Master Regulators of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and WNT Signaling Pathways in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare fibrovascular benign tumor showing an invasive growth pattern and affecting mainly male adolescents. We investigated the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and WNT signaling pathways in JNA. Gene expression profiles using nine JNA paired with four inferior nasal turbinate samples were interrogated using a customized 2.3K microarray platform containing genes mainly involved in EMT and WNT/PI3K pathways. The expression of selected genes (BCL2, CAV1, CD74, COL4A2, FZD7, ING1, LAMB1, and RAC2) and proteins (BCL2, CAV1, CD74, FZD7, RAF1, WNT5A, and WNT5B) was investigated by RT-qPCR (28 cases) and immunohistochemistry (40 cases), respectively. Among 104 differentially expressed genes, we found a significantly increased expression of COL4A2 and LAMB1 and a decreased expression of BCL2 and RAC2 by RT-qPCR. The immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a low expression of BCL2 and a negative to moderate expression of FZD7 in most samples, while increased CAV1 and RAF1 expression were detected. Moderate to strong CD74 protein expression was observed in endothelial and inflammatory cells. A significant number of JNAs (78%) presented reduced WNT5A and increased WNT5B expression. Overall, the transcript and protein profile indicated the involvement of EMT and WNT pathways in JNA. These candidates are promising druggable targets for treating JNA.

Bipedicled Vocal Fold Mucosal Flap Use in Phonomicrosurgery: Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to present a novel surgical technique involving the use of a "bipedicled vocal fold mucosal flap" to repair a mucosal defect and to evaluate the outcomes of patients in whom it was used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 6 clinical cases. All patients underwent surgery between November 2000 and July 2018, and all procedures were performed by the same surgeon. For the auditory-perceptual assessment, the Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain hoarseness scale was used. We based the stroboscopic evaluation on the European Laryngological Society protocol, analyzing the parameters glottal closure, mucosal wave, and phase symmetry. RESULTS: Ages at the time of surgery ranged from 10 to 52 years, and all of the patients were male. Preexisting vocal fold lesions included polyps, cysts, a sulcus, and mucosal bridges. Among the stroboscopic parameters, only the mucosal wave differed significantly between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P = 0.046). There were also significant postoperative improvements in the overall grade of dysphonia (P = 0.025) and in the degree of breathiness (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a bipedicled vocal fold mucosal flap appears to promote significant improvements in the mucosal wave and in voice quality. In the patients evaluated here, the technique was used without preoperative planning. However, it proved to be a safe and appropriate means of repairing mucosal defects in the vocal folds, with the potential to preserve rheological properties and promote healing with less chance of fibrosis.

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese / Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese

Abstract Introduction: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. Objective: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. Methods: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. Results: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. Conclusion: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Resumo: Introdução: A cirurgia endoscópica funcional endonasal é um procedimento cirúrgico frequente entre os otorrinolaringologistas. Em 2014, a Sociedade Europeia de Rinologia publicou o "Documento Europeu para Posicionamento sobre a Terminologia Anatômica Interna do Nariz e das Cavidades Paranasais" com o objetivo de unificar os termos na língua inglesa. Ainda não dispomos de uma terminologia unificada na língua portuguesa. Objetivo: Adaptação transcultural dos termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses". Método: Um grupo de rinologistas de todo o Brasil, com experiência em cirurgia endoscópica endonasal, foi convidado a participar da elaboração desse posicionamento sobre os termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português conforme metodologia adaptada da previamente descrita por Rudmik e Smith. Resultados: Os resultados desse documento foram gerados a partir da concordância da maioria dos participantes conforme as sugestões mais populares entre os rinologistas. Uma adaptação transcultural da terminologia anatômica nasossinusal foi consolidada. Sugerimos que se busque uniformizar termos como "concha inferior", "septo nasal", "porção (óssea/cartilaginosa) do septo nasal", "meato (médio/ inferior) nasal", "via da drenagem do seio frontal", "recesso frontal" e "processo uncinado". Conclusão: Consolidamos uma versão adaptada em português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" que auxiliará a publicação de comunicados técnicos, publicações científicas e o ensino dos termos anatômicos internos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais no Brasil.

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. OBJECTIVE: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. METHODS: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. RESULTS: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. CONCLUSION: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Surgical approach to the thyroarytenoid branch of the inferior laryngeal nerve through the thyroid cartilage

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical course of the intralaryngeal portion of the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) and to standardize the surgical access to its thyroarytenoid branch (TAb) through the thyroid cartilage. METHODS: Under surgical microscopy, 33 adult human excised larynges were dissected, to expose the intralaryngeal portion of ILN. The point of entry of TAb, ILN's terminal branch, in the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle was determined and correlated with thyroid cartilage dimensions. RESULTS: After entering the larynx, the ILN consistently traveled between the thyroid cartilage and the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle in an anterior and slightly cranial course. The distance from the point of entry of the TAb in the TA muscle to the midline (TAb-H) and to the inferior border (TAb-V) of the thyroid cartilage differed according to gender. In females, mean distances of TAb-H and TAb-V were 20.5mm and 5.2mm and in males, 22.3mm and 5.9mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The intralaryngeal course of the inferior laryngeal nerve presents low variability and measures from landmarks in the thyroid cartilage help to estimate the point of entry of thyroarytenoid branch in thyroarytenoid muscle.

Speech and Swallowing Data in Individual Patients Who Underwent Glossectomy after Prosthetic Rehabilitation.

Maintaining oral function in patients undergoing glossectomy boosts interventions such as prosthetic rehabilitation. However, current literature still fails in the presentation of results of prosthetic rehabilitation in relation to speech or swallowing. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation on voice, speech, and swallowing in patients undergoing glossectomy by performing a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of individual cases. Studies were identified by relevant electronic database and included all dates available. The criteria used were sample with any n; resection due to malignant tumors, restricted to tongue and/or floor of mouth; type of prosthetic rehabilitation; and description of the oral functions outcomes with prosthesis. For the meta-analysis of individual data, associations between the variables of interest and the type of prosthesis were evaluated. Thirty-three of 471 articles met the selection criteria. Results on speech and/or voice and swallowing were reported in 27 and 28 articles, respectively. There were improvement of speech intelligibility and swallowing in 96 patients and in 73 patients, respectively, with prosthesis. Based on the available evidences, this article showed that prosthetic rehabilitation was able to improve oral functions and can be a strategy used with surgical reconstruction in selected cases.

Transpterygoid Approach to a Dermoid Cyst in Pterygopalatine Fossa

Objective: To describe a case of dermoid cyst arising from the pterygopalatine fossa and review the literature. Methods: We report a case of a 23-year-old man who suffered a car accident 2 years before otolaryngologic attendance. He had one episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure and developed a reduction of visual acuity of the left side after the accident. Neurologic investigation was performed and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an incidental finding of a heterogeneous ovoid lesion in the pterygopalatine fossa, hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. Results:  Endoscopic sinus surgery with transpterygoid approach was performed. The ovoid lesion was noted in the pterygopalatine fossa. Puncture for intraoperative evaluation showed a transparent thick fluid. Surprisingly, hair and sebaceous glands were found inside the cyst capsule. The cyst was excised completely. Histologic examination revealed a dermoid cyst. The patient currently has no evidence of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion:  This unique case is a rare report of a dermoid cyst incidentally diagnosed. An endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid approach may be performed to treat successfully this kind of lesion. Although rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions in the pterygopalatine fossa, including schwannoma, angiofibroma, esthesioneuroblastoma, osteochondroma, cholesterol granuloma, hemangioma, lymphoma, and osteoma...

Transpterygoid approach to a dermoid cyst in pterygopalatine fossa.

Objective To describe a case of dermoid cyst arising from the pterygopalatine fossa and review the literature. Methods We report a case of a 23-year-old man who suffered a car accident 2 years before otolaryngologic attendance. He had one episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure and developed a reduction of visual acuity of the left side after the accident. Neurologic investigation was performed and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an incidental finding of a heterogeneous ovoid lesion in the pterygopalatine fossa, hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. Results Endoscopic sinus surgery with transpterygoid approach was performed. The ovoid lesion was noted in the pterygopalatine fossa. Puncture for intraoperative evaluation showed a transparent thick fluid. Surprisingly, hair and sebaceous glands were found inside the cyst capsule. The cyst was excised completely. Histologic examination revealed a dermoid cyst. The patient currently has no evidence of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion This unique case is a rare report of a dermoid cyst incidentally diagnosed. An endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid approach may be performed to treat successfully this kind of lesion. Although rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions in the pterygopalatine fossa, including schwannoma, angiofibroma, esthesioneuroblastoma, osteochondroma, cholesterol granuloma, hemangioma, lymphoma, and osteoma.

Diffusion of aniline blue injected into the thyroarytenoid muscle as a proxy for botulinum toxin injection: an experimental study in cadaver larynges

Endolaryngeal injection of botulinum toxin into the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle is one of the methods for treatment of focal laryngeal dystonia. However, after treatment, there is variation in laryngeal configuration as well as the side effects reported by patients. As a consequence of the functional variability of results, it was hypothesized that botulinum toxin diffuses beyond the limits of the muscle into which it is injected. OBJECTIVES: After injection of botulinum toxin into the TA muscle for the treatment of focal laryngeal dystonia, patients differ in terms of laryngeal configuration and side effects. We hypothesized that this toxin diffuses from the target muscle to adjacent muscles. METHOD: The TA muscles of 18 cadaver larynges were injected with aniline blue (0.2 mL). After fixation in formaldehyde and nitric acid decalcification, the larynges were sectioned in the coronal plane and the intrinsic muscles were analyzed. RESULTS: We found diffusion of aniline blue to the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, cricothyroid muscle, and posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in 94.3%, 42.9%, and 8.6% of the cases, respectively. In terms of the degree of diffusion to adjacent muscles, we found no differences related to the size (height and width) of the TA muscle or to gender. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that diffusion of botulinum toxin from its injection site in the TA muscle to the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle is likely in most cases. On the other hand, diffusion to the cricothyroid muscle occurs in approximately half of cases and diffusion to the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle occurs in very few cases...

Endoscopic laser thyroarytenoid myoneurectomy in patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia: a pilot study on long-term outcome on voice quality.

OBJECTIVES: Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is a focal laryngeal dystonia, which compromises greatly the quality of life of the patients involved. It is a severe vocal disorder characterized by spasms of laryngeal muscles during speech, producing phonatory breaks, forced, strained and strangled voice. Its symptoms result from involuntary and intermittent contractions of thyroarytenoid muscle during speech, which causes vocal fold to strain, pressing each vocal fold against the other and increasing glottic resistance. Botulinum toxin injection remains the gold-standard treatment. However, as injections should be repeated periodically leading to voice quality instability, a more definitive procedure would be desirable. In this pilot study we report the long-term vocal quality results of endoscopic laser thyroarytenoid myoneurectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Surgery was performed in 15 patients (11 females and four males), aged between 29 and 73 years, diagnosed with ADSD. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was obtained before and after surgery (median 31 months postoperatively). RESULTS: A significant improvement in VHI was observed after surgery, as compared with baseline values (P=0.001). The median and interquartile range for preoperative VHI was 99 and 13, respectively and 24 and 42, for postoperative VHI. Subjective improvement of voice as assessed by the patients showed median improvement of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Because long-term follow-up showed significant improvement of voice quality, this innovative surgical technique seems a satisfactory alternative treatment of ADSD patients who seek a definite improvement of their condition.

Endoscopic anatomy of the approaches to the sellar area and planum sphenoidale.

UNLABELLED: The productive work between otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons has resulted in the emergence of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. The goal of the present study is to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the endonasal approach to the sellar region and planum sphenoidale, highlighting the key points of the surgical approach and the neurovascular landmarks. METHOD: Descriptive study of the endoscopic endonasal dissection of 9 fresh cadavers with exposure of the anatomic structures. RESULTS: The endoscopic endonasal ethmoidectomy and sphenoidotomy allows an expanded access to the sellar area and planum sphenoidale. The surface anatomy of the sphenoid sinus is easily identifiable and provides safe landmarks, guiding the intracranial dissection. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach to the skull base by the ENT and neurosurgeon is feasible, but it requires adequate anatomical knowledge and endoscopic skills for its realization, which can be obtained by practicing in cadavers.

Endoscopic anatomy of the approaches to the sellar area and planum sphenoidale / Anatomia endoscópica do acesso à região selar e plano esfenoidal

The productive work between otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons has resulted in the emergence of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. The goal of the present study is to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the endonasal approach to the sellar region and planum sphenoidale, highlighting the key points of the surgical approach and the neurovascular landmarks. METHOD: Descriptive study of the endoscopic endonasal dissection of 9 fresh cadavers with exposure of the anatomic structures. RESULTS: The endoscopic endonasal ethmoidectomy and sphenoidotomy allows an expanded access to the sellar area and planum sphenoidale. The surface anatomy of the sphenoid sinus is easily identifiable and provides safe landmarks, guiding the intracranial dissection. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach to the skull base by the ENT and neurosurgeon is feasible, but it requires adequate anatomical knowledge and endoscopic skills for its realization, which can be obtained by practicing in cadavers.

O trabalho cooperativo entre otorrinolaringologistas e neurocirurgiões resultou no aprimoramento das técnicas cirúrgicas e no surgimento da cirurgia endoscópica endonasal da base do crânio. O estudo tem como objetivo descrever a anatomia endoscópica do acesso endonasal da região selar e plano esfenoidal, destacando os pontos fundamentais do acesso cirúrgico e referências neuro-vasculares. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo da dissecção endoscópica endonasal de 9 cadáveres frescos com exposição das estruturas anatômicas. RESULTADOS: A etmoidectomia e esfenoidotomia endonasal endoscópica permite um acesso estendido à região selar e plano esfenoidal. A anatomia de superfície do seio esfenoidal é facilmente identificada e fornece pontos de referência seguros, guiando a dissecção intracraniana. CONCLUSÃO: O acesso endoscópico endonasal para a base do crânio pelo otorrinolaringologista e neurocirurgião é perfeitamente viável, mas para isso o conhecimento anatômico da região e de seus pontos de referência é essencial, o que pode ser obtido pelo treinamento em cadáveres.

Ligadura endoscópica da artéria etmoidal anterior: estudo de dissecção em cadáveres / Endoscopic ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery: a cadaver dissection study

Ligadura da artéria etmoidal anterior (AEA) pode ser necessária em casos de epistaxe grave refratária ao tratamento tradicional. O uso da ligadura endoscópica endonasal da AEA ainda é bastante limitado. Existem poucos estudos na literatura sobre a técnica de abordagem endoscópica desta artéria. OBJETIVOS: Demonstrar a aplicabilidade técnica da ligadura periorbitária da AEA por via endoscópica transetmoidal. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo. 50 fossas nasais de cadáveres foram dissecadas. Após a realização de uma etmoidectomia anterior e remoção parcial da lâmina papirácea, a periórbita foi cuidadosamente dissecada até a identificação da AEA. Após sua identificação, a artéria foi exposta e ligada dentro da órbita. RESULTADOS: Todas as dificuldades inerentes ao procedimento, as complicações associadas, a curva de aprendizado e variações anatômicas foram coletados. CONCLUSÕES: A abordagem endoscópica da AEA na órbita de cadáveres mostrou-se factível. A identificação da artéria é fácil e a técnica evita incisões externas. Este acesso parece ser uma excelente alternativa para a abordagem da AEA. Estudos clínicos futuros são necessários para comprovar os benefícios desta técnica.

Anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) ligation may be necessary in cases of severe epistaxis not controllable with traditional therapy. Endoscopic endonasal ligation of the AEA is not used frequently; there are few studies in the literature for standardization of the endoscopic technique for this vessel. AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of periorbital AEA ligation in a transethmoidal endoscopic approach. METHODS: A prospective study where 50 nasal cavities were dissected. After anterior ethmoidectomy and partial removal of lamina papyracea, the periorbital area was carefully dissected along a subperiosteal plane to identify the AEA. The vessel was exposed within the orbit and dissected. RESULTS: Data on technical difficulties, complications, the learning curve and anatomical variations were gathered. CONCLUSION: An endonasal endoscopic approach to the AEA within the orbit was shown to be feasible. Identifying the artery is not difficult, and this technique avoids external incisions. This approach appears to be an excellent alternative for approaching the AEA. Further clinical studies are needed to demonstarte the benefits of this technique.