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ObjectiveTo report a novel technique in Balloon Dilation of Eustachian Tube (BDET) using an endovascular balloon (EVB), in a prospective cohort. The results are compared with reported outcomes using standard balloons.MethodsDemographic information and clinical parameters were collected prospectively fora series of patients with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). Balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty was performed under local anesthesia in a tertiary referral center, using the EVB. Systematic literature review was used for comparison, using Medline via “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “Web of Science”.ResultsEight OETD candidates (12 ears) were enrolled; 5 males and 3 females. Average age was 48 (range −23 to 63) years. The most common presenting symptom was aural fullness (9/12), followed by ear pressure (7/12), hearing loss (5/12) and tinnitus (4/12). Otoscopically, tympanic membrane retraction was evident in 10/12 ears, the majority of which was class II—Sade classification. Pre-operative tympanogram was type B and C in 7 and 5 ears, respectively. All BDETs were performed without complications. Post-operative tympanometry was A in 8/12 ears. Post-operatively, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 results reduced to within normal limits (average score ≤3) in 11/12 ears (p = 0.0014). The systematic literature review included 6 papers (193 patients, 262 ETs) with comparable results, most also with little adverse effects.ConclusionBDET using an EVB is a safe and effective option for OETD. It is well tolerated under local anesthesia in properly selected individuals. The reduced procedural cost may be an important factor in certain healthcare jurisdictions.

Introduction The outbreak of COVID-19 has produced an unprecedented number of trials and articles.

Abstract Introduction Retraction pockets and marginal perforations of the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane (TM) are most commonly found at superior posterior quadrant (SPQ). The patulous Eustachian tube tends to manifest in the same quadrant. Variation in the structure of the TM may explain these observations. Material and Methods A line defined by the manubrium was used to divide the pars tensa into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse line centered on the umbo divides the pars tensa into superior and inferior parts, resulting in four quadrants. Surface areas of each of the TM quadrants were measured in a sample of 23 human adult formalin‐fixed temporal bones. The TMs were completely excised, faced medially, and placed against graph paper to maintain scale measurements, photoed, and measured. TM thickness was measured on a different set of 20 human temporal bones (TB) preparations with normal external and middle ears. Four random loci were chosen from each pars tensa's TM quadrant. The thickness was measured using high‐magnification power microscopy. Results The SPQ was the largest and thinnest of the four quadrants. It occupies 31% of the pars tensa area. It is 69 μm as compared to approximately 85 μm in the other quadrants. The radial lines between the umbo and the annulus are in descending order from superior posterior toward the anterior‐superior radials. Conclusion The SPQ has the largest vibratory area and is the thinnest of the four TM quadrants. Variation in the thickness of the middle, fibrous layer accounts for the variation in the thickness of the TM. These findings may explain the tendency of pathologies related to Eustachian tube dysfunction to preferentially manifest in or originate from the SPQ. Level of evidence: 5

Abstract Objectives Describe the histopathology of the temporal bones in MELAS (myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes) syndrome. The syndrome results from a known point mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Methods Histopathology analysis of a pair of temporal bones from the oldest surviving MELAS syndrome temporal bone donor. Histopathologic findings were correlated with known premortem clinical data. Results The inner ears showed severe but incomplete atrophy of the stria vascularis for the length of the cochleae. In contrast, the organ of Corti and inner hair cells appeared intact with some loss of outer hair cells. Other than moderate loss at the basal turn, spiral ganglion cells numbers were normal. The vestibular neuroepithelium was mostly normal with the exception of moderate degeneration of the macula sacculi and partial collapse of the saccular wall on the right. The cerebral cortex had infarct‐like lesions with adjacent gliosis. Conclusion This is an analysis of the oldest patient with MELAS syndrome to date, an addition to only two previously published patients. It supports the notion that hearing loss is a result of dysfunction of the stria vascularis and not loss of hair cells or neurons. Patterns of vestibular pathology are in agreement to in‐vivo measurements. These findings support auditory rehabilitation with cochlear implants and may be relevant to hearing loss due to other mitochondrial mutations. Level of evidence 4

Hypothesis There may be an association between a neurovascular conflict (NVC) of the auditory nerve and unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Background Compression of cranial nerves by vascular structures can lead to significant symptomatology that may require surgical decompression. Notable examples are trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is part of the workup for SSNHL, and it may depict an NVC of the auditory nerve. Here we look into the association between this NVC and unilateral SSNHL. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive patients with unilateral SSNHL who underwent an MRI scan in our medical center. The data collected included age, gender, side and severity of hearing loss, and accompanying complaints. Each MRI scan was reviewed by a neuroradiologist who was unaware of hearing loss laterality. The presence, side, extent, and location of a potential NVC involving the auditory nerve were determined, and a correlation between radiological findings and auditory parameters was sought. Results Fifty‐four patients (male‐to‐female ratio 26:28, age range 25–80 years) were enrolled into the study. Fourteen of them (25.9%) had normal MRI findings. Twenty‐six patients had a unilateral NVC, and the pathology was ipsilateral to the side of hearing loss in only 12 of them (46.2%). Fourteen (25.9%) patients had MRI findings of bilateral NVCs. There was no significant correlation between the side of the SSNHL and any radiological findings (P = .314). Conclusion The data presented herein support the conclusion that there is no association between CN8 NVC and unilateral SSNHL. Level of Evidence 2b.