Comparison of 300 mg versus 600 mg daily maintenance doses of aspirin treatment after desensitization in N-ERD: A three-year multicentre experience.

Background: Aspirin treatment after desensitization (ATAD) is effective in preventing nasal polyps recurrence as well as respiratory symptoms in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory diseases (N-ERD). However, there is no consensus on effective daily maintenance doses in ATAD. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of two different maintenance doses of aspirin on clinical outcomes for 1-3 years of ATAD. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study that involved four tertiary centers. The maintenance doses of daily aspirin were 300 mg in one center and 600 mg in the remaining three. The data of patients who were on ATAD for 1-3 years were included. Study outcomes (nasal surgeries, sinusitis, asthma attacks, hospitalization, oral corticosteroid use, and medication uses) were assessed in a standardized way and recorded from case files. Results: The study initially included 125 subjects, 38 and 87 were receiving 300 and 600 mg daily aspirin for ATAD, respectively. Number of nasal polyp surgeries decreased after 1 -3 years compared with before ATAD in both groups (group 1, baseline: 0.44 ± 0.07 versus first year: 0.08 ± 0.05; p < 0.001 and baseline: 0.44 ± 0.07 versus 3rd year: 0.01 ± 0.01; p < 0.001; and group 2, baseline 0.42 ± 0.03 versus first year: 0.02 ± 0.02; p < 0.001 and baseline: 0.42 ± 0.03 versus 3rd year: 0.07 ± 0.03; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Given the comparable effects of 300 mg and 600 mg aspirin daily as maintenance treatment of ATAD on both asthma and sinonasal outcomes in N-ERD, our results suggest using 300 mg of aspirin daily in ATAD owing to its better safety profile.

Skull base osteomyelitis: Comprehensive analysis and a new clinicoradiological classification system.

OBJECTIVE: Skull baseosteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare phenomenon that typically occurs in diabetic or immunocompromised patients, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze a single institution's treatment results in SBO patients and propose anew integrated clinicoradiological classification system. METHODS: The medical records of 32 SBO patients that were treated at a tertiary care center between 2006 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. A scoring system based on anatomical involvement according to MRI was created. Subsequently, the scoring system was integrated with cranial nerve dysfunction status and a clinical grading system (CGS) was proposed. RESULTS: Among the 32 patients, 78.1% were diabetic and 63% had cranial nerve dysfunction at presentation. Bone erosion based on CT was greater in the patients without regression (P = 0.046). The regression rate decreased from clinical grade (CG)1 to CG3 (P = 0.029). Duration of hospitalization increased as CG increased (P = 0.047). Surgery had no effect on regression status at the time of discharge (P = 0.41). The 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year overall survival rates were 82.2%, 70.8%, and 45.8%, respectively. CG was significantly correlated with overall survival but not with disease-specific survival (log-rank; P = 0.017, P = 0.362, respectively). CONCLUSION: SBO continues to pose a challenge to clinicians, and causes significant morbidity and mortality. The proposed new classification system can be an option for grouping SBO patients according to clinical and radiological findings, helping clinicians estimate prognosis.

The Effect of Training, Used-Hand, and Experience on Endoscopic Surgery Skills in an Educational Computer-Based Simulation Environment (ECE) for Endoneurosurgery Training.

Today, virtual simulation environments create alternative hands-on practice opportunities for surgical training. In order to increase the potential benefits of such environments, it is critical to understand the factors that influence them. This study was conducted to determine the effects of training, used-hand, and experience, as well as the interactions between these variables, on endoscopic surgery skills in an educational computer-based surgical simulation environment. A 2-hour computer-based endoneurosurgery simulation training module was developed for this study. Thirty-one novice- and intermediate-level resident surgeons from the departments of neurosurgery and ear, nose, and throat participated in this experimental study. The results suggest that a 2-hour training during a 2-month period through computer-based simulation environment improves the surgical skills of the residents in both-hand tasks, which is necessary for endoscopic surgical procedures but not in dominant hand tasks. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that computer-based simulation environments potentially improve surgical skills; however, the scenarios for such training modules need to consider especially the bimanual coordination of hands and should be regularly adapted to the individual skill levels and progresses.

The clinical burden of allergic rhinitis in five Middle Eastern countries: results of the SNAPSHOT program.

BACKGROUND: The SNAPSHOT program provides current data on the allergic rhinitis burden in the adult general population of five Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the latter three grouped into a Gulf cluster). METHODS: A multi-country, cross-sectional, epidemiological program conducted by telephone in a random sample of the adult general population; quotas were defined per country demographics. Subjects were screened for allergic rhinitis using the Score For Allergic Rhinitis questionnaire. Current prevalence (last 12 months) was estimated. Disease severity and control were assessed using the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification and Rhinitis Control Assessment Test respectively. Quality of sleep, impact on daily activities and quality of life were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale and EuroQol Five-Dimension questionnaire respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate risk factors and co-morbidities. RESULTS: 1808 of 33,486 subjects enrolled in the SNAPSHOT program fulfilled the case definition for allergic rhinitis. Prevalence was 3.6% [95% CI 3.2-4.0%] in Egypt, 6.4% [95% CI 5.9-6.9%] in Turkey and 6.4% [95% CI 6.0-6.9%] in the Gulf cluster. Risk factors identified were country, co-morbid asthma and income. Subjects with allergic rhinitis reported a significantly lower quality of life compared to the general population (p < 0.0001). Overall, 55% of allergic rhinitis subjects were moderate/severe and 33% were uncontrolled. Both these groups reported impaired quality of life and quality of sleep and increased impairment of daily activities compared to mild/well-controlled subjects (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the observed prevalence of allergic rhinitis in these Middle Eastern countries is low compared to western countries, its burden is considerable. Allergic rhinitis in general, and specifically uncontrolled and severe disease, results in a negative impact on quality of life, quality of sleep and daily activities.

Reasons and results of endoscopic surgery for prolactinomas: 142 surgical cases.

BACKGROUND: We report herein a retrospective analysis of the results of 142 consecutive prolactinoma cases operated upon using an endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach over a period of 6 years. METHODS: Medical records of 142 cases were analysed with respect to indications for surgery, duration of hospital stay, early remission rates, failures and recurrence rates during a median follow-up of 36 months. RESULTS: On the basis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, 19 patients (13.4 %) had microadenoma, 113 (79.6 %) had macroadenoma, and the remaining 10 (7.0 %) had giant adenomas. Cavernous sinus invasion was identified in 25 patients by MRI and confirmed during surgery. Atypical adenoma was diagnosed in 16 patients. Sparsely granulated prolactin adenoma was identified in 99 patients (69.7 %). Our results demonstrate that male sex and higher preoperative prolactin levels are independent factors predicting persistent disease. The post-surgical complications are as follows: 2.8 % patients had meningitis, 2.1 % patients had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and 2.1 % patients had panhypopituitarism. At the end of follow-up, 74.6 % patients went into remission. During follow-up period, five patients who had initial remission developed recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our series together with literature data suggest that an endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach in the treatment of proloctinomas has a favourable rate of remission. According to the findings of this study, endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery might be an appropriate therapy choice for patients with prolactinoma who could not have been managed with recommended therapeutic modalities.

Salivary gland tumors in children: a retrospective clinical review.

Seven patients with salivary gland tumors who underwent between 1972 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The age of the patients ranged from 6.3 to 13 years old; five were females and two were males. Five patients had stage IVa, one patient had stage I, and one patient had stage II disease. The surgical margin was found to be positive in five cases. There were three adenoid cystic carcinoma, two adenocarcinoma, one anaplastic carcinoma, and one mucoepidermoid carcinoma. There were five parotid, one lacrimal gland, and one palatal involvement. Three patients who had low stage tumors were treated with surgery alone. Four of the cases received adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. One patient with parotid tumor died with progressive disease. One case with lacrimal gland neoplasm was alive 48 months after discontinuation of treatment. The other palate case was lost to follow-up 1 month after the beginning of the treatment. Surgery is the primary treatment, with radiotherapy and chemotherapy used as adjuvant treatments. The treatment options need to be selected and planned for each individual patient.

Treatment of acromegaly by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: surgical experience in 214 cases and cure rates according to current consensus criteria.

OBJECT: Acromegaly is a disease that has significant morbidity and mortality related to high levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and is usually caused by pituitary adenomas. The goal in this study was to investigate the role of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and surgical experience in the treatment of GH adenoma cases in relation to surgical results and hormonal cure rates, and to perform a review of the literature. METHODS: The authors present a retrospective analysis of 214 GH adenoma cases. Restoration of IGF-I levels to normal for age and sex, suppression of GH levels below 0.4 µg/L on the oral glucose tolerance test, and demonstration of the total removal of the tumor on MRI studies obtained after administration of contrast material at the 3-month postoperative follow-up visit were the criteria for cure. RESULTS: In total 214 patients with a mean age of 41.9 ± 12 years (range 17-75 years) and a male/female ratio of 106/108 were enrolled in the study. Cure was achieved in 134 (62.6%) of 214 patients. One hundred sixty-nine patients were primary cases, and of these 109 (64.5%) were cured, whereas 61 patients were previously operated cases and of these 25 (41%) were cured. With a 51.1% decrease in the 1st month postoperatively, IGF-I levels were found to be predictive of cure (74.4% sensitivity and 73.7% specificity). Cut-off values for GH levels in predicting cure for the 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month postoperatively were 2.33, 2.05, and 2.25 µg/L, respectively. The cut-off value for surgical experience was 57 for primary surgeries (58.5% cure rate before this cut-off value compared with 72.6% after it; p = 0.025) and 108 for all operations (45.8% vs. 79.4%, p = 0.037). Although 28 patients were found to be in remission according to the criteria in 2000, they were not in remission according to the new consensus criteria. Nine of these cases (32.1%) had random GH levels < 1 µg/L at the 1-year follow-up. The 1-year IGF-I and GH levels in these 28 patients showed no significant difference when compared with the cases defined as cured according to the current criteria. CONCLUSIONS: In acromegaly treatment, transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery performed by an expert senior surgeon and increased surgical experience are important for higher cure rates. Random GH levels < 2.33 µg/L after the 1st day postoperatively and a > 50% decrease in IGF-I levels after the 1st month postoperatively are predictive of cure. Moreover, there is no urgency for additional therapy in patients with GH levels of 0.4-1 µg/L and MRI sequences showing no tumor at the 3-month follow-up, because for these cases remission can be achieved at the 1-year follow-up.

Management of cerebrospinal fluid leak during endoscopic pituitary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Dural opening and closures are major steps in endoscopic pituitary surgery. Restoring the normal anatomy at the end of the procedure creates a natural barrier between the intrasellar compartment and the sinonasal cavity. METHODS: In this study, we present a relatively simple dural opening and closure technique for endoscopic pituitary surgery. This technique provides a better alternative to the use of a more complex nasoseptal flap or the multilevel closure with artificial materials as it restores the normal anatomy after the tumor removal and provides a better physiological barrier between the sinonasal cavity and the intrasellar compartment. Incision is performed in circular or horseshoe fashion leaving a small peduncle, and then the dura is reflected. RESULTS: Of the 733 endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures in 667 patients conducted between January 2006 and May 2012, we used this described technique in 50 cases (7.4%). In these 50 cases with dural flap, there was no postoperative CSF leakage. Intraoperative CSF leakage was observed in 135 (20.2%) of the 667 patients. In 15 (11.1%) of these 135 patients we used the dural flap technique accompanied with fat and/or fascia lata support. There was no postoperative leakage in these patients. In the remaining 120 (89.9%) patients who had intraoperative CSF leakage, we used fat and/or fascia lata for the reconstruction of the sella floor. But we observed postoperative CSF leakage in 12 (10%) of the 120 patients without the dural flap which were reoperated. CONCLUSION: The dural flap technique we employ has several advantages. First of all, it allows optimal physiological reconstruction after the surgery. Secondly, the bridge between the flap and the main dura helps maintain the vascular supply, which in turn can radically shorten the healing time. Thirdly, this technique is obviously a better alternative to the time consuming and expensive multilevel closures with tissue sealants and artificial grafts.

Complications of endoscopic surgery of the pituitary adenomas: analysis of 570 patients and review of the literature.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is emerging as a minimally invasive and maximally effective procedure for pituitary adenomas. In this report we analyzed the complications in 624 procedures of endonasal transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of 570 patients with pituitary adenomas. The leading author (MB) operated pituitary adenomas via pure endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery between January 2006 and August 2011 at the Hacettepe University, Department of Neurosurgery in Ankara. Complications were assessed in 624 surgical procedures under five groups; rhinological, CSF leaks, infection, vascular and endocrinologic complications. We observed a total of 76 complications (12.1%). Rhinological complications occurred in 8 patients (1.3%): 4 epistaxis (0.6%) and 4 hyposmia (0.6%). Postoperative CSF leaks occurred in 8 patients (1.3%), and infectious complications occurred in 8 patients: 3 cases of sphenoidal sinusitis (0.4%), 5 cases of meningitis (0.8%). Only 1 case of internal carotid aneurysm rupture during the opening of sellar floor (0.16%) was observed. Endocrinologic complications occurred in 51 (8.1%) patients: Anterior pituitary deficiency in 12 (1.9%), transient diabetes insipidus (DI) in 29 (4.6%), permanent DI in 3 (0.4%) and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome occurred in 7 (1.1%). There was no mortality directly related to the surgical procedure. The complication rates observed in our study suggests that the endoscopic pituitary surgery is at least as safe as microscopic transphenoidal surgery. These rates were obtained with due experience and well-coordinated teamwork. To further improve these rates, new technological developments will be helpful.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: a revised staging system.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the shortcomings of current staging systems and to suggest modifications according to new surgical methods and data. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. METHODS: The medical records of 36 patients, all of whom underwent resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma by external or endonasal approach between 1983 and 2002, were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up period of patients ranged from 3 to 7 years (mean, 4.5 years). Tumour extent, sites and rate of persistent disease were analyzed and compared with the literature. RESULTS: Persistent or recurrent disease was found in 12 of the 36 patients (33%). The primary tumour of these 12 cases invaded one or more anatomic region beside nasopharynx: the base of the pterygoid process in 9 cases (75%), the infratemporal fossa in 4 (33%), the pterygomaxillar fossa in 4 (33%), and the sphenoid sinus in 2 cases (17%). Involvement of the pterygoid process base was observed in only 3 of the 24 patients without persistent disease, whereas it was found 10 out of 12 patients with persistent disease. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in radiographic imaging, embolization, and surgical methods of treating angiofibromas have changed the sites associated with a high risk for persistent disease or morbidity. These changes have made it necessary for the authors to devise more appropriate classifications and, subsequently, several new staging systems were gradually introduced. Recent technological advances, particularly angled endoscopes, have resulted in improved exposure. In the light of all these recent advances, data from our series, and the literature, we suggested a new classification for determining the risk of persistent disease, choosing the appropriate surgical method, and for maintaining uniformity.

Matrix metalloproteinase expression in basal cell carcinoma: relationship between enzyme profile and collagen fragmentation pattern.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activities are up-regulated in basal cell carcinoma. In the present study we demonstrate that the major collagenolytic enzyme detected is MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) while gelatinolytic enzymes include both MMP-2 (72-kDa gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase B). Significant fractions of all three enzymes are present as active forms. In spite of the fact that high levels of gelatinolytic enzymes are present, the major fragmentation products resulting from digestion of intact type I collagen are the 1/4 and 3/4 fragments (products of MMP-1-mediated digestion). Thus, it appears that the gelatinolytic enzymes are not capable of degrading the collagen fragments as rapidly as they are produced. Since previous studies have demonstrated that interaction of interstitial fibroblasts with high molecular weight fragments of type I collagen leads to increased MMP production, the present results suggest a mechanism underlying altered function of stromal elements in the connective tissue adjacent to the growing neoplasm.

Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone in the treatment of locoregionally advanced resectable cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx: results of single-center study of 45 patients.

BACKGROUND: Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and fluorouracil and radiotherapy is an effective alternative to surgery in patients with carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx who are treated for organ preservation. METHODS: We designed a protocol to evaluate the possibility of organ preservation in patients with advanced, resectable carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. Forty-five eligible patients who were followed up between April 1999 and May 2001 were enrolled. Initially, these patients were treated with two cycles of induction chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, 20 mg/m2/day on days 1 to 5, and 5-fluorouracil, 600 mg/m2/day by continuous infusion on days 1 to 5. Patients who had a complete response to chemotherapy were treated with definitive radiotherapy; patients who had a partial response to chemotherapy were treated with chemoradiotherapy. Cisplatin, 35 mg/m2/week, was introduced throughout the duration of radiotherapy. Patients who had no response or progressive disease underwent surgery with postoperative radiotherapy. Patients with N2 or N3 positive lymph nodes underwent neck dissection after the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.6 years (range, 34-75 years). The overall response rate to induction chemotherapy was 71.1%, with a 17.8% complete response rate and 53.3% partial response rate. With a median follow-up of 13.7 months, 23 (51.1%) of all patients and 63.3% of surviving patients have had a preservation of the larynx or hypopharynx and remain disease free. The most common toxicities were nausea and vomiting and mucositis. CONCLUSION: Organ preservation, with multimodality treatment, may be achievable in some of the patients with resectable, advanced larynx or hypopharynx cancers without apparent compromise of survival.

[Radiologic investigation of vertebrobasilar insufficiency and quantification of vertebrobasilar flow with magnetic resonance imaging]. / Vertebrobaziler yetmezligin tanisinda radyolojik inceleme ve vertebrobaziler akimin MRG ile ölçümü.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of cervical spine radiograms, Doppler US, cervical and cranial MRI, MRA and two dimensional quantification flow in the diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively examined 25 patients having signs of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (16 females and 9 males, aged 34 to 74 years) and 25 controls of the same age and sex with MRI, MRA, Doppler US and cervical radiograms. Cervical spine radiograms were evaluated for the presence of degenerative changes, osteophytes and loss of height. The flow velocities of the basilar artery and vertebral arteries were measured with two dimensional quantification flow, using time-velocity graphics achieved by means of a region of interest drawn on transverse sections of the vessels. Posterior circulation in farcts and slow flow in vertebrobasilar system arteries were investigated on brain MR images and the presence of cervical osteophytes, spinal cord compression and the effect of the presence of degenerative changes on vertebral arteries were evaluated on cervical MR images. Paired samples T-test, independent samples T-test, Wilcoxon W, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was taken at p below 0.05. RESULTS: From the statistical analysis, we found that there were more pathologic findings on MRA within the patient group compared with the controls (p = 0.002). The velocities measured by MRI were significantly affected by the presence of unknown bright objects on brain MR images, osteophytes on cervical MR images, loss of height and the presence of osteophytes on radiograms in patients having VBI signs, when compared to the controls. In both groups, the measurements of flow velocity in vertebral arteries by Doppler US did not correlate with the measurements by two dimensional quantification flow. CONCLUSION: Among the methods we used in our study, MRA was the most specific in the diagnosis of patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency. However, two dimensional quantification flow can be used as a noninvasive but indirect method to investigate the influence of several factors on the hemodynamics.

Nasal and paranasal sinus schwannomas.

Although nearly half of all schwannomas involve the head and neck region, nasal and paranasal sinus presentations are quite rare in the literature. Two of the latter cases are presented in this report. In the first, the tumor originated from the nasal septum and was completely excised under local anesthesia. In the second, the schwannoma arose from the left frontal and anterior ethmoidal sinuses. This lesion was totally removed through a combined endoscopic intranasal and external frontoethmoidectomy approach. The patients have shown no tumor recurrence in 6 years and 18 months of follow-up, respectively. The extreme rarity of nasal and paranasal sinus schwannoma is the basis for discussion of these cases.