Ear anatomy and pathology

BACKGROUND: A debate exists on whether the size of temporal bone pneumatization is a cause or consequence of otitis media (a global disease burden). However, a normal middle-ear mucosa is a prerequisite for normal temporal bone pneumatization. This study investigated the size of temporal bone pneumatization with age and the normal distribution of air cell volume in different stages of human growth postnatally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional computer-based volumetric-rendering technique was performed bilaterally on 248 head/brain and internal acoustic meatus CT images of slice thickness ≤ 0...

The three-dimensional stria vascularis (SV) and cochlear blood vessel structure is essential for inner ear function. Here, modified Sca/eS, a sorbitol-based optical-clearing method, was reported to visualize SV and vascular structure in the intact mouse cochlea. Cochlear macrophages as well as perivascular-resident macrophage-like melanocytes were detected as GFP-positive cells of the CX3CR1+/GFP mice. This study's method was effective in elucidating inner ear function under both physiological and pathological conditions...

Organisms may retain nonfunctional anatomical features as a consequence of evolutionary natural selection. Resultant atavistic and vestigial anatomical structures have long been a source of perplexity. Atavism is when an ancestral trait reappears after loss through an evolutionary change in previous generations, whereas vestigial structures are remnants that are largely or entirely functionless relative to their original roles. While physicians are cognizant of their existence, atavistic and vestigial structures are rarely emphasized in anatomical curricula and can, therefore, be puzzling when discovered incidentally...

Anatomically, the inner ear is a highly complex organ of intricate design, composed of a bony labyrinth that encases the same-shaped membranous labyrinth. It is difficult to study the three-dimensional anatomy of the inner ear because the relevant structures are very small and embedded within the petrous temporal bone, one of the densest bones in the body. The current study aimed to provide a detailed anatomic reference for the normal anatomy of the rabbit's inner ear. As a study model, ten healthy adults New Zealand White rabbit heads were used...

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the middle ear requires a complex three-dimensional understanding, the teaching of which is just as important for curricular teaching as for further medical training. OBJECTIVE: The extent to which virtual reality (VR) can be used as an alternative to conventional educational methods for teaching anatomy, physiology, and pathology was examined. The objective was to evaluate a VR-supported teaching method in comparison to conventional learning on an anatomic model...

The eyeball and the orbit are neighbours of the ENT region. This close proximity, makes the involvement of the orbit and there of ophthalmological manifestations fairly common in the practise of Otorhinolaryngology. This was a prospective study. All the patients presenting with ophthalmological manifestations due to various ear, nose, throat and head-neck pathologies were constituted in this study. This study was carried out on 50 patients of all age groups with ophthalmological complications along with ENT diseases who came to the department of ENT and head-neck surgery and department of Ophthalmology of N...

Pigs are commonly stunned pre-slaughter by exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2 ), but this approach is associated with significant welfare concerns. Hypobaric hypoxia, achieved with gradual decompression (also known as Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning or LAPS) may be an alternative, allowing the retention of welfare friendly handling approaches and group stunning. Although validated in poultry, the feasibility and welfare consequences of gradual decompression for pigs are unknown. Here, we characterize pathological changes in 60 pigs resulting from exposure to a range of candidate decompression curves (ranging from 40 to 100 ms-1 ascent equivalent, with two cycle durations 480 and 720 s)...

The posterior part of the tympanic cavity comprises a depression called the sinus tympani (ST). The said structure is of outmost importance, e.g., in surgical procedures involving the middle ear, as apathology (microbial biofilm or cholesteatoma) present in this difficult to access location might hinder its effective treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate anatomical variants of the sinus tympani in human adult petrous bones. For this purpose, 3D models of the ST were recreated from micro-CT scans of 44 dry petrous bone samples (19 female, 25 male), applying 3D Slicer, Meshmixer and MeshLab softwares...

Laryngotracheal injury is an increasingly common complication of intubation and mechanical ventilation, with an estimated 87% of intubated and ventilated patients developing a laryngotracheal injury often preventing their rehabilitation from acute illness. Laryngotracheal injuries encompass a diverse set of pathologies including inflammation and oedema in addition to vocal cord ulceration and paralysis, granuloma, stenosis, and scarring. The existing literature has identified several factors including intubation duration, endotracheal tube size, type and cuff pressures, and technical factors including the skill and experience of the endoscopist...

BACKGROUND: To visualize the course of the tympanic segment of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography. METHODS: A hundred and fourteen ears with no evident otologic pathologies were included. The tympanic segment of CTN was divided into 4 portions as follows: periannular, posteromalleal, malleal, and anteromalleal. The length of the periannular portion running along the tympanic annulus was recorded. Four points of interest (the beginning and end of the posteromalleal and anteromalleal portions) were selected to perform distance measurements relative to the tip of the malleus manubrium...

The eustachian tube (ET) has a crucial role in the physiology of the middle ear. Thus, any condition that renders the tube dysfunctional is directly implicated with middle ear pathophysiology, like in the case of acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Children are more vulnerable to pathologies of the middle ear, primarily due to the immature development of their eustachian tubes. Otitis media with effusion, apart from being a burden for hearing, with direct consequences for speech development, may also be implicated in cholesteatoma formation...

The year 2023 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666-1723). Valsalva was a leading physician across the 17th and 18th centuries, specifically for his focus on experimental physiology, the science dealing with the normal functioning of bodily organs as a basis for a better understanding of diseases, symptoms, and care. He used a top-down systematic approach typical of the Enlightenment, rather than a heuristic one ("trial-and-error"), which became feasible after the long-lasting ban on dissecting human corpses was lifted...

The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the emergency department continues to increase. Although computed tomography is the first-line imaging modality for most head and neck emergencies, MR is superior in some situations and imparts no ionizing radiation. This article provides a symptom-based approach to nontraumatic head and neck pathologic conditions most relevant to emergency head and neck MR imaging, emphasizing relevant anatomy, "do not miss" findings affecting clinical management, and features that may aid differentiation from potential mimics...

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the inner ear modifications in Dar-es-Soltane II H5, an Aterian fossil possibly dated to 100 ka. MATERIAL: The remains consist of a large portion of the cranium including the face, the left frontal and temporal bones, part of the left parietal bone and greater wing of the sphenoid. METHODS: The bony labyrinth anatomy was investigated on existing micro-CT data acquired by the MPI-EVA. RESULTS: The observation of micro-CT sections revealed a partial filling of the semi-circular canals that raises question about its origin...

The inner ear is located deep in the temporal bone and has a complex anatomy. It is difficult to observe and obtain pathological tissues directly. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of inner ear diseases have always been a major clinical problem. The onset of inner ear disease can be accompanied by symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness and tinnitus, which seriously affect people's lives. Nanoparticles have the characteristics of small size, high bioavailability and strong plasticity. With the development of related research on nanoparticles in inner ear diseases, nanoparticles have gradually become a research hotspot in inner ear diseases...

BACKGROUND: Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with voice prosthesis (VP) insertion is the gold standard of surgical voice restoration in postlaryngectomy patients. The conventional technique involves rigid esophagoscopes and trocar performed by ENT surgeons alone, with technical limitations encountered in patients with cervical abnormalities - in particular those with free or rotational flap reconstructions and postradiotherapy strictures. We report our technique using flexible endoscopy which we show to be feasible and without major safety events, as a possible consideration in the anticipated difficult TEP...

Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head in equine patients is now commonly performed as CT scanners are more readily available. Head CT has proven valuable in evaluating spatially complex anatomic structures, where radiographic superimposition, or restricted access via endoscopy or ultrasound, limit complete evaluation of the disease process. Head CT has been demonstrated to be incredibly valuable in the evaluation of dental and paranasal sinus disease, disease of the hyoid apparatus and ear, and in evaluation of skull trauma...

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in the use of the endoscope to treat a variety of middle ear pathologies, including otosclerosis. Several studies comparing traditional microscopic and endoscopic stapes surgery have reported similar hearing results and an overall low rate of complications. The endoscope has unraveled its full potential in demanding settings of stapes surgery, such as unfavorable anatomy of the oval window niche or revision cases. Reduced manipulation of the chorda tympani and low rate of post-operative dysgeusia are further benefits to mention for endoscopic stapes surgery...

The external ear (EE) is an osseous-cartilaginous structure that extends from the auricle to the tympanic membrane. It is divided into two parts: the auricle (or pinna) and the external auditory canal (EAC). Given the ease of access to the EE, imaging studies are not always needed to make a diagnosis. However, when lesions block visual access to areas deep to the EE abnormality, complications are suspected, or there is lack of response to treatment, imaging becomes essential. A basic understanding of the embryologic development and knowledge of the anatomy of the auricle and EAC are useful for accurate diagnosis of EE lesions...

PURPOSE: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is an increasingly used surgical approach for otologic surgeries, but no en face preoperative imaging format currently exists. We aim to assess the utility of a transcanal high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) reformat suitable for TEES preoperative planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative HRCTs of patients with middle ear pathologies (cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, and glomus tympanicum) who underwent TEES were obtained...