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Two electrophysiological tests for facial palsy-electroneurography (ENoG) and nerve excitability test (NET)-were reviewed. ENoG has advantages over NET in that it reflects the percentage of degenerated facial nerve fibers and can provide an accurate prognosis. However, as disadvantages, ENoG requires large, expensive equipment, and such supramaximal electrical stimulation can be quite painful for patients. NET is less painful due to weak stimulation with just enough current to meet the threshold, and the required equipment is compact and inexpensive to procure. However, it is impossible to calculate the percentage of degenerated nerve fibers, and NET is inferior to ENoG in terms of accurate prognostic prediction for facial palsy. The appropriate timing for both ENoG and NET is 7 to 10 days after the onset. While ENoG has proven more popular than NET because of its accuracy for prognostic prediction, we should not predict the prognosis of facial palsy based solely on the results of electrophyisiolgical examinations; a comprehensive evaluation including the facial muscle grading system is essential.

The condition of vestibular dysfunction and blood flow in the vertebral artery (VA) in transient vascular vertigo/dizziness (TVV) is not well established.To clarify the pathophysiology of TVV, especially the difference between the isolation of vestibular symptoms.Ten TVV patients with central nervous system symptoms (TVVw) and 12 TVV patients without central nervous system symptoms (TVVo) underwent duplex color-coded ultrasonographic evaluation of VAs, caloric test, and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP).The mean flow velocity (MV) ratio (peak MV of contralateral VA divided by target VA) was significantly higher in TVVw than in TVVo. There was no difference in the occurrence of canal paresis between TVVw and TVVo. Abnormal asymmetry ratios (ARs) of cVEMP were observed only in TVVo cases (6 of 12 cases), revealing a statistically significant difference in the number of cases between TVVw and TVVo.Measuring VAs using duplex color-coded ultrasonography and cVEMP may help evaluate TVV. Different results of MV ratio and cVEMP between TVV cases with or without central nervous system symptoms may indicate differences in the pathophysiology between TVVw and TVVo.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) retention on the peripheral vestibular function and the inner ear fluid in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).In 25 patients with iNPH (14 females, age 65-88 years), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) was measured before the spinal tap test. The asymmetry ratios (ARs) and tuning properties in 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz short-tone burst stimuli of cVEMP were evaluated. Furthermore, cVEMP was measured in an age-matched control group of 12 non-iNPH patients.Seven (28%) iNPH patients exhibited a cVEMP asymmetry (AR 33%). cVEMP tuning was significantly shifted to a higher frequency in the iNPH group than in the age-matched control group.One-fourth of patients with iNPH had obvious saccular dysfunction. A high rate of a shift in cVEMP tuning in the iNPH group indicated that excessive CSF accumulation propagated to the endolymph and perilymph.Saccular dysfunction might be one of the possible causes of imbalance in iNPH, and the shift in cVEMP tuning may be a determining factor in the diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Recurrent facial palsy is relatively rare and its clinical details of recurrent facial palsy are not well known. We analyzed recurrent facial palsy cases and clarified its characteristics, especially the difference between ipsilateral and alternative palsies. The analysis aimed to obtain information about recurrent facial palsy that would be useful for delivering explanations to patients and help improve recurrent facial palsy treatments based on the etiology.We picked up data from the chart and analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with recurrent facial palsy from 1243 facial palsy patients (Bell's palsy, VZV-related palsy (Ramsay Hunt syndrome and zoster sine herpete [ZSH])) between 2006 and 2020.Recurrent facial palsy was observed in 104 of 1243 patients (8.4%). There were 35 cases (34%) of ipsilateral palsy and 69 cases (66%) of alternative palsy. The mean age at the onset of the first palsy was 38.9 years old in the ipsilateral group and 48.4 years old in the alternative group, and a significant difference was observed between them. The number of recurrences ranged from 1 to 4. Among the ipsilateral group, 6 patients experienced more than second recurrence. In two cases, the condition failed to resolve after the second recurrence. A serological examination confirmed that 4 cases had recurrent VZV-related palsy (both the first and second palsies were VZV-related) and all of them initially had ZSH: no cases had Hunt syndrome as the first palsy.The VZV-specific immunity obtained with ZSH might be insufficient to suppress VZV reactivation, and VZV vaccination should be recommended for ZSH patients to prevent further recurrence of VZV-related facial palsy. More than 2 ipsilateral recurrent episodes may be a risk factor for incomplete recovery.

Objective To determine the optimal current intensity for supramaximal stimulation during electroneurography (ENoG) for facial palsy. Methods Forty patients with unilateral facial palsy (32 Bell's palsy, 7 Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and 1 temporal bone fracture) were enrolled. All patients were initially treated with intravenous steroid injections and examined using ENoG. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the orbicularis oris muscle were measured on the paralyzed and healthy sides. Stimulation current intensity was varied every 5 mA from 20 mA to 50 mA using two recording methods (the midline and standard methods). The CMAPs of both sides were monitored to see whether they would saturate under the high current intensity stimulation or not. Results No obvious saturation of CMAPs was observed in either side with the midline or standard methods. Statistically, a current of 35 mA and above in the healthy side, and 30 mA and above in the paralytic side, resulted in no difference to each side when using the midline recording method. On the other hand, a current of 35 mA and above in the healthy side, and 25 mA and above in the paralytic side, resulted in no difference to each side when using the standard recording method. Conclusions These results indicate that a current intensity of at least 35 mA is required to achieve supramaximal stimulation on the healthy side in a patient with unilateral facial nerve palsy. Clinically, for simplicity or standardization purposes, if the same current intensity is introduced bilaterally for ENoG measurements, adopting 40 mA (35 mA plus 10-20%) stimulation would be appropriate for supramaximal stimulation, while being cognizant of the potential effects of artifacts from other muscles.

Objective Avoidance of iatrogenic injury to the facial nerve is crucial during ear surgery. The anatomical relationship between the tympanic portion of the facial canal (FC) and the mastoid portion of the facial nerve was analyzed using multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scans to avoid iatrogenic facial nerve injury. Methods In total, 364 ears of 351 patients who underwent CT scans were enrolled. The 364 ears were divided into two groups: 281 ears with middle ear inflammation (MEI) and 83 ears without middle ear inflammation (non-MEI). The anatomical relationship between the tympanic portion of the FC and mastoid portion of the facial nerve was analyzed on multi-slice CT images. The ears were categorized into three subgroups based on the course of the mastoid portion of the facial nerve to the tympanic portion of the FC: (“lateral running course”, LRC), “on the tympanic line course” (OL), and “medial running course” (MRC). The proportions of ears in each subgroup were compared between the MEI and non-MEI groups. Results Overall, 15% of ears were categorized as LRC, 30% were OL, and 55% were MRC. In the MEI group, the proportions of LRC, OL, and MRC ears were 17%, 32%, and 51%, respectively, whereas they were 7%, 24%, and 69% in the non-MEI group. The proportion of LRC ears in the MEI group was significantly higher than that in the non-MEI group. Conclusions Especially in patients with MEI, a more LRC for the facial nerve increases the risk of facial nerve injury during posterior tympanotomy or canal wall down mastoidectomy. The course of the facial nerve in the temporal bone should be evaluated before surgery on multi-slice CT images.

The malignancy of parotid carcinoma varies, and accurate preoperative assessment of malignancy is important for selecting the appropriate treatment. However, the preoperative diagnosis of low/intermediate-grade carcinoma is difficult, and surgery may sometimes be performed without any prior knowledge of malignancy. The results of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA), imaging studies (MRI and US), physical examination, and frozen section biopsy (FSB) were evaluated in 112 patients with low/intermediate-grade parotid carcinoma. The result of FNA was benign/inadequate specimen in 44.6% of the patients. In addition, the tumor was diagnosed as benign by MRI/US in 21.4% of the patients and 37.5% had no symptoms/signs of malignancy on physical examination. The rate of misdiagnosis as benign decreased when FNA was combined with imaging and physical findings. However, malignancy could not be diagnosed by FNA and FSB in 12.5% of the patients who were only found to have malignant tumors by the final pathological examination. FNA shows a high misdiagnosis rate of malignancy in patients with low/intermediate-grade cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the findings of imaging studies and physical examination, and FSB should be conducted if such findings suggest the possibility of malignancy.

Background: The immune checkpoint ligand programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is expressed by various cancers, including those of the head and neck. However, the role of PD-L1 is still unknown.Objectives: To investigate the relationship between PD-L1 expression and survival rate in parotid carcinoma.Methods: PD-L1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis in 127 patients with parotid carcinoma. The relationship between PD-L1 expression and stage, histological grade, and survival was assessed.Results: PD-L1 expression was found in 28.3% of parotid carcinomas, with the expression being higher in tumors with a higher stage, a higher-grade, and node positive cases. However, the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 82.2% for the patients with PD-L1 positive and 86.9% for those with PD-L1 negative tumors, showing no significant difference.Conclusions: PD-L1 expression was positive in approximately 50% of high- grade carcinomas, which was similar to the level in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In patients with other cancers, it has been reported that an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was more effective against tumors with higher PD-L1 expression. Therefore, it could be a possible new therapeutic option for patients with highly malignant parotid tumors that have a poor prognosis.

Background: The sphenoid sinus (SS) is located close to vital structures, such as the pituitary gland, and it has significant clinical relevance. This study aimed to clarify the growth pattern of the SS in Japanese children using three-dimensional computed tomography (CT). Methods: Seventy-eight participants with congenital, acquired, or external auditory canal cholesteatoma were recruited and underwent CT more than twice during their treatment. Using the volume-rendered images, the size and volume of the SS were measured. Furthermore, on the scout image, the morphological measurements of the cranial base were determined. Results: The size and volume of the SS increased with age, and peaked at the mean age of 15 years. For males, the volume of the SS was smaller than that of females aged

Objective Surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland is challenging since there is a considerable risk of facial nerve injury and a high re-recurrence rate. We investigated surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, focusing on management of the facial nerve. Methods We reviewed 29 patients who underwent surgery for recurrent benign pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland at our department between 1999 and 2018. We examined clinicopathologic features and risk factors for facial nerve injury during reoperation. Results Factors associated with difficulty in identifying the main trunk of the facial nerve during surgery were bilobar tumors, multiple tumors, and use of an S-shaped skin incision at the previous operation. When the facial nerve was identified intraoperatively, it could be preserved in 2/3 of patients, while the nerve was only preserved in 1/3 of patients when it was not identified. Factors related to permanent postoperative paralysis included recurrence in the deep lobe or both lobes and multiple tumors. Conclusion The probability of successfully preserving the facial nerve is relatively high if the nerve can be identified during surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, although intentional resection is necessary in some patients. Factors associated with difficulty in identifying the facial nerve are similar to those related to permanent postoperative paralysis, including bilobar tumors and multiple tumors. In patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, preservation of the facial nerve is difficult, when they may have undergone previous extensive resection or have multiple tumors requiring subtotal or more extensive resection.

Electroneurography (ENoG) reliably predicts the prognosis of facial palsy. However, the results of ENoG are dependent on the location, where the wave is detected, as a compound muscle action potential (CMAP) arising from the facial muscles. To minimize errors in prognostic prediction, we analysed the latencies of facial CMAPs. Fifty-seven patients with unilateral peripheral facial palsy and 24 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Amplitudes, negative peak latencies (NPL), and rise latencies (RL) of CMAPs were measured on the paralysed and healthy sides in patients and in healthy volunteers. The relationships of these latencies with ENoG values and the lowest House–Brackmann (H–B) scores were also analysed. The amplitude of CMAP on the paralysed side was smaller, and NPL and RL were longer, than those on the healthy side in patients and healthy volunteers (p

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (SC) of the parotid gland is a relatively uncommon cancer associated with the ETV6–NTRK3 fusion product similar to breast cancer. The clinical characteristics and outcome of treatment were reviewed for patients with this tumor at our hospital. In this retrospective case series, 24 patients with a diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) of the parotid gland were classified as having either SC or AcCC based on analysis of the ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene. These two groups were compared with respect to their clinical and imaging characteristics (MRI/US), cytologic findings, accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology and frozen section, treatment outcomes, and immunohistochemical findings. Based on re-classification by ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene analysis, the diagnosis was SC in 14 patients and AcCC in 10 patients. The SC group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients and was also significantly younger than the AcCC group. Imaging studies revealed that SC was significantly more likely to show internal heterogeneity. Correct grading of both tumors was comparable by fine needle aspiration, with the rate being 60% for AcCC and 50% for SC. Diagnosis by frozen section biopsy diagnosis obtained the correct grade in 90% of the AcCC group and 93% of the SC group. In 24 patients previously diagnosed with AcCC, re-analysis of the ETV6–NTRK3 fusion product indicated that 14 patients actually had SC. Although AcCC and SC show similarities of their biological aggressiveness and prognosis, patients with SC were significantly more likely to be male and younger.

Background: The degree of distress caused by the sequelae of peripheral facial nerve palsy usually depends on the severity of synkinesis.Objective: To clarify whether electroneurography (ENoG) can ...

There is no consensus about the indications and range of neck dissection in patients who have parotid carcinoma, with elective neck dissection for cN0 disease being particularly controversial. This study retrospectively reviewed 185 patients with newly diagnosed parotid carcinoma who were treated at our department between September 1999 and August 2018. 50 of the 185 patients had lymph node metastasis, including 7.7%, 12.2%, 36.0%, and 55.8% of patients with T1, T2, T3, and T4 disease, respectively. When classified by histological grade, 5.7% of patients with low/intermediate-grade disease had lymph node metastasis versus 55.0% of patients with high-grade disease. Multivariate analysis revealed that the histological grade and T classification were independent predictors of lymph node metastasis. Occult metastasis was found in 8 out of 73 clinically node negative patients undergoing neck dissection. The most common site of cervical metastasis was level 2, followed by the periparotid nodes, level 3, and level 4. Elective neck dissection may be most appropriate for parotid carcinoma patients with high grade disease and/or an advanced T classification. Because preoperative evaluation of the histological grade of parotid carcinoma has limited reliability, it is important to decide the indications and range of neck dissection from the results of frozen section biopsy.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative facial palsy in benign parotid tumors, as well as its risk factors, pathology, and clinical results. Study design Retrospective analysis. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from patients whose initial operation for a benign parotid tumor had been performed in our department between 1999 and 2020. Results We included 1,018 patients in this study. The most common tumor observed was pleomorphic adenoma (614 patients), followed by Warthin tumor (234 patients). Fine-needle aspiration cytology and frozen section biopsy were used to identify the tumor histopathology. The overall rate of postoperative facial nerve palsy was 19.5%; the rate was significantly higher in patients with large-diameter tumors or deep lobe tumors. Postoperative facial palsy improved within 24 months of surgery in all cases. There were no cases with permanent facial palsy. Conclusions Postoperative facial nerve palsy developed regularly after surgery to remove benign parotid tumors despite preservation of the nerve. Palsy rate was high in patients with large tumors or deep lobe tumors. Despite the high risk of facial palsy in these patients and the benign nature of the tumor, we recommend surgery rather than follow-up observation, as the risk of postoperative facial palsy may increase as the tumor grows. It is important to provide an accurate explanation on the risks of postoperative complications to all patients to obtain appropriate informed consent for surgery. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2857-E2864, 2021.

Purpose This study investigated the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of Warthin tumors (WTs) to explore the possibility of managing patients by observation. Methods We reviewed the records of 1167 patients with benign parotid tumors who were seen in our department between September 1999 and April 2021. Among them, 387 cases were WT and 668 cases were pleomorphic adenoma. We evaluated preoperative diagnoses of WT by symptoms/signs, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), imaging, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and technetium-99m pertechnetate (Tc-99m) scintigraphy. Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used in statistical analyses. Results Warthin tumors were treated by surgery in 238 cases and follow-up in 149 cases. The 238 patients were diagnosed as WT at the final pathology after surgery. Among them, 172 patients (72.3%) were determined as benign histological type by preoperative FNAC; in these 172 patients, 170 (71.4%) were correctly diagnosed as WT in the final pathology. Preoperative Tc-99m scintigraphy was performed in 69 patients diagnosed with WT by final pathology or FNAC, and the positive rate of Tc-99m scintigraphy in WT was 75.4%. Conclusions Combining FNAC and Tc-99m scintigraphy, as well as considering clinical findings, enables the diagnosis of WT in most cases. In particular, WT is more common in the elderly, grows more slowly, and is less likely to be malignant. Therefore, if WT can be diagnosed preoperatively with a high rate of correct diagnosis, it could be an accurate and effective means of managing patients through follow-up without surgery.

Facial palsy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is diagnosed as tumor cell invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) following the ALL guidelines. Facial palsy in a 6-year-old ALL patient was diagnosed as leukemia cell invasion into the CNS by hemato-oncologists. Pretreatment magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed gadolinium enhancement of the first genu and meatal portion of the facial nerve. After chemotherapy, although the ALL tumor cells disappeared from both the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid, and the facial palsy resolved, a posttreatment MRI showed no change in terms of enhancement of the facial nerve. These findings indicated the possibility of herpetic viral reactivation in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. We must be aware and discuss with hemato-oncologists the possibility that not only tumor cell invasion into the CNS, in accordance with the guidelines, but also that herpetic virus reactivation arising in the facial nerve may be causes of facial palsy.

Detailed clinical features other than parotid mass have not been investigated in detail for parotid tumors. Symptoms and signs are useful for the differentiation of benign versus malignant, and may also be of value to determine the grade of malignancy and histological type as well as the assessment of prognosis. We reviewed symptoms and signs of 965 patients with benign tumors and 200 patients with malignant tumors. Symptoms and signs included pain/tenderness, adhesion to surrounding tissues, and facial nerve palsy. We reviewed the incidence in benign and malignant tumors, in histological type of benign tumors, and in grade and histology of malignant tumors. For each symptom or sign, covariates were analyzed, and their correlation with the prognosis was investigated. The incidence of symptoms and signs was significantly higher in malignant than benign tumors, and more frequent in higher grade of malignancy. Facial nerve palsy was observed in 18.0% of malignant tumor cases, while none occurred in benign tumor cases. Pain/tenderness was more commonly observed in adenoid cystic carcinoma, while adhesion to surrounding tissues and facial nerve palsy were most frequently noted in salivary duct carcinoma. The prognosis of patients with these symptoms and signs was significantly poor. A detailed investigation of symptoms and signs in parotid gland tumors is the first step that leads to the diagnosis of malignant tumors. Symptoms and signs are also useful for estimating the grade of malignancy and histological type, and they are important information for predicting prognosis.

Background When determining treatment strategy for a salivary gland tumor, assessing histology and malignancy grade before surgery is essential. Several new diagnostic classification systems for salivary gland cytology have recently been proposed. However, none incorporate histology and grade of malignancy. Methods We developed a new cytology classification system that incorporates histology and grade of malignancy of salivary gland tumors (OMC classification), consisting of 11 categories. Our OMC classification was applied to 1175 patients who had preoperative cytology and confirmed final pathological diagnosis available from the past 20 years at our hospital (benign tumor: 981 patients, malignant tumor: 194 patients). Results Based on the cytology, 729 patients (62.0%) had benign histology (Category 4–1), and 87 patients (7.4%) were diagnosed with grade of malignancy (Category 6–3 + 6–4). Based on the final pathological diagnosis, the accuracy rate of Category 4–1 and Category 6–3 + 6–4 of our classification system was 93.4% and 88.5%, respectively. Conclusion Based on the correct diagnosis rate, the inclusion of histology and grade of malignancy in the salivary gland cytology classification was considered feasible. Thus, the OMC classification system is considered a useful tool when determining the treatment strategy for a salivary gland tumor.

Objective We examined the incidence, risk factors, and recovery time for postoperative facial nerve paralysis in patients with benign parotid tumors and also investigated the usefulness of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (FNM). Methods Subjects were 902 patients with benign parotid tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for risk factors of postoperative facial nerve paralysis. We investigated the relationship between intraoperative FNM and postoperative facial nerve paralysis, and the recovery time for postoperative facial nerve paralysis according to tumor site. Results Postoperative facial nerve paralysis occurred in 179 (19.8%) of 902 patients. Among them, 15.1%, 15.8%, and 37.5% had tumors in the superficial lobe, lower pole, and deep lobe, respectively. Paralysis risk factors were deep tumors, large tumors, long operation times, extensive bleeding, and non-use of FNM. Multivariate analysis determined female patients, deep tumors, and long operation times as significant risk factors, and female patients and deep tumors had an odds ratio of nearly 2. Use of intraoperative FNM resulted in a significantly lower incidence of facial nerve paralysis and was particularly useful in patients with superficial lobe tumors. Time to recovery from facial nerve paralysis was 6 months in 88% of the patients. Conclusion The incidence of paralysis should be kept as low as possible to enhance the postoperative quality of life of patients. The use of intraoperative FNM significantly lowered the incidence of paralysis in female patients with superficial tumors.

Background This study investigated the clinical outcomes of patients with parotid carcinoma at a single institution during an 18-year period, with the focus on diagnosis, treatment, and survival. Methods The subjects were 171 patients with parotid carcinoma treated at our department during the 18-year period from September 1999 to August 2017. There were 19 patients in stage I, 65 patients in stage II, 22 patients in stage III, and 65 patients in stage IV. The symptoms, preoperative diagnosis, node metastasis, survival rate, prognostic factors, and immunohistological findings were investigated. Results Preoperative diagnosis of the histological grade by fine-needle aspiration cytology was only possible in 34% of the patients, while the histological grade was correctly determined by frozen section biopsy in 72%. The overall frequency of lymph node metastasis was 29%, with 59% in patients with high-grade carcinoma and only 6% in those with low-/intermediate-grade tumors. The disease-specific 5-year survival rate was 100% for patients in stage I, 95.2% in stage II, 70.4% in stage III, and 45.1% in stage IV. Multivariate analysis showed that the pathological grade was the most important prognostic factor. Immunohistological investigation showed patients with HER-2 or androgen receptor-positive tumors had a significantly worse prognosis. Conclusions Although a high-grade tumor is the most important prognostic factor, preoperative diagnosis of the grade was not always accurate. Since advanced cancer has a poor prognosis with a limited response to surgery and radiation therapy, development of new treatment strategies, such as molecular-targeting therapies directed against HER-2 and AR, is required.

Objective Parotid tumors are rare neoplasms in adults but are exceedingly infrequent in adolescents. We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of parotid tumors in adolescents under 20 years old. Methods Between 1999 and 2020, 979 cases of benign parotid tumors and 236 cases of malignant parotid tumors were treated surgically in our department. Of these, 12 benign cases (1.2%) and 9 malignant cases (3.8%) were in adolescents. There were no benign or malignant cases for those aged under 10 years. Results Regarding the histological type, all benign tumors were pleomorphic adenomas. About half of malignant tumors were mucoepidermoid carcinomas, and excluding one high-grade case, the grade of malignancy was all low/intermediate. The accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology among adolescents showed no significant difference with that of adults. In contrast to adults, adolescent benign tumor cases showed a markedly high rate of pleomorphic adenomas and no postoperative facial nerve palsy. Malignant tumors in adolescents had a different trend than adults; low/intermediate-grade malignancies were common and thus few symptoms/signs of malignancy could be observed. As well, the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology was poor. All cases had a good prognosis and are disease-free survival. Conclusion Parotid tumors in adolescents are rare but have several characteristics that are distinct from adults. As long-term observation is required posttreatment in adolescent patients, recurrence in benign pleomorphic adenomas and poor long-term prognosis in malignant tumors, especially for those with low/intermediate-grade malignancy, are more likely to be observed.

Objective Several surgical procedures have been proposed for tumors in the anterior parotid gland. Although the standard approach to other parotid tumors is generally also used for anterior tumors, handling of the facial nerve has not been addressed in any previous reports. Methods A total of 654 patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent surgery in our department were classified into anterior (AT), middle (MT), and posterior tumor (PT) groups according to tumor location. Clinical characteristics, histopathological types, and frequency of postoperative transient facial palsy were examined. In the AT group, two surgical methods were compared, which were the main trunk method (MTM) and the peripheral method (PM). Results 172 patients were included in the AT group, 175 in the MT group, and 307 in the PT group. The AT group showed significant female predominance and a higher percentage of deep lobe tumors than the PT group. There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative transient facial palsy among the AT (MTM), MT, and PT groups. The PM had a significantly shorter operating time and lower rate of transient facial palsy than the MTM. Conclusion The PM for AT was considered a useful surgical method from the standpoints of postoperative complications and operating time. In the PM, a wide operating field made identification of the facial nerve easier.

Background We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in a large series of benign and malignant parotid tumors. Methods The FNAC diagnosis of 821 benign and 175 malignant parotid tumors managed at our department between 1999 and 2017 was correlated with the final histology. Results FNAC made a correct histopathological diagnosis in 72% of the benign parotid tumors; however, FNAC provided a correct grade in only 34% of the malignant tumors. FNAC correctly identified the histology of 94% of pleomorphic adenomas subsequently confirmed by histopathological examination. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC for detecting malignancy were 82.3%, 98.7%, and 95.9%, respectively. Conclusion FNAC generally provided the correct histological diagnosis for benign tumors. However, the histological evaluation and grading of malignant tumors were poor. Although FNAC showed good sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, its sensitivity decreased when nondiagnostic cases were included in the analysis.

Objectives/Hypothesis The etiology of Ramsay Hunt syndrome (Hunt syndrome) is reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve, leading to neuritis. Although the mechanism of the VZV reactivation is unclear, one possibility is that the reactivation involves a low level of VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI). The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the VZV-specific CMI in Hunt syndrome compared to that in Bell's palsy, and to obtain clues to its role in the development of Hunt syndrome. Study Design Prospective study. Methods We determined the median spot numbers and examined VZV-specific CMI in patients with Hunt syndrome and with Bell's palsy using interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays. We analyzed the relationship between the value of VZV-specific CMI and days from disease onset. Results The median spot number in Hunt syndrome (87.3 spot-forming cells [SFCs]/4 × 105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs]) was higher than that in Bell's palsy (62.3 SFCs/4 × 105 PBMCs). Hunt syndrome showed a strong relationship between the ELISPOT count and days from onset (r = 0.65). Within the first 5 days from onset, no ELISPOT counts higher than 80 SFCs/4 × 105 PBMCs were observed. On the other hand, no correlation was observed between the ELISPOT count and days from onset in patients with Bell's palsy (r = −0.19). Conclusions These results suggest that VZV-specific CMI in Hunt syndrome is low at disease onset and increases rapidly thereafter. Consequently, reduced VZV-specific CMI may play an important role in the reactivation of VZV in the facial nerve, leading to Hunt syndrome. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 126:E35–E39, 2016

Objective The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve must be protected during surgery for benign diseases of submandibular gland. Methods for protecting the marginal mandibular branch include the nerve identification method and the non-identification method. Methods We performed submandibular gland surgery in 138 patients with benign submandibular gland diseases using the non-identification method to preserve the marginal mandibular branch. In brief, the submandibular gland capsule is incised at the inferior border of the gland and detached along the gland parenchyma. The nerve is protected by this procedure without the need for identification. Results Among 138 patients who underwent this surgical procedure, only 7 patients developed transient paralysis of the lower lip. Conclusion This method of resecting the submandibular gland without identifying the marginal mandibular branch is an effective procedure associated with a low incidence of transient paralysis. Moreover, no patient developed paralysis due to procedural errors.

It is appropriate to clinically classify benign parotid tumors into three groups, i.e. superficial tumors, deep tumors, and lower pole tumors.It is important to classify benign parotid tumors based on location when deciding the surgical strategy and conducting clinical research. In this study, we examined a classification of benign parotid tumors that was useful for clinical practice.We studied 425 patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent surgery at our hospital. Their age, gender, tumor histopathology, maximum tumor diameter, postoperative facial nerve paresis, operating time, and blood loss were investigated after classifying the tumors as superficial tumors, deep tumors, or lower pole tumors. We also investigated the same parameters after dividing the lower pole tumors into superficial and deep types.Lower pole tumors had distinct characteristics from superficial and deep tumors. The incidence of facial nerve paresis was significantly higher and the operating time was significantly longer for deep tumors than for either superficial or lower pole tumors, while there were no significant differences between superficial and lower pole tumors. In addition, there were no significant differences in any of the parameters between the superficial and deep types of lower pole tumor.

We retrospectively review outcomes of applying boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to unresectable advanced or recurrent head and neck cancers. Patients who were treated with BNCT for either local recurrent or newly diagnosed unresectable head or neck cancers between December 2001 and September 2007 were included. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were retrieved from hospital records. Either a combination of borocaptate sodium and boronophenylalanine (BPA) or BPA alone were used as boron compounds. In all the treatment cases, the dose constraint was set to deliver a dose

Objective Marginal mandibular nerve paralysis is the most frequent complication of benign parotid tumor surgery and results in cosmetic deformity. The purpose of this study was to develop a new electroneurography method for marginal mandibular nerve paralysis using electroneurography (ENoG) and judge its usefulness for clinical practice. Methods Twenty-seven patients who underwent surgery for benign parotid tumor were enrolled. We proposed and use the mandibular angle method, in which the recording electrode was placed on the skin above the depressor anguli oris muscle while the reference electrode was placed on the skin of the parietal region, and percutaneous electrical stimulation was applied to enclose the mandibular angle that could measure the function of the marginal mandibular nerve solely. Preoperative and postoperative ENoG values were compared in paralytic and non-paralytic patients. Results The mean postoperative ENoG value (35.0%) was lower than the preoperative value (90.5%) in paralytic patients, whereas no difference was observed between preoperative (79.3%) and postoperative (69.5%) ENoG values in non-paralytic patients. Conclusion A new ENoG method (mandibular angle method) was thought to reflect marginal mandibular nerve injury and might be useful for determining the likelihood of paralysis.

The midline electroneurography (ENoG) method might reflect total facial nerve degeneration.We compared ENoG values in patients with facial palsy using two different methods, the midline method and five electroneurogram recordings, to reveal whether the ENoG value obtained with the midline method reflects total facial nerve degeneration.Forty patients with facial palsy were enrolled. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded using the midline method, in which the anode was placed on the mental protuberance and the cathode was placed on the philtrum. Additionally, five electroneurogram recordings were obtained by placing the anode on the skin of the parietal region and five cathodes on the skin over five facial muscles (frontalis, orbicularis oculi, nasalis, orbicularis oris, and depressor anguli oris muscles). ENoG values recorded using the two methods were compared.The ENoG values of the five facial muscles did not differ from those obtained using the midline method. The total ENoG value calculated by summing five CMAPs from five facial muscles, which is considered to reflect total facial nerve degeneration, was not significantly different from that using midline methods; moreover, a strong positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.87) was found between them.

The novel midline electroneurography (ENoG) method may have advantages over the standard method in terms of ease of electrode setting, and the ENoG value may be a useful prognostic factor.We compared ENoG performed in patients with facial palsy using two different methods--the new midline method and standard method--in terms of the amplitudes of the compound muscle action potentials(CMAPs) and relationship between the ENoG value and clinical course.A total of 64 patients with facial palsy were enrolled. CMAPs were recorded using the midline method, in which the recording electrodes were placed on the mental protuberance and philtrum over the orbicularis oris muscle, and the standard method, in which the recording electrodes were set close to the nasolabial fold. Percutaneous electrical stimulation was applied to the main trunk of the facial nerve.The amplitudes of the CMAPs and the relationship between the ENoG value and the period to full recovery from the facial palsy were compared.The midline method had larger CMAP amplitudes on both sides and a stronger negative correlation in the relationship between the ENoG value and period to full recovery from palsy than the standard method statistically.

Cystic lymphangioma, a vascular anomaly considered to be a lymph sac derived from the fetal jugular vein remaining as a mass, is frequently noted in the lateral natal neck. It is classified as a vascular malformation by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA). While most cases are asymptomatic, it may grow into an unwieldy mass. We report a case of cystic lymphangioma and abnormal subclavian vein distribution incidentally identified during trauma treatment. A 2-year-old boy, with left supraclavicular fossa swelling, had fallen from a 120 cm height in a park and struck his left shoulder, which was left untreated due to the absence of pain. His family noted a slowly growing left supraclavicular fossa mass the following day. When first seen, he had a 30×40 mm mass in the left supraclavicular fossa. Palpation indicated a smooth, slightly soft, undulating, surface a cystic lesion containing a septum. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultra sonography (US) needle aspirate of the cyst was bloody and malformation of the left subclavian vein distributing in the left supraclavicular region was noted. The mass was excised due to its rapid growth, together with part of the platysma muscle to which the mass strongly adhered. The two blood vessels entering the mass, were ligated and excised en bloc with the mass, which was diagnosed pathologically as cystic lymphangioma. No recurrence has occurred in the 4 years since surgery.

Objectives/Hypothesis: We present the case of a 21-year-old woman who underwent endoscopy-assisted surgery with topical mitomycin for a large cholesterol granuloma in the petrous apex that involved the eustachian tube. Study Design: Case report. Methods: Minimally invasive surgery was performed on the cholesterol granuloma with endoscopic assistance, and topical mitomycin (0.4 mg/mL) was administered to prevent scarring of the newly created drainage/ventilation route. With the endoscopic approach, the drainage/ventilation route was secured not only from the tympanic cavity, but also using a guidewire inserted from the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube. Results: The drainage/ventilation route between the nasopharynx and middle ear cavity involving the cholesterol granuloma has been preserved more than for 9 months postoperatively. Her hearing has recovered. Conclusions: This less invasive technique is a surgical option for patients with a large cholesterol granuloma in the petrous apex involving the eustachian tube. Laryngoscope, 2009

Canal wall down (CWD) tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction (SWR) is a unique technique for cholesteatoma surgery. The external auditory canal shape after surgery-retracted like a radical mastoid cavity or preserved intact-depends on postoperative aeration in the mastoid cavity. However, the relationship between postoperative middle ear aeration and hearing outcome with this procedure is unknown. We characterized this relationship and propose an ideal state of middle ear aeration to obtain satisfactory postoperative hearing after CWD tympanoplasty with SWR.Retrospective case series.Seventy-eight patients (78 ears) with fresh cholesteatomas treated surgically at our hospital by planned 2-stage CWD tympanoplasty and SWR were included.Postoperative middle ear aeration was scored 1 year after second-stage surgery by computed tomography. The patients were divided into 4 bins according to postoperative audiometric air-bone (A-B) gaps: 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, and greater than 30 dB.Postoperative middle ear aeration was significantly greater in the smaller gap bins (0-10 and 11-20 dB) compared with the larger A-B gap bins (21-30 and30 dB). In contrast to the larger A-B gap bins, those with smaller A-B gaps showed reaeration of the antrum and mastoid cavity. No significant differences were observed in postoperative middle ear aeration or hearing outcome between the 2 cholesteatoma types.Promoting postoperative aeration of the entire middle ear is necessary to achieve better hearing outcome in patients undergoing CWD tympanoplasty and SWR for cholesteatoma.