Which Nasal Airway Dimensions Correlate with Nasal Airflow and with Nasal Breathing Sensation?

Background: Rhinoplasty modifies the nasal pyramid, thereby also modifying the nasal airway. Objectives: To correlate the sensation of nasal breathing, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures, and nasal airflow, as assessed by peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), with nasal airway dimensions, as measured on computed tomography (CT) images. Methods: Fifty Caucasian patients were studied through visual analogue scale (VAS), nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) and PNIF. Measurements of the nasal airway were made on CT images: minimal distance between septum and inferior and middle turbinates, nasal valve angle, and nasal valve area. Results: There was a significant association between PNIF and nasal valve area, between VAS and the narrower nasal valve angle and between NOSE and minimal distance between septum and middle turbinate of the narrower side. Conclusions: This study suggests that the dimensions of the nasal valve and of the middle nasal airway have a substantial impact on nasal breathing capacity. It also highlights the importance of unilateral nasal airway obstruction to nasal breathing.

Trends in primary angioplasty in Portugal from 2002 to 2013 according to the Portuguese National Registry of Interventional Cardiology. / Angioplastia primária em Portugal entre 2002-2013. Atividade segundo o Registo Nacional de Cardiologia de Intervenção.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present paper was to report trends in coronary angioplasty for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Portugal. METHODS: Prospective multicenter data from the Portuguese National Registry of Interventional Cardiology (RNCI) and official data from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) were studied to analyze percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures for STEMI from 2002 to 2013. RESULTS: In 2013, 3524 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) procedures were performed (25% of all procedures), an increase of 315% in comparison to 2002 (16% of all interventions). Between 2002 and 2013 the rate increased from 106 to 338 p-PCIs per million population per year. Rescue angioplasty decreased from 70.7% in 2002 to 2% in 2013. During this period, the use of drug-eluting stents grew from 9.9% to 69.5%. After 2008, the use of aspiration thrombectomy increased, reaching 46.7% in 2013. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitor use decreased from 73.2% in 2002 to 23.6% in the last year of the study. Use of a radial approach increased steadily from 8.3% in 2008 to 54.6% in 2013. CONCLUSION: During the reporting period there was a three-fold increase in primary angioplasty rates per million population. Rescue angioplasty has been overtaken by p-PCI as the predominant procedure since 2006. New trends in the treatment of STEMI were observed, notably the use of drug-eluting stents and radial access as the predominant approach.

[Position statement on bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in Portugal]. / Posição sobre suportes vasculares restaurativos transitórios coronários em Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were recently approved for percutaneous coronary intervention in Europe. The aim of this position statement is to review the information and studies on available BVS, to stimulate discussion on their use and to propose guidelines for this treatment option in Portugal. METHODS AND RESULTS: A working group was set up to reach a consensus based on current evidence, discussion of clinical case models and individual experience. The evidence suggests that currently available BVS can produce physiological and clinical improvements in selected patients. There are encouraging data on their durability and long-term safety. Initial indications were grouped into three categories: (a) consensual and appropriate - young patients, diabetic patients, left anterior descending artery, long lesions, diffuse disease, and hybrid strategy; (b) less consensual but possible - small collateral branches, stabilized acute coronary syndromes; and (c) inappropriate - left main disease, tortuosity, severe calcification. CONCLUSION: BVS are a viable treatment option based on the encouraging evidence of their applicability and physiological and clinical results. They should be used in appropriate indications and will require technical adaptations. Outcome monitoring and evaluation is essential to avoid inappropriate use. It is recommended that medical societies produce clinical guidelines based on high-quality registries as soon as possible.