholesteatoma and 25 patients did not; sensitivity and specificity were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively, for the qualitative diagnosis of postoperative cholesteatoma by using a five-point confidence scale. ADC of cholesteatoma (median, 707 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 539-858 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001) was significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue (median, 1849 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; interquartile range, 1574-1982 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec; P < .001). There was good accuracy (area under the ROC curve, 0.97) and interobserver agreement for detecting postoperative cholesteatoma with ADC threshold less than 1300 × 10(-6) mm(2)/sec. The ADC value of postoperative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma is significantly lower than that of noncholesteatomatous tissue and has good accuracy for detecting cholesteatoma.
To examine the evidence for the role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis and management of oto... more To examine the evidence for the role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis. A review of contemporary (1990 to present) English medical literature via MedLine using the terms imaging, otosclerosis, otospongiosis, stapes surgery, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, CT, and MRI was performed. Abstracts were reviewed independently by 2 authors and relevant articles were then evaluated. Exclusion criteria included editorials, non-English language, comments, and letters. Level of evidence was assigned in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine guidance (Levels I-V). Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which, 11 were of Level III, 22 of Level IV, and 4 of level V evidence. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones is the imaging technique of choice in the diagnosis of otosclerosis with newer multidetector scanners demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity in excess of 90%. There is Level III evidence that CT densitometry and extent of disease on CT correlates with hearing thresholds. Extensive and multifocal disease on CT has a poorer prognosis (Level III/IV). The potential use of CT in staging classifications, surgical planning, predicting surgical outcomes and risk of complications has also been described and evaluated. This systematic review indicates that imaging has a useful role in both the diagnosis and management of otosclerosis, supported principally by Level III/IV evidence.
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of Non-EPI (echo-planar imaging) diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMR... more OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of Non-EPI (echo-planar imaging) diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) against surgical findings in the detection of cholesteatoma, to ascertain whether DWMRI could replace second-look mastoid surgery.
Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, Jan 2, 2016
To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a n... more To report our initial experience of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a novel imaging tool for assessing and monitoring treatment response in necrotizing otitis externa (NOE). Seven adults with a diagnosis of NOE on both clinical and computed tomography (CT) criteria who were subsequently monitored with at least two echoplanar DW-MRI investigations were included in this retrospective longitudinal observational study. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including echoplanar diffusion-weighted sequences, within 2 weeks of diagnosis of NOE to determine the extent of infection and to provide a baseline scan for monitoring response to treatment. Repeated imaging was undertaken after the agreed initial course of antimicrobial therapy was completed. The primary outcome measure for complete treatment response was complete resolution of high inflammatory signal on the DW-MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. This was correlated to clinical, bi...
Clinical Otolaryngology Official Journal of Ent Uk Official Journal of Netherlands Society For Oto Rhino Laryngology Cervico Facial Surgery, Dec 1, 2006
The primary purpose of this study was to assess the pharyngoesophageal segment in total laryngect... more The primary purpose of this study was to assess the pharyngoesophageal segment in total laryngectomy patients using a videofluoroscopy e-tool. Cross-sectional study. Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Tertiary Referral Centre. Forty-two patients following total laryngectomy. Videofluoroscopy using an e-tool (JRuler). Subjective and objective videofluoroscopy parameters correlated with the GRBAS scale and treatment variables. Of 32 men and 10 women, mean age 63.5 years (10.8) the majority (64.3%) had a reasonable voice (good = 11 and poor = 4 patients). Comparing subjective and objective parameters, significant correlations were only seen with a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation with no regurgitation of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and a type 1 shape of neoglottis at phonation (P = 0.02). There were also significant correlations between smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.02), smaller maximum sub-neoglottic distance at rest and absence of stasis of barium at phonation (P = 0.05) and the length of neoglottis at phonation and type 1 shape of neoglottis (P = 0.01). For perceptual evaluation, significant correlation was seen only between G1 voice and a smaller minimal neoglottic distance at phonation (P = 0.03) amongst the subjective and objective parameters. There were no correlations between visual parameters and the clinical parameters. Our observations suggest that this interesting concept has limitations. While objective and quantifiable data can be obtained using videofluoroscopy in laryngectomees, only a few correlate with each other and with voice quality.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2015
There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment ... more There is a limited evidence base for the use of diffusion weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the assessment of post-operative cholesteatoma in children. This is important to address as this technique is particularly relevant in a paediatric setting. We searched a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing DWMRI for the assessment of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma. Imaging findings were correlated with findings at revision surgery. 320 investigations were divided into paediatric and adult groups (90 in children, 230 in adults) and compared. Operative findings were available for 158 cases, of which 54 were children. The accuracy of DWMRI in children was 96.3%, and in adults was 88.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values between adults and children. An increasing number of patients are not undergoing confirmatory surgery after negative DWMRI scans. False negative results are commonly secondary to small foci of disease; false positives have several possible causes. Performing MRI on children can be challenging, but sedation may be helpful in younger children. The performance of diffusion weighted MRI is similar in paediatric and adult settings. This study suggests that DWMRI may be used in clinical practice in a similar way in children and adults.
To validate the VOXEL-MAN TempoSurg simulator for temporal bone dissection. Prospective internati... more To validate the VOXEL-MAN TempoSurg simulator for temporal bone dissection. Prospective international study. Otolaryngology departments of 2 academic health care institutions in the United Kingdom and United States. Eighty-five subjects were recruited consisting of an experienced and referent group. Participants performed a standardized familiarization session and temporal bone dissection task. Realism, training effectiveness, and global impressions were evaluated across 21 domains using a 5-point Likert-type scale. A score of 4 was the minimum threshold for acceptability. The experienced group comprised 25 otolaryngology trainers who had performed 150 mastoid operations. The referent group comprised 60 trainees (mean otolaryngology experience of 2.9 years). Familiarization took longer in the experienced group (P = .01). User-friendliness was positively rated (mean score 4.1). Seventy percent of participants rated anatomical appearance as acceptable. Trainers rated drill ergonomics worse than did trainees (P = .01). Simulation temporal bone training scored highly (mean score 4.3). Surgical anatomy, drill navigation, and hand-eye coordination accounted for this. Trainees were more likely to recommend temporal bone simulation to a colleague than were trainers (P = .01). Transferability of skills to the operating room was undecided (mean score 3.5). Realism of the VOXEL-MAN virtual reality temporal bone simulator is suboptimal in its current version. Nonetheless, it represents a useful adjunct to existing training methods and is particularly beneficial for novice surgeons before performing cadaveric temporal bone dissection. Improvements in realism, specifically drill ergonomics and visual-spatial perception during deeper temporal bone dissection, are warranted.
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