Orbital subperiosteal hematoma associated with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: We report a rare case of orbital subperiosteal hematoma associated with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. Common concerns involving the orbital subperiosteal space include abscess, hematoma and tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient presented to our clinic with periorbital swelling and limited extraocular muscle movement in her left eye. Computed tomography revealed a superior subperiosteal mass with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. We diagnosed the patient with subperiosteal hematoma and surgical evacuation was performed via superior orbitotomy. Brown serous discharge was drained and biopsy demonstrated fibrin clots. The final diagnosis was orbital subperiosteal hematoma and the patient was discharged with symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: Orbital subperiosteal hematoma is difficult to distinguish from abscess owing to its rarity and similar presentation. Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosis, and surgical evacuation during the early stages is essential to achieving a good outcome.

Adult-onset Woakes' syndrome: a rare entity.

Woakes' syndrome (WS) is a rare entity, defined as severe recalcitrant nasal polyposis with consecutive deformity of the nasal pyramid. WS occurs mainly in childhood and its aetiology remains unclear. We report a case of a 68-year old woman, with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, who presented with recurrent nasal polyposis and progressive broadening of the nasal dorsum. CT scan revealed extensive bilateral nasal polyposis and diffuse osteitis, with anterior ethmoidal calcified lesions. The patient underwent revision endoscopic sinus surgery and nasal pyramid deformity was successfully managed without osteotomies.

COVID-19 with pleural effusion as the initial symptom: a case study analysis.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified strain of coronavirus in the human body and was reported in Wuhan at the end of 2019. So far, the epidemic is continuing and very serious, with the number of infections and deaths increasing. Despite active investigations around the world to better understand the dynamics of transmission and the scope of clinical disease, COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly from person to person. The common signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection include fever, fatigue, dry cough, and dyspnea; in severe cases, patients may have acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, metabolic acidosis difficult to treat and coagulation disorder. However, some patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their respiratory tract may not have such clinical signs and symptoms. This report presents a case study analysis of a patient admitted in the Fourth Taiyuan People's Hospital, who had suffered traumatic injuries from a car accident and survived COVID-19, with pleural effusion as the initial symptom. We report a case of 2019-NCOV with pleural effusion as the first symptom. Describe in detail the differential diagnosis, diagnosis, clinical management, and cure of this case. In order to combat the novel CoronaviruscoVID-19 in the process to provide lessons and help.

"There is more than what meets the eye" - Extensive spinal tuberculosis presenting as ocular tuberculosis.

Ocular tuberculosis (OTB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) and a rare presenting feature of tuberculosis (TB) in children. We report such a case in a 3-year-old boy who presented with a painless swelling over left upper eyelid. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli were isolated from the swelling by a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) which confirmed the diagnosis. Investigating him for the extent of disease, we found him to have intracranial extension to involve the ethmoid sinus on contrast enhance Computed Tomography and Pott's disease causing a compression fracture of L3 with bilateral paravertebral collection, epidural extension and a left psoas abscess on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. After starting antitubercular therapy, the child is doing well and on regular follow up. We are presenting this case to highlight the fact that extensive spinal tuberculosis can present without any neurological deficit and may even present only as a benign looking orbital swelling.

"L" shape technique for endoscopic sinus surgery: An alternative method.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques for performing ethmoidectomy have been reported. We describe a safe, effective and efficient technique during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We present text, images and videos to illustrate our preferred technique during an antero-posterior ethmoidectomy and to provide a multimedia tool for educational purpose. METHODS: A description of the technique without prospective or retrospective data is reported. A complete ethmoidectomy with an L-shape approach is described step-by-step, using the backbiting circular and miniature cutting forceps, with safe exposure of the lamina papyracea (LP) and skull base. RESULTS: In our hands, the L-shape approach for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis, performed with punch circular cutting and miniature cutting forceps, allowed for a reliably safe and efficient ethmoidectomy. CONCLUSION: The technique described can be added to the armamentarium of the endoscopic sinus surgeon.

Ibuprofen as risk-factor for complications of acute anterior sinusitis in children.

IMPORTANCE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to inhibit chemotaxis, oxidative burst and phagocytosis, bacterial killing in granulocytes as well as inhibiting neutrophil aggregation or degranulation, thereby interfering with the function of lymphocytes. On the other hand, ibuprofen is widely prescribed in pediatrics for its powerful analgesic and antipyretic effects. To our knowledge, no previous publication outlines the relationship between Ibuprofen therapy and an increased risk of intracranial and/or orbital complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in childhood. OBJECTIVE: To look for a relationship between ibuprofen and occurrence of intra-cranial and/or orbital complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in pediatrics. SETTING AND METHODS: The medical charts of patients younger than 18 years admitted into the E.N.T. departments of 4 academic care centers during 2 consecutive years for fronto ethmoidal sinusitis were reviewed retrospectively. The history of ibuprofen intake, the occurrence of complication (orbital or intracranial) as well as the usual demographic data were noted. A statistical analysis was performed in order to ascertain whether a relationship between taking NSAIDs and the onset of an intracranial and/or orbital complication exists. RESULTS: Intake of ibuprofen appeared to be a risk-factor of intracranial complications or associated orbital and intracranial complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in children. Neither gender nor age nor initial pain intensity were statistically related to the onset of complications. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This retrospective multicenter cohort study appears to suggest that ibuprofen increases the risk of orbital and/or intracranial complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in childhood. Therefore, we recommend not prescribing ibuprofen if one suspects an acute sinusitis in a child or adolescent.

Anatomical variation of the pneumatized superior turbinate and its impact on endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: The posterior ethmoid sinus is adjacent to important structures, such as the orbit, optic nerve, skull base, and ostium of the sphenoid sinus. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pneumatization of the superior turbinate (ST) and its basal lamella, and of the position of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, on opening of the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. METHODS: On axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography images, 394 sinuses of 197 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at Toho University Omori Medical Center in Tokyo, Japan, were classified according to the presence or absence of pneumatization of the ST and its basal lamella. The basal lamella of the ST was classified separately into the vertical and horizontal portions. We examined whether the classification of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was associated with the structure of the ST. RESULTS: Pneumatization was observed in the ST in 28 sinuses (7.1%), in the vertical portion of the basal lamella in 127 (32.2%), and in the horizontal portion of the basal lamella in 90 (22.8%). Pneumatization in the horizontal portion of the basal lamella was significantly more common in the anterior sphenoidal wall classified as optic-canal type. CONCLUSION: Consideration should be given to the pneumatization of the ST and its basal lamella and optic-canal-type anterior sphenoidal wall, because these reduce the volume of the posterior-most ethmoid cell and may increase the risk of damaging the skull base and optic nerve.

Orbital complication of acute ethmoiditis: A Tunisian paediatric cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The anatomical and developmental particularities of sinus cavities in paediatric population lead acute ethmoiditis to be the earliest form of sinusitis in children. Orbital complications are frequent and could lead to visual and neurological impairment. This study investigated the clinical, biological and radiological features of orbital complications. We identified the predictive factors of severe ophthalmological lesions and/or associated cerebral complications of acute ethmoiditis. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross sectional study included all patients identified as having orbital extension of acute ethmoiditis in the database of a single academic paediatric care centre over a period of 14 years. All orbital and cerebral Scans of the included patients were reviewed and the cohort was classified using Chandler's classification as having less severe lesions (Chandler's 1 and 2) or more serious lesions (Chandler's 3, 4 and 5). RESULTS: In total, 16 patients (12 girls and 4 boys) were included among 39 consecutives cases of ethmoiditis recessed with a complication rate of 41%. Average consultation delay was 4.88 days. The mean age was 4.37 years. Fever was objectified in 13 cases (81%). Six patients (37.5%) had exophthalmos. Orbital extension spectrum was: stage I (n = 4, 25%), stage II (n = 4, 25%), stage III (n = 6, 37.5%), stage IV (n = 1, 6.5%), stage V (n = 1, 6.5%) and intra cranial extension was associated in two cases. Univariate analysis showed that fever, exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia, positive CRP, age and white blood cells count were not associated with more severe lesions in the CT scan. Initially, all children received intravenous antibiotic treatment. Association of multiple antibiotics was prescribed in 75% of the cases. With 21.07 days ±â€¯5.51 days as a total treatment duration. Only Four patients underwent surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Orbital complications of ethmoiditis are frequent. No clinical or biological criteria seem to predict the severity of orbital lesions. Both orbital and brain CT scan could help detect eventual complications on time to adapt antibiotic treatment and eventually bring forward surgical intervention.

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

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.

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.

Woakes' syndrome.

Woakes' syndrome is a rare entity defined as recurrent sinonasal polyposis with a consequent nasal pyramid deformity. Only a few cases are reported in the literature. The goal of this study is to present the features of Woakes' syndrome through a clinical case. A 42-year-old man presented with a history of ASA triad. He started self-medication for 5 years. He returned to the otorhinolaryngology department for the aggravation and persistence of symptoms. CT scans showed the deformity and thinning of the nasal bones. A functional endoscopic sinus surgery and correction of nasal pyramid deformity were performed. At 6 months' follow-up, good functional and aesthetic outcomes were observed. Woakes' syndrome was described more than 130 years ago. Treatment includes endoscopic sinonasal surgery and local treatment. Adequate management and good adherence to the therapeutic protocol could be factors to prevent this syndrome.

Recurrent periorbital cellulitis associated with rhinosinusitis in children: Characteristics, course of disease, and management paradigm.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent periorbital cellulitis (RPOC) associated with rhinosinusitis is rarely noted and scarcely discussed in the literature. The aim of our study was to analyze the characteristics and disease course of a group of pediatric patients with RPOC. METHODS: The medical records of all pediatric patients with a diagnosis of RPOC treated in a tertiary children's hospital were retrieved. Included were patients with a history of two or more episode of RPOC. RESULTS: A total of 14 children were included. Mean follow up was 3 years (SD ±â€¯2.5). Median age of first POC episode was 12 months (range 5 months-12 years). Overall, 75 events of RPOCs were documented. A median of 3 events per patient was noted (range 2-16). Preseptal cellulitis was diagnosed in all but five patients, in whom orbital cellulitis or subperiosteal abscess were identified, one following failure of conservative treatment, and the remaining at first presentation or recurrence. Rhinorrhea was present in only five patients (35%). The majority of patients were treated with intra-venous antibiotics. Imaging studies were performed in all patients revealing ethmoidal sinusitis in all patients, with lamina papyracea dehiscence in two patients. Immune deficiency was diagnosed in one patient. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in seven patients, in four as preventive procedure and in three during an acute phase. Post-operative recurrent disease was noted in two patients that were operated during the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: RPOC is a rare entity. Rhinosinusitis should be suspected in events of recurrent preseptal cellulitis even in the absence of nasal symptoms. CT scan is diagnostic for sinus origin of disease and possible anatomical abnormalities. In the majority of patients no evident etiology was identified. Elective Surgery or prophylactic antibiotic treatment should be strongly considered in this subgroup of patients as it seems beneficial.

Isolated fronto-ethmoidal allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a clinical entity characterized by the presence of fungi within sino-nasal cavities that may occur in patients with normal or defective immunity. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a form of non-invasive FRS that affects patients with an abnormal immuno-mediated response to fungal antigens. This article describes a case of isolated fronto-ethmoidal AFRS. METHODS: A 20-year old male patient presented with a history of a left nasal respiratory obstruction and allergic oculorhinitis. CT scans showed a polypoid mass in the left nasal cavity and opacification of the left ethmoid sinus, frontal recess and frontal sinus with hyperdense component. The patient underwent functional endonasal sinus surgery (FESS) with removal of nasal polyps from the left nasal cavity and of cheesy-like material and dense mucus from the left ethmoid and frontal sinus. Histological examination showed presence of fungal hyphae within the allergic mucus; a diagnosis of AFRS was made. RESULTS: Follow up at 14 months showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The AFRS case reported herein is characterized by isolated unilateral fronto-ethmoid involvement, a rare presentation. Endoscopic nasal treatment was effective with complete patient recovery. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Bilateral subdural empyemas with meningitis secondary to acute barosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial complications of acute rhinosinusitis are rare, but may turn life-threatening. CASE SUMMARY: We report a healthy 30-year-old male who complained of frontal headache, which developed while on a plane. A brain CT showed a low-density lesion on the left frontal convexity with right maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis. Despite receiving intravenous antibiotics, a follow-up brain CT showed two lesions with adjacent dural and leptomeningeal enhancement. A paranasal sinus CT revealed aggravated left frontal sinusitis and right maxillary sinusitis. The patient underwent craniotomy and brain abscess removal along with endoscopic sinus surgery. Seventeen days after the surgery, the patient was discharged with no neurological sequelae. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report regarding the association between barotrauma and intracranial complications of acute rhinosinusitis. A high index of suspicion and well-timed surgical evacuation may ensure a full recovery.

Feasibility study of bilateral radical ethmoidectomy in ambulatory surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of bilateral radical ethmoidectomy in ambulatory surgery by risk analysis, and to calculate possible medico-economic savings. METHODS: This study was performed retrospectively over a 2-year period and prospectively for 1 year. It included all patients undergoing bilateral ethmoidectomy, associated to sphenoidotomy and/or septoplasty or not, in a university hospital department. Data were collected on demographics, disease etiology, previous surgery, operative details, postoperative course, complications and satisfaction assessed by questionnaire at days 1 and 30. Ambulatory surgery eligibility criteria were applied to this population, and an economic analysis compared savings between inpatient and outpatient management. RESULTS: Hundred and sixty-five patients were included. Surgical indications comprised nasal polyposis (87%), chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps (6%) or cystic fibrosis (7%). Seventy-five septoplasties were associated (45.5%). Operating time depended on associated septoplasty (P=0.005), surgeon experience (P<0.0001) and previous sinus surgery (P=0.041). Only 37% of the patients wished for same-day discharge; reasons for refusal were home-to-hospital distance and bleeding risk. Considering anesthesia contraindications, immediate complications and operating time, 107 patients were eligible for outpatient treatment, although only 13 patients underwent ambulatory surgery. Medical-economic savings with outpatient management would have been about €20,000 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral radical ethmoidectomy, associated to septoplasty or not, could be performed on an outpatient basis in more than 60% of cases, without increased risk, and with cost savings of 28.4%.

Microbiology and antibiotic therapy of subperiosteal orbital abscess in children with acute ethmoiditis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the microbiological cultures and the management of acute ethmoiditis complicated by subperiosteal orbital abscess (SPOA) in a pediatric population. METHODS: The medical records of children under 18 years old was performed in a tertiary referral pediatric center from January 2009 to April 2017. Clinical examination, computed tomography scans, medical and surgical treatments were reviewed and compared to other studies in literature. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine children were hospitalized for acute ethmoiditis. Among them, forty eight were complicated by SPOA. The mean age of these children were 7 years (range 10 months-16 years). Thirtyfour underwent surgical drainage; for the others the medical treatment was sufficient. Microbiological samples were obtained during the surgical intervention and were contributive in 91% of cases. Streptococcus spp was the most frequently encountered bacteria (60% of cases). We also found anaerobic bacteria (12%), and Staphylococcus aureus (12%). 94% of children received two intravenous antibiotics (a third-generation cephalosporin and metronidazole) for a mean duration of four days. Then the oral treatment was based on amoxicillin-clavulanate during about 8.5 days. All children were cured without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: For five years Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus spp and anaerobic bacteria are on the rise in acute ethmoiditis complicated by SPOA. That is why antibiotics must be adapted to these bacteria even in children under ten years old.