The anatomical relation of the extracranial internal carotid artery in the parapharyngeal space.

BACKGROUND: The proximity of the internal carotid artery to the pharyngeal wall poses a risk of injury during nasopharyngeal surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the distances between the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and the pharyngeal wall. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Measurements were taken on certain levels of the pharynx using computed tomography angiography (angio-CT) scans of 97 patients. One-tailed Student's t-test for independent variables and a comparison of expected values for dependent pairs of observations were applied. RESULTS: The shortest distance between the ICA and the pharyngeal wall was 1.1 mm. The ICA is closer to the pharyngeal wall at the epiglottis apex level (16.46 ±0.89 mm) than to the Eustachian tube (ET) (19.8 ±0.62 mm) (p < 0.0005). In women, the ICA is closer to the ET (19.44 ±0.78 mm) than in men (20.17 ±0.96 mm) (p = 0.04). In women, the right ICA is closer to the pharyngeal wall than the left ICA at the level of the lower margin of the 2nd cervical corpus vertebra (C2) (right: 17.6 ±1.8 mm; left: 20.7 ±1.7 mm) (p = 0.002) and at the level of the epiglottis apex (right: 15.2 ±1.7 mm; left: 17.4 ±1.4 mm) (p = 0.028). The bifurcation of the common carotid artery (CCA) is higher in men (19.48 ±2.19 mm below the C2) than in women (21.82 ±1.02 mm) (p < 0.001). When the bifurcation is at the level of the epiglottis apex, the ICA is closer to the pharyngeal wall (12.3 ±1.69 mm) than in other cases (16.46 ±0.89 mm) (p = 0.005). In men, the higher the bifurcation is, the closer the ICA is to the pharyngeal wall at the level of the lower margin of the C2 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of ICA incision during surgery differs between the pharyngeal levels, genders and sides of the neck. The ICA may be much closer to the pharyngeal wall than described in the literature.

The evaluation of the sense of hearing in patients with carotid artery stenosis within the extracranial segments.

Stenosis of arteries that supplies blood to the brain is one of the main causes of ischemic stroke which is the third most common cause of deaths in Europe. Atherosclerosis of carotid and vertebral arteries is responsible for 20% of the ischemic stroke cases. Stenosis may be either asymptomatic or manifested with typical neurological symptoms including motor and sensory disturbances as well as disturbances in vision and speech. However, discrete non-specific symptoms of ischemia, including headaches and vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, are also quite common. These symptoms may be indicative of a clinically significant stenosis of carotid and vertebral arteries, particularly within the internal carotid artery region, as well as of a risk of ischemic stroke. To date, research reports were unable to provide exact explanation of correlations between impaired hearing and the stenosis of carotid and vertebral arteries. Despite this, numerous articles list these symptoms as one of the first non-specific symptoms of this disorder. The ischemic mechanism within the inner ear region may lead to early symptoms of atherosclerosis of large vessels. However, no evidence of relationship and no explanation could be provided with this regard. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of carotid and vertebral artery stenosis on the function of the hearing and equilibrium organ on the basis of diagnostic audiological examinations including pure-tone threshold audiometry, impedance audiometry, otoacoustic emission tests and brainstem auditory evoked potential tests. The study was conducted in 63 patients (32 males, 31 females) aged 45-75 years, presenting with carotid and vertebral artery stenosis and treated at the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw. Patients were stratified into two subgroups according to their age (45-60 years, 61-75 years). Patients were also divided into subgroups according to the stenotic arteries and to the symptomatic/asymptomatic status of the disorder. All patients were homogeneous in terms of the degree of artery stenosis. The control group consisted of 32 healthy persons (14 males, 18 females) aged 48-75 years. Patients qualified to the control group reported no history of middle or inner ear disorders, disturbed hearing, vertigo and balance disorders, as well as cardiovascular diseases; they also presented with unremarkable ultrasound scans of the arteries. All patients were subjected to precise audiological examinations. Prior to being qualified for the study, patients were subjected to the assessment of arteries by means of Doppler ultrasonography. The hearing organ function was assessed by means of pure-tone threshold audiometry, impedance audiometry, otoacoustic emission tests and brainstem auditory evoked potential tests. Reduction of the flow through the carotid arteries causes problems in the organ of hearing; abnormalities are reported especially in tone threshold audiometry, examinations of the stapedius muscle reflexes and brainstem auditory evoked potentials, which prove the presence of receptive cochlear-extracochlear hearing damage. Disturbances of the organ of hearing have similar severity in stenosis of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. Abnormalities found in audiologic examinations in patients with carotid artery stenosis are not always explicitly clinically expressed in patients with hearing loss; we should consider diagnostics for carotid artery stenosis.

Hearing Tests Based on Biologically Calibrated Mobile Devices: Comparison With Pure-Tone Audiometry.

BACKGROUND: Hearing screening tests based on pure-tone audiometry may be conducted on mobile devices, provided that the devices are specially calibrated for the purpose. Calibration consists of determining the reference sound level and can be performed in relation to the hearing threshold of normal-hearing persons. In the case of devices provided by the manufacturer, together with bundled headphones, the reference sound level can be calculated once for all devices of the same model. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the hearing threshold measured by a mobile device that was calibrated using a model-specific, biologically determined reference sound level with the hearing threshold obtained in pure-tone audiometry. METHODS: Trial participants were recruited offline using face-to-face prompting from among Otolaryngology Clinic patients, who own Android-based mobile devices with bundled headphones. The hearing threshold was obtained on a mobile device by means of an open access app, Hearing Test, with incorporated model-specific reference sound levels. These reference sound levels were previously determined in uncontrolled conditions in relation to the hearing threshold of normal-hearing persons. An audiologist-assisted self-measurement was conducted by the participants in a sound booth, and it involved determining the lowest audible sound generated by the device within the frequency range of 250 Hz to 8 kHz. The results were compared with pure-tone audiometry. RESULTS: A total of 70 subjects, 34 men and 36 women, aged 18-71 years (mean 36, standard deviation [SD] 11) participated in the trial. The hearing threshold obtained on mobile devices was significantly different from the one determined by pure-tone audiometry with a mean difference of 2.6 dB (95% CI 2.0-3.1) and SD of 8.3 dB (95% CI 7.9-8.7). The number of differences not greater than 10 dB reached 89% (95% CI 88-91), whereas the mean absolute difference was obtained at 6.5 dB (95% CI 6.2-6.9). Sensitivity and specificity for a mobile-based screening method were calculated at 98% (95% CI 93-100.0) and 79% (95% CI 71-87), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The method of hearing self-test carried out on mobile devices with bundled headphones demonstrates high compatibility with pure-tone audiometry, which confirms its potential application in hearing monitoring, screening tests, or epidemiological examinations on a large scale.

Investigation of sinonasal anatomy via low-dose multidetector CT examination in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with higher risk for perioperative complications.

The aim of the study was to compare visualisation of the surgically relevant anatomical structures via low- and standard-dose multidetector CT protocol in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and higher risk for perioperative complications (i.e. presence of bronchial asthma, history of sinus surgery and advanced nasal polyposis). 135 adult CRS patients were divided randomly into standard-dose (120 kVp, 100 mAs) or low-dose CT groups (120 kVp, 45 mAs). The detectability of the vital anatomical structures (anterior ethmoid artery, optic nerve, cribriform plate and lamina papyracea) was scored using a five-point scale (from excellent to unacceptable) by a radiologist and sinus surgeon. Polyp sizes were quantified endoscopically according to the Lildholdt's scale (LS). Olfactory function was tested with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. On the low-dose CT images, detectability ranged from 2.42 (better than poor) for cribriform plate among anosmic cases to 4.11 (better than good) for lamina papyracea in cases without nasal polyps. Identification of lamina papyracea on low-dose scans was significantly worse in each group and the same was the case with cribriform plates in patients with advanced polyposis and anosmia. Cribriform plates were the most poorly identified (between poor and average) among all the structures on low-dose images. Identification of anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) with reduced dose was insignificantly worse than with standard-dose examination. The AEA was scored as an average-defined structure and was the second weakest visualised. In conclusion, preoperatively, low-dose protocols may not sufficiently visualise the surgically relevant anatomical structures in patients with CRS and bronchial asthma, advanced nasal polyps (LS > 2) and history of sinus surgery. Low mAs value enables comparable detectability of sinonasal landmarks with standard-dose protocols in patients without analysed risk factors. In the context of planned surgery, the current preferences of the tube should be carefully evaluated for different patient constitutions to minimise the risk of complications.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties in Carotid Body Paragangliomas, Based on Clinical Experience and a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, representing 0.03% of all tumors. Half of them develop in the head and neck, and among these 50% are sporadic cervical tumors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to carry out an epidemiological and clinical analysis of paraganglioma patients diagnosed and treated at the authors' clinics between 1985 and 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical data of 47 patients were analyzed. All the patients were qualified for surgery. In 43 cases (88%), simple resection of the tumor was performed, including 11 cases (22%) that additionally required vascular suturing, and 5 (10%) that required reconstruction of the internal carotid artery. Carotid vessel repair was performed by shortening the internal carotid artery in 3 cases (6%), using a saphenous vein graft in 2 cases (4%), and by creating an anastomosis between the external carotid artery and the distal portion of the internal carotid artery in one case (2%). RESULTS: In 40 cases (82%), the course of treatment was uneventful. Three patients (6%) were reoperated because of symptoms of cerebral stroke. Palsy of the hypoglossal nerve occurred in 3 cases (6%), and facial nerve palsy in 2 patients (4%). Six patients (12%) developed postoperative hematomas in the wound. In all the cases, histopathological examinations confirmed carotid paraganglioma. CONCLUSIONS: Cooperation with an otolaryngologist and vascular surgeon during surgery is recommended due to frequent damage to carotid vessels by carotid paragangliomas. Detection of the tumor in the early stages improves surgical treatment outcomes and reduces the number of complications. Regular postoperative check-ups are necessary due to possible occurrences of multiple tumors.

Evaluating the Hearing of Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) occurs in 10-20% of the general population over 60 years of age, and its morbidity increases with age. Some research indicates that PEX may be a systemic disease. Some experts state that it can also lead to ear dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and type of hearing disorders in patients with PEX. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients (102 eyes) hospitalized in Wroclaw Medical University Hospital's Department of Ophthalmology and scheduled for cataract surgery in 2012-2014. Among these patients (whose age ranged from 55 to 92), 28 had PEX and 23 served as a control group. Both groups underwent ophtalmic examinations as well as ENT inspection and audiological tests (tonal audiometry, impedance audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission tests [DPOAE] and auditory brainstem response tests [ABR]). RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the threshold of hearing in pure-tone audiometry was observed in PEX group for 2 kHz. In impedance audiometry tests, the stapedius reflex was identified in a greater proportion of patients in the PEX group than in the control group in all frequency ranges. There was no difference between the PEX groups and the control group in the results of the DPOAE and ABR tests. CONCLUSIONS: PEX can be a systemic disease that affects the functioning of the inner ear causing sensorineural hearing impairment. The increased hearing threshold in pure-tone audiometry of the patients with PEX affects the speech range (mainly the frequency of 2 kHz). Impedance audiometry and pure-tone audiometry appeared useful in audiological diagnostics of patients with PEX.

The usefulness of free dicom viewers in rhinologic practice.

Indroduction: The planning of the course of surgery in patients with paranasal sinus disorders requires the meticulous evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans. However, ENT doctors still often receive unsatisfactory DICOM images, which require multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). THE AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate and test DICOM viewers with MPR function currently available on the Internet for free. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Detailed Internet searches and analysis of databases were carried out to find the maximum number of browsers. Available software was downloaded to assess, qualitatively and quantitatively, the parameters and functions useful in rhinologic practice. Additionally, a questionnaire was developed in order to ascertain the expectations and habits of ENT doctors in relation to DICOM browsers and CT scan evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Among the hundreds of browsers, 17 programs were chosen to be included in the final comparison. The outcomes of the survey proved that many free DICOM tools are effective alternatives to commercially available programs. However, the results do not enable us to predict precisely which tool will meet the needs of each physician. The survey among ENT doctors highlighted their limited awareness of software with MPR functions, in particular those that scored best in the test.

Nasal endoscopy: an adjunct to patient selection for preoperative low-dose CT examination in chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: The growing awareness of increased X-ray exposure to the public has led to the propagation of several methods for reducing the radiation dose during CT examination. Low-dose CT protocols do not, however, have an established role in pre-operative evaluation. The aim of this article was to assess the usefulness of nasal endoscopy in the selection of patients under pre-operative care for low-dose CT examination. METHODS: A cadaver head was used to discover institutional minimum acceptable CT image quality and scanning settings. Then, 134 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were enrolled into the study and divided randomly into standard dose (120 kVp, 100 mAs) or low-dose CT groups (120 kVp, 45 mAs). Subjective assessment of the diagnostic image quality of the surgically relevant anatomical structures was compared using a five-point scale (from excellent to unacceptable) by a radiologist and sinus surgeon independently. Pathologic states of the nose were quantified according to the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic system (LKES) and Lildholdt's scale. RESULTS: Image quality was similar in low-dose and standard dose groups in patients without polyps. The quality of 13% of scans from patients with polyps from the low-dose group and 4% from the standard dose group was in the range from moderate to poor. The quality of scans obtained with low milliamperes second (mAs) values worsened in patients with polyps in the middle meatus, but the difference was particularly pronounced compared with standard dose among subjects with Lildholdt's score above 2 (p < 0.001). Correlation with LKES revealed that changes other than polyps (i.e. discharge, oedema, scaring or crusting) in the nasal cavity alone do not affect the image quality. Interobserver agreement in both groups was very high. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose scanning should be promoted as the screening imaging method of choice in patients with suspected CRS. Furthermore, low mAs value examination can be performed pre-operatively without fear of significant image quality deterioration in uncomplicated CRS patients without polyps, or with minor changes in nasal endoscopy. Standard dose CT, which provides a better identification of bony landmarks, minimizes diagnostic errors and risk to patients, so it might be considered in those with polyps below the middle turbinate.

Expression of Cell Cycle-Related Proteins p16, p27, p53 and Ki-67 in HPV-positive and -negative Samples of Papillomas of the Upper Respiratory Tract.

BACKGROUND: The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as an etiological factor of respiratory tract papillomas has been described in numerous studies, however its role in malignant transformation has not been clearly defined. Depending on their oncogenic potential they have been classified as low- and high-risk HPVs. We analyzed the expression of four cell cycle-related proteins in order to understand the processes leading to malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six cases of pharyngeal and laryngeal papillomas were analyzed. Nested multiplex polymerase chain reactions to detect the presence of the HPV types, as well as immunohistochemical reactions were performed for the detection of cell cycle-related proteins p16, p27, p53 and Ki-67. RESULTS: The presence of HPVs 6/11 and 16 was confirmed in 10/56 cases. The expression of all analyzed cell cycle-related proteins was increased in HPV-infected papillomas. CONCLUSION: HPV infection of the upper respiratory tract may influence the expression of cell cycle-related proteins, that could indicate its possible role in the process of malignant transformation.

Coexistent chronic myelogenous leukemia with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx associated with NOD2/CARD15 mutation in a young adult.

We report the case of a 37-year-old man with human papillomavirus-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx coexisting with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The patient had no history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Within a few months, his rapidly growing tumor was classified as T4aN2cM0. It could be assumed that the rapid increase in the tumor mass, which did not respond positively to treatment, might have been associated with the coexistence of the chronic myelogenous leukemia, which had been found incidentally. Genetic testing revealed the presence of insertion mutation 3020insC within the NOD2 gene, which might be an important genetic predisposing factor, not only for a single tumor such as laryngeal cancer, but also for multiple primary neoplasms. The presence of an NOD2 mutation could significantly worsen the course of the cancer. Therefore, given the relatively high frequency of 3020insC mutations in the general population, it might be reasonable to perform genetic testing on a wider scale for patients with head or neck cancer, particularly in cases that follow an atypical course. It is also worth emphasizing the importance of thorough and periodically repeated laryngeal examinations in patients with chronic leukemia.

Hearing Tests on Mobile Devices: Evaluation of the Reference Sound Level by Means of Biological Calibration.

BACKGROUND: Hearing tests carried out in home setting by means of mobile devices require previous calibration of the reference sound level. Mobile devices with bundled headphones create a possibility of applying the predefined level for a particular model as an alternative to calibrating each device separately. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the reference sound level for sets composed of a mobile device and bundled headphones. METHODS: Reference sound levels for Android-based mobile devices were determined using an open access mobile phone app by means of biological calibration, that is, in relation to the normal-hearing threshold. The examinations were conducted in 2 groups: an uncontrolled and a controlled one. In the uncontrolled group, the fully automated self-measurements were carried out in home conditions by 18- to 35-year-old subjects, without prior hearing problems, recruited online. Calibration was conducted as a preliminary step in preparation for further examination. In the controlled group, audiologist-assisted examinations were performed in a sound booth, on normal-hearing subjects verified through pure-tone audiometry, recruited offline from among the workers and patients of the clinic. In both the groups, the reference sound levels were determined on a subject's mobile device using the Bekesy audiometry. The reference sound levels were compared between the groups. Intramodel and intermodel analyses were carried out as well. RESULTS: In the uncontrolled group, 8988 calibrations were conducted on 8620 different devices representing 2040 models. In the controlled group, 158 calibrations (test and retest) were conducted on 79 devices representing 50 models. Result analysis was performed for 10 most frequently used models in both the groups. The difference in reference sound levels between uncontrolled and controlled groups was 1.50 dB (SD 4.42). The mean SD of the reference sound level determined for devices within the same model was 4.03 dB (95% CI 3.93-4.11). Statistically significant differences were found across models. CONCLUSIONS: Reference sound levels determined in the uncontrolled group are comparable to the values obtained in the controlled group. This validates the use of biological calibration in the uncontrolled group for determining the predefined reference sound level for new devices. Moreover, due to a relatively small deviation of the reference sound level for devices of the same model, it is feasible to conduct hearing screening on devices calibrated with the predefined reference sound level.

Measurements of electrical impedance of biomedical objects.

Some basic problems related to measurements of electrical impedance of biological objects (bioimpedance) have been presented in this paper. Particularly problems arising from impedance occurring at the sensor-tissue interface (interfacial impedances) in contact measuring methods have been discussed. The influence of finite values of impedances of the current source and voltage measuring device has also been taken into consideration. A model of the impedance sensor for the four-electrode measurement method containing the interfacial, source and measuring device impedances has been given and its frequency characteristics obtained by the computer simulation have been presented. The influence of these impedances on the shape of frequency characteristic of the sensor model has been discussed. Measurements of bioimpedance of healthy and anomalous soft tissues have been described. Some experimental results, particularly the frequency characteristics of bioimpedance, have been shown. The presented results of measurement show that bioimpedance can be a valuable source of information about the tissues, so measurement of bioimpedance can be a useful supplement to other medical diagnostic methods.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis in Otolaryngologist Practice: A Review of Current Knowledge.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an idiopathic vasculitis of medium and small arteries, characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. GPA typically affects upper and lower respiratory tract with coexisting glomerulonephritis. This disease is generally characterized by antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA), nevertheless, there are rare cases with negative ANCA. GPA affects people at any age, with predominance of the sixth and seventh decade of life. In 80%-95% of the patients the first symptoms of GPA are otorhinolaryngological manifestations of head and neck including nose/sinuses, ears, eyes, larynx/trachea, oral cavity, and salivary glands. Diagnosis of GPA is based on Criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. In clinical practice diagnosis, the presence of distinctive ANCA antibodies and biopsy of affected organ are crucial. GPA must be differentiated from neoplastic, infectious or inflammatory ulcerative lesions of the head and neck. The standard treatment procedure is divided into two essential phases, induction and maintenance. The induction phase is based on combination of systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy, whereas the maintenance phase comprises corticosteroids and azathioprine/methotrexate supplementation. Surgical treatment ought to be considered for patients who are not responding to pharmacotherapy.

Correlation between levels of expression of minichromosome maintenance proteins, Ki-67 proliferation antigen and metallothionein I/II in laryngeal squamous cell cancer.

MCM2, MCM3 and MCM7 are minichromosome maintenance proteins found in dividing cells and they play a role in DNA synthesis. Increased MCM expression level is observed in cells of different cancer types. Additionally, metallothioneins (MT-I/II) are involved in control of cell proliferation and differentiation and changes of their expression are observed in many types of cancer. Ki-67 is known cancer cell proliferation antigen currently used in prognostic evaluation. The study material consisted of 83 laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) cases and 10 benign hypertrophic lesions of larynx epithelium as a control group. For the present study, laryngeal cancer cell line HEp-2 and human keratinocytes were employed, and to evaluate expression of all the markers, immunohistochemical method (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot analysis were used. Statistical analysis showed strong positive correlation between expression of MCM2, MCM3, MCM7 and Ki-67 antigen in LSCC. Additionally, moderate positive correlation was observed between MCM3 and MT-I/II expression. In cancer cells, the level of expression of MCM3, MCM2, MCM7 and Ki-67 markers was increasing with the grade of LSCC malignancy. IF and western blot analysis showed higher MCM2, MCM3, MCM7 expression in HEp-2 cells in comparison to their expression in keratinocytes. MCM proteins might be useful markers of cell proliferation in LSCC.

The usefulness of free dicom viewers in rhinologic practice.

Indroduction: The planning of the course of surgery in patients with paranasal sinus disorders requires the meticulous evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans. However, ENT doctors still often receive unsatisfactory DICOM images, which require multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). THE AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate and test DICOM viewers with MPR function currently available on the Internet for free. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Detailed Internet searches and analysis of databases were carried out to find the maximum number of browsers. Available software was downloaded to assess, qualitatively and quantitatively, the parameters and functions useful in rhinologic practice. Additionally, a questionnaire was developed in order to ascertain the expectations and habits of ENT doctors in relation to DICOM browsers and CT scan evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Among the hundreds of browsers, 17 programs were chosen to be included in the final comparison. The outcomes of the survey proved that many free DICOM tools are effective alternatives to commercially available programs. However, the results do not enable us to predict precisely which tool will meet the needs of each physician. The survey among ENT doctors highlighted their limited awareness of software with MPR functions, in particular those that scored best in the test.

IMPACT OF GENISTEIN AND PHYTIC ACID ON THE VIABILITY AND PROLIFERATION ACTIVITY OF NASAL POLYPS' CELLS IN AN IN VITRO MODEL.

In developed countries, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is one of the diseases that diminish patients' quality of life most significantly. Treatment of that often incurable disease is based on the steroids and surgery in patients who had failed thorough conservative management. It appears that the introduction of new treatment agents suppressing inflammation process and inhibiting cells' proliferation would be a valuable therapeutic option. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of genistein and phytic acid on the viability and growth rate of fibroblasts derived from nasal polyps. Cells were incubated with various concentrations of genistein (5-500 µM) and phytic acid (100-20,000 µM). After 72 h incubation, cells survivability and cells' growth rate were estimated by combination of WST-1 and LDH methods. QRT-PCR technique was used to determine the expression of histone H3, BCL-2, BAX and P53 genes. Caspase-8 and -9 expressions were evaluated by ELISA assay. Genistein and phytic acid significantly and in dose-specific manner decreased nasal polyps fibroblasts survivability and growth rate. Both agents in similar way decreased cell proliferation as measured by the expression of histone H3. They induce apoptotic machinery by modulating the expression of BCL-2, BAX and caspase-8 activity. Genistein and phytic acid have significant potential for a therapeutic role in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The Lipomatosis of the Parapharyngeal and Retropharyngeal Space: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors, which account for almost 50% of all soft-tissue tumors. CASE OUTLINE: The case of a 75-year-old patient with a slow growing lesion of para- and retropharyngeal space was reported. The patient was suffering from progressive dysphagia, respiratory obstruction and sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: An external surgical approach is the treatment of choice. Etiology, differential diagnosis and therapy of head and neck lipomas has been discussed.

[Bilateral squamous carcinoma of the external auditory canal--a case report]. / Obustronny rak plaskonablonkowy przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego--opis przypadku.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a very rare and unusual malignancy, representing less than 0.2% of all head and neck cancers. The authors present a case of 78-year-old patient with bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal-cT4N0M0 G2, pT4N2bM0, initially treated as a chronic otitis external. The patient was qualifies for the one-step removal of cancer of the earlobe and the external auditory canal. Because of complications during the operation, the plan of treatment was changed. The patient is under oncological control for 13 months.