[Myringoplasty with Autologous Mucosa-graft].

In tympanoplasty fascia of the temporal muscle, perichondrium and cartilage of the tragus are most commonly used as a transplant for covering tympanic membrane defects. In this study the autors investigated the use of autologous nasal mucosa as a transplant for covering small and middle sized tympanic membrane defects. The authors treated 12 patients between 5 and 75 years of age with an endomeatal tympanoplasty technique using autologous nasal mucosa as a transplant.

Canalolithiasis of the superior semicircular canal: an anomaly in benign paroxysmal vertigo.

According to the canalolithiasis theory, benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) is caused by gravity-dependent movements of otoconial debris that collects in the endolymph of the posterior semicircular canal. Other parts of the vestibular organ are rarely affected, and it is mainly the horizontal canal that is affected by this atypical form of BPPV. Canalolithiasis of the superior semicircular canal must be considered an anomaly because the superior semicircular canal is the highest point of the vestibular organ and debris normally cannot collect in this special location.

[Intractable and atypical benign paroxysmal vertigo. Pathological results of high-resolution three-dimensional MR-tomography of the vestibular organ].

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent vestibular disorder and a most common cause of dizziness and vertigo. The modern canalolithiasis theory postulates the existence of free-floating dense otolithic particles in the endolymph of the posterior semicircular canal. The symptoms were exactly described by Dix and Hallpike; BPPV is normally a self-limited disease with spontaneous recovery.

High-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of the vestibular labyrinth in patients with atypical and intractable benign positional vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a most common cause of dizziness and usually a self-limited disease, although a small percentage of patients suffer from a permanent form and do not respond to any treatment. This persistent form of BPPV is thought to have a different underlying pathophysiology than the generally accepted canalolithiasis theory. We investigated 5 patients who did not respond to physical treatment, presented with an atypical concomitant nystagmus or both with high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: does application of glucocorticoids make sense?

Background: Treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) consists of administration of blood flow-promoting drugs with or without the addition of glucocorticoids. General guidelines based on scientific data do not currently exist.

Objective: To investigate the effect of glucocorticoids on the treatment of SSNHL.