Chorda tympani neuroma masquerading as cholesteatoma

2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (12) ◽  
pp. 987-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hopkins ◽  
H. Chau ◽  
J. A. McGilligan
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Chorda Tympani ◽  
Compensatory Mechanisms ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Slow Growing

Facial nerve neuromas occur throughout the course of the facial nerve and its branches, however lesions occurring on the chorda tympani branch are exceptionally rare.We present a case where the diagnosis was made intra-operatively; the patient was pre-operatively thought to have had a cholesteatoma.Total resection is the treatment of choice for these cases. Early diagnosis, aided by high resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning, will facilitate complete excision without damage to the facial nerve itself or the ossicular chain. The slow growing nature of the neuroma is likely to allow compensatory mechanisms to occur without the patient experiencing dysgeusia. As with any rarity the diagnosis can only be made with a high index of suspicion.

scholarly journals High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Imaging Findings of Oval Window Atresia with Surgical Correlation

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 346-353
Author(s):  
Hau Wei Khoo ◽  
Chih Ching Choong ◽  
Seng Beng Yeo ◽  
Julian PN Goh ◽  
Tiong Yong Tan
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Oval Window ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Facial Nerve Canal ◽  
Temporal Bones

Introduction: Isolated oval window atresia (OWA) is a rare cause of congenital conductive middle ear deafness and may be overlooked owing to the normal appearance of the external ear. This anomaly has been previously described, although the published numbers with both imaging and surgical findings are few. Our aim is to correlate the imaging features of OWA with intraoperative findings. Materials and Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective evaluation of patients who were diagnosed with OWA and who received surgery from January 1999 to July 2006. No new case was diagnosed after 2006 to the time of preparation of this manuscript. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging of the temporal bones of the patients were retrospectively evaluated by 2 head and neck radiologists. Images were evaluated for the absence of the oval window, ossicular chain abnormalities, position of the facial nerve canal, and other malformations. Imaging findings were then correlated with surgical findings. Results: A total of 9 ears in 7 patients (two of whom with bilateral lesions) had surgery for OWA. All patients had concomitant findings of absent stapes footplate with normal, deformed or absent stapes superstructure and an inferiorly displaced facial nerve canal. HRCT was sensitive in identifying OWA and associated ossicular chain and facial nerve abnormalities, which were documented surgically. Conclusion: OWA is a rare entity that can be diagnosed with certainty on HRCT, best visualised on coronal plane. Imaging findings of associated middle ear abnormalities, position of the facial nerve canal, which is invariably mal-positioned, and associated deformity of the incus are important for presurgical planning and consent. Ann Acad Med Singapore 2020;49:285–93 Ann Acad Med Singapore 2020;49:346–53 Key words: Absent oval window, Conductive hearing loss, Temporal bone

Ultrasonic bone aspirator use in endoscopic ear surgery: feasibility and safety assessed using cadaveric temporal bones

2017 ◽  
Vol 131 (11) ◽  
pp. 987-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
E G Gardner ◽  
J Sappington ◽  
M A Arriaga ◽  
S P Kanotra
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Nerve Injury ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Endoscopic Ear Surgery ◽  
Chorda Tympani ◽  
Chorda Tympani Nerve ◽  
Ear Surgery ◽  
Bone Removal ◽  
Feasible Option ◽  
Temporal Bones

AbstractObjectives:To describe the feasibility and assess the safety of using an ultrasonic bone aspirator in endoscopic ear surgery.Methods:Five temporal bones were dissected via endoscopic ear surgery using a Sonopet ultrasonic bone aspirator. Atticoantrostomy was undertaken. Another four bones were dissected using routine endoscopic equipment and standard bone curettes in a similar manner. Feasibility and safety were assessed in terms of: dissection time, atticoantrostomy adequacy, tympanomeatal flap damage, chorda tympani nerve injury, ossicular injury, ossicular chain disruption, facial nerve exposure and dural injury.Results:The time taken to perform atticoantrostomy was significantly less with the use of the ultrasonic bone aspirator as compared to conventional bone curettes.Conclusion:The ultrasonic bone aspirator is a feasible option in endoscopic ear surgery. It enables easy bone removal, with no additional complications and greater efficacy than traditional bone curettes. It should be a part of the armamentarium for transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.

scholarly journals Postoperative radiological assessment of the mastoid facial canal in cochlear implant patients in correlation with facial nerve stimulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Burck ◽  
Rania A. Helal ◽  
Nagy N. N. Naguib ◽  
Nour-Eldin A. Nour-Eldin ◽  
Jan-Erik Scholtz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Facial Canal ◽  
Chorda Tympani ◽  
Radiological Assessment ◽  
Canal Diameter ◽  
History Of ◽  
Facial Nerve Stimulation

Abstract Objectives To correlate the radiological assessment of the mastoid facial canal in postoperative cochlear implant (CI) cone-beam CT (CBCT) and other possible contributing clinical or implant-related factors with postoperative facial nerve stimulation (FNS) occurrence. Methods Two experienced radiologists evaluated retrospectively 215 postoperative post-CI CBCT examinations. The mastoid facial canal diameter, wall thickness, distance between the electrode cable and mastoid facial canal, and facial-chorda tympani angle were assessed. Additionally, the intracochlear position and the insertion angle and depth of electrodes were evaluated. Clinical data were analyzed for postoperative FNS within 1.5-year follow-up, CI type, onset, and causes for hearing loss such as otosclerosis, meningitis, and history of previous ear surgeries. Postoperative FNS was correlated with the measurements and clinical data using logistic regression. Results Within the study population (mean age: 56 ± 18 years), ten patients presented with FNS. The correlations between FNS and facial canal diameter (p = 0.09), wall thickness (p = 0.27), distance to CI cable (p = 0.44), and angle with chorda tympani (p = 0.75) were statistically non-significant. There were statistical significances for previous history of meningitis/encephalitis (p = 0.001), extracochlear-electrode-contacts (p = 0.002), scala-vestibuli position (p = 0.02), younger patients’ age (p = 0.03), lateral-wall-electrode type (p = 0.04), and early/childhood onset hearing loss (p = 0.04). Histories of meningitis/encephalitis and extracochlear-electrode-contacts were included in the first two steps of the multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion The mastoid-facial canal radiological assessment and the positional relationship with the CI electrode provide no predictor of postoperative FNS. Histories of meningitis/encephalitis and extracochlear-electrode-contacts are important risk factors. Key Points • Post-operative radiological assessment of the mastoid facial canal and the positional relationship with the CI electrode provide no predictor of post-cochlear implant facial nerve stimulation. • Radiological detection of extracochlear electrode contacts and the previous clinical history of meningitis/encephalitis are two important risk factors for postoperative facial nerve stimulation in cochlear implant patients. • The presence of scala vestibuli electrode insertion as well as the lateral wall electrode type, the younger patient’s age, and early onset of SNHL can play important role in the prediction of post-cochlear implant facial nerve stimulation.

Systematic Review Comparing Open versus Endoscopic Surgery in Clival Chordomas and a 10-Year Single-Center Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravindran Visagan ◽  
Asfand Baig Mirza ◽  
Mohamed Okasha ◽  
Timothy Martyn Boardman ◽  
Eleni Maratos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Optimal Management ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
Open Versus ◽  
Slow Growing

Abstract Objectives Chordomas are rare, slow-growing, and osteo-destructive tumors of the primitive notochord. There is still contention in the literature as to the optimal management of chordoma. We conducted a systematic review of the surgical management of chordoma along with our 10-year institutional experience. Design A systematic search of the literature was performed in October 2020 by using MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles relating to the surgical management of clival chordomas. We also searched for all adult patients surgically treated for primary clival chordomas at our institute between 2009 and 2019. Participants Only articles describing chordomas arising from the clivus were included in the analysis. For our institution experience, only adult primary clival chordoma cases were included. Main Outcome Measures Patients were divided into endoscopic or open surgery. Rate of gross total resection (GTR), recurrence, and complications were measured. Results Our literature search yielded 24 articles to include in the study. Mean GTR rate among endoscopic cases was 51.9% versus 41.7% for open surgery. Among the eight cases in our institutional experience, we found similar GTR rates between endoscopic and open surgery. Conclusion Although there is clear evidence in the literature that endoscopic approaches provide better rates of GTR with fewer overall complications compared to open surgery. However, there are still situations where endoscopy is not viable, and thus, open surgery should still be considered if required.

Comparison of the application of artificial ossicles and autologous ossicles in the reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain

2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (10) ◽  
pp. 885-890
Author(s):  
L Zhao ◽  
J Li ◽  
S Gong
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Facial Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Temporal Bone Fracture ◽  
Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Ossicular Reconstruction

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect that the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis and autologous ossicles have on hearing loss after reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain.MethodsForty-two medical records of treatments carried out from 2013 to 2015 for ossicular chain damage with facial nerve paralysis due to temporal bone fractures were reviewed. The study assessed: causes of damage, pre-operative pure tone audiometry findings, types of intra-operative ossicular chain damage, intra-operative ossicular chain repair methods (titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles) and post-operative pure tone audiometry results.ResultsThe titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis was used in 26 cases; the average air–bone gap was 32.3 ± 5.3 dB pre-operatively and 12.8 ± 5.3 dB post-operatively. Autologous ossicles were used in 16 cases; the average air–bone gap was 33.4 ± 4.5 dB pre-operatively and 17.8 ± 7.8 dB post-operatively.ConclusionOssicular chain reconstruction is an effective way of improving hearing in patients with ossicular chain damage. The results suggest that repair with either the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles can improve hearing following ossicular chain injury with facial nerve paralysis caused by a temporal bone fracture.

scholarly journals Facial nerve anomalies in paediatric cochlear implant candidates: radiological evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
F B Palabiyik ◽  
K Hacikurt ◽  
Z Yazici
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Ear Anomalies

AbstractBackground:Pre-operative radiological identification of facial nerve anomalies can help prevent intra-operative facial nerve injury during cochlear implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and configuration of facial nerve anomalies and their concurrence with inner-ear anomalies in cochlear implant candidates.Methods:Inner-ear and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and temporal high-resolution computed tomography in 48 children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss who were cochlear implant candidates.Results:Inner-ear anomalies were present in 11 out of 48 patients (23 per cent) and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were present on 7 sides in 4 patients (7 per cent of the total). Facial nerve anomalies were accompanied by cochlear or vestibular malformation.Conclusion:Potential facial nerve abnormalities should always be considered in patients with inner-ear anomalies. Pre-operative facial nerve imaging can increase the surgeon's confidence to plan and perform cochlear implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging should be used to detect inner-ear anomalies; if these are identified, temporal high-resolution computed tomography should be used to evaluate the facial nerve.

Facial Schwannoma Management Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-301
Author(s):  
Matthew Bartindale ◽  
Jeffrey Heiferman ◽  
Cara Joyce ◽  
Douglas Anderson ◽  
John Leonetti
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Facial Nerve ◽  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Tumor Location ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Clinical Scenarios

Objective To evaluate facial nerve outcomes of various management strategies for facial schwannomas by assimilating individualized patient data from the literature to address controversies in management. Data Sources PubMed–National Center for Biotechnology Information and Scopus databases. Review Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed for studies regarding facial schwannomas. Studies were included if they presented patient-level data, type of intervention, pre- and postintervention House-Brackmann (HB) grades, and tumor location by facial nerve segment. Results Individualized data from 487 patients were collected from 31 studies. Eighty (16.4%) facial schwannomas were managed with observation, 25 (5.1%) with surgical decompression, 20 (4.1%) with stereotactic radiosurgery, 225 (46.2%) with total resection, and 137 (28.1%) with subtotal resection/stripping surgery. Stripping surgery/subtotal resection with good preoperative facial nerve function maintained HB grade 1 or 2 in 96% of cases. With a total resection of intradural tumors, preoperative HB grade did not significantly affect facial nerve outcome (n = 45, P = .46). However, a lower preoperative HB grade was associated with a better facial nerve outcome with intratemporal tumors (n = 56, P = .009). When stereotactic radiosurgery was performed, 40% of patients had improved, 35% were stable, and 25% had worsened facial function. Facial nerve decompression rarely affected short-term facial nerve status. Conclusion The data from this study help delineate which treatment strategies are best in which clinical scenarios. The findings can be used to develop a more definitive management algorithm for this complicated pathology.

scholarly journals Surgical Management of Intracranial Epidermoid Tumors—An Institutional Review of 234 Cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 025-033
Author(s):  
Vernon Velho ◽  
Anuj Bhide ◽  
Harish Naik ◽  
Nimesh Jain
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Western India ◽  
Total Excision ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Adjacent Structures ◽  
Intracranial Epidermoid

Abstract Aim To study the demographics, clinical profile, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of intracranial epidermoid lesions. Materials and Methods A single institutional retrospective analysis from a large institute in Western India was done of all patients operated for intracranial epidermoid tumors over a period of 20 years from January 1997 to January 2017. All patients were investigated with a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a diffusion-weighted imaging to confirm diagnosis of epidermoid tumor. The presenting complaints and the demographics of all patients were recorded, and all patients underwent planned surgery, with or without a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure as per requirement. Surgery ranged from a gross total resection to a near-total resection depending on the patient, location of the lesion, and involvement of adjacent structures. All patients underwent an immediate postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan as well as a follow-up MRI. Patients were followed up to note clinical improvement as well as documentation of all complications. Results Total 234 patients of intracranial epidermoid tumors were operated upon in a 20-year span. Males predominated with a total number of 146 (62.4%). The most common age group was the fourth decade. The most common presentations were headache (118 patients) and neuralgia in the trigeminal distribution (82 patients). Infratentorial compartment was the most common location of the tumors (152 patients), with cerebellopontine angle being the predominant site in the posterior fossa (107 patients). Both supra- and infratentorial compartments were involved in 28 cases. Gross total excision could be achieved in 202 patients. Reoperation was required in 12 cases. The mean follow-up period was 68 months. The most common complication encountered was that of postoperative CSF leak (24 patients). We had eight cases of recurrence and six deaths in our series. Conclusion Epidermoid tumors can arise in virtually all intracranial locations. Gross total excision of the tumor is treatment of choice and can be curative for these benign lesions. Large lesions at presentation with involvement of multiple compartments can be difficult to manage and may require bicompartmental or second look surgery. Complete excision of the capsule with preservation of adjacent neuronal and vascular structures is of utmost importance to decrease postoperative morbidity and chances of recurrence. Perioperative steroids, avoidance of intraoperative spillage, and intraoperative endoscopic assistance are recommended in all cases.

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