The Körner's septum (KS), persistent petrosquamosal lamina, is a bony lamina (developmental remnant) that extends from the articular fossa to the mastoid apex, above the middle ear, and runs inferiorly and laterally to the facial nerve canal. The petrous and squamous bones meet at this septum. The anatomical structure of KS, which most frequently occurs at the level of the head of the malleus and/or the anterior semicircular canal, is described in depth in this work. The embryological elements of the temporal bone development that result in the formation of KS are taken into consideration. Clinically KS is considered an important anatomical variation, in the development of chronic diseases of the ear like chronic otitis media, especially attic retraction pockets, and cholesteatoma as it can contribute to attic blockage. Also, studies have found a significant association between tympanosclerosis and KS. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and cone-beam computed tomography are the two imaging methods most commonly used to identify KS. It is observed that KS was associated with an increased risk for chronic otitis media, and residual cholesteatoma. The purpose of this review article is to provide a general overview of the KS and its clinical implication, as well as to summarize and discuss the latest clinical data regarding this entity.

Introduction: Vertigo/dizziness is defined as disturbed postural awareness and could range from a feeling of sensation of spinning of self or surrounding. Dizziness or disturbed postural awareness is a common presentation in varying age groups. Vertigo has varied clinical presentations. Classically, there are four vertigo syndromes: vertigo, imbalance/disequilibrium, presyncope/lightheadedness, and psychogenic dizziness. The present study was conducted to examine the various etiologies involved in these syndromes and to help unmask the overlaps between them. This study also aimed to further classify the etiologies underlying these vertigo syndromes and overlaps into peripheral or vestibular, central, and non-vestibular. This would help develop a comprehensive management protocol for vertigo of any origin.Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was undertaken in a rural hospital in Central India. We studied patients with giddiness and categorized them into vertigo syndromes according to the site of origin of vertigo. We also compared overlaps in the presentation of vertigo.Results: Out of the 80 patients that were studied, vertigo with disequilibrium was observed in 72.50% of the patients. Non-vestibular vertigo of cervicogenic origin was the common cause of vertigo seen in 36.25% of the patients occurring alone or in association with vestibular vertigo. Among patients with overlaps, vestibular vertigo with non-vestibular vertigo was the most common etiology observed in 89.65% of the patients with overlaps. Conclusion:The syndrome of "vertigo with disequilibrium" was the commonest presentation in the patients studied, followed by "vertigo syndrome" as an isolated symptom, not associated with "disequilibrium." Ours is probably the first study to report this observation of overlaps of two syndromes, with diagnostic implications.

The second branchial cleft cyst (BCC) is the most common type of BCC. Bailey proposed a classification of the second BCC into four types, among which a Bailey type II cyst is the most common presenting lateral to the carotid space. A Bailey type III cyst, which extends between internal and external carotid arteries is an extremely rare occurrence. Complete surgical excision is the treatment modality of choice for branchial cysts and this warrants thorough imaging to see the detailed extent of the cyst. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging, both aid in diagnosis. Here we report a rare case of Type III second BCC, which presented with dysphagia, along with an elaboration of findings on imaging and treatment details.

Background Active squamous chronic otitis media (COM) is an entity with a deep retraction pocket of the pars tensa or flaccida that has retained debris of squamous epithelial where the fundus cannot be visualized involving the pars flaccida or pars tensa, associated with cholesteatoma. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a known etiological factor for squamous COM, based on Wittmack’s theory; however, there are very few recent studies in this regard. Contracted mastoid pneumatisation (diploic or primary sclerosis) and presence of Korner’s septum have also been implicated to be associated with middle ear pathology, with conflicting results. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the association of three important factors, namely eustachian tube dysfunction, type of mastoid pneumatisation, and Korner’s septum related to mastoid buffer and middle ear ventilation in etiopathogenesis of active squamous chronic otitis media. The study also attempted to identify various conditions of nose and nasopharynx associated with ETD. This would enable us in appropriate surgical decision making with long term benefits in term of hearing and disease outcomes. Results Out of the total 37 patients, with active squamous chronic otitis media, it was observed that Eustachian tube dysfunction was found to be associated with 23 (62.16%). The majority of patients had a diploic/primary sclerosed mastoid pneumatization pattern which is 32 (86.48%) of patients. Korner’s septum was found to be associated with 13 (35.13%) patients of the total 37 patients with active squamous chronic otitis media. All these findings were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion In this study, we found that there was a statistically significant positive association of all etiological factors namely Eustachian tube dysfunction, contracted mastoid (diploic/primary sclerotic mastoid), and the presence of Korner’s septum with causation of active squamous otitis media. Out of these factors, occurrence of diploic mastoid seemed to be the most constant association. Eustachian tube dysfunction of mechanical type, associated with various nasal pathologies, most common was, deviated nasal septum.

Schwannomas are benign neurogenic tumours, arising from Schwann cells in the nerve. These tumours are a rare occurrence; 25% are reported in the head and neck region in adults, are rare in the paediatric population, and have a male preponderance. Radiologic investigations can assist in the diagnosis, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We report a case of suprasternal schwannoma, which is a rare site of occurrence in the neck, in a 14-year-old male child. Complete resection of the tumour was performed. The patient was free of recurrence with no symptoms at six-month follow-up.