A review of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple anecdotal reports suggest that smell and taste loss were early subclinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients. The objective of this review was to identify the incidence of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19, determine the onset of their symptoms and the risk factors of anosmia, hyposmia, ageusia or dysgeusia for COVID-19 infection. METHODS: We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar on 15th May 2020, with search terms including SARS-COV-2, coronavirus, COVID-19, hyposmia, anosmia, ageusia and dysgeusia. The articles included were cross sectional studies, observational studies and retrospective or prospective audits, letters to editor and short communications that included a study of a cohort of patients. Case reports, case-series and interventional studies were excluded. DISCUSSION: A total of 16 studies were selected. Incidence of smell and taste dysfunction was higher in Europe (34 to 86%), North America (19 to 71%) and the Middle East (36 to 98%) when compared to the Asian cohorts (11 to 15%) in COVID-19 positive patients. Incidence of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 negative patients was low in comparison (12 to 27%). Total incidence of smell and taste dysfunction from COVID-19 positive and negative patients from seven studies was 20% and 10% respectively. Symptoms may appear just before, concomitantly, or immediately after the onset of the usual symptoms. Occurs predominantly in females. When occurring immediately after the onset of the usual symptoms, the median time of onset was 3.3 to 4.4 days. Symptoms persist for a period of seven to 14 days. Patients with smell and taste dysfunction were reported to have a six to ten-fold odds of having COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Smell and taste dysfunction has a high incidence in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The incidence was lower in the Asia region. It is a strong risk factor for COVID-19. It may be the only symptom and should be added to the list of symptoms when screening for COVID- 19.

Five cases of iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea: Early management is crucial.

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a standard treatment for rhinosinusitis, which failed optimum medical therapy. Iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea can occur during ESS warrants early repair of the leakage. The common sites for CSF leakage are cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis, and anterior ethmoid sinuses. We present five cases of iatrogenic CSF rhinorrhoea due to ESS and its management.

Quality of life and recurrence of disease in patients with eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic 1 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life (QoL) and recurrence of disease in patients with eosinophilic (ECRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (non-ECRSwNP) post endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Otorhinolaryngology - HNS Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC). Subjective assessments of nasal symptoms and quality of life (QoL) using SNOT-22 and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and objective endoscopic assessment was undertaken using a modified Hadley endoscopic examination. RESULTS: There was no significant statistical difference in the quality of life between the ECRSwNP and non-ECRSwNP groups as evidenced by the SNOT-22 score and the VAS comparison (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in terms of recurrence of disease with the presence of nasal polyps on endoscopic examination. (p = 0.016) CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that there is no significant difference in QoL between ECRSwNP and non- ECRSwNP. There is higher frequency of recurrence of nasal polyps amongst ECRSwNP.

Follicular thyroid cancer with sternal metastasis - challenges and outcomes.

Sternal metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is rare and presents a conundrum for surgeons. We present a lady diagnosed with follicular thyroid carcinoma and sternal metastasis who underwent thyroidectomy, sternectomy and sternoplasty with titanium mesh and acrylic plate. She developed a surgical site infection, of which multiple conservative approaches were attempted. She eventually required removal of the implant. Closure of sternal defect was completed with bilateral pectoralis major advancement flaps. This article highlights a series of complications faced during the course of treatment and how they were managed in a tertiary healthcare centre.

The spectrum of nasal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with the disease activity.

The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of nasal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its association with the disease activity of SLE based on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). This was a cross-sectional and observational study involving 73 stable SLE patients. All subjects were evaluated for the SLEDAI scores and had nasal endoscopic examination. The most commonly reported symptom was nasal congestion (31.5%) followed by nasal itchiness (26.0%), runny nose (20.5%) and nasal dryness (19.2%). Almost half (42.9%) of the subjects had nasal mucosal abnormalities, which included mucositis, crusting, ulceration, bifid middle turbinate, septal spur, Jacobson's organ, deviated nasal septum, bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy, everted uncinate process, nasopharynx cleft and torus palatinus. The median SLEDAI score for subjects with nasal symptoms was significantly higher than subjects without nasal symptoms (p < 0.05). Similarly, subjects with moderate to high activity (SLEDAI scores of 6-19) had a significantly higher frequency of both nasal symptoms and nasal mucosal abnormalities (p < 0.05) compared to subjects with no to mild activity (SLEDAI scores of 0-5).

Caring for the dying in a developing country, how prepared are we?

End of life care is framework to allow for a peaceful, comfortable and dignified death while considering the patients' personal and religious values, bioethics and knowledge of the disease process. A well planned end of life pathway should allow for the flexibility to shift from an active (or aggressive) treatment approach to one of comfort and care when initial interventions have failed. The need for this pathway is most apparent in the intensive care setting. Implementation of a pathway will face various challenges due to religious and cultural beliefs, education of healthcare providers to carry out difficult discussions and larger socioeconomic implications. Clear medico-legal framework will be required to support this pathway. In conclusion, an end of life pathway tailored to our local needs is the way forward in allowing for dignified death of terminally ill patients; this will require the active participation of medical societies, religious leaders, healthcare providers, patients and their care givers.

Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma mimicking an latrogenic lateral nasal wall infection: a diagnostic dilemma.

Extra nodal NK/T cell lymphoma, 'nasal type' is a rare clinicopathological entity. The prevalence of nasal lymphoma is estimated at 0.17-1.5% for all non -Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), of which 45% originate from the NK/T cell. It is more commonly encountered in Asian countries. The main clinical features are nasal congestion and epistaxis due to local aggressive destruction. It has a distinct immunophenotypic profile of CD2+, CD56+ and CD3-. The tumor often shows polymorphic lymphoreticular infiltrates and necrosis. We present a case of a 50-year-old male who presented with lateral nasal wall infection following endoscopic sinonasal surgery and later proven to be extranodal NK/T cell 'nasal type' lymphoma with immunophenotypic features.

The association of concha bullosa and deviated nasal septum with chronic rhinosinusitis in functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains a prevalent disease and a major cause of morbidity for many patients and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the gold standard for the treatment of CRS. Many factors contribute to the development of CRS, among others nasal anatomic variation. The authors aim to study the association of concha bullosa and deviated nasal septum with CRS patients requiring FESS amongst the diversified multiethnic Malaysian race. The records of 137 patients with CRS who had undergone FESS between March 2002 and October 2006 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Kuala Lumpur were retrospectively reviewed. The data revealed that deviated nasal septum (DNS) and concha bullosa (CB) were the two commonest anatomical variations in the nasal cavity. In this study, CB was statistically significant amongst the females and in the Chinese and Indian ethnic groups. DNS is also prevalent but has no significant statistical relationship with sex, age, ethnic group in the local context. CB and DNS are coincidental variations and this study disprove that DNS is associated with CB in its development and pathogenesis of CRS. The mere presence of both these conditions also does not predispose the patients to CRS in the adjacent paranasal sinuses.

A ten year retrospective review of orbital complications secondary to acute sinusitis in children.

Acute sinusitis is most often a mild self-limiting disease. However, it may progress into severe and life threatening complications. One of the commonest being orbital complication of which visual loss is a direct consequence. In this 10 year retrospective study, the nature of orbital complication, clinical presentation and treatment modalities and outcome seen in children with acute sinusitis in a tertiary referral institute were reviewed. Of six patients, there was a case of preseptal cellulitis, 4 cases of subperiosteal abscess and one case of orbital abscess. Periorbital swelling was a common presenting feature. In 5 cases this was associated with proptosis with one case of impending optic nerve compression. The value of computed tomography and opthalmological examination as a component in the management plan is highlighted. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics but evidence of abscess collection warranted urgent surgical drainage in 5 patients, 3 being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for the remaining 2 patients. Thus a child exhibiting orbital complication of acute sinusitis, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child.

The Nasal Hemangioma.

Hemangioma is a disease of head and neck commonly, but its presence in the nasal cavity or sinus is rare. It is a form of benign tumour of vascular origin consisting of predominantly blood vessels. It can be categorized into capillary, cavernous and mixed type in accordance to its histopathology features. Retrospectively, we reviewed five cases of nasal hemangioma presenting at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) between September 2007 and May 2015. Information on the patients age, gender, ethnicity, clinical symptoms, imaging findings (if available), treatment modalities were collected retrospectively for analysis. Five patients were analysed. Females were more affected than male with ratio of 4:1. All patients presented with unilateral lobular capillary hemangioma of the nasal cavity with 60 % (3/5) of the lesions on the right side and 40 % (2/5) on the left side. The common symptoms at presentation were epitaxis and nasal obstruction (5/5, 100 %), followed by rhinorrhea (3/5, 60 %) and facial pain (1/5, 20 %). All the patients underwent a surgical excision of the hemangioma. The five patients had no recurrence on subsequent follow ups. Computed tomography of paranasal sinuses can be performed to exclude bony erosions. Endoscopic sinus haemangioma excision provide good visualisation and better outcomes. In conclusion, nasal hemangioma should always be differential diagnosis for nasal lesions and surgical excision is still the preferred first line treatment.

Inhaled Foreign Body Impaction: A Review of Literature in Malaysian Children.

Foreign body aspiration in children is a problem that can lead to several complications, including death. In this retrospective publication review from 1970 to 2015, there were altogether 42 Malaysian children below the age of 15 y reported with foreign body (FB) ingestion. There were 31 boys and 11 girls between 2 and 177 mo of age. The incidence of FB ingestion in children varied with dietary practices. Peanut was the most common food-related substance inhaled followed by watermelon seed and coconut kernel. The most common non-food related substances were metal objects (toys, springs, hair clips) and plastic objects (ballpoint tips, pencil caps and whistles). Successful removal of FB by bronchoscopy is achieved in the vast majority of cases except for a case of impacted whistle inhalation and a neglected laryngeal FB which required a tracheostomy. One child required thoracotomy for the removal of a peanut in the right bronchus. The incidence of food-related substance inhalation was more common than non-food related substance (30:7). From this review, the key messages are two: first, prevention can be achieved by educating parents not to allow access to small objects or dangerous foods to children below 3 y age; Second, emergency first aid home measures, in the combination form of back blows in the head down position and chest or abdominal thrusts, should be early performed according to the pediatric age group and can be quite effective.

Graft selection in rinoplasty: indications and limitations.

The nasal profile and skin thickness in the Caucasian Indian vary from the Oriental Chinese or Malay noses. Reduction rhinoplasty is more common in the Caucasian Indian noses whereas augmentation rhinoplasty is more common in the Oriental Chinese or Malay noses. Graft selection remains the greatest challenge for surgeons performing rhinoplasty. However, the preferred choice as far as possible for nasal reconstruction would be autografts as compared to allografts due to their lower rate of infection, extrusion and they do not induce an immune response. We have evaluated 40 patients and compared our experience with the grafts available over a period of 46 months.

Transoral endoscopic adenoidectomy: initial experience.

Adenoidectomy is a common ENT procedure performed in hospitals in Malaysia. Adenoidectomy is indicated in patients with recurrent adenoiditis, nasal obstruction or sleep apnoea secondary to adenoid hypertrophy when conservative management has failed. Over the years, there are advances in the techniques of adenoidectomy, from the conventional transoral to endoscopic transnasal/transoral adenoidectomy. The purpose of this article is to describe the technique and emphasize the advantages of this procedure to that of the conventional technique.

Triple primary cancers of the larynx, lung and thyroid presenting in one patient.

Patients with multiple malignant primary tumours are often described, based on their chronology of presentation, as simultaneous, synchronous or metachronous tumours. Lung malignancies presenting in association with head and neck tumours are well documented while there have been small series of thyroid synchronous cancers presenting with laryngeal lesions in literature. No cases, to our knowledge, have been reported in literature of a single patient with all three laryngeal, lung and thyroid malignancies. We report one such case of a 71-year-old Chinese man who had undergone a total laryngectomy for a recurrent cancer of the larynx only to be found to have tumours of the lung and thyroid in the post-operative period and he eventually died of post-operative complications. We also discuss screening for lung and thyroid malignancies in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Correlation of computed tomography and nasal endoscopic findings in chronic rhinosinusitis.

This is a cross sectional study of 40 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis using the Lanza Kennedy diagnostic criteria based on nasal endoscopy (NE), and on computer tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and limitations of CT, and NE in the assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis. This study shows that CT was superior in detecting OMC involvement, presence of concha bullosa, paradoxical turbinate and nasal septal deviation. NE was better at detecting polyps.

Empty Nose Syndrome post radical turbinate surgery.

Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) is a rare and controversial sequelae from previous radical turbinate surgery. We report on a 50-year-old Chinese gentleman with long-standing nasal problems who has had radical turbinate surgery many years prior to presenting at the ENT clinic with mucoid nasal discharge and chronically blocked nose. His nasal cavities were ironically very patent and there were only minor remnants of his turbinates bilaterally. We treated him medically for several years with nasal steroids, antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists and his nasal symptoms have reduced significantly.

Observation of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea to body mass index: a preliminary report.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine whether there is a correlation among overweight, gender and the risk of development of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea. The clinical data of eight patients diagnosed with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea who had been treated at our tertiary referral centre between 1998 and 2007 were assessed. Demographically, seven patients were female and one male with ages ranging from 14 to 53 years with a mean age of 43.6 years. This observation revealed that all patients were overweight with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32.5 kg/m2. This study suggests that there is a trend of increasing BMI to the risk of developing a spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea.

Open septorhinoplasty: operative technique and grafts.

In this case series, the senior author details his series of patients who had undergone open septorhinoplasty for functional and/or aesthetic purposes in the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Kuala Lumpur between January 2003 and September 2005. There were 23 patients, consisting of 15 men and 8 women from different Malaysian ethnic groups. Discussion on open septorhinoplasty with regards to operative technique, grafts and implants is presented from an otorhinolaryngologist's point of view.

Endoscopic-assisted craniofacial resection: a case series and post-operative outcome.

Craniofacial resection is commonly performed in the surgical resection of sinonasal tumours involving anterior skull base. It entails a bicoronal scalp flap with lateral rhinotomy or an extended lateral rhinotomy to expose the anterior skull base. Transfacial approach is necessary in the resection of the nasal part of the tumour. The choice of surgical approach is based heavily on the surgeon's experience and training. The results of endoscopic-assisted craniofacial resection for sinonasal tumours performed in our center in eight patients from 1998 to 2005 were reviewed. There were seven males and one female with age ranging from 18 to 62 years (mean 42.4 years). There was each a case of mature teratoma, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, inverted papilloma and two cases of sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma. The mean follow up duration for these eight patients post surgery was 21.4 months. Out of eight patients, five underwent surgery with no adverse complications. The complications encountered were a cerebrospinal leak and a postoperative transient V and VI cranial nerve palsy. One patient with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma died of lung metastasis at 11 months post-surgery. The endoscopic-assisted craniofacial resection is a highly useful surgical technique to avoid the unsightly facial scar of the lateral rhinotomy or the Weber-Ferguson incision, postoperative paranasal sinuses infection and avoidance of tracheostomy in selected cases. We found that this approach has lower morbidity rate in selected cases.

Acquired nasal posterior choanal atresia: postradiotherapy.

Reported cases of acquired posterior choanal atresia are very few in the English literature. A case of acquired posterior choanal atresia post radiotherapy is reported which was treated by endonasal endoscopic repair using microdebrider with untoward effect.