From apparent pseudoprogression to durable complete remission of expansile destructive sinonasal mucosal melanoma under pembrolizumab after primary endoscopic resection: A case report.

Head and neck mucosal melanoma is a rare but highly aggressive malignant tumor that usually has a poor prognosis. We describe a 53-year-old male patient, having no any medical history, with left maxillary sinus mucosal melanoma causing bilateral lung metastasis. Rapid tumor regrowth was observed on the 49th day after radical tumor resection. Subsequent pembrolizumab immunotherapy initially elicited pseudoprogression, for which add-on radiation therapy was carried out during maintenance pembrolizumab. A gradual decrease in tumor volume and complete remission were observed by a series of magnetic resonance imaging scans and lung windows of a computer tomography scan of chest. At the 29-month follow-up, the patient was rendered disease-free. In conclusion, head and neck mucosal melanoma may regrow rapidly after surgical resection and pseudoprogression could be frightening during immunotherapy. Subsequent single-agent pembrolizumab plus localized radiation therapy aiming to release more tumor antigens may offer the possibility of long-term remission.

Central Compartment Atopic Disease and Its Surgical Outcomes: Olfactory Changes and Technical Notes.

Background: Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a recent, novel phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis. Only a few studies have assessed olfactory function in patients with CCAD. Objectives: We aimed to investigate olfactory function changes after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in patients with CCAD and proposed some surgical techniques to enhance the postoperative olfactory outcomes in such patients. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: We collected data from 23 patients (8 men and 15 women) with CCAD who underwent FESS performed by a surgeon in Taiwan, between June 2018 and December 2021. The demographic data, olfactory function, and serum and tissue eosinophil percentages of the included patients were analyzed. The Top International Biotech Smell Identification Test (TIBSIT; Top International Biotech, Taipei, Taiwan) was used to assess olfactory function. Results: Of the 23 patients, most (95%) showed a positive reaction to aeroallergens, and 2 patients (8.7%) had asthma. Ten patients (43.5%) had peripheral eosinophilia, and 9 (39%) had eosinophilic nasal polyps. Moreover, the patients presented with variable olfactory dysfunction; the mean preoperative TIBSIT (pr-TIBSIT) score was 12.8 ± 2.3 (range: 0-43), whereas the mean postoperative TIBSIT (po-TIBSIT) score was 29.2 ± 1.9 (range: 16-44). The po-TIBSIT score was significantly better than the pre-TIBSIT score (paired t test, P < .0001). The improvement in olfactory function was not significantly correlated with the patients' age, serum eosinophil percentages, and nasal polyp eosinophil counts. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that CCAD is significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction and that FESS can effectively improve olfactory function. To optimize postoperative olfactory outcomes, precise removal of polyps from the olfactory cleft without damaging the neuroepithelium is recommended. Our study provides valuable insights into the management of CCAD patients undergoing FESS and can guide surgical decision-making to achieve optimal olfactory function outcomes.

Investigation of Normative Value of Commercialized Taiwan Smell Identification Test.

BACKGROUND: The Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT) was developed and successfully administered in Taiwanese population since 2015. However, for sanitation reason, the original liquid-jar form of this test is not appropriate. The commercialized TWSIT was then re-designed as "scratch-and-sniff" version: the TIBSIT (Top International Biotech, Taipei, Taiwan). This project aims to investigate the normative value of TIBSIT in different age groups and genders. METHODS: Volunteers aged 20 to 80 with no subjective smell loss were recruited in a rhinology clinic. The participants were given full instructions on using the TIBSIT. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine healthy subjects (female: male =107: 102) were enrolled into this study. The median TIBSIT score in female and male subjects is 47 and 46, respectively. Subjects were further divided into three age groups: (A) 20∼34 years (n = 77), (B) 35∼54 years (n = 77), and (C) 55∼80 years (n = 55). The TIBSIT scores at the tenth percentile value at each age group of male patients are 43, 42 and 37; while the scores at the tenth percentile value at each age group of female patients are 42, 42 and 41. TIBSIT score was significantly and inversely correlated with age (Spearman rho = - 0.20, p = 0.004.). CONCLUSION: We established the normative values of the new TIBSIT in different age groups in Taiwan. Future nation-wide screening is needed for more sophisticated norms establishment.

Liver X Receptor Expression and Pentraxin 3 Production in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Sinonasal Mucosal Fibroblast Cells.

The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a prototypic molecule for recognizing pathogens. Liver X receptors (LXRs), belonging to nuclear receptors (NRs) for cholesterol metabolism through heterodimerizing with other NRs, were recently reported to participate in inflammation. However, their roles in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) are unclear. Therefore, this study was sought to explore roles of LXRs in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) sinonasal tissues and derived fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry indicated that LXRα and ß expression and lipid/fat deposition were differentially expressed in the control and CRSsNP nasal mucosa. GW7647 (a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist) and GW3965 (a dual agonist for LXRα and ß) significantly caused PTX3 induction in the fibroblast cells. GW3965 induced PTX3 mRNA and protein expression, and the induction substantially led to PTX3 secretion. Meanwhile, an endogenous agonist-cholesterol had a similar enhancing effect on the induction of PTX3 protein. LXR siRNA knockdown to lower LXRα or ß expression significantly compromised PTX3 induction. Interestingly, GW3965 also induced phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) activation and its inhibition reduced PTX3 expression. Collectively, we demonstrated here for the first time that CRSsNP nasal mucosa differentially expresses LXRα and ß and deposits lipids/fats that may contain cholesterol metabolites to activate LXRs. Activation of LXRs leads to PTX3 production in sinonasal mucosa-derived fibroblasts. Our previous study showed PTX3 overexpression in the nasal cavity of CRSsNP, whereas this study highlights that cholesterol metabolites and LXR activation regulate PTX3 production and may contribute to antimicrobial activity and tissue repair during CRSsNP progression.

Free mucosal grafts and anterior pedicled flaps to prevent ostium restenosis after endoscopic modified Lothrop (frontal drillout) procedure: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is used to manage ongoing refractory frontal sinusitis after failed previous endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), but this approach has a significant restenosis rate. We evaluated the potential benefits of mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps on the opening of the newly formed frontal ostium. METHODS: Fifty patients with refractory frontal sinusitis or mucoceles after ESS were randomized to undergo EMLP, either with (n = 27) or without (n = 23) mucosal grafts and pedicled flap reconstruction of the neo-ostium. The frontal neo-ostium was measured with Lindholm distending forceps, and anteroposterior (A-P) and lateral dimensions were measured intraoperatively, and then again at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Olfaction outcomes were assessed using the Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT) and a smell visual analog scale (VAS) score preoperatively and at 6 months postsurgery. RESULTS: The initial intraoperative mean lateral and A-P dimensions were 23.2 ± 2.7 mm and 14.8 ± 2.3 mm and were significantly decreased at all time-points postoperatively. The mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps had greater lateral and A-P dimensions, and a greater percentage of intraoperative frontal neo-ostium area at all time-points postoperatively (all p < 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, TWSIT (p = 0.027), but not the smell VAS score (p = 0.063), was significantly improved compared with baseline. TWSIT and smell VAS score changes did not differ between groups (p = 0.92 and p = 0.85, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps reduces stenosis of the frontal neo-ostium postsurgery and should be considered after EMLP.

Resection of Inverted Papilloma of the Maxillary Sinus via a Prelacrimal Recess Approach: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The intranasal endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA) access to all aspects of the maxillary sinus while preserving the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct and its use have been reported in the treatment of many maxillary sinus and lateral skull base diseases. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess the effectiveness of a 10-year multicenter follow-up for the resection of inverted papilloma of the maxillary sinus (IPMS) via a PLRA. METHODS: A total of 71 patients were admitted and underwent IPMS excision via an intranasal endoscopic PLRA from 2003 to 2013. All patients underwent high-resolution computed tomography scanning of the nasal sinus, and some also underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination. RESULTS: Based on the Krouse staging system, all 71 patients belong to T3 staging. The PLRA was employed to remove IPMS in 71 patients. The postoperative pathological examination of the excised tissue revealed inverted papilloma, and cancerization was identified in 3 patients. The median follow-up time was 37.3 months (range: 13-134 months). Of the 71 patients, reoccurrence was seen in 5 patients (7.04%); 5 patients (7.04%) experienced numbness of the upper lid and the ala of the nose and 4 (5.63%) experienced mild collapse of the ala of the nose. CONCLUSIONS: These multicenter follow-up results demonstrated that the PLRA is a safe and effective method for the excision of primary or recurrent IPMS with lower postoperative complications and recurrent rate.

Endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy: tensor veli palatine muscle as a landmark for the parapharyngeal internal carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy(EEN) can be a promising option for select patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but serious complications can occur in terms of parapharyngeal internal carotid artery (PPICA) injury. Several landmarks have been proposed for locating the PPICA. In this study, we investigated the spatial relationship between the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle and the PPICA in a cadaveric model. METHODS: Seven fresh cadaver heads were available for anatomic study. Eustachian tube and the levator veli palatine (LVP) muscle were partially sacrificed or truncated to maximize the surgical field, and the TVP muscle was carefully preserved. Complete dissection was defined as when the PPICA could be visualized. We then measured the distance between the posterior margin of the TVP muscle and PPICA (z-axis), and the distance from the midline of the nasopharynx to the PPICA (x-axis). RESULTS: Thirteen sides of the PPICA were successfully identified. The mean distance between the posterior margin of the TVP to the PPICA (z) was 20.3 mm (range, 12 to 28 mm), and the mean distance between the midline of the nasopharynx to the PPICA (x) was 19.6 mm (range, 15 to 24 mm). CONCLUSION: The PPICA was located in the same sagittal plane as the TVP muscle during dissection posteriorly. The PPICA appeared to lie around 2 cm laterally from the midline at around 2 cm in depth from the posterior margin of the TVP muscle. However, the exact position of the PPICA should be assessed using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative image-guided systems.

The intranasal endoscopic removal of schwannoma of the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae via the prelacrimal recess approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to analyze the results of a novel surgical method-the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA)-in patients with tumors involving the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). The surgical technique and indications for this approach are also discussed. METHODS: The authors analyzed data from 7 cases involving patients who underwent resection of PPF and ITF tumors by means of the endoscopic PLRA from 2004 to 2013. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies were available in all cases and were reviewed. The surgical specimens were all confirmed to be schwannomas. RESULTS: All tumors were completely resected via endoscopic PLRA. There were no recurrences noted over a 28-month follow-up period. In 4 cases, the patients experienced postoperative facial numbness during the first two weeks after surgery, which gradually lessened thereafter. One patient continued to have mild facial numbness at most recent follow-up. The numbness had fully resolved in the other 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The intranasal endoscopic removal of schwannoma from PPF and ITF via PLRA can spare the whole lateral nasal wall, resulting in a reduction in morbidity. This is a novel minimally invasive surgical method for PPF and ITF tumors.

Development of Taiwan Smell Identification Test: a quick office-based smell screening test for Taiwanese.

BACKGROUND: Objective smell tests not only identify levels of smelling ability but also provide information on changes in olfaction after treatment. Odor identification is strongly socially and culturally dependent; therefore, the odorants used in a smell identification test should be familiar to the test population. We developed this smell test for Taiwanese populations with two aims: the test odors should be familiar to Taiwanese and the test should be easily and quickly administered in a busy clinic. METHODS: Additives that are familiar to Taiwanese people were selected for this smell identification test. Subsequently, the test was validated with the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (TC-UPSIT). Finally, this Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT) was implemented in daily clinical use, and cut-off points of "normosmia," "hyposmia," and "anosmia" were established. RESULTS: A total of 1000 subjects were included in the market survey to identify commonly recognized odors. Eight odorants with identification rate greater than 95% were selected. The TWSIT is an array of multiple-choice questions to select the odor. In addition, patient also reported the strength of the odor. The full score was 48. Thirty-seven patients simultaneously received both TWSIT and TC-UPSIT, and the correlation was high (r = 0.874). Based on the testing results of an additional 187 subjects, we concluded that scores of 47-48, 15-44, and 2-12 corresponded to normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia, respectively. Patients with scores falling in the gaps require retesting at a later time. CONCLUSION: The TWSIT is a quick, office-based, and useful odor identification tool for Taiwanese. The experience of developing a culturally specific olfaction test like the TWSIT can be applied in different countries and cultures.

Selective retromastoid vestibular neurectomy for intractable Ménière's disease: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: Retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy is considered to be the most effective and safe procedure to control intractable vertigo associated with Ménière's disease while preserving hearing. The surgical procedure of retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy at the cerebellopontine angle has been well established. Here, we provide for otologic surgeons additional details about the procedure, with special attention to the anatomic features to emphasize our technique, which enables an adequate sectioning of the vestibular fibers on the cochlear nerve close to the overlapping zone containing large-caliber vestibular fibers and small-caliber cochlear fibers. METHODS: We used the lateral decubitus position to enter the cerebellopontine angle. The cerebellum was gently retracted to expose the cerebellomedullary cistern, which was then opened to drain the cerebrospinal fluid for slacking of the cerebellum. The underlying lower cranial nerves IX, X, and XI were identified. The retractor was then moved upward to locate the internal acoustic meatus and the complexes VIII-VII. Adjacent to the internal auditory canal, a longitudinal incision, about 3 mm long and 0.5 mm away from the landmarks of arteriole or cochleovestibular cleavage plane, was made on the cochlear nerve. A surgical separation plane was bluntly created using a microdissector between the two components, and the vestibular nerve was sharply sectioned with microscissors. RESULTS: We re-examined the patients' hearing status, word recognition (speech discrimination) skill, functional levels, and frequency of vertiginous episodes 1 month and at all 6-month intervals after the surgery. At 2 years after surgery, vertigo was completely controlled, indicating a 100% cure rate. CONCLUSION: Sectioning of vestibular fibers was performed along the cochleovestibular cleavage landmark on the cochlear nerve where the overlapping zone was located, allowing for a safe and adequate vestibular neurectomy, while most of the cochlear fibers were spared.

En bloc resection concept for endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy: surgical anatomy and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients have a 19%-56% locoregional recurrence rate after primary therapy. For those recurrent NPC (rNPC) patients, re-irradiation may cause some complications. In recent years, endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy (EEN) has become a surgical option for rNPC patients. Here we introduce the concept of en bloc excision (EBE) technique for EEN, including the surgical technique and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted covering September 2009 to May 2013, involving the collection of locoregional rNPC cases from two institutions (Kuang-Tien General Hospital (KTGH) in Taiwan and National University Health System (NUHS) in Singapore). These patients failed prior therapy and then underwent EEN. We reported the 2-year overall survival rate, the 2-year disease-free survival rate, and related complications. RESULTS: Nine patients (five from KTGH and four from NUHS) completed this study, with five, two, and two patients of recurrence tumors (rT1), rT2, and rT3, respectively. The mean age was 46.4 years (range 32-63); the mean follow-up period was 24.9 months (range 10-45). The 2-year survival rate and the 2-year disease-free rate were 100% and 80%, respectively, in five patients. No significant complications or cases of mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The EBE concept of EEN is suitable for early rT1 and has relatively encouraging short-term outcomes. In selected rT2, careful EBE can be performed by expanding the surgical field. A clear view of the internal carotid artery-related anatomy is indispensable. In the future, more series may be needed to determine the role of EEN in rNPC patients.

Objective olfactory outcomes after revision endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients who suffer from hyposmia and anosmia report a negative effect on their overall quality of life. Smell disturbance of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can improve after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Although several studies have shown that 50-83% of patients may notice an improvement in olfactory function after ESS, the olfactory improvement after revision ESS (RESS), especially by objective measurements, is still lacking. METHODS: Olfactory function was assessed by the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) preoperatively and postoperatively, recorded as smell identification test (SIT) score. Olfactory outcomes from anosmia to hyposmia/normosmia, or from hyposmia to normosmia, were considered as "improvement." Postoperative assessments were divided into two periods: period 1 (P1) is defined as >6 but <12 months postoperatively; period 2 (P2) is defined as >12 but <24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with smell disturbance preoperatively (period 0 [P0]) and confirmed by UPSIT-TC were enrolled into this study. Mean SIT score at P0 was 13.3; mean SIT score at P1 was 18.6; mean SIT score at P2 was 20.4. The presence of nasal polyps blocking the olfactory cleft were associated with better olfaction improvements (p < 0.05) as was the degree of mucosal swelling. The overall improvement rates were 44.8 and 47.8% at P1 and P2, respectively. CONCLUSION: RESS resulted in objective evidence of olfactory improvement in approximately one-half of our cohort over 16 months of follow-up and offers a treatment option for an otherwise poor prognosis condition.

Endoscopic vidian neurectomy assisted by power instrumentation and coblation.

Vidian neurectomy has been used to manage intractable vasomotor rhinitis for decades. After the introduction of endoscopic sinus surgery in the 1980s, transnasal endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN) was subsequently reported. The most common problem in performing EVN was excessive bleeding from the pterygopalatine fossa. The complexity and vascularity of the pterygopalatine fossa can cause bloody surgical fields and prevent complete neurectomy. In response to this surgical problem, a procedure was developed to use powered instrumentation and coblation during EVN. There were eight cases of EVNs (16 neurectomies) assisted by power instrumentation and coblation from December 2011 to May 2012. The average blood loss of these cases was 37.5 mL (range, 25-50 mL). The average surgical time of each neurectomy was 27.4 minutes (range, 20-35 minutes). No complications occurred in any of the eight cases. Very limited bleeding and less thermal damage were noted while achieving a complete neurectomy.

Retrospective study of full-house functional endoscopic sinus surgery for revision endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS) are rarely reported in relation to technique. Our goal was to document the outcome of full-house functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) (FHF) (complete sphenoethmoidectomy with Draf IIA frontal sinusotomy) for treatment of this recalcitrant group. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with chronic sinusitis having had at least 1 previous sinus surgery (mean, 2.14) underwent FHF, followed by postoperative nasal douching and oral antibiotics for 12 weeks. After a minimum 6 months of follow-up, patients were asked to complete a 5-item Patient Response Score (PRS) (graded on a 6-point scale from 1 = completely improved to 6 = much worse). Objective measures collected included computed tomography (CT) Lund MacKay score (L-M score, LMS), and endoscopic findings: mucosal swelling (MS) and mucopus (MP) (graded on a 4-point scale from 0 = none to 3 = severe). RESULTS: Patients were divided into 3 subgroups based on months of follow up from surgery: 6-12, 12-18, and 18-24. There was no statistical difference in any outcome based on length of follow up. Mean symptom outcome was reported as much improved (PRS = 1.9 ± 0.1). Both mucosal swelling and mucopus improved dramatically (2.48 vs 0.29, p < 0.001; 2.52 vs 0.29, p < 0.001, respectively). LMS also improved dramatically (11.52 vs 2.1, p < 0.001). Presence of nasal polyps did not affect any subjective or objective outcome. CONCLUSION: Marked improvements in symptoms and mucosal findings were consistently obtained with FHF between 6 and 24 months postoperatively.

Intravenous esmolol infusion improves surgical fields during sevoflurane-anesthetized endoscopic sinus surgery: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to support the use of anesthetics to affect operative fields during endoscopic sinus surgery and thus the speed, thoroughness, and safety of the surgery itself. Previous research has suggested preoperative beta-blockers improve surgical fields (SFs); our study is novel in showing the impact of a beta-blocker infusion on SFs during sinus surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 40 patients. Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis received a constant infusion of i.v. esmolol or saline in addition to a standard inhaled anesthetic protocol. At regular 15-minutes intervals, the quality of SF, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed. Total blood loss was also recorded. RESULTS: Average vital sign parameters (HR/SBP/DBP) were significantly lower in the esmolol group (69.1/90.2/55.1 versus 77.2/99.5/63.5; p < 0.01). The esmolol infusion improved SFs relative to control (2.3 versus 2.6; p = 0.045). Esmolol infusion resulted in good SFs (grades 1 and 2) more often than poor fields (grades 3 and 4); on the contrary, the control group showed more poor than good SFs (chi-square; p = 0.04). A correlation between increasing HR and worsening SFs was identified (r = 0.259; p = 0.002). The control group had significantly higher average blood loss (1.3 versus 0.8 mL/min; p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Esmolol-induced relative hypotension and bradycardia during endoscopic sinus surgery achieves significantly improved SFs relative to saline control.