The April 2004 issue of
Otolaryngology—Head Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery is now available. Abstracts of these research studies can be viewed at:
http://www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=iss&id=jhn041304
In this issue:
The efficacy of a new cancer-fighting virus is tested in the study, “Treatment of Solid Sarcomas in Immunocompetent Mice with Novel Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Viruses.” A team of multi-disciplinary Japanese researchers found that a weakened version of herpes simplex virus (HSV) effectively eradicated neck and flank tumors in mice.
Juvenile angiofibroma is an invasive non-cancerous growth in the back of the nose or nasopharynx usually found in adolescent boys. In the small study “Flutamide as a Preoperative Treatment in Juveile Angiofibroma (JA) with Intracranial Invasion. Report of 7 Cases,” otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons sought to determine if Flutamide, a tumor reducing drug used to treat prostrate cancer, would be helpful in reducing juvenile angiofibroma. No advantages were found in using Flutamide, but more research should be conducted to verify these results.
Electrocochleography (ECoG) is a test, commonly used to diagnose Meniere’s disease, where an electrode is placed as close as possible to the cochlea to measure intracochlear electrical potential changes associated with hearing. “Extratympanic Electrocochleographic Changes on Noise-Induced Temporary Threshold Shift” explores the usefulness of ECoG in the early detection of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Cartilage grafts are often used in reconstructive surgeries involving the ear or nose. Grafting cartilage from one’s own tissue has distinct advantages such as: absence of immune response, lower rate of infection or extrusion, and ready availability. In an experimental study, “Radiologic and Histologic Evaluation of Otojen Sliced Cartilage Grafts at the Tip of the Chin of Rabbits,” Turkish otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons determine the efficacy of cartilage grafts taken from the ear and inserted in the chin.
The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed increases each year and medical investigators continue to seek the most effective and least invasive treatments for facial rejuvenation. Otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons explore the effectiveness of ThermaCool TC™ in the study, “The Use of a Non-ablative, Radiofrequency Device to Rejuvenate the Upper One-third of the Face.” They conclude that ThermaCool TC™ is effective in rejuvenating the upper third of the face in most patients, but the majority of patients did not perceive a benefit.
Facial paralysis of unknown origin is often diagnosed as Bell’s palsy. Now, otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons at the Mayo Clinic have determined that malignancy of the facial nerve can be another cause of unilateral facial paralysis in patients with otherwise normal clinical and imaging findings. In their study, “Facial Nerve Paralysis Secondary to Occult Malignant Neoplasms,” the researchers conclude that facial nerve exploration should be considered for patients with a history of pain or regional skin cancer, involvement of other cranial nerves, and prolonged facial paralysis.
Individuals with chronic vertigo and balance problems endure greatly reduce mobility and quality of life. A new study, “Decreased Ataxia and Improved Balance after Vestibular Rehabilitation” concludes that many such patients can improve balance during stance and gait by using a simple home program of vestibular habituation head movement exercises.
Benign positional paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common source of dizziness and is thought to be caused by small crystals of calcium carbonate accumulated within a part of the inner ear. “Benign Positional Vertigo: Prognostic Factors,” a retrospective chart review of 104 patients with BPPV indicates that prior trauma or labryrinthitis lowers the success rate of treatment with canalith repositioning, while endolymphatic hydrops and dizziness related to the central nervous system indicate a higher recurrence rate.