Selective expansion of human regulatory T cells in nasal polyps, and not adjacent tissue microenvironments, in individual patients exposed to steroids.

Severe forms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a common upper airway inflammatory disorder, are associated with nasal polyps (NPs). NP disease is ameliorated by glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, whose cellular effects are poorly understood. We therefore assessed the influence of GC therapy on NPs in CRS patients, focusing on regulatory T (Treg) cells. Treg cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry in NPs and control tissues from GC-treated CRS patients and controls. After GC exposure, selective expansion of Treg cells was seen within NPs, and not blood or adjacent ethmoid tissues. To confirm direct GC effects, NPs from the same patients were biopsied prior to, and following, 1week of oral GC exposure. Direct expansion of Tregs into the same NP bed was detected in 4/4 CRS patients following GC exposure. Treg cell spikes into NPs were secondary to cellular recruitment given limited Ki67 expression within these regulatory cells. Chemokine gene expression profiling identified several chemokines, notably CCL4, induced within NPs upon GC treatment. Neutralization of chemokine receptor/ligand interactions using CCR4 small molecule antagonists reduced Treg migration towards GC-treated NPs in an ex vivo migration assay. Our findings suggest that the common use of GCs in the treatment of NP disease leads to recruitment of Treg cells from peripheral sites into NP tissues, which may be critical to the anti-inflammatory effect of GCs. Mechanistically Treg expansion appears to be conferred, in part, by chemokine receptor/ligand interactions induced following corticosteroid therapy.

Expression of immunoglobulin D is increased in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin (Ig) D is largely localized to the upper airway and reacts with colonizing respiratory pathogens. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with increased IgD expression. METHODS: We performed immunofluorescent staining for cytoplasmic IgD, IgA, IgM, and surface plasma cell marker CD138 (syndecan-1) in sinus tissue of patients with CRS with and without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP, respectively) and control subjects without CRS (n = 6 each). Sinonasal mucus antibody levels of patients with CRSwNP or CRSsNP and control subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 13, 11, and 9 subjects, respectively). Cells per square millimeter and antibody levels were compared by analysis of variance. Histopathology was performed with sinus tissue from subjects in the 3 groups (n = 6, 8, and 13 subjects respectively). RESULTS: Cells expressing cytoplasmic IgD exceeded those with cytoplasmic IgA and IgM and represented most CD138+ plasma cells in the lamina propria. The frequencies of IgD+ plasma cells were significantly higher in patients with CRSsNP and CRSwNP compared with control subjects (P < .01). Only patients with CRSwNP showed increased frequencies of IgM and IgA plasma cells (P < .01). In contrast to high plasma cell frequencies in tissues, the levels of secreted IgD were lower than those of IgA, IgM, and IgG but were highest in the CRSwNP group compared with the other groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: IgD plasma cells are prominent in sinus tissues and are increased in CRS. That IgD protein also shows the lowest concentration of antibodies in secretions suggests that its activity might be targeted to the tissue rather than secretions.

Using fixed anatomical landmarks to avoid medial rectus injury: a radiographic analysis in patients with and without Graves' disease.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the medial rectus (MR) is a potentially devastating complication of orbital and sinus surgery. Precise knowledge of the MR relative to the lamina papyracea (LP) is important during endoscopic surgery for both Graves' ophthalmopathy and inflammatory disease. The objective of this study is to determine the location of the MR in relation to easily identified and frequently encountered intranasal landmarks in patients with and without Graves' disease. METHODS: High-resolution computed tomography scans were analyzed in 100 controls and 63 patients with Graves' disease. The MR position was recorded relative to the maxillary sinus ostium (MSO), anterior ethmoid artery (AEA), and posterior ethmoid artery (PEA)/horizontal basal lamella (BL). Clinically relevant variables recorded at each level included the Keros stage, AEA position, MR height, and distance of the MR to orbital floor, skull base, and LP. RESULTS: The mean distances between the MR and LP were statistically different for both groups. Controls at the MSO, AEA, and PEA/BL were 2.92, 1.69, and 1.06mm; for Graves' patients measurements at these sites were 2.12, 1.20, and 0.029mm. When comparing the two groups, each of these distances were statistically significant (p<0.02). There was no difference in ethmoid cavity width (p>0.05) between controls (9.66mm) and Graves' patients (9.70mm). Sex, age, and skull base depth were not statistically significant factors. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the position of the MR from the perspective of an endoscopic surgeon utilizing fixed intranasal landmarks. Knowledge of the position of MR is critical to safely perform decompression surgery and when operating adjacent to the LP during endoscopic surgery.

Predictive factors for decreased baseline quality of life in patients with sinonasal malignancies.

BACKGROUND: The impact of sinonasal malignancies (SNMs) on quality of life (QOL) at presentation is poorly understood. The Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) are validated QOL instruments with distinctive subdomains. This study aims to identify factors impacting pretreatment QOL in SNM patients to personalize multidisciplinary management and counseling. METHODS: Patients with previously untreated SNMs were prospectively enrolled (2015-2022) in a multicenter observational study. Baseline pretreatment QOL instruments (SNOT-22, UWQOL) were obtained along with demographics, comorbidities, histopathology/staging, tumor involvement, and symptoms. Multivariable regression models identified factors associated with reduced baseline QOL. RESULTS: Among 204 patients, presenting baseline QOL was significantly reduced. Multivariable regression showed worse total SNOT-22 QOL in patients with skull base erosion (p = 0.02). SNOT-rhinologic QOL was worse in women (p = 0.009), patients with epistaxis (p = 0.036), and industrial exposure (p = 0.005). SNOT extranasal QOL was worse in patients with industrial exposure (p = 0.016); worse SNOT ear/facial QOL if perineural invasion (PNI) (p = 0.027). Squamous cell carcinoma pathology (p = 0.037), palate involvement (p = 0.012), and pain (p = 0.017) were associated with worse SNOT sleep QOL scores. SNOT psychological subdomain scores were significantly worse in patients with palate lesions (p = 0.022), skull base erosion (p = 0.025), and T1 staging (p = 0.023). Low QOL was more likely in the presence of PNI on UW health (p = 0.019) and orbital erosion on UW overall (p = 0.03). UW social QOL was worse if palatal involvement (p = 0.023) or PNI (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a negative impact on baseline QOL in patients with SNMs and suggest sex-specific and symptom-related lower QOL scores, with minimal histopathology association. Anatomical tumor involvement may be more reflective of QOL than T-staging, as orbital and skull base erosion, PNI, and palate lesions are significantly associated with reduced baseline QOL.

University of Washington Quality of Life subdomain outcomes after treatment of sinonasal malignancy: A prospective, multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Sinonasal malignancies (SNMs) adversely impact patients' quality of life (QOL) and are frequently identified at an advanced stage. Because these tumors are rare, there are few studies that examine the specific QOL areas that are impacted. This knowledge would help improve the care of these patients. METHODS: In this prospective, multi-institutional study, 273 patients with SNMs who underwent definitive treatment with curative intent were evaluated. We used the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) instrument over 5 years from diagnosis to identify demographic, treatment, and disease-related factors that influence each of the 12 UWQOL subdomains from baseline to 5 -years post-treatment. RESULTS: Multivariate models found endoscopic resection predicted improved pain (vs. nonsurgical treatment CI 2.4, 19.4, p = 0.01) and appearance versus open (CI 27.0, 35.0, p < 0.001) or combined (CI 10.4, 17.1, p < 0.001). Pterygopalatine fossa involvement predicted worse swallow (CI -10.8, -2.4, p = 0.01) and pain (CI -17.0, -4.0, p < 0.001). Neck dissection predicted worse swallow (CI -14.8, -2.8, p < 0.001), taste (CI -31.7, -1.5, p = 0.02), and salivary symptoms (CI -28.4, -8.6, p < 0.001). Maxillary involvement predicted worse chewing (CI 9.8, 33.2; p < 0.001) and speech (CI -21.8, -5.4, p < 0.001) relative to other sites. Advanced T stage predicted worse anxiety (CI -13.0, -2.0, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approach, management of cervical disease, tumor extent, and site of involvement impacted variable UWQOL symptom areas. Endoscopic resection predicted better pain, appearance, and chewing compared with open. These results may aid in counseling patients regarding potential QOL expectations in their SNM treatment and recovery course.

SNOT-22 subdomain outcomes following treatment for sinonasal malignancy: A prospective, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with sinonasal malignancy (SNM) present with significant sinonasal quality of life (QOL) impairment. Global sinonasal QOL as measured by the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) has been shown to improve with treatment. This study aims to characterize SNOT-22 subdomain outcomes in SNM. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with SNM were prospectively enrolled in a multi-center patient registry. SNOT-22 scores were collected at the time of diagnosis and through the post-treatment period for up to 5 years. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify drivers of variation in SNOT-22 subdomains. RESULTS: Note that 234 patients were reviewed, with a mean follow-up of 22 months (3 months-64 months). Rhinologic, psychological, and sleep subdomains significantly improved versus baseline (all p < 0.05). Subanalysis of 40 patients with follow-up at all timepoints showed statistically significant improvement in rhinologic, extra-nasal, psychological, and sleep subdomains, with minimal clinically important difference met between 2 and 5 years in sleep and psychological subdomains. Adjuvant chemoradiation was associated with worse outcomes in rhinologic (adjusted odds ratio (5.22 [1.69-8.66])), extra-nasal (2.21 [0.22-4.17]) and ear/facial (5.53 [2.10-8.91]) subdomains. Pterygopalatine fossa involvement was associated with worse outcomes in rhinologic (3.22 [0.54-5.93]) and ear/facial (2.97 [0.32-5.65]) subdomains. Positive margins (5.74 [2.17-9.29]) and surgical approach-combined versus endoscopic (3.41 [0.78-6.05])-were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Adjuvant radiation (2.28 [0.18-4.40]) was associated with worse sleep outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal QOL improvements associated with treatment of SNM are driven by rhinologic, extra-nasal, psychological, and sleep subdomains.

Characterization and treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps (NPs) may be subdivided into aspirin-sensitive (AS) and aspirin-tolerant (AT) populations. These cohorts are not well characterized. OBJECTIVE: To examine phenotypic characteristics and determine the extent of medical/surgical interventions in patients with CRS+NP and to compare the AS with the AT subset in the CRS+NP sample. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary academic respiratory hospital. Data included patient demographics, asthma severity, peripheral eosinophilia, Lund-Mackay computed tomographic score, symptomatic dysosmia, and therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: Of the 182 patients included, 81 had aspirin sensitivity (45%) and 101 had aspirin tolerance (55%). Asthma was present in 94% of patients with CRS+NP (100% in AS subgroup vs 89% in AT subgroup, P = .001). Eighty-eight percent of the CRS+NP sample had moderate to severe persistent asthma. In the AS and AT subgroups, asthma severity was similar (P > .6). The CRS+NP sample showed a mean computed tomographic score of 14.0 (44% with eosinophilia and 46% with dysosmia). More severe sinus disease was noted in the AS group (Lund-Mackay computed tomographic scores, P = .002; olfactory symptoms, P = .001). Serum eosinophil levels were not statistically different between groups (51% in AS group, 39% in AT group, P > .1). CONCLUSION: This study is one of the broadest reviews of patients with CRS+NP, with unique findings in the high prevalence of asthma in AS and AT patients, greater olfactory dysfunction in AS patients, and a minority of patients with CRS+NP and circulating eosinophils. Most AS patients do not have increased circulating eosinophils, as is often believed. These results shed further light on the association between asthma and upper respiratory tract disease in those with nasal polyposis.

Long-term quality of life after treatment in sinonasal malignancy: A prospective, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) for individuals with sinonasal malignancy (SNM) is significantly under-studied, yet it is critical for counseling and may impact treatment. In this study we evaluated how patient, treatment, and disease factors impact sinonasal-specific and generalized QOL using validated metrics in a large cohort over a 5-year posttreatment time frame. METHODS: Patients with SNM who underwent definitive treatment with curative intent were enrolled in a prospective, multisite, longitudinal observational study. QOL was assessed using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UWQOL) instruments at pretreatment baseline and multiple follow-ups through 5 years posttreatment. Multivariable modeling was used to determine demographic, disease, and treatment factors associated with disease-specific and generalized physical and social/emotional function QOL. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four patients with SNM were analyzed. All QOL indices were impaired at pretreatment baseline and improved after treatment. SNOT-22 scores improved 3 months and UWQOL scores improved 6 to 9 months posttreatment. Patients who underwent open compared with endoscopic tumor resection had worse generalized QOL (p < 0.001), adjusted for factors including T stage. Pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) involvement was associated with worse QOL (SNOT-22, p < 0.001; UWQOL Physical dimension, p = 0.02). Adjuvant radiation was associated with worse disease-specific QOL (p = 0.03). Neck dissection was associated with worse generalized physical function QOL (p = 0.01). Positive margins were associated with worse generalized social/emotional function QOL (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Disease-specific and generalized QOL is impaired at baseline in patients with SNM and improves after treatment. Endoscopic resection is associated with better QOL. PPF involvement, adjuvant radiation, neck dissection, and positive margins were associated with worse QOL posttreatment.

Ectopic pituitary adenoma of the clivus presenting with apoplexy: case report and review of the literature.

Ectopic pituitary adenomas usually occur within sphenoid sinus or nasopharynx, and seldom within the clivus. There is only a single reported example of ectopic adenoma with clinical apoplexy, albeit not from clivus. We report a 78-year-old male with known prostate carcinoma admitted with acute onset of blurred vision, suggestive of apoplexy. Work-up revealed unilateral cranial nerve VI palsy and neuroimaging showed a mass confined to the clivus; sellar region was normal. Preoperative considerations included chordoma, chondrosarcoma, or metastatic prostate carcinoma to bone. Resection was via endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to the clivus. An ectopic null cell pituitary adenoma with bland infarction was identified as the cause of the patient's clinical apoplexy. No antecedent precipitating factors for apoplexy were present; specifically the patient had not received leuprolide preoperatively, a known precipitant of pituitary apoplexy in prostate cancer patients who receive drug. We review the literature on ectopic clival pituitary adenomas, apoplexy in ectopic adenomas, and the link between apoplexy and leuprolide usage.

Variations in expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in nasal mucosa of aspirin-sensitive versus aspirin-tolerant patients with nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes responsible for extracellular matrix degradation contributing to the progressive histological changes seen in lower airway disease, including asthma. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 have also shown some role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyposis (NP). OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine variability in expression of MMP-9 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), in sinus tissue from distinct patient populations presenting with nasal polyposis. METHODS: The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was investigated in nasal polyp tissue from 6 aspirin-sensitive (AS) and 6 aspirin-tolerant (AT) patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Sinus mucosa from 6 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) was used as control. The MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression was measured using immunofluorescence technique and graded using manual and computerized methods. RESULTS: Expression of TIMP-1 was significantly reduced in the AS group when compared with both the AT and CRSsNP (control) groups (P < .001). The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly increased in the AS group when compared with other patient groups (P < .001). The MMP- 9 expression was similar between study and control groups. CONCLUSION: These results support the importance of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in nasal polyp formation. The decreased expression of TIMP-1 in AS patients may promote the effects of MMP-9 expression and thus contribute to tissue remodeling and inflammatory changes. This finding may lead to further understanding of disease severity and resistance to treatment in this group of patients, as well as the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021.

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document. METHODS: ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. RESULTS: ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided. CONCLUSION: This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Long-term outcomes after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without mucosal flap preservation.

OBJECTIVE: A growing body of evidence demonstrates that endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (eDCR) techniques provide comparable results to conventional external techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes after powered endoscopic DCR without preservation of mucosal flaps for the management of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction performed by a single surgical team. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients with epiphora secondary to acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent eDCR without mucosal flap preservation from May 2003 to April 2013 at a tertiary referral medical center. Main outcome measures were subjective improvement in epiphora and assessment of anatomic patency based on lacrimal irrigation and endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: Eighty patients (69 primary and 11 revision) totaling 103 procedures (87 primary, 16 revision) were available for analysis at a mean follow-up of 28.7 (range 6-114) months. At the most recent follow-up, 92 of 103 (89.3%) procedures had complete resolution of epiphora, and 10 of 103 procedures achieved mild intermittent epiphora. Complete resolution of epiphora was noted in 93.1% (81 of 87) of primary procedures and 68.8% (11 of 16) of revision procedures. Objective anatomic patency was confirmed in 98% (101 of 103). A revision procedure was required in 5.8% (6 of 103). CONCLUSION: Outcomes of powered eDCR without the preservation of mucosal flaps compare favorably to previously reported results in the literature. These long-term results suggest that mucosal flap preservation is not required to achieve successful outcomes with eDCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:12-17, 2020.

Drug-eluting implants in chronic rhinosinusitis: an evidence-based review with recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting implants are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A previous attempt to make an evidence-based recommendation was hindered by limited evidence and experience with these implants. Since that time, the body of literature discussing drug-eluting implants has grown rapidly. The objective of this study was to review drug-eluting implants designed for use in the sinonasal cavity through an evidence-based review with recommendations. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and gray literature databases from January 1990 through February 2019 to examine drug-eluting implants used in CRS. Benefit-harm assessments, value judgments, and recommendations were made based on the available evidence. Study exclusion criteria included studies unavailable in English and non-endoscopic sinus surgeries. All authors agreed on recommendations through an iterative process. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were included in the final analysis. Absorbable drug-eluting implants achieved a high aggregate grade of evidence (A), with a recommendation for their use to be considered in carefully selected patients. Nonabsorbable drug-eluting implants were recommended against due to minimal evidence supporting clinical efficacy. Antibiotic and alternative drug-eluting implants lack sufficient evidence for recommendations. CONCLUSION: Absorbable steroid-eluting implants are recommended for carefully selected patients with CRS. Additional research to define appropriate patient selection is needed.

Development of Chronic Sphenoid Sinusitis After Sellar Reconstruction with Medpor Porous Polyethylene Implant.

OBJECTIVE: The Medpor porous polyethylene implant is reported to be safe and effective for sellar reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). However, we have observed several cases of delayed chronic sphenoid sinusitis related to the implant. The purpose of this study is to describe the presentation and management of implant-related sphenoid sinusitis after sellar reconstruction. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent endonasal TSS with Medpor sellar reconstruction between December 2008 and January 2013 at a tertiary care institution. Patient demographics, initial surgical management, sinonasal symptoms, postoperative imaging, sinusitis management, and resulting outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2008-2013, 139 patients underwent sellar reconstruction using Medpor. Five patients (3.6%) presented between 8 and 60 months after surgery with chronic sphenoid sinusitis that required surgical management. All 5 patients presented as outpatients for management of headaches and nasal drainage, 4 patients experienced chronic nasal congestion, and 3 patients noted recurrent sinusitis. At the time of revision surgery, all 5 patients were found to have mucosal inflammation and edema surrounding the implant, and 4 of the 5 had an exposed or partially extruded implant that was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the sellar floor may be performed after TSS to prevent postoperative complications. Although porous polyethylene implants have previously been described as safe and effective for this purpose, surgeons should be aware of the risk of subsequent implant extrusion and chronic sphenoid sinusitis that can occur in a delayed manner.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR). METHODS: Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS: The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR. CONCLUSION: This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.

Total IgE levels and peripheral eosinophilia: correlation with mucosal disease based on computed tomographic imaging of the paranasal sinus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship among peripheral eosinophilia, total IgE, and paranasal sinus mucosal disease based on computed tomography (CT) of the sinus. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a large medical information database from a tertiary referral medical center. SETTING: Tertiary referral medical center specializing in respiratory disorders. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients having total IgE and peripheral eosinophil levels and sinus CT imaging available for review. Patients 18 years or older were included; subjective or objective evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis was not used as selection criteria. A total of 303 patients were found to have peripheral eosinophil levels and CT imaging for review; 288 patients had total IgE levels and CT imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate (1) the correlation between peripheral eosinophil level and CT stage of sinus disease and (2) the correlation between total IgE level and CT stage of sinus disease. The CT scans were graded using the Lund-MacKay scoring system. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between sinus CT stage and peripheral eosinophil levels (r=0.60, P<.05). Eighty-nine percent of the abnormal eosinophil counts (>550 cells/microL) were associated with CT scores higher than 12. Total IgE did not correlate with CT stage of disease (r=0.05, P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of peripheral eosinophilia indicates a high likelihood of mucosal sinus disease based on CT imaging. No correlation was noted between total IgE levels and CT stage of mucosal disease. These data support a link between eosinophilia and the presence of paranasal sinus mucosal inflammation.

Endoscopic Management of Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles: Meta-analysis of Visual Outcomes.

Objective Paranasal sinus mucoceles are benign cystic lesions originating from sinus mucosa that can impinge on adjacent orbital structures, causing ophthalmic sequelae such as decreased visual acuity. Definitive treatment requires surgery. We present the first meta-analysis quantifying the effect of preoperative visual function and time to surgery on postoperative visual acuity outcomes. Data Sources PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Methods Two independent authors systematically reviewed articles describing outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery for paranasal sinus mucoceles presenting with visual loss. Available data from case reports and series were combined to analyze the associations among preoperative visual acuity, time to surgery, and postoperative outcomes. Results Eighty-five studies were included that provided data on 207 patients. The average presenting visual acuity was 1.57 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and the average postoperative visual acuity was 0.21 logMAR, with visual improvement in 71.5% of cases. Preoperative visual acuity ≥1.52 logMAR correlated with postoperative improvement >1 logMAR ( R = 0.4887, P < .0001). A correlation was found between a time to surgery <6 days and postoperative improvement ( R = 0.297, P < .0001). Receiver operator curve analysis of these thresholds demonstrated a moderately accurate prognostic ability (area under the curve: 75.1 for preoperative visual acuity and 73.1 for time to surgery). Conclusion Visual loss resulting from paranasal sinus mucoceles is potentially reversible in most cases, even those presenting with poor vision. When possible, surgery should be performed promptly after diagnosis, but emergency surgery does not appear to be necessary for vision restoration.

Landmarks for rapid localization of the sphenopalatine foramen: A radiographic morphometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transnasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation is becoming the procedure of choice for surgical management of intractable posterior epistaxis. Landmarks for localization of the sphenopalatine foramen can assist in rapid surgical exposure of the sphenopalatine artery. OBJECTIVE: This study examined distances from easily identified endoscopic surgical landmarks to the sphenopalatine foramen. METHODS: By using computed tomography of the sinus to study radiologic anatomy in 50 adults, distances were measured between five simple endoscopic landmarks and the sphenopalatine foramen. The two-tailed t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Right- and left-sided measurements were similar. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) anteroposterior distances to the sphenopalatine foramen were the following: from the maxillary line (36.7 ± 5.5 mm), anterior head of the middle turbinate (33.8 ± 6.7 mm), basal lamella (11.8 ± 1.9 mm), and choanal arch (-9.2 ± 1.4 mm). The mean (SD) distance in the vertical dimension from the nasal floor was 26.6 ± 2.6 mm. Female patients had statistically shorter distances to the sphenopalatine foramen from the maxillary line, anterior head of the middle turbinate, choanal arch, and nasal floor. CONCLUSION: Reliable endoscopic landmarks exist in relation to consistent anatomic structures and can be used to help quickly estimate the location of the sphenopalatine foramen at the onset of the procedure.

Expression of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes in nasal polyps of aspirin-sensitive and aspirin-tolerant patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LO) enzymes in nasal polyp specimens from aspirin-sensitive (AS) and aspirin-tolerant (AT) patients. DESIGN: Immunohistochemical staining of archived tissue. Subjects Specimens from 26 patients (11 AS and 15 AT) with nasal polyps were analyzed; specimens from 4 patients were used as controls. INTERVENTIONS: Immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate the expression of the enzymes COX-1, COX-2, 5-LO, 12-LO, and 15-LO in nasal polyp tissue specimens from AS and AT patients. The results were compared with those of a control group of patients without a history of nasal polyposis or rhinosinusitis. RESULTS: Characteristic staining patterns of epithelium and submucosal glands were noted for each enzyme. Statistically significant (P<.05) differences in staining of columnar epithelium were noted for COX-1 (basal cell layer cytoplasm), COX-2 (apical cell layer cytoplasm), and 12-LO (full-thickness cytoplasm and nucleus). Increased 15-LO (full-thickness cytoplasm) expression in columnar epithelium was noted only in the AT group. Significant differences in the staining of submucosal glands were noted for COX-2 (plasma membrane and cytoplasm), 12-LO (cytoplasm), and 15-LO (cytoplasm) between control and AS patients as well as between control and AT patients (P<.05). The only significant difference noted between the AS and AT groups was cytoplasm staining for 5-LO in submucosal glands, which was greater in the AS group. No epithelial staining differences were noted between AT and AS patients. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the expression of COX and LO enzymes between patients with nasal polyps and controls, irrespective of aspirin sensitivity. With 1 exception, there were no significant differences between AS and AT groups.