Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: a report of two cases.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a benign but locally destructive disease that originates in the synovial membranes of the joints. It is a proliferative disorder of unknown etiology, and it is usually monarthric. Approximately 80% of cases involve the knee; the hip, ankle, foot, hand, elbow, and shoulder account for most other cases.

Effects of nitric oxide on morphology of isolated cochlear outer hair cells: possible involvement in sensorineural hearing loss.

Hypothesis: One of the inflammatory mediators of otitis media, nitric oxide, can damage cochlear outer hair cells.

Background: Free radicals, including nitric oxide, have been detected in middle ear effusion. Increasing evidence implicates free radicals in the pathogenesis of otitis media and possibly in the development of sensorineural hearing loss.