Auris Nasus Larynx最新文献

{"title":"Comments on “Physical therapy for peripheral facial palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis”","authors":"Run-cheng Wang , Li-hua Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Page 161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145589672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional equity and declining laryngeal surgery in Japan: A nationwide claims-based analysis from 2014 to 2022","authors":"Masamitsu Kido ,&nbsp;Takahiro Tsujikawa ,&nbsp;Kengo Yoshii ,&nbsp;Shigeyuki Mukudai ,&nbsp;Shinya Fuse ,&nbsp;Katsutoshi Shoda ,&nbsp;Shigeru Hirano","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The epidemiology of major otolaryngological surgeries in Japan remains unclear. This study investigated the national trends in three representative procedures, with a particular focus on laryngeal surgery, by analyzing demographic patterns and regional disparities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We performed a nationwide analysis using Japan’s National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups between 2014 and 2022. Three representative otolaryngological procedures–laryngeal surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and tympanoplasty–were selected based on their relevance to board certification requirements for otolaryngology specialists. The data were stratified by age, sex, and prefecture, and annual surgery counts as well as rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated. Trends over time were assessed using the Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test and Poisson regression models to estimate the annual risk ratios (RRs). Regional disparities in surgery counts and distribution of board-certified otorhinolaryngologists were evaluated using the Gini coefficient.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Age-adjusted rates of laryngeal surgery declined significantly over time among males, females, and the overall population (risk ratio [RR] = 0.924, 0.908, and 0.919, respectively; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0167). Tympanoplasty showed a smaller but significant decline, while the trends for endoscopic sinus surgery were minimal. Subgroup analyses indicated significant annual decreases among individuals aged 20–89 years, who comprised the majority of laryngeal surgery cases for males, females, and both sexes combined (RR range: 0.875–0.957; all <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0009). The Gini coefficients for all three procedures and the distribution of board-certified otorhinolaryngologists remained below 0.22, indicating low to moderate regional inequality.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This nationwide analysis identified distinct demographic trends and modest regional disparities in otolaryngological surgical care in Japan. The consistent decline in laryngeal surgery across major demographic groups suggests a systemic shift in clinical practice, rather than an isolated reduction in disease incidence. These findings highlight the importance of continued support from academic societies and coordinated policy efforts to maintain equitable access to surgical care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 41-49"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surgical outcome of primary hyperparathyroidism and factors correlated with preoperative serum iPTH concentration","authors":"Akiko Uchida ,&nbsp;Takeshi Igarashi ,&nbsp;Miki Nozawa,&nbsp;Tomohiko Yamauchi,&nbsp;Kota Matsuyama,&nbsp;Ryutaro Onaga,&nbsp;Mari Dias Shimada,&nbsp;Takahiro Fukuhara,&nbsp;Hiroshi Nishino,&nbsp;Makoto Ito,&nbsp;Takeharu Kanazawa","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We aimed to evaluate whether early surgical intervention remains the optimal treatment strategy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), in light of recent advances in conservative management, by assessing surgical outcomes and examining the clinicopathological factors associated with preoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 80 patients (19 men and 61 women; mean age, 56.8 years) who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT between 2014 and 2023. Clinical subtypes were classified as renal, biochemical, or skeletal. Collected data included preoperative and postoperative serum calcium and iPTH levels, imaging findings from ultrasonography and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy, pathological diagnoses, and immunohistochemical expression of Cyclin D1 and Ki-67.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Renal-type PHPT was the most common subtype (52.5%), followed by biochemical (26.3%) and skeletal (21.2%) types. Parathyroid adenomas accounted for the majority of pathological diagnoses (79.6%). The concordance rate for gland localization using combined ultrasonography and MIBI scintigraphy was 72.1%. Surgery led to significant reductions in serum calcium (from 11.1 to 9.1 mg/dL) and iPTH levels (from 201.8 to 37.5 pg/mL). Tumor size was positively correlated with preoperative iPTH levels, whereas Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 expression were not.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Parathyroidectomy yields favorable biochemical outcomes in patients with PHPT and remains the most effective strategy for preventing disease progression. Tumor size was the only factor associated with elevated preoperative iPTH levels. Persistent postoperative iPTH elevation in some patients underscores the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, particularly before irreversible systemic complications arise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 35-40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Removal of submandibular hilar stones using a sialendoscope and a high-definition endoscope: Our experience and outcomes","authors":"Takahiro Suzuki,&nbsp;Teruyuki Sato,&nbsp;Yutaka Tateda,&nbsp;Nobuo Ohta","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive approach that enables better visualisation of the salivary ductal system, as well as treatment of salivary stones. A high-definition endoscope (HDE) is excellent for observing deep areas of the oral cavity. We have used these two types of endoscopes for the treatment of submandibular hilar stones. The aim of this study was to review the treatment outcomes of sialendoscopy with/without an HDE for submandibular hilar stones in our patient population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective review of 74 cases of submandibular hilar stones that were treated at our hospital. The following factors were investigated in these cases: age, gender, stone size, removal method, success rates, postoperative complications, and rate of improvement in symptoms postoperatively. Regarding the removal method, stone retrieval via the Wharton's duct using the sialendoscope was classified as sialendoscopy alone, while endoscopic stone removal using a transoral approach with the assistance of the sialendoscope was classified as the combined approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Median patient age was 35.5 years. There were 30 males and 44 females. Stone size ranged from 1 to 18 mm, with a median size of 6 mm. The stones were successfully removed transorally in 71 (96 %) of the 74 patients. Stone retrieval was performed by sialendoscopy alone in 10 cases, while a combined approach was required in the remaining 61 cases. Of these 61 cases, the stone location could be identified under a magnified view with HDE in 46 cases. In the remaining 15 cases, the stone location was identified by the simultaneous use of a sialendoscope and HDE. Regarding postoperative complications, ranula, transient lingual nerve paralysis and neck abscess were observed in three (4 %), two (2.7 %) and one (1.3 %) patient, respectively. In terms of the rate of symptom improvement, 67 of the 71 cases (94 %) in whom transoral stone removal was successful showed complete resolution of symptoms, while four cases (6 %) exhibited mild symptoms of obstruction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sialendoscopy is an effective method for removing submandibular hilar stones, with a low incidence of postoperative complications. Using an HDE during transoral surgery enhances its efficacy by aiding precise localisation of the stone, facilitating its removal and detecting residual fragments or stones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 146-151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Authors’ reply: Comments on “Physical therapy for peripheral facial palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis”","authors":"Haruki Nakano ,&nbsp;Takashi Fujiwara ,&nbsp;Yasushi Tsujimoto ,&nbsp;Naohito Morishima ,&nbsp;Takashi Kasahara ,&nbsp;Misato Ameya ,&nbsp;Keita Tachibana ,&nbsp;Shota Sanada ,&nbsp;Saori Toufukuji ,&nbsp;Naohito Hato","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 162-163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of self-reported olfactory dysfunction in Japan: Findings from a nationwide web-based cross-sectional survey","authors":"Jun Suzuki ,&nbsp;Yuta Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Yoshihisa Fujino ,&nbsp;Takahiro Tabuchi ,&nbsp;Yukio Katori","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Olfactory dysfunction (OD) compromises safety and well-being in humans; however, large-scale Japanese data are lacking. We quantified the prevalence of subjective chronic OD (self-reported olfactory impairment persisting ≥3 months), identified associated health and occupational factors, and evaluated determinants for severity using data from a nationwide web-based survey in Japan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed data from the Japan coronavirus disease 2019 and Society Internet Survey 2023, a stratified, nationwide, cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling residents in Japan. From the initial 33,000 participants, we used the data of 25,569 participants (12,323 men, 13,246 women), after excluding those with implausible responses and missing data, to calculate prevalence. Inverse probability weighting was used to align the sample with the 2019 National Living Conditions Survey. Group differences concerning the presence and severity of OD were tested with χ² or Wilcoxon tests after excluding participants with additional missing data; independent associations were examined using weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The weighted prevalence for chronic subjective OD was 1.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.4); age-specific rates ranged from 0.6 % (40–49 years) to 2.1 % (60–69 years). Independent OD correlates included the factors current smoking (odds ratio [OR] 2.09, <em>p</em> = 0.016), homeworking (OR 2.75, <em>p</em> = 0.004), somatic symptoms (Somatic Symptom Scale-8 score ≥ 12; OR 2.66, <em>p</em> = 0.009), dysgeusia (OR 193.2, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), current hypertension (OR 3.69, <em>p</em> = 0.005), current bronchial asthma (OR 6.09, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), current allergic rhinitis (OR 1.97, <em>p</em> = 0.012), and moderate-severe presenteeism (Work Functioning Impairment Scale score ≥ 21; OR 3.04, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.020). Being a woman was associated with lower OD severity (OR 0.34, <em>p</em> = 0.035, for moderate-severe vs mild), whereas having ≥ 1 day of sick absences in the previous month was associated with higher OD severity (OR 3.17, <em>p</em> = 0.044).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Subjective OD prevalence in Japan was 1.3 %. Presenteeism was associated with OD and absenteeism was associated with moderate-severe OD. Further studies on the relationship between OD and work productivity are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 61-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thyroid cancer with internal jugular vein tumor embolism and skull base invasion causing polyneuropathy","authors":"Hiroki Matsushita ,&nbsp;Gaku Omura ,&nbsp;Sumiyo Saburi ,&nbsp;Takahiro Tsujikawa ,&nbsp;Shigeru Hirano","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We report a rare case of thyroid cancer with tumor embolism of the internal jugular vein (IJV) that progressed cranially into the skull base and caused multiple cranial neuropathies. An 80-year-old woman presented with a progressively enlarging right cervical mass, which had been neglected for 10 years. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic cervical lesion with a tumor embolism within the IJV extending to the jugular foramen and hypoglossal and facial canals. Fine-needle aspiration cytology yielded inconclusive results on two occasions, likely because of cystic degeneration. The patient developed facial paralysis, tongue deviation, and vocal cord paralysis. Biopsy confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma with poorly differentiated areas. The patient elected the best supportive care and passed away four months after diagnosis. Cranial progression was likely facilitated by venous stasis due to an intraluminal tumor thrombus combined with the biological aggressiveness of dedifferentiation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of thyroid cancer with retrograde IJV tumor embolism that led to skull base invasion and jugular foramen syndrome. This case highlights the variability in thyroid cancer extension patterns, which can occasionally result in highly atypical and clinically significant manifestations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 76-79"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validity and reliability of Bahasa Malaysia eating assessment tool (mEAT-10): A good screening tool for safe swallowing","authors":"Jia Ji Ng ,&nbsp;Hui Yan Ong ,&nbsp;Ziyad Al Harrasi ,&nbsp;Nik Fariza Husna Nik Hassan ,&nbsp;Sherin Sokmun ,&nbsp;Farah Liana Lokman ,&nbsp;Nadhirah Mohd Shakri ,&nbsp;Mawaddah Azman ,&nbsp;Mohd Razif Mohamad Yunus ,&nbsp;Marina Mat Baki","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (mEAT-10) and determine the cutoff point for abnormal swallowing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective convenience sampling study was conducted at a tertiary center between December 2019 and May 2022. The mEAT-10 was produced following rigorous forward and backward translations. One hundred and thirty-eight participants, including 70 healthy volunteers and 68 patients with dysphagia, were recruited to complete the test–retest mEAT-10 assessment and the 3-ounce water test. The mEAT-10 was repeated within four weeks via telephone interviews or clinic visits. Patients in the dysphagia group underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). The FEES results were evaluated independently by four different raters to determine the reliability of the penetration-aspiration score (PAS) scoring, which categorizes them into safe and unsafe swallowing for data analysis. Internal consistency and test–retest agreement were assessed using Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mEAT-10 comparison between the normal and dysphagia groups was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The association between PAS and mEAT-10, gag reflex,3-ounce water test and the other risk factors were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher exact test, with univariable and multivariable logistic regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mEAT-10 test–retest showed a Cronbach alpha of &gt;0.90 and an ICC of &gt;0.85. The mEAT-10 cutoff score indicating abnormal swallowing is seven, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.82 and 0.54, respectively. In univariable analysis, higher mEAT-10 scores (≥7), absence of gag reflex, and failure of the 3-ounce water test were all significantly associated with unsafe swallowing (PAS ≥3). In multivariable logistic regression, however, failure of the 3-ounce water test was the only independent predictor of unsafe swallowing (PAS ≥3; adjusted odds ratio 4.24, 95% confidence interval 1.53–11.77; p=0.006).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>mEAT-10 is a reliable tool for screening and assessing patients with dysphagia. A cutoff score of 7 or more indicates abnormal swallowing and maybe associated with unsafe swallowing (PAS ≥3).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 91-98"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145866647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Three-dimensional analysis of vocal fold nodules in operatic soprano singers undergoing microlaryngeal surgery: Differences according to voice type subcategories (Lyric vs. Dramatic)","authors":"Nobuaki Honda ,&nbsp;Yusuke Watanabe ,&nbsp;Daigo Komazawa ,&nbsp;Mayu Hirosaki ,&nbsp;Michihiko Sone","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Vocal demands in opera singers vary not only by vocal range but also by voice type subcategories (e.g., lyric vs. dramatic), which shapes technique and repertoire. Despite this, little is known about how these voice subcategories influence vocal fold pathology. To address this gap, we investigate the three-dimensional characteristics of vocal fold nodules in professional soprano opera singers and to clarify morphological differences based on voice type subcategories (lyric vs. dramatic).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study included 19 professional soprano singers who underwent microlaryngeal surgery for bilateral vocal fold nodules between January 2018 and May 2023. Voice type subcategories, based on self-reported repertoire, was categorized as either lyric or dramatic. Nodules were classified as edematous or fibrous. Vertical location, estimated area, estimated contact area, and estimated volume of the nodules were calculated using intraoperative measurements and surgical video review. Statistical comparisons were performed between the lyric and dramatic groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 38 nodules were analyzed: 26 from lyric sopranos and 12 from dramatic sopranos. Lyric sopranos predominantly exhibited edematous nodules (24/26), while dramatic sopranos had a higher proportion of fibrous nodules (6/12). In both groups, nodules were more frequently located in the upper part of the vocal folds. Lyric sopranos showed significantly greater width, estimated area, estimated contact area, and estimated volume of vocal fold nodules compared to dramatic sopranos.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Voice-type subcategories may influence the morphological characteristics of vocal fold nodules in professional soprano singers. Lyric sopranos tend to develop larger, edematous nodules, likely due to repetitive high-frequency phonation, while dramatic sopranos are more prone to smaller, fibrotic nodules, potentially resulting from greater horizontal mechanical stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 99-106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of ear structures on fetal MRI: A comparative analysis at 1.5-T and 3-T","authors":"Said Sonmez ,&nbsp;Omer Orak ,&nbsp;Sumeyye Guzeloglu Orak ,&nbsp;Edanur Karapinar ,&nbsp;Mehmet Barburoglu ,&nbsp;Tugba Sarac Sivrikoz ,&nbsp;Tuğba Kalaycı ,&nbsp;Umit Tuzun ,&nbsp;Mehmet Celik ,&nbsp;Beldan Polat ,&nbsp;Yahya Guldiken ,&nbsp;Derya Umit Talas ,&nbsp;Kadir Serkan Orhan","doi":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anl.2025.12.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To compare the visualization of fetal ear structures on 1.5-Tesla (T) and 3-T fetal MRI (feMRI) using a staging system, and to measure cochlear height (CH) at 3-T.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between 2009–2024, 147 feMRI examinations were retrospectively evaluated; after excluding 25 suboptimal scans, 122 studies were analyzed (1.5-<em>T</em> = 80; 3-<em>T</em> = 42). The cochlea, vestibule–semicircular canals (V-SCC), middle ear–ossicular chain (ME-OC), and external auditory canal (EAC) were systematically staged by a blinded neuroradiologist. CH was measured on 3-T. Categorical and group comparisons, correlation and ROC analysis were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mean gestational week (GW) was 29.1 ± 3.7 weeks with no between-group difference (<em>p</em> = 0.101). Staging scores were higher at 3-T for the cochlea and V-SCC (both <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and for ME-OC (<em>p</em> = 0.019), with no difference for EAC (<em>p</em> = 0.317). At 3-T, cochlear turns were identifiable in 83.3%, the lateral semicircular canal in 61.9%, and ossicles in 73.8%; at least one EAC was visualized in 71.4%. GW correlated with V-SCC (rₛ=0.220, <em>p</em> = 0.015) and EAC (rₛ=0.330, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). ROC analysis identified 29.5 GW as the optimal cutoff for EAC visualization (AUC=0.718; 95% CI, 0.626–0.809; sensitivity, 57.3%; specificity, 75.0%; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). At 3-T, CH averaged 5.17 ± 0.53 mm and showed no correlation with GW (<em>r</em> = 0.041, <em>p</em> = 0.794).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Compared with 1.5-T, 3-T feMRI provides superior visualization of inner and middle ear structures, with similar EAC performance. In suspected anomalies, a focused ear assessment within feMRI improves prenatal ear evaluation, alongside ultrasonography.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55627,"journal":{"name":"Auris Nasus Larynx","volume":"53 1","pages":"Pages 137-145"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145945684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}