Sphenopalatine artery pseudoaneurysm masquerading as a second primary maxillary carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Maxillary sinus carcinomas usually present as a locally advanced disease at the time of diagnosis and it is extremely unusual to have a second primary maxillary carcinoma on the contralateral side after many years of completion of treatment of the first malignancy. We present here a case report of a sphenopalatine artery (SPA) pseudoaneurysm mimicking the second primary maxillary carcinoma. METHODS: We reviewed the literature for SPA pseudoaneurysm. RESULTS/CASE REPORT: This report describes the case of a 90-year-old man with a background of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right maxillary sinus, diagnosed and treated with surgery and radiotherapy 14 years ago, who presented with a history of multiple episodes of epistaxis. The radiological evaluation showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass with a central hemorrhagic component and surrounding bony erosions in the left maxillary sinus and the patient was planned for biopsy from the suspicious mass along with SPA ligation. However, on opening the maxillary antrum there was excessive bleeding and it was determined unsafe to proceed further. The patient was subsequently taken to interventional radiology for diagnostic angiography which revealed an SPA pseudoaneurysm that was subsequently embolized successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Sphenopalatine artery pseudoaneurysms should be considered as a differential for recurrent epistaxis in patients with a history of sinonasal malignancy. In such cases, endovascular embolization is a viable management option.

Sphenoid mucopyocele causing bilateral sixth nerve palsy.

Sphenoid mucoceles, although rare, should be considered in patients with headache, visual disorders and eye paralysis. Due to close relationships with the orbit and neuromeningeal structures, early recognition is vital. We report the case of a patient who presented with bilateral abducens nerve palsies. At surgery, she was found to have a mucopyocele; this was drained and she required prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy due to ongoing symptoms and persistent dural enhancement on imaging. A lesion of sufficient size in the clival area has the potential to cause bilateral abducens nerve palsies, though we believe this is the first time it has been described in relation to a sphenoid mucocele. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, and prompt surgical intervention is essential to avoid serious and permanent complications. The multi-disciplinary team approach is vital-these cases requiring input from ophthalmology, ear nose and throat, microbiology, radiology, neurology and neurosurgery.

Unilateral nasal obstruction: a rare presentation of acute myeloid leukaemia.

Myeloid sarcoma, and, with it, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), is a rare but important differential diagnosis in the consideration of unilateral nasal blockage. These lesions are often misdiagnosed as lymphoma or poorly differentiated carcinoma. We report the case of a patient with unilateral nasal blockage who underwent Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and biopsy. Histology revealed myeloid sarcoma and she was diagnosed with AML. Genetic testing could not be fully undertaken as the biopsy samples were preserved in formalin, which can degrade the quality of the DNA required for the more sensitive fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3 ITD) test. Given that these levels have a significant impact on treatment decisions, a further biopsy, preserved in saline, was required. This case exemplifies the need for Ear, Nose and Throat clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for this lesion, and a working knowledge of the testing requirements for samples taken.

Painful torticollis following adenotonsillectomy: a cardinal sign of atlantoaxial subluxation.

An 11-year-old boy with a history of autism spectrum disorder attended the emergency department with his mother 8 days after an adenotonsillectomy reporting postoperative bleeding. Detailed physical examination revealed no active bleeding, but a rigid neck posture was noted. A head and neck CT scan demonstrated unilateral rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation and possible damage to the anterior spinal ligament. He was reviewed by neurosurgeons who performed manipulation under anaesthetic and successfully realigned the occipital cervical tract. Non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation (Grisel's syndrome) is a rare but serious complication of routine ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures. An awareness of this complication among paediatricians, otolaryngologists and emergency physicians, and a high index of suspicion in any patient presenting with torticollis following ENT surgery is essential in preventing significant neurological morbidity.

Assessing Readability and Reliability of Online Patient Information Regarding Vestibular Schwannoma.

HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to objectively assess the quality and readability of websites related to vestibular schwannomas. BACKGROUND: Patients are increasingly seeking information on confirmed or suspected diagnoses through the Internet. Clinicians are often concerned regarding the accuracy, quality, and readability of web-based sites. METHODS: Online information relating to vestibular schwannoma was searched using the three most popular search engines. The terms "acoustic neuroma" and "vestibular schwannoma" were used. The top 50 results from each site were assessed for readability using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, and the Gunning-Fog Index. Quality of website information was scored using the DISCERN tool. RESULTS: Of 300 search results analyzed, 58 separate appropriate websites were identified. The mean readability score using Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 10.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.84-10.70). The mean Flesch Reading Ease Score was 48.75 (95% CI 46.57-50.92). The Gunning-Fog Index was 13.40 (95% CI 12.92-13.89). These scores equate to someone finishing secondary school/first year university student. DISCERN scores were highly variable but consistently demonstrated great variability in quality of information. CONCLUSION: Online patient information on vestibular schwannoma is highly variable in quality. Although there are a wide range of different websites easily available to patients on their condition and its treatment options, the information is written at a difficult level which may exceed the understanding level of many patients as it is written at a higher than average level of expected reading ability.

Complex Frontal Pneumosinus Dilatans Associated with Meningioma: A Report of Two Cases and Associated Literature Review.

Introduction Pneumosinus dilatans (PSD) is a rare phenomenon involving the expansion of the paranasal sinuses, without bony destruction or a mass. Previously documented cases have demonstrated simple expansion of a solitary air cell. We present two unique cases of PSD in the presence of meningioma, in which complex new cells developed within the frontal sinus. One of the two patients developed associated sinus disease. Case 1 A 28-year-old man presented with facial pain. A computed tomography scan showed an abnormally enlarged, septated right frontal sinus, not present on childhood scans. He underwent a modified endoscopic Lothrop approach to divide the septations, and his symptoms resolved. Case 2 A 72-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of headaches. Scans revealed a left frontal meningioma and multiple enlarged, dilated left frontal air cells. She had no clinical sinusitis and therefore was managed conservatively. Conclusions PSD has been widely documented in association with fibrous dysplasia and meningioma. The most prevalent theory of the mechanism of PSD is of obstruction of the sinus ostium causing sinus expansion through a "ball-valve" effect. Our cases, which demonstrate septated PSD, suggest a more complex process involving local mediators and highlight the need to consider underlying meningioma in pneumosinus dilatans.

A study evaluating the effects of throat packs during nasal surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

The aims of this study were to identify differences in post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and throat pain between throat packed and non-packed patient groups in nasal surgery. This was a prospective, double blind, randomised controlled trial. A water-soaked throat pack gauze was inserted in the mouth to occlude the oropharynx was used in the throat pack group. The second group received no throat pack. A validated PONV questionnaire was completed 6 h post-operatively. Visual analogue scores (VAS) for throat pain were completed in recovery, 2, and 6 h post-operatively. 80 patients were enrolled (40 into each group based on power calculation). With regard to the primary outcome measure, mean PONV score for the throat pack group was 2.75 [median 0, standard deviation (SD 10.86)] and the mean PONV score for the non-packed group was 0.36 (median 0, SD 1.39). The difference in PONV was not statistically significant [P value 0.375, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.19 to 3.32]. With regard to throat pain VAS scores (our secondary outcome measure), in recovery, the mean throat pain VAS score for the throat packed group was 2.5 (median 1, SD 2.8) and the mean throat pain VAS score for the non-throat packed group was 1.3 (median 0, SD 2.5). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups with the throat pack group experiencing more throat pain in recovery (P value 0.018 (95% CI 1.13-2.52). At 2 and 6 h post-operatively, the mean throat pain VAS scores for the throat packed group were 2.1 and 2.3, respectively, and the mean throat pain VAS score for the non-throat packed group was 2.3 and 1.4, respectively. Statistical analysis showed non-significant difference between the two groups at 2 and 6 h post-operatively. The use of throat packs in nasal surgery does not confer PONV reduction benefit. The use of throat pack, however, is associated with a small but statistically significant more throat pain in the initial recovery period from nasal operations.

Readability and quality assessment of internet-based patient education materials related to laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients are increasingly using the internet to access health-related information. The purpose of this study was to assess the readability and quality of laryngeal cancer-related websites. METHODS: Patient education materials were identified by performing an internet search using 3 search engines. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Gunning Fog Index (GFI). The DISCERN instrument was utilized to assess quality of health information. RESULTS: A total of 54 websites were included in the analysis. The mean readability scores were as follows: FRES, 48.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.8-51.6); FKGL, 10.9 (95% CI = 10.3-11.5); and GFI, 13.8 (95% CI = 11.3-16.3). These scores suggest that, on average, online information about patients with laryngeal cancer is written at an advanced level. The mean DISCERN score was 49.8 (95% CI = 45.4-54.2), suggesting that online information is of variable quality. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests much of the laryngeal cancer information available online is of suboptimal quality and written at a level too difficult for the average adult to read comfortably.

A prospective study of blood splatter in ENT.

Surgeons face an occupational risk of daily exposure to blood and body fluids. Potential sources of infection include sharps injuries and mucocutaneous contact. The transmission of blood-borne viruses, in particular human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C from the patient to healthcare workers is well documented in the literature. We studied the incidence and degree of blood splash in all otolaryngology (ENT) procedures undertaken in a single unit over a 12 week period. In addition, we investigated which intraoperative factors might predict the degree of splash. We undertook a prospective, non-blinded study of 102 patients undergoing a range of 'routine' elective ENT within one department over 12 weeks. A surgical mask with visor attached was worn in all procedures. Following each procedure, all splatter masks were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically for blood splash. In addition, the procedure performed, technique used, total blood loss, operating time and grade of surgeon was noted. 54% of procedures resulted in splash mask contamination. The median number of splash spots per mask was 4.7 (range 0-63). Tonsillectomy was the most commonly performed procedure, accounting for over one-third of total procedures investigated. Each mask had an average of 8.2 splash marks. Tonsillectomy had a splash rate of 76.9%. Although the risk of developing HIV is low the operating surgeon has a duty to take all precautions to protect themselves during a procedure and therefore a protective mask and visor or suitable goggles must be worn.

Surgical interventions for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is an established treatment for medically resistant nasal polyp disease. Whether a nasal polypectomy with additional sinus dissection offers any advantage over an isolated nasal polypectomy has not been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of simple polyp surgery versus more extensive surgical clearance in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014, Issue 1); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 20 February 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in patients over 16 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, who have failed a course of medical management and who have not previously undergone any previous surgical intervention for their nasal disease. Studies compared nasal polypectomy with more extensive sinus clearance in this patient cohort. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS: We identified no trials which met our inclusion criteria. Six controlled trials (five randomised) met some but not all of the inclusion criteria and were therefore excluded from the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We are unable to reach any conclusions as to whether isolated nasal polypectomy or more extensive sinus surgery is a superior surgical treatment modality for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. There is a need for high-quality randomised controlled trials to assess whether additional sinus surgery confers any benefit when compared to nasal polypectomy performed in isolation.

Venous thromboembolism in ENT surgery: a review of the literature and completed audit cycle of adherence to national guidance.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment of elective ENT patients is essential to minimize the risk of mortality and morbidity. The study is standard-based audit of VTE risk assessment against the ENT UK guidelines and intervention includes instructional poster and departmental presentation. 23 patients on eight operating lists were audited in the first cycle (C1). A total of 27 patients on ten operating lists were re-audited in the second cycle (C2). There were marked improvements in the number of VTE risk assessments completed (C1 = 3/23; C2 = 26/27; p < 0.0001), the number of patients encouraged to mobilize (C1 = 0/23; C2 = 26/27; p < 0.0001), and the number of VTE leaflets provided upon discharge (C1 = 1/23; C2 = 27/27; p < 0.0001) following the intervention. The introduction of a poster and a departmental presentation proved to be simple, cheap, and effective measures to improve adherence of national VTE guidelines.

The Wexham Criteria: defining severe epistaxis to select patients requiring sphenopalatine artery ligation.

This study aims to provide guidance regarding patient selection and timing of intervention with sphenopalatine artery (SPA) ligation by defining 'severe epistaxis'. An analysis of all patients undergoing SPA ligation (January 2002-2010) was performed. SPA ligation was deemed necessary if at least one of the four identified criteria was fulfilled. The same analysis was also performed on all patients admitted with epistaxis who did not undergo SPA ligation over a 6-month period. All 27 patients who underwent SPA ligation met at least one of the criteria selected. Uncontrolled epistaxis (21/27) was fulfilled most often. In comparison, only 4/71 patients admitted with epistaxis who did not undergo SPA ligation fulfilled any single criterion. All criteria were satisfied in a significantly higher number of cases in the SPA group (p < 0.001) The criteria studied proved helpful in identifying patients admitted to hospital with epistaxis who had failed conservative measures.

Alternative injectable materials for vocal fold medialisation in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) usually present with dysphonia, but can also be breathless and have problems with their swallowing. Speech and language therapy forms the initial mainstay of management in cases of UVFP, since up to 60% of cases will resolve spontaneously. If vocal fold paralysis persists surgery, in the form of injection medialisation, has been shown to be an effective intervention. What is currently unclear is which is the most effective material available for injection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of alternative injection materials in the treatment of UVFP. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 23 March 2012. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of injectable materials in patients with UVFP. The outcomes of interest were patient and clinician-reported improvement, and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected studies from the search results and extracted data. We used the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool to assess study quality. MAIN RESULTS: We identified no RCTs which met the inclusion criteria for this review. We excluded 18 studies on methodological grounds: 16 non-randomised studies; one RCT due to inadequate randomisation and inclusion of non-UVFP patients; and one RCT which compared two different particle sizes of the same injectable material. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence for, or against, specific injectable materials for patients with UVFP. Future RCTs should aim to provide a direct comparison of the alternative materials currently available for injection medialisation.

Thy3 cytology: what to do next?

INTRODUCTION: Cytological analysis of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) is aided by the 'Thy' classification. However, there is often confusion surrounding the management of patients with a Thy3 classification. A subdivision of Thy3 has been created to help reduce this dilemma but its use within the UK appears to by infrequent. This paper analyses the management of patients with Thy3 cytology from FNA of a thyroid nodule in a UK case series and reviews the relevant literature. It also describes the results of a survey of selected UK ENT departments on the use of the Thy3 classification and its subdivisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a case series of patients was undertaken. In addition, a telephone survey of local/regional pathology departments was conducted to assess the utilisation of the Thy classification and to assess the awareness and usage of the Thy3 subdivisions. RESULTS: A total of 39 Thy3 results (11 males, 28 females) were identified from 2007 to 2009. Of these, 24 patients went on to have surgery, 8 had a further FNA, 2 had a Tru-cut biopsy and 5 were lost to follow-up. Eleven (28.2%) patients were subsequently diagnosed with a thyroid malignancy. The survey identified that none of the departments had adopted the Thy3 subclassifications and only 40% were aware of them. CONCLUSIONS: Thy3 results from thyroid FNA have a significant risk of malignancy but there remains confusion surrounding their management. This district general hospital has adopted and recommends the use of the Thy3 (i) and Thy3 (ii) subdivisions in order to assist decision-making and avoid delays in treatment or unnecessary surgery.