3D printing as surgical planning and training in pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery - Systematic review and practical example.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery is challenging due to the intricate anatomy of the skull base and the presence of tumors with varied pathologies. The use of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in skull base surgeries has been found to be highly beneficial. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate the published studies that reported the effectiveness of 3D printing in pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery. METHODS: Pub Med, Embase, Science Direct, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched from January 01, 2000, until June 30, 2022. Original articles of any design reporting on the effectiveness of 3D printing in pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery were included. Information related to study population, conditions, models used, and key findings of study were extracted. Quality of included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies. To exemplify the use of 3D technology in this scenario, we report a complex clival chordoma case. RESULTS: Six research articles were retrieved and included for qualitative analysis. Four of the six studies were conducted in the United States, followed by two in China. According to these studies, 3D reconstruction and printed models were more beneficial than CT/MRI images when discussing surgery with patients. In clinical training, these models were more helpful than 2D images in understanding the pathology when used in conjunction with image-guiding systems. It has been found that patient-specific 3D modeling, simulations, and rehearsal are the most efficient preoperative planning techniques, particularly in the pediatric population, for the treatment of complicated skull base surgeries. All the studies had a moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSION: 3D printing technologies assist in printing complex skull base tumors and the structures around them in three dimensions at the point of care and at the time needed, enabling the choice of the appropriate surgical strategy, thus minimizing surgery-related complications.

Medidas para optimizar cuidados post rinoplastia. Revisión sistemática de la literatura / Measures to optimize rhinoplasty post operative care, systematic review of the literature

Introducción: El cuidado postoperatorio de la rinoplastia ha evolucionado, paralelamente, al desarrollo de la técnica quirúrgica. Existen varias recomendaciones, sin embargo, hay una gran variabilidad interprofesional de las indicaciones post quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica sobre los cuidados post operatorios de la rinoplastia. Material y Método: Para la realización de este estudio se llevaron a cabo búsquedas en PubMed y en Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews con los perfiles: ([rhinoplasty] AND [post operative care]) y ([rhinoplasty] AND [post surgical care]). Se seleccionaron los artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años, desde 2013 hasta 2023, ambos inclusive. Resultados: Los documentos analizados recogen la evidencia de los diferentes métodos de cuidados post quirúrgicos en rinoplastia. Estos confirman la utilización de corticoides en el período postoperatorio, así como el reposo en 90° y exponen la variabilidad interprofesional que existe en el protocolo postquirúrgico de esta cirugía. Conclusión: El uso de corticoides y el reposo en 90° disminuyen las complicaciones postquirúrgicas de la rinoplastia. Debe existir una clara información sobre lo que el paciente debe esperar post cirugía. El uso de opioides debe ser restringido y la analgesia debe ser multimodal. Es preciso realizar estudios futuros con mayor nivel de evidencia y tener protocolos uniformes para la práctica clínica.

Introduction: The postoperative care of rhinoplasty has evolved along with the development of the surgical technique. There are several recommendations, however there is enormous interprofessional variability of post-surgical indications. Aim: To carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature on rhinoplasty postoperative care. Material and Method: To carry out this study, searches were carried out in PubMed and in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with the profiles: ([rhinoplasty] AND [post operative care]) and ([rhinoplasty] AND [post surgical care]). Articles published in the last 10 years were selected, from 2013 to 2023, both inclusive. Results: The documents analyzed collect the evidence of the different methods of post-surgical care in rhinoplasty, they confirm the use of corticosteroids in the postoperative period as well as rest at 90° and expose the interprofessional variability that exists in the post-surgical protocol of this surgery. Conclusion: The use of corticosteroids and rest at 90° reduce the post-surgical complications of rhinoplasty. There must be clear information about what the patient should expect post surgery. The use of opioids must be restricted and analgesia must be multimodal. It is necessary to carry out future studies with a higher level of evidence and have uniform protocols for clinical practice.

Loss of smell in patients with traumatic brain injury is associated with neuropsychiatric behavioral alterations.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify and correlate the severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) associated with olfactory dysfunction with cognitive and behavioral profiles. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Patients with TBI undergoing treatment in a specialized neuro-rehabilitation hospital. DESIGN: Prospective study. MAIN MEASURES: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of injury and during posttraumatic amnesia. Motor functions were assessed with the Functional Instrument Measure and Disability Rating Scales. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence test was used for neuropsychologic assessment and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to assess behavioral changes. The Barcelona Smell Test-24 was used to study subjective smell loss. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with TBI were enrolled (33 females; mean age 32.86 years); 38.73% exhibited smell loss. Patients with no olfactory impairment (OI) had worse TBIs than those with OI (GCS scores 5.65 and 7.74, respectively); no significant differences in cognitive behaviors, such as attention memory, visuoperception, and visuoconstruction, were observed. However, patients with TBI and olfactory dysfunction showed statistically significant alterations in neuropsychiatric behavioral performances such as feeding when compared with patients with TBI without smell loss. CONCLUSION: Olfactory dysfunction in patients with a TBI correlates with altered neuropsychiatric behavioral performances such as feeding, sleeping, and motor behavior.

Endoscopic maxillectomy: anatomo-radiological description of the "double" maxillary sinus window.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To present a modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy (MEMM) approach to control maxillary sinus pathologies. METHODS: MEMM was completed in 13 fresh-frozen specimens. An MEMM includes cutting the nasolacrimal duct, inferior meatus flap, and repositioning the inferior turbinate (IT). The following measurements were obtained: length of IT, height from the nasal floor to valve of Hasner, height of the IT at the level of valve of Hasner, height of the IT at the insertion of the middle turbinate, and distance from the piriform aperture to the posterior wall of maxillary sinus and to the posterior border of palatine bone. Similar measurements were also performed on craniofacial computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 50). The surgical technique was performed in a case series (n = 8). RESULTS: The mean of the specimens was 82 (range 70-95) years old. The average area of the harvested inferior meatus flap area was 9.6 ± 1.0 cm2. In the radiologic study, the mean maximum antrostomy area was 8.8 ± 1.7 cm2 and the IT area overlapping the antral window was 5.8 ± 1.1 cm2, the area allowing a double window control was 3.1 ± 1.9 cm2, the posterior IT insertion length was 0.7 ± 0.4 cm, and the inferior meatus flap covering the inferior meatotomy had an area measuring 6.7 ± 1.7 cm2. Eight patients underwent MEMM for various benign conditions showing no recurrence after 26 month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The proposed modifications of MEMM provide a "double" window maxillary sinus control with access to all maxillary walls and preservation of the IT.

Anterior Pedicled Lateral Nasal Wall Flap for Endonasal Lining: A Radiologic and Anatomical Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this radiological/anatomical study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new endoscopic technique that uses the anterior pedicled lateral nasal flap (APLNW) for the endonasal lining in complex nasal reconstructions. STUDY DESIGN: An anatomical study was performed on 20 nasal fossae of cadaverous specimens to measure the area and lengths of the anterior pedicled nasal lateral wall flap. In addition, a radiological analysis with computed tomography was performed in 150 nostrils to determine the potential donor of the simple and extended flap in the nasal fossa floor. Complex nasal reconstruction with nasofrontal flap and internal lining using the lateral wall pedicled flap was performed in 3 patients. RESULTS: Complete reconstruction for the inner lining of the nasal tip and lateral nasal wall was achieved in the cadaveric study (10 specimens). The surface areas of the simple and extended APLNW flaps were 7.53 (standard deviation [SD] 1.25) cm2 and 24.6 (SD 3.14) cm2 , respectively. Using computed tomography scans, we determined that to reconstruct defects secondary to full-thickness nasal defects, the APLNW flap surface for the simple and extended versions was 7.90 (SD 1.68) cm2 and 23.64 (SD 4.7) cm2 . We present one case were the APLNW flap was used. CONCLUSIONS: The simple or expanded APLNW flap represents a feasible option to reconstruct the internal lining in complex nasal reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1462-E1467, 2021.

Timing, Complications, and Safety of Tracheotomy in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented needs for invasive ventilation, with 10% to 15% of intubated patients subsequently requiring tracheotomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the complications, safety, and timing of tracheotomy performed for critically ill patients with COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study assessed consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who had COVID-19 that required tracheotomy. Patients were recruited from March 16 to April 10, 2020, at a tertiary referral center. EXPOSURES: A surgical tracheotomy was performed for all patients following recommended criteria for use of personal protective equipment (PPE). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The number of subthyroid operations, the tracheal entrance protocol, and use of PPE. Infections among the surgeons were monitored weekly by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swab samples. Short-term complications, weaning, and the association of timing of tracheotomy (early [≤10 days] vs late [>10 days]) with total required days of invasive ventilation were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.8 [9.2] years; 33 [66%] male) participated in the study. All tracheotomies were performed at the bedside. The median time from intubation to tracheotomy was 9 days (interquartile range, 2-24 days). A subthyroid approach was completed for 46 patients (92%), and the tracheal protocol was adequately achieved for 40 patients (80%). Adequate PPE was used, with no infection among surgeons identified 4 weeks after the last tracheotomy. Postoperative complications were rare, with minor bleeding (in 6 patients [12%]) being the most common complication. The successful weaning rate was higher in the early tracheotomy group than in the late tracheotomy group (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.55; 95% CI, 0.96-6.75), but the difference was not statistically significant. There was less time of invasive mechanical ventilatory support with early tracheotomy compared with late tracheotomy (mean [SD], 18 [5.4] vs 22.3 [5.7] days). The reduction of invasive ventilatory support was achieved at the expense of the pretracheotomy period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, with the use of a standardized protocol aimed at minimizing COVID-19 risks, bedside open tracheotomy was a safe procedure for patients and surgeons, with minimal complications. Timing of tracheotomy may be important in reducing time of invasive mechanical ventilation, with potential implications to intensive care unit availability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Combined and simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgery for a Meckel's cave schwannoma: technical nuances of a mini-invasive, multiportal approach.

OBJECTIVE: Over the years, Meckel's cave pathologies have been judged off-limits because of high rates of morbidity. Even though several studies have defined various surgical routes with tolerable morbidity and mortality rates, controversies related to the optimal avenue to treat different categories of Meckel's cave and cavernous sinus neoplasms persist. With unceasing energy to cultivate minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches, the endoscopic endonasal route has been tested, and the approach effectively performed, to provide a valid surgical window to these areas. In this dynamic and challenging scenario, another ventral endoscopic minimally invasive route-that is, the superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach-has been very recently proposed, and used in selected cases, to access the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave regions. METHODS: The authors report the technical nuances of a combined and simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgical treatment of a patient with a Meckel's cave schwannoma. The operation involved collaboration among neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngology, and ophthalmology (oculoplastic surgery). The patient recovered well, had no neurological deficits, and was discharged to home 3 days after surgery. RESULTS: The multiportal combined route was proposed for the following reasons. The endonasal approach, considered to be more familiar to our skull base team, could allow control of possible damage of the internal carotid artery. From the endonasal perspective, the most inferior and medial portion of the tumor could be properly managed. Finally, the transorbital route, by means of opening the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus via the meningoorbital band, could allow control of the superolateral part of the tumor and, most importantly, could permit removal of the portion entering the posterior cranial fossa via the trigeminal pore. Simultaneous surgery with two surgical teams working together was planned in order to reduce operative time, hospital stay, and patient stress and discomfort, and to ensure "one-shot" complete tumor removal, with minimal or no complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the translation into the real surgical setting of recent anatomical contributions related to the novel endoscopic transorbital approach and its simultaneous integration with the endoscopic endonasal pathway. Accordingly, it may pave the way for future applications related to minimally invasive, multiportal endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury: the Role of Neurogenesis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Olfactory functioning disturbances are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) having a significant impact on quality of life. A spontaneous recovery of the olfactory function over time may occur in TBI patients. Although there is no standard treatment for patients with posttraumatic olfactory loss, olfactory training (OT) has shown some promise beneficial effects. However, the mechanisms underlying spontaneous recovery and olfactory improvement induced by OT are not completely known. RECENT FINDINGS: The spontaneous recovery of the olfactory function and the improvement of olfactory function after OT have recently been associated with an increase in subventricular (SVZ) neurogenesis and an increase in olfactory bulb (OB) glomerular dopaminergic (DAergic) interneurons. In addition, after OT, an increase in electrophysiological responses at the olfactory epithelium (OE) level has been reported, indicating that recovery of olfactory function not only affects olfactory processing at the central level, but also at peripheral level. However, the role of OE stem cells in the spontaneous recovery and in the improvement of olfactory function after OT in TBI is still unknown. In this review, we describe the physiology of the olfactory system, and the olfactory dysfunction after TBI. We highlight the possible role for the SVZ neurogenesis and DAergic OB interneurons in the recovery of the olfactory function. In addition, we point out the relevance of the OE neurogenesis process as a future target for the research in the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the olfactory dysfunction in TBI. The potential of basal stem cells as a promising candidate for replacement therapies is also described.

Lack of additive benefit of oral steroids on short-term postoperative outcomes in nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of evidence concerning the efficacy of oral corticosteroids (OCS) as a postoperative treatment for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The objective of our study was to determine the short-term additive benefit of postoperative OCS in CRSwNP patients. METHODS: We prospectively randomized CRSwNP patients who were treated by endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients were resistant to maximum medical treatment according to European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2012 guidelines. Treatment group received postoperative OCS in descending doses plus nasal douching over a period of 4 weeks, whereas the control group received only nasal douching. The efficacy of OCS was determined by a total 5 item symptoms score (T5SS), polyp size score, Barcelona Smell Test 24 and Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 questionnaire for quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Of the 70 enrolled patients, 35 were in the treatment group and 35 in the control group. After 4 weeks of follow-up, patients from both groups improved in T5SS, QoL, endoscopic findings (except for crusts that increased in both) and sense of smell, without significant differences between OCS and control groups. CONCLUSION: Postoperative OCS as an add-on treatment for CRSwNP patients does not improve sinonasal and QoL outcomes; thus, they should not be routinely recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Ib Laryngoscope, 2019.

Olfactory Training Prevents Olfactory Dysfunction Induced by Bulbar Excitotoxic Lesions: Role of Neurogenesis and Dopaminergic Interneurons.

Glutamatergic excitotoxicity is involved in pathologies affecting the central nervous system, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), in which olfactory dysfunction is an early symptom. Interestingly, our group has recently shown that bilateral administration of the glutamate agonist, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in the olfactory bulbs (OBs) induces an olfactory dysfunction 1 week after lesions. Although a wide range of treatments have been attempted, no standard therapy has been established to treat olfactory disorders. Increasing evidence suggests a beneficial effect of olfactory training (OT) in olfactory function. However, the mechanisms underlying OT effects remain unknown. We investigated the effects of OT on the olfactory dysfunction induced by excitotoxicity in bilateral OB NMDA-lesioned animals. We compared OT effects with the ones obtained with neuroprotective therapies (pramipexole and MK801). We studied the underlying mechanisms involved in OT effects investigating the changes in the subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis and in the number of periglomerular dopaminergic interneurons. One week after lesion, NMDA decreased the number of correct trials in the olfactory discrimination tests in the non-trained group (p < 0.01). However, OT performed for 1 week after lesions prevented olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.01). Pramipexole did not prevent olfactory dysfunction, whereas MK801 treatment showed a partial recovery (p < 0.05). An increase in SVZ neurogenesis (p < 0.05) associated with an increase in OB dopaminergic interneurons (p < 0.05) was related to olfactory function prevention induced by OT. The present results suggest a role for dopaminergic OB interneurons underlying the beneficial effects of OT improving olfactory dysfunction in bilaterally OB NMDA-lesioned animals.

Recovery of Olfactory Function After Excitotoxic Lesion of the Olfactory Bulbs Is Associated with Increases in Bulbar SIRT1 and SIRT4 Expressions.

Excitotoxicity consists in a cascade of intracellular events initiated by an excessive release of glutamate and hyperactivation of glutamatergic receptors that is involved in several pathologies, including traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Both disorders are a common cause of olfactory dysfunction. We previously reported a role for glutamate excitotoxicity in olfactory dysfunction showing an olfactory deficit 1 week after lesion and a spontaneous recovery 2 weeks after excitotoxicity lesion of the olfactory bulbs (OBs). The olfactory dysfunction recovery was associated with an increase in subventricular zone neurogenesis and an increase in the OB glomerular dopaminergic interneurons. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the OB dopaminergic differentiation and olfactory recovery are still unknown. To investigate the role of silent information regulator family proteins sirtuins (SIRTs), a family of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases, on the olfactory function recovery, we examined the OB SIRT (SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT4) expressions after OB excitotoxic lesions in rodents. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) OB administration induced a decrease in the number of correct choices in the discrimination tests 1 week after lesions (p < 0.01) and a spontaneous recovery of the olfactory deficit 2 weeks after lesions (p < 0.01) associated with an increase in OB SIRT1 and SIRT4 expression. Our results point out for the first time the association between recovery of olfactory function and the increase in bulbar SIRT1 and SIRT4 expression suggesting a role for these SIRTs in the pathophysiology of recovery of loss of smell.

Efficacy and safety of fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution in patients with otic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution versus placebo in treating patients with otic eczema. Methods In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase 3 clinical trial, conducted at 12 Spanish centres between March 2012 and March 2013, patients received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% or placebo otic solution twice daily for 7 days (days 1-7) with an 8-day follow-up (days 9-15). Outcome measures included change in itching from baseline (day 1) to study days 4-8 and 9-15, and change in otoscopic signs (erythema, oedema, and scaling) from baseline to the end of treatment (day 8) and end of follow-up (day 15). Results Patients treated with fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% (n = 66), as compared with placebo-treated patients (n = 69), showed significantly higher reductions in itching from baseline to study days 4-8 and 9-15, and in individual and global otoscopic signs from baseline to the end of treatment (day 8) and end of follow-up (day 15). Incidence and severity of adverse events was similar between the fluocinolone and placebo groups. Conclusions Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution, administered twice daily for 7 days, is an effective and safe treatment for otic eczema.

Cirugía endoscópica endonasal extendida para cordomas y condrosarcomas de clivus: nuestra experiencia en 14 casos / Extended endoscopic endonasal surgery for clival chordoma and chondrosarcoma: Our experience in 14 cases

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia del manejo de los cordomas y condrosarcomas por abordaje endoscópico endonasal extendido. Método: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 14 pacientes afectos de cordomas o condrosarcomas clivales operados mediante un abordaje endoscópico endonasal extendido por un mismo equipo multidisciplinar, en el intervalo de tiempo desde 2008 hasta 2016. Resultados: Catorce pacientes (hombre/mujer 2:1) con una media de edad de 49años en los cordomas y de 32años en los condrosarcomas. La presentación clínica más frecuente fue la diplopía (78,5% de los casos), seguida de la disfagia (28,6%). Histológicamente se reportaron como cordomas el 71,4% y como condrosarcomas el 28,6%. Además, se encontró en el 81% de los casos invasión de al menos dos o más tercios del clivus, en el 57,1% invasión intradural y en el 35,7% invasión sellar. En el 42,8% de los casos el grado de resección fue total y en el 21,5%, subtotal. La complicación más frecuente fue la fístula de LCR, que se presentó en el 28,6% de los casos, habiendo que intervenir solo a un paciente. En el 35,7% de los casos se indicó tratamiento coadyuvante con Proton Beam y en el 21,5% radioterapia convencional. La media de seguimiento fue de 53,5meses, y se encontró recurrencia o progresión tumoral en el 21,5% de los casos, dos de los cuales no había recibido coadyuvancia. No hubo fallecimientos. Conclusión: El abordaje endoscópico endonasal extendido, realizado por un equipo experimentado, es una buena alternativa de manejo para estas lesiones. La invasión intradural podría estar relacionada con un mayor riesgo de complicaciones y una mayor afectación clínica al diagnóstico, así como con una menor tasa de resección total

Objective: To report our experience in the management of chordoma and chondrosarcoma with extended endoscopic endonasal surgery. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 14 patients with clival chordoma or chondrosarcoma who had extended endoscopic endonasal surgery from 2008 to 2016 performed by the same multidisciplinary team. Results: We had fourteen patients (male/female 2:1), with a mean age of 49years for chordoma and 32 for chondrosarcoma. The most common clinical presentation was diplopia in 78.5% of cases, followed by dysphagia in 28.6%. Histologically, 71.4% were chordomas and 28.6% were chondrosarcomas. In addition, invasion of at least two thirds or more of the clivus was found in 81% of the cases; in 57.1% there was intradural invasion, and in 35.7% invasion of the sella turcica. In 42.8% of cases, the degree of resection was total and in 21.5% subtotal. The most common complication was CSF fistula, occurring in 28.6% of the cases, with only one case requiring surgery to repair it. Adjuvant treatment with Proton Beam was performed in 35.7% of cases and with conventional radiotherapy in 21.5%. Mean follow-up was 53.5months and tumour recurrence or progression was found in 21.5% of the cases, two of which had not received adjuvant treatment. There were no deaths. Conclusion: The extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) performed by an experienced team is a good alternative for the management of these lesions. Intradural invasion may be related to an increased risk of complications and worse clinical presentation, in addition to a lower rate of total resection

Olfactory Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The sense of smell is today one of the focuses of interest in aging and neurodegenerative disease research. In several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, the olfactory dysfunction is one of the initial symptoms appearing years before motor symptoms and cognitive decline, being considered a clinical marker of these diseases' early stages and a marker of disease progression and cognitive decline. Overall and under the umbrella of precision medicine, attention to olfactory function may help to improve chances of success for neuroprotective and disease-modifying therapeutic strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of olfaction, as clinical marker for neurodegenerative diseases is helpful in the characterization of prodromal stages of these diseases, early diagnostic strategies, differential diagnosis, and potentially prediction of treatment success. Understanding the mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction is central to determine its association with neurodegenerative disorders. Several anatomical systems and environmental factors may underlie or contribute to olfactory loss associated with neurological diseases, although the direct biological link to each disorder remains unclear and, thus, requires further investigation. In this review, we describe the neurobiology of olfaction, and the most common olfactory function measurements in neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the evidence for the presence of olfactory dysfunction in several neurodegenerative diseases, its value as a clinical marker for early stages of the diseases when combined with other clinical, biological, and neuroimage markers, and its role as a useful symptom for the differential diagnosis and follow-up of disease. The neuropathological correlations and the changes in neurotransmitter systems related with olfactory dysfunction in the neurodegenerative diseases are also described.

Olfactory Training in Post-Traumatic Smell Impairment: Mild Improvement in Threshold Performances: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be associated with partial or total smell loss. Recent studies have suggested that olfactory outcome can be positively modulated after olfactory training (OT). This study's aim was to investigate OT's potential role in smell recovery after TBI-induced olfactory loss. A prospective, randomized, and controlled study was developed. Patients with TBI-induced olfactory dysfunction (n = 42) were randomized into an experimental group with OT and a control group without (nOT). OT was performed twice daily with a six odor training set during 12 weeks. Olfactory loss was assessed using subjective olfactometry (Barcelona Smell Test [BAST] 24), a visual analogue scale (VAS), and n-butanol threshold (n-BTt) at baseline at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Additionally, patients underwent MRI of the olfactory brain and olfactory bulbs (OB). Based on the MRI results, an overall score (0-16) was developed to associate the structural neurological damage with olfactory outcomes. The primary outcome was the change in olfactory measurements (VAS and BAST-24) between baseline and 12 weeks. The secondary outcome was the association of the MRI score with olfactory outcomes at baseline, and the impact on quality of life (QoL). After 12 weeks of training, OT patients showed a significant improvement in n-BTt (0.6 ± 1.7 OT vs. -0.6 ± 1.8 nOT, p < 0.05), but not in the smell VAS and BAST-24 scores. Olfactory outcomes (VAS, BAST-24, and n-BTt) were significantly associated with MRI structural findings (p < 0.001), but not with the OB volume or olfactory sulcus length. The present study suggests that 12 weeks of OT mildly improves the olfactory threshold in TBI, whereas the overall MRI score may be used as an imaging marker of olfactory dysfunction and disease severity in TBI patients.

[Extended endoscopic endonasal surgery for clival chordoma and chondrosarcoma: Our experience in 14 cases]. / Cirugía endoscópica endonasal extendida para cordomas y condrosarcomas de clivus: nuestra experiencia en 14 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in the management of chordoma and chondrosarcoma with extended endoscopic endonasal surgery. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 14 patients with clival chordoma or chondrosarcoma who had extended endoscopic endonasal surgery from 2008 to 2016 performed by the same multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: We had fourteen patients (male/female 2:1), with a mean age of 49years for chordoma and 32 for chondrosarcoma. The most common clinical presentation was diplopia in 78.5% of cases, followed by dysphagia in 28.6%. Histologically, 71.4% were chordomas and 28.6% were chondrosarcomas. In addition, invasion of at least two thirds or more of the clivus was found in 81% of the cases; in 57.1% there was intradural invasion, and in 35.7% invasion of the sella turcica. In 42.8% of cases, the degree of resection was total and in 21.5% subtotal. The most common complication was CSF fistula, occurring in 28.6% of the cases, with only one case requiring surgery to repair it. Adjuvant treatment with Proton Beam was performed in 35.7% of cases and with conventional radiotherapy in 21.5%. Mean follow-up was 53.5months and tumour recurrence or progression was found in 21.5% of the cases, two of which had not received adjuvant treatment. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: The extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) performed by an experienced team is a good alternative for the management of these lesions. Intradural invasion may be related to an increased risk of complications and worse clinical presentation, in addition to a lower rate of total resection.

Nasoseptal Perforation: from Etiology to Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nasal septum perforation (NSP) is a communication between the two nasal cavities. This review contributes to the better knowledge of NSP causes, diagnosis, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: NSP prevalence is about 1%. Clinical presentation may range from absence of symptoms to the presence of bothersome sinonasal symptoms. NSP is more frequently caused by trauma or post-surgery, inflammatory diseases, and abuse substances. Conservative management (nasal irrigation, topical use of antibiotic or lubricant ointments, or placement of prosthesis) is considered the first-line treatment. Symptomatic NSP not improving with local therapies usually requires surgical approach. Selection of the technique for the endoscopic septal repair depends on perforation characteristics and surgeon experience. When NSP is diagnosed, its cause has to be promptly determined. Most of them can be controlled with conservative measures. Surgical/endoscopic approaches are usually needed in refractory cases, and new repair techniques have to be considered.