Outcomes from treating rhinitis in patients with refractory breathlessness

Background: In our multi-disciplinary airways service, we assess refractory breathlessness due to suspected inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and/or breathing pattern disorder (BPD). A significant proportion of patients have evidence of uncontrolled co-morbidity, including rhinitis and asthma, which aggravate airway symptoms. Aim(s): To identify the impact of rhinitis management on i) nasal symptoms ii) asthma control and iii) cough control, for individuals referred with suspected ILO +/- BPD and evidence of rhinitis. Method(s): Patient demographics/clinical data were collected between January 2021 and January 2022. Symptoms were recorded using the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) in those with asthma and a 10-point self-rating scale in chronic refractory cough (CRC). Result(s): Data were available for 43 patients [72% female, 18% atopic, median (IQR) age 54 (41-64) years] with symptoms of rhinitis, confirmed by nasendoscopy in 41% (not all patients had nasendoscopy due to COVID-19 pandemic). Co-morbidities included asthma 54% (39%, of whom were on biologic treatment), CRC (21%), ILO (35%) and BPD (35%). Rhinitis management comprised education (100%), nasal corticosteroids (91%), saline nasal douche (49%) and antihistamines (10%). TNSS scores improved [from 5 (4-6) to 3 (2-4), p<0.001] following intervention. In those with asthma, there was improvement in ACQ [2.98 (2.15-3.70) to 2.00 (0.95-3.05), p<0.001], and in those with chronic refractory cough in self-rating score [8 (4-9) to 2 (2-6), p=0.11]. Conclusion(s): Optimisation of medical treatment for individuals with rhinitis is important and can improve outcomes in patients with asthma, CRC, ILO and BPD.

Nasopharyngeal Myiasis in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients: Report of Two Cases

Nosocomial myiasis is a rare event that has a higher incidence in the hospitals of poor and developing countries. The presence of nosocomial myiasis reflects the need for improved medical facilities and increased awareness among healthcare personnel. Severely ill patients are more susceptible, such as those with impaired consciousness, paralysis, and underlying diseases. The two cases here in described represent the first report of nosocomial myiasis in the Kurdistan Province, in Western Iran and one of them is the first report of myiasis involving a COVID-19-infected patient. The causal agent was Lucilia sericata. The taxonomical identification of the larvae of the second and third instar was based on the morphology of the cephaloskeleton, anterior spiracles, and peri-treme plaques.Copyright © 2023 Zobairy et al.

Stroke in patients with COVID associated Mucormycosis: A Report of Two Cases

Mucormycosis is a rare and invasive fungal disease with potentially fatal outcome. It most commonly affects patients with compromised immunity, especiallly those with poorly controlled diabetes. The incidence of mucormycosis has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic and both COVID-19 and mucormycosis are associated with an increased incidence of stroke. We present a report of two cases of COVID associated mucormycosis who had stroke. A 50-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes developed swelling of left eye and face ultimately leading to complete ophthalmoplegia of left eye. Imaging studies of brain revealed infarcts. MRI/MRA brain showed left internal carotid artery thrombosis, cavernous sinus thrombosis and a brain abscess in left temporal lobe. A second patient was a 65-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male who had COVID and then developed right MCA territory infarct and right sided cavernous sinus thrombosis. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and biopsy was suggestive of mucormycosis in both the cases. Both these cases were managed with combination of tight glycemic control, antifungal therapy, and surgery. Clinicians should be aware of the association of stroke with COVID and COVID associated mucormycosis (CAM). Copyright © 2022 International Medical Sciences Academy. All rights reserved.

Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis in a COVID-19 Patient: A Dreadful Challenge

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). COVID-19 infections may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections. Recent studies are reporting invasive fungal infection associated with severe COVID-19. Herein, we report a case of COVID-19 rhino-orbital mucormycosis infection caused by Rhizopus sps in a 32 year old diabetic patient who was successfully managed with early aggressive debridement of infected tissue endoscopically with extended ethmoidectomy by modified Denker's approach along with orbital decompression and antifungal therapy with Liposomal Amphotericin B and Posaconazole. Serial diagnostic nasal endoscopy showed no evidence of progression of the infection. The patient was discharged on 21st day of hospitalization still on oral Posaconazole for a total of 3 months. Copyright © 2022, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

TRANS-NASAL OESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY (OGD): CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO - A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL CASE SERIES

Introduction Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is commonly performed and trans-oral OGD is a very safe procedure. However, it requires nursing support, patient sedation, a dedicated endoscopy suite, and is disliked by patients. The national census by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy reported 860,000 OGDs were performed across the UK in a calendar year. of these, only 26,685 were trans-nasal despite having a similarly low risk profile and being preferred by patients. We compared comfort score, sedation, and safety to show trans-nasal OGD is a feasible alternative to trans-oral OGD reducing nursing burden, avoiding endoscopy suites, and reducing procedure length. Methods A single centre retrospective analysis was performed comparing all OGDs performed by a single endoscopist at Whipps Cross and Mile End Hospitals between 01/06/2021 and 24/11/2021. Demographic data, route of entry, indication, comfort score (scale of 0-3), sedation agent and dose, and any complications were recorded for each procedure. The data sets were compared using paired t-test for statistical significance. Results There was 110 OGDs performed (table 1);73 transoral (66%) and 37 trans-nasal (34%). of those trans-nasal OGD 18 (49%) were completed seated. The trans-nasal route had mean comfort score of 0.29 compared with 0.85 for trans-oral route (p = 0.001). There was no statistical difference in xylocaine application with either route. The mean dose of both fentanyl and midazolam was statistically higher in the trans-oral route compared with trans-nasal (p = 0.0001). There were only two complications reported in the cases reviewed. Conclusions Trans-nasal OGD caused significantly less discomfort than trans-oral OGD and required significantly less sedation, and almost half of patients undergoing trans-nasal OGD were able to tolerate the procedure in a seated position. This has advantages for patient safety, as the risk of aspiration is greatly reduced, but is also much less resource intensive. Given the current pressure on endoscopy services nationwide, amplified by COVID-19, trans-nasal endoscopy is safe, less resource intensive, and can be performed outside of a dedicated endoscopy suite. This may be a useful tool in alleviating waiting list pressure and should be discussed with patients and service leads.

PULMONARY MUCORMYCOSIS AS A COMPLICATION OF SARS COV-2 PNEUMONIA - CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CASE: A 31-year-old woman G4P2204 was admitted with respiratory failure. Her hemoglobin was 9.7 g/dl, D-dimer 1349 ng/mL feu, procalcitonin 0.44 ng/ mL, CRP 91.4 mg/L, normal white count and nasal RT-PCR positive for COVID-19. Chest x-ray showed bilateral patchy airspace opacities. She underwent emergent C-section, was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation, received Remdesivir, dexamethasone, vancomycin and piperacillintazobactam. On day 11, she developed bilateral pneumothorces and had chest tubes placed. She had new elevation in white blood count (16,000/ul) and inflammatory markers. She was put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Computed Tomography ( CT) chest on day 15 showed large multiloculated cavity. She underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage cultures positive for Mucorales. She had CT abdomen-pelvis, CT head and nasal endoscopy without evidence of invasive disease. She was started on amphotericin B and posaconazole. She had tracheostomy on day 21 and underwent successful ECMO weaning and decannulation on day 35. Chest tubes were removed. Amphotericin B was discontinued. She was discharged on nasal cannula and oral posaconazole and continued to improve. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: There are 6 other cases reported in literature with isolated pulmonary mucormycosis associated with SARS-CoV-2. All of these patients had clinical improvement before deteriorating again with SARS Cov-2 treatment. The timeline of new imaging findings like cavities, changing opacities, pleural effusions or bronchopleural fistula was usually 2 to 3 weeks from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. On analysis 5/7 of these patients were not diabetic, 6/7 received steroids, 3/7 received Tocilizumab and 4/7 received Remdesivir. 2 patients received surgical intervention with medical management although it did not change the outcome. Unfortunately despite aggressive medical and surgical treatment, there were poor outcomes. 4/7 patients died, 1/7 was permanently ventilator dependent and 2/7 survived. The diagnosis of isolated pulmonary mucormycosis is challenging. This might be secondary to hesitance of invasive diagnostic tests like bronchoscopy, lack of rapid diagnostic tests and fewer autopsies. Amphotericin B, posaconazole and isavuconazole remain the main treatment options along with surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. The pathology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 has been attributed to impaired T-cell function, impaired phagocytosis and more availability of fungal heme oxygenase which facilitates iron uptake for its metabolism. Glucocorticoids, IL-6 inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies further increase the risk of secondary infections. CONCLUSION: Mucormycosis is a lifethreatening disease with high morbidity and mortality. Based on our case and literature review, it is important to have high index of suspicion for pulmonary mucormycosis in patients who are recently treated with immunosuppressants for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and suddenly deteriorate after treatment.

ANOTHER COMPLICATION OF COVID-19?: A CASE OF RHINOORBITAL-CEREBRAL MUCORMYCOSIS

CASE: A 44-year-old male with past medical history of type II insulindependent diabetes mellitus (DM) and end stage liver disease (ESLD) due to alcohol use and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presented with one week of left-sided retroorbital headache and diplopia. Two weeks prior, the patient tested positive for COVID-19 and initially his severe headache was attributed to this diagnosis. On hospital presentation the patient was found to have ophthalmoplegia, ptosis and diminished sensation in the CN V1 distribution on the left. The patient was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with glucose of 686, venous blood gas of 7.32/29/15 and serum anion gap of 17. Contrasted orbital and maxillofacial CT showed complete opacification of the left sphenoid sinus and CT angiography/venography of the head were negative for venous sinus thrombosis. MRI of the brain showed left optic nerve ischemia and left frontal lobe cerebritis without abscess. Bedside nasal endoscopy with ENT showed purulent, fuzzy white debris bilaterally concerning for fungal sinusitis. He was taken urgently to the operating room and was found to have angioinvasive fungal sinusitis with cultures growing Lichthemia corymbifera, a fungus in the Mucor family. In addition to treatment with IV insulin and fluids for DKA, the patient was given amphotericin B and posaconazole;however, surgical intervention was deemed too high risk and futile in the setting of patient's comorbidities. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that typically involves the sinuses, orbits and the central nervous system (CNS). Infection of the sinuses manifests with fever, sinus congestion/pain and headache, but can rapidly progress to involve the orbits, leading to vision changes, and the CNS, leading to encephalopathy. Other structures that can be involved include the cavernous sinus, leading to palsies of cranial nerves III-VI. Known risk factors for mucormycosis include DM, especially in patients with DKA, glucocorticoid treatment, immunosuppression and deferoxamine use. Urgent histopathologic diagnosis, initiation of intravenous antifungal agents (amphotericin B) and surgical intervention with ENT, ideally prior to extension beyond the sinuses, are fundamental to decreasing mortality, which is as high as 62%. There have been numerous case reports of mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19, particularly from India. Many of these patients were prescribed glucocorticoids as part of the COVID-19 treatment pathway or had underlying DM. Additional research is needed into the association between COVID-19 and invasive mucormycosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with poorly controlled DM or immunosuppression presenting with severe headache, sinus pain, and/or neurologic changes, mucormycosis must be considered, as it is a fatal entity requiring urgent surgical intervention and initiation of antifungal agents. Patients with COVID-19 infection may be at increased risk for mucormycosis, especially in those with underlying DM or on glucocorticoids.

AEROSOL AND DROPLET GENERATION IN UPPER AND LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY: WHOLE PROCEDURE AND EVENTBASED ANALYSIS

AIM: We aimed to characterise aerosol and droplet generation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients undergoing routine per-oral gastroscopy (POG, n = 36), trans-nasal endoscopy (TNE, n = 11) and lower gastrointestinal (LGI) endoscopy (n = 48). Particle counters took measurements near the appropriate orifice (two models used, diameter ranges 0.3-25 μm and 20-3000 μm). Quantitative analysis was performed by recording specific events and subtracting the background particles. RESULTS: POG produced 2.06x the level of background particles (P < 0.001), and 2.13x the number of particles compared to TNE. LGI procedures produce significant particle counts (P < 0.001), with a rate of 8.8x106/min/m3 compared to 13.0x106/min/m3 for POG. Events significant relative to the room background particle count were: POG- throat spray (112.3x, P < 0.01), oesophageal extubation (36.7x, P < 0.001), coughing/gagging (30.7x, P < 0.01);TNE- nasal spray (32.8x, P < 0.01), nasal extubation (25.6x, P < 0.01), coughing/gagging (23.3x, P < 0.01);LGI- rectal intubation (3.5x, P < 0.05), rectal extubation (11.8x, P < 0.01), application of abdominal pressure (4.9x, P < 0.05). These all produced particle counts larger than or comparable to volitional cough. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal endoscopy performed via the mouth, nose or rectum all generates significant quantities of aerosols and droplets. As the infectivity of procedures is not established, we therefore suggest adequate Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used for all GI endoscopy where there is a high population prevalence of COVID-19. Avoiding throat and nasal spray would significantly reduce particles generated from UGI procedures.

Unsedated Transnasal Endoscopy: A Safe, Well-Tolerated and Accurate Alternative to Standard Diagnostic Peroral Endoscopy.

Diagnostic unsedated transnasal endoscopy (uTNE) has been proven to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Although its utilization in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasing, it is currently available in only a few centers. Through consideration of recent studies, we aimed to perform an updated review of the technological advances in uTNE, consider their impact on diagnostic accuracy, and to determine the role of uTNE in the COVID-19 era. Current literature has shown that the diagnostic accuracy of uTNE for identification of esophageal pathology is equivalent to conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy (cEGD). Concerns regarding suction and biopsy size have been addressed by the introduction of TNE scopes with working channels of 2.4 mm. Advances in imaging have improved detection of early gastric cancers. The procedure is associated with less cardiac stress and reduced aerosol production; when combined with no need for sedation and improved rates of patient turnover, uTNE is an efficient and safe alternative to cEGD in the COVID-19 era. We conclude that advances in technology have improved the diagnostic accuracy of uTNE to the point where it could be considered the first line diagnostic endoscopic investigation in the majority of patients. It could also play a central role in the recovery of diagnostic endoscopic services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19-Associated Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Introduction: There have been multiple reports of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) in patients with COVID-19 infection. Most cases were associated with high dose steroid therapy in diabetic patients. We report a case of a patient with COVID-19 infection and AIFRS. We will discuss management with the unique risks to the care team. Case: A 61-year-old diabetic woman was admitted to another facility with COVID-19 pneumonia and treated with oral dexamethasone. Three days later, she developed sharp stabbing pain in the right eye with ptosis and blurry vision. She was treated with analgesics and discharged. She returned with persistent pain and increasing right-sided hypesthesia. A CT scan did not show an acute orbital or sinus infection. She was discharged with outpatient ophthalmology follow-up. She presented to our emergency department 3 days later with 48 hours of right vision loss. Physical exam also showed disconjugate gaze and right V1/V2 hypesthesia. Nasal endoscopy showed necrotic tissue within the right nasal cavity. She was immediately started on IV amphotericin and taken to the operating room for biopsy and debridement. Pathology results were consistent with necrosis and invasive fungal hyphae. She was treated with liposomal amphotericin and was eventually discharged with permanent loss of right vision. Discussion: Management of COVID-19-associated acute invasive fungal sinusitis (CA-AIFRS) presents challenges for safety of the health care team. Diabetic COVID-19 patients' new sinonasal complaints or cranial nerve deficits must be immediately evaluated for AIFRS. The CT scan changes associated with AIFRS are nonspecific early in the disease process, therefore nasal endoscopy and biopsy are critical. This requires appropriate PPEnasal endoscopy should be performed with N95 respirator, eye protection, gloves, and a disposable gown. In patients with suspicious nasal endoscopy, immediate initiation of IV antifungals is critical. The next step is biopsy and surgical debridement. This should not be delayed in COVID-19 patients. At our institution, several steps are taken to protect the healthcare team. During intubation, only necessary anesthesia staff are in the roomwith properly worn powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). A viral filter is placed on the ET tube and the room doors are closed for 20 minutes after intubation to allow for air exchange. After 20 minutes, surgical staff may enter the room. The surgical team is outfitted with PAPRs. Powered instruments associated with aerosol generation such as high-speed drills are avoided. The surgical specimens are considered contaminated with COVID19. Therefore, frozen analysis is not used. Margins are sent for permanent analysis. Cultures are sent with appropriate labeling for laboratory precautions. The tissue is debrided to healthy tissue or natural barriers such as the skull base. Conclusion: Management of COVID-19 must include an awareness of CA-AIFRS. Diabetic patients on steroids appear to be more susceptible to CA-AIFRS. Nasal endoscopy is important for evaluation. Avoiding delays in starting antifungals and operative biopsy and debridement is critical. Safety considerations need to be prepared in advance for safe surgical debridement of these patients.

Curvularia Sinusitis in Leukemic Patients Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Curvularia species are dematiaceous filamentous fungi that can cause a variety of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We present 2 cases of severely immunosuppressed patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis due to Curvularia species. Both patients had a history of hematologic malignancy with refractory disease and prolonged neutropenia. They presented with facial and sinus pain, which prompted maxillofacial computed tomography that showed acute sinusitis. Subsequently, they underwent nasal endoscopy with a biopsy that revealed a definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis. Dematiaceous fungi are responsible for most fungal sinusitis cases, with Curvularia being one of the most common species isolated. Generally, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis may follow a relatively innocuous and nonspecific course. In addition, fungal infections may complicate chronic allergic sinusitis. Computed tomography scan is the first imaging modality of choice, and magnetic resonance imaging has a role in prognostication in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery with biopsy yields a definitive diagnosis and is therapeutic. Management typically includes a combination of surgery and antifungal agents. Severe neutropenia is a significant risk factor for infection and is associated with poor outcomes. Aggressive surgical debridement, combined with antifungal therapy, should be emphasized in leukemic patients despite their prolonged neutropenia and bleeding tendency.

Undergraduate otolaryngology: enhancing interest and education with hands-on simulation

Introduction: With cancelled student placements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shift towards non-patient-facing methods to deliver medical education. The aim was to design, deliver and evaluate an ENT course for undergraduate medical students. Method: A three-part simulation course on common and emergency ENT conditions was delivered by ENT trainees to undergraduate medical students (n=50). It involved theoretical and hands-on experience with otoscopy on head models;nasoendoscopy and epistaxis management with upper airway head models and nasal packing kits;and management of compromised airways using critical airway models, airway adjuncts, intubation and cricothyroidotomy kits. Delegates were given pre- and post-course questionnaires, with another at six-weeks to test knowledge retention. Results were statistically analysed using paired and independent sample t-tests. Results: A statistically significant improvement in post-test knowledge of 55% (p<0.01) was observed. Delegates also demonstrated a sustained improvement of 51% (p<0.01) six-weeks later compared to baseline knowledge. 76% and 80% reported improved confidence managing epistaxis and performing intubation respectively;46% reported increased interest in pursuing ENT as a potential career. Conclusions: This study demonstrated statistically significant and sustained improvements in knowledge about common and emergency ENT concepts. ENT simulation therefore represents an efficacious mechanism for teaching key ENT concepts and improving confidence in undergraduate medical students, whilst improving interest in pursuing ENT as a career. Additionally, simulation is an invaluable educational adjunct that may foster more realistic, impactful, and safer educational experiences for medical students whilst exposure to patients is minimised due to the current pandemic.

Nasal endoscopy, room filtration, and aerosol concentrations during live outpatient encounters: a prospective, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted safety concerns surrounding possible aerosol-generating procedures, but comparative data on the smallest particles capable of transmitting this virus remain limited. We evaluated the effect of nasal endoscopy on aerosol concentration and the role of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in reducing aerosol concentration. METHODS: Otolaryngology patients were prospectively enrolled in an outpatient, cross-sectional study. Demographic information and clinic room characteristics were recorded. A scanning mobility particle sizer and GRIMM aerosol monitor measured aerosols 14.3 nm to 34 µm in diameter (i.e., particles smaller than those currently examined in the literature) during (1) nasal endoscopy (± debridement) and (2) no nasal endoscopy encounters. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t test were performed to compare aerosol concentrations and impact of HEPA filtration. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met inclusion criteria (25 nasal endoscopy without debridement; 18 nasal endoscopy with debridement; 19 no nasal endoscopy). There was no significant difference in age or gender across cohorts. Aerosol concentration in the nasal endoscopy cohort (± debridement) was not greater than the no nasal endoscopy cohort (p = 0.36; confidence interval [95% CI], -1.76 to 0.17 µg/m3 ; and p = 0.12; 95% CI, -0.11 to 2.14 µg/m3 , respectively). Aerosol concentrations returned to baseline after 8.76 min without a HEPA filter versus 4.75 min with a HEPA filter (p = 0.001; 95% CI, 1.73-6.3 min). CONCLUSION: Using advanced instrumentation and a comparative study design, aerosol concentration was shown to be no greater during nasal endoscopy versus no endoscopy encounters. HEPA filter utilization reduced aerosol concentrations significantly faster than no HEPA filter.

COVID-19 in the Clinic: Human Testing of an Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) for common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures that also provides nanoparticle-level protection to patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective feasibility study . SETTING: In-person testing with a novel ACM. METHODS: The mask was designed in Solidworks and 3D printed. Measurements were made on 10 healthy volunteers who wore the ACM while reading the Rainbow Passage repeatedly and performing a forced cough or sneeze at 5-second intervals over 1 minute with an endoscope in place. RESULTS: There was a large variation in the number of aerosol particles generated among the volunteers. Only the sneeze task showed a significant increase compared with normal breathing in the 0.3-µm particle size when compared with a 1-tailed t test (P = .013). Both the 0.5-µm and 2.5-µm particle sizes showed significant increases for all tasks, while the 2 largest particle sizes, 5 and 10 µm, showed no significant increase (both P < .01). With the suction off, 3 of 30 events (2 sneeze events and 1 cough event) had increases in particle counts, both inside and outside the mask. With the suction on, 2 of 30 events had an increase in particle counts outside the mask without a corresponding increase in particle counts inside the mask. Therefore, these fluctuations in particle counts were determined to be due to random fluctuation in room particle levels. CONCLUSION: ACM will accommodate rigid and flexible endoscopes plus instruments and may prevent the leakage of patient-generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

COVID-19 in the Clinic: Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Otolaryngologic Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) that contains aerosols during common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures while protecting patients from environmental aerosols. STUDY DESIGN: Bench testing. SETTING: Mannequin testing. METHODS: The mask was designed in SolidWorks and 3-dimensional printed. Mannequins were fitted with a nebulizer to generate aerosols. Commercial particle counters were used to measure mask performance. RESULTS: The ACM has 2 ports on either side for instruments and endoscopes, a port for a filter, and a port that can evacuate aerosols contained within the mask via a standard suction pump. The mask contained aerosols on a mannequin with and without facial hair when the suction was set to 18.5 L/min. Other types of masks demonstrated substantial aerosol leakage under similar conditions. In a subsequent experiment, the ACM contained aerosols generated by a nebulizer up to the saturation of the particle detector without measurable leakage with or without suction. CONCLUSION: The ACM will accommodate rigid and flexible endoscopes plus instruments and prevent leakage of patient-generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Reducing the risks of endoscopic sinonasal surgery in the Covid-19 era.

OBJECTIVES: Many routine sinonasal procedures utilising powered instruments are regarded as aerosol-generating. This study aimed to assess how different instrument settings affect detectable droplet spread and patterns of aerosolised droplet spread during simulated sinonasal surgery in order to identify mitigation strategies. DESIGN: Simulation series using three-dimensional (3-D) printed sinonasal model. Fluorescein droplet spread was assessed following microdebriding and drilling of fluorescein-soaked grapes and bones, respectively. SETTING: University dry lab. PARTICIPANTS: 3-D printed sinonasal model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patterns of aerosolised droplet spread. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no observed fluorescein droplets or splatter in the measured surgical field after microdebridement of nasal polyps at aspecific irrigation rate and suction pressure. Activation of the microdebrider in the presence of excess fluid in the nasal cavity (reduced or blocked suction pressure, excessive irrigation fluid or bleeding) resulted in detectable droplet spread. Drilling with either coarse diamond or cutting burs resulted in detectable droplets and greater spread was observed when drilling within the anterior nasal cavity. High-speed drilling is a high-risk AGP but the addition of suction using a third hand technique reduces detectable droplet spread outside the nasal cavity. Using the instrument outside the nasal cavity inadvertently, or when unblocking, produces greater droplet spread and requires more caution.

CSF Leak After COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab: A Case Report.

The nasopharyngeal swab has been used with increased frequency since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little has been written in the literature regarding the complications arising from this procedure, as it is generally accepted as safe. In this report, we describe a case in which a young woman sustained a traumatic skull base injury during a nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19. We then discuss the subsequent treatment and outcome. This case demonstrates the potential for significant complications arising from this widespread procedure and the necessity for awareness of these potential complications. Laryngoscope, 131:1927-1929, 2021.