Possible clinical implications of the structural variations between the tympanic membrane quadrants.

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.

Compensatory Articulation Errors in Patients With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction and Palatal Anomalies.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and types of compensatory articulations (CAs) in nonsyndromic patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and various palatal anomalies and to determine the relationship between the frequency of CAs, type of palatal anomaly, and phonological errors.

Method: A total of 783 nonsyndromic, Hebrew-speaking patients with VPD and various palatal anomalies (cleft lip and palate [CLP], cleft palate [CP], submucous CP [SMCP], occult submucous CP [OSMCP], or non-CP) were studied retrospectively. Perceptual VPD tests, including articulation and phonological assessment, were conducted.

Analysis of Sex-related Differences in Patients with Dysphagia: Using a Videofluoroscopy.

Background: Dysphagia is a common symptom with diverse etiologies and refers to disorders of the process of swallowing food or fluids. Many studies have reported the anatomical and functional differences between men and women in swallowing in healthy patients; however, sex discrepancies in symptomatic patients have not often been studied.

Objectives: To compare the performance of men and women with dysphagia using videofluoroscopy.

Differences in craniofacial morphology between platybasic and nonplatybasic patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction and control subjects.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of cranial-base morphology in platybasic and nonplatybasic patients with palatal anomalies and velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) compared with control subjects to investigate structural factors related to craniofacial morphology that affect the nasopharyngeal space and may influence velopharyngeal function, and to develop precise treatments for specific patients with VPD.

Methods: Three hundred eighty-six patients with VPD and various palatal anomalies were studied retrospectively. The control group included 126 healthy patients with normal speech.

Phonological Profile of Patients With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction and Palatal Anomalies.

Purpose: This purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and types of phonological process errors in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and the different types of palatal anomalies.

Method: A total of 808 nonsyndromic patients with VPD, who underwent follow-up at the Center for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies, from 2000 to 2016 were included. Patients were stratified into four age groups and five subphenotypes of palatal anomalies: cleft lip and palate (CLP), cleft palate (CP), submucous cleft palate (SMCP), occult submucous cleft palate (OSMCP), and non-CP.

Is there a correlation between skull base flexure and palatal anomalies in patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome and velopharyngeal dysfunction?

The study aimed at assessing the relationship between skull base morphology, represented by skull base and nasopharyngeal angles, and palatal anatomy among patients with 22q11DS and velopharyngeal dysfunction. Retrospective analysis of patients with 22q11DS and velopharyngeal dysfunction. Age, sex, severity of velopharyngeal dysfunction, type of cleft (overt cleft palate, submucous cleft palate, occult submucous cleft palate, or no-CP, and cephalometric skull base angles were reviewed.

Craniofacial structure variations in patients with palatal anomalies and velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Purpose: Cephalometric evaluation of craniofacial and craniopharyngeal morphology is important for understanding the factors affecting velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) in patients with palatal anomalies.

Materials And Methods: In this study, 366 patients with VPD were retrospectively stratified into cleft lip and palate (CLP), cleft palate (CP), submucous cleft palate (SMCP), occult submucous cleft palate (OSMCP), and non-CP groups. Lateral cephalometrics were used to assess craniofacial, craniopharyngeal, and velopharyngeal anatomy.

Association between prematurity and the evolution of psychotic disorders in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

In this study, we report the developmental, physical and psychiatric manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) in a large Israeli cohort, and search for a possible association between preterm birth and the risk for psychotic disorders.

Velopharyngeal anatomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea versus normal subjects.

Purpose: Obesity can cause disturbed breathing and is one of the most significant risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the anatomic basis of OSA and, specifically, the anatomic mechanisms leading from obesity to OSA are still unclear. We examined the anatomic features of the velopharynx in patients with OSA versus those without in correlation with the body mass index (BMI), age, history of snoring, and OSA severity and re-evaluated the contribution of adding a frontal view to the cephalometric analysis of patients with OSA.

The prevalence of platybasia in patients with velopharyngeal incompetence.

Objectives : To estimate the prevalence of platybasia in patients with velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) and its relation with palatal anomalies and syndromes. Design and Settings : Retrospective case analysis. Setting : A university-affiliated hospital.

Automatic cephalometric evaluation of patients suffering from sleep-disordered breathing.

We address the problem of automatically analyzing lateral cephalometric images as a diagnostic tool for patients suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). First, multiple landmarks and anatomical structures that were previously associated with SDB are localized. Then statistical regression is applied in order to estimate the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), which is the standard measure for the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Is isolated palatal anomaly an indication to screen for 22q11 region deletion?

Objective: Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is the most common multiple anomaly disorder associated with palatal clefting. Cytogenetic hemizygous deletion of 22q11 region is found in 80% of patients. The frequency of 22q11 deletion in patients presenting with isolated palatal anomalies has not been fully assessed.

Endoscopic partial adenoidectomy for children with submucous cleft palate.

Objective: Children with submucous cleft palate who suffer from chronic nasal obstruction because of hypertrophic adenoids usually are not subjected to adenoidectomy because of the fear of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency. These patients present a therapeutic challenge because we are aware more than ever of the importance of normal nasal breathing and nocturnal respiration, especially during childhood. Our hypothesis was that transnasal endoscopic horizontal limited adenoidectomy may relieve nasal obstruction while preserving the function of the velopharyngeal valve.