A cross-sectional comparative study: ChatGPT 3.5 versus diverse levels of medical experts in the diagnosis of ENT diseases.

PURPOSE: With recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), it has become crucial to thoroughly evaluate its applicability in healthcare. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of ChatGPT in diagnosing ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pathology, and comparing its performance to that of medical experts. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional comparative study where 32 ENT cases were presented to ChatGPT 3.5, ENT physicians, ENT residents, family medicine (FM) specialists, second-year medical students (Med2), and third-year medical students (Med3). Each participant provided three differential diagnoses. The study analyzed diagnostic accuracy rates and inter-rater agreement within and between participant groups and ChatGPT. RESULTS: The accuracy rate of ChatGPT was 70.8%, being not significantly different from ENT physicians or ENT residents. However, a significant difference in correctness rate existed between ChatGPT and FM specialists (49.8%, p < 0.001), and between ChatGPT and medical students (Med2 47.5%, p < 0.001; Med3 47%, p < 0.001). Inter-rater agreement for the differential diagnosis between ChatGPT and each participant group was either poor or fair. In 68.75% of cases, ChatGPT failed to mention the most critical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT demonstrated accuracy comparable to that of ENT physicians and ENT residents in diagnosing ENT pathology, outperforming FM specialists, Med2 and Med3. However, it showed limitations in identifying the most critical diagnosis.

Smoking cessation intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief smoking cessation intervention in head and neck cancer patients (HNCP). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial that randomly assigns participants in two groups: a usual care group (UCG), and a standardized intervention group (SIG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and who are active smokers were prospectively approached by one of 4 trained Ear-nose-throat (ENT) residents. Participants were randomized into a UCG, and a SIG consisting of a brief perioperative smoking cessation intervention based on National Institute of Health (NIH) "5A's" model along with an informative motivational document and nicotine patch therapy (NPT) offered for 8 weeks in gradually decreasing doses. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of abstinence at 3, 6 and 12 months after enrollment. RESULTS: 56 subjects were randomized into the UCG (N = 29, 52%), and the SIG (N = 27, 48%). The overall smoking cessation rates were not statistically different between the two groups; we observed at 3 months cessation rates of 57.1% vs. 57.7% (p = 0.96); at 6 months, 42.9% vs. 24% (p = 0.148); and at 12 months, 33.3% vs. 20.8% (p = 0.318), for the UCG and the SIG respectively. CONCLUSION: This study failed to show the effectiveness of a combined brief smoking cessation approach led by and ENT resident in HNSCC patients. A multifaceted approach addressing different pharmacological treatments, factors contributing to smoking maintenance, mainly alcohol dependence and mood disturbances and dealing with relapse risks through close face-to-face or phone call follow-ups may have better outcomes and should be evaluated in upcoming trials.

HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas: a comparison between three diagnostic approaches.

PURPOSE: HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas clearly represent a growing entity in the head and neck with distinct carcinogenesis, clinico-pathological presentation and survival profile. We aimed to compare the HPV prevalence rates and clinico-pathological correlations obtained with three distinct commonly used HPV detection methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: p16-immunohistochemistry (IHC), HPV DNA viral load by real-time PCR (qPCR), and HPV genotyping by a reverse hybridization-based line probe assay (INNO-LiPA) were performed on pretreatment formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 46 patients treated for single primary oropharyngeal carcinomas. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (61%) had a p16 overexpression in IHC. Twenty-nine patients (63%) harbored HPV DNA on qPCR. Thirty-four patients (74%) harbored HPV DNA on INNO-LiPA. The concordance analysis revealed a good agreement between both HPV DNA detection methods (κ=0.65); when both tests were positive, the depicted HPV subtypes were always concordant (HPV16 in 27 cases, HPV18 in 1 case). Agreement was moderate between IHC and qPCR (κ=0.59) and fair between IHC and INNO-LiPA (κ=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Certain highly sensitive methods are able to detect the mere presence of HPV without any carcinogenetic involvement while other more specific tests provide proof of viral transcriptional activity and thus evidence of clinically relevant infections. The use of a stepwise approach allows reducing false positives; p16-immunostaining seems to be an excellent screening test and in situ hybridization may overcome some of the PCR limitations.

A massive multicystic parapharyngeal tumor: A case report.

Cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas are uncommon benign tumors that usually develop in the retrostyloid compartment of the parapharyngeal space. Differentiating cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas from other lesions of the retrostyloid parapharyngeal space can be very difficult. We present a case of a major ingrowth of a cervical lesion, covering the larynx and obstructing the airway beyond the midline. The imaging revealed an extensive parapharyngeal lesion with significant cystic degeneration, which complicated the radiological diagnosis. Severe cystic degeneration of a cervical schwannoma is associated with fast expansion, and near-fully cystic schwannomas have been described in the literature.

Marginal versus Segmental Mandibulectomy in the Treatment of Oral Cavity Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity. Two types of mandibular resections have been described: the segmental mandibulectomy and the marginal mandibulectomy. Both may have a different impact over the quality of life, oncological prognosis, and functional or aesthetic result. Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically explore the literature to determine the survival outcomes and disease control rates in patients who underwent segmental or marginal mandibulectomy for OCSCC with histological evidence of cortical and medullary bone invasion. Data Synthesis This review involved a systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/PUBMED, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus including articles from 1985 to 2019. Fifteen articles were included for qualitative analysis and 11 articles were considered for meta-analysis calculations. All of them correspond to retrospective cohort studies. Conclusion This systematic review reveals the low-level evidence regarding the impact over local control or survival according to the type of mandibulectomy. Our results need to be considered with precaution according to the limited evidence available. We just found difference regarding the 5-year disease-free survival, and a tendency in favor of segmental mandibulectomy was confirmed when medullary invasion was evident.

Management of oral feeding following total laryngectomy around the world: YO-IFOS international study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze worldwide practices regarding the initiation of oral feeding after total laryngectomy (TL). METHODS: Online survey. RESULTS: Among the 332 responses received, 278 from 59 countries were analyzed. Our results showed that 45.6% of respondents started water and 45.1% started liquid diet between postoperative days 7 and 10. Semi-solid feeds were initiated between days 10 and 14 for 44.9% of respondents and a free diet was allowed after day 15 for 60.8% of respondents. This timing was significantly delayed in cases of laryngo-pharyngectomy and after prior radiotherapy (p < 0.001). A greater proportion of respondents in Africa and Oceania allowed early oral feeding before day 6 as compared with the rest of the world (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite increasing number of publications, there is still a lack of evidence to support early oral feeding. The majority of respondents preferred to delay its initiation until at least 7 days after surgery.

Otolaryngologic manifestations of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier's disease): A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Forestier's disease or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common, yet underreported, disease affecting the elderly population. From an otolaryngologic perspective, DISH may manifest with dysphagia, dysphonia, or even dyspnea. The purpose of this study was to identify all published cases of dysphagia and other associated upper airway symptoms resulting from DISH in the last decade and to establish subsequently a management algorithm. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted in May 2020 on Medline and Embase databases following the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-three articles, consisting of 50 case-reports and 13 case-series, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 236 cases of DISH were reported from 2010 to date. Otolaryngology instrumental evaluation, by fiberoptic laryngoscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, was frequently reported. Surgery was the most common treatment strategy for the management of dysphagia in 58.9% of patients, while conservative treatment was used in 41.1%. Tracheotomy for acute airway obstruction relief was performed in 6% of patients. No correlation was found between the type of treatment and dysphagia improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Forestier's disease is currently a growing source of complications in elderly, mostly dysphagia and less commonly upper airway obstruction. The management of these complications requires a multidisciplinary team and a thorough approach, where the otolaryngologist plays a pivotal role.

Surgical, clinical, and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery used in sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We investigated safety and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for base of tongue (BOT) reduction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched. A meta-analysis was performed. Random effects models were used. Thirty-one cohorts met our criteria (1693 patients). The analysis was based mostly on retrospective studies. The summary estimate of the reduction of Apnea-Hypoxia Index (AHI) was 24.25 abnormal events per hour (95% CI: 21.69-26.81) and reduction of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was 7.92 (95% CI: 6.50-9.34). The summary estimate of increase in lowest O2 saturation was 6.04% (95% CI: 3.05-9.03). The success rate of TORS BOT reduction, either alone or combined with other procedures, was 69% (95% CI: 64-79). The majority of studies reported low level of evidence but suggested that TORS BOT reduction may be a safe procedure associated with improvement of AHI, ESS, and lowest O2 saturation.

Management of postintubation tracheal stenosis: appropriate indications make outcome differences.

BACKGROUND: Laryngotracheal stenosis is difficult to treat and its etiologies are multiple; nowadays, the most common ones are postintubation or posttracheostomy stenoses. OBJECTIVE: To provide an algorithm for the management of postintubation laryngotracheal stenoses (PILTS) based on the experience of a tertiary care referral center. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients treated for PILTS over a 10-year period. Patients were divided into a surgically and an endoscopically treated group according to predefined criteria. The characteristics of the two groups were analyzed and the outcomes compared. RESULTS: Thirty-three consecutive patients were included in the study: 14 in the surgically treated group and 19 in the endoscopically treated group. Our candidates for airway surgery were healthy patients presenting with complex tracheal stenoses, subglottic involvement or associated tracheomalacia. The endoscopic candidates were chronically ill patients presenting with simple, strictly tracheal stenoses not exceeding 4 cm in length. Stents were placed if the stenosis was associated with tracheomalacia or exceeded 2 cm in total length. In the surgically treated group, 2/14 patients needed more than one procedure versus 8/19 patients in the endoscopically treated group. At the end of the intervention, 50% of the patients were decannulated in the surgically treated group versus 84.2% in the endoscopically treated group (p = 0.03). However, the decannulation rates at 6 months and the symptomatology at rest and on exertion on the last follow-up visit were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our experience in the management of PILTS demonstrates that both surgery and endoscopy yield excellent functional outcomes if the treatment strategy is based on clear, predefined objective criteria.

Lemierre syndrome: unusual cause and presentation.

Lemierre syndrome is a potentially fatal condition after an oropharyngeal infection. It is characterized by thrombophlebitis of head and neck veins with systemic dissemination of septic emboli. The most frequently isolated pathogen is Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report an unusual case of Lemierre syndrome in a 4-year-old child caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with multivisceral emboli to the brain, orbits, lungs, and heart valves. We also discuss its atypical clinical presentation, the crucial role of imaging in the early diagnosis, and the different treatment modalities of this life-threatening syndrome.

Surgical, clinical and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic laryngeal cancers: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review is to shed light the current indications and outcomes of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL) in patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancer. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched by three independent otolaryngologists from the Young Otolaryngologists of IFOS for studies investigating the indications, effectiveness and safety of TORS SGL. Surgical, functional, and survival outcomes have been investigated. Inclusion/exclusion criteria; demographic data; and clinical outcome evaluation of papers were analyzed using PRISMA criteria. RESULTS: A total of 14 papers met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 422 patients (335 males & 87 females). The tumor location mainly consisted of epiglottis (55.4%), aryepglottic fold (31.2%), and ventricular band (5.1%). The following tumor stages were considered: cT1 (35.8%); cT2 (48.6%) and cT3 (13.9%). Feeding tube and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were used in 62.5% and 8.82% of patients, respectively. The 24-month local & regional control rates ranged from 94.3% to 100% and 87.5% to 94.0%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates ranged from 66.7% to 88.0% and 78.7% to 80.2%, respectively. There was an important heterogeneity between studies with regard to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, follow-up times, complications analysis; surgical and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: TORS SGL is an effective approach for treating patients with early stages supraglottic cancers. Future controlled studies are needed to compare functional and survival outcomes between TORS SGL and other surgical approaches. Recommendations have been provided for future studies for better inclusion of patients, analysis of complications and functional outcomes.

International registry of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: It has become clear that healthcare workers are at high risk, and otolaryngology has been theorized to be among the highest risk specialties for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to detail the international impact of COVID-19 among otolaryngologists, and to identify instructional cases. METHODS: Country representatives of the Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otolaryngologic Societies (YO-IFOS) surveyed otolaryngologists through various channels. Nationwide surveys were distributed in 19 countries. The gray literature and social media channels were searched to identify reported deaths of otolaryngologists from COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 361 otolaryngologists were identified to have had COVID-19, and data for 325 surgeons was available for analysis. The age range was 25 to 84 years, with one-half under the age of 44 years. There were 24 deaths in the study period, with 83% over age 55 years. Source of infection was likely clinical activity in 175 (54%) cases. Prolonged exposure to a colleague was the source for 37 (11%) surgeons. Six instructional cases were identified where infections occurred during the performance of aerosol-generating operations (tracheostomy, mastoidectomy, epistaxis control, dacryocystorhinostomy, and translabyrinthine resection). In 3 of these cases, multiple operating room attendees were infected, and in 2, the surgeon succumbed to complications of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The etiology of reported cases within the otolaryngology community appear to stem equally from clinical activity and community spread. Multiple procedures performed by otolaryngologists are aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and great care should be taken to protect the surgical team before, during, and after these operations.

Sinonasal mucormycosis in immunocompromised pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sinonasal mucormycosis is a rare fulminant disorder that typically affects immunocompromised patients. This article focuses primarily on the clinical manifestations and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four pediatric cases of sinonasal mucormycosis encountered over an 8-year-period in our institution are reported. The initial presenting symptoms, physical examination, computed tomography, intraoperative, and histopathologic findings are described. The underlying immunosuppressive diseases are also outlined. RESULTS: The most common signs and symptoms were fever, rhinorrhea, facial erythema and edema, and very pale nasal mucosa. Despite these manifestations, the diagnosis of sinonasal mucormycosis was delayed, except in one child. Computed tomography scan findings were nonspecific and did not correlate well with surgical and pathologic findings. Treatment consisted in a combination of antifungal agents, multiple aggressive surgical debridements, and control of the underlying disease. In the postoperative course, 1 child died of the disease, 1 developed a persistent unilateral blindness, 1 was lost to follow-up, and the last 1 was cured with no sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal mucormycosis in the immunocompromised pediatric population is an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. A high index of suspicion is of utmost importance to decrease its related morbidity and mortality.

Lateral sinus thrombosis in the pediatric population: multiple presentations for a potentially lethal disease.

Lateral sinus thrombosis complicating head and neck infections is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.We report 4 pediatric cases of lateral sinus thrombosis occurring in different settings (2 patients with acute otitis media, 1 patient with chronic otitis media, and another with acute tonsillitis) to emphasize the nonspecific clinical presentation of this complication. In all our cases, early diagnosis was missed.Keeping a high index of suspicion when dealing with these infections is a reasonable approach.

Systematic review of international guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in Head & Neck Surgery. A YO-IFOS Head & Neck Study Group Position Paper.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is defined as an infection that occurs after a surgical incision or organ manipulation during surgery. The frequency reported for clean head and neck surgical procedures without antimicrobial prophylaxis is <1%. In contrast, infection rates in patients undergoing complicated cancer surgery are high, ranging from 24% to 87% of patients without antimicrobial prophylaxis. METHODS: Guidelines and recommendations about the use of antibiotics in head and neck surgery from 2004 to 2019 were reviewed. RESULTS: Four guidelines from Oceania, 5 from South America, 5 from North America, 2 from the United Kingdom, 11 from Europe, 1 from Africa, 1 from the Middle East, and 3 from Asia were included. A total of 118 papers were included for analysis and recommendation. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of SSI. However, the risks associated with antibiotic exposure and the risk of antibiotic resistance need to be taken into consideration.

Marginal versus Segmental Mandibulectomy in the Treatment of Oral Cavity Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity. Two types of mandibular resections have been described: the segmental mandibulectomy and the marginal mandibulectomy. Both may have a different impact over the quality of life, oncological prognosis, and functional or aesthetic result. Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically explore the literature to determine the survival outcomes and disease control rates in patients who underwent segmental or marginal mandibulectomy for OCSCC with histological evidence of cortical and medullary bone invasion. Data Synthesis This review involved a systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/PUBMED, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus including articles from 1985 to 2019. Fifteen articles were included for qualitative analysis and 11 articles were considered for meta-analysis calculations. All of them correspond to retrospective cohort studies. Conclusion This systematic review reveals the low-level evidence regarding the impact over local control or survival according to the type of mandibulectomy. Our results need to be considered with precaution according to the limited evidence available. We just found difference regarding the 5-year disease-free survival, and a tendency in favor of segmental mandibulectomy was confirmed when medullary invasion was evident.

Establishing a danger zone: An anatomic study of the lingual artery in base of tongue surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To contrast the changes in measurement of the hypoglossal/lingual artery neurovascular bundle (HLNVB) to constant surface landmarks in the base of tongue (BOT) during surgically simulated retraction versus resting anatomic position, and to identify a safe zone for BOT robotic surgery to avoid injury to the HLNVB. STUDY DESIGN: Human cadaver study. METHODS: Five fresh-frozen head and neck complexes were obtained, and seven HLNVBs were dissected. A microcaliper was used to measure the distance from the HLNVB to constant surface landmarks in resting and surgically simulated positions using a Feyh-Kastenbauer retractor. RESULTS: Measurements from foramen cecum to palatoglossus muscle (P < 0.042) was significantly different when comparing anatomical to surgically simulated positions. Importantly, the location of the lingual artery in reference to the surface landmarks measured was dramatically altered with tongue retraction. With retraction, the branches of the dorsal lingual artery were not encountered posterior to a horizontal line between midway circumvallate papilla (mCVP). CONCLUSION: Measurements of the HLNVB to surface landmarks in the BOT differs significantly between resting and a surgically simulated tongue position. The dorsal branch of the lingual artery seems more superficial in the BOT than previously described. A safe zone may exist posterior to an imaginary horizontal line between mCVP; however, further studies are needed to confirm this. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:110-115, 2017.

Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density as a predictor of progression-free and overall survival in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic vessel density (LVD) has been shown to be an important predictor of survival in head and neck cancers. We report the predictive value of LVD for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Fifty-five untreated patients with T3/T4 laryngeal and T4 hypopharyngeal cancer underwent laryngectomy between 1999 and 2010. Surgical specimens were immunostained with D2-40, a specific lymphatic marker. LVDs were determined in tumor vessel "hot spots." Recursive partitioning analysis identified LVD thresholds for both peritumoral (LVDpt) and intratumoral (LVDit) vessels for association with PFS and OS. RESULTS: Patients with mean LVDit of <11 vessels/mm(2) had 2-year PFS and OS rates of 58% and 65%, respectively, compared to 13% and 13% for those with LVDit ≥11 vessels/mm(2) (p = .06 and .04, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density is predictive of PFS and OS in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E417-E420, 2016.

Diagnosis of HPV driven oropharyngeal cancers: Comparing p16 based algorithms with the RNAscope HPV-test.

BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a major issue and none of the current diagnostic approaches is ideal. An in situ hybridization (ISH) assay that detects high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA, called the RNAscope HPV-test, has been recently developed. Studies have suggested that this assay may become a standard to define HPV-status. METHODS: To further assess this test, we compared its performance against the strategies that are used in routine clinical practice: p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a single test and algorithms combining p16-IHC with HPV-DNA identification by PCR (algorithm-1) or ISH (algorithm-2). RESULTS: 105 OPC specimens were analyzed. The prevalence of HPV-positive samples varied considerably: 67% for p16-IHC, 54% for algorithm-1, 61% for algorithm-2 and 59% for the RNAscope HPV-test. Discrepancies between the RNAscope HPV-test and p16-IHC, algorithm-1 and 2 were noted in respectively 13.3%, 13.1%, and 8.6%. The 4 diagnostic strategies were able to identify 2 groups with different prognosis according to HPV-status, as expected. However, the greater survival differential was observed with the RNAscope HPV-test [HR: 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07-0.51, p=0.001] closely followed by algorithm-1 (HR: 0.23, 95% CI, 0.08-0.66, p=0.006) and algorithm-2 (HR: 0.26, 95% CI, 0.1-0.65, p=0.004). In contrast, a weaker association was found when p16-IHC was used as a single test (HR: 0.33, 95% CI, 0.13-0.81, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the RNAscope HPV-test and p16-based algorithms perform better that p16 alone to identify OPC that are truly driven by HPV-infection. The RNAscope HPV-test has the advantage of being a single test.