Injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid for glottal insufficiency in unilateral vocal fold paralysis: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Glottal insufficiency, mostly caused by unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) or vocal fold atrophy can be treated by injection laryngoplasty (IL). Materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA) gels are now widely available and used to improve voice quality. Various durability and effects of HA injection laryngoplasties have been reported. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature for the use of HA in injection laryngoplasties. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Libraries. Three reviewers assessed original research studies concerning vocal fold augmentation with HA for eligibility. English written full-text human studies from 2000 to 2020 with EBM level 1b-2 were included. In vitro studies, animal studies, case reports, case-control studies, correspondence and review articles, and articles with other injection materials were excluded. Demographical data, indication, type of HA, evaluation methods, follow-up, durability of implanted material and complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total number of 311 articles were found in PubMed and Cochrane Library, 13 studies were eligible for final analysis with 1063 patients, mean age of patients was 58.7 years. Main indication for HA IL was unilateral vocal fold paralysis, evaluation methods were subjective-VHI (Voice Handicap Index) questionnaire and objective-acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, mean time of follow-up was 5.9 months. Large-particle HA gels were more favorable for longer durability than small-particle HA, reported time of resorption of HA gels ranges between 6 and 12 months, and complication rate was low. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid injection laryngoplasty increases voice quality, improves results of voice therapy, and can be recommended as overlap treatment before permanent medialization surgery. Compared to other injected materials, HA seems to have more favorable effect on vibratory functions of the vocal folds and thus on the voice quality parameters.

Union of the European Phoniatricians' position statement on the exit strategy of phoniatric and laryngological services: staying safe and getting back to normal after the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (issued on 25th May 2020).

BACKGROUND: The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services. OBJECTIVES: This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures. CONCLUSION: As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.

The routes of infection spread in central skull-base osteomyelitis and the diagnostic role of CT and MRI scans.

BACKGROUND: Central skull-base osteomyelitis (CSBO) represents a life-threatening complication of external ear canal infection. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play key roles in assessment of CSBO progression. METHODS: Twelve patients with CSBO were included in a retrospective clinical study. In total, 62 scans (30 CTs and 32 MRIs) were performed to evaluate the extent of inflammatory changes. The scans were read independently by two radiologists specialised in imaging of the head and neck. The regions under the skull base were specified using the online Anatomy Atlas of the skull base. To clarify the timeline, the time period was divided into four parts, and inflammatory changes in the skull-base regions were tracked. Data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: In early stages of the disease, CT scan detects inflammatory changes closely related to the stylomastoid foramen and medially to the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, changes which have been proved to be crucial for the diagnosis of CSBO. Later the infection spreads to the contralateral side causing demineralisation of the bones. CONCLUSION: Imaging methods play a crucial role not only in establishing the diagnosis, but also in anticipating the direction of infection spread underneath the skull base.

Evaluation of an Electro-Pneumatic Device for Artificial Capillary Pulse Generation used in a Prospective Study in Animals for Surgical Neck Wound Healing.

The paper examines the development and testing of an electro-pneumatic device for wound healing therapy after surgery in the neck area. The device generates air pressure values in a miniaturized cuff using electronic circuitry to drive an electro-valve and air compressor. The device works in two distinct modes: continuous pressure mode and pulsating pressure mode. The pressure value setting can vary from 3 to 11 mmHg, and the pulsating pressure mode's operating frequency range is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 Hz. Laboratory measurements were conducted to evaluate the device's correct functioning in both continuous and pulsating pressure modes. A four-day prospective study with animals (n = 10) was also conducted to evaluate neck wound healing therapy using the electro-pneumatic device. Out of the twelve histological parameters analysed to reveal the differences between the experimental and control wounds, only one demonstrated a significant difference. Out of the ten animals treated with the device, three showed a significant difference in terms of benefit after therapy. We can therefore conclude that the device potentially improves the wound healing process in the neck area if the pre-set air pressure value does not exceed 8 mmHg.

Relation between adenoid size and otitis media with effusion.

AIMS: This study compares the efficacy of adenoidectomy on otitis media with effusion (OME) in patients with different size of adenoids and the connection between differently sized adenoids and middle ear effusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children with a history of at least 3 months' OME underwent adenoidectomy and myringotomy without the insertion of a tympanostomy tube. Treatment assignment was stratified by adenoids' size causing choanal obstruction (grade I-III) and according to Eustachian tube ostium obstruction (grade A-C). The subjects were followed for 12 months. RESULTS: Adenoidectomy was significantly more effective in children with adenoids in contact with torus tubarius (grade B, C) compared to those with small adenoids without contact (P<0.001). The volume of the adenoids was irrelevant (P=0.146). The size of adenoids did not affect the viscosity of the middle ear secretion. The distribution of mucous and serous secretion was not dependent on the size of adenoids; the efficacy of adenoidectomy was 82% in mucous as well as serous secretion. CONCLUSION: The relation between adenoids and torus tubarius is more important than the volume of the adenoids. The viscosity of middle ear fluids (serous or mucous) did not influence the rate of treatment efficacy.

Univariate and multivariate models for the prediction of life-threatening complications in 586 cases of deep neck space infections: retrospective multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify deep neck infection factors related to life-threatening complications. METHODS: This retrospective multi-institutional study comprised 586 patients treated for deep neck infections between 2002 and 2012. The statistical significance of variables associated with life-threatening complications of deep neck infections was assessed. RESULTS: During treatment, life-threatening complications occurred in 60 out of 586 cases. On univariate analysis, life-threatening complications were linked to: dyspnoea, neck movement disturbance and dysphonia (all p < 0.001); and parapharyngeal, anterior visceral or pretracheal deep neck involvement (all p < 0.002). Aetiology was significantly linked to tonsils (p < 0.001). Regarding infection type, fasciitis was a significant factor (p < 0.001). Candida albicans was a significant bacterial culture (p < 0.001). A multivariate step-wise model disclosed fewer significant variables: retropharyngeal space (p = 0.005) and major blood vessels area (p = 0.006) involvement, and bacterial culture C albicans (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be predicted that patients with deep neck infections, with neck movement disturbances, dysphonia, dyspnoea and swelling of the external neck, accompanied by severe pain, and inflammatory changes in the retropharyngeal space and large vessel areas, with culture-confirmed infection of C albicans, are likely to develop life-threatening complications.

Discordance between clinical and pathological TNM classification: influence on results of treatment and prognosis in patients with laryngeal cancer.

The goals of this retrospective cohort study were to compare the results of clinical and pathological TNM staging in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to determine the impact of the discordance on prognosis and treatment results. A total of 124 patients with laryngeal cancer, primarily indicated for surgical treatment, were enrolled. The concordance or discordance between the clinical and pathological staging was compared with the frequency of cancer relapse and disease-specific survival. Other potential prognostic factors, like age, the stage and location of the primary tumor, the status of neck lymph nodes, histological margins, and an indication for postoperative radiotherapy, were also evaluated. A disparity in at least one component of TNM staging was found in 40 patients (32%). The discordance had significant negative influence on both disease-free survival (DSF) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Other significant negative prognostic factors were the stage of the primary tumor, nodal status and postoperative radiotherapy. Our results indicate that the discordance between clinical and pathological staging affects the results of cancer treatment significantly. Some improvement can be probably achieved with higher preoperative diagnostic method accuracy.

[Discordance between Clinical and Pathological TNM Classifications in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer - Influence on Treatment and Prognosis]. / Shoda a neshoda klinické a patologické TNM klasifikace u karcinomu orofaryngu - vliv na prognózu a výsledky lécby.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of discordance between clinical (c) and pathological (p) TNM classifications in cases of oropharyngeal carcinoma and whether it influences recurrence rate and prognosis of primary disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma who underwent primary surgical treatment were included in this retrospective study. Clinical TNM was determined on the basis of clinical examinations and imaging (US, CT, or MRI), and pathological TNM was determined by a histopathologist (analysis of the primary tumor and neck lymph nodes). Concordance and discordance were statistically evaluated. As potential prognostic factors, we statistically analyzed tumor recurrence, specific and nonspecific patient survival, patient age, extent of primary tumor, lymph node positivity, number of removed lymph nodes, and positive tumor margins. RESULTS: Discordance in the TNM classification was found in 27 cases. Disease-free survival was shorter in patients with discordance in T, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.034). Six patients died due to primary disease (11.8%). Disease-specific survival was at the limit of statistical significance (p = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Discordance between clinical and pathological TNM classifications was 52.9% patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. Discordance in T is a potential prognostic factor. Improvement in cancer treatment to some extent relies on preoperative staging and should influence the decision about whether or not to administer adjuvant oncological treatment.

Experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: Studies using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of head and neck tumors have shown to decrease acute and late radiation toxicity. However, the high conformity of this technique can increase the risk of recurrence due to geographic miss. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the results of IMRT met the theoretical expectations concerning treatment efficacy. METHODS: From a total of 185 patients (152 males and 33 females, mean age 58±10.36 years) 176 were evaluable and were studied. Eighty-nine (48.1%) patients had surgical treatment and 50 of them were scheduled for concomitant cisplatin chemotherapy. Irradiation was performed using IMRT, a sliding window with 9 fields in a Varian 2100 C/D linear accelerator, X-ray beam, 6 MeV. The prescribed dose in the planning treatment volume (PTV1), i.e., the area of the primary tumor and nodal area, was 66 Gy/2.2 Gy-70 Gy/2.12 Gy. In the PTV2 (the area at high risk) the dose was 60Gy/2 Gy-59.4 Gy/ 1.8 Gy, and in the PTV 3 (the area treated with prophylactic irradiation) the prescribed dose was 54 Gy/1.8 Gy/50.4 Gy/1.53 Gy. RESULTS: The 3-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of IMRT-treated patients, most of whom were in stages III and IV (158 out of 177), were 50 and 57%, respectively. Using postoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy 3-year locoregioncal control was achieved in 75% of the cases as compared with 35% in non-operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The worst outcomes were found in oral cavity and hypopharyngeal tumors, and the best in laryngeal and oropharyngeal tumors. Better results were found in surgically treated patients, and in lower disease stages. Despite the high conformity of dose distribution and efforts to spare healthy tissues, most cases of locoregional relapse occurred in areas receiving the full radiation dose. If dividing relapses into cases of persistence and local recurrence, the former predominated.

PET/CT significance for planning radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.

The combination of positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) offers metabolic mapping in addition to anatomic information of the primary lesion, nodal and distant metastases in patients with head and neck tumors, and may be therefore beneficial for radiotherapy planning. The aim of our study was to evaluate benefits of combined PET and CT imaging for staging and target volume delineation in this group of patients.Fifty three patients (40 men and 13 women) with confirmed advanced, inoperable or non-radically operated head and neck cancer were assessed based on the results of PET/CT as well as standard diagnostic examinations. All patients were subsequently treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 6 MV X-rays. There was an agreement between the standard examinations results and results of PET/CT in 30 cases. In 23 cases there was disagreement either in tumor size, nodal involvement or presence of distant metastases. Results of the tumor size assessment differed significantly in 5 cases. There was no agreement found in nodal involvement in 10 cases. The cancer confirmed by standard examination was not found by PET/CT in 2 cases; 3 PET/CT positive findings were not confirmed by standard examinations. In 3 patients PET-CT revealed new distant metastatic disease. Based on PET/CT assessment we changed treatment strategy and applied potentially curative dose of radiotherapy to previously undiscovered regions in 9 patients. We decided to change the treatment intent in 3 cases and only palliative treatment was applied. Based on our experience and the literature review, PET/CT may be considerable contribution to the standard diagnostic procedures in approximately one third of cases.

Smell impairment after tick-borne encephalitis vaccination: case report.

We present a case of hyposmia following administration of a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine. The olfactory impairment did not recover during 1-year follow up. In the literature, there is no report of smell deterioration after vaccination against TBE. Physicians should be aware of this rare neurological complication.

Screening of olfactory function using odourized markers.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to create a psychophysical test for the screening of olfactory function on the basis of commercially available odourized markers (OM). There are six coloured markers in one package filled with different odourants at suprathreshold levels. In order to identify the best approach, we investigated five different variations of the technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Olfaction was investigated in 189 subjects. Healthy participants as well as patients suffering from olfactory disorders were tested. Initially subjects were tested by one of five methods using OM. Finally, the "Sniffin' Sticks" test (butanol odour threshold, odour identification) was performed. RESULTS: Correlation of the OM screening test and the "Sniffin' Sticks" ranged from 0.49 to 0.93 indicating that variations of the technique strongly influence the results of testing. The best technique for evaluating olfactory function included spontaneous naming of odours and odour identification from a list of four distractors. The sensitivity of this method was sufficient to determine anosmia. CONCLUSIONS: The odourized markers screening test can be used to screen for anosmia in the general population. However, the precise quantification of olfactory function is not possible, because of the relatively small amount of odours.

Apoptosis and regression of embryonic mesenchyme in the development of the middle ear spaces.

Apoptosis was studied using temporal bones from three fetuses representing different times of gestation and from three neonates. Paraffin-embedded sections 20-microm thick were studied using the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method based on 3'-end-labeling of fragmented DNA. Phenotyping of the immune cells was performed using regular monoclonal antibodies. In the bone marrow the granulocyte series dominated and the number of cells in the macrophage series was noticeably fewer, with apoptotic cells occurring in both. In the embryonic mesenchyme, solitary apoptotic cells occurred in all locations in both the fetuses and neonates. Apoptosis is a basic factor in the regression of embryonal mesenchyme, but may not be preprogrammed. Basic scientific data obtained from modified tissue cultures show that mechanical forces cause cells to switch between different genetic programs. It is suggested that the act of swallowing causes periodic changes in the amniotic fluid pressure and provides the necessary force for regression of the mesenchyme by apoptosis.

Residual mesenchyme in the middle ear cavity of the newborn with malformation of the kidney.

Microscopic sections of 37 temporal bones from 22 foetuses were examined, five with renal agenesis, six with Potter's sequence without renal agenesis and two with mild kidney pathology. Every tenth section containing the stapes were used for measuring the volume of mesenchymal tissue in the middle ear cavity. At 5% significance level, foetuses with serious renal pathology had more mesenchymal tissue in the middle ear cavity than a control group of nine foetuses with no renal or urinary tract abnormality.

Acute purulent thyroiditis with retropharyngeal and retrotracheal abscesses.

An unusual case of acute purulent thyroiditis in a 45-year-old man forming a large abscess in the left lobe of the thyroid gland is described. It perforated the capsule at the posterior wall of the thyroid, causing extensive retropharyngeal and retrotracheal abscesses. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical excision of the infected tissues. He has remained well one year after the operation.

Bone and temporal fascia graft for the closure of septal perforation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of temporal fascia and bone graft for the closure of septal perforation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal non-randomized. METHODS: The repair of septal perforation was performed using endonasal dissection; suture of the borders of the perforation on at least one side, and interposition of a graft of temporal fascia with bone, either a perpendicular plate of ethmoid (six) if available or mastoid cortex (three) if not. RESULTS: All patients had closure without re-perforation. Eight out of nine patients had complete closure of the perforation (88.8 per cent). These patients had perforations of less than 3 cm in diameter. The ninth patient had a perforation of more than 3 cm diameter (3.5 x 2.5 cm), and obtained a closure of about 80 per cent of the original perforation. The remaining perforation was in the posterior part of the nose. The patient was relieved of his symptoms (crusting and bleeding). This incomplete closure was most probably due to migration of the graft immediately after surgery. There was no morbidity of the donor site or the ear in the mastoid cortex graft group of patients. This is to our knowledge the first report of the use of the mastoid cortex as a graft in septal perforation. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the graft of temporal fascia with bone is very reliable, and the use of bone ensures closure while avoiding the complications of a lax septum in large perforations. The technique is suitable for perforations up to 2.5 cm diameter. Perforations larger than 3 cm in diameter are more difficult to close, but closure of the anterior part of the perforation will relieve the patient from the most annoying symptoms.

Temporal bone findings in trisomy 18 and 21 syndromes.

The temporal bones from fetuses with known autosomal trisomy syndromes were examined histopathologically after spontaneous or induced abortions. Fetal ages dated from the 17th to the 24th week of pregnancy. In all, 17 temporal bones from nine fetuses were studied and included seven cases of Down's syndrome and two of Edwards' syndrome. Temporal bones from fetuses with Down's syndrome had more abnormalities of the external and middle ears than of the inner ear. The bones from the fetuses with Edwards' syndrome showed abnormalities of the external or middle ear and retarded development of the inner ear (failed ossification of the otic capsule and unformed organ of Corti).

[Malignant melanoma of the head and neck]. / Maligní melanom hlavy a krku.

The authors evaluate the group of 25 patients suffering from malignant melanoma in head and neck region. Patients were treated on ENT clinic in Hradec Králové during 1961-1991. The authors describe the localization of malignant melanoma, the process of therapy and the surviving of patients. The contemporary opinions are discussed for possibilities of therapy.