No abstract

Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the agreement between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice computed tomography for the characterization of extremity fractures and to compare image quality, radiation dose, and patient tolerance. Methods Thirty-six patients with suspected fracture affecting distal extremities or who required preoperative fracture assessment were enrolled prospectively. Each patient underwent CBCT and multislice computed tomography the same day. Both examinations were evaluated independently twice by 2 trained radiologists using the Müller AO classification for fracture characterization. Results Cohen κ coefficient for agreement between the imaging techniques was almost perfect for fracture characterization, κ = 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.98]. There was substantial to almost perfect agreement for secondary findings. Cone-beam computed tomography was well tolerated and significantly less irradiant and had better subjective image. Conclusions An excellent agreement between both imaging techniques was found. This confirms the ability of CBCT to assess fractures and its potential in the management of patients with distal limb trauma.

We report here three unusual cases of otomastoiditis due to Francisella tularensis, complicated by cervical abscesses and persistent hearing loss, plus facial paralysis for one patient. Intriguingly, the three patients had practiced canyoneering independently in the same French river, between 2009 and 2014, several days before clinical symptoms onset. The results point out that fresh water exposure may be a potential contamination route for tularemia. Besides, due to the frequent complications and sequelae, we believe that F. tularensis should be considered as a possible etiology in case of otitis media, failure of the conventional antibiotic treatment, and suspicious exposure of the bacteria.

Patients presenting superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) can experience symptoms such as conductive hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, autophony, and pressure-induced vertigo. Decreased cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) thresholds and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the petrous bone are essential for diagnosis of SSCD syndrome. We report the case of a 43-year-old man suffering from constant right pulsatile tinnitus, intermittent autophony, and unsteadiness induced by physical exercise. An SSCD by the superior petrosal sinus (SPS) was confirmed on the right side by axial HRCT of the temporal bone reformatted in the plane of Pöschl and ipsilateral abnormally low elicited cVEMPs. Treatment options were discussed with the patient since the pulsatile tinnitus progressively became debilitating. Two options were considered: surgery or a new endovascular treatment; the patient chose the latter option. After stenting the right SPS, the intensity of the pulsatile tinnitus dramatically decreased. As there was no complication the patient was discharged at Day 1. The other symptoms improved progressively. By the 60-day follow-up visit the patient only reported a slight tinnitus worsened by physical exercise. Angiographic follow-up at 5 months confirmed the patency of the SPS. Stenting the SPS in patients with SSCD by the SPS appears to be an alternative to the existing surgical treatments.