Pott's puffy tumor: An unusual complication of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.

Objective: To describe clinicoradiological features and surgical outcomes in a series of nine patients with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) who presented with Pott's puffy tumor (ROCM-PPT). Methods: The records of nine patients with ROCM-PPT seen between March 2020 and December 2021 were analysed. Clinical features, radiology, histopathology, operative findings, management and outcome were noted. Frontal sinus pneumatisation and outflow tract configuration was compared between patients and controls with ROCM and no PPT. Results: ROCM-PPT was diagnosed in 9 of 284 (3.2 %) patients with ROCM seen during the study period. There were six (66.7 %) males and the median age was 54 (IQR 46-60) years. Eight (88.9 %) patients had diabetes mellitus and seven (77.8 %) had been COVID-19 positive. Radiological features of osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscess formation and dural enhancement were seen in all patients. No significant differences in pneumatisation or frontal sinus outflow tract configuration were noted between patients and controls. All patients underwent a craniectomy with frontal bone debridement and frontal sinus exteriorisation. All patients were treated with anti-fungal agents for several months. All patients had symptomatic improvement at a median follow-up of 21 (IQR 18-23) months. Repeat CT/MRI scans showed disease regression/resolution in six out of eight (75 %) patients with follow-up imaging, and stable disease in two others. Conclusions: ROCM-PPT is a rare, delayed complication of mucormycosis that was seen in larger numbers during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Aggressive debridement of osteomyelitic bone and antifungal therapy results in a good outcome.

Aspergillosis Causing Orbital Subperiosteal Abscess in an Immunocompetent Child: A Rare Presentation.

Orbital abscesses are primarily seen in children as complication of ethmoid bacterial sinusitis. We report a case of invasive aspergillosis causing orbital abscess in an immunocompetent child which resolved with surgery followed by antifungal therapy. This case highlights need for histopathological, and microbiological examination, including fungal culture in such cases.

A Comparative Study of Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis During the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to compare the demography, clinical profile, histopathology, fungal culture, radiology, surgery performed, medical therapy and outcomes of patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis seen during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic by retrospectively reviewing their case records. Of 238 patients, 43(18.1%) presented during the first wave and 195(81.9%) during the second wave. Patients seen during the first wave were older (p = 0.04) and more likely to have visual impairment (p = 0.004), frozen eye (p = 0.012), altered sensorium (p = 0.007) and stage 3 disease (p = 0.03). Those seen during the second wave were more often COVID-19 positive and had newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (p = 0.04)and stage 1 disease (p = 0.03). Most patients had a positive culture for Rhizopus species during both waves. Histopathology showed broad aseptate hyphae in all patients but angioinvasion was seen more often during the first wave (p = 0.04). The majority of patients were treated with endoscopic+/- open debridement followed by intravenous amphotericin B and oral posaconazole. While the overall survival rate was similar (first wave 65.1%; second wave 79%; p = 0.106), mortality after discharge was greater during the first wave (11.6% vs 1.5%; p = 0.001). Mortality was higher in patients with stage 3 disease (p = 0.003). Significant differences in clinical presentation, histopathology, radiological stage of disease and post-discharge survival were noted between the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the causes for which were multi-factorial.

A Rare Case of Ameloblastic Carcinoma of Maxilla.

Ameloblastic carcinoma is an odontogenic neoplasm with combined features of ameloblastoma and carcinoma on histopathological examination. Its prognosis is dominated by risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. We report our patient because of the rare site and to highlight the importance of early, aggressive surgical treatment and regular follow-up.

Relationship of Upper Airway Collapse with Severity of Sleep Apnoea and Sleepiness.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse. A review of literature shows limited and conflicting data regarding impact of upper pharyngeal collapse on severity of OSA and degree of sleepiness. Objective: To evaluate the association of the number of levels and degree of upper airway collapse and severity of OSA. Methods: This is a retrospective study including all patients with OSA over a two-year period. Data regarding neck circumference (NC), body mass index (BMI), nasopharyngolaryngoscopy with Muller's manoeuvre, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) questionnaire and a full night polysomnography were collected. Correlation of the number of sites involved and degree of collapse at each site (velum, lateral pharyngeal wall- Level I, base of tongue - Level II and epiglottis - Level III) with BMI, NC, AHI and ESS were assessed. Results: Of the 144 patients, 98% had collapse at Level I. 80% of patients had multisegmental collapse with 30% having collapse at all three levels. The number of levels and the severity of collapse did not have a proportionate effect on the AHI and ESS and were not directly dependent on the BMI. However, changes in NC had a significant effect on the severity of collapse.Conclusion: Severity of OSA and degree of sleepiness were not directly dependent on the severity and the number of levels of collapse. Since majority of the patients had multi segmental collapse, the study highlights the importance of careful assessment of all levels to tailor management strategies for optimum patient management.

Clinicopathological predictors of repeated recurrence in sinonasal inverted papilloma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate association between clinical and pathological findings and repeated recurrence in sinonasal inverted papilloma. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital included all patients operated for inverted papilloma from January 2010 to December 2019. Patients were categorized as primary and recurrent cases. Based on disease status at follow-up, they were subcategorized into 'primary with no recurrence' (PnR), 'primary with recurrence' (PwR), 'recurrent with no further recurrence' (RnR), and 'recurrent with further recurrence' (RwR) groups. Data including demography, clinical, endoscopic and pathological findings were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Increased incidence of pale appearance of lesion in RnR group (p = 0.017), polypoidal appearance in primary group (p = 0.002) and fibrous appearance in the recurrent group (p = 0.002) were statistically significant. Predominant epithelium was combined respiratory and squamous epithelium in primary and recurrent groups and also in RnR group (p = 0.019), while it was squamous (p = 0.024) in RwR group. Epithelial hyperplasia was more common in primary and RnR groups. Oncocytic change, cystic dilatation, microabscess and squamous metaplasia were seen more in recurrent and RnR groups. Cytoplasmic glycogenation was more in recurrent and RwR groups. Stroma was predominantly edematous in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrence are younger and present earlier than those with primary disease. Fleshy appearance and pink/red colour of tumour, lining epithelium being squamous and cytoplasmic glycogenation could be considered as features predicting recurrence. Negative predictors of recurrence of IP include pale appearance of tumour, combined respiratory and squamous epithelium lining and squamous metaplasia.

Optimizing Surgical Management of Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

Objective: Early surgical debridement is vital for favorable outcomes in acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS). Our study aimed to propose guidelines with tailored, conservative surgical procedures based on areas of involvement and evaluate their usefulness in avoiding repeated debridement. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted on 150 AIFS patients operated on with the proposed surgical guidelines from May to June 2021 at a tertiary care hospital. Data including demography, comorbidities, surgical procedures, revision surgery, and outcome were collected and analyzed. Results: All 150 patients underwent bilateral endoscopic sinonasal debridement. Among them, 108 patients (72%) had current or recent coronavirus disease (COVID) infection. Ninety-two patients (61.3%) required additional procedures based on disease extent. Twenty patients (15.4%) required revision debridement because of progressive or recurrent disease. Mean age of this group was 46.15 (standard deviation ±11.2) years with a strong male predominance (9:1). Seventeen had diabetes mellitus, 12 suffered from active COVID-19 infection and six had received corticosteroids. None of the 31 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 or had no comorbidities required revision surgery. Age, gender, and comorbidities were not significant predictors for revision surgery. Fourteen patients (70%) underwent second surgery within one month of primary surgery. Predominant disease locations were alveolus and palate (55% each), and in 80% the site was uninvolved at primary surgery. The most common revision procedure was inferior partial maxillectomy (60%). At follow-up, all were asymptomatic with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: The proposed surgical guidelines for AIFS allow for adequate surgical debridement with preservation of optimum functional status. Low revision surgery rates and good outcomes with minimal morbidity validate its usefulness.

Construct and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Physical Model for Training in Transnasal Office Procedures.

Most simulation models in rhinology are costly and are primarily meant to enhance endoscopic surgical skills. The present study aimed to construct a 3-dimensional model of the nose which is easily constructible with commonly available low cost plaster of Paris (POP) and assess its usefulness in training residents in basic transnasal procedures. A nose model was created using plaster of Paris and assessed for face and content validity by experts in rhinology while a construct validation was performed on five specified tasks by residents. All experts agreed with the resemblance of 10 of the 13 anatomical landmarks in the POP model and its utility in teaching basic transnasal procedures. There was a statistically significant difference in the time taken by I and III year residents in performing a diagnostic nasal endoscopy (p = 0.007), anterior nasal packing with polyvinyl alcohol tampon (p = 0.007), posterior nasal packing with Foley's catheter (p = 0) and nasopharyngeal swabbing (p = 0.025). This study demonstrates the construct of a low cost 3-dimensional POP model and validates its utility in training residents in routine transnasal rhinological procedures. Face and content validation showed a high degree of resemblance to human anatomy with good agreement that this model could increase resident competency. The significant difference in time taken by residents at various levels of experience in performing rhinological procedures also confirmed a reliable construct validity. The described model could be an affordable and easily constructible alternative tool to other simulation models in otorhinolaryngology residency programs especially in developing countries.

Characteristics of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Based on Allergic Mucin and Fungal Elements in Patients Undergoing Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

This study sought to document the features in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) patients undergoing revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS), based on presence or absence of allergic mucin (AM) and fungal elements (F). A retrospective chart review of RESS cases collected Lund Mackay score (LMS), endoscopic, microbiological, histopathological, surgical and follow-up data of these patients. Patients were categorised into AM + F +, AM + F-, AM-F + and AM-F- subgroups based on the presence or absence of AM and F. The total serum IgE was significantly higher (p > 0.001) in the AM + F + subgroup. Other factors analysed including LMS, duration from previous surgery, comorbidities, degree of inflammation and disease recurrence showed no specific predilection among subgroups. Patients with a retained middle turbinate showed lesser (p = 0.04) recurrence on follow-up. Subgroups of recurrent CRSwNP showed similar characteristics and had further disease recurrence which was independent of allergic mucin and fungal elements. The presence of an intact healthy middle turbinate could reduce early disease recurrence following RESS.

Covid 19 Pandemic-Training of Healthcare Workers in Obtaining a Nasopharyngeal Swab: Our Experience.

To describe the training of healthcare workers (HCW) in nasopharyngeal swabbing during the COVID 19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy eight health care workers were trained from May 2020 to January 2021. Three modules were designed to train the health care workers in the technique of obtaining a nasopharyngeal swab specimen.Training consisted of an instructional video on how to perform nasopharyngeal swabs and live demonstration followed by hands-on supervised training. The trainees included 30 doctors, 101 nurses, 31 respiratory therapists, 3 physiotherapists, 9 interns and 4 lab technicians. There were 39 male and 139 female trainees. After attending all 3 modules of training, they were confident and efficient in taking a non-traumatic nasopharyngeal swab. Good knowledge and adequate training is key to a good nasopharyngeal sampling for SARS CoV-2 testing.

Effect of Silver Nitrate Cauterisation of Nasal Mucosa on Quality-of-Life and Histology in Patients with Intractable Chronic Rhinitis.

Patients with chronic rhinitis causing intractable sneezing which is non-responsive to conventional medication require alternative therapies. The aim of the study was to ascertain the effect of topical 10% silver nitrate solution on the inferior turbinate mucosa as well as quality of life in such patients. Patients with severe chronic rhinitis who failed conventional therapy had application of 10% silver nitrate solution to inferior turbinate mucosa. The number of sneezes/day and mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score was noted before and 8 to 16 weeks after treatment. Pre- and post treatment turbinate biopsies were performed to assess histological changes. At baseline, 67 patients had a mean of 36.6 sneezes/day and mean mini RQLQ score of 4.0 ± 0.7. Pre-treatment biopsies showed epithelial denudation and hyalinization of basement membrane. Following 10% silver nitrate application, 64/67 (95.5%) patients showed significant reduction in number of sneezes both at 1 week (p < 0.001) and 8-16 weeks (mean = 5.5 ± 7.8; p < 0.001). Post- treatment mean global mini RQLQ score was also significantly reduced (mean = 1.3 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). A single application was sufficient in 70.1% patients. There were no complications. Squamous metaplasia (p = 0.005) and epithelial hyperplasia (p = 0.013) as well as epithelial and basement membrane restoration occurred following therapy. 10% silver nitrate solution application is an effective and safe office- based procedure which significantly reduces sneezing improves QoL with corresponding histological changes.

Frontoethmoidal Extranasopharyngeal Angiofibroma With Orbital Pyocele.

Significance StatementExtranasopharyngeal angiofibromas (ENA) are rare vascular tumors that do not conform to the clinical characteristics of typical nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. We present the management of an angiofibroma in a rare site, within the frontal sinus with a concomitant orbital pyocele, which was completely excised via an endoscopic approach. ENAs should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with sinonasal mass and epistaxis. Awareness of this rare entity will avoid radical surgery thus decreasing postoperative morbidity.

Rhinosporidiosis-Factors predicting disease recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of the nose caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. The disease is largely non-amenable to medical therapy and shows high recurrence rates requiring patients to undergo multiple surgeries often resulting in increased morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the epidemiological, clinical, histopathological characteristics, treatment and outcome in rhinosporidiosis and to identify factors which predispose to recurrence of the disease. PATIENTS/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data of all patients with a diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis confirmed by histopathology at a tertiary care hospital from 2015 to 2019. RESULTS: There were 42 patients, 40 males and two females, with a mean age of 37.37 years. Disease showed bilateral involvement in 17 (40.48%) patients. Nineteen (45.24%) patients had more than two sites involved at initial presentation. Most patients had nasal cavity involvement followed by nasopharynx. Among the 28 patients who had a follow-up, 12 showed recurrent disease. However, 21 patients were disease free following a revision excision. Involvement of more than two sites was an independent significant factor for recurrence. On univariate analysis, other factors which showed statistically significant odds of developing recurrence were previous surgery (p = .054), involvement of nasal septum (p = .022), middle turbinate (p = .024), nasopharynx (p = .049) and posterior pharyngeal wall (p = .05). Factors which showed significantly less likelihood of developing a recurrence included patients who had less than 12 months duration from first symptom to intervention (p = .016), involvement of less than two sites (p = .0003) and unilateral disease (p = .019). CONCLUSION: Early intervention in rhinosporidiosis especially when the disease is unilateral and involves less than two sites improves the outcome.

Human papilloma virus induced oropharyngeal inverted papilloma as a precursor to laryngeal papillomatosis in A 1 year old child.

Inverted papillomas are rare tumors in the pediatric population and have not been reported in children less than two years. These tumors may produce respiratory distress in patients, particularly if they ectopically occur in the airway. Human papilloma virus is one of the known etiologies for many head and neck neoplasms including inverted papillomas and squamous papillomas. We report a child who was surgically treated at fifteen months of age for inverted papilloma of the pharynx who subsequently developed squamous papilloma of the larynx which persisted as a recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. This is the first such reported case to our knowledge.

Effects of radiotherapy on olfaction and nasal function in head and neck cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) is a major component of treatment in head and neck malignancies and often the radiation field includes the nasal cavity and olfactory cleft region. We aimed to assess olfaction, mucociliary clearance time and quality of life (QOL) before RT and during the course of radiotherapy. METHODS: This prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted over a period of 1 year. The olfactory function, mucociliary clearance and QOL of patients with primary head and neck cancers undergoing radiation therapy as part of treatment were assessed prior to radiotherapy and followed up serially up to 3 months after radiotherapy. A total of 21 patients were enrolled. Assessment was done using noninvasive tests for better compliance and ease of examination. RESULTS: Among the 21 patients recruited, 18 completed radiotherapy and 13 were assessed 3 months post radiotherapy. Mean olfactory scores (including olfactory threshold and odor identification), using Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, deteriorated significantly at the end of radiotherapy (p < 0.001) as compared to scores before irradiation. Subjective assessment of olfaction by Appetite, Hunger and Sensory perception (AHSP) questionnaire did not demonstrate significant impairment in nasal function (p < 0.319) although overall QOL significantly deteriorated (p 0.004). The mucociliary clearance time was prolonged in 72% of the patients at the end of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Deterioration in olfactory function was found to occur during the course of radiotherapy with gradual improvement after 3 months. However, patients did not notice olfactory dysfunction subjectively. Mucociliary dysfunction persisted even after 3 months following radiation.

Avoiding repeated surgery in patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to ascertain whether using an aggressive initial surgical protocol would reduce the need for repeated sinus surgery in patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS). METHODS: Patients with AIFS prospectively underwent clinicoradiological assessment followed by bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and debridement of affected tissue. Antifungal therapy was also administered. Postoperative endoscopic debridement of crusts was performed weekly in the clinic. Outcomes were compared with a historical control group who underwent multiple surgeries. RESULTS: There were 42 male and 9 female patients aged 9-68 years (mean: 42.5 years). Forty (78.4%) patients were diabetic and 17.6% had hematological malignancies. The majority (60.8%) had stage 2 or 3 disease. Partial/total maxillectomy (29.4%), orbital exenteration (7.8%) and craniotomy (2%) were also performed at a single session in 20 patients. Intra-operative sampling of all sinuses was performed. Six patients who appeared to have unilateral disease based on clinicoradiological assessment were found to have bilateral disease. Only 2 patients required revision surgery. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 24 months. The survival rate was 68.2% overall and 73.5% for diabetics alone. The difference in outcomes with a single surgery versus multiple surgeries was not significant (p = 0.09) CONCLUSION: A surgical protocol involving bilateral FESS along with debridement of visibly affected areas and antifungal therapy avoids repeated surgery in patients with AIFS with no change in outcomes. The absence of clinicoradiological involvement of the paranasal sinuses does not preclude the presence of invasive fungal disease in these sinuses.

Sinonasal organising haematoma - a little known entity / Hematoma nasossinusal em organização - uma entidade pouco conhecida

Abstract Introduction: Sinonasal organising haematoma is a recently described, rare, benign inflammatory condition, which closely resembles malignancy in its clinical presentation. Objective: To describe the clinical features of organising haematoma and to review the evolution of surgical options successfully used. Methods: A retrospective review of charts of all patients with a histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal organising haematoma was performed. Results: Six (60%) of the 10 patients were male with a mean age of 47.4 years. All patients had unilateral disease with recurrent epistaxis as the presenting symptom. Maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved sinus. There was no history of trauma in any of the patients. Hypertension (80%) was the most commonly associated comorbidity. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the paranasal sinuses showed heterogeneous sinus opacification with/without bone erosion. Histopathological examination was diagnostic. Complete endoscopic excision was done in all patients resulting in resolution of the disease. Conclusion: Awareness of this relatively new clinical entity and its evaluation and treatment is important for otolaryngologists, maxillofacial surgeons and pathologists alike. Despite the clinical picture of malignancy, histopathological features of benign disease can safely dispel such a diagnosis.

Resumo Introdução: Hematoma nasossinusal em organização é uma condição inflamatória benigna rara, recentemente descrita, que se assemelha a lesões malignas em sua apresentação clínica. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas do hematoma em organização e analisar a evolução das opções cirúrgicas usadas com sucesso. Método: Foi feita a revisão retrospectiva dos prontuários de todos os pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de hematoma nasossinusal em organização. Resultados: Seis (60%) dos 10 pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com média de 47,4 anos. Todos os pacientes apresentavam doença unilateral com epistaxe recorrente como sintoma de apresentação. O seio maxilar era o mais comumente afetado. Não havia histórico de trauma em qualquer dos pacientes. Hipertensão (80%) foi a comorbidade mais comumente associada. A tomografia computadorizada dos seios paranasais com contraste mostrou opacificação heterogênea do seio com/sem erosão óssea. O exame histopatológico foi diagnóstico. A excisão endoscópica completa foi feita em todos os pacientes, resultou na resolução da doença. Conclusão: A conscientização a respeito dessa entidade clínica relativamente nova e sua avaliação e tratamento são importantes para os otorrinolaringologistas, cirurgiões buco-maxilo-faciais e patologistas. Apesar do quadro clínico de malignidade, as características histopatológicas da doença benigna podem descartar com segurança esse diagnóstico.

Endoscopic Submucosal Resection Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Diathermy for Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy.

Endoscopic submucous resection and endoscopic submucous diathermy of the inferior turbinate are two different surgical methods of reducing size in turbinate hypertrophy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of both methods in reducing the nasal symptoms and improving nasal airway. This is a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary hospital, involving fifty patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy not relieved by medications. After preoperative airway grading using a subjective symptom score, objective airway score and endoscopic score, patients were randomized to undergo either endoscopic submucous diathermy or endoscopic submucous resection. The primary outcome was postoperative improvement of airway and reduction of nasal symptoms. Secondary outcomes were postoperative bleeding and pain. All 24 patients who underwent endoscopic submucous diathermy and 26 who underwent endoscopic submucous resection showed statistically significant reduction in nasal symptoms both in the immediate and late postoperative periods. Patients who underwent endoscopic submucous resection showed greater improvement of airway at 1 week than those who had endoscopic submucous diathermy (p = 0.001). This difference however equalized at the 3-6 months postoperative period. Postoperative bleeding (p = 0.02) and pain (p = 0.04) were significantly more in patients who underwent endoscopic submucous resection. Both endoscopic submucous diathermy and endoscopic submucous resection are equally effective in improving airway in inferior turbinate hypertrophy with a slight advantage of endoscopic submucous resection in the early postoperative period. Reduced postoperative bleeding and pain may make endoscopic submucous diathermy a more attractive option overall.

Frontal sinus cholesteatoma: a masquerading diagnosis.

Cholesteatoma of the paranasal sinus is a very rare condition. As in the tympanomastoid region where cholesteatomas are a common entity, the paranasal sinus cholesteatomas also tend to erode the surrounding bony structures. Because of the extensive bony erosion, this condition often masquerades as a chronic granulomatous or a malignant lesion. Clinical presentation can be quite varied like facial deformities, visual and neurological deficits. Radiological findings are also non-specific making a preoperative diagnosis challenging. Histopathological examination is the only confirmatory investigation. We present a patient with frontal cholesteatoma who presented with forehead swelling of 1 month duration. Since the diagnosis could be obtained only intraoperatively, the patient required multiple surgeries. Frontal sinus cholesteatomas often require a combined endoscopic and external approach to ensure complete disease clearance. Periodic follow-up is essential to rule out recurrence.