Olfaction in Neurologic and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review

Introduction Loss of smell is involved in various neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease. However, the olfactory test is usually neglected by physicians at large. Objective The aim of this study was to review the current literature about the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases. Data Synthesis Twenty-seven studies were selected for analysis, and the olfactory system, olfaction, and the association between the olfactory dysfunction and dementias were reviewed. Furthermore, is described an up to date in olfaction. Conclusion Otolaryngologist should remember the importance of olfaction evaluation in daily practice. Furthermore, neurologists and physicians in general should include olfactory tests in the screening of those at higher risk of dementia. .

Complicações no tratamento do nasoangiofibroma juvenil com invasão intracraniana / Complications in the endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial extension

Introdução: Apesar de ser uma neoplasia rara, o nasoangiofibroma juvenil (NAJ) está associado a elevadas taxas de morbimortalidade e potencial invasão intracraniana. Excisão cirúrgica é o tratamento de escolha. O acesso endoscópico transnasal tem substituído a abordagem cirúrgica externa nas lesões pequenas, podendo ser utilizados de forma conjunta nos casos mais avançados. Objetivo: Deteminar a prevalência de complicações no tratamento cirúrgico endoscópico ou guiado por endoscopia nos NAJ com mínima invasão intracraniana. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo realizado nos pacientes com NAJ classe IIIA de Radkowski, com mínima invasão intracraniana, submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica guiada por endoscopia ou acesso cirúrgico externo, entre janeiro de 1996 e maio de 2010. Resultados: No total, 13 pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. O acesso endoscópico exclusivo foi realizado em três pacientes, sem complicações pós-operatórias. Cirurgia guiada por endoscopia foi realizada em três pacientes, com duas complicações pós-operatórias. Acesso cirúrgico externo foi realizado em sete pacientes. Conclusão: O tratamento cirúrgico do nasoangiofibroma com invasão intracraniana constitui um grande desafio a otorrinolaringologistas e neurocirurgiões. Neste aspecto, os índices de sucesso associado à baixa taxa de complicação intra e pós-operatória parecem ser indicativos de que o acesso endoscópico vem ganhando espaço no manejo do NAJ IIIA da classificação de Radkowski. .

Introduction: Although it is a rare neoplasm, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, with the potential for intracranial extension. Surgical excision is the main treatment. The external approach has largely been replaced by the endoscopic approach in small lesions, and it can be used as a complement in more advanced cases. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the complications of surgical treatment of JNAs with intracranial extension. Aim: To assess the prevalence of complications in endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted surgical treatment of JNA with minimal intracranial invasion. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with JNA with intracranial extension (Radkowski grade IIIa) treated with endoscopic, endoscopic-assisted, and external surgery from January of 1996 to May of 2010. Results: Thirteen patients underwent surgery. Endoscopic surgery was performed in three patients, without postoperative complications; endoscopic-assisted surgery in three others, with two instances of complications, and external surgery in seven. Conclusions: Operative treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial extension is one of the major challenges of ENT and neurosurgical practice. The success rates and low intra- and postoperative complication rates of endoscopic surgery suggest that this route has been gaining ground in the management of Radkowski grade IIIa JNAs. .