ChatGPT's adherence to otolaryngology clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Large language models, including ChatGPT, has the potential to transform the way we approach medical knowledge, yet accuracy in clinical topics is critical. Here we assessed ChatGPT's performance in adhering to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines. METHODS: We presented ChatGPT with 24 clinical otolaryngology questions based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. This was done three times (N = 72) to test the model's consistency. Two otolaryngologists evaluated the responses for accuracy and relevance to the guidelines. Cohen's Kappa was used to measure evaluator agreement, and Cronbach's alpha assessed the consistency of ChatGPT's responses. RESULTS: The study revealed mixed results; 59.7% (43/72) of ChatGPT's responses were highly accurate, while only 2.8% (2/72) directly contradicted the guidelines. The model showed 100% accuracy in Head and Neck, but lower accuracy in Rhinology and Otology/Neurotology (66%), Laryngology (50%), and Pediatrics (8%). The model's responses were consistent in 17/24 (70.8%), with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.87, indicating a reasonable consistency across tests. CONCLUSIONS: Using a guideline-based set of structured questions, ChatGPT demonstrates consistency but variable accuracy in otolaryngology. Its lower performance in some areas, especially Pediatrics, suggests that further rigorous evaluation is needed before considering real-world clinical use.

Deep learning in voice analysis for diagnosing vocal cord pathologies: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: With smartphones and wearable devices becoming ubiquitous, they offer an opportunity for large-scale voice sampling. This systematic review explores the application of deep learning models for the automated analysis of voice samples to detect vocal cord pathologies. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases for original publications on deep learning applications for diagnosing vocal cord pathologies between 2002 and 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). RESULTS: Out of the 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria, data from a total of 3037 patients were analyzed. All studies were retrospective. Deep learning applications targeted Reinke's edema, nodules, polyps, cysts, unilateral cord paralysis, and vocal fold cancer detection. Most pathologies had detection accuracy above 90%. Thirteen studies (93%) exhibited a high risk of bias and concerns about applicability. CONCLUSIONS: Technology holds promise for enhancing the screening and diagnosis of vocal cord pathologies. While current research is limited, the presented studies offer proof of concept for developing larger-scale solutions.

Advancing Medical Practice with Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT in Healthcare.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) have led to the development of language models such as ChatGPT. These models have the potential to transform healthcare and medical research. However, understanding their applications and limitations is essential. OBJECTIVES: To present a view of ChatGPT research and to critically assess ChatGPT's role in medical writing and clinical environments. METHODS: We performed a literature review via the PubMed search engine from 20 November 2022, to 23 April 2023. The search terms included ChatGPT, OpenAI, and large language models. We included studies that focused on ChatGPT, explored its use or implications in medicine, and were original research articles. The selected studies were analyzed considering study design, NLP tasks, main findings, and limitations. RESULTS: Our study included 27 articles that examined ChatGPT's performance in various tasks and medical fields. These studies covered knowledge assessment, writing, and analysis tasks. While ChatGPT was found to be useful in tasks such as generating research ideas, aiding clinical reasoning, and streamlining workflows, limitations were also identified. These limitations included inaccuracies, inconsistencies, fictitious information, and limited knowledge, highlighting the need for further improvements. CONCLUSIONS: The review underscores ChatGPT's potential in various medical applications. Yet, it also points to limitations that require careful human oversight and responsible use to improve patient care, education, and decision-making.

Comparison of lateral neck X-ray to neck CT in patients with suspicious bone impaction: "Old habits die hard".

OBJECTIVE: Bone impaction (BI) is a common cause for emergency room visits. Among foreign bodies, fish bone is considered the most common. The sensitivity of symptoms in predicting BI is relatively low, making imaging a central tool to aid diagnosis. Current imaging practices include both neck plain film radiography and none-contrast CT scans of the neck. We evaluated the accuracy of neck plain film radiography and CT scans of the neck for the diagnosis of BI. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who presented to the emergency room between 2009 and 2016 with a suspicious history of BI whom underwent plain film neck radiography or CT. All Images were reviewed by two neuro-radiologist blinded to the clinical symptoms and findings. Symptoms, clinical findings and images results were compared to the final diagnosis. RESULTS: 89 patients (30.7%), out of 290 patients who presented with complaints of BI, were diagnosed with BI. Mean age was 44.7 years old. Plain film neck radiography failed to predict BI (sen. 14.4%, spe 89.8% accuracy 63.2%), neck CT has an improved accuracy and sensitivity in locating BI (sen. 83.3%, spe. 94.1% accuracy 92.5%). Interobserver agreement between the two neuro-radiologists was moderate (0.46) and substantial (0.77) in neck radiography and CT images, respectively. Neck radiography missed 60 (out of 61) oropharyngeal BI's. CONCLUSION: Neck radiography has high inter-observer variability and low sensitivity for the diagnosis of BI. Neck CT should be the first imaging modality in patients with suspicious complaints for BI and negative physical exam.

Anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation, thrombocytopenia and hematological malignancy.

Managing anticoagulation in hematological malignancy patients with atrial fibrillation and thrombocytopenia is a clinical challenge with limited data. We aimed to identify anticoagulation management strategies and evaluate bleeding and thrombosis rates associated with each approach. A retrospective cohort study in Israel and the Netherlands was conducted. Patients with hematological malignancy and atrial fibrillation were indexed when platelets were < 50 × 109/L and followed for 30 days. The cohort included 61 patients of whom 42 (69%) had anticoagulation held at index. On multivariate analysis, holding anticoagulation was associated with age < 65 years and atrial fibrillation diagnosed within 30 days prior index. Clinically relevant bleeding was diagnosed in 7 (16.7%) and 1 (5.3%) of patients who had anticoagulation held and continued respectively, while arterial thromboembolism occurred in 1 patient in each group (2.4% and 5.3%, respectively). All-cause mortality rate was high at 45%. Accordingly, the 30-day bleeding risk may outweigh the risk of arterial thromboembolism in hematological malignancy, platelets < 50 × 109/L and atrial fibrillation.

Early vs. late tracheostomy in ventilated COVID-19 patients - A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on ventilated COVID-19 patients, yet the appropriate timing for operating is controversial. OBJECTIVES: Assessing the effect of early tracheostomy on mortality and decannulation; elucidating changes in ventilation parameters, vasopressors and sedatives dosages immediately following the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 38 ventilated COVID-19 patients, 19 of them (50%) underwent tracheostomy within 7 days of intubation (early tracheostomy group) and the rest underwent tracheostomy after 8 days or more (late tracheostomy group). RESULTS: Decannulation rates were significantly higher while mortality rates were non-significantly lower in the early tracheostomy group compared with the late tracheostomy group (58% vs 21% p < 0.05; 42% vs 74% p = 0.1, respectively). Tidal volume increased (446 ml vs 483 ml; p = 0.02) while PEEP (13 cmH20 vs 11.6 cmH2O, p = 0.04) decreased at the immediate time following the procedure. No staff member participating in the procedures was infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. CONCLUSION: Early tracheostomy might offer improved outcomes with higher decannulation rates and lower mortality rates in ventilated COVID-19 patients, yet larger scale studies are needed. Most likely, early exposure to COVID-19 patients with appropriate personal protective equipment during open tracheostomy does not put the surgical team at risk.

Low rates of airway intervention in adult supraglottitis: A case series and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Acute supraglottitis (SG) can potentially lead to rapid airway obstruction. The last few decades have witnessed a shift towards a more conservative approach in airway management of adult SG. This study aims to evaluate this watchful approach based on a large case series combined with a high-level meta-analysis of all reports in the English literature. METHODS: Retrospective case series and meta-analysis. The medical records of all adult patients diagnosed as having SG who were hospitalized in a large-volume tertiary referral center between January 2007 and December 2018 were reviewed. A meta-analysis was conducted on all English literature published between 1990 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients (median age 49.1 years, 132 males), were admitted due to acute SG during the study period. No airway intervention was required in 228 patients (97.9%). Five patients (2.1%) required preventive intubation, and two of them (0.9%) were later surgically converted to a tracheotomy. Patients who required airway intervention had higher rates of diabetes (P = .001), cardiovascular diseases (P = .036) and other comorbidities (P = .022). There was no mortality. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall intubation rates random effects model was 8.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6%-14.0%] and that the tracheotomy random effects model was 2.2% (95% CI; 0.5%-4.8%). The overall mortality rate was 0.89%. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of low rates of surgical airway intervention in patients diagnosed with SG worldwide. A conservative approach in adult SG is safe and should be advocated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Thrombosis, anticoagulation and outcomes in malignant superior vena cava syndrome.

Anticoagulation is often used in superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) associated with cancer (i.e malignant SVCS), even without thrombosis, but its effect on outcomes has not been reported. We aimed to determine factors and outcomes associated with thrombosis and anticoagulation in malignant SVCS. Patients with malignant SVCS diagnosed on computerized tomography (CT) were retrospectively included, indexed at diagnosis and followed for 6 months using medical records. The cohort included 183 patients with malignant SVCS of which 153 (84%) were symptomatic. Thirty of the 127 patients (24%) with a reviewable baseline CT had thrombosis of the SVC or tributaries at diagnosis. Patients with baseline thrombosis more often had symptomatic SVCS (p < 0.01). 70% (21/30) of patients with thrombosis and 52% (49/97) of those without thrombosis at baseline received anticoagulation, most often at therapeutic doses. Thrombosis occurred in 5/39 patients with anticoagulation (13%) compared to 2/18 (11%) of those without, during follow-up (p = 0.85). Anticoagulation was associated with a reduction in risk of SVC stent placement during follow-up that did not reach statistical significance (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.2-1.13, p = 0.09). Major bleeding occurred in 7 (4%) patients, six of whom received anticoagulation (four therapeutic and two intermediate dose). Neither thrombosis nor anticoagulation affected survival. Anticoagulation is commonly used as primary prevention but its benefit remains to be proven. The role of reduced-dose anticoagulation in non-thrombotic malignant SVCS should be prospectively assessed.

Computed Tomography Findings Associated With 30-Day Mortality in Patients With Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify radiological and clinical factors associated with early mortality in malignant superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest computed tomography studies of 127 patients with malignancy-associated SVCS were retrospectively reviewed. Involvement of SVC and tributaries, pleural and pericardial effusions, pulmonary artery involvement, and ancillary findings were documented. Univariate and multivariate models determined associations between radiological and clinical variables, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality rate was 16.5% (n = 21). Factors associated with 30-day mortality on univariate analysis included age, cancer stage, SVCS clinical severity, left jugular vein obstruction, number of involved veins, pulmonary arteries involvement, and presence of pleural effusions. Age, SVCS clinical severity, number of veins involved, and pleural effusions were positively associated with 30-day mortality on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Selected clinical and radiological variables are associated with early death in malignant SVCS. These factors may identify a subgroup of patients who may benefit from treatment escalation.

Anticoagulation in cancer patients with atrial fibrillation and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) is prevalent in cancer patients. Many of these patients have an indication for anticoagulation (AC) but are also at risk for developing chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. There are scarce data regarding management of AC and risk of bleeding and thrombosis in cancer patients with AF and thrombocytopenia. AIM: To assess anticoagulation management and incidence of bleeding and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cancer patients with AF and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 × 109/L). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included adults with active cancer, grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia and AF with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 1. Patients were stratified according to AC discontinuation (No-AC) or continuation (Continue-AC) when platelets dropped below 50 × 109/L and followed for 30 days. The study outcomes were ATE (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or systemic emboli) and major bleeding. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with death as a competing risk (Fine and Gray model). RESULTS: The cohort included 131 patients; 90 in the No-AC group and 41 in the Continue-AC group. Patient characteristics were balanced between the groups. The 30-day cumulative incidence of ATE was 2 % [95 % CI 0.4 %-7 %] in the No-AC group and 2 % [0.2 %-11 %] in the Continue-AC group (HR 0.92 [95 % CI 0.09-9.88]). The 30-day cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 7.8 % [95 % CI 3.40 %-14.52 %] and 2.44 % [95 % CI 0.18 %-11.22 %] in the No-AC and Continue-AC groups, respectively (HR 3.29 [95 % CI 0.42-26.04]). CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of bleeding and low rate of ATE in thrombocytopenic cancer patients with AF suggests that holding AC during time-limited periods may be a reasonable approach.

Airway management following head and neck microvascular reconstruction: is tracheostomy mandatory?

OBJECTIVES: Airway management following maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction is a fundamental part of the perioperative management. In oral cavity microvascular reconstruction, the airway is potentially compromised by airway edema, flap edema or bulkiness, hematoma formation, or upper airway sequelae from surgery. Classical teaching advocates elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial free flap reconstruction, while others keep patients intubated overnight (delayed extubation). The optimal method for perioperative airway management is still debated. This study aim was to evaluate the morbidity associated with elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to recognize those patients who can avoid elective tracheostomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction, between November 1st 2010 and October 31st 2019 in our center. RESULTS: One-hundred and nine patients underwent microvascular reconstruction in the maxillofacial region. Sixty-one patients underwent an elective tracheostomy upon the primary surgery. Forty-eight patients were left intubated overnight. Seven patients underwent a late tracheostomy which was performed upon a neck re-exploration for postoperative complications, except for one patient which was due to failed extubation attempt. Patients who didn't receive an elective tracheostomy were younger and had a shorter duration of postoperative hospitalization. Seven patients suffered from tracheostomy- related complications, all of them underwent elective tracheostomy and none were from the late tracheostomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest, the routine use of elective tracheostomy in maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction is unnecessary. Elective tracheostomy should be considered on case-to-case basis.

The Growth Kinetics of Collision Nodal Metastasis from Medullary and Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The collision of medullary (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the same cervical lymph node can occur, but its growth kinetics has not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 27-year-old male patient who had collision nodal metastases from PTC and sporadic MTC in the central compartment. This was treated with total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. The collision nodal metastasis persisted and presented with a single sonographically enlarging central compartmental lymph node postoperatively. The volume of the collision nodal metastasis increased from 226 to 507 mm3 over the first 8 months, from 507 to 572 mm3 over the next 6 months, and from 572 to 762 mm3 over the next 31 months. The calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) fluctuated in the first 19 months followed by a steady increase at a doubling time of 1.97 and 8.42 years, respectively. Unstimulated thyroglobulin remained at 0.2 ng/mL or lower during the same period while thyrotropin (TSH) was not suppressed. Revision central neck dissection performed 4.5 years later resulted in undetectable serum calcitonin, CEA of 2 ng/mL, and thyroglobulin of 0.1 ng/mL from a preoperative calcitonin of 212 ng/L, CEA of 10 ng/mL, and thyroglobulin of 0.2 ng/mL. Further structural imaging 13.5 months later revealed no evidence of disease. DISCUSSION: The growth kinetics of collision nodal metastasis from PTC and MTC can be similar to conventional PTC and MTC. Furthermore, the growth rate of such collision nodal metastases can be slow. Guided by tumor marker doubling time and regular structural imaging, surgical salvage performed after a period of active surveillance may still result in biochemical and structural remission.

Averting Delayed Complications of Open Anterior Skull Base Surgery.

Objective Despite its technical feasibility, anterior skull base surgery still carries the risk of severe postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality. The reported rate of complications has diminished over the past two decades, but they continue to pose various challenges. This study aims to report late complications in a relatively large series of patients who underwent open anterior skull base surgery, and to propose methods for averting such complications. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent anterior open skull base surgery between 2000 and 2016 in a university-affiliated tertiary referral cancer center. Results There were 301 operations, of which 198 (65.8%) were for benign disease and 103 (34.2%) were for malignant tumors. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1, and the mean age was 44.8 years. Delayed complications occurred in 85 patients (28.2%): 31 (10.3%) involved wounds, 18 (13.9%) involved the central nervous system, and 14 (4.6%) involved the orbit. Multivariate analysis found malignant pathology, intracranial extension, and previous radiochemotherapy as predictors for the development of a delayed complication. The patients who were operated in the later study period (after 2007) had lower rates of all three types of complications compared with the earlier study period. Conclusion Delayed complications following skull base surgery are in decline. This is mainly due to the advancement in imaging studies, surgical techniques, development of sophisticated reconstructive procedures, and the cooperation of multidisciplinary teams. We attribute the reduction in our department to our revised treatment protocol which is presented herein, with emphasis on averting the occurrence of these complications. Level of Evidence The level of evidence is 4.

Airway management following head and neck microvascular reconstruction: is tracheostomy mandatory?

Abstract Objectives: Airway management following maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction is a fundamental part of the perioperative management. In oral cavity microvascular reconstruction, the airway is potentially compromised by airway edema, flap edema or bulkiness, hematoma formation, or upper airway sequelae from surgery. Classical teaching advocates elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial free flap reconstruction, while others keep patients intubated overnight (delayed extubation). The optimal method for perioperative airway management is still debated. This study aim was to evaluate the morbidity associated with elective tracheostomy in patients undergoing maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to recognize those patients who can avoid elective tracheostomy. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction, between November 1st 2010 and October 31st 2019 in our center. Results: One-hundred and nine patients underwent microvascular reconstruction in the maxillofacial region. Sixty-one patients underwent an elective tracheostomy upon the primary surgery. Forty-eight patients were left intubated overnight. Seven patients underwent a late tracheostomy which was performed upon a neck re-exploration for postoperative complications, except for one patient which was due to failed extubation attempt. Conclusions: Our results suggest, the routine use of elective tracheostomy in maxillofacial microvascular free flap reconstruction is unnecessary. Elective tracheostomy should be considered on case-to-case basis. Level of evidence: 4. HIGHLIGHTS Airway management following maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction is complex. Lack of consensus exists regarding the optimal airway management perioperatively. Routine use of tracheostomy is unnecessary. Tracheostomy should be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Incipient Melanoma Brain Metastases Instigate Astrogliosis and Neuroinflammation.

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers. Melanoma frequently metastasizes to the brain, resulting in dismal survival. Nevertheless, mechanisms that govern early metastatic growth and the interactions of disseminated metastatic cells with the brain microenvironment are largely unknown. To study the hallmarks of brain metastatic niche formation, we established a transplantable model of spontaneous melanoma brain metastasis in immunocompetent mice and developed molecular tools for quantitative detection of brain micrometastases. Here we demonstrate that micrometastases are associated with instigation of astrogliosis, neuroinflammation, and hyperpermeability of the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, we show a functional role for astrocytes in facilitating initial growth of melanoma cells. Our findings suggest that astrogliosis, physiologically instigated as a brain tissue damage response, is hijacked by tumor cells to support metastatic growth. Studying spontaneous melanoma brain metastasis in a clinically relevant setting is the key to developing therapeutic approaches that may prevent brain metastatic relapse. Cancer Res; 76(15); 4359-71. ©2016 AACR.