Outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in adult lung transplant patients with cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in Caucasian population. Due to its pathological mechanism, chronic rhino sinusitis (CRS) associated or not with nasal polyposis usually occurs in adults and affects close to one-half of all CF patients. The goal of our work was to evaluate the impact of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) in the quality of life (QoL) of the CF patients and demonstrate an improvement of the functional outcomes in the patients underwent the surgical procedure rather than in the not treated ones, particulary in lung transplant patients. METHODS: We studied 54 adult patients affected by CF. Lund-Kennedy, Lund-Mackay scores, and SNOT-22 were analysed. 14 had lung transplant and 9 had both lung tranplant and ESS procedures. RESULTS: 22 (40.7%) out of 54 CF patients underwent ESS. This group presented more likely complaints consistent with CRS. Lund-Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores appeared higher in the ESS group: 10 (range of 6-12) and 15 (range of 12-20), respectively. SNOT-22 showed median values for non-ESS and ESS group of 20 (range of 3-68) and 40 (range of 10-73), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ESS represents the best option to improve clinical QoL of CF patients who do not response to conventional medical therapy, with a stabilization of respiratory function after transplantation.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for paranasal sinuses and base of skull tumors.

Paranasal sinus and skull base tumors are rare aggressive head and neck cancers, and typically present in the locally advanced stages. As a result, achieving wide surgical resection with clear margins is a challenge for these tumors, and radiotherapy is thus usually indicated as an adjuvant modality following surgery to optimize local control. Given the integral role of radiotherapy in the management of this subgroup of head and neck tumors, the advent of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has led to substantial improvement of clinical outcomes for these patients. This is primarily driven by the improvement in radiation dosimetry with IMRT compared to conventional two dimensional (2D)- and 3D-techniques, in terms of ensuring dose intensity to the tumor target coupled with minimizing dose exposure to critical organs. Consequently, the evident clinical benefits of IMRT have been in reduction of normal tissue toxicities, ranging from critical neurological symptoms to less debilitating but bothersome symptoms of eye infections and radiation-induced skin changes. Another domain where IMRT has potential clinical utility is in the management of a subset of non-resectable T4 paranasal sinus and skull base tumors. For these inoperable lesions, the steep dose-gradient between tumor and normal tissue is even more advantageous, given the crucial need to maintain dose intensity to the tumor. Innovative strategies in this space also include the use of induction chemotherapy for patient selection. In this review, we summarized the data for the aforementioned topics, including specific discussions on the different histologic subtypes of paranasal sinus and skull base tumors.

A survey of computed tomography dose index and dose length product level in usual computed tomography protocol.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the use of computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic tool has been considerably increased. Therefore, implementation of the program to conform the protection regulations on the CT scan is necessary to reduce the detrimental effects of radiation. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to measure weighted CT dose index (CTDIW) and dose length product (DLP) in routine CT protocols of the adult patients. METHODS: In this study, the patient dose was determined in routine CT protocols. The CT scanner used in this study was a single-slice Toshiba model. Scan parameters for each protocol were registered for 10 standard sized patients and then by applying it to the CT system, CTDIw and DLP mean values were calculated and finally the values of dose were compared with the reference dose limit. RESULTS: The mean values of CTDIw and DLP for head, para nasal sinuses, chest, abdomen, and pelvis protocols were 34.11, 19.67, 15.47, 13.95, 10.08 mGy and 362.67, 153.97, 307.33, 346.07, 189.37 mGy.cm, respectively. The mean values of CTDIW and DLP obtained in all of the protocols were less and even less than half in some of the protocols compared with the European guidelines and the UK reference values. However, mean values of CTDIw in the Chest and Abdomen protocols, were greater than IAEA reported values. CONCLUSIONS: Using lower milli Amperes and higher kilo voltage peak as well as minimizing scan area and number of slices should be considered for more reduction in patients' dose.

Olfactory change after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), but many side effects were reported in NPC patients receiving radiotherapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on olfactory function. METHODS: The olfactory function of 41 NPC patients was assessed by a traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC). The patients also filled out a Taiwanese version of the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (TWSNOT-22) questionnaire and received imaging examinations of the sinuses before IMRT and 1 year after IMRT. The sinus imaging was scored according to the Lund-Mackay system. RESULTS: The mean UPSIT-TC scores were 30.6 before IMRT and 28.0 after IMRT and the decrease in UPSIT-TC scores was significant (p = 0.001). The mean TWSNOT-22 scores were 32.1 before IMRT and 28.8 after IMRT. The change in TWSNOT-22 scores was not significant, but the scores for item 5 "loss of smell or taste" significantly increased after IMRT (p = 0.035). The mean total computed tomography (CT) scores were 1.7 before IMRT and 3.2 after IMRT, and the mean ethmoid CT scores were 0.5 before IMRT and 1.2 after IMRT. The increase in total CT and ethmoid CT scores was both significant (p = 0.004 and 0.002). The decrease in UPSIT-TC scores was moderately negatively correlated with the increase in total CT and ethmoid CT scores (r = -0.348 and -0.423). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the olfactory function of NPC patients was mildly impaired after IMRT, which can cause rhinosinusitis.

A dosimetric comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and non-coplanar intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer.

BACKGROUND: To compare dosimetric parameters of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and non-coplanar intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer with regard to the coverage of planning target volume (PTV) and the sparing of organs at risk (OAR). METHODS: Ten patients with nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer were re-planned by VMAT (two-arc) plan and non-coplanar IMRT (7-, 11-, and 15-beam) plans. Planning objectives were to deliver 60 Gy in 30 fractions to 95% of PTV, with maximum doses (D(max)) of <50 Gy to the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and brainstem, <40 Gy to the eyes and <10 Gy to the lenses. The target mean dose (D(mean)) to the parotid glands was <25 Gy, and no constraints were applied to the lacrimal glands. Planning was optimized to minimized doses to OAR without compromising coverage of the PTV. VMAT and three non-coplanar IMRT (7-, 11-, and 15-beam) plans were compared using the heterogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CI) of the PTV, D(max) and D(mean) of the OAR, treatment delivery time, and monitor units (MUs). RESULTS: The HI and CI of VMAT plan were superior to those of the 7-, 11-, and 15-beam non-coplanar IMRT. VMAT and non-coplanar IMRT (7-, 11-, and 15-beam) showed equivalent sparing effects for the optic nerves, optic chiasm, brainstem, and parotid glands. For the eyes and lenses, VMAT achieved equivalent or better sparing effects when compared with the non-coplanar IMRT plans. VMAT showed lower MUs and reduced treatment delivery time when compared with non-coplanar IMRT. CONCLUSIONS: In 10 patients with nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer, a VMAT plan provided better homogeneity and conformity for PTV than non-coplanar IMRT plans, with a shorter treatment delivery time, while achieving equal or better OAR-sparing effects and using fewer MUs.

Sinonasal extramedullary plasmacytoma: a systematic review of 175 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study reviews the published literature related to extramedullary sinonasal plasmacytomas. Clinical presentation, demographics, treatment, and outcomes of this uncommon disease are reported. METHODS: A systematic review of studies for sinonasal plasmacytomas from 1950 to 2012 was conducted. A PubMed database search, both for articles related to this condition along with bibliographies of those selected articles, was performed. Articles were examined for patient data that reported disease outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-seven journal articles were included in this analysis, comprising a total of 175 cases. Radiotherapy was the most common treatment modality, used in 89 cases, followed by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy, and surgery alone. A total of 71.8% of patients were alive after a median follow-up of 39 months, independent of treatment modality. A combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy was rarely used but had the best treatment outcome, with 88.9% of patients (8/9 patients) alive. Of the 3 most common treatment modalities, a combination of radiotherapy and surgery had the most favorable outcomes. Sixteen patients (9.1%) converted to multiple myeloma, with the majority of these patients (75.0%) receiving radiotherapy alone as their treatment modality. CONCLUSION: This review contains the largest pool of sinonasal plasmacytoma patients to date and suggests aggressive radiotherapy is the most common treatment modality for this condition. Of the 3 most common treatment modalities, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy was shown to have the best survival outcomes.

Potential of dosage reduction in cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) for radiological diagnostics of the paranasal sinuses.

More than 10 years ago, cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) was introduced in ENT radiology. Until now, the focus of research was to evaluate clinical limits of this technique. The aim of this work is the evaluation of specific dosages and the identification of potential optimization in the performance of CBCT of the paranasal sinuses. Based on different tube parameters (tube current, tube voltage, and rotation angles), images of the nose and the paranasal sinuses were taken on a phantom head with the Accu-I-tomo F17 (Morita, Kyoto, Japan). The dosages applied to the lens and parotid gland were measured with OSL dosimetry. The imaging quality was evaluated by independent observers. All datasets were reviewed according to a checklist of surgically important anatomic structures. Even for lowest radiation exposure (4 mA, 76 kV, 180°, computed tomography dosage index (CTDI) = 1.8 mGy), the imaging quality was sufficient. Of course a significant reduction of the imaging quality could be seen, so a reliable mean was set for 4 mA, 84 kV, and 180° rotation angle (CTDI = 2.4 mGy). In this combination, a reduction of 92 % in lens-dose and of 77 % of dosage at the parotid gland was observed in comparison to the maximal possible adjustments (8 mA, 90 kV, 360°, CTDI = 10.9 mGy). There is potential for optimization in CBCT. Changing the rotation angle (180° instead of 360°) leads to a dose reduction of 50 %. Furthermore from clinical point of view in case of chronic rhinosinusitis a relevant reduction of dosage is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify the interdisciplinary discussion about the disease specifics required quality of imaging.

Multimodality treatment for sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the paranasal sinuses is rare, accounting for 5% of sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to assess prognostic factors and survival rates for sinonasal NEC. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with NEC treated from 1990 to 2004 was performed. Patient demographics, TNM classification, treatment modality, recurrences, and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: NEC was identified in 28 patients; the most common primary site was the ethmoid sinuses. Most patients presented with advanced tumors; few had regional or distant metastasis. Local recurrence rate was 21%. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 65% and 78%, respectively. Response to chemotherapy predicted for improved survival, although no differences in outcomes were noted between definitive management strategies. CONCLUSION: NEC of the paranasal sinuses is an exceedingly rare malignancy of the paranasal sinuses. Our data suggests definitive management with surgery or radiotherapy offers durable control. The response to chemotherapy may predict for overall outcomes.

Nasal irrigation reduces postirradiation rhinosinusitis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck cancer in Taiwan. Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment for NPC. The newer RT technique, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has become popular in recent years. IMRT-induced rhinosinusitis is not uncommon in postirradiated NPC patients but the incidence and the disease course have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the IMRT effect on the paranasal sinuses and evaluate the efficacy of nasal irrigation on the management of RT-induced rhinosinusitis. METHODS: NPC patients who completed IMRT from October 2004 to May 2006 were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated to irrigation or nonirrigation groups. Patients in the irrigation group performed daily nasal irrigation until 6 months after RT. The severity of postirradiated rhinosinusitis was evaluated by nasal endoscopy, questionnaire, and computed tomography until a year after RT. RESULTS: One hundred seven postirradiated NPC patients completed the study. Among them, 44 patients performed daily nasal irrigation until 6 months after RT, and the other 63 patients did not perform nasal irrigation after RT. Patients in the irrigation group had significantly lower endoscopic and questionnaire scores than patients in the nonirrigation group (p = 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively) from pre-RT to 6 months after RT. The between-group differences were most obvious at the post-RT second and third months. CONCLUSION: Rhinosinusitis is a common acute post-RT complication in NPC patients. Our results showed that nasal irrigation was a safe and effective method for the management of this acute complication.

Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with carcinomas of the paranasal sinuses: clinical benefit for complex shaped target volumes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in 46 patients with paranasal sinus tumors with special respect to treatment-related toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 46 patients with histologically proven tumors of the paranasal sinuses with IMRT. Histological classification included squamous cell carcinoma in 6, adenocarcinoma in 8, adenoidcystic carcinoma in 20 and melanoma in 8 patients, respectively. Six patients had been treated with RT during initial therapy after primary diagnosis, and IMRT was performed for the treatment of tumor progression as re-irradiation. RESULTS: Overall survival rates were 96% at 1 year, 90% at 3 years. Calculated from the initiation of IMRT as primary radiotherapy, survival rates at 1 and 3 years were 95% and 80%. In six patients IMRT was performed as re-irradiation, and survival rate calculated from re-irradiation was 63% at 1 year. Local control rates were 85% at 1, 81% at 2 and 49% at 3 years after primary RT and 50% at 1 year after re-irradiation. Distant metastases-free survival in patients treated with IMRT as primary RT was 83% after 1 and 64% after 3 years. For patients treated as primary irradiation with IMRT, the distant control rate was 83% at 1 year and 0% at 2 years. No severe radiation-induced side-effects could be observed. CONCLUSION: IMRT for tumors of the paranasal sinuses is associated with very good tumor control rates. Treatment-related acute and long-term toxicity can be minimized as compared to historical results with conventional RT.

Nasal and paranasal sinus changes after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To study sinonasal side-effects after radiotherapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study subjects comprised 32 cases of NPC (23 new cases, 9 old cases) who had been treated with RT with no recurrence. They were subjected to a saccharine test, nasal endoscopy and CT. RESULTS: There was a gradual and persistent increase in the saccharine delay time after RT. Endoscopy showed that, early post-RT, edema and discharge were replaced by delayed crusting and adhesions. CT showed that the maxillary sinus, anterior ethmoid sinus and ostiomeatal complex were the areas most affected. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinosinusitis is a common post-RT side-effect in NPC patients. A pre-RT saccharine test is a good predictor of those patients who are more likely to develop sinonasal side-effects. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be considered with caution in post-RT rhinosinusitis.

Intensity modulation in radiotherapy: photons versus protons in the paranasal sinus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether successive tightening of normal tissue constraints on an intensity modulated X-ray therapy plan might be able to improve it to the point of clinical comparability with the corresponding intensity modulated proton therapy plan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Photon and proton intensity modulated plans were calculated for a paranasal sinus case using nominal dose constraints. Additional photon plans were then calculated in an effort to match the dose-volume histograms of the critical structures to those of the proton plan. RESULTS: On reducing the low dose contribution to both orbits in the photon plan by tightening the constraints on these structures, an increased dose heterogeneity across the target resulted. When all critical structures were more strictly constrained, target dose homogeneity and conformity was further compromised. An increased integral dose to the non-critical normal tissues was observed for the photon plans as dose was progressively removed from the critical structures. CONCLUSIONS: Both modalities were found to provide comparable target volume conformation and sparing of critical structures, when the nominal dose constraints were applied. However, the use of intensity modulated protons provided the only method by which critical structures could be spared at all dose levels, whilst simultaneously providing acceptable dose homogeneity within the target volume.

Endoscopic sinus surgery in previously irradiated patients.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery in irradiated patients with absolute indications for sinus surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 5 years at a tertiary referral center, more than 200 patients received irradiation to a field that included the paranasal sinuses. Complaints related to the sinuses are common in such patients and often include crusting and increased mucus drainage. Six patients presented with significant sinus infections in the absence of tumor recurrence and failed medical management. Additional problems included epiphora and nasal obstruction caused by cicatricial choanal stricture. Surgical interventions included ethmoidectomy, multiple osteotomies, debridement of scarred or devitalized tissue, and dacryocystorhinostomy. Outcome measures included intraoperative findings and complications, length of hospital stays, endoscopic assessments of the healing over 6 months post-operatively, and improvement or persistence of symptoms over 2 to 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Surgery can be technically difficult because of derangements of normal anatomy and dehiscence of important structures. Although bleeding problems, prolonged admission, and delayed healing were noted in certain cases, they did not result in long-term morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sinus surgery has become an invaluable tool in the treatment of refractory sinusitis. Our literature review has revealed no information, however, regarding endoscopic sinus surgery in previously irradiated patients. Theoretically, such patients are at risk for healing problems and anatomic derangements, which could lead to complications. There is, nevertheless, a theoretical benefit to avoiding external approaches in patients who might heal poorly.

Effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma on the paranasal sinuses: study based on computed tomography scanning.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma causes mucosal disease of the paranasal sinuses. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre. METHOD: A series of 69 newly diagnosed patients, without pre-existing sinus disease, who were treated with high-dose radiotherapy participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence, severity, and time course of mucosal abnormalities were analyzed, as judged by consecutive computed tomographies (CTs). RESULTS: The CT study revealed that 58.8% of the postirradiation scans had mucosal disease of the sinuses. The maxillary sinus had the highest prevalence (42.3%) without statistical significance (p = .10). The difference by McNemar test for two follow-up scans was not significant (p = .48) and by Kappa test was significant (p = .04). The relationship between the prevalence and the time course post radiotherapy revealed that it remained a high prevalence until after the 4-year follow-up scans. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm that chronic sinus disease is a common late complication of radiotherapy and it persists for years. Thus, aggressive treatment is indicated.

Extramedullary nasal plasmacytoma--an unusual clinical entity.

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma with its unusual appearance is reported. This is the second reported case in world literature affecting the paranasal sinuses with intracranial extension. The role of surgery is to obtain tissue for diagnosis and to excise residual disease. Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice and long-term follow-up is necessary for monitoring disease recurrence. The overall 10-year survival is about 50%. The case is discussed with a general review of the management of this pathology.

[Plasmacytomas of the head and neck]. / I plasmocitomi della testa e del collo.

Neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells results in a population of immunologically homogeneous cells that can produce diffuse (multiple myeloma) or localized (extramedullary plasmacytomas and solitary plasmacytoma of bone) disease. In otorhinolaryngologic literature these neoplasms are rarely described and their nosological arrangement is often confused. The presence of a plasma cell neoplasm can be a surprise and sometimes a diagnostic challenge to the head and neck surgeon. Proper management of such lesions needs to be individualized according to their expected biologic behaviour. The recent observation of a case of maxillary sinus plasmacytoma suggested the Authors to carefully review the literature, drawing their attention mainly on the current histogenetic hypotheses and their consequences in therapeutic strategy. The correct diagnostic procedure is also explained, highlighting the difficulties due to both the protean nature of the disease and the still existing nosological confusion. The possibility of a plasma cell tumour should be never forgotten in presence of an head and neck neoplasm. Because these neoplasms may signal the presence of multiple mieloma, full evaluation is required to exclude disseminated disease. In light of recent histogenetic acquisitions it is suggested that extramedullary plasmacytomas can be classified among the so-called "mucosa-associated" lymphomas. Possible following differences in therapeutic approach and long-term follow-up are also indicated, stressing the role of surgery in managing these disorders. Surgical excision of extramedullary plasmacytomas followed by complementary radiotherapy on the site of tumour is proposed as the best treatment for these kind of neoplasms. This is in opposition with "classical" statement considering radiotherapy the only treatment for this kind of disorders.

Pre versus post-operative radiotherapy of resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

The literature on pre-operative radiotherapy (RT) vs. post-operative RT in patients with advanced, resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is reviewed and the theoretical arguments for and against the two different modalities discussed. It was possible to identify eleven reports published during the last four decades (1965-91) evaluating different aspects of pre- vs. post-operative RT given at comparable dose levels. Two reports were of prospective, randomised clinical studies and nine of retrospective comparisons. Together, the eleven studies comprised 1,358 patients (326 in prospective studies). The bulk of the evidence clearly suggests post-operative loco-regional control to be superior to pre-operative RT. However, this seems to be offset by the subsequent development of distant metastases or metachronous tumours.

[Esthesioneuroblastoma: experience from 4 cases treated with radiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy]. / Estesioneuroblastoma: experiencia en cuatro casos con radioterapia y quimioterapia neoadyuvante.

The esthesioneuroblastoma is an uncommon but curable disease in a high proportion of cases. The treatment is controversial. Radiotherapy, alone or combined with surgery, has demonstrated to be an effective treatment in early stages. Chemotherapy, associated to radiotherapy, can improve the outcome in advanced stages and reduce the morbidity related to surgery. Three cases treated with radiotherapy, and one case treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy are reported. Diagnosis and treatment management are discussed.

[The efficiency of surgical treatment of patients with malignant tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses]. / Skutecznosc operacyjnego leczenia chorych z nowotworami zlosliwymi jamy nosa i zatok przynosowych.

In the years 1966-80, 96 patients with malignant tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were surgically treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University in Cracow. Out of 29 patients with macro and microscopic radical surgical treatment, 11 (37.9%) survived 5 years. The remained 62 patients, considering non-radical surgical treatment, have been additionally treated by full course of irradiation. Out of this group 34 (54.8%) survived 5 years. These data suggest that indications for additional irradiation should be extended.