An innovative reconstruction procedure for fractures extending to the posterior orbital floor: utilizing the inferior margin of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone for reconstruction.

PURPOSE: No definitive procedures have been proposed for orbital floor fractures extending to the slope of the posterior end, which is a challenging problem. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an orbital reconstruction procedure based on anatomical landmarks that we developed, called the three landmarks procedure (TLP). METHODS: This study is a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital. Data were collected from April 2000 to December 2023. The effect of TLP and the balloon procedure (BP) on ocular movement was compared. The prevalence of postoperative enophthalmos after TLP was examined. RESULTS: The study included 17 patients who underwent TLP and 25 patients who underwent BP. Postoperative mean Hess area ratio (HAR%) was 98.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), 97.0-99.6) in the TLP group and 88.6 (95% CI 83.2-94.0) in the BP group. Among study patients with fractures extending to the posterior slope, 14 underwent TLP and 16 underwent BP. Postoperative mean HAR% was 98.5 (95% CI 97.3-99.7) in the TLP group and 89.2 (95% CI 82.4-95.8) in the BP group. Among all patients who underwent TLP, mean postoperative enophthalmos was 0.06 mm (95% CI - 0.32 to 0.44). It was 0.14 mm (95% CI - 0.31 to 0.59) among patients with fractures extending to the posterior slope. CONCLUSION: TLP resulted in better postoperative ocular movements than BP. Furthermore, TLP is an effective technique for treating fractures extending to the posterior slope, which are challenging to reconstruct.

Modified procedure for reconstructing the inferomedial orbital wall: silicone sheet implantation without surgical removal.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complexity of reconstructing wide inferomedial orbital wall fractures, silicone sheets are the preferred choice of reconstructive material. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remove the silicone sheet postoperatively due to the risk of delayed complications associated with its placement. METHODS: We developed a procedure in which a silicone sheet implanted in the orbit can be extracted through the nasal cavity by removing the fractured portion of the medial orbital wall. CONCLUSION: This procedure enables the utilization of silicone sheets, which are suitable for intricate orbital reconstruction, without any concerns regarding delayed complications.

AQUACEL® Ag Advantage reduces the stress of postoperative packing removal after endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract Objective: After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), packing plays an important role in wound healing and hemostasis. However, the effect of the packing removal procedure on physician stress has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physician stress during packing removal for patients treated with AQUACEL® Ag Advantage versus KALTOSTAT®. Methods: This retrospective study included 15 patients who underwent packing with ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis performed at two centers; 9 were treated with AQUACEL® Ag Advantage and 6 were treated with KALTOSTAT®. Physician stress during packing removal was evaluated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The time required to remove the packing and the number of instruments used in the procedure were recorded. Postoperative bleeding (Boezaart bleeding score) and wound healing were graded. Patient symptoms on the day after surgery and pain during packing removal were assessed using a visual analog scale. Results: Computed tomography scores, asthma complications, and blood eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group. Patient symptoms on the day after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. Physician stress during the task of packing removal was significantly lower in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group than in the KALTOSTAT® group (35.5 vs. 81.0, p = 0.016) according to the NASA-TLX scores. The number of instruments used in the procedure was significantly lower in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group than in the KALTOSTAT® group (3.0 vs. 6.0, p = 0.015). There were no significant differences in procedure time for packing removal, postoperative bleeding, wound healing, or patient pain at the time of packing removal between the groups. Conclusion: Physicians feel stressed about packing removal. In addition, AQUACEL® Ag Advantage is useful for packing after ESS, requiring fewer instruments for the procedure than KALTOSTAT® and reducing physician stress about the procedure. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting for Progressive Intracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis Secondary to Invasive Sphenoid Sinus Aspergillosis: A Case Report.

We report a case of invasive sphenoid sinus aspergillosis with progressive internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion that was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS). A 70-year-old man presented with right-sided visual disturbance, ptosis, and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed a space-occupying lesion within the sphenoid sinus with infiltration of the bilateral cavernous sinuses, right ICA occlusion, and multiple watershed cerebral infarcts involving the right cerebral hemisphere. The patient was diagnosed with invasive sinus aspergillosis based on transnasal biopsy findings. Despite intensive antifungal therapy using voriconazole, rapidly progressive aspergillosis led to a new stenotic lesion in the left ICA, which increased the risk of bilateral cerebral hypoperfusion. We performed successful PTAS to prevent critical ischemic events. Finally, aspergillosis was controlled with voriconazole treatment, and the patient was discharged. He showed a favorable outcome, with a patent left ICA observed at a 3-year follow-up. PTAS may be feasible in patients with ICA stenosis and invasive sinus aspergillosis.

AQUACEL® Ag Advantage reduces the stress of postoperative packing removal after endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), packing plays an important role in wound healing and hemostasis. However, the effect of the packing removal procedure on physician stress has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physician stress during packing removal for patients treated with AQUACEL® Ag Advantage versus KALTOSTAT®. METHODS: This retrospective study included 15 patients who underwent packing with ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis performed at two centers; 9 were treated with AQUACEL® Ag Advantage and 6 were treated with KALTOSTAT®. Physician stress during packing removal was evaluated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The time required to remove the packing and the number of instruments used in the procedure were recorded. Postoperative bleeding (Boezaart bleeding score) and wound healing were graded. Patient symptoms on the day after surgery and pain during packing removal were assessed using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Computed tomography scores, asthma complications, and blood eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group. Patient symptoms on the day after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. Physician stress during the task of packing removal was significantly lower in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group than in the KALTOSTAT® group (35.5 vs. 81.0, p=0.016) according to the NASA-TLX scores. The number of instruments used in the procedure was significantly lower in the AQUACEL® Ag Advantage group than in the KALTOSTAT® group (3.0 vs. 6.0, p=0.015). There were no significant differences in procedure time for packing removal, postoperative bleeding, wound healing, or patient pain at the time of packing removal between the groups. CONCLUSION: Physicians feel stressed about packing removal. In addition, AQUACEL® Ag Advantage is useful for packing after ESS, requiring fewer instruments for the procedure than KALTOSTAT® and reducing physician stress about the procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Algorithm for pediatric orbital blowout fractures: a 20-year retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objective Pediatric orbital blowout fractures can include pathologies that seem mild but require urgent release; serious sequelae can occur with standby surgery or conservative treatment. We sought to validate an algorithm for the treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 61 pediatric patients, aged 18 years or younger, treated for pure orbital blowout fractures according to the algorithm from April 1, 2000, to August 31, 2020, at the Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital. Results There were 52 males (85%). Median age was 14 years (range, 5-18 years). There were 9 patients categorized as needing urgent release, 16 as needing repair, and 36 as needing conservative treatment. Mean follow-up ocular movement was 98.0 (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI], 96.8-99.2). Postoperative diplopia was not observed in 96% (79.6%-99.9%) of patients, better than in previous studies. A higher proportion of patients aged 0-12 years needed urgent repair than those aged 13-18 years (Odds Ratio [OR] = 14.2; 95% CI 1.6-683.4; p= 0.0046). There were no differences in Hess area ratio by age group. Conclusion Clinical results with the algorithm were satisfactory. The algorithm is suitable for treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures. Level of evidence 4.

Accuracy of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Teicoplanin at the Onset of Febrile Neutropenia.

Background and Objectives: Teicoplanin (TEIC) is an effective drug for patients with febrile neutropenia (FN); however, it has been reported that these patients may have increased TEIC clearance compared with patients who do not have FN. The purpose of this study was to study therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with FN when the TEIC dosing design was based on the population mean method. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine FN patients with hematological malignancy were included in the study. To calculate the predicted blood concentration of TEIC, we used the two population pharmacokinetic (population PK) parameters (parameters 1 and 2) reported by Nakayama et al. and parameter 3, which is a modification of the population PK of Nakayama et al. We calculated the mean prediction error (ME), an indicator of prediction bias, and the mean absolute prediction error (MAE), an indicator of accuracy. Furthermore, the percentage of predicted TEIC blood concentration within 25% and 50% of the measured TEIC blood concentration was calculated. Results: The ME values were -0.54, -0.25, and -0.30 and the MAE values were 2.29, 2.19, and 2.22 for parameters 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For all of the three parameters, the ME values were calculated as minus values, and the predicted concentrations tended to be biased toward smaller values relative to the measured concentrations. Patients with serum creatinine (Scr) < 0.6 mg/dL and neutrophil counts < 100/µL had greater ME and MAE values and a smaller percentage of predicted TEIC blood concentration within 25% of measured TEIC blood concentrations compared with other patients. Conclusions: In patients with FN, the accuracy of predicting TEIC blood concentrations was good, with no significant differences between each parameter. However, patients with a Scr < 0.6 mg/dL and a neutrophil count < 100/µL showed slightly inferior prediction accuracy.

Algorithm for pediatric orbital blowout fractures: a 20-year retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric orbital blowout fractures can include pathologies that seem mild but require urgent release; serious sequelae can occur with standby surgery or conservative treatment. We sought to validate an algorithm for the treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 61 pediatric patients, aged 18 years or younger, treated for pure orbital blowout fractures according to the algorithm from April 1, 2000, to August 31, 2020, at the Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital. RESULTS: There were 52 males (85%). Median age was 14 years (range, 5-18 years). There were 9 patients categorized as needing urgent release, 16 as needing repair, and 36 as needing conservative treatment. Mean follow-up ocular movement was 98.0 (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI], 96.8-99.2). Postoperative diplopia was not observed in 96% (79.6%-99.9%) of patients, better than in previous studies. A higher proportion of patients aged 0-12 years needed urgent repair than those aged 13-18 years (Odds Ratio [OR] = 14.2; 95% CI 1.6-683.4; p = 0.0046). There were no differences in Hess area ratio by age group. CONCLUSION: Clinical results with the algorithm were satisfactory. The algorithm is suitable for treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures.

S100A8 enhances IL-1ß production from nasal epithelial cells in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis is classified into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (NECRS). ECRS is a refractory allergic disease involving a variety of immune and epithelial cells. S100A8 is a damage-associated molecular pattern that is closely related to allergic inflammation. However, the pathological implications of S100A8 in ECRS have not been clarified. METHODS: We evaluated the role of S100A8 in the pathogenesis of ECRS. Gene expression profiles of nasal polyps obtained from patients with ECRS or NECRS were evaluated using RNA sequencing. RESULTS: S100A8 was identified as a significantly upregulated gene in nasal polyps associated with ECRS. Immunohistochemistry consistently revealed intense S100A8 staining in nasal polyps from patients with ECRS. Human nasal epithelial cells expressed the receptor for advanced glycation end products and Toll-like receptor 4. Recombinant S100A8 protein induced interleukin-1ß secretion in human nasal epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that S100A8 results in production of interleukin-1ß in the nasal epithelium, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of ECRS.

Modified procedure for reconstructing the inferior wall of the orbit: identification of a reliable new landmark.

BACKGROUND: In orbital floor reconstruction, fractures involving the slope of the posterior end of the orbital floor make it difficult to determine the best location for implant placement. Therefore, landmarks for reconstruction are desirable to perform safe and reproducible reconstruction surgery. METHODS: We developed a surgical procedure that focuses on three orbital landmarks: the infraorbital nerve, the inferior margin of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, and the posterior superior wall of the maxilla. CONCLUSIONS: Landmark-based orbital floor fracture reconstruction enables accurate reconstruction of fractures that extend to the slope of the posterior end of the orbital floor.

Organized Hematoma after Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy for Maxillary Sinus Cancer: A Case Report.

An organized hematoma (OH) is a relatively rare benign lesion of the paranasal sinuses. Traditionally, it has been reported to occur following trauma, surgery, and sinus hemorrhagic lesions and in various bleeding predispositions. OHs are sometimes difficult to differentiate from malignancy because of the similar clinical symptoms and bone destruction. It is especially difficult when OHs occur in the same location as the primary tumor after treatment of a malignant tumor. In this paper, we report two cases of OH that occurred after intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy (IACRT) for maxillary sinus cancer. In one case, FDG accumulation was found in PET/CT and suspected to be a cancer recurrence. However, the postoperative pathology showed no malignant findings. This suggests that OH may show accumulation on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). In both cases, bleeding from the maxillary sinus continued after surgery. In one case, recurrence was observed, and in the other, nasal irrigation prevented the pooling of blood in the maxillary sinus, and no recurrence was observed. These cases suggest that OH after IACRT may easily recur because the bleeding continues even after surgery. In such cases, nasal irrigation or preoperative embolization may be helpful to avoid recurrence.

A Rare Case of Prostate Carcinoma Metastasis in the Orbital Apex.

Prostate cancer (PC) is prone to bone metastases, but very rarely it can spread to soft tissues. In the head and neck region, PC can metastasize to the orbital soft tissue, causing various symptoms such as vision loss. In this report, we describe the case of a 79-year-old man with PC metastasis in the orbital apex. He presented to an ophthalmologist at our hospital with progressively worsening vision in his left eye over 3 to 4 months. He complained of a drooping eyelid in the same eye; thus, intracranial disease was suspected. Closer inspection with head computed tomography revealed a space-occupying lesion from the orbit to the posterior ethmoid sinus, and he was referred to our department. He had a history of PC, and we performed endoscopic sinus surgery for the diagnosis of malignancy, including metastasis of PC. As a result, the mass was diagnosed as PC metastasis by pathological examination. The patient began androgen blockade therapy and 3 months postoperatively, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the extraconal orbital mass had decreased significantly. It is important to determine the metastases of PC in the paranasal region when the patient has a preexisting medical history.

A Case of Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery for Intraorbital Metastasis of Gastric Ring Cell Carcinoma.

Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma has well-known metastatic features, including peritoneal dissemination and carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung, but no intraorbital metastases were reported previously. A woman in her 60s developed left eye pain, sudden vision loss, and headache 12 years after gastric cancer treatment. Symptoms did not improve despite steroid pulses. Craniotomy showed no malignant findings. The patient was referred to our department for symptomatic relief and biopsy due to the lack of a definitive diagnosis and no improvement in her ocular pain. Endonasal endoscopic surgery was performed for diagnostic purposes and to relieve symptoms through orbital decompression. Preoperative computed tomography examination revealed a tumor at the left medial orbit, extending to the orbital apex. Orbital decompression through the open left medial orbital wall was performed with biopsy of the intraorbital tumor. Pathological findings were consistent with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma. Pain and subjective improvement of visual acuity were noted the day after surgery. Twelve months postoperatively, diplopia remains, but there has been no worsening of symptoms.

Skull Base Metastasis of Breast Cancer With Oculomotor and Trochlear Nerve Palsy.

Skull base metastatic tumors are rare. Breast cancer in particular can cause bone metastases after a long period of time. A 70-year-old woman presented with multiple cranial nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion that extended from the orbit to the base of the skull, and the patient was referred to our department. Ophthalmological evaluation showed left visual acuity impairment, left oculomotor nerve palsy, and left trochlear nerve palsy. Endoscopic biopsy performed 5 years after the completion of breast cancer treatment revealed skull base metastases. In unilateral multiple cranial nerve palsy, the possibility of skull base metastases should be considered.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for hemorrhagic rupture of a simple hepatic cyst: A case report.

Hemorrhagic rupture is a very rare and life-threatening hepatic cyst complication. Several treatment methods have been used for hepatic cyst hemorrhage and/or rupture; however, transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatic cyst hemorrhage has been poorly documented. An 80-year-old man receiving dual antiplatelet therapy was diagnosed with hemorrhagic rupture of a hepatic cyst. Transcatheter arterial embolization using a coil was performed for A6 branch confirmed active extravasation. His condition improved promptly after treatment, and the hepatic cyst gradually became smaller as compared to the size before hemorrhage. Transcatheter arterial embolization is suitable for hepatic cyst hemorrhage and might be a minimally invasive treatment option for a symptomatic hepatic cyst.

Isolated sphenoid sinus opacification is often asymptomatic and is not referred for otolaryngology consultation.

Isolated sphenoid sinus opacifications (ISSOs) are clinically important because they can lead to serious complications. However, some patients with ISSOs are asymptomatic, and not all patients are properly referred to the otolaryngology department. Because past studies of ISSOs focused only on patients who received treatment, in this study we selected ISSO cases based on radiology reports, then determined whether these patients had symptoms and were appropriately referred for specialty care. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data collected from patients who underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging from January 2007 to March 2017 at Osaka General Medical Center. We searched for the terms "sphenoid" or "sphenoidal" using F-REPORT to identify patients who had a sphenoid disease. We checked all selected images and diagnosed ISSOs. Examination of 1115 cases revealed 223 cases of ISSOs, of whom 167 (74.9%) were asymptomatic. We categorized patients with ISSOs into four groups: inflammation, mucocele, fungal diseases, and unclassifiable; the final category was used when edges were irregular or complete opacity was encountered. In the unclassifiable group, the majority of cases required otolaryngology consultation, but 37 of 47 unclassifiable patients did not have an otolaryngology visit. ISSOs are often identified by chance on imaging tests performed by non-otolaryngologists. However, our study revealed that many patients with ISSOs who should be treated by otolaryngologists were not referred to the otolaryngology department. Accordingly, it is important to promote awareness of the disease among other types of clinicians.

An Unusual Case of Maxillary Sinus Cholesterol Granuloma Showing FDG Uptake on PET/CT.

ABSTRACT: Cholesterol granuloma (CG) occurs primarily in the middle ear and rarely in the paranasal sinus. We report an unusual case of paranasal sinus CG with 18F-FDG uptake. A 76-year-old man presented with right refractory epistaxis. PET/CT showed FDG uptake in the maxillary sinus. CT findings are typically uncharacteristic, whereas MRI scans are characterized by a high signal on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Nasal endoscopy from the ostium revealed a granulomatous lesion with hemorrhage at the base of the maxillary sinus. After pathological examination by endoscopic sinus surgery, the patient was diagnosed with CG.