Cholesterol Granuloma of the Petrous Apex a Post Mortem Study on Temporal Bones

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Cholesterol Granuloma of the Petrous Apex a Post Mortem Study on Temporal Bones European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 1999; 3: 135-138 Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex A post mortem study on temporal bones F. SALVINELLI, F. GRECO, M. TRIVELLI, F.H. LINTHICUM JR* Institute of Otolaryngology, “Campus Bio-Medico” University - Rome (Italy) *Department of Histopathology, “House Ear Institute” - Los Angeles, CA (USA) Abstract. – Otitis media (OM) is an infec- matory reaction may be the result of the con- tion localized in the middle ear: mastoid, middle tamination of the middle ear by inhaled am- ear cavity, Eustachian tube. The classification of niotic squames. In these cases the histiocytes OM includes otitis media with effusion, otititis media without effusion, and chronic otitis media. reacting to the foreign material fuse to form A rare complication of chronic otitis is choles- giant cells. Haemorrhage is a common result terol granuloma of the petrous apex. It may de- of the congestion of otitis media. It may lead velop in any aerated portion of the temporal to cholesterol granuloma. bone but most commonly develops when a pathologic process obstruct the air cell tracts to the petrous apex preventing normal aeration. Key Words: Materials and Methods Cholesterol crystals, Giant cells. We have studied the histopathological changes in temporal bones of a deceased in- dividuals, with concomitant cholesterol gran- uloma of the left petrous apex. This patient was a donor and agreed during Introduction his life to donate post mortem his temporal bones to the House Ear Institute as a contri- The acute otitis is characterized by a severe bution to a better knowledge of temporal congestion of the mucosa of the middle ear bone diseases. and the tympanic membrane. It is not gener- We have removed the temporal bones in ally realized that congestion of the mucosa is our usual way1-3. frequently also a marked feature of chronic otitis media. The fluid portion of blood, plas- ma, may leave a deposit of fibrin in the tis- sues. A fluid exudate in the middle ear cavity Results is frequently a prominent component of the inflammatory reaction – a specific form of the Yellow nodules are found in the tympanic disease known as otitis media with effusion. cavity and mastoid in many cases of chronic In these cases mucus may be secreted by otitis media. These are composed microscopi- newly formed glands in the middle ear mu- cally of cholesterol crystals (dissolved away to cosa and may contribute to the fluid “exu- leave empty clefts in paraffin- embedded his- date”. In acute inflammation neutrophils are tological sections) surrounded by foreign prevalent. In chronic inflammation histio- body type giant cells and other chronic in- cytes (derived from monocytes of the blood), flammatory cells (Figure 1). Such cholesterol lymphocytes and plasma cells (derived from granulomas are almost always found in the lymphocytes), are the characteristic infiltrate. midst of haemorrhage in the middle ear mu- Organisms are seen very rarely in histological cosa. That haemorrhage is the cause of cho- sections of acute or chronic inflammation of lesterol granuloma has been denied by Sadè4, the middle ear. In newborn infants an inflam- who thought that the blood seen in the biop- 135 F. Salvinelli, F. Greco, M. Trivelli, F.H. Linthicum Jr These findings are compatible with an origin of the lipid material in cholesterol granuloma from red cell membranes, in which cholesterol exists mainly in the free, not esterified state. Cholesterol granuloma is the most com- mon cystic lesion of the petrous apex, but still a rare one, occurring 30 times less frequently than acoustic neuroma9. It may develop in any aerated portion of the temporal bone but most commonly occurs in the mastoid air cells distant to a lesion that prevents normal aeration. Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex probably develops when a Figure 1. Cholesterol granuloma showing granulation pathologic process or trauma obstructs the air tissue (1) containing cholesterol clefts lined with foreign cell tracts to a well-pneumatized petrous body giant 4 cells (2). Loculated cyst (3) also contains apex. cholesterol clefts and macrophages. × 117 The treatment for cholesterol granuloma of the temporal bone is drainage and re-es- tablishment of adequate aeration to the in- sies of such lesions was the result of surgery. volved area. The cyst wall is composed of a fi- There can be no doubt, however, that haem- brous connective tissue. It is free of keratiniz- orrhage is a feature of cholesterol granuloma. ing squamous epithelium that characterizes Red cells are localized to the granuloma and cholesteatoma, and complete removal of the are not usually found in the tissues. cyst is not necessary. Haemorrhage is also a frequent concomitant Infralabyrinthine, infracochlear and trans- of cholesterol granuloma in the maxillary sphenoidal approaches are most commonly antrum, and in thyroid adenomas. Cholesterol chosen for drainage of cystic lesions of the granuloma in the mastoid air cells must be petrous apex in an ear with serviceable hear- distinguished from lipid deposits of hyper ing. These lesions are frequently detected at cholesterolaemic xanthomatosis. an asymptomatic stage with today’s imaging techniques. Because the natural history of small benign cystic lesions is not well docu- mented, surgical drainage should be reserved Discussion for patients with larger lesions or with symp- toms, including pain, visual changes, diplopia, Cholesterol granuloma has been produced hearing loss, vertigo, or facial nerve weak- experimentally by obstructing natural air ness. for patients without serviceable hearing, filled spaces in bone the humerus of cock- these lesions should be drained through a erels5 and the Eustachian tube of squirrel translabyrinthine approach10. Because other monkeys6-7. In the study of Thomas et al6 vital structures may be affected by enlarge- haemorrhages were observed to accompany ment of the cyst, delaying surgery in sympto- the cholesterol granulomas. matic patients provides no advantage. Zini These experiments, while suggesting that suggests the occipito-temporal approach as a lowered air pressure in the middle ear might direct access to the anterior and posterior be associated with cholesterol granuloma, do petrous apex without opening the dura, thus not exclude the possibility of haemorrhage preserving the facial and the cochlear- resulting from lowered pressure being a pre- vestibular functions11. cursor. Preoperative evaluation of these patients is Sadè and Teitz9 found the lipid in choles- based upon their symptoms. Patients present- terol granulomas of the middle ear to be ing with hearing loss are evaluated initially mainly cholesterol with only very small with audiometric testing, including air, bone amounts of cholesterol esters. In serum the and speech reception thresholds and speech reverse is the case: a high proportion of cho- discrimination scores. Electronystagmogra- lesterol ester is present, but little cholesterol. phy is performed in patients who complain of 136 Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex. A post mortem study on temporal bones imbalance or vertigo. In patients with other- shorter periods of time seem to have a better wise normal results on physical examination, prognosis and fewer long-standing deficits asymmetric hearing is next evaluated with au- then those affected longer. Patients are re- ditory brainstem response testing. If these re- minded this is a drainage procedure whose sults are abnormal, an MRI scan is indicated. goal is to decompress the lesion and provide In patients with cranial nerve involvement an aereated cavity, if possible. The goal is not other than the eight nerve, with asymmetric the removal of the lesion, and close follow-up hearing, auditory brainstem response testing may be necessary. Recurrence of the lesion is not performed, and the physician proceeds secondary to inadequate drainage is usually directly to an MRI scan. The advent of mag- heralded by the return of preoperative symp- netic resonance imaging has helped, showing toms. Follow-up MRI frequently reveals a a high signal in T1 and T2 without enhance- cholesterol granuloma cyst that remains full ment after the administration of intravenous of fluid, but the T1-weighted image is hy- paramagnetic contrast10. pointense, compared with the preoperative Patients who have normal hearing but have hyperintense image on T1 views. A return of other cranial nerve deficits that may be refer- hyperintensity on the T1 image suggest inad- able to the petrous apex may be screened equate drainage in a symptomatic lesion9. with either a high- resolution, thin-section CT Advances in radiologic imaging during the of the temporal bone or an MRI with past decade have made it possible to reliably gadolinium. If an abnormality is found, all differentiate lesions of the petrous apex pre- patients undergo air, bone, and speech recep- operatively; The development of CT scanning tion thresholds and speech discrimination au- was the first major step in imaging the tempo- diometric testing before surgery to document ral bone since the development of polytomog- hearing levels before a procedure that jeopar- raphy. CT scanning gives the surgeon the abili- dizes hearing. ty to visualize the size of the lesion and its re- Preoperatively, patients are counseled to lationship to vital structures, including the in- expect resolution of pain, if present, and the ternal auditory canal, cochlea, vestibular possibility of improvement in cranial nerve labyrinth, carotid
Recommended publications
  • Chronic Otitis Media: Histopathological Changes a Post Mortem Study on Temporal Bones
    European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 1999; 3: 175-178 Chronic otitis media: histopathological changes A post mortem study on temporal bones F. SALVINELLI, M. TRIVELLI, F. GRECO, F.H. LINTHICUM JR* Institute of Otolaryngology, “Campus Bio-Medico” University - Rome (Italy) *Department of Histopathology, “House Ear Institute” - Los Angeles, CA (USA) Abstract. – The temporal bones of 4 Materials and Methods deceased individuals, with concomitant chronic otitis media are studied. The various histopathological changes in the middle ear We have studied the histopathological cleft are examined: suppuration, polyps, changes in temporal bones of 4 deceased in- granulation tissue. The possibilities of spon- dividuals, with concomitant chronic OM. taneous healing of a perforated TM and the These patients were donors and agreed indications of surgical treatment are dis- during their life to donate post mortem their cussed. temporal bones to the House Ear Institute as Key Words: a contribution to a better knowledge of tem- Temporal bone, Middle ear, Infection, Chronic in- poral bone diseases. flammation, Metaplasia, Complications. We have removed the temporal bones in our usual way9. Introduction Results Otitis media (OM) is an infection localized Clinical features in the middle ear: mastoid, middle ear cavity, The inflammation, while often indolent, eustachian tube. The classification of OM in- may at times give rise to serious complica- cludes: tions and even cause death. The hearing loss that is a constant concomitant also con- tributes to the immense socio-economic problem. Chronic OM sometimes, but not al- • OM with effusion1-3, without perforation ways, follows an attack of the acute disease. of the tympanic membrane (TM)4-6, due The major feature is discharge from the mid- to an increase of fluid in the middle ear dle ear.
    [Show full text]
  • Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna) in Dogs
    Hurricane Harvey Client Education Kit Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna) in Dogs My dog has just been diagnosed with an inner ear infection. What is this? Inflammation of the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it is most often caused by an infection. The infectious agent is most commonly bacterial, although yeast and fungus can also be implicated in an inner ear infection. If your dog has ear mites in the external ear canal, this can ultimately cause a problem in the inner ear and pose a greater risk for a bacterial infection. Similarly, inner ear infections may develop if disease exists in one ear canal or when a benign polyp is growing from the middle ear. A foreign object, such as grass seed, may also set the stage for bacterial infection in the inner ear. Are some dogs more susceptible to inner ear infection? Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to be predisposed to chronic ear infections that ultimately lead to otitis interna. Spaniel breeds, such as the Cocker spaniel, and hound breeds, such as the bloodhound and basset hound, are the most commonly affected breeds. Regardless of breed, any dog with a chronic ear infection that is difficult to control may develop otitis interna if the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is damaged as it allows bacteria to migrate down into the inner ear. "Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to bepredisposed to chronic ear infections that ultimately lead to otitis interna." Excessively vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal can sometimes cause otitis interna. Some ear cleansers are irritating to the middle and inner ear and can cause signs of otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged and allows some of the solution to penetrate too deeply.
    [Show full text]
  • Inner Ear Fibrocytes This Information Is Current As of October 1, 2021
    ERK2-Dependent Activation of c-Jun Is Required for Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-Induced CXCL2 Upregulation in Inner Ear Fibrocytes This information is current as of October 1, 2021. Sejo Oh, Jeong-Im Woo, David J. Lim and Sung K. Moon J Immunol published online 29 February 2012 http://www.jimmunol.org/content/early/2012/02/29/jimmun ol.1103182 Downloaded from Supplementary http://www.jimmunol.org/content/suppl/2012/02/29/jimmunol.110318 Material 2.DC1 http://www.jimmunol.org/ Why The JI? Submit online. • Rapid Reviews! 30 days* from submission to initial decision • No Triage! Every submission reviewed by practicing scientists • Fast Publication! 4 weeks from acceptance to publication by guest on October 1, 2021 *average Subscription Information about subscribing to The Journal of Immunology is online at: http://jimmunol.org/subscription Permissions Submit copyright permission requests at: http://www.aai.org/About/Publications/JI/copyright.html Email Alerts Receive free email-alerts when new articles cite this article. Sign up at: http://jimmunol.org/alerts The Journal of Immunology is published twice each month by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc., 1451 Rockville Pike, Suite 650, Rockville, MD 20852 Copyright © 2012 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0022-1767 Online ISSN: 1550-6606. Published February 29, 2012, doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1103182 The Journal of Immunology ERK2-Dependent Activation of c-Jun Is Required for Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-Induced CXCL2 Upregulation in Inner Ear Fibrocytes Sejo Oh,*,1 Jeong-Im Woo,*,1 David J. Lim,*,† and Sung K. Moon* The inner ear, composed of the cochlea and the vestibule, is a specialized sensory organ for hearing and balance.
    [Show full text]
  • Otitis Media and Interna
    Otitis Media and Interna (Inflammation of the Middle Ear and Inner Ear) Basics OVERVIEW • Inflammation of the middle ear (known as “otitis media”) and inner ear (known as “otitis interna”), most commonly caused by bacterial infection SIGNALMENT/DESCRIPTION OF PET Species • Dogs • Cats Breed Predilections • Cocker spaniels and other long-eared breeds • Poodles with long-term (chronic) inflammation of the ears (known as “otitis”) or the throat (known as “pharyngitis”) associated with dental disease • Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) is described in Cavalier King Charles spaniels SIGNS/OBSERVED CHANGES IN THE PET • Depend on severity and extent of the infection; range from no signs, to those related to middle ear discomfort and nervous system involvement • Pain when opening the mouth; reluctance to chew; shaking the head; pawing at the affected ear • Head tilt • Pet may lean, veer, or roll toward the side or direction of the affected ear • Pet's sense of balance may be altered (known as “vestibular deficits”)—persistent, transient or episodic • Involvement of both ears—wide movements of the head, swinging back and forth; wobbly or incoordinated movement of the body (known as “truncal ataxia”), and possible deafness • Vomiting and nausea—may occur during the sudden (acute) phase • Facial nerve damage—the “facial nerve” goes to the muscles of the face, where it controls movement and expression, as well as to the tongue, where it is involved in the sensation of taste; signs of facial nerve damage include saliva and food dropping from the
    [Show full text]
  • An EANM Procedural Guideline
    European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-018-4052-x GUIDELINES Clinical indications, image acquisition and data interpretation for white blood cells and anti-granulocyte monoclonal antibody scintigraphy: an EANM procedural guideline A. Signore1 & F. Jamar2 & O. Israel3 & J. Buscombe4 & J. Martin-Comin5 & E. Lazzeri6 Received: 27 April 2018 /Accepted: 6 May 2018 # The Author(s) 2018 Abstract Introduction Radiolabelled autologous white blood cells (WBC) scintigraphy is being standardized all over the world to ensure high quality, specificity and reproducibility. Similarly, in many European countries radiolabelled anti-granulocyte antibodies (anti-G-mAb) are used instead of WBC with high diagnostic accuracy. The EANM Inflammation & Infection Committee is deeply involved in this process of standardization as a primary goal of the group. Aim The main aim of this guideline is to support and promote good clinical practice despite the complex environment of a national health care system with its ethical, economic and legal aspects that must also be taken into consideration. Method After the standardization of the WBC labelling procedure (already published), a group of experts from the EANM Infection & Inflammation Committee developed and validated these guidelines based on published evidences. Results Here we describe image acquisition protocols, image display procedures and image analyses as well as image interpre- tation criteria for the use of radiolabelled WBC and monoclonal antigranulocyte antibodies. Clinical application for WBC and anti-G-mAb scintigraphy is also described. Conclusions These guidelines should be applied by all nuclear medicine centers in favor of a highly reproducible standardized practice. Keywords Infection .
    [Show full text]
  • Management of Acute Otitis Media: Update
    Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 198 Management of Acute Otitis Media: Update Prepared for: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850 www.ahrq.gov Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-10056-I Prepared by: RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90407 Investigators Paul G. Shekelle, M.D., Ph.D. Glenn Takata, M.D., M.S. Sydne J. Newberry, Ph.D. Tumaini Coker, M.D. Mary Ann Limbos, M.D., M.P.H. Linda S. Chan, Ph.D. Martha M. Timmer, M.S. Marika J. Suttorp, M.S. Jason Carter, B.A. Aneesa Motala, B.A. Di Valentine, J.D. Breanne Johnsen, B.A. Roberta Shanman, M.L.S. AHRQ Publication No. 11-E004 November 2010 This report is based on research conducted by the RAND Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD (Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-10056-I). The findings and conclusions in this document are those of the author(s), who are responsible for its content, and do not necessarily represent the views of AHRQ. No statement in this report should be construed as an official position of AHRQ or of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The information in this report is intended to help clinicians, employers, policymakers, and others make informed decisions about the provision of health care services. This report is intended as a reference and not as a substitute for clinical judgment. This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or as a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies.
    [Show full text]
  • Chronic Otitis Media Is Initiated by a Bulla Cavitation Defect in The
    Edinburgh Research Explorer Chronic otitis media is initiated by a bulla cavitation defect in the FBXO11 mouse model Citation for published version: Del-Pozo, J, Macintyre, N, Azar , A, Glover, J, Milne, E & Cheeseman, M 2019, 'Chronic otitis media is initiated by a bulla cavitation defect in the FBXO11 mouse model', Disease Models and Mechanisms, vol. 12, dmm038315, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.038315 Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 10.1242/dmm.038315 Link: Link to publication record in Edinburgh Research Explorer Document Version: Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Published In: Disease Models and Mechanisms Publisher Rights Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided that the original work is properly attributed General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Edinburgh Research Explorer is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy The University of Edinburgh has made every reasonable effort to ensure that Edinburgh Research Explorer content complies with UK legislation. If you believe that the public display of this file breaches copyright please contact [email protected] providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 07. Oct. 2021 © 2019. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd | Disease Models & Mechanisms (2019) 12, dmm038315.
    [Show full text]
  • Manifestation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
    Annals ofthe Rheumatic Diseases 1992; 51: 655-657 655 Chronic otitis media: a new extra-articular Ann Rheum Dis: first published as 10.1136/ard.51.5.655 on 1 May 1992. Downloaded from manifestation in ankylosing spondylitis? A E Camilleri, I R C Swan, E Murphy, R D Sturrock Abstract steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Foliowing a study reporting a fourfold increase second line drug treatment, age of onset of in the occurrence of chronic otitis media in ankylosing spondylitis, duration of ankylosing patients with ankylosing spondylitis, this spondylitis, HLA-B27 status, peripheral joint prospective study examines this association disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, wall to with respect to severity, duration of disease, tragus distance, spondylometry, presence of and acute phase in ankylosing spondylitis. extra-articular manifestations (uveitis and aortic Forty two consecutive patients with classical incompetence), duration of early morning stiff- ankylosing spondylitis seen at the rheumato- ness, presence of rheumatoid factor, and serum logy clinic of a teaching hospital where the levels of C reactive protein, IgA, IgG, and IgM. features of ankylosing spondylitis were re- All serum levels and measurements were current corded had an otological examination by an or within the previous three months. Clinical otolaryngologist. The occurrence of chronic otological examination was carried out after otitis media (all categories) was 12/42 (29%). cleaning the external auditory canals where The acute phase serum markers (C reactive necessary to allow inspection of the whole protein and IgG) were increased in patients tympanic membrane. with active or inactive chronic otitis media. Chronic otitis media was categorised as active, Extra-articular manifestations were signifi- inactive, or healed.4 Active chronic otitis media candy more common in the chronic otitis was defined as a chronic perforation of the media group than in those with no history of tympanic membrane with signs ofinflammation, chronic otitis media.
    [Show full text]
  • Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss JON E
    Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss JON E. ISAACSON, M.D., and NEIL M. VORA, M.D., Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania Hearing loss is a common problem that can occur at any age and makes verbal communication difficult. The ear is divided anatomically into three sections (external, middle, and inner), and pathology contributing to hearing loss may strike one or more sections. Hearing loss can be cat- egorized as conductive, sensorineural, or both. Leading causes of conductive hearing loss include cerumen impaction, otitis media, and otosclerosis. Leading causes of sensorineural hear- ing loss include inherited disorders, noise exposure, and presbycusis. An understanding of the indications for medical management, surgical treatment, and amplification can help the family physician provide more effective care for these patients. (Am Fam Physician 2003;68:1125-32. Copyright© 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians) ore than 28 million Amer- tive, the sound will be heard best in the icans have some degree of affected ear. If the loss is sensorineural, the hearing impairment. The sound will be heard best in the normal ear. differential diagnosis of The sound remains midline in patients with hearing loss can be sim- normal hearing. Mplified by considering the three major cate- The Rinne test compares air conduction gories of loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs with bone conduction. The tuning fork is when sound conduction is impeded through struck softly and placed on the mastoid bone the external ear, the middle ear, or both. Sen- (bone conduction). When the patient no sorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a longer can hear the sound, the tuning fork is problem within the cochlea or the neural placed adjacent to the ear canal (air conduc- pathway to the auditory cortex.
    [Show full text]
  • Tinnitus: Ringing in the SYMPTOMS Ears
    Tinnitus: Ringing in the SYMPTOMS Ears By Vestibular Disorders Association TINNITUS WHAT IS TINNITUS? An abnormal noise perceived in one or both Tinnitus is abnormal noise perceived in one or both ears or in the head. ears or in the head. It Tinnitus (pronounced either “TIN-uh-tus” or “tin-NY-tus”) may be can be experienced as a intermittent, or it might appear as a constant or continuous sound. It can ringing, hissing, whistling, be experienced as a ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or clicking sound buzzing, or clicking sound and can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal. and can vary in pitch. Tinnitus is very common. Most studies indicate the prevalence in adults as falling within the range of 10% to 15%, with a greater prevalence at higher ages, through the sixth or seventh decade of life. 1 Gender distinctions ARTICLE are not consistently reported across studies, but tinnitus prevalence is significantly higher in pregnant than non-pregnant women. 2 The most common form of tinnitus is subjective tinnitus, which is noise that other people cannot hear. Objective tinnitus can be heard by an examiner positioned close to the ear. This is a rare form of tinnitus, 068 occurring in less than 1% of cases. 3 Chronic tinnitus can be annoying, intrusive, and in some cases devastating to a person’s life. Up to 25% of those with chronic tinnitus find it severe DID THIS ARTICLE enough to seek treatment. 4 It can interfere with a person’s ability to hear, HELP YOU? work, and perform daily activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Iatrogenic Invasive Otomycosis
    Tzu Chi Medical Journal 23 (2011) 66e68 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Tzu Chi Medical Journal journal homepage: www.tzuchimedjnl.com Case Report Iatrogenic invasive otomycosis Chao-Lan Hsu a, Cheng-Wei Chen a,*, Hua-Kung Wang b a Department of Otolaryngology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan b Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan article info abstract Article history: Otomycosis usually develops in hot humid climates, and patients with otomycosis generally show a good Received 6 September 2010 response to medical treatment. However, invasive otomycosis is rarely observed in immunocompetent Received in revised form patients. The predisposing factors for invasive otomycosis include malignant neoplasms and increased 6 October 2010 use of steroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. We report a unique case of iatrogenic invasive otomycosis Accepted 14 October 2010 in a 35-year-old woman who had been given ofloxacin eardrops over a long period, which led to an invasive fungal infection. The patient showed no response to general antifungal agents, but the infection Keywords: was successfully controlled with voriconazole. Aspergillus niger Ó Otomycosis Copyright 2011, Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All Ototopical drops rights reserved. Voriconazole 1. Introduction Empirical oral antibiotics (amoxicillin and clabulanate potassium [Augmentin] 1 g two times a day) and ototopical drops (ofloxacin) Otomycosis is commonly observed in otolaryngology practice. In were prescribed for 4 weeks. However, the otorrhea and otalgia, this disease, the most common fungal species isolated in culture are which were accompanied by headache, became more severe, and Aspergillus and Candida.
    [Show full text]
  • Quick Glossary for Good Ear Health Your Child Has an Earache
    Quick Glossary for Good Ear Health Your child has an earache. After your first visit to a physician you may hear some of the following terms related to the diagnosis and treatment of this common childhood disorder. Acute otitis media - the medical term for the common ear infection. Otitis refers to an ear inflammation, and media means middle. Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, which is located behind the eardrum. This diagnosis includes fluid effusion trapped in the middle ear. Adenoidectomy – removal of the adenoids, also called pharyngeal tonsils. Some believe their removal helps prevent ear infections. Amoxicillin - a semi-synthetic penicillin antibiotic often used as the first-line medical treatment for acute otitis media or otitis media with effusion. A higher dosage may be recommended for a second treatment. Analgesia – immediate pain relief. For an earache, it may be provided by acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and auralgan. Antibiotic - a soluble substance derived from a mold or bacterium that inhibits the growth of other bacterial micro-organisms. Antibiotic resistance – a condition where micro-organisms continue to multiply although exposed to antibiotic agents, often because the bacteria has become immune to the medication. Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. Audiometer - an electronic device used in measuring hearing for pure tones of frequencies, generally varying from 125–8000 Hz, and speech (recorded in terms of decibels). Azithromyacin – an antibiotic prescribed for acute otitis media due to Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Also known by its brand name, Zithromax®. Bacteria – organisms responsible for about 70 percent of otitis media cases.
    [Show full text]