Assessment of a Novel Tool for the Clinical Grading of Nasal Septal Perforation.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal perforations (NSP) can have a heterogeneous appearance on endoscopic examination with varying degrees of crusting, inflammatory change, and associated septal deviation. The clinical applicability of these findings as contributors to patient symptoms may be enhanced by use of a standardized assessment. METHODS: Video nasal endoscopy recordings were obtained from 40 patients with NSP. Five raters with varied levels of training ranging from a senior resident to an experienced septal perforation surgeon independently reviewed the videos for the following exam findings: crusting, scarring, granulation tissue, septal deviation, and edema. Scoring for each item was reported on a 3-point (0-2) scale, and each reviewer repeated scoring at a 14-day interval. Interrater and intrarater agreement were calculated using Fleiss kappa for each item and the total scores. Additionally, endoscopy scores were correlated with patient-reported NOSE-Perf symptom scores. RESULTS: Interrater agreement for the overall instrument was in the "fair-to-moderate" range with the following interrater agreement for each item: crusting (0.458-0.575), scarring (0.286-0.308), granulation (0.403-0.406), deviation (0.487-0.494), and edema (0.253-0.406). Intrarater agreement was generally "substantial" for individual items as well as the overall instrument (0.688). The NSP endoscopy scores were moderately correlated with NOSE-Perf scores (r = 0.44, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: An endoscopic evaluation of NSP comprising five exam findings has acceptable interrater and intrarater reliability and correlates with patient-reported outcomes. NSP endoscopy may be applied to future clinical studies for characterization of NSP and assessment of treatment outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3049-3053, 2024.

Nasal Septal Perforation and Widespread Skin Lesions Caused by Mycobacterium chelonae Infection Mimicking Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.

Mycobacterium chelonae, a rapidly growing mycobacterium found in the natural environment, is known to cause localized lesions in the skin, soft tissue, and bone through traumatic inoculation, but widespread lesions are uncommon. We herein report an immunocompromised 79-year-old man suspected of having polyangiitis granulomatosis due to weight loss, epistaxis, and nasal crusts with impending septal perforation who was subsequently diagnosed with mucocutaneous and bone disease caused by widespread M. chelonae infection. Given these findings, clinicians should be aware of the tendency to develop unusual widespread lesions in immunocompromised patients, which can present a clinical picture similar to systemic vasculitides, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Added value of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing of customised septal buttons: A scoping review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, Three-dimensional printing (3-DP) technology, has had several applications in many fields of medicine, including rhinology. The aim of this review is to evaluate the use of 3-DP buttons as a treatment option for nasal septal perforations (NSP). METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the literature until June 07, 2022, on the online databases PubMed, Mendeley, and Cochrane Library. All articles referred to treatment of NSP with custom made buttons created by 3-DP technology were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 197 articles were generated by the search. Six articles met the inclusion criteria. 3 of the articles referred to clinical cases or clinical series. A total of 35 patients used the 3-DP custom made button as a treatment for NSP. The retention rate of this buttons ranged from 90.5 % to 100 %. An overall decrease in NSP symptoms was also observed in the majority of patients, especially regarding the most common complaints such as nasal bleeding and crusting. CONCLUSION: The manufacturing of 3-DP buttons is a complex, time consuming process that requires both special laboratory equipment and trained staff. This method has the advantage of reducing the NSP related symptoms and an improving the retention rate. This could make the 3-DP custom made button a first-choice treatment for patients with NSP. However, as a new treatment option, it needs studies with more patients to determine its superiority over conventional buttons and its long-lasting therapeutic effects.

B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Nasal Septal Perforation.

Sinonasal lymphoma is a rare clinical entity. Three main subtypes exhibit different clinical patterns and treatment outcomes. We report the first case of a B-cell lymphoma in a patient without any previous history of nasal surgery, trauma or drug use, who presented to our center with a nasal septal perforation. Laryngoscope, 133:2871-2873, 2023.

Presenting Symptomatology for Patients With Nasal Septal Perforation: Application of the NOSE-Perf Scale.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively identify and quantitate presenting nasal symptoms in patients with a septal perforation using the validated NOSE-Perf scale. STUDY DESIGN: Case series retrospective review. METHODS: The medical records from August 2018 through January 2022 of patients at a tertiary care academic center with a septal perforation, and who completed the NOSE-Perf questionnaire, were reviewed. Perforation symptoms were identified and quantified using the 12-item NOSE-Perf scale (score range 0-48). NOSE-Perf findings were correlated to patient demographics, perforation etiology, and perforation length. NOSE-Perf scores of patients who pursued treatment were compared with those who did not. RESULTS: NOSE-Perf data were collected from 202 patients. Nasal crusting was noted in 94.1% of patients and was the most severe symptom reported (mean 2.9 of 4.0). Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and nasal obstruction followed in prevalence and severity. The mean total NOSE-Perf score was 23.7. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a weakly negative association of NOSE-Perf score with patient age and weakly positive association with increasing perforation length. NOSE-Perf scores were significantly higher in women and in patients pursuing treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to use the validated NOSE-Perf scale to objectively characterize and establish baseline septal perforation symptomatology. The NOSE-Perf scale can play a role in the standardization of perforation evaluation and treatment outcomes assessment. Laryngoscope, 133:1315-1320, 2023.

[Nasal septum perforation non-surgical treatment and preparation for plastic closure: literature review and own experience]. / Konservativnoe lechenie perforatsii peregorodki nosa i podgotovka k ikh plasticheskomu zakrytiyu: obzor literatury i sobstvennyi opyt.

Nasal septum perforations complete elimination is possible only with surgical treatment. However, most of perforation symptoms and clinical manifestations can be reduced with conservative treatments, thus improving the patient's quality of life. This article presents a short review of publications and our own clinical examples of nasal septum perforation conservative treatment methods in children and adults. Palliative methods and preparing for surgical closure are described.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with unilateral facial nerve palsy and nasal septum perforation.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotising vasculitis of unknown cause that has several systemic manifestations. The disease is characterised by the classical triad involving acute inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts with renal involvement. However, the disease pathology can involve the central nervous system. This case report presents a case of GPA with facial nerve palsy as the first manifestation of the disease, which has been rarely reported in the medical literature.

Cocaïne et lésions destructrices centro-faciales : à propos d'un cas.

INTRODUCTION: Cocaine use is associated with multiple complications, some of which can mimic systemic diseases, especially Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis. We report a case of Cocaine Induced Midline Destructive Lesions (CIMDL) for which a diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was discussed. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old male, cocaine consumer, was admitted in our department for a centrofacial destructive process. He had no extra ear, nose and throat (ENT) involvement. ANCA were positive with a perinuclear fluorescence pattern and an anti-Proteinase 3 specificity. Regarding this unusual immunologic pattern and in the absence of histological argument for a GPA, a diagnosis of CIMDL was made. CONCLUSION: CIMDL is a centrofacial destructive process due to intranasal cocaine use. It is frequently associated with the presence of p-ANCA with both anti-HNE and anti-PR3 specificity.

Rhinotillexomania Manifesting as Empty Nose Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight a severe case of rhinotillexomania (compulsive nasal picking) and its potential to manifest as empty nose syndrome (ENS). METHODS: A single case report with the presentation and management of a patient with severe rhinotillexomania who presented with chronic obstructive symptoms. We review the current literature on rhinotillexomania and ENS. RESULTS: This patient's manifestations mimic the obstructive symptoms of ENS, despite widely patent nasal passages. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of rhinotillexomania manifesting with features of ENS.

Posteroinferior septal defect due to vomeral malformation.

PURPOSE: Vomeral malformation may lead to a posteroinferior septal defect (PISD). It is usually found incidentally, without any characteristic symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its clinical implications. METHODS: In this study, we included 18 patients with PISD after reviewing paranasal sinus computed tomography scans and medical records of 2655 patients. We evaluated the shape of the hard palate and measured the distances between the anterior nasal spine (A), the posterior end of the hard palate (P), the posterior point of the vomer fused with the palate (V), the lowest margin of the vomer at P (H), and the apex of the V-notch (N). RESULTS: None of the PISD patients had a normal posterior nasal spine (PNS). Six patients lacked a PNS or had a mild depression (type 1 palate), and 12 had a V-notch (type 2 palate). The mean A-P, P-H, and P-V distances were 44.5 mm, 15.3 mm, and 12.4 mm, respectively. The average P-N distance in patients with type 2 palate was 7.3 mm. There were no statistically significant differences between the types of palates in A-P, P-H, or P-V distances. In patients with type 2 palate, there was a significant correlation between P-V and P-N distances (r = 0.664, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: PISD due to vomeral malformations was identified in 0.7% of the cases in this study. None of the subjects had a normal PNS, which suggests that the development of the vomer is closely related to that of the hard palate.

Correcting the Cleft Lip Nose Deformity: The Graft Number 1 for the Columella.

BACKGROUND: The nose deformity associated with cleft lip is difficult to solve in the primary and secondary surgery. In an adult patient, many techniques are used including mobilization, suspension, fixation and trimming the alar cartilages, septoplasty, nasal bones osteotomies, and dorsal bone and cartilage resection. Different types of cartilage grafts are commonly used. METHODS: A septal cartilage graft was used in 75 adult patients with mild to severe cleft lip deformities. Based on the golden ratio proportions of the columella that can be observed in the lateral view, a septal cartilage graft with a number 1 shape was created and inserted between the medial cruras in 75 patients, with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip, between 2007 and 2014. Complementary surgery was done in the nose of all the patients. A retrospective, observational, and descriptive study was made with presurgical and postsurgical photographs, throughout a 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Excellent cosmetic and functional results were seen, especially in the lateral view. There was 1 septal perforation reported. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: The graft number 1 works in the reality; it has proven to be a stable support to the affected cartilage, projects a nice nasal tip, and is a lasting solution for adults.

Case for diagnosis. Palate perforation due to cocaine use

Abstract: We report a 42-year-old cocaine addicted female patient referred for evaluation of hard palate ulceration resulting in oro-sinus communication with difficulties in swallowing and phonation, an rhino-sinusitis. Acrylic and removable silicone prosthesis was prescribed to relieve severe functional disorders. It is essential that the patient permanently abandons cocaine use to perform surgical reconstruction.

[Granulomatosis with polyangiitis associated with the cytoplasmic antineutrophil antibodies]. / Granulematoz s poliangiitom, assotsiirovannyi s antineitrofil'nymi tsitoplazmaticheskimi antitelami.

The objective of the present work was to analyze the clinical case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis associated with the presence of cytoplasmic antineutrophil antibodies. We considered the medical records of the patient presenting with this condition. It was shown that systemic vasculitis had a polymorphic clinical picture; its diagnostics and treatment encountered serious difficulties. It is concluded that the development of progressive perforation of the nasal septum and destructive changes in the intranasal and adjacent structures after the endonasal surgical intervention implies the necessity of the detailed analysis of the clinical and laboratory observations with the subsequent counselling by a rheumatologist and oncologist for the clarification of the diagnosis and the choice of adequate therapy.

[The clinical observation of NK/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type]. / Klinicheskoe nabliudenie NK/T-kletochnoi limfomy nazal'nogo tipa.

The objective of the present work was to present the results of the clinical analysis of the patient presenting with natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type. We undertook the analysis of the medical documentation concerning the case of interest. It was shown that the development of progressive perforation of the nasal septum and the pronounced destructive changes in the intranasal and adjacent structures following the endonasal surgical interventions made necessary differential diagnostics between the condition under consideration and certain latent disorders (such as Wegener's granulomatosis, leprosy, syphilis, leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis tuberculosis, etc.). The study has demonstrated that the negative results of the analysis imply the necessity of special attention to the possibility of development of oncological diseases including hematological disorders (e.g. NK/T-cell lymphoma) and the repeat careful follow-up examination of the patients by the experienced experts.

Spontaneous nasal perforation in a bevacizumab-treated patient with metastatic breast cancer.

Nasal septum perforation in patients with cancer receiving systemic therapy is rare, and its association with bevacizumab use has described recently in the literature. Here, we report the case of a 34-year-old woman with hormone-sensitive, HER-2/neu negative, metastatic breast cancer who develope a nasal septum perforation during the treatment with paclitaxel and bevacizumab.

Nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab.

IMPORTANCE: A case of nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer is reported. Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitor that is becoming more widely utilized in the oncologic community. There is only one prior report of septal perforation secondary to bevacizumab in the Otolaryngology specific literature. The purpose of this report is: 1) to raise awareness and discuss the literature surrounding the sinonasal complications of bevacizumab and 2) provide workup and treatment recommendations based on the sum of the available literature. OBSERVATIONS: We review the clinical record of a 59year old patient who presented with an anterior septal perforation while taking bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer. She had mild symptoms. Her oncologist held bevacizumab and topical moisture therapy was started. After several weeks, the perforation remained stable and bevacizumab was restarted for her ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Bevacizumab is associated with both septal perforation and more widespread sinonasal toxicity. These lesions tend to produce only mild symptoms and can usually be managed conservatively. The decision to hold bevacizumab therapy should be made in conjunction with the patient and medical oncologist. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the toxicity from this increasingly common oncologic therapy.

Case for diagnosis. Palate perforation due to cocaine use.

We report a 42-year-old cocaine addicted female patient referred for evaluation of hard palate ulceration resulting in oro-sinus communication with difficulties in swallowing and phonation, an rhino-sinusitis. Acrylic and removable silicone prosthesis was prescribed to relieve severe functional disorders. It is essential that the patient permanently abandons cocaine use to perform surgical reconstruction.

Endoscopic closure of large septal perforations with bilateral Hadad-Bassagasteguy flaps.

Surgical closure of nasal septal perforations is one of the most challenging procedures in nasal surgery. Defects greater than 2 cm are especially difficult to repair with the traditional approaches due to the challenges of mobilizing enough mucosa to close big gaps, and avoiding airway stenosis in the process. We present a new technique to endoscopically close major septal perforations using bilateral Hadad-Bassagasteguy flaps. Four consecutive patients with septal perforations greater than 2 cm were operated at our institution. Bilateral Hadad-Bassagasteguy flaps were endoscopically raised, one of them above the defect and the other one below it, and rotated to partially cover the defect on each side. A deep temporalis fascia graft was sandwiched between the two flaps to provide a scaffold for schneiderian mucosa growth. Both flaps were covered with a silicone sheet for 3 weeks. A complete closure of the defect was accomplished in three of the four patients; partial closure was achieved in the other. Nasal crusting, epistaxis, and nasal breathing improved in all patients. Large defects of the nasal septum may be closed in selected cases by rotation of bilateral pedicled septal mucosal flaps partially covering the defect area, followed by secondary healing of the nasal mucosa over an autologous graft acting as an epithelial scaffold. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.