Use of a Suction-Monopolar Stimulator for Continuous Neurophysiology Monitoring During Endonasal Resection of a Cavernous Sinus Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Cavernous sinus schwannomas are exceptionally rare tumors.1,2 Although these tumors commonly originate from the trigeminal nerve, instances involving the oculomotor, abducens, trochlear nerves, and the carotid plexus have also been documented.2-7 In this operative video, we showcase a 44-year-old man with a medical history of acromegaly and schwannomatosis who presented with retro orbital pain and a growing cystic lesion in the left cavernous sinus. Genetic testing ruled out neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2. An endonasal resection was recommended considering the left side and extradural location of the lesion.8 The tumor was excised through an endonasal transpterygoid approach using 2 suctions, one of which was equipped with an electrode tip for continuous monitoring of extraocular nerves during the resection process. Imaging postoperatively demonstrated near-total resection. Institutional review board approval was not required; the patient agreed to undergo the procedure and to have his operative video published.

Prognostic risk factors of buccal squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinicopathologic presentation of buccal squamous cell carcinoma and identify risks factors for recurrence and overall survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) treated at a single tertiary care center between 2010 and 2022. All patients with buccal subsite OCSCC treated during this time frame were included and paired with a randomly selected age and gender matched patient with non-buccal OCSCC. Relevant data was collected via chart review. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients with buccal SCC were matched with 77 non-buccal OCSCC controls. The median follow-up time was 27 months (IQR 14-61). Median age was 67 years (IQR 57-75) and 53% of the cohort was female. Twenty (26%) buccal SCC patients experienced a recurrence versus 19 (25%) in the controls. Age ≥65-years-old increased odds of all-cause mortality in the buccal SCC group, but not in the control group. Perineural invasion and positive margins increased odds of recurrence in the buccal group only. Overall survival and progression-free survival did not differ between the groups, despite a greater number of T2 buccal tumors and T1 non-buccal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal SCC presents at a higher T stage than other oral cavity SCC subsite and may exhibit variance in the pathologic risk factors that predict poor outcomes versus non-buccal OCSCC. Despite these relatively minor differences, however, oncologic outcomes between these groups were similar.

Sinonasal (Schneiderian) Tumors in the Temporal Bone: Case Series and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neoplasms derived from the sinonasal epithelium are a rare finding in the temporal bone, and their origins are controversial. PURPOSE: To review the characteristics of sinonasal epithelial (previously known as Schneiderian) tumors occurring in the temporal bone. DATA SOURCE: This was a 2-center case series and systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Web of Science through May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Patients with clinicopathologic evidence of temporal bone involvement by neoplasms of sinonasal epithelial origin were selected, with or without a history of prior primary sinonasal epithelial tumors. DATA ANALYSIS: Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: The systematic review included 56 studies and our 8 unpublished cases, totaling 76 cases of papillomas or squamous cell carcinomas in the temporal bone. Of these, 51% occurred secondary to sinonasal tumors, and 49% occurred primarily. Secondary tumors were usually metachronous (77%), with a median delay of 1 year from sinonasal-to-temporal bone tumor diagnosis. Most cases were unilateral (90%); bilateral temporal bone involvement occurred only as secondary ("trilateral") tumors. Unilateral secondary tumors had ipsilateral (81%) or bilateral (19%) sinonasal counterparts. Secondary tumors were more likely to be malignant (OR, 6.7, P < .001). LIMITATIONS: The review was based on case reports and small case series, which are subject to reporting bias. CONCLUSIONS: The observed tumor patterns support the hypothesis that the Eustachian tube facilitates the spread of sinonasal epithelium-derived neoplasms from the sinonasal cavity to the temporal bone. Transtubal spread of sinonasal epithelium-derived neoplasms should be considered among the rare causes of middle ear masses.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field. METHODS: In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication. RESULTS: The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention. CONCLUSION: As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses.

Socioeconomic differences between medically and surgically treated prolactinomas: a retrospective review of 598 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Socioeconomic status (SES) is known to affect presentations and outcomes in pituitary neuroendocrine tumor resections, but there is a paucity of literature examining its impact specifically on patients with prolactinomas, who may be treated medically or surgically. The authors sought to determine whether SES was associated with differences in treatment choice or outcomes for prolactinoma patients. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed patient records at a high-volume academic pituitary center for prolactinoma diagnoses. Patients were split into medically and surgically treated cohorts. Race, ethnicity, insurance status, primary care physician (PCP) status, and zip code-based income data were collected and examined as socioeconomic covariates. Outcomes of interest included pretreatment likelihood of surgical cure, medical versus surgical treatment allocation, and posttreatment remission rates. RESULTS: The authors analyzed 568 prolactinoma patients (351 medically treated and 217 surgically treated). Patients receiving surgery were more likely to have Medicaid or private insurance (p < 0.001) and have lower incomes (p < 0.001) than medically treated patients. Lower-income surgical patients were more likely to require surgical intervention for an indication such as tumor decompression than higher-income patients (p = 0.023). Surgical patients with a PCP had a higher estimated likelihood of surgical cure (p = 0.008), while no SES-based differences in surgical remission likelihood existed in the medical cohort. After surgery, surgical patients who achieved remission had significantly higher income than those who did not (p < 0.001). Other SES factors were not associated with surgical remission, and among medically treated patients, remission rates were not affected by any SES factor. Income was inversely related to prolactinoma size in both cohorts (surgical, p < 0.001; medical, p = 0.005) but was associated more prominently in surgical patients (surgical, -0.65 mm per $10,000; medical, -0.37 mm per $10,000). CONCLUSIONS: While surgical prolactinoma patients were prone to income and PCP-related disparities, no SES disparities were found among medically treated patients. Income had a more pronounced association with tumor size in the surgical cohort and likely contributed to the increased need for surgical intervention seen in low-income surgical patients. Addressing socioeconomic healthcare disparities is needed among surgical prolactinoma patients to increase rates of early presentation and improve the outcomes of low-SES populations.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in salivary gland cancers treated with pembrolizumab.

BACKGROUND: A minority of patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) salivary gland cancers (SGCs) benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), necessitating reliable biomarkers for ICI response prediction. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of R/M SGC patients treated with pembrolizumab between 2016 and 2022, with a primary outcome of 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary outcome of 2-year overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed. RESULTS: Twenty R/M SGC patients were included. After adjustment, NLR as a continuous variable was independently associated with 6-month PFS (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54, p = 0.002) and 2-year OS (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.66, p = 0.010). Similarly, NLR ≥ 5 was associated with higher hazards of progression at 6 months (HR 12.85, 95% CI 2.17-76.16, p = 0.005) and death at 2 years (HR 11.25, 95% CI 1.67-75.77, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Higher pretreatment NLR was independently associated with inferior 6-month PFS and 2-year OS in pembrolizumab-treated R/M SGC patients.

Elective management of the N0 neck in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate adequacy of radiation therapy alone to the neck in patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MS-SCC) without clinical evidence of regional metastasis. METHODS: Retrospective review between 2000 and 2018 from a single high-volume tertiary academic head and neck cancer center of all patients with MS-SCC. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were treated for MS-SCC at our center. A clinically uninvolved neck on presentation was found in 46 patients (83.6%) in the initial dataset. Of the 39 patients with radiologic N0 disease who were treated with primary surgical resection, 15.4% (6 patients) did not undergo any treatment of the neck, 2.6% (1 patient) underwent a neck dissection only, 69.2% (27 patients) received RT only, and 12.8% (5 patients) were treated with both a neck dissection followed by RT. Median follow-up was 26 months (mean 48 months, interquartile range 9-76 months). Five-year overall survival of all patients with N0 necks treated with upfront surgical resection was 46.5% (95% CI, 32.3%-66.9%). No patients with N0 necks had isolated regional recurrence regardless of neck management. CONCLUSIONS: Regional recurrence is rare for patients with radiologic N0 MS-SCC. Single-modality elective neck radiation provides excellent regional disease control in these patients.

Endonasal Endoscopic Anatomy of the Orbito-Cavernous-Pterygopalatine Interface: Multilayer Anatomical Description and Landmarks to Define the Limits of the Compartments.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to the medial orbital apex (OA), a comprehensive description of the multilayer topology lying at the intersection of the regional compartments is missing. METHODS: An EEA to the OA, pterygopalatine fossa, and cavernous sinus was performed in 20 specimens. A 360° layer-by-layer dissection was performed taking into consideration relevant anatomical aspects of the interface and documented with 3-dimensional technologies. Endoscopic landmarks were analyzed to provide an outline of the compartments and identify critical structures. Additionally, the consistency of a previously described reference called orbital apex convergence prominence was analyzed and a method to identify its position was introduced. RESULTS: The orbital apex convergence prominence was an inconsistent finding (15%). However, a craniometric method introduced in this study proved to be reliable to reach the orbital apex convergence point. Additional structures such as the sphenoethmoidal suture and a 3-suture junction (sphenoethmoidal-palatoethmoidal-palatosphenoidal) helped to identify the posterior limit of the OA and define a keyhole to access the compartments of the interface. We defined the bone limits of the "optic risk zone," an area where the optic nerve is more susceptible to damage. Furthermore, an orbital fusion line (periorbita-dura-periosteum) was identified and divided into 4 segments according to adjacent structures: optic, cavernous, pterygopalatine, and infraorbital. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding cranial landmarks and the folds of the layers covering the orbito-cavernous-pterygopalatine interface can facilitate tailoring an EEA to the medial orbital space and avoid unnecessary exposure of sensitive anatomy in the vicinity.

Common Carotid-Greater Saphenous-M2 Bypass for Myoepithelial Carcinoma Encasing the Carotid Artery.

Revascularization of the anterior circulation using a high-capacitance graft is sometimes necessary for treatment of cervical tumors encasing the internal carotid artery (ICA). In this surgical video, we aim to demonstrate the technical nuances of high-flow extra-to-intracranial bypass using a saphenous vein graft. The patient is a 23-year-old female who presented with a 4-month history of an enlarging left-sided neck mass, dysphagia, and 25-lb weight loss. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing lesion encasing the cervical ICA. The patient underwent an open biopsy that established a diagnosis of a myoepithelial carcinoma. The patient was advised to undergo attempted gross total resection, which would require sacrifice of the cervical internal carotid artery. After the patient failed a balloon test occlusion of the left ICA, it was decided to perform a cervical ICA to middle cerebral artery M2 bypass using a saphenous vein graft, followed by tumor resection in staged fashion. Postoperative imaging demonstrated complete tumor removal and filling of the left anterior circulation via the saphenous vein graft. Video 1 discusses important preoperative and postoperative considerations, as well as highlights the technical nuances of this complex procedure. High-flow ICA to middle cerebral artery bypass using a saphenous vein graft can be employed to facilitate gross total resection of malignant tumors encasing the cervical internal carotid artery.

Superior Hypophyseal Artery Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiogram as a Predictor of Postoperative Visual Function After Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To date, there are no tools to intraoperatively predict postoperative visual function after endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for suprasellar lesions. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the utility of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography as an intraoperative tool to measure optic chiasm perfusion and determine its relationship with postoperative visual function. METHODS: Videos of patients undergoing EES for resection of suprasellar lesions were reviewed, where 5 mg of ICG was diluted in 10 mL of saline and administered. Time between luminescence of the anterior cerebral artery and the superior hypophyseal artery branches supplying the optic chiasm was noted, and the percentage of optic chiasm vessels that luminesced was recorded. Postoperative examinations and imaging studies were used to assess visual function. Patients with and without new deficits were compared with examination of trends in ICG findings. RESULTS: A total of 7 trials were reviewed on 6 patients, with no complications occurring from ICG administration. Mean time to chiasm peak luminescence was 3.8 seconds, and 81.8% of chiasm vessels luminesced. Patients with stable or improved vision after resection demonstrated over 90% chiasm luminescence in every case, and mean chiasm time in these postresection ICG administrations was 4.0 seconds. One patient experienced new postoperative visual deficits; on review of their ICG administration, 11.5% of chiasm vessels luminesced, and the chiasm itself failed to display robust luminescence after 30 seconds of direct observation. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed the capability of intraoperative ICG angiography to demonstrate perfusion of the optic chiasm during EES for resection of suprasellar lesions. While larger studies are required, preliminary results suggest chiasm times under 5 seconds and over 90% chiasm vessel illumination may reflect adequate chiasm perfusion, while those with delayed or absent chiasm luminescence may have compromised chiasm perfusion.

Morphometric Analysis of the Ophthalmic and Central Retinal Arteries via the Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-ethmoidal Approach: Surgical Relevance of Vascular Components Within the Medial Intraconal Zones.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) offers a minimally invasive route to treat medial intraconal space (MIS) lesions. Understanding the configuration of the ophthalmic artery (OphA) and the central retinal artery (CRA) is crucial. METHODS: An EEA to the MIS was performed on 30 orbits. The description of the intraorbital part of the OphA was divided into 3 segments and classified as type 1 and type 2 and the MIS was divided into three surgical zones (A, B, C). The CRA's origin, course, and point of penetration (PP) were analyzed. The relationship between the position of the CRA in the MIS and the OphA type was analyzed. RESULTS: The OphA type 2 was present in 20% of specimens. The site of origin of the CRA from the OphA was found on the medial surface in type 1 and on the lateral surface of type 2. The point of penetrationof the central retinal arterywas found in 87% of the specimens on the inferomedial surface, just anterior to the inferior muscular trunk, at an average distance of 9.5 mm ± 1 from the globe and 17 mm ± 1.5 from the AZ. The presence of the CRA in Zone C was associated only with OphA type 1. CONCLUSIONS: OphA type 2 is a common finding and can compromise the feasibility of an EEA to the MIS. A detailed preoperative analysis of the OphA and CRA should be conducted prior to approaching the MIS due to the implications of the anatomical variations that can compromise safe intraconal maneuverability during an EEA.

Patterns of Postoperative Trismus Following Mandibulectomy and Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction.

The factors that contribute to postoperative trismus after mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction (FFFR) are undefined. We retrospectively assessed postoperative trismus (defined as a maximum interincisal opening ≤35 mm) in 106 patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFFR, employing logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with this sequela. The surgical indication was primary ablation in 64%, salvage for recurrence in 24%, and osteonecrosis in 12%. Forty-five percent of patients had existing preoperative trismus, and 58% of patients received adjuvant radiation/chemoradiation following surgery. The overall rates of postoperative trismus were 76% in the early postoperative period (≤3 months after surgery) and 67% in the late postoperative period (>6 months after surgery). Late postoperative trismus occurred more frequently in patients with ramus-involving vs. ramus-preserving posterior mandibulotomies (82% vs. 46%, p = 0.004). A ramus-involving mandibulotomy was the only variable significantly associated with trismus >6 months postoperatively on multivariable logistic regression (OR, 7.94; 95% CI, 1.85−33.97; p = 0.005). This work demonstrates that trismus is common after mandibulectomy and FFFR, and suggests that posterior mandibulotomies that involve or remove the ramus may predispose to a higher risk of persistent postoperative trismus.

Formal Closure of Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Defects With a "Bow Tie" Tri-Layer Graft.

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) after surgery include an intraoperative high flow of CSF, elevated body mass index, defect size, and defect site. In our prior series, a high postoperative CSF leak rate for tumors of the central skull base (planum, sella, and clivus) appeared to be due to graft migration. We changed our closure technique from a single layer of collagen +/- fat graft to a novel graft, termed a "Bow tie" (a tri-layer fat graft with two pieces of collagen matrix), and report our results in this study. METHODS: Retrospective temporal epoch study of a single otolaryngologist's experience of closing skull base defects in our skull base center from 2005 to 2017. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine patients met inclusion criteria in two time periods, pre- and post-introduction of the Bow tie technique. In epoch I, from 2005 to 2013, 79 patients had reconstruction with a single layer of dural graft (25 had additional free fat graft). In epoch II, from 2014 to 2017, 70 patients had reconstruction with the Bow tie. RESULTS: CSF leak rates were 8.7% overall: 15.2% in epoch I and 1.4% in epoch II (p = 0.01). After controlling the procedure, defects with a size greater than 2 cm had a 5.7 greater likelihood of failure. Epoch II had a lower incidence of major complications. CONCLUSION: Using a single surgeon's experience, the multilayer Bow tie has a significant reduction in postoperative CSF leak and associated major complications for defects of the central skull base. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1568-1575, 2023.

RNA Sequencing and Gene Ontology Analysis in Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is an aggressive and dangerous disease of the paranasal sinuses with high morbidity and mortality. The immune response at the level of the nasal mucosa, the site of entry, has not been previously evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differential gene expression in the sinonasal mucosa of AIFS patients as compared to control patients using RNA sequencing. METHODS: Sinonasal tissue samples were prospectively obtained from consenting patients undergoing surgery between November, 2020 and November, 2021. RNA extraction and sequencing were performed and differential expression was analyzed to detect transcriptional differences between patient groups. RESULTS: Tissue samples were collected from 4 patients with active AIFS diagnoses, 2 patients with recovered AIFS, 1 patient with a diagnosis of non-invasive fungal ball, and 4 healthy controls. 255 genes were differentially expressed in AIFS patients as compared to control patients. Specific Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes that were identified as differentially expressed in AIFS patients as compared to controls included the following: 1. GO:0007155 (cell adhesion), 2. GO:0030199 (collagen fibril organization) and 3. GO:0001525 (angiogenesis). CONCLUSION: Transcriptional differences were noted between AIFS and control patients in sinonasal tissue samples. Future work is necessary to determine causes of the differential gene expressions between AIFS and control patients, specifically those who are immunosuppressed, or with preexisting non-invasive forms of fungal sinusitis, to guide treatment and prevention strategies.

Immersive Surgical Anatomy of the Far-Lateral Approach.

The far-lateral (FL) approach is a classic neurosurgical technique that enables access to the craniocervical junction, which includes the lower clivus, the anterior foramen magnum, and the first two cervical vertebrae. The FL approach also provides access to the inferior cranial nerves (i.e., CN IX, CN X, CN XI, and CN XII), distal portions of the vertebral artery (VA), and inferior basilar trunk. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) technology as well as dissections allow for a better understanding of the spatial relationships between anatomical landmarks and neurovascular structures encountered during neurosurgical procedures. This study aims to create a collection of volumetric models (VMs) obtained from cadaveric dissections that depict the FL approach's relevant anatomy and surgical techniques. We describe the relevant multilayer anatomy involved in the FL approach and discuss modifications of this approach as well. Five embalmed heads and two dry skulls were used to record and simulate the FL approach. Relevant steps and anatomy of the FL approach were recorded using 3D scanning technology (e.g., photogrammetry and structured light scanning) to construct high-resolution VMs. Images and VMs were generated to demonstrate major anatomical landmarks for the FL approach. The interactive models allow for clear visualization of the surgical anatomy and windows in 3D and extended reality, rendering a closer look at the nuances of the topography experienced in the laboratory. VMs can be valuable resources for surgical planning and anatomical education by accurately depicting important landmarks.

A Minimalistic Technique for Neural Tissue Preservation and Neuroanatomical Education: Quantitative Study of the Elnady Technique on Human Cadaveric Specimens.

Cadaveric shortages have been a challenge to anatomy education; as access remains low in many parts of the world, institutions are relying on plastinated specimens. Plastination typically requires the use of complex equipment and patented chemicals. While models solve cost and toxicity issues, in neuroanatomical education, the rigidity prevents deep-brain structure exploration and visual-spatial learning. The Elnady technique (ET) developed by Dr. Fawzy Elnady is an alternative method that solves the limitations of traditional plastination while maintaining the advantages previously developed in animal models.  The superficial temporal artery (STA), brain stem, cerebellum, right hemisphere, and latex-injected cortex were previously embalmed, drained of their original solution, dehydrated in acetone baths, and hydrometer readings were taken. Specimens were placed in a glycerol bath, immersed in cornstarch and cured. Quantitative and qualitative data of weight (grams), size (millimeters), color, texture, and odor were obtained before and after processing the samples. Overall, specimens showed a change of 6.5% in weight, 8.5% in height, 4.8% in width, and 8.9% in length (millimeters) after the preservation process. The products had pliable texture, no change in color grossly and no detectable odor. The measurement of weight (grams) ranges from 0-15.7%, height from 0-12.3%, width from 0-11.1%, and length from 1.7-5.9%. The ET is an effective method for the preservation of human cadaveric specimens that produces quality samples from embalmed specimens. Preservation can be done without patented chemicals and special storage methods are usually required for plastination. It is an ideal technique for basic and/or low-resource settings and could resolve expenses related to acquiring and maintaining cadaveric brain specimens.

Correlation between tumor volume and serum prolactin and its effect on surgical outcomes in a cohort of 219 prolactinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: Prolactinoma is the most common pituitary adenoma and can be managed medically or surgically. The authors assessed the correlation between tumor volume and prolactin level and its effect on surgical outcomes. METHODS: The authors reviewed 219 patients who underwent transsphenoidal prolactinoma resection at a single institution from 2012 to 2019. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without biochemical remission. Tumor volumes were quantified with BrainLab Smartbrush. Correlation analysis and linear regression were used to examine the association between tumor volume and serum prolactin level. Volume-adjusted prolactin level was defined as serum prolactin level divided by tumor volume. The authors utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the thresholds for predicting biochemical remission status. RESULTS: The mean tumor volume was 5.66 cm3, and the mean preoperative prolactin level was 752.3 µg/L. Men had larger prolactinomas than women (mean volume 11.32 vs 2.54 cm3; p < 0.001), and women had a greater volume-adjusted prolactin level (mean 412.5 vs 175.9 µg/L/cm3, p < 0.001). In total, 66.7% of surgical patients achieved biochemical remission 6 weeks after surgery, whereas a similar cohort of medically treated patients during the same time frame demonstrated a 69.4% remission rate. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis revealed a strong association between preoperative tumor volume and prolactin levels, with an increase in serum prolactin level of 101.31 µg/L per 1-cm3 increase in tumor volume (p < 0.001). This held true for men (R = 0.601, p < 0.001) and women (R = 0.935, p < 0.001), with women demonstrating a greater increase in prolactin level per 1-cm3 increase in volume (185.70 vs 79.77 µg/L, p < 0.001). Patients who achieved remission exhibited a 66.08-µg/L increase in preoperative prolactin level per 1 cm3 of preoperative tumor volume (p < 0.001), which was less than the 111.46-µg/L increase per 1 cm3 in patients without remission (p < 0.001). Patients who failed to achieve remission had residual tumors with a 77.77-µg/L increase in prolactin per 1 cm3 of remaining tumor volume after resection (p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed significant thresholds that optimally predicted lack of postoperative remission on the basis of preoperative prolactin and tumor volume. These thresholds were rendered nonsignificant in patients with documented Knosp grade ≥ 3. CONCLUSIONS: Although the authors found a correlation between prolactinoma volume and serum prolactin level, patients without remission had a greater increase in serum prolactin level per increase in preoperative tumor volume than those who achieved remission, suggesting unique tumor composition. The authors also identified prolactin and tumor volume thresholds that optimally predicted biochemical remission status. The authors hope that their results can be used to identify prolactinomas for which surgery could achieve remission as an alternative to medical management.

Vascularized Pericranial Flap for Endonasal Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction.

Introduction As the limits of advanced skull base malignancies that can be managed through an endoscopic endonasal approach continue to be expanded, the resultant anterior skull base defects are of increasing size and complexity. In the absence of nasoseptal or turbinate flaps, the vascularized pericranial flap has been employed at our institution with excellent results. Objective The study aimed to review the outcomes of patients who underwent endonasal anterior craniofacial resection with anterior skull base reconstruction using a vascularized pericranial flap. Design Retrospective chart review of patients treated by the University of California - San Francisco minimally invasive skull base service from the years 2011 to 2017. Average duration of follow-up was 16.4 months. Setting This study was conducted at Academic tertiary referral center. Participants A total of nine patients with advanced anterior cranial base malignancies were identified who were treated with a minimally invasive, endoscopic anterior craniofacial resection from the years 2011 to 2017. Due to the nature of the resection in these patients, nasoseptal flaps and inferior/middle turbinate flaps were unavailable or insufficient for anterior skull base defect repair. Each patient underwent reconstruction of the anterior cranial base defect using an anteriorly based pericranial flap harvested by bicoronal incision, and tunneled anteriorly to the nasal cavity through a frontoethmoidal incision.

Impact of Smoking and Primary Tumor Subsite on Recurrence in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe risk of recurrence and recurrence characteristics between ever- and never-smoking patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) when stratified by primary tumor subsite. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 171 patients with HPV+ OPSCC with primary treatment between 2008 and 2019. Five-year recurrence-free survival and risk of recurrence were evaluated through Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. RESULTS: Of 171 patients with HPV+ OPSCC, 81.9% were male, and the average age was 63.9 years. Eighty patients (46.8%) had a smoking history (average, 17.7 pack-years), including 4 current smokers. Recurrence occurred in 31 patients (18.1%), 19 of whom were ever smokers. The recurrence rate for ever smokers with primary base of tongue (BOT) cancer was 41.7%, while 5.1% of never smokers with BOT primaries had recurrence. For primary tonsillar disease, 9.1% of ever smokers had recurrence versus 19.2% of never smokers. Five-year recurrence-free survival for BOT primaries was lower in ever smokers than never smokers (P = .001) but did not differ between ever and never smokers for tonsillar primaries (P = .215). In multivariable analysis across this period, ever-smoking status was associated with higher risk of recurrence than never-smoking status in BOT primaries (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.36; 95% CI, 1.61-33.68; P = .010) but with lower risk of recurrence after tonsillar primaries (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.89; P = .033). CONCLUSION: Smoking may uniquely interact with tumor subsites within the oropharynx to influence recurrence risk. Understanding the association between smoking and HPV+ OPSCC recurrence could lead to personalized, evidence-based treatments to improve oncologic outcomes.