Practical Recommendation of COVID-19 for Otorhinolaryngologists

Otorhinolaryngologic symptoms such as cough, rhinorrhea, anosmia, ageusia, and fever can precede development of COVID-19. Otolaryngologists are vulnerable to potential COVID-19 infection because early cases of COVID-19 have been asymptomatic or show mild manifestations. Otolaryngologists should wear adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) according as location or situation. PPE includes medical masks, goggles, and fluid-resistant gown and gloves. Authors provide clinical recommendations based on PPE for otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we reviewed the literature related to clinical guidelines of foreign otorhinolaryngology societies with regard to COVID-19.

Chondrosarcoma of the Nasal Septum / 대한이비인후과학회지

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum is a very rare malignant tumor in the head and neck region. To diagnose chondrosarcoma, it is challenging to obtain an exact initial impression just by simple physical examination. Therefore, imaging studies are useful in the initial assessment of chondrosarcoma. Pathological confirmation is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. In the treatment of chondrosarcoma, complete surgical resection is most effective, but often difficult. We report a patient with chondrosarcoma misdiagnosed with nasal septal deviation causing nasal obstruction. The patient underwent endoscopic surgical resection via an external rhinoplasty approach. The pathological diagnosis of the patient was chondrosarcoma with pathological Grade 1. The patient has been regularly followed up to date without recurrence.

A Case of Spindle Cell Lipoma on Nasal Dorsum of Nose / 대한이비인후과학회지

Spindle cell lipoma is a benign, lipomatous tumor arising most frequently in the subcutaneous on the back of the neck and shoulders in males aged in the third through seventh decade of life. However, we encountered a case of an unusual spindle cell lipoma arising in the subcutaneous and skin layer in the dorsum of nose. A total of two reports of spindle cell lipoma have been found in the nasal and nasal dorsum regions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of spindle cell lipoma in the nasal dorsum.

Alar Rim Deformities in Korean Primary Rhinoplasty Patients

Background and Objectives@#The alar-columellar relationship plays an important role in the esthetic balance of the nose. We analyzed alar rim deformities and aesthetic concerns and expectations among patients by deformity type in Korean primary rhinoplasty patients. @*Materials and Methods@#Retrospective photographic analysis was done on 336 patients planning to undergo primary rhinoplasty at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong. We categorized their alar rim deformities as normal, hanging columella, retracted columella, hanging ala, retracted ala, convex ala, concave ala, thick ala, and a combination of the above. Patients’ aesthetic concerns and expectations about their nose were analyzed by preoperative questionnaire. @*Results@#Of the enrolled patients, 38 (11.3%) had no alar rim deformities, and the other 298 patients (88.7%) had one or more deformities. The most prevalent alar rim deformity was hanging ala (59.2%), followed by convex ala (53.3%) and thick ala (32.1%). Male patients were more likely to have convex ala and retracted columella than female patients. More than one-half of the patients (64.1%) had two or more deformities and tended to be young (p=0.028). Patients with thick ala had several reasons for being dissatisfied with their nose and various demands for correction. @*Conclusion@#Distinctive characteristics of alar rim deformities should be considered in surgical planning in order to obtain satisfactory results in Korean primary rhinoplasty patients.

Impacts of Recurrent Tonsillitis on the Outcome of Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy in Children

Background and Objectives@#To investigate the effects of recurrent tonsillitis on postoperative outcomes after powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA) in children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB). @*Materials and Methods@#Children who underwent PITA in Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from 2016 to 2018 were classified into two oSDB groups according to comorbid chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis (CHT). To evaluate the efficacy of the PITA technique, quality of life (QoL) was measured using the obstructive sleep apnea questionnaire (OSA-18) for 3 months after surgery. To evaluate the disadvantages of the PITA technique, we followed complications such as throat pain, otalgia, nausea, vomiting, and postoperative bleeding for 1 week after surgery. Finally, we compared the pre- and postoperative QoL and analyzed the incidence of postoperative complications in the oSDB with CHT (SDBwCHT) and oSDB without CHT (SDBsCHT) groups. @*Results@#Of the 802 enrolled patients, 135 were classified as SDBwCHT and 667 as SDBsCHT. Both groups exhibited marked improvements in QoL after PITA. The SDBwCHT group showed a change of OSA-18 score from 70.7±17.0 to 31.2±11.4. The SDBsCHT group showed a change of OSA-18 score from 70.0±17.1 to 31.0±9.9. The groups did not demonstrate statistical differences in complication rates and severity of symptoms during the first postoperative week. @*Conclusion@#Although comorbid CHT delayed improvement in postoperative symptoms, PITA is a useful technique to treat children with oSDB, regardless of CHT.

A Case of Fibromyxoma Mistaken as an Antrochoanal Polyp

Fibromyxomas are uncommon, tenaciously infiltrative neoplasms that infrequently appear in the facial bones and paranasal sinuses. The neoplasms are slow growing and result in expansion of the surrounding bony cortices. In the present study, we report an extremely rare case of antrochoanal fibromyxoma that occluded the ostiomeatal complex and originated from the maxillary sinus inferior wall. Initially, the neoplasm was suspected to be a nasal polyp. However, after endoscopic sinus surgery, the neoplasm was diagnosed as fibromyxoma based on histopathology.

The Association of Patient-Reported Local Allergic Symptoms with Postoperative Outcomes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Psychological Characteristics and Aesthetic Concerns of Male Patients Seeking Primary Rhinoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The demand for rhinoplasty has been high for both men and women over the years; recently, however, it is rapidly increasing for men as their interest in aesthetics has heightened. This study investigated the psychological characteristics of male patients who underwent rhinoplasty through questionnaire-guided consultation. In addition, we investigated the difference between patients and surgeons regarding their aesthetic concerns for rhinoplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Of the male patients who underwent rhinoplasty from January 2006 to December 2012, 124 patients who had completed the questionnaires were included. The questionnaire for rhinoplasty asked about the basic personality traits of patients, patients' complaints about their nose, reasons for receiving the operation and expectation for postoperative change. RESULTS: Patients responded most to the item, “I have high expectations for the surgery” for the question regarding personality characteristics, followed by the response, “I am concerned about my health.” Regarding questions about reasons for rhinoplasty, complaints about their dorsum were high; among these patients, they were most concerned about the appearance of the ‘crooked nose’ when viewed from the front. On the other hand, the concern for the ‘poorly defined nasal tip’ was not high, whereas it was defined as one of the problems mentioned by the surgeons. CONCLUSION: These results show differences regarding aesthetic concerns between the patients and the surgeon, especially regarding the nasal tip. It would be helpful for both patient and surgen to plan the surgery after careful consultation based on the questionnaire, accurate understanding of the patients' complaints and expectations to obtain satisfactory results for both.

The Correlation Between Electrodiagnostic Results and Ultrasonographic Findings in the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Females

OBJECTIVE: To determine which ultrasonographic measurement can be used as an indicator reflecting the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), by comparing electrodiagnostic results with ultrasonographic measurements in females. Many previous studies have tried to reveal that the ultrasonography (US) can possibility be used for diagnosis and severity of CTS. However, the criteria are different by gender. Thus far, there have been many efforts towards providing patients with a CTS diagnosis and severity prediction using US, but studies' results are still unclear due to lack of data on gender differences. METHODS: We collected data from 54 female patients. We classified the severity of CTS according to electrodiagnostic results. Ultrasonographic measurements included proximal and distal cross-sectional areas of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. RESULTS: The severity by electrodiagnostic results statistically correlated to the proximal cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. However, there was no relationship between the proximal and distal nerve/tunnel indexes and the severity by electrodiagnostic results. CONCLUSION: In female patients with CTS, the proximal CSAs of the median nerve and carpal tunnel increase. They correlate with the severity by electrodiagnostic findings. The CSA of the proximal median nerve could be particularly used as a predictor of the severity of CTS in female patients. However, the nerve/tunnel index is constant, irrespective of the severity of CTS.

Back Extensor Strengthening Exercise and Backpack Wearing Treatment for Camptocormia in Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a conservative treatment regime in Parkinson's disease patients with camptocormia. METHODS: Nine patients with Parkinson's disease were included in a retrospective pilot study of the value of back extensor strengthening exercise. Six inpatients received a 30-minute treatment, twice daily for 5 weeks, being treated on average for 34 days; while three outpatients visited the clinic and were educated for home exercise and backpack wearing treatment. Outpatients should be scheduled to visit the outpatient department to check physical status every 2–4 weeks for an average of 3 months. RESULTS: All patients except one showed statistically significant improvements in activities of daily living (ADL) and motor symptoms, as measured by flexion angle at standing posture, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II and III, and modified Hoehn-Yahr staging. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is effective in postural correction of camptocormia in Parkinson's disease, as well as improvement in ADL and motor symptoms.

A Case of Inflammatory Pseudotumor Cerebri and Nasal Septum / 대한이비인후과학회지

Inflammatory pseudotumors, which clinically mimic neoplasms, are space-occupying collections of inflammatory cells, histiocytes, and fibroblasts. They are most often found in the orbits and lungs, but rarely in the head and neck region, and hardly ever in the nasal septum. Here we report on a 71-year-old woman with pseudotumor cerebri and an inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasal septum. This case demonstrates that inflammatory pseudotumor can cooccur in the brain and nasal septum.

Difference according to Interpretation Methods in Allergic Skin Test

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The skin prick test is a widely used test that uses three methods (allergen/histamine ratio method, erythema size method, and wheal size method) to interpret the results. However, there has been no comparison of these methods. The aim of this study is to compare the three different interpretation methods and define the relationship among them. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A total of 139 patients who visited our allergy clinic complaining of nasal symptoms were enrolled. Three interpretation methods were used for defining positivity in the skin prick test, and their results were compared. The validity of each interpretation method was evaluated by total nasal symptom score. RESULTS: Positivity in the skin prick test was reported in 48.2% of patients according to the allergen/histamine ratio method and in 64.0% of patients according to the wheal size method and erythema size method. The proportion of subjects who showed a negative result with the allergen/histamine ratio method but positive results with the wheal size method or erythema size method was 15.8%. This group had a significantly higher total nasal symptom score, especially rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction, than subjects who showed negative results on all three methods. CONCLUSION: When diagnosing allergic rhinitis patients using the skin prick test, the wheal size method and erythema size method should be considered rather than the allergen/histamine ratio method.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction between Subcutaneous Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Comparative clinical studies of sublingual and subcutaneous treatments have yielded heterogeneous results. In this study, we compared clinical outcomes in patients allergic to house dust mites (HDMs) that received at least 1 year of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The present study included 120 patients with HDM allergic rhinitis, 54 patients in the SCIT group and 66 patients in the SLIT group. Each patient was asked to answer a set of questionnaire before starting immunotherapy. The questionnaires included the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. The patients were asked to answer the questions after undergoing at least 1 year of immunotherapy. RESULTS: RQLQ scores collected after immunotherapy in both SCIT and SLIT groups were decreased significantly. However, the SCIT group had a significantly higher decrease in RQLQ scores for non-nose/eye symptoms than the SLIT group (p-value=0.015). There were no differences in other satisfaction scores between the two groups. SCIT improved clinical symptoms faster than SLIT did within 6 months and 1 year (p-value=0.011, p-value=0.045 respectively). CONCLUSION: SCIT is more effective than SLIT in improving non-nose/eye symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. SCIT may relieve the symptoms faster than SLIT.

A Case of Actinomycosis of an Orbital Subperiosteal Abscess in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / 임상당뇨병

Orbital and paranasal actinomycosis have not been commonly reported. We report a case of this uncommon infection, which was improved after endonasal endoscopic drainage and antibiotics. A 53-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus complained of inability to lift her right upper eyelid and painful swelling over the preceding two days. Broad-spectrum antibiotics did not resolve her lesion. In ophthalmic examination, decreased visual acuity, upper and medial gaze limitation, and a relative afferent pupillary defect of her right eye were observed. Computed tomography of the orbit showed aggravated orbital cellulitis, preseptal cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, and maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis. After endonasal endoscopic drainage and systemic antibiotics, her clinical symptoms dramatically improved. Microbiological analysis of the maxillary excisional biopsy showed Actinomycosis. This case is of interest due to the rare orbital presentation of actinomycosis infection and the importance of appropriate surgical drainage and long-term antibiotics treatment in such cases. Because delayed diagnosis and treatment of rhino-orbital actinomycosis can cause permanent vision loss or intracranial abscess, it requires careful clinical attention.

Changes in Clinical Characteristics of the Patients Who Received Endoscopic Sinus Surgery according to 10 Year Temporal Difference: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was introduced to Korea in the 1980s and has since developed rapidly. There have been many changes in ESS over this period. Thus, in this paper, we explore trends in the clinical characteristics of ESS. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent the ESS at 000 Hospital performed by a single surgeon at a 10-year interval. By comparing 106 patients who underwent ESS in 2003 and 108 patients who underwent ESS in 2013, we investigated changes in ESS in terms of the target group of surgical indications, CT scores, range of operation and complications. RESULTS: With regard to surgical indications, the proportion of patients who underwent surgery due to nasal polyps in 2013 (32.4%) was lower than in 2003 (59.4%), while the proportion of patients undergoing fungal sinusitis surgery in 2013 (13.9%) was higher than in 2003 (0.0%). In terms of preoperative CT evaluation, Lund-Mackay scores for the maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, and ostiomeatal unit were lower in 2013 than in 2003. The proportion of ESS performed only in the maxillary sinus in 2013 (20.0%) was higher than in 2003 (10.0%). CONCLUSION: According to this study, the range and extent of sinusitis was favorable in 2013 compared to in 2003. The group of patients requiring treatment for only maxillary sinus disease accounted for a larger proportion of patients in 2013 than in 2003.

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Repair with Nasoseptal Flap / 대한이비인후과학회지

Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the skull base surgery has been widely accepted since the advent of image guidance system and new reconstruction method. EEA has the advantage of being non-invasive approach with low morbidity. Among many reconstructive methods nasoseptal flap is the method of choice because of the proximity to the skull base and hypervascularity as a pedicled flap. In this review, the authors introduce the indication, surgical techniques and postoperative complications of nasoseptal flap.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Nasopharynx: A Case Report and Review of the Literature / 대한이비인후과학회지

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a rare benign proliferation of intravascular endothelial cells. However, IPEH can be easily mistaken for an angiosarcoma, thus differential diagnosis is very important to avoid over-treatment. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with small lobulating mass in nasopharynx. Computed tomography showed about 4 cm homogenous mass in the nasopharynx without extension into soft tissues. Complete surgical excision was done and biopsy during operation showed distended vessels and numerous papillae consist of endothelial cells lining a hyaline core. At follow up, no other complications were observed. Thus we present the case and a review of the literature.

Long-term Effects of Specific Allergen Immunotherapy Against House Dust Mites in Polysensitized Patients With Allergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE: Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only currently available treatment to modify the natural history of allergic rhinitis (AR). If patients are polysensitized, it is difficult to identify the allergen causing the allergic symptoms. We evaluated the effectiveness of immunotherapy against house dust mites (HDMs) in AR patients polysensitized to both HDMs and seasonal allergens. METHODS: Thirty AR patients polysensitized to both HDMs and seasonal allergens (group A) and 30 patients sensitized to HDMs only (group B) were enrolled in this study. All subjects who received immunotherapy against HDMs for more than 2 years were evaluated by the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) to determine the specific IgE level in luminescence units, total eosinophil counts in peripheral blood, serum total IgE, total nasal symptom scores, and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) before and after immunotherapy. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in levels of total and specific IgE, or total eosinophil count between the two groups. The total nasal symptom scores, RQLQ and medication scores significantly decreased after immunotherapy in both groups, however no significant differences were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We determined that the primary causative allergen of AR in Seoul, Korea is perennial allergens, such as HDMs, rather than seasonal allergens. This study provides a reference for the selection of allergens to use in immunotherapy for polysensitized AR patients living in an urban environment.

Effects of pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extracts in high-fat diet-fed obese mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Red ginseng and its extracts have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the bioavailability of pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extracts (GS-E3D), and the effects of GS-E3D on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as on metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver in high-fat diet fed obese C57BL/6 mice. Mice were divided into 5 groups: normal diet group, high fat diet-vehicle group, high fat diet + 0.1 g/kg GS-E3D (0.1-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 0.3 g/kg (0.3-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 1.0 g/kg (1.0-GS-E3D). Treatment of GS-E3D reduced differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with low cytotoxicity. In the animal model, compared to the high fat diet control, serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, and leptin level were reduced in treatment animals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that GS-E3D could decrease total hepatic lipid droplets. These results suggest that GS-E3D, as a dietary supplement, has beneficial effects on obesity and may have useful effects in health-care products.

Two Cases of Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma in Nasal Cavity

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is an uncommon non-neoplastic proliferation of the sinonasal tract that presents as a mass-like lesion. It can be confused with a variety of benign and malignant entities including inflammatory polyp, inverted papilloma and low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Misinterpretation may result in unnecessary radical surgery. Recently we have experienced two patients of REAH in the nasal cavity. One was originated from the lateral nasal wall and the other was from the both olfactory clefts. Therefore, we report these cases with a brief literature review.