Is the measurement of ethmoid sinus dominance in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis accurate?

OBJECTIVE: An ethmoid-dominant shadow on computed tomography is an indicator of type 2 inflammation, and is one of the main items used to diagnose and classify the severity of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in the Japanese diagnostic criteria. Ethmoid sinus dominance is examined using the Lund-Mackay scoring system and may be overestimated due to scoring characteristics. We aim to investigate the accuracy of evaluations of ethmoid dominance using the conventional scoring system and the possibility of conducting an objective evaluation using a more detailed other scoring system. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled in the present study. Computed tomography was performed preoperatively on all subjects. The bilateral anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses and bilateral maxillary sinus were scored, and the ethmoid-to-maxillary ratio was calculated using 3 different scoring systems: Lund-Mackay (each sinus score ranges between 0 and 2), simplified Zinreich (score ranging between 0 and 3), and Zinreich (score ranging between 0 and 5). RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were eligible for the present study. Significant differences were observed in ethmoid-to-maxillary ratio evaluated by the 3 different scoring systems (2.4 ±â€¯0.7, 3.0 ±â€¯1.1, and 3.7 ±â€¯2.2). Only 2 patients were negative for ethmoid dominance by the Lund-Mackay scoring system, while 14 were negative by the simplified-Zinreich and Zinreich scoring systems. Severity changed from the initial grade in 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present results confirmed a potential overestimation when only the Lund-Mackay scoring system was used to assess ethmoid dominance. Ethmoid dominance has been identified as one of the main predictive factors for the long-term postoperative outcomes of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and is included in the Japanese diagnostic criteria. A detailed evaluation of ethmoid dominance is desirable for more accurate evaluations of the severity and prognosis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

[Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea secondary to ethmoidal carcinoma: case report]. / Rinorrea de líquido cefalorraquídeo secundaria a carcinoma etmoidal: reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: The first report of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSFR) was described in 1679. In 1826 it was reported that one of the possible causes of CSFR was a fistula between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. In 1903, chemical analysis of the fluid was proposed as a diagnostic criterion. In Mexico there has been 32 case reports. CASE REPORT: Forty-nine years old female with a history of nasal polyposis, profuse rhinorrhea and cephalea who attends the allergy department with the suspicion of allergic rhinitis. After anamnesis and physical evaluation, CSFR was suspected. Chemical analysis of the fluid, head CT and biopsy of nasal polyp were performed. An etmoidal fistula associated with carcinoma was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous fistulas are rare but can erosionate the bone and adjacent tissues. Diagnosis is based on the clinical findings, patient's history and complementary studies such as beta-2-transferrin determination in nasal fluid.

ANTECEDENTES: En 1679 se describió el primer caso de rinorrea de líquido cefalorraquídeo. En 1826 se reportó como causa una fistula entre el espacio subaracnoideo y la cavidad nasal. Para 1903 se propuso el análisis químico como criterio diagnóstico. En México sólo se han reportado 32 casos de rinorrea de líquido cefalorraquídeo. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente femenina de 49 años, con antecedente de poliposis nasal, rinorrea abundante y cefalea, quien acudió a consulta para descartar rinitis alérgica. Luego de la anamnesis y la exploración física se sospechó de fuga de líquido cefalorraquídeo secundaria a fístula nasal. Con la histoquímica de moco, tomografía de cráneo y biopsia del pólipo nasal se estableció el diagnóstico de fístula etmoidal secundaria a carcinoma. CONCLUSIÓN: La fístulas espontáneas son excepcionales, pueden erosionar el hueso y los tejidos adyacentes. El diagnóstico se establece con la historia clínica y los antecedentes médicos, además de estudios complementarios y la determinación de Beta-2-transferrina en moco.

Asymmetry of the anterior ethmoidal artery in relation to the anterior skull base: a population-based study of 500 arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze variability in the distance between the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery (AEA) and the anterior Skull Base (SB), as well as the frequency of lateral asymmetry in a Latin American population using computed tomography. METHODS: A total of 250 computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses in coronal reconstruction (500 AEAs) were analyzed. After determining the image with the best anatomical view of the artery, the distance between its midpoint and the ethmoidal roof was measured, and the images were independently interpreted by 2 physicians. RESULTS: Of the 500 AEAs, 279 (55.8%) adhered to or passed through the SB at a distance of 0mm. A total of 221 AEAs (44.2%) were at some distance from the SB, of which 107 (48.4%) were on the right side, ranging from 1.18 to 6.75mm, and 114 (51.5%) were on the left side, ranging from 1.15 to 6.04mm. The overall mean distance between the AEA and SB was 1.22 (SD=1.57) mm, increasing to 2.77 (SD=1.14) when the arteries adhered to the SB were excluded. Seventy-six individuals (30.4%) had a lateral distance variation > 1mm. CONCLUSION: Our study includes the largest sample of AEA analyzed with computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses. There was some distance between the AEA and SB in almost half the patients, and we found a high rate of lateral variability >1mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Computed tomography assessment of maxillary sinus hypoplasia and associated anatomical variations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the scientific evidence on the prevalence of maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) and associated anatomical variations as assessed by computed tomography scans. STUDY DESIGN: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. Search algorithms were constructed for each of the six databases and gray literature. After screening the references (Rayyan®), the extracted data were meta-analyzed according to a random-effects model. The joanna briggs critical appraisal tool assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The GRADE approach was used to estimate the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: From a total of 2781 studies screened, 22 were considered for four meta-analysis. The prevalence of MSH in 7358 patients was 5.65% (CI95% = 4.07-7.47%) with significant heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.001, I2 = 89.30%). MSH was identified in 295 patients, of whom 82.38% (CI95% = 75.82-88.09%) had unilateral hypoplasia and 17.62% (CI95% = 11.91-24.18%) bilateral hypoplasia with moderate heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.0503, I2 = 42.87%). The prevalence of MSH in 9998 maxillary sinuses was 3.77% (95% CI = 2.44-5.38%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.001, I2 = 92.84%). Hypoplastic/aplastic uncinate process, concha bullosa and paradoxical concha were the most reported anatomical variations. The studies presented a low-moderate methodological quality. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of maxillary sinus hypoplasia observed was 5.65%, with most cases being unilateral.

Relationship of the anterior ethmoid sinus to the lacrimal sac: a computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the anatomical relationship between the lacrimal sac and the agger nasi cell on Computed Tomography (CT); to correlate the right and left sides on each scan. METHODS: CT scans of adult patients were reviewed for pneumatization of the agger nasi and its relationship to the lacrimal sac. The degree of agreement between the right and left sides was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 130 CT scans were examined. An agger nasi cell was found medial to the lacrimal sac in 59.23% of scans. On 86.15% of scans, pneumatization was similar on both sides. CONCLUSION: The agger nasi air cell is located medial to the lacrimal sac in more than half of individuals. The right and left sides exhibit the same pneumatization pattern in approximately 80% of cases.

Sub Periosteal and Intra Ethmoidal Displacement of Gutta Percha Cone Following Endodontic Intervention of Maxillary First Molar / Desplazamiento Subperióstico e Intraetmoidal del Cono de Gutapercha después de la Intervención Endodóntica del Primer Molar Superior

Foreign bodies in the ethmoid sinus are uncommon, and endodontic gutta percha displacement is even more rare. We present and discuss a case of displacement of gutta percha into the ethmoid sinus following root canal intervention of a maxillary first molar which presumably migrated through the maxillary sinus. There have been reports on the displacement of tooth roots or implants into the maxillary sinus. However, we know of only one such report on the migration of a gutta-percha point into the ethmoid sinus.

Los cuerpos extraños en el seno etmoidal son infrecuentes y el desplazamiento de la gutapercha endodóntica es aún más raro. Presentamos y analizamos un caso de desplazamiento de la gutapercha hacia el seno etmoidal después de la intervención del conducto radicular de un primer molar superior que se presume migró a través del seno maxilar. A pesar de que existen informes sobre el desplazamiento de raíces dentales o implantes hacia el seno maxilar, solo conocemos un informe de este tipo sobre la migración de un punto de gutapercha hacia el seno etmoidal.

Clinical, anatomopathological, and immunohistochemical findings of a transitional cell carcinoma from nasal cavity, frontal and ethmoidal sinus with meningoencephalic invasion in a dog.

Background: Primary neoplasms of the nasal cavity and sinuses are uncommon in domestic animals, most of which are of epithelial origin, being adenocarcinoma the most common tumor diagnosed in this region. Some malignant nasal cavity neoplasms may invade the brain causing clinical neurological signs, as well as purulent nasal secretion and epistaxis. Case Description: A case of neoplasm is reported in a 14-year-old pincher presenting dyspnea, epistaxis, and neurological alterations. Necropsy revealed the presence of a mass in the oral cavity vestibule, and another in the whole nasal cavity with invasion of the cribiform plate, meninges and brain. Squamous cells carcinoma was diagnosed in the oral cavity and transitional carcinoma in the nasal cavity. The immunohistochemistry confirmed that the brain infiltration was of the same origin as the nasal cavity neoplasm. Conclusion: The present report describes a rare case of transitional carcinoma of the nasal cavity as well as the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses with brain invasion, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. It is extremely important for veterinarians to include neoplasms in their differential diagnoses, when these animals show chronic respiratory signs and neurological alterations that do not improve with appropriate treatment, always associating with complementary exams, for correct diagnosis establishment and prognosis formulation.

Spindle cell hemangioma of nasal passage and ethmoidal sinus in a 4-month old infant. / Hemangioma fusocelular en las fosas nasales y los senos etmoidales en un lactante de 4 meses de edad.

Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a benign unusual vascular neoplasm. It does not have gender predilection and can occur at all ages. The disease affects dermis and subcutis of distal extremities predominantly; head and neck involvement is very rare, paranasal sinus involvement has not been reported before. Herein we present a 4-month-old infant with nasal obstruction since two weeks of age due to a mass in ethmoid sinus obliterating the nasal passage. After the histopathological diagnosis of SCH, the tumor was partially resected. In the sixth month follow-up, there was minimal regression of residual lesions. In the imaging studies performed 30 months after the surgery, the residual mass was found to be disappeared. SCH is not frequent in the head and neck, and presentation of some patients may not suggest the diagnosis. Histopathology is important for differential diagnosis and to orientate treatment. Awareness of SCH may increase the reported cases.

El hemangioma fusocelular es una neoplasia vascular benigna infrecuente. Afecta la dermis y la hipodermis de la parte distal de las extremidades; la afectación de la cabeza y el cuello es muy poco frecuente y nunca se informó compromiso de los senos paranasales. Este es el caso de un lactante de 4 meses con obstrucción nasal desde las 2 semanas debido a un tumor en los senos etmoidales que obstruía las fosas nasales. Se diagnosticó hemangioma fusocelular y se extirpó parcialmente el tumor. A los seis meses de seguimiento, se observó una regresión mínima con lesiones residuales. A los 30 meses, se observó que el tumor residual había desaparecido. El hemangioma fusocelular es infrecuente en cabeza y cuello y, a veces, la presentación no es indicativa del diagnóstico. El examen histopatológico ayuda con el diagnóstico diferencial y el tratamiento. La sensibilización sobre el hemangioma fusocelular podría aumentar los casos informados.

In Vivo Computed Tomography Direct Volume Rendering of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery: A Descriptive Anatomical Study

Abstract Introduction The clinical relevance of the anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is outstanding, considering its role as a landmark in endoscopic surgery, its importance in the therapy of epistaxis, and the high risks related to iatrogenic injuries. Objective To provide an anatomical description of the course and relationships of the AEA, based on direct computed-tomography (CT)-based 3D volume rendering. Methods Direct volume rendering was performed on 18 subjects who underwent (CT) with contrast medium for suspected cerebral aneurism. Results The topographical location of 36 AEAs was assessed as shown: 10 dehiscent (27.8%), 20 intracanal (55.5%), 6 incomplete canals (16.7%). Distances from important topographic landmarks are reported. Conclusion This work demonstrates that direct 3D volume rendering is a valid imaging technique for a detailed description of the anterior ethmoidal artery thus representing a useful tool for head pre-operatory assessments.

"M" line: New anatomical landmark for the maxillary sinus natural ostium.

OBJECTIVE: Describe a reliable anatomical landmark that can be used to locate the maxillary sinus natural ostium (MSNO) during endoscopic surgery, even if the uncinate process is preserved. DESIGN: Descriptive anatomical. SETTING: An anatomical and radiological study was performed to evaluate the consistency of the landmark, denominated "M" line. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dissections were performed in 57 cadaver heads (114 sides). In addition, 73 computerised tomography (CT) scans (146 sides) of patients with chronic inflammatory sinonasal disease were analysed using a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction computer program. RESULTS: The "M" line crossed the MSNO in 112 dissected sides (98.2%) and 140 sides at CT 3D reconstruction (95.9%). CONCLUSION: The "M" line is a reliable anatomical landmark for predicting MSNO location. As such, it could improve and facilitate endoscopic sinus surgery, using traditional, minimally invasive or uncinate preserving techniques.

Complicación orbitaria recurrente por rinosinusitis. Reporte de un caso / Recurrent orbital complication by rhinosinusitis. A case report

El compromiso orbitario es la complicación más frecuente de la rinosinusitis aguda en pediatría, y el etmoides es el seno más afectado. La recurrencia es infrecuente. Existen solo tres casos publicados en la literatura. Una anomalía anatómica del proceso unciforme o un mucocele podrían ser factores predisponentes, que pueden obstruir el drenaje normal de los senos junto con la presencia de etmoiditis.La tomografía computada y la resonancia magnética orientan el diagnóstico. El tratamiento quirúrgico está indicado ante la falta de respuesta al tratamiento instaurado luego de 48 horas o disminución de la agudeza visual o recurrencias sin patología tumoral de base.Se presenta a un paciente de 4 años de edad que consultó por un cuadro compatible con etmoiditis complicada recurrente. Presentó celulitis preseptal en seis oportunidades y un episodio de absceso subperióstico, desde los 3 meses de edad. Evolucionó favorablemente luego de la operación quirúrgica.

Orbital infection is the most frequent complication of ethmoiditis. Recurrent periorbital cellulitis is a very rare complication of rhinosinusitis with only three reports in the literature describing this pathological process.This complication can be favored by an anatomical abnormality of the uncinate process or mucocele obstructing the normal drainage pathway, in addition to ethmoidal sinusitis.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance guide the diagnosis. The treatment is based on antibiotics, corticosteroids and local decongestants. Surgical treatment is indicated in the absence of response to treatment established after 48 hours or decrease in visual acuity or recurrent orbital complications without underlying tumor pathology. In this report, we present a case of orbital complication of rhinosinusitis in a 4 year-old-child with six episodes of unilateral periorbital cellulitis and one episode of subperiosteal orbital abscess since the age of 3 months. There was a complete resolution with no recurrence after the surgical intervention

Diagnosis of ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report the first case of diagnosis of a rare ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and discuss the importance of carefully assessing the entire volume of the images regardless of the region of interest. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old woman underwent CBCT examination to assess the upper permanent canine teeth. Analysis of the entire volume of CBCT revealed an oval-shaped hyperdense, homogeneous, expansive formation with defined boundaries located in the ethmoid bone. The differential diagnosis of a sinolith in the ethmoid sinus was confirmed after removal of the lesion by nasoendoscopy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of lesions in the ethmoid sinus is challenging because of the complex anatomy of this region. Considering the limitations of two-dimensional X-ray examination, CBCT examination has become an important imaging modality for the diagnosis of these calcifications. In addition, the ability of the dental surgeon to assess the entire volume of the CBCT images and the knowledge of imaging features of these calcifications allows for recognition of incidental findings, facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Manejo endoscópico de osteoma etmoidal con extensión orbitaria: a propósito de un caso / Endoscopic manegement of frontoethmoidal osteoma: on case subject

El osteoma es el tumor más frecuente de los senos paranasales, habitualmente asintomático debido a su lento crecimiento, sin embargo, pueden desarrollarse síntomas dependiendo del tamaño, localización y extensión, con potencial compromiso de órbita y cerebro. La cirugía está indicada en casos sintomáticos pudiendo realizarse abordaje externo, endoscópico o combinado. Presentamos un caso de osteoma etmoidal con compromiso orbitario resuelto, manejado por medio de la cirugía endoscópica nasal, con apoyo de navegación.

The osteoma is the most common tumor of the paranasal sinuses, is usually asymptomatic because of their slow growth, however, may develop symptoms depending on the size, location and extent, with potential compromise of orbit and brain. Surgery is indicated in symptomatic cases, with external, endoscopic or combined approach. We present a case of ethmoidal osteoma with orbital involvement managed by endoscopic image guided surgery.

Melanomas nasosinusales / Sinonasal melanomas

Los melanomas mucosos representan 2 a 8% de todos los melanomas de cabeza y cuello. La mayoría se localizan en la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la evolución de pacientes portadores de melanomas malignos nasosinusales (MMNS) en un hospital de atención terciaria. Material y Métodos: Serie de casos de 19 pacientes operados por MMNS en el Hospital "Carlos Andrade Marín" y algunos institutos privados de Quito. Todos con diagnóstico histológico confirmado. Resultados: Once varones con una edad promedio de 64 años. Sus síntomas más frecuentes fueron obstrucción nasal y epistaxis y la mayor parte de los tumores se localizaron en la fosa nasal. En 11 pacientes se encontró extensión extranasal. Doce pacientes estuvieron en estadios III-IV. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico y siete de ellos radioterapia complementaria. Recurrencia local (11 eventos) ocurrió en 9 casos. Estos eventos fueron tratados con cirugía en ocho pacientes, que eventualmente recibieron radioterapia (RT) y quimioterapia (QT). 0cho de estos nueve pacientes fallecieron. La sobrevida global a 5 años fue del 46%. La mortalidad estuvo relacionada con la extensión de la enfermedad local y la presencia de metástasis. Todos los pacientes con estadio I están vivos. Discusión: La mayor parte de MMNS tiene mal pronóstico debido ­ principalmente- a enfermedad local inicialmente avanzada, recurrencia local y metástasis a distancia. La cirugía es el tratamiento de base seguido de RT.

Introduction: Head and neck mucosal melanoma account for 2 to 8% of head and neck melanomas, most of them arising in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. The aim of this report was to review the follow up of patients with sinonasal malignant melanomas (SNMM), treated over a long period of time at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: Case series of 19 patients surgically treated for SNMM at Social Security Hospital Carlos Andrade Marin and other private clinics from Quito Ecuador. All patients had histologically proven diagnosis; eleven men. Results: The mean age was 64 year-old. The most common symptoms were nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Most tumors were located at the nasal fossa. Extranasal extension occurred in 11 patients. Twelve tumor were at stages III-IV. All patients were surgically treated. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to 7 patients. Local recurrence (11 events) occurred in 9 cases. These events were treated with surgery in 8 patients, eventually associated to radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT). Eight out of 9 patients died. Overall survival was 46%. Death was related to extension of the disease and distant metastases. All stage I tumor patients are still alive. Discussion: Most sinonasal melanomas have a poor prognosis, mainly attributed to initial advanced local disease, local recurrence and distant metastasis.