Features of ENT Cases in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Greece: A Prospectively Driven Data Collection Study.

Primary healthcare is the pillar of a well-functioning healthcare system. General practitioners (GPs) should have a broad skillset to cope with the various conditions they encounter in everyday practice. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) cases are some of the most common reasons for seeking care. The study aimed to define the frequency and type of ENT disorders seen in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Greece. All patients examined by an ENT specialist in the emergency department setting, within a year, were recorded, as well as all referrals from private practice or primary care facilities. From September to December 2021, data were collected from patients who agreed to complete a two-minute survey, namely, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) questionnaire. During the study year, 4542 cases were documented, from which the most common conditions listed were external otitis (6.9%/314), epistaxis (6.7%/305), and impacted earwax (5.7%/261). The diagnoses that led to hospitalization were 336 and the most common were peritonsillar abscess (16.4%/55), epistaxis (8.0%/27), and facial nerve paralysis (7.4%/25). Referrals from GPs working in the public sector represented more than the half of the total. There was a significant correlation between an increased number of hospital visits and an increased GAD-2 score, in the semester before the current visit (p < 0.001). Referrals to ENT specialists represent around 5% of all cases examined, and about 8% of all visits required hospitalization. Interdisciplinary clinical and research investment into GP training is compulsory to regulate ENT referrals by GPs.

Multimorbidities in Allergic Rhinitis-Current Evidence from Epidemiological Studies, Treatment Trials, and Molecular Data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given that allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly coexists with other diseases, the present narrative review attempts a brief presentation of current theories on multimorbidities in relation to phenotypes, genotypes, age, and treatment responses with the term "multimorbidities" indicating the uncertainty regarding the primary defect, organ, or pathophysiologic mechanism involved. RECENT FINDINGS: Though age-related manifestations allow for the generation of several hypotheses on AR's specific mechanisms, the various theories regarding the initiation or the aggravation of atopic disorders have yet to be proved. Multimorbid AR seems to have a different genetic basis from "stand-alone" AR as well a more severe phenotype. Most studies on the treatment of AR and its multimorbidities focus on allergen immunotherapy, which improves the atopic symptoms and may play a preventive role in the onset of new allergen sensitizations. The use of biological factors may also have a beneficial effect, even though it has currently been approved only for some comorbidities of AR, such as asthma. Employing the use of phenotypes and genotypes concerning multimorbidity broadens current knowledge, but further research is needed to develop diagnostic, stratificational, and predictive algorithms for single and multimorbid allergic diseases (Fig. 1). The real-time data obtained by mobile apps and the new insights on the pathophysiology of AR and its comorbidities will permit both timed preventive measures and better individualized and effective antiallergic treatment. Fig. 1 Current concepts and future trends in diagnosis and management of multimorbid allergic rhinitis.

Clinical Controversy Surrounding the Differential Diagnosis of Branchiogenic Carcinoma.

Clinical evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of a neck mass constitute commonly encountered problems for the head and neck surgeon. An asymptomatic neck mass in adults may be the only clinical sign of head and neck cancer. A 50-year-old female patient presented with a painless, slowly enlarging, left lateral neck lump. Ultrasonography described a possible lymph node with cystic degeneration, and fine needle aspiration biopsy only detected atypical cells of squamous epithelium. An open biopsy under general anesthesia was performed. Histopathological findings suggested the diagnosis of lymph node infiltration by squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary site, but differential diagnosis also included branchiogenic carcinoma arising in a branchial cleft cyst. A diagnostic algorithm for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary site was followed, including positron emission tomography with computed tomography. The patient underwent panendoscopy and bilateral tonsillectomy, and an ipsilateral p16 positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was detected. Further appropriate management followed. The existence of true branchiogenic carcinoma is controversial. When such a diagnosis is contemplated, every effort should be made to detect a possible primary site. Branchiogenic carcinoma, if exists at all, remains a diagnosis of exclusion.

Review of Rhinitis: Classification, Types, Pathophysiology.

Rhinitis describes a pattern of symptoms as a result of nasal inflammation and/or dysfunction of the nasal mucosa. It is an umbrella entity that includes many different subtypes, several of which escape of complete characterization. Rhinitis is considered as a pathologic condition with considerable morbidity and financial burden on health care systems worldwide. Its economic impact is further emphasized by the fact that it represents a risk factor for other conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and psychological impairment. Rhinitis may be associated with many etiologic triggers such as infections, immediate-type allergic responses, inhaled irritants, medications, hormonal disturbances, and neural system dysfunction. It is basically classified into three major clinical phenotypes: allergic rhinitis (AR), infectious rhinitis, and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis (NAR). However, this subdivision may be considered as an oversimplification because a combined (mixed) phenotype exists in many individuals and different endotypes of rhinitis subgroups are overlapping. Due to the variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms (endotypes) and clinical symptoms (phenotypes), it is difficult to develop clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to review the types of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, providing a thorough analysis of the pathophysiological background, diagnostic approach, and main treatment options.

Acute mastoiditis complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in children.

AIM: Diagnosis and management of complicated mastoiditis in childhood are still controversial. We investigated the clinical manifestations, evaluation and management of children with mastoiditis complicated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that included all children admitted for acute mastoiditis over the last 5 years. Children were divided in two groups based on the presence or not of venous sinus thrombosis. Clinical, laboratory, imaging and management data were retrieved and compared. RESULTS: Overall, 20 children with acute mastoiditis were included, of whom 5 had magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). In all complicated cases, neurological signs rather than mastoiditis signs, prevailed. The more prominent neurologic signs observed were lethargy (60%), nuchal rigidity (60%), abducens nerve palsy (60%) and ataxic gait (20%). Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics combined with anticoagulation. Surgery was performed in four children (4/5). Complicated cases had prolonged symptoms prior to admission (p 0.002), presented with neurologic signs and symptoms (p < 0.001), underwent more often lumbar puncture (p < 0.001) and brain imaging (p < 0.001), and were treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics and surgery (<0.001), compared to children with uncomplicated mastoiditis. CONCLUSION: Neurological signs and symptoms and elevated ICP dominate in children with mastoiditis complicated with thrombosis. Brain imaging is essential for early diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus complications and appropriate management.

Local Allergic Rhinitis Revisited.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Even though it affects a considerable number of chronic rhinitis patients and a significant number of articles regarding prevalence, evolution, diagnosis, and treatment have been published, the condition remains still largely unrecognized and therefore misdiagnosed and mistreated. RECENT FINDINGS: LAR is a unique form of chronic rhinitis; it is neither classical allergic rhinitis (AR) nor non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). The symptoms, duration, severity, and complications of LAR are similar to those of AR and can affect adults and children. Thus, a portion of patients diagnosed with NAR or chronic rhinitis of unknown etiology may have LAR. The relationship between LAR inflammation and systemic allergic inflammation is unclear. Patients are frequently misdiagnosed with idiopathic NAR, and distinguishing between both entities is difficult without specific diagnostic tests. Underdiagnosis of LAR has implications on the management of these patients, as they are deprived of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) that has been demonstrated to modulate the immune mechanisms underlying allergic diseases. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on LAR and address unmet needs in the areas of disease diagnosis and treatment.

Management of a Buccal Space Mass: A Clinical Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Buccal space tumors constitute rare pathologies with significant histological diversity. They may pose serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the head and neck surgeon. METHODS: A case of buccal space tumor diagnosed and treated in a tertiary center is presented. Clinical presentation, imaging, and surgical approach are discussed, followed by review of the literature. RESULTS: A 79-year-old male patient with a slowly growing painless mass on the right cheek presented to a head and neck reference center. Imaging revealed a tumor of the right buccal space with nonspecific characteristics. Imaging studies revealed extended infiltration of the masseter muscle as well as the anterior border of the parotid gland. FNA biopsy was performed but was nondiagnostic. The decision of surgical excision with a modified parotidectomy incision was taken. The lesion was completely excised with preservation of neighboring facial nerve branches and ipsilateral Stensen's duct. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological examination showed CLL/Lymphoma, and the patient was referred to the hematology department for staging and further management. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of buccal space masses is very diverse. Despite challenges in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, these entities may be managed surgically with minimal morbidity.

Clinical Applications for Tissue Engineering in Rhinology.

Tissue engineering implies a number of established techniques in several fields in medicine. A thorough review of current clinical applications for tissue engineering in rhinology is addressed. Current status, as well as, published in vivo studies is presented. Moreover, relevant clinical applications and future perspectives of tissue engineering are demonstrated. There is a lack of high quality clinical studies in the literature regarding the role of tissue engineering in the rhinology field. Further research is needed to translate this concept from bench to bedside.

Differentiating Rhinitis in the Paediatric Population by Giving Focus on Medical History and Clinical Examination.

Chronic rhinitis is defined as an inflammation of the nasal epithelium, and is characterized by the presence of two or more specific nasal symptoms including obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and/or itching for at least 12 weeks. In childhood, this clinical entity is very common and carries a significant socioeconomic burden. The impact on the physical, social, and psychological well-being of family cannot be underestimated. Rhinitis is an umbrella term which includes different phenotypes of rhinitis with distinct underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. In most cases the diagnosis of rhinitis is rather straightforward; however, sometimes when based on clinical symptomatology, characterization may be challenging. Herein, we provide guidance for getting all the data needed for the differential diagnosis of rhinitis based on medical history and clinical examination.

Precision Medicine in Rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our scope is the presentation of research and clinical progresses in relation to precision medicine that are expected to alter our clinical practice in relation to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Current knowledge on phenotypes and endotypes, biomarkers, and clinical markers for diagnosis, medical and surgical therapy, and prognosis is presented as well as the role of precision medicine in United Airway Disease and SCUAD (severe-uncontrolled chronic upper airway inflammation). RECENT FINDINGS: Current technological progresses, mostly in relation to molecular biology and information technology, have permitted more detailed pathophysiological assessments and multidimensional approaches in airways diseases. Based on the concept of united airways diseases, new classification schemes, called endotypes, have been proposed for CRS. In addition, novel biological treatments that have been introduced for the treatment of asthma show great promise as well for severe uncontrolled cases of CRS with nasal polyps. Central to this approach are new biomarkers that are being examined in relation to complex bio-clinical traits of CRS. As this narrative review of the aforementioned precision medicine initiatives in relation to CRS advances, a modification of current practice is expected not only for severe chronic upper airways diseases in tertiary centers but also for milder and more common cases that are being encountered in the community.

Postoperative day 1 levels of parathyroid as predictor of occurrence and severity of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcaemia is a common and serious complication after thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of first postoperative day parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement in order to predict the presence and severity of postthyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. METHODS: One hundred consecutive cases undergoing total thyroidectomy in a tertiary referral center were prospectively assessed. Preoperative measurements of PTH were compared with postoperative levels in the first morning after surgery. All cases of hypocalcaemia were recorded and evaluated with regard to preoperative and postoperative levels of PTH. RESULTS: A decrease of 56% of PTH levels on the first postoperative day could accurately predict postoperative hypocalcaemia with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION: Serum PTH levels on the first postoperative day may be used as a reliable predictive marker for calcium supplementation need and even prolonged hospitalization in cases undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Recurrent Desmoid Tumor of the Neck: A Case Report of a Benign Disease with Aggressive Behavior.

We present a case of a desmoid tumor recurrence in a patient with a history of a resected desmoid tumor of the right neck area with free surgical margins six months earlier. The neoplasm was found to invade the parapharyngeal space, and wide excision was performed including most of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the thrombosed internal jugular vein (IJV), and the infiltrated spinal accessory nerve (SAN). The histopathologic findings displayed free microscopic margins, with close margins at the site of the parapharyngeal space extension. After 3 months, there was no sign of tumor recurrence. After 6 months, local tumor recurrence was identified on clinical examination and imaging. The decision of the Oncology Board was further treatment with radiotherapy (RT). Response to treatment was satisfactory, and the patient was on close follow-up for twelve months. Desmoid tumors are very rare benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin with negligible mortality but high morbidity, due to their high recurrence rates, local tissue infiltration, and unpredictable disease course and response to treatment. No universally acceptable treatment protocols have been introduced to date. Appropriate patient counseling and close follow-up are warranted in all cases.

Contemporary Use of Corticosteroids in Rhinology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Exogenously administered corticosteroids are widely used today in the field of rhinology. Allergic rhinitis (AR), non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps, and autoimmune disorders with nasal manifestations are common diseases treated effectively with intranasal and oral glucocorticoids. We focus on physiological pathways, therapeutic benefits, indications, contra-indications, and side effects of glucocorticoid utilization in the treatment of rhinologic disorders such as AR, NAR, ARS, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP. RECENT FINDINGS: Second-generation intranasal steroid (INS) agents have pharmacokinetic characteristics that minimize their systemic bioavailability, resulting in minimum risk for systemic adverse events. Several studies have demonstrated the symptomatic efficacy of both intranasal and oral corticosteroids in ARS. Moreover, intranasal and systemic steroid administration has been repeatedly proven beneficial in the conservative and perioperative management of CRSwNP. For patients with AR, there is no need for oral steroids, with the exception of severe cases, as there is lack of superiority to INS. SCUAD patients challenge currently available treatment schemes, underlining the importance of research in the field. Corticosteroids' effectiveness in the treatment of various rhinologic disorders is indisputable. However, their characteristics, and potential side effects, make a clear consensus for utilization difficult.

Pediatric Severe Chronic Upper Airway Disease (P-SCUAD).

The term SCUAD (severe chronic upper airway disease) has been previously introduced to describe cases with upper airway disorders and symptoms not adequately controlled despite correct diagnosis and management. It has been so far applied mainly in adults and no specific focus has been given on the pediatric population. When the term SCUAD is considered for children specifically, a series of issues may arise. These issues involve accurate definition, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and socioeconomic implications. These issues seem to clearly differentiate adult from pediatric SCUAD. We attempt to shed light on these issues in an effort to provide directions for future guideline development and research. In this context, P-SCUAD (pediatric severe chronic upper airway disease) is hereby introduced.

Lipomatous tumours of the head and neck: a spectrum of biological behaviour.

Lipomatous tumours are rare in the head and neck region. Their biological behaviour varies greatly, from absolutely benign to histologically benign but locally infiltrative and, finally, invasive with metastatic potential. Each lipomatous tumour has to be treated accordingly. It is of paramount importance before eventual surgery is planned to perform adequate imaging, diagnostic biopsy and careful assessment. Only in small (<5 cm), superficial soft tissue tumours or when magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated specific features of lipoma, may diagnostic biopsy be omitted. In these cases, expectant management or simple excision is appropriate. Adequate preoperative diagnosis is important to assure adequate tumour control as well as optimal functional and cosmetic outcome. The major problem in the treatment of lipomatous tumours of the head and neck region is the presence of nearby delicate structures. Especially, wide surgical excision of liposarcomas may be hindered by anatomic constraints and may result in impaired functional and cosmetic outcome. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and specific systemic chemotherapy may be helpful in the treatment of liposarcoma, especially when unresectable or when primary surgery is expected to result in poor oncological, functional or cosmetic outcome. Greater emphasis placed on the underlying biology of individual sarcoma subtypes, development and evaluation of novel therapies and greater specificity in the selection of chemotherapy agents based on activity in individual histological subtypes are expected to lead to improved efficacy of systemic treatment.

Management of locally advanced laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Management of advanced laryngeal cancer is complex and ideal strategy is yet to be defined. This study evaluates the experience of a single head and neck oncologic centre in the management of T4 laryngeal cancer. METHODS: Retrospective assessment of cases primarily treated for T4a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, between 1980 and 2007, at a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: A total of 384 cases were studied. Five-year disease specific survival was 56.2% and local control 87.4%. Regional and distal control estimates were 90.3% and 88.3% respectively. Prognosis was significantly superior for cases treated with primary surgery compared to cases solely managed with non-surgical modalities. Positive surgical margins and regional disease worsened prognosis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that primary surgery remains a key element in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. The need for well-designed, prospective, randomised studies in order to further evaluate the remaining role of primary surgery in the modern management of locally advanced laryngeal lesions is emphasized.

Synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma detected by elastography.

INTRODUCTION: A few cases of concomitant medullary and papillary carcinoma in the same thyroid nodule have been described in the literature. However, the presence of multiple foci of both types of malignancy in the same gland is very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 39 year-old female with multiple thyroid nodules, elevated serum calcitonin levels and elastographic findings suggestive of thyroid malignancy, underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. Histology revealed the presence of one focus of medullary and one focus of papillary carcinoma on each thyroid lobe. Subsequently, the patient underwent treatment with radioactive iodine. DISCUSSION: This is the third case of synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma reported in the literature. Several theories for the simultaneous development of these malignant entities have been proposed. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound elastography can be a useful, noninvasive tool in the assessment of thyroid nodules.

Excessive noise levels are noted in kindergarten classrooms in the island of Crete.

Ambient noise in classrooms may present a serious obstacle to the academic achievement of children. There is relatively little information on noise levels in teaching facilities in Greece and particularly in the island of Crete. The purpose of this study was to provide objective data on the internal noise levels inside kindergartens in Crete. The study was conducted in the city of Heraklion in the island of Crete, Greece. Ten kindergartens were selected and a total of 18 classrooms were chosen. Noise levels were measured in occupied and unoccupied classrooms. Noise levels in occupied classrooms ranged from 71.6 to 82.9 dBA with an average of 75.8 dBA. Noise levels in empty classrooms varied from 48.2 to 59.6 dBA with an average of 53.1 dBA. All values are well above international standards. Excessive classroom noise seems to be very common in kindergartens. Results may indicate that school facilities are not built in compliance with international standards. School administrators and local authorities should become aware of the problem, and make any necessary interventions to improve the learning capabilities of children.

Clinical relevance and prognostic value of radiographic findings in Zenker's diverticulum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance and prognostic value of preoperative and postoperative oesophagography in patients with Zenker's diverticulum. The medical records of 155 patients who underwent surgical treatment (with an endoscopic or transcervical approach) for Zenker's diverticulum between 1992 and 2010 in a tertiary referral centre were retrospectively evaluated. The size of the diverticula on oesophagography, recognizable muscular septum, and protection of the diverticulum were assessed relative to the surgical procedures performed. The incidence of diverticular remnants on postoperative oesophagography was also assessed relative to the surgical procedure. It was investigated whether the detection of a residual pharyngeal pouch and filling of it with contrast medium were related to the patients' immediate postoperative symptoms and the development of symptomatic recurrence. Larger diverticula (Brombart III-IV) were manageable significantly more often with endoscopic procedures (P = 0.007). Residual diverticulum and filling with contrast medium were strongly associated with prolonged dysphagia immediately postoperatively (P = 0.005 and P = 0.009, respectively). However, these parameters failed to correlate significantly with a symptomatic recurrence. Preoperative oesophagography proved to be extremely important for surgical planning, with the surgeon's personal preference seeming to be the driving indicator in many cases. Postoperative oesophagography is only useful for excluding postoperative complications in the immediate postoperative phase and did not have a prognostic value as to a recurrence of the disease.