Endoscopic Management of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula Caused by Clival Defect.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is that the fluid in subarachnoid space leaks into the nasal passage in any way as a transparent discharge. Cerebrospinal fluid fistulas generally develop as secondary to trauma. Only 3% of CSF fistulas develop spontaneously. Spontaneous CSF fistulas are mostly originated from ethmoid roof and cribriform plate; however, the development of spontaneous CSF fistula due to defect in clivus is very rare. To our knowledge, till date only 13 patients with spontaneous CSF fistulae due to Clivus defect have been reported in English literature. In this clinical report, the authors aimed to contribute to the literature by reporting a 56-year-old patient who has been treated in our clinic with spontaneous CSF fistula due to clivus defect.

The relationships between the clinical and polysomnographic findings and the olfactory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the clinical and polysomnographic findings and the olfactory test results in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Four groups were established: non-snoring controls (group 1), non-apneic snorers (group 2), mild-moderate OSAS (group 3), and severe OSAS (group 4). The polysomnographic findings, otorhinolaryngologic findings, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test results of the four groups were compared. The relationships between the clinical data and the olfactory parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Group 4 had the worst odor identification and discrimination scores. Non-apneic snorers also had worse odor parameters compared with the non-snorer controls. A significant negative correlation was found among the ESS, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), mean arterial oxygen saturation, and odor identification and discrimination. Significant negative correlations were found between the tongue and tongue base sizes and among all olfactory parameters. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed olfactory dysfunction in patients with OSAS. A strong negative correlation between the olfactory parameters and the severity of sleep apnea was also found. Olfactory tests may be used to predict the presence and severity of OSAS in the future.

After myringotomy, can topical Mesna application be an alternative method to ventilation tube application?

Sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (Mesna) is a mucolytic substance that is also used for chemically assisted tissue dissection in otological surgery. We investigated the effects of Mesna as a chemical agent on the closing time of perforation of the eardrum in an experimental animal model. We performed simple myringotomy with a knife on 44 tympanic membranes of 22 rats. Four rats were excluded from the study because of serosity in their ears. Rats were divided into two study groups and a control group. These groups were the Mesna-administered group (Group A) (8 rats, 15 tympanic membranes), the saline-administered group (Group B) (8 rats, 14 tympanic membranes) and the control (native) group (6 rats, 11 tympanic membranes) (Group C). We applied Mesna locally for 20 min following myringotomy. Examination was made with an otoendoscope on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, and patency rates were recorded. According to our results, we found that the closing time of the tympanic membrane was significantly longer in the Mesna group than in the saline administrated and native group. After myringotomy procedure, the application of a single dose of Mesna may contribute to the recovery duration of middle-ear pathologies by delaying the closing time of tympanic membrane perforation. However, Mesna cannot be an alternative method for the application of ventilation tubes.

Endoscopic removal of giant intranasal schwannoma.

Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm originating from schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Although nearly half of all schwannomas involve the head and neck region, nasal and paranasal sinus presentations are very rare in the literature. We present a case of nasal schwannoma originating from the right nasal cavity. A 59-year-old man presented with complaints of progressive right nasal obstruction and headache. Endoscopic examinations revealed a mass that filled the right middle meatus. At first glance, it was not like polyp tissue. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed under general anesthesia, and the mass was completely removed.

Closure of the frontal sinus ostium by a block of bone: unexpected cause of frontal mucocele.

Mucoceles are benign, slow-growing lesions. Frontal sinus mucoceles are caused by the obstruction of the sinus ostium and seromucous secretions fill the inside of the cyst. The size of the cyst and the destroyed sinus walls gradually expands. Cystic mass can lead to orbital or intracranial complications when it overflows beyond the boundaries of the sinus. In this manuscript, we presented an unexpected cause of frontal mucocele in which the closure of the frontal sinus ostium is caused by a block of bone. A case of orbital complications is presented.

Analysis of the protective biochemical and pathologic effects of aminoguanidine on an experimental aspiration pneumonitis model induced by bile acids.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common clinical pathology detected in childhood. Bile acids (BAs) are present in reflux and cause various pathologies in the esophagus, the larynx, and the lungs. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to show if aminoguanidine (AG) contributes to the biochemical and histopathologic treatment of experimental aspiration pneumonitis induced by BAs. METHODS: Twenty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were used. There were 4 groups in the study: (1) group aspirated with 0.9% saline (n = 7), (2) group aspirated with 0.9% saline and treated with AG (n = 7), (3) group aspirated with a solution of 10 mg/kg taurocholic acid and 5 mg/kg taurochenodeoxycholate (n = 7), and (4) group aspirated with BA and treated with AG (n = 7). The saline and BA solutions were administered as 1 mL/kg intratracheally. The AG was administered intraperitoneally twice a day at a 150 mg/kg dose for 7 days. The different histopathologic and biochemical parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Clara cell protein 16 and malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly higher in the BA group than in the group where saline was administered; however, they were significantly lower in the BA + AG group than in the BA group. The total superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly in the BA group compared with the group where saline was administered. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the BA + AG group when compared with the group where only BA was administered. When the group where BA was administered solely was compared with the group where saline was administered, peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal infiltration, alveolar histiocytes, interstitial fibrosis, and granuloma were significantly higher in the BA group than in the saline group. When the BA + AG group was compared with the BA group, peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal infiltration, alveolar histiocytes, interstitial fibrosis, and granuloma were found to be significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidant stress increases and antioxidant capacity decreases in pneumonitis induced by BAs. AG administration as an antioxidant helps in recovery, both biochemically and histopathologically. Consequently, AG seems to be an alternative that should be considered in a conservative approach to treating aspiration pneumonitis.

Hemangiopericytoma like tumor of the nasal cavity: a case report.

Sinonasal hemangiopericytoma originates from vascular pericytes. It may arise in any part of the body but it is an uncommon vascular tumor in the nose. It can show benign or malignant histologic features. Sinonasal hemangiopericytoma like tumor is important as it is recognized as a special variant of hemangiopericytoma. In this article, we present a 65-year-old male patient with hemangiopericytoma like tumor of the nasal cavity.

Treatment-failure tularemia in children.

PURPOSE: Tularemia is an infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Its diagnosis and treatment may be difficult in many cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment modalities for pediatric tularemia patients who do not respond to medical treatment. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was performed. A total of 19 children with oropharyngeal tularemia were included. RESULTS: Before diagnosis, the duration of symptoms in patients was 32.15±17.8 days. The most common lymph node localization was the cervical chain. All patients received medical treatment (e.g., streptomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline). Patients who had been given streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline as initial therapy for 10-14 days showed no response to treatment, and recovery was only achieved after administration of oral ciprofloxacin. Response to treatment was delayed in 5 patients who had been given ciprofloxacin as initial therapy. Surgical incision and drainage were performed in 9 patients (47.5%) who were unresponsive to medical treatment and were experiencing abcess formation and suppuration. Five patients (26.3%) underwent total mass excision, and 2 patients (10.5%) underwent fine-needle aspiration to reach a conclusive differential diagnosis and inform treatment. CONCLUSION: The causes of treatment failure in tularemia include delay in effective treatment and the development of suppurating lymph nodes.

Persistent lingual paresthesia caused by a displaced tooth fragment: a case report and literature review.

Accidental displacement of the third molar tooth or its fragment into the anatomical spaces is a rare but potentially serious complication. The most common sites of mandibular third molar displacement are the sublingual, submandibular, and pterygomandibular spaces. Removal of a displaced tooth or its fragments from these spaces may be difficult due to poor access and the vital structures involved in these spaces; therefore, removal may result in permanent damage. This article is intended to provide a concise update of the reported cases of submandibular displacement and to present a case of intraoral management of mandibular third molar root fragments that were displaced into the submandibular space.

[A rare cause of analgesic-resistant chronic headache: Isolated aspergilloma of the sphenoid sinus]. / Analjeziklere dirençli kronik bas agrisinin nadir bir nedeni: Izole sfenoid sinüs aspergillomasi.

The diagnosis of sphenoid sinus diseases is difficult due to nonspecific history and physical examination findings. Sphenoid sinus is a rare localization for aspergilloma. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in serious complications. Presently described is case of sphenoid sinus aspergilloma. Patient had been treated by department of psychiatry for many years due to sleep disturbances and headache. Clinical and radiological features of rare case of sphenoid sinus aspergilloma are discussed.

Evaluation of olfactory function in Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing type of vasculitis of unknown etiology and is characterized by oral and urogenital ulcers and ocular inflammation with cutaneous, musculoskeletal, vascular, and nervous system manifestations. Few cases involving the nasal mucosa have been reported in the literature, and the true prevalence of BD remains unknown. Neurological involvement associated with BD might play a more important role in causing olfactory dysfunction than mucosal involvement, but sufficient clinical data are not available on the effect of BD on olfaction in adults. We therefore evaluated the olfactory function of patients diagnosed with BD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were chosen from among a consecutive patient group population who visited the internal medicine rheumatology polyclinic and otolaryngology departments of Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital. A total of 50 patients (both males and females) aged 18 to 60 years with a diagnosis of BD and 46 healthy controls (matched to the study group in terms of age and gender) were included. BD was diagnosed based on the criteria defined by the International Study Group for BD. A complete clinical history was taken for and a physical examination was performed in all participants. Patients with other rheumatic diseases; obstructive nasal pathologies leading to conductive-type olfactory dysfunction (e.g., septum deviation or nasal polyp); advanced systemic disease (e.g., hypertension or malignancy); a history of antithyroid, antihistamine, antidepressant, or steroid medication use within the past month; or who were current smokers, had an active upper respiratory infection, or had a history of otolaryngologic operations were excluded. The results of the "Sniffin' Sticks" (SS) olfactory test were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the 50 BD patients was 35.3±10 years; that of the 46 health controls was 36.9±11 years. There was no significant group difference in age or gender distribution (p>0.05). Odor identification and overall scores were significantly lower in the BD group than in the control group. There were no significant differences in odor discrimination scores between the BD and control groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate olfactory function in patients diagnosed with BD using the SS test. Odor identification was more impaired in BD patients than in healthy controls, but there was no group difference in odor discrimination. BD patients should also be assessed for the involvement of olfactory function and may require treatment due to a malfunction of the olfactory system that affects the quality of life.

A Possible Cause of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Narrow Angle Between Inferior Turbinate and Upper Part of the Medial Wall of the Maxillary Sinus.

BACKGROUND: To search the relationships between the primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the angle between the bony inferior turbinate and upper part of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Computed tomography findings of 35 patients with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and 100 sides of 50 individuals were reviewed. While the study group was composed of patients who had external dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, the control group was composed of patients who had CT scans due to headache, sinusitis and smell dysfunction. Epiphora complaint was evaluated with the lacrimal syringing. The exclusion criteria were: age less than 20 years, previous nose, sinus, turbinate or lacrimal surgery, prior history of maxillofacial fracture, nasopharyngeal malignancy, reflex hypersecretion, and associated pathology of the lacrimal canaliculi. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The angle of inferior turbinate. RESULTS: The mean angles were 53.2° (range, 37.9-82.9°) for affected side of the study group, 58.6° (range, 32-85.3°) for the unaffected side of the study group and 56.8° (range, 41.2-76.9°) in the control group. The difference between the angles was statistically significant between the study and the control groups (p < 0.05). The difference between the operated and non-operated sides of the study group was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although this study was performed in a small group, we thought that the narrow angle between the bony inferior turbinate and upper part of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus might be a possible causative factor in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstructions.

Evaluation of olfactory function in children with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: Allergic rhinitis (AR) occurs when the symptoms of rhinitis arise as a result of allergen-induced nasal mucosal inflammation. In the presence of rhinitis symptoms without infection or an allergic reaction in the nose, non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) is considered. Adults with these diseases have increased frequency of olfactory dysfunction. The aim of the present study is to assess olfactory function in children with AR and NAR. METHODS: A total of 77 children (aged six to 18 years) with AR and NAR were included in the study. The control group consisted of 45 healthy children. Sniffin' Sticks test was applied to both groups. The association between odor scores and demographic, clinical, and laboratory results was investigated. RESULTS: Forty two patients had allergic rhinitis. No significant difference was observed between patients with rhinitis and healthy controls with respect to odor scores. No association was observed between odor scores and the severity of rhinitis and the laboratory results of the patient groups. Odor identification and total odor scores of the patients with rhinitis lasting for longer than three years were significantly lower than those in the patient group with rhinitis lasting for one to three years. In the AR and control groups, the odor scores were found to increase with age. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with healthy children, children with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis were not found to have reduced olfactory function. The duration of rhinitis may be associated with the olfactory dysfunction in children with rhinitis.

Evaluation of olfactory function in adults with primary hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient clinical data are not available on the effect of hypothyroidism on olfactory function in adults. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the olfactory function of adult patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. METHODS: Forty-five patients aged between 18 and 60 years who were diagnosed with clinical primary hypothyroidism and 45 healthy controls who had normal thyroid function tests were included in the study. Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test results of the 2 groups were compared. The relationships between thyroid function tests and olfactory parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Odor threshold, identification, and discrimination scores of the hypothyroid group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was detected between free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels and odor threshold, identification, and discrimination scores (p < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or free thyroxine (FT4) levels and olfactory parameters. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed diminished olfactory function in adults with hypothyroidism. FT3 levels were found to have a more significant relationship with olfactory parameters than TSH or FT4 levels.

The therapeutic effects of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drug quercetin on aspiration-induced lung injury in rats.

Aspiration pneumonitis refers to acute chemical lung injury caused by aspiration of sterile gastric contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of quercetin (QC) in acid aspiration-induced lung injury in rats. Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into the following groups (n = 7): sham (aspirated normal saline, S), hydrochloric acid (aspirated HCl), S plus treatment with QC (S + QC), and HCl plus treatment with QC (HCl + QC). After aspiration, the treatment groups received QC 60 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally once a day for 7 days. As a result of acid aspiration, an increase was observed in the levels of serum clara cell protein-16 (CC-16) and advanced oxidation protein products, whereas there was a decrease in serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels. There was a significant decrease in peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal infiltration, alveolar edema, and alveolar exudate scores, except in the alveolar histiocytes in the HCl + QC group. The expression of nitric oxide synthase, which increased after aspiration in the HCl group, showed a statistically significant decrease after the QC treatment. After the treatment with QC, an increase in the serum SOD level was observed, whereas a significant decrease was determined in the serum CC-16 level relative to that of the aspiration group (HCl). The antioxidant QC is effective in the treatment of lung injury following acid aspiration and can be used as a serum CC-16 biomarker in predicting the severity of oxidative lung injury.

Peripheral Osteoma of Mandibular Angulus: Analysis of the Literature and Report of a New Case / Osteoma periférico del ángulo mandibular: Análisis de la literatura e informe de un nuevo caso

Abstract Osteoma is a benign osteogenic neoplasm originating from the continuous proliferation of compact and/or cancellous mature bone. The tumor can be classified as peripheral, central or extra-skeletal regarding location and it commonly seen in the cranio-facial region especially at the skull and paranasal sinuses. The exact etiology of the tumor is still controversial; however, it is considered that infection, trauma, muscle activity contributes the occurrence of the tumor. Due to the slow growing nature of osteoma, it is coincidentally detected on radiographs or when the tumor reaches a large size enough to trigger symptoms and cause facial disfigurement. Although mainly detected in the craniofacial bones, osteomas are rarely located in the jaw bones. The purpose of this review, is to present the diagnosis and treatment plan of a peripheral osteoma in the mandibular angulus region of an 8-year-old boy together with a review of published cases of peripheral osteomas of mandibular angulus.

Resumen El osteoma es una neoplasia osteogénica benigna que se origina de la proliferación continua de hueso maduro compacto y/o esponjoso. El tumor se puede clasificar como periférico, central o extraesquelético con respecto a la ubicación y se ve comúnmente en la región craneofacial, especialmente en el cráneo y los senos paranasales. La etiología exacta del tumor sigue siendo controvertida; sin embargo, se considera que la infección, el trauma y la actividad muscular contribuyen a la aparición del tumor. Debido a la naturaleza de crecimiento lento del osteoma, se detecta casualmente en las radiografías o cuando el tumor alcanza un tamaño grande lo suficiente como para desencadenar síntomas y causar desfiguración facial. Aunque se detecta principalmente en los huesos craneofaciales, los osteomas rara vez se localizan en los huesos de la mandíbula. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar el diagnóstico y el plan de tratamiento de un osteoma periférico en la región angular mandibular de un niño de 8 años junto con una revisión de casos publicados de osteomas periféricos de angulación mandibular.

Mean platelet volume: is it a predictive parameter in the diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

The mean platelet volume (MPV) is associated with increased platelet reactivity and increased atherothrombosis. High MPV values are a risk factor for thrombotic vascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate whether a relationship exists between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) and a high MPV value. The records of 46 patients who were admitted to the ENT (ear nose throat) ward for SSHL and received medical treatment and 46 patients in a control group were retrospectively screened. The correlation among the levels of the MPV, the number of platelets, and SSHL were evaluated in the two groups. The ages, genders, and the platelet count values of the patients showed a normal distribution in both groups. No significant difference was found for the MPV values between the groups. The MPV is not a predictive parameter in the diagnosis of SSHL.

Correlation of symptoms with total IgE and specific IgE levels in patients presenting with allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation of symptoms in patients with presumed allergic rhinitis on the basis of their medical history and physical examination with the levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE, and to question the necessity of these tests in diagnosis. METHODS: The records of 295 patients, who had at least two complaints of nasal itching, nasal obstruction, runny discharge and sneezing, and/or presumed as allergic rhinitis on physical examination findings were retrospectively screened. The correlation between the levels of IgE, specific inhalant IgE, and food-specific serum IgE were evaluated in these patients. RESULTS: A total of 70 cases (23.7%) were determined to have a total value of IgE under 20 U/ml, 113 cases (38.3%) with IgE values between 20 U/ml and 100 U/ml, and 100 cases with IgE values above 100 U/ml. Results of total IgE could not be obtained in 12 (4.06%) patients. Dermatophagoides farinae was the most common allergy in this group with 74 (68.5%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of IgE in allergic rhinitis is a supportive method. However, it cannot be recommended for routine use because of the time loss and high cost.