This study aimed to investigate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in patients presenting with only sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHNL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study included five male patients who presented with the sole complaint of unilateral SSNHL to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic between 03-12 April 2020. The patients were referred to the infectious diseases clinic to be evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Results: RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in one of the patients and negative in the other four patients. A positive response to COVID-19-specific treatment in the SARS-CoV-2 positive SSNHL patient was noted. Conclusion: It should be remembered that non-specific symptoms such as SSNHL could be the only sign with which to recognize a COVID-19 case. Awareness of such a non-specific presentation of COVID-19 patients is crucial during this pandemic period for preventing infectious spread through isolation and early initiation of COVID-19 targeted treatment.
Objective. We retrospectively investigated whether there is a relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma and studied the effect of HT on prognostic factors. Methods. 1080 patients, who underwent thyroidectomy in our hospital and received a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, were included in the study. In histopathological specimens, the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma was reconfirmed and non-neoplastic areas in the same specimen were evaluated in terms of HT. Results. HT was detected in non-neoplastic areas of specimens in 36.1% (n = 390) of 1080 patients with a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma whereas HT was not observed in 63.9% (n = 690). There was a significant positive correlation between presence of HT and multifocal location (p < 0.05, χ2 = 38.5). There was no significant relationship between extrathyroidal tissue invasion and HT (p > 0.05).
Conclusion.We assume that patients with HT developing papillary thyroid carcinoma have an increased risk of having multifocal tumour, and thus surgical intervention should be tailored according to this risk.
Tympanoplasty is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology clinics. 1 Since its introduction in 1950 by Zoellner and Wullstein, several graft materials have been used 2,3 and one of the most frequently used grafts is temporalis muscle fascia. 4 It has been used since 1960 because of its availability and ideal handling characteristics. However, shape stabilisation is difficult due to its poor resistance and irregular elastic fibres and connective tissue. Therefore, the use of more resistant and stable graft materials may be beneficial, especially in problematic cases. Cartilage graft has become widespread especially in the last ten years after Goodhill 5 proposed to use it. Cartilage has a more stable structure as it keeps its shape for a long time and it is more resistive to infections as well. Thus, it is preferred in situations such as total membrane perforation, revision surgery, or retraction. However, the thicker and harder structure of the cartilage brought arguments about auditory gain. The auditory gains and graft success in the cases using cartilage or fascia graft were studied in the early and mid-term results, and it was reported that the graft materials were similar in both subjects. 6,7 However, the data after the long follow-up period should be evaluated in order to discuss the permanent result. In this study, the longterm graft success and hearing results of patients who underwent primary type 1 tympanoplasty using cartilage or temporal muscle fascia performed by the same surgeon are evaluated.
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