Role of corticosteroids in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery--a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to systematically review the existing evidence on the role of corticosteroids in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). METHODOLOGY: Systematic search of MEDLINE (1950- 2014), EMBASE (1980-2014), metaRegister, Cochrane Library and ISI conference proceedings was carried out. RESULTS: Eighteen randomised controlled trials with 1309 patients were included. Use of local and/or systemic corticosteroids with FESS was reported in four categories; operative, anaesthesia related, post-operative outcomes and risk of recurrence. Meta-analysis for operative outcomes demonstrated that, mean operative time (MD -10.70 minutes; 95% CI -15.86, -5.55; P <0.0001) and mean estimated blood loss (MD -28.32 mls; 95% CI -40.93, -15.72; P <0.0001) was significantly lower; and surgical field quality (MD -0.81; 95% CI -1.32, -0.30; P = 0.002) was significantly better in corticosteroid group. Meta-analysis showed that post-operative endoscopic scores (SMD -0.39; 95% CI -0.60, -0.17; P = 0.0004) were significantly better in corticosteroid group compared to no corticosteroid group. There was no increase in risk of sinusitis (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.32, 1.30; P = 0.22) between use of corticosteroids and no corticosteroids; There was no significant difference in recurrence risk of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in mixed population studies (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.35, 1.70; P = 0.52) between the two groups but analysis of studies reporting on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (RR 0.64;95% CI 0.45,0.91;P=0.01) showed significant difference in favour of the corticosteroid group. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative use of local and/or systemic corticosteroids in FESS, results in significantly reduced blood loss, shorter operative time and improved surgical field quality. Studies are limited on the intra-operative use of corticosteroids to reduce postoperative pain. Postoperative corticosteroids improve postoperative endoscopic scores in CRS and recurrence rates in cases of CRSwNP.

A case of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss from Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder, with resultant bilateral sensorineural hearing loss unreported in adults. A 42-year-old man presented with 4 months of right-sided tinnitus and hearing loss treated initially as otitis media with effusion. He re-presented 5 months later with progressive bilateral hearing loss--sensorineural (>100 dB) on pure tone audiogram. CT showed bilateral petrous temporal bone and calvarial lesions. Biopsy confirmed diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chemotherapy was started. Though uncommon, Langerhans cell histiocytosis should be considered among the differentials of persistent otological symptoms, as its progressive nature can cause bilateral irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.

A rare case of breast cancer metastasising to the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic spread from non-head and neck tumours to the sinonasal region is exceedingly rare. We present a case of breast cancer metastasis to the nasopharynx, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. To date there have been only two similar cases in the literature. We discuss the diagnosis and management of such cases and propose how they may be staged. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 75-year-old woman with past medical history of breast carcinoma, presented clinically as having a primary sinonasal malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a lesion involving the spenoid and ethmoid sinuses, nasendoscopy revealed a mass in the nasopharynx. Biopsy from clinic pointed to inverted sinonasal papilloma, however this did not fit with the MRI or the clinical picture. Repeat biopsy under image guidance revealed the lesion to be a breast cancer metastasis. DISCUSSION: An extensive literature review revealed few cases of spread to the sinonasal region from distant primary malignancy. When such cases do arise, most are from renal tumours. Breast cancer metastases usually present with signs and symptoms of disseminated disease, however our case represents a true isolated metastasis. We discuss the management of our case and suggest the use of the tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) system, in order to stage these rare isolated occurrences. CONCLUSION: If discovered early, this rare manifestation may be managed by primary surgical resection. Metastases to the region may be more common than previously thought. A high index of suspicion should be employed, especially where there is past medical history of malignancy.

Occult renal cell carcinoma manifesting with epistaxis in a woman: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic disease in the sinonasal region occurs rarely and the primary site may be elusive. This case highlights the possibility of an occult renal tumor manifesting with nasal symptoms and the risk of severe bleeding following nasal biopsy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 79-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with a six-week history of intermittent left-sided nosebleeds. She was fit, without previous surgery or anticoagulation. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography showed a hemorrhagic mass occupying her left ethmoid cells and middle meatus. After a highly hemorrhagic biopsy, the lesion was histologically confirmed as clear cell carcinoma. Screening revealed a right kidney mass with widespread metastases. Palliative radiotherapy to the sinonasal metastasis and systemic treatment rendered her free of symptoms nine months after initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners and ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors are very often confronted with epistaxis. A small minority of patients with epistaxis show a primary or metastatic nasal mass. Detection of the origin of secondary sinonasal masses requires a high index of suspicion and examination of infraclavicular sites by a multidisciplinary team. Renal cell carcinoma metastases are prone to severe bleeding during any surgical intervention, therefore, preoperative embolization is recommended. Resection or radiotherapy to the sinonasal metastasis of renal origin is justified in order to prevent recurrent nosebleeds.