Biomedical subjects

Eyal Raveh

Publications and source records attributed to Eyal Raveh.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Endoscopic transnasal repair of choanal atresia.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with a new endoscopic technique for transnasal repair of choanal atresia. METHODS: Seventeen patients aged 2 months to 13 years with choanal atresia, bilateral in 6 and unilateral in 11, underwent endoscopic repair using a mucoperichondrial flap developed from the nasal septum. The bony stenosis was opened with a surgical curette or drill, and the raw surface was covered by the flap. All patients in these case series with bilateral atresia had been treated with dilatation at birth and had restenosis. RESULTS: A total of 23 choanae were operated. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 60 months. There was one case of complete restenosis and one of partial restenosis, for a success rate of 91%. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic repair of choanal atresia is a safe and rapid procedure even in very young children, with no complications and a high rate of success.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Adenoidectomy: long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term (3-5 years) success of adenoidectomy and reasons for unsatisfactory results. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The parents of all children who underwent adenoidectomy alone at a major tertiary center from 1998 to 2000 were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their child's well-being and symptomatology 3-5 years after surgery; some were invited for follow-up. Symptom improvement, persistent symptoms, and adenoid regrowth were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 206 parents who complied, 74%-87% reported improvement in all main symptoms: nasal obstruction, snoring, chronic rhinorrhea, hyponasal speech, and obstructive sleep disorder. At follow-up (n = 36), the symptomatic patients had significantly more anatomic nasal abnormalities (P = 0.01) and a higher rate of significant adenoid enlargement (P = 0.08), 3 patients (19%) vs none (0%). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Adenoidectomy alone is satisfactory treatment for nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea in selected children. Though some adenoid regrowth is not rare, clinically significant adenoid regrowth is infrequent. Persistent or recurrent symptoms are attributable mainly to nasal pathology.

Adenoidectomy↗

PubMed2006

Treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum with combined radiofrequency current and 900 nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum is a major challenge because of the persistent nature of the disease and the large variations in lesion size, depth, and anatomic location. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of electro-optical synergy, a new technology that combines a 900 nm diode laser with radiofrequency current, for the treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum. METHODS: Six patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV were treated for lymphangioma circumscriptum with 1 to 3 sessions of simultaneous radiofrequency energy (60-80 J/cm3) and optical diode laser energy (fluence 90-100 J/cm2). Lesion clearance was evaluated by three specialists on the basis of digital photographs taken before the first treatment and 1 and 2 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Results were rated as "excellent" in four patients and "good" in two patients. Transient swelling, erythema, and pain were present in all patients, and ulcers and scarring in two patients. CONCLUSION: The combination of laser light and radiofrequency energy is effective and relatively safe for the treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum. It provides additional heating of the blood vesicles without increasing the laser intensity and allows the clinician to treat the clear lymphatic component, which lacks a specific optical chromophore. Side effects are tolerable.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Multiple auditory steady-state responses in children and adults with normal hearing, sensorineural hearing loss, or auditory neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the clinical effectiveness of multiple auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) for the objective assessment of hearing thresholds in patients with and without hearing loss, candidates for cochlear implants, and children with auditory neuropathy. METHODS: The study sample included 29 subjects with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), 18 candidates for cochlear implants, 11 subjects with auditory neuropathy, and 18 subjects with normal hearing thresholds. Behavioral hearing thresholds and ASSRs to carrier frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were obtained. Special care was taken to minimize possible aliasing and high-intensity multiple stimulation effects. Differences and correlations between the ASSRs and the behavioral thresholds were determined. RESULTS: The ASSR estimation of behavioral thresholds in the normal-hearing group was elevated, whereas very close predictions were found for the SNHL group. The correlations between the two measures ranged from 0.86 at 0.5 kHz carrier frequency to 0.94 at 2 kHz. In the cochlear implant candidates and the auditory neuropathy group, the ASSR thresholds generally overestimated the behavioral audiogram. In these groups the number of detected ASSRs was higher than the number of behavioral responses, especially for the high-frequency carrier stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple ASSRs may reliably predict the behavioral threshold in subjects with SNHL and may serve as a valuable objective measure for assessing the hearing threshold across different frequencies in candidates for cochlear implants and children with auditory neuropathy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Acute mastoiditis and osteomyelitis of the temporal bone.

OBJECTIVE: Acute mastoiditis becomes clinically significant when infection spreads through the periosteum and induces periosteitis. This study describes an atypical complication of acute mastoiditis: osteomyelitis of the temporal bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample included all patients admitted for acute mastoiditis between September 2001 and December 2003 who had symptoms, signs and imaging findings of osteomyelitis of the temporal bone beyond the mastoid area. The files were reviewed for diagnosis, work-up, radiographic findings and treatment. RESULTS: The study group included 6 of the 120 patients treated for acute mastoiditis. In four children (66%), the diagnoses of acute otitis media and acute mastoiditis were made simultaneously at admission. Ear cultures yielded coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in three patients, Bacteroides in two, multiple organisms in two, S. pneumoniae in one, and no growth in two. Complications were suspected if there was a lack of improvement in symptoms and signs, or in cases of skin involvement over the temporal bone beyond the area of the mastoid in accordance with imaging findings. Computerized tomography demonstrated temporal bone absorption beyond the mastoid area (squama and/or petrous bones) in all children, suspected sinus vein thrombosis in two, and suspected epidural abscess in one. All children were treated with at least cortical mastoidectomy and insertion of ventilation tubes. Revision mastoidectomy was performed in three children in whom no improvement was noted and imaging suggested other complications. CONCLUSION: The present study describes an unusual complication of acute mastoiditis-osteomyelitis of the temporal bone beyond the mastoid framework. The disorder is characterized by a failure to respond both locally and systemically to accepted medical and surgical therapy, persistent fever and high levels of inflammatory markers, and computerized tomography findings of temporal bone destruction. Treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and at least cortical mastoidectomy. Prognosis is good.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

Facial palsy associated with acute otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: Facial palsy secondary to acute otitis media is rarely encountered today. The aim of the present study was to review the characteristics of the disease and propose the proper management. STUDY DESIGN: File review. Setting University-affiliated tertiary referral center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease course, management and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-five children with facial palsy were identified, of whom 13 (20%) had acute otitis media. The otitis media preceded the facial palsy in all cases by 1 to 21 days (average 5 days). House-Brackmann grade ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3.5). The recovery period was varied and unpredictable, ranging in duration from 1 to 180 days (average 68 days). Treatment was conservative, except for insertion of a ventilation tube in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that all the patients recovered, conservative treatment, including myringotomy and intravenous antibiotics, may be the correct approach to facial palsy associated with acute otitis media.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

Treatment of facial venous malformations with combined radiofrequency current and 900 nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatment of venous malformations is a major challenge because of the large variations in skin pigmentation, anatomic location, and vessel size and depth. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of electro-optical synergy, a new technology that combines the 900 nm diode laser with radiofrequency current for the treatment of facial venous malformation. METHODS: Fourteen patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV were treated for facial venous malformations with simultaneous radiofrequency energy (60-80 J/cm3) and optical diode laser energy (fluence 80-100 J/cm2) in one to three sessions. All lesions measured less than 100 cm2. Lesion clearance was evaluated by three specialists on the basis of digital photographs taken before the first treatment and 1 and 2 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Thirteen patients showed a complete response and one patient a partial response. The results were rated excellent in the 13 patients and good in one patient. Transient swelling, erythema, and pain were present in all patients, with permanent scarring in only one patient. CONCLUSION: The combination of laser light and radiofrequency energy is effective and safe for the treatment of facial venous malformations. It provides additional heating of the vessels without increasing laser intensity. The side effects are minimal.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Complications of mastoiditis in children at the onset of a new millennium.

The aim of the present study was to review our recent experience in the diagnosis and treatment of acute mastoiditis and its complications in a single tertiary-care, university-affiliated pediatric center. Ninety-eight children with 101 episodes of acute mastoiditis were included in the study. The mean interval from onset of illness to mastoiditis was 4.5 days. Ear cultures most often grew Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.7% each). Complications occurred in 15.8% of episodes. The only factor differentiating children with and without complications was white blood cell count. These findings indicate that acute mastoiditis not only is a complication of prolonged infection of the middle ear, but may also present as an acute infection of the mastoid bone that can progress within 48 hours. The complication rate remains high, and antibiotic treatment at the onset of symptoms does not prevent complications. A high white blood cell count on admission may serve as a predictive factor of complicated cases.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2004

Cotton-tip applicators as a leading cause of otitis externa.

OBJECTIVE: Otitis externa (OE), also known as "swimmer's ear", is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal. Many risk factors have been identified, mainly excessive moisture in the canal from swimming. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: To study the leading risk factors of otitis externa. Eighty-seven children aged 3.5-12 years (mean 68+/-6.5 months) who were diagnosed with otitis externa from December 1999 to March 2001 were studied for age, sex, cerumen cleaning habits, signs and symptoms. Findings were compared to an age-matched control group of 90 children without otitis externa. RESULTS: Sixty-one children (70.1%) in the study group had their ears cleaned with a cotton-tip applicator (Q-tip) during the 10 days preceding the diagnosis of otitis externa. In the control group, only 31 (34%) used applicators routinely during the 10 days prior to diagnosis (P<0.001). Other risk factors for otitis externa were swimming in a pool (34%), wax removal (5.8%) and ventilation tubes (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a cotton-tip applicator to clean the ear seems to be the leading cause of otitis externa in children and should be avoided.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2004

Familial thymic cyst.

Thymic cysts are rare lesions of the anterior mediastinum or neck. The majority are asymptomatic, and the remainder are associated mainly with symptoms of dysphagia or dyspnea. Diagnosis is difficult before surgery. Cervical thymic cysts are relatively rare; age at presentation ranges from the neonatal period to adulthood, and the most frequent presenting sign is a lateral neck mass. Mediastinal thymic cysts are more common and account for 1% of all mediastinal masses. They tend to occur in the older age group and are usually detected incidentally on chest X-ray film or computed tomography scans. Dysphagia and dyspnea are the main symptoms. We describe two brothers, aged 5 and 8 years, with mediastinal thymic cysts that presented as low cervical masses and review the embryology, diagnosis and management of thymic cysts.

Child↗

PubMed2004

Prothrombotic factors in children with otitis media and sinus thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Venous sinus thrombosis (VST) is the second most common intracranial complication of acute otitis media (AOM). There is some evidence that hereditary and acquired prothrombotic disorders are risk factors for VST. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether children with AOM complicated VST have a prothrombotic tendency, which might have important therapeutic and preventive implications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: The files of children hospitalized at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, a tertiary referral center, from 1999 to 2002, because of AOM complicated by acute mastoiditis and VST were reviewed. All children underwent laboratory work-up for hypercoagulability. RESULTS: Seven children met the study criteria. Of these, five had prothrombotic disorders, namely elevated levels of lipoprotein apolipoprotein (Lp[a]) (n = 4), antibodies to beta 2-glycoprotein and to cardiolipin (markers of antiphospholipid syndrome) (n = 4), and heterozygosity for factor V Leiden mutation (n = 1). One child had three abnormalities, two children had two abnormalities, and two children had one abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: A prothrombotic tendency may exist in children with AOM complicated by mastoiditis and VST. Further studies are needed to evaluate its extent.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2004

Paediatric cerebral sinus vein thrombosis. A multi-center, case-controlled study.

The etiology and pathophysiology of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) in the paediatric population is still poorly understood, and the role of thrombophilic risk factors remains to be elucidated. In our multi-center case-controlled study we studied 46 patients with CSVT diagnosed from April 1996 to December 2003, consecutively referred for thrombophilia work-up. The results of thrombophilia screen were compared to 112 healthy paediatric controls. Anticoagulant therapy was applied according to treating physicians' decisions, and all cases were prospectively followed for a median of 4.1 years. Of 46 children, 8 had CSVT diagnosed in the neonatal period and therefore were analyzed separately. The prevalence of single thrombophilia markers and combinations of thrombophilic risk factors were similar among cases and controls. Among children with CSVT co-morbid systemic illness was present in most patients at diagnosis. Seven out of 8 children with idiopathic CSVT had thrombophilic risk factors as compared to 31/38 patients with co-morbid conditions. Anticoagulation was initiated in most patients, 11/46 patients continued therapy for a total of one year or more post event. Neither clinical presentation nor initial treatment decisions were affected by presence of thrombophilic risk factors in our study group. Thrombophilia prevalence was not increased in children with CSVT as compared to controls, however thrombophilia was more frequent among children with idiopathic CSVT. Thus, those selected patients would benefit most from thrombophilia work-up, required for long-term therapy considerations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Congenital conductive hearing loss.

Congenital conductive hearing loss due to ossicular deformities can be treated by either rehabilitation with a hearing aid or surgical reconstruction. We present the results of exploratory tympanotomy performed in a large paediatric otolaryngology centre in 67 patients with non-serous congenital conductive hearing loss. Forty-two children had malformation of one or more ossicles without fixation of the stapes, and 19 had fixed stapes. In 26 cases, the surgeon decided not to perform surgical correction. Seven operated patients were lost to follow-up. As a group, 47 per cent of the patients who underwent reconstruction showed no significant benefit from surgery, with post-operative air-bone gaps (ABG) greater than 30 dB. Assessment of the results by pathology showed that 64 per cent of the patients with mobile stapes had an air-bone gap within 30 dB compared to only 33 per cent of the patients with fixed stapes. One patient sustained severe sensorineural loss after the procedure. Considering that exploratory tympanotomy is a relatively minimal, benign procedure but that findings during exploration may exclude the option of reconstruction (in 39 per cent of our patients), we suggest exploring the ear, but in a more realistic, informed way.

Adolescent↗