Trigeminal function in patients with COVID-associated olfactory loss.

PURPOSE: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) can be a long-term consequence of various viral infections, including COVID-19. Dysfunction includes hyposmia/anosmia and parosmia (odor distortions). Interactions of the virus with the olfactory nerve have been extensively researched, but little is known about the interactions of the intranasal trigeminal nerve system in modulating this sensory loss. METHODS: We investigated intranasal trigeminal function across COVID-19 OD patients with and without parosmia compared to normosmic controls, to determine whether (1) post-viral hyposmia and/or (2) post-viral hyposmia with parosmia is associated with altered trigeminal function. OD patients (n = 27) were tested for olfactory function using the extended Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test and for trigeminal function through three methods-odor lateralization, subjective ratings of nasal patency, and ammonium vapor pain intensity ratings. This group was subsequently compared to controls, normosmic subjects (n = 15). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that post-COVID OD patients without parosmia experienced decreased sensitivity in ammonium vapor pain intensity ratings and odor lateralization scores-but similar nasal patency ratings-compared to normosmic controls. There were no significant differences in trigeminal function between OD patients with and without parosmia. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, we conclude that the trigeminal nerve dysfunction may partially explain post-viral OD, but does not seem to be a major factor in the generation of parosmia pathophysiology.

Development of a new psychophysical method to assess intranasal trigeminal chemosensory function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a new psychophysical test to assess intranasal trigeminal chemosensory function. METHODOLOGY: The test is similar to the Sniffin’ Sticks test, but using pens impregnated with substances preferentially activating trigeminal afferents. Our test comprises detection threshold, discrimination, identification and lateralization tasks. In a first study, we evaluated healthy controls. In a second study, we evaluated the potential usefulness of this test in patients with rhinological conditions. RESULTS: Study 1: 86 controls were included. Threshold, identification and lateralization performance decreased with age. Test-retest reliability was similar to that of olfactory tests. Study 2: results of the controls group were compared to those of 59 patients (14 allergic rhinitis, 11 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 9 without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 25 with an olfactory disorder (OD)). Controls had 1) lower detection thresholds compared to CRSwNP, CRSsNP and OD, 2) better discrimination and identification scores compared to OD, and 3) better lateralization scores compared to CRSwNP and CRSsNP. CONCLUSIONS: Our test allows to identify age-related changes in trigeminal chemosensory function. Trigeminal function seems to be differently affected in different pathologies. Further studies are necessary to validate our results and evaluate the impact of olfactory co-activation on the observed results.

Disparities in survival after trimodality therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Trimodality therapy with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery has emerged as the standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. Yet, there is considerable variation in survival within this population. We sought to analyze factors associated with survival after trimodality therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma. We identified 4,679 patients from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) of the American College of Surgeons who received chemotherapy and radiation prior to surgery for esophageal adenocarcinoma from 2006 to 2013. We excluded patients with stage IV disease and unknown pathological nodal status. We performed regression analyses using a Cox proportional hazards model to identify independent predictors of overall survival. On multivariate analysis, pathologic characteristics associated with decreased overall survival included stage, lymphovascular invasion, and positive surgical margins. Insurance status, age, and comorbidity index were also associated with decreased survival. We found that pathologically node-positive patients who received additional adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with improved survival. Compared to private insurance, Medicaid (HR 1.45, CI 1.22-1.73, P < 0.0001), Medicare (HR 1.17, CI 1.04-1.31, P = 0.0082), or having no insurance (HR 1.50, CI 1.17-1.92, P = 0.0012) were all negative predictors of overall survival. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who have undergone trimodality therapy, a number of different factors are associated with overall survival. In particular, socioeconomic factors relating to access to care are independent predictors of survival. Despite receiving the standard of care, treatment disparities persist in this population of patients.

Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies have been proposed as a novel therapy in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate their efficacy and safety. METHODOLOGY: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and multiple trial registries followed by extensive hand-searching for the identification of relevant studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of monoclonal antibodies with placebo or another therapy in adult patients with CRSwNP were included. RESULTS: Anti-immunoglobin E (IgE) therapy with omalizumab was assessed in two studies, anti-interleukin (IL)-5 therapy in three studies (1 reslizumab, 2 mepolizumab) and finally anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 therapy in only one. With the exception of one study, biologic therapy was proved to be effective in reducing total nasal endoscopic polyp score (TPS) in treatment as compared to placebo groups. Monoclonal antibodies brought about improvement in several other outcomes, such as opacification in computed tomography (CT), quality of life measures, nasal airflow, olfaction and type 2 helper T-cell (Th2) associated biomarkers. Overall, the use of these agents was deemed safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review showing encouraging results for the use of all three main categories of monoclonal antibodies in CRSwNP patients and highlights the need for further well-designed and with larger sample sizes RCTs.

Pain and discomfort following immediate and delayed loading by overdentures in the single mandibular implant study (SMIS).

OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial compares immediate and delayed loading of single implants to support mandibular overdentures. The aim of this preliminary analysis is to test the hypothesis whether patients with immediate loading will experience less pain and discomfort through the intervention than patients with delayed loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Edentulous patients in nine German dental schools received a midline implant with a length of 11 mm. Implants with a minimum insertion torque of 30 Ncm and an implant stability quotient of ≥60 were randomly allocated to group A for immediate loading using ball attachments or to group B for delayed loading after 3 months. Patients completed questionnaires with 100-mm visual analogue scales about the items pain, pain during chewing, swelling, bleeding, and perception of the intervention at the day of surgery and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, thereafter. Groups were compared by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The questionnaires of 81 patients in group A and 74 patients in group B were completed. The medians for pain and discomfort were moderate (<30). Participants of group A felt significantly more pain from the first day and more swelling from the third day after implantation than participants of group B. The individual perception of interventions showed no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate loading evoked more postoperative pain and swelling than the two stages of delayed loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immediate loading of a single mandibular midline implant supporting overdentures should be carefully considered.

Long-term results of combined approach in parotid sialolithiasis.

Combined sialendoscopic and transcutaneous approach in parotid sialolithiasis is a surgical option for large and impacted stones. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term results regarding postoperative stenosis, recurrent swellings and gland function. Prospective study in a tertiary referral center of patients with parotid sialolithiasis requiring combined approach. A total of 12 patients have been treated within a period of 3 years. Intraductal stents were placed in 9 of 12 cases. Scintigraphic evaluation of salivary glands and follow-up sialendoscopy performed 1 year postoperatively. In total, fourteen stones (two stones in two cases) were successfully removed along with two coexisted inflammatory polyps. Postoperative endoscopic evaluation revealed mild stenosis in 7 out of 12 cases without clinical significance as no recurrent swellings were reported. Scintigraphy showed normal gland function in 11 cases and mild hypofunction in 1 case with long-standing history of sialolithiasis. All patients were free of symptoms within the follow-up period of time (median follow-up 15.5 months). Combined approach is a safe, gland preserving and efficacious procedure in long term. The stenosis in the area of ductal surgical opening when present does not seem to be of clinical value.

A novel technique for mitomycin-c application in frontal sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Local application of mitomycin-c (MMC) seems to be effective in reducing adhesions and stenosis after FESS. However this is not clearly seen in frontal sinusotomy. This study assesses the effectiveness of local MMC in the frontal ostium using a foamy material (otowick) and compared with cottonoids. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps enrolled in this study. Two subgroups were studied: one with MMC application in one nostril using cottonoids and a second with MMC injected in an otowick. In all patients MMC was applied twice, intraoperatively and 4 weeks later. In both groups normal saline was applied to the other nostril on the same material with the MMC side. Six months postoperatively all patients were assessed endoscopically by a clinician blinded to the MMC side. RESULTS: Overall, MMC application was more effective than normal saline in both groups. Otowick use presented favorable initial results especially in primary cases regarding ostium patency, and need for revision surgery. The use of MMC cottonoids did not show any benefit in primary cases. CONCLUSION: The described technique seems to be effective in maintaining frontal ostium patency as it provides a more precise and deeper drug delivery to this area.

Endoscopic treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas: our experience and review of the literature.

The endoscopic resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) emerges as an alternative approach to open procedures due to reduced morbidity and comparable recurrence rates. The purpose of this study was to present our experience with the endoscopic management of JNA using retrospective chart review of ten male patients (mean age 15.7 years) with JNA who were treated endoscopically at our institution between the years 2003 and 2010. According to the Radkowski's system, one patient was at stage Ia, two at stage Ib, one at stage IIa, two at stage IIb, two at stage IIc (infratemporal fossa invasion) and two at stage IIIa (clivus erosion). Six patients underwent preoperative embolization. The endoscopic treatment involved total ethmoidectomy, middle meatal antrostomy, sphenoidotomy, clipping of the sphenopalatine artery and its branches and drilling of the pterygoid basis. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging 3 months postoperatively and then if indicated clinically. Mean follow-up was 23.7 months (range 3-70). All but one patient were free of macroscopic disease. A patient with stage IIb JNA developed a recurrence after 9 months. The residual tumor was resected endoscopically and the sphenopalatine foramen widened by drilling. The patient is free of disease 25 months postoperatively. The intra-operative blood loss was not excessive (200-800 ml, mean: 444 ml) and no patient required a blood transfusion. Patients were discharged after 4-8 days (mean 5 days). One patient developed postoperative infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia. Results showed that endoscopic treatment of stage I and IIa/b JNA is a valid alternative to external approaches. For select tumors with limited infratemporal fossa invasion and skull base erosion, the endoscopic approach may also be indicated. It is a safe and effective treatment modality due to the lack of external scars, minimal bone resection and blood loss and low recurrence rate.

Nasal trauma: Primary reconstruction with open rhinoplasty.

Due to the prominent location of the nose, the most common facial traumas are nasal injuries. Although nasal traumas usually require staged intervention at a later period of time, in selected cases, primary reconstruction can be effective. A 20-year-old man who was referred from the emergency department with nasal trauma is presented. He reported a fall after feeling unsteady, which caused a direct nasal injury. Clinical examination revealed septal fracture with obstruction of the left nasal cavity and deformity of the nasal pyramid (inverted V deformity). The patient also had a complete dissection of the columella skin. Epistaxis was self-limited, and an open rhinoplasty procedure was decided because the trauma occurred 1 h before admission and there was no significant edema. Surgical intervention included septal reconstruction combined with restoration of the nasal pyramid and columella. One month later, the patient had patent nasal airways, and he was satisfied with the aesthetic result.

Ectopic Warthin's tumour presenting as a neck mass.

INTRODUCTION: Warthin's tumour usually involves the parotid gland. However, it can also arise from ectopic salivary tissue in the para-parotid and latero-cervical lymph nodes. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 60-year-old man with a 3-month history of a smooth, mobile mass on the right side of the neck. Computed tomography (CT) scanning (coronal, axial and sagittal sections) showed a cystic lesion in the right upper neck without connection to the major salivary glands (8 x 4 x 3 cm). Complete surgical excision with a transverse neck incision was performed. Histological findings of the specimen revealed Warthin's tumour. CONCLUSION: This neoplasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the neck. Although rare, it has potential for malignant transformation. Coronal and sagittal CT scans are necessary to accurately localize the tumour and to differentiate the diagnosis from earring lesions of the parotid tail.

Intra- and postoperative application of Mitomycin C in the middle meatus reduces adhesions and antrostomy stenosis after FESS.

AIM: Obstruction of the osteomeatal complex is the commonest anatomic finding in revision endoscopic sinus surgery. This study assesses the efficacy of topical mitomycin C in the middle meatus, intra- and postoperatively in the prevention of adhesion formation and restenosis of the maxillary sinus antrostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the end of endoscopic surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and four weeks postoperatively 30 patients received a pledget soaked with 1 ml of mitomycin C (0.5 mg/ml) in the middle meatus for 5 minutes while a pledget soaked in saline was placed in the contralateral side. Patients were assessed at least 6 months postoperatively by a blinded observer for the presence of synechiae and antrostomy stenosis. Medical records were reviewed for episodes of recurrent sinusitis. RESULTS: Adhesions were observed in 8 patients. All adhesions rated as moderate to severe (4 patients) were observed in the control side (p = 0.043). Restenosis was observed in 2 sides treated with mitomycin C and in 9 control sides (p = 0.032). Recurrent symptoms of sinusitis occurred in three patients on the saline side. CONCLUSION: Mitomycin C is safe and effective in the prevention of severe adhesions and antrostomy stenosis when applied twice, during surgery and the early postoperative period.

Minimizing the dead ear in otosclerosis surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of a specific surgical technique regarding the postoperative hearing results and the incidence of "dead ear" comparing local and general anesthesia. METHODS: We present a retrospective review of all stapedectomies performed by the same surgeon under general and local anesthesia during a 9-year period (1997-2006) in non-revision cases. The analysis of our data (268 operations, 160 under general and 108 under local anesthesia) included hearing results based on the guidelines from the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and complications recorded in the case notes. Excessive vertigo during stapedectomy under local anesthesia considered as a sign of possible profound sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: A postoperative air-bone gap up to 10dB (Grade A) was successfully obtained in 92.6% of operated ears. The mean postoperative air-bone gap in decibels was 6.8dB. There were no statistically significant differences between general and local anesthesia in hearing results. Excessive intraoperative dizziness occurred in five patients of local anesthesia group without postoperative sensorineural hearing loss. The incidence of dead ear was 1.8 % (three patients) under general and 0% under local anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Stapedectomy is a safe procedure in hands of an experienced otologist with minimum major complications especially when performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia offers the immediate evaluation of hearing restoration and the early recognition of possible dead ear. Training programs should consider stapedectomy under local anesthesia as a standard procedure for trainees in non-revision cases.

[Bilateral antrochoanal polyps originated from inferior meatal antrostomies]. / Beidseitige, von infraturbinalen Kieferhöhlenfenstern ausgehende Choanalpolypen.

We present the first reported case of simultaneously occurring bilateral antrochoanal polyps in a 49-year-old female patient, originated from previously performed inferior antrostomies as a treatment for chronic maxillary sinusitis. The antrochoanal polyps were removed by endoscopic surgery with combined approach through the inferior and middle meatal antrostomies. Microscopic analysis of the specimens showed benign inflammatory antrochoanal polyps. Follow-up appointment 6 months postoperatively showed patent antrostomies and no recurrence of the disease. Endoscopic treatment with middle meatal antrostomy is the recommended technique in most cases of antrochoanal polyps as the greater portion of the antral part of the polyp can be removed with the healthy antral mucosa left intact promoting epithelialization and mucociliary clearance of the antrum. Inferior antrostomy can be an additional part of the operation in selected cases.

Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma: management options.

Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma (FNS) is a very rare, benign tumour mimicking pleomorphic adenoma. Resection of this slow growing tumour may result in unnecessary facial nerve paralysis. The aim of this study is to present results of facial nerve schwannoma treatment at our institution and proposes a management plan. This is a retrospective case series of four patients, three male and one female with a mean age of 47.7 years who presented with a long-standing, asymptomatic parotid swelling. Two patients had facial weakness and underwent superficial parotidectomy, resection of tumour and facial nerve repair with a free graft from the greater auricular nerve. Two patients underwent biopsy without tumour resection. All tumours were confirmed histologically as facial nerve schwannomas. The mean follow up period was 3.5 years. Patients with resection of facial nerve schwannoma had a postoperative House Brackmann grade III and IV. Patients with biopsy had normal postoperative facial nerve function and the tumour did not grow significantly. No adverse effects or recurrence were reported. There is no preoperative diagnostic modality that can identify facial nerve schwannoma with certainty. Difficulty in locating the facial nerve intraoperatively raises suspicion of a neurogenous tumour of the facial nerve and this may prevent unnecessary damage to the nerve. Not every facial nerve schwannoma should be resected. This decision is based on (a) the extent of tumour (b) preoperative facial nerve function (c) best results achieved with nerve repair and (d) patient's preferences. Large tumours with extension into the mastoid cavity or encroachment of sensitive structures and preoperative facial weakness are indications for surgical intervention. In most other cases, biopsy and observation suffices.

Bilateral multiple sialolithiasis of the parotid gland in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome.

The presence of multiple calculi in the major salivary glands is an uncommon finding. Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocyte-mediated destruction of the exocrine glands. The case is presented of a 49-year-old female with Sjogren's syndrome found to have bilateral multiple sialolithiasis in the parenchyma of the parotid glands. The patient presented with a right sided painful inflamed swelling of the parotid region. Even though she had been diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome 3 years prior to admission, she did not report any previous episode of sialadenitis. Full blood count showed leukocytosis (white blood cells = 14,900/10(6) L) with neutrophilia (75%). Radiological assessment included ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the parotids which demonstrated intra-parenchymal multiple calculi of both parotid glands and obstruction of the right Stensen's duct. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. On the second day of hospitalisation, she reported spontaneous extrusion of a calculus during massage of the gland, with immediate relief of symptoms. In patients with Sjögren's syndrome and radiological findings of calculi in the major salivary glands, close observation is mandatory for better control of recurrent sialadenitis and early recognition of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas.

Thymic cyst in the differential diagnosis of paediatric cervical masses.

Thymic cyst in the differential diagnosis of paediatric cervical masses. Cervical ectopic thymic tissue is rarely reported. However, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in children. We present a case of a 7-year-old male with a soft, asymptomatic right-sided cervical mass. The patient underwent complete excision of a 3 x 4 cm cyst, which was derived from a mass of soft tissue and was in close relation with the carotid sheath. Histological examination of the specimen showed a thymic cyst. The child's post-operative course was unremarkable and follow-up appointment six months later showed complete recovery. The embryological development, clinical presentation and management of ectopic thymic lesions are discussed together with a brief review of the literature.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the maxillary sinus in a child: case report and review of the literature.

Our case report describes a primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the maxillary sinus in a 12-year-old girl. The young patient presented with progressive diplopia, strabismus, and rapidly growing painless swelling of the left cheek. Imaging studies showed a heterogeneous contrast enhancing mass expanding the left maxillary sinus. The lesion was completely resected endoscopically and histological examination reported it as an ABC. The patient recovered well and is free of recurrence 9 months following surgery. ABC is a benign lesion usually associated with other bone pathology (fibrous dysplasia). It may behave aggressively and invade the orbit; so resection is necessary. Minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed successfully in select cases. Long follow up is important because recurrence may occur, in which case further resection is warranted.

Morphological study of development and functional activity of palatine tonsils in embryonic age.

Palatine tonsils play an important role in the development of the immune system, being the first organ in the lymph system which analyses and reacts to antigenic stimulation. In this study, the peritonsillar area of Waldeyer's ring was investigated in 88 normal human embryos which were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. The progressive development of palatine tonsils during embryonic life is discussed. The first appearance of tonsils is in about the 14th-15th week followed by a parallel development of B- and T-cell regions which accounts for the high incidence of non mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas among all tonsillar lymphomas and the higher incidence of T-cell-lymphomas, in comparison to the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue of the digestive system. The way in which the human body develops the palatine tonsils quickly and prepares them to react to the first antigenic stimulation, are discussed.

Assessment of patient benefit from septo-rhinoplasty with the use of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Nasal Symptom Questionnaire (NSQ).

Septorhinoplasty is the most difficult and complicated procedure in facial plastic surgery. Because of the complex interdependency of the anatomical parts, alteration of one may have an impact on another. Form and function are completely interwoven in septorhinoplasty. The selection of appropriate candidates involves an understanding of their expectations. Outcome research is a new concept in clinical medicine and its importance is increasingly recognized for the patient management and policy decisions. This study includes an analysis of patients' subjective opinion of the surgical outcome after septo-rhinoplasty, with the use of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (postoperatively) and the Nasal Symptom Questionnaire (pre- and postoperatively). In this study we analyze the patient subjective rating of benefit in 41 consecutive patients who underwent septo-rhinoplasty within the first 8 months of 2001, and had completed a follow up period of more than 6 months postoperatively. The early complication rate was recorded and analyzed along with data regarding the patient satisfaction rate using GBI and NSQ. The response rate was 80%, which is high. Patients had significant improvement in all subscales of GBI (General, Social, Physical) related with a decreased number of nasal symptoms postoperatively and a good aesthetic result.