The Modified Medial Maxillectomy as a Radical or Extended,-yet Still Functional,-Technique in Sinus Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery with a middle meatal antrostomy is a common intervention in the treatment algorithm for maxillary sinus pathologies. However, this procedure has its origins in a time when simple ventilation of the sinus cavity was the primary (and only often) goal of surgery. In some patients, persistent mucociliary dysfunction occurs despite ventilatory surgery. Although the endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (MMM) was originally described for tumour surgery, it provides a radical yet still functional option to overcome chronic sinus dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the functional status of a post-MMM sinus cavity. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent at least a unilateral MMM by three tertiary rhinologists were retrospectively reviewed. Prospectively collected data included patient demographics (including age, gender, smoking status and comorbidities), disease-specific factors, microbiology, and preoperative patient-reported symptoms based on the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and radiology. The primary outcome of the study was the presence of sinus dysfunction, defined by mucostasis or pooling on endoscopic examination at the last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the need for revision surgery as a result of sinus dysfunction and the improvement in SNOT-22 score. RESULTS: A total of 551 medial maxillectomies (47.0% female, 52.9 ± 16.8 years) were performed. Very few patients experienced post-operative sustained mucostasis following MMM (10.2%) and even fewer required revision surgery (5.0%). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio (OR) = 6.82, P < 0.002.) and asthma (OR = 2.48, P = 0.03) were associated with mucostasis. Patients who underwent an MMM experienced a notable postoperative improvement in SNOT-22 score (45.9 ± 23.7 (pre-op) vs. 23.6 ± 19.4 (post-op); paired t-test, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The MMM, whether performed for access to pathology or with the intent to avoid mucous 'sumping' with the sinus, can provide a long-term functional maxillary sinus cavity with minimal morbidity.

Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Therapeutics Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing the current evidence on the management of intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. DATA SOURCES: Embase (1947-), Medline (1946-), Cochrane library (1947-), Scopus (2010-), and CINAHL (1961-) were searched from 1969 to October 5, 2019 (50 years). STUDY SELECTION: A search strategy was performed to identify patients with vestibular schwannoma confined to the internal auditory canal without extension to the cerebellopontine angle. Studies with patients aged less than 18, Neurofibromatosis type 2, revision cases, and non-English language were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: A standardized collection sheet was used for the extracted data and a quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale with the comparability criterion omitted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seventy-one studies were included with 24 on observation, 14 on radiotherapy, and 34 on surgery. The primary outcome was serviceable hearing preservation. Secondary outcomes were preservation of facial nerve function, growth, involution, and dizziness. Sub-analysis on the type of surgery and type of radiotherapy were performed. Excel 2016 with MIX 2.0 Pro add-on package was used to analyze the data and create forest plots. Data were presented in proportion with a 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS: Serviceable hearing was observed in 31% of patients after observation, 56% after radiotherapy, and 51% after surgical treatment with mean follow-up time of 4.04 years, 4.92 years, and 2.23 years, respectively. Facial nerve function was found to be best preserved in both observation and radiotherapy groups. Vestibular schwannoma growth occurred in 33% of patients under observation. Involution occurred in 2% of patients under observation and in 38% after radiotherapy.

Fungal ball of the maxillary sinus and the risk of persistent sinus dysfunction after simple antrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus fungal ball is a common cause of unilateral maxillary sinusitis. Fungal balls or mycetomas are primarily treated with surgery to remove the fungus. However, this assumes the pre-fungal ball sinus cavity was normal and post-surgery patients may suffer from mucostasis in the sinus cavity with persistent symptoms. It is proposed that fungal balls are potentially a feature of impaired mucus clearance as they are a pathology in their own right. METHODS: A case series of consecutive patients undergoing antrostomy for maxillary sinus fungal ball was performed. Patient factors including age, gender, smoking status, comorbidities (allergy, asthma, and reflux), disease specific factors including duration of symptoms, microbiology (bacterial co-infection, Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative) and preoperative radiologic findings (extent of sinus development, and neo-osteogenesis/bone thickness) were collected. The primary outcome was sinus function defined by evidence of a normal functioning maxillary sinus, with the absence of mucostasis or pooling, on endoscopic exam at three months, six months and last follow-up. Endoscopic evaluation of inflammation was also collected. RESULTS: 28 patients (age 58.5 ± 15.5 years, 64.3% female) were assessed. Mucostasis was present at three months in 39.3%, at six months in 32.1%, and 17.9% at last follow-up. There was no comorbidity or radiologic finding that was associated with failure to normalize. Those patients with mucostasis had a higher modified Lund-Mackay endoscopic score at last follow-up (5.0 ± 0.7 v 0.2 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Long term post-operative mucostasis occurred in 17.9% of patients following an adequate maxillary antrostomy for treatment of a fungal ball. Patients with mucostasis had persistent mucosal inflammation and a greater need for further surgery (modified medial maxillectomy).

What is the evidence for macrolide therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the most recent evidence for macrolide therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). RECENT FINDINGS: Macrolides play a significant role in a select group of patients with CRS. Low-serum and tissue eosinophilia in patients who do not respond to corticosteroid therapy appeared to be an effective predictor of a CRS phenotype suitable for a trial of long-term macrolide therapy. Therapies using half a dose for longer than 12 weeks have noted good outcomes. SUMMARY: The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of macrolides have been demonstrated in several studies. Macrolides have shown an important role in patients who are nonresponsive to corticosteroid therapies, therefore patient selection is key. Previous inconsistencies in results may be due to poor patient selection.

Correction to: Clinically relevant phenotypes in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in Table 1. In the second columns of the 'Radiology' row, 'Normal anterolateral sinus mucosa' should read 'Normal superolateral sinus mucosa'. A corrected version of Table 1 is included in this Correction.

Effects of sphenoid surgery on nasal irrigation delivery.

BACKGROUND: Nasal irrigation is an important component of medical management in chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal irrigations facilitate topical medication of therapies and lavage of mucin. In this study we aim to compare the influence of increasing surgical sphenoid openings on the distribution, force, and clearance of nasal irrigations. METHODS: A study was performed on fresh-frozen adult cadaver heads. The surgical ostium was modified on one side via a simple sphenoidotomy, a sphenoid sinusectomy (type 1), and sphenoid sinusectomy (type 3a). The nasal cavity was irrigated using a 240-mL squeeze bottle with 0.1% fluoroscein. An endoscope passed through the contralateral side through the sphenoid septum recorded the irrigation. Videos were recorded and blindly assessed. The distribution was defined as either no irrigation, less than one third of the sinus, less than or equal to two thirds of the sinus, or the complete sinus. The force was defined as minimal, minor, or major. The clearance was defined as no residual, less than one third of volume, less than or equal to two thirds of volume, and more than two thirds volume. Ordinal correlation scores were assessed using the Kendall tau-B test. RESULTS: Nine specimens (sphenoid sinuses) were assessed (44.4% female; age, 75.0 ± 12.7 years). The use of a sphenoid sinusectomy or larger produced better distribution (percent specimens with more than one third: 100% vs 59%, p < 0.01), more force (percent major: 83% vs 29%, p < 0.01), and better clearance (percent with one third or less remaining: 56% vs 18%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Increasing sphenoid ostial size improves nasal irrigation penetration. We propose that greater sphenoid sinusectomy size allows for improved lavage and irrigation penetration. Complete removal of the anterior face appears to mitigate pooling of irrigation.

Clinically relevant phenotypes in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex disease that incorporates many different conditions. Currently, primary CRS is considered a disease of broad airway inflammation, however, the previous classification of CRS with and without nasal polyposis fails to adequately classify patients based upon their etiology of illness. Our aim with this review is discuss the clinical presentation, radiology, endoscopy, histopathology, and treatment algorithm of three different phenotypes of primary CRS: central compartment atopic disease, eosinophilic CRS, and non-eosinophilic CRS. METHODS: A narrative review of a tertiary rhinology center's research themes and how they are applied to clinical protocols and practice was assessed. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis and treatment of upper and lower airway conditions become increasingly important as phenotypes and endotypes are being described. There are well-described therapies to treat the different phenotypes of CRS, based upon the presumed underlying cause of the inflammatory process. Research continues to shed more light on different endotypes and phenotypes of airway inflammation, however, clinical differentiation of CRS can be applied in clinic practice with three simple phenotypes of CRS. Understanding these different phenotypes and their etiologies allows for further management beyond the 'maximum medical therapy and then surgery' approach that has often been used in the management of CRS.

Isolated Traumatic Fracture of the Malleus Handle Causing Hearing Fluctuation.

INTRODUCTION: Handle of malleus fracture is a rare condition with <100 cases having been reported. The clinical presentation is conductive hearing loss following a history of trauma, typically, during manipulation of the external auditory canal. The diagnosis of the condition is clinical and radiological. The options for treatment are either a hearing aid or ossiculoplasty. We describe an isolated case of malleus handle fracture after trauma associated with manipulation of the external auditory canal. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old female, reported a right ear trauma. She suffered immediate otalgia, hearing loss and nonpulsatile tinnitus. An indistinct umbo was identified on endoscopic inspection and a hypermobile right tympanic membrane during Valsalva. Clinical testing of hearing revealed a mild-to-moderate conductive hearing loss. Computed Tomography scan revealed a fracture of the right malleus handle. A decision for surgical treatment was made based on continuing symptomatology as well as audiology and CT findings. A tragal composite cartilage graft was harvested and placed over the remaining superior part of the malleus and under the inferior fragment of the malleus attached to the tympanic membrane. The patient had immediate improvement of fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: A fracture of the malleus handle should be included in the etiologies of conductive hearing loss after trauma. A careful history, thorough otology examination, and a meticulous analysis of the CT will usually confirm this rare condition and exclude other ossicular abnormalities.

Septal Perforation Repair Utilizing an Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap and Collagen Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal perforation repair remains a challenge with no standard technique for repair recognized. OBJECTIVE: To describe the combination of an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with a collagen matrix inlay as a successful technique for nasal septal perforation repair. METHODS: A case series of consecutive patients who underwent nasal septal perforation repair with an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen graft was conducted. Demographic data, preoperative features of the perforation (size, location, and presence of chondritis), and postoperative outcomes were analyzed; closure rate, mucosalization rate (of the contralateral side at 21 and 90 days), and complications (crusting, bleeding, obstruction, infection, and rehospitalization <30 days) were documented. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (age: 49 ± 15 years, 30.8% women) were assessed. The perforation size was 1.6 ± 0.9 cm (range: 0.3-3.5 cm) and located 1.2 ± 0.5 cm (range: 0.5-2.0 cm) posterior to the columella. Chondritis was present in 69.2%. The closure rate was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77%-100%) at both 21 and 90 days. One patient required a free mucosa graft to an area of persistent crusting on the contralateral side (7.7%). Complications were low; bleeding 0%, obstruction 7.7% (requiring corticosteroid injection of anterior ethmoidal artery flap), and 0% infection/rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen matrix is a reliable technique to repair nasal septal perforation. This technique, with robust vascularity and wide angle of rotation, enables the closure of perforations both large (<50% total septum) and with anterior locations.

Schwannoma nasal / Nasal Schwannoma

Introdução: O Schwannoma é uma neoplasia benigna com origem nas células de Schwann presentes na bainha de nervos autossômicos periféricos. Localiza-se cranial ou extracranial. Na cabeça e pescoço constitui 30 a 45% dos casos extracraniais, sendo que 4% deles estão localizados no nariz e seios paranasais. Relato do caso: Paciente feminina, 37 anos, realizou tomografia de crânio após queda para investigar trauma cranioencefálico. Esta identificou velamento de seios paranasais à esquerda. O achado motivou a investigação da hiposmia e obstrução nasal à esquerda de longa data. À rinoscopia anterior, observou-se lesão expansiva polipoide ocupando a fossa nasal, não permitindo a passagem do nasofibroscópio. Tomografia computadorizada evidenciou lesão ocupando totalmente a fossa nasal esquerda, velamento do seio maxilar e células etmoidais anteriores e posteriores à esquerda. Realizou-se exérese endoscópica da lesão, que tinha provável origem no recesso esfenoetmoidal. A biópsia transoperatória com congelação observou lesão inflamatória. A confirmação do diagnóstico de Schwannoma foi feita pelo anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímica, que evidenciou alta reatividade à proteína S-100. Discussão: As lesões intranasais unilaterais apresentam inúmeras possibilidades diagnósticas. Os sintomas são inespecíficos e os exames de imagem pouco esclarecedores. Neste relato, a tomografia sugeriu pólipo de Killian ou papiloma invertido pela unilateralidade da lesão. Porém, as características histopatológicas e a imunorreatividade à proteína S-100 auxiliaram na confirmação diagnóstica. Conclusão: O Schwannoma intranasal faz parte do diagnóstico diferencial das lesões intranasais. O exame histopatológico e a imunohistoquímica são de extrema importância para confirmação diagnóstica frente à inespecificidade dos sintomas e achados radiológicos (AU)

Introduction: Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm originating in the Schwann cells present in the sheath of peripheral autosomal nerves. It is located cranially or extracranially. In the head and neck it comprises 30 to 45% of extracranial cases, 4% of which located in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Case report: A 37-year-old female patient underwent skull tomography after a fall to investigate cranioencephalic trauma. This identified veiling of paranasal sinuses on the left. The finding motivated the investigation of long-standing hyposmia and nasal obstruction on the left. At anterior rhinoscopy, an expansive polypoid lesion occupying the nasal fossa was observed, not allowing the nasofibroscope to pass. Computed tomography revealed a lesion totally occupying the left nasal fossa, maxillary sinus veil, and anterior and posterior ethmoid cells on the left. Endoscopic excision of the lesion that was likely to originate in the sphenoethmoidal recess was performed. Intraoperative biopsy with freezing showed an inflammatory lesion. Confirmation of the Schwannoma diagnosis was made by pathology and immunohistochemistry that showed high reactivity to S-100 protein. Discussion: Unilateral intranasal lesions present numerous diagnostic possibilities. The symptoms are nonspecific and imaging exams are not very elucidating. In this report, CT scan suggested a Killian polyp or inverted papilloma due to the unilaterality of the lesion. However, the histopathological characteristics and immunoreactivity to the S-100 protein aided in the diagnostic confirmation. Conclusion: Intranasal Schwannoma is part of the differential diagnosis of intranasal lesions. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are extremely important for diagnostic confirmation in the face of the non-specificity of symptoms and radiological findings (AU)

Atresia de coana unilateral: o uso de molde na cirurgia da reestenose / Unilateral choanal atresia: the use of cast in surgery for restenosis

Introdução: A atresia de coana (AC) é a anomalia nasal congênita mais comum. Estima-se a incidência de 1 caso para cada 8000-10000 nascidos vivos. Relato do caso: Paciente feminina, 9 anos, com obstrução nasal em fossa nasal direita (FND) desde o nascimento. Apresentava roncos e apneia em vigência de infecção de via aérea superior. À rinoscopia anterior direita, secreção hialina abundante. À videonasoendoscopia flexível não foi possível visualizar cavum pela FND, observando-se estase de secreção em região posterior; à esquerda cavum livre, sem lesão expansiva. Tomografia de nariz e seios paranasais evidenciou atresia de coana mista à direita. Foi realizada cirurgia para correção da malformação. Após 30 dias, observou-se reestenose do cavum. Na reintervenção, a coana foi ampliada com remoção do osso palatino e do septo posterior, realizada dilatação com balão e posicionado molde de silicone. Realizada aplicação de Mitomicina. A remoção do molde foi feita em bloco cirúrgico após 42 dias, com permeabilidade coanal preservada. Nasofibroendoscopia após 6 meses mostrou fossas nasais pérvias. Discussão: Ainda há controvérsias na literatura quanto à efetividade das diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas e ao uso de stents e de agentes antineoplásicos no pós-operatório. Neste relato, a dilatação com balão pode ter contribuído para o sucesso da cirurgia, porém o molde foi fundamental para evitar a reestenose. Considerações finais: O uso do molde mostrou um excelente resultado nesta reintervenção de correção de atresia de coana. A baixa reação inflamatória e o sucesso do pós-operatório mostraram que esta é uma opção a ser utilizada para evitar a reestenose (AU)

Introduction: Choanal atresia (CA) is the most common congenital nasal anomaly. Its incidence is estimated as 1 case for every 8,000-10,000 live births. Case report: Female patient, 9 years old, with obstruction in the right nasal cavity (RNC) since birth. She presented snoring and apnea in the presence of upper airway infection. At right anterior rhinoscopy, abundant hyaline secretion. Flexible videonasoendoscopy failed to visualize cavum through RNC, with secretion stasis in posterior region; left cavum free, without expansive lesion. Tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses revealed mixed choanal atresia on the right. Surgery was performed to correct the malformation. Thirty days later, restenosis of the cavum was observed. At reoperation the choana was enlarged with removal of the palatine bone and posterior septum, balloon dilatation was performed and a silicone cast was positioned. Mitomycin application was performed. Removal of the cast was done in surgical ward after 42 days, with preserved choanal permeability. Nasofibroscopy at 6 months postoperatively showed permeable nasal cavities. Discussion: There is still controversy in the literature regarding the effectiveness of different surgical techniques and the use of stents and anti-neoplastic agents in the postoperative period. In this report, balloon dilatation may have contributed to the success of the surgery, but the cast was crucial to avoid restenosis. Final considerations: The use of the cast had an excellent outcome in this re-intervention of choanal atresia correction. The low inflammatory reaction and postoperative success have shown that this is an effective option to be used to avoid restenosis (AU)

Unilateral pulmonary agenesis.

Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with left lung agenesis, without any other congenital malformations. When the patient presented symptoms, including cough, wheezing, and dyspnea, with no clinical improvement after a period of 30 days, imaging studies were conducted and the diagnosis was made.

Agenesia pulmonar unilateral / Unilateral pulmonary agenesis

A agenesia pulmonar é uma anomalia congênita rara. Relatamos um caso de um menino de 8 anos de idade com agenesia pulmonar à esquerda sem associação com outras malformações. O diagnóstico foi realizado por achados de imagem quando o paciente apresentou sintomas como tosse, sibilância e dispneia sem melhora do quadro clínico após evolução de 30 dias.

Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with left lung agenesis, without any other congenital malformations. When the patient presented symptoms, including cough, wheezing, and dyspnea, with no clinical improvement after a period of 30 days, imaging studies were conducted and the diagnosis was made.

Prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo até a idade de seis meses e características maternas associadas, em área de abrangência de unidade de Saúde da Família no município de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2010 / Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months and maternal characteristics associated, in coverage area of a Family Health Unit in the municipality of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2010

BJETIVO: verificar a prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) até a idade de seis meses, características maternas associadas e motivos para desmame precoce. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal realizado em uma unidade de Saúde da Família no Município de Pelotas, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre setembro e dezembro de 2010, mediante entrevistas domiciliares com mães de crianças de seis meses a dois anos de idade, inscritas no programa de puericultura. RESULTADOS: das 173 crianças inscritas, foram encontradas 95 mães; a prevalência de AME foi de 33,7 por cento; após análise ajustada, nenhuma variável permaneceu associada ao desfecho; os motivos relatados para o desmame foram diminuição da produção do leite e recusa da criança para mamar. CONCLUSÃO: até o sexto mês, o AME foi pouco praticado entre as mães participantes; quase metade das crianças (45,0 por cento) não foram localizadas, limitando os resultados do estudo, embora a prevalência encontrada seja semelhante à de outros estudos.

OBJECTIVE: to verify prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months, associated maternal characteristics and reasons for early weaning. METHODS: cross-sectional study performed in a Family Health unit, in the Municipality of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from September to December of 2010, through home interview with mothers of children ranging from six months to two years, enrolled in the childcare program. RESULTS: from 173 enrolled children, 95 mothers were interviewed; the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months was 33.7 per cent; after adjusted analysis, no variable remained associated with the outcome; the most frequent reported reasons for an early weaning were reduction on milk production and child rejection to nurse. CONCLUSION: until sixth month, exclusive breastfeeding was little practiced among the interviewed mothers; almost half of the children (45.0 per cent) were notfound, which limits the study's results, although the found prevalence was similar to other studies.