Assessing the quality of artificial intelligence-generated patient counseling for rhinosinusitis.

KEY POINTS: GPT-4 generated moderate quality information in response to questions regarding sinusitis and surgery. GPT-4 generated significantly higher quality responses to questions regarding treatment of sinusitis. Future studies exploring quality of GPT responses should seek to limit bias and use validated instruments.

Evaluation of Rhinology Fellowship Program Websites.

Objectives: Applicants for rhinology fellowship often utilize program websites to make informed application decisions. Although the American Rhinologic Society (ARS), the professional organization of rhinologists in the United States, maintains a directory of rhinology fellowships that includes basic information for each program, the ARS discloses that the information is provided directly by program directors and may therefore be inconsistent, inaccurate, or outdated. Methods: Our study evaluates the content and comprehensiveness of rhinology fellowship program websites in 31 areas related to either clinical training, research, application process, incentives, or administrative communications. Results: Of 32 unique rhinology fellowship programs, 29 of 32 (90.6%) had websites. On average program websites included 12.1 of the 31 items analyzed (39.0%). Information related to clinical training (mean 54.2%) and research (mean 60.9%) was included more often than information related to application process (mean 50.6%), and incentives (mean 14.9%). Programs with [Formula: see text] 5 dedicated physician faculty included more items than smaller programs (15.3 vs. 11.7 items, P = 0.015). Conclusion: Websites included information on clinical training and research more often than on incentives, even though these factors are important to many applicants. Few programs detailed past or ongoing research opportunities, which if included could help applicants identify mentors with similar research interests. Most websites had less than half of factors analyzed, emphasizing need for continued improvement.

Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Rhinology: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are innovative technologies that have a wide range of potential applications in the health care industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the body of research on AR and VR applications in rhinology by performing a scoping review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. REVIEW METHODS: According to PRISM-ScR guidelines, a scoping review of literature on the application of AR and/or VR in the context of Rhinology was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. RESULTS: Forty-nine articles from 1996 to 2023 met the criteria for review. Five broad types of AR and/or VR applications were found: preoperative, intraoperative, training/education, feasibility, and technical. The subsequent clinical domains were recognized: craniovertebral surgery, nasal endoscopy, transsphenoidal surgery, skull base surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and sinonasal malignancies. CONCLUSION: AR and VR have comprehensive applications in Rhinology. AR for surgical navigation may have the most emerging potential in skull base surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery. VR can be utilized as an engaging training tool for surgeons and residents and as a distraction analgesia for patients undergoing office-based procedures. Additional research is essential to further understand the tangible effects of these technologies on measurable clinical results. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Nasal endoscopy: What have we been missing?

Despite the widespread adoption of nasal endoscopy (NE) in the evaluation of sinonasal disease, its diagnostic potential may still be underutilized. Developments in endoscopic technology have led to significant improvements in video quality and maneuverability. However, there is concern that NE continues to be used primarily for the identification of gross pathology, with relative neglect of more subtle findings such as surface features of inflammation and mucus. With fewer technical limitations to perceive these abnormalities, there is potential to greatly improve the diagnostic value of NE. The reader is herein asked to consider several important visual nuances encountered during NE, with the hope that this engenders an appreciation of the versatility of NE as a diagnostic tool.

Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis and Contralateral Chronic Granulomatous Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: A Case Report.

This case report describes rare concomitant allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and chronic granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (CGIFS) in a 34-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) post bone marrow transplantation. Initially presenting with rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction, the patient was diagnosed with AFRS in the right maxillary sinus, followed by a postoperative course of CGIFS in the left nasal cavity, showcasing the unique occurrence. She was not immunocompromised during diagnosis. CGIFS may have occurred because of surgery; however, voriconazole led to significant improvement. This case highlights noninvasive and invasive fungal infections in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and a history of GVHD and underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing such cases.

[Current diagnostics and therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis]. / Aktuelle Diagnostik und Therapie der chronischen Rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a prevalent condition with significant implications for both patients and society at large. The diagnostic and treatment approaches are primarily guided by the EPOS2020 guidelines in Europe, which increasingly delve into the molecular -mechanism of the disease and its resulting phenotypes. In recent years, biologics have emerged as a promising option, in particular for cases that are refractory to conventional therapies. However, the management landscape has become more intricate, necessitating consideration and potential concurrent treatment of comorbidities. Moreover, the utilization of biologics is accompanied by substantial costs, warranting personalized assessment for each patient. Hence, the establishment of specialized boards comprising clinicians from diverse disciplines to collaborate on treatment recommendations is imperative.

Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Rhinology Complications: A Rare Presentation.

OBJECTIVE: This case report presents a unique manifestation of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL) in a 56-year-old woman with chronic nasal symptoms. Initially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and septal perforation, the patient's history of a childhood sandfly bite and subsequent episodes of Leishmaniasis, revealed after nasal surgery, provided crucial information for accurate diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on this patient's electronic medical record. RESULTS: The patient's life-long struggle with nasal obstruction, congestion, and a septal perforation initially masked the underlying MCL. Sinus surgery and persistent symptoms further complicated the diagnostic process. Only after postoperative complications, including grainy skin texture extending into the nasal passages, did the patient recall the sandfly bite, prompting reevaluation and diagnosis of MCL. The case highlights the challenges of diagnosing MCL due to its varied presentation and potential mimicry of other chronic nasal conditions. It emphasizes the importance of thorough patient history-taking, especially when symptoms are atypical or persistent. Additionally, the report underscores the potential for unexpected postoperative complications in MCL patients and the need for vigilance in recognizing and assessing them. CONCLUSION: This case contributes to the understanding of MCL's diverse clinical presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of CRSwNP in the real-life setting: a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The recent approval of Dupilumab has profoundly revolutionized the management of patients affected by severe and recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). However, a review that summarizes the results of real-life studies and compares them to phase 3 studies SINUS-24 and 52 is still lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of all real-life studies published from 2019 to 2023 was performed. Patients characteristics at baseline and 6 and 12 months after starting Dupilumab were extracted and compared to those from phase 3 trials: age, sex, smoking habits, comorbid asthma and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), previous endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), hematic eosinophils and total IgE, NasalAQ2 Polyps Score (NPS), smell, SNOT-22, adverse events (AEs), and response to treatment. RESULTS: 15 papers were included with an overall number of 1658 patients. A higher rate of comorbidities and previous ESS was found in patients from real-life studies. In addition, they had worse smell and SNOT-22 at baseline compared to patients from SINUS-24 and 52. Comorbid and post-ESS patients tended to have a faster NPS and SNOT-22 improvement, although the absolute values were not clinically relevant. A more extensive surgery and a number of ESS ≥ 2 were related to worse olfactory outcomes, probably due to iatrogenic damage. No correlation was found between hematic eosinophils and outcomes. AEs were reported by 12.4% of patients and 2.2% had to discontinue dupilumab. Weight gain was an emergent AE (0.8%), probably related to the restored sense of smell and taste. Non-responders were 3.5% and they were switched to systemic steroid, ESS, or another biologic. CONCLUSION: Despite some differences in prescription criteria between countries, dupilumab was demonstrated to be effective even in the real-life scenario. However, emerging AEs and possible unknown long-term AEs of a likely lifelong therapy should be considered.

Development of a novel self-assessment tool following endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a novel quality metric tool for retrospectively examining ESS performed on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, ultimately to facilitate clinician self-assessment and optimize care provision within this population. DESIGN: Quality improvement study. SETTING: Multi-center. PARTICIPANTS: Observational, prospective research database of adult patients with medically recalcitrant CRS, presenting to seven North-American academic rhinology centers, who underwent ESS between 2011 and 2021. Participant characteristics, comorbidities, and preoperative study measures were collected. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: A simple ratio of preoperative Lund-Mackay (LM) score to the number of sinus regions operated on during the course of ESS was determined for each participant and dichotomized into ratios of >1.0 or <1.0. RESULTS: 828 study participants with medically recalcitrant CRS met final study inclusion, of which 47.8 % were male with an average age of 49.0 years. Approximately 50.9 % of participants had a history of previous ESS. Overall mean ratio between preoperative LM scores and numbers of surgically addressed sinuses for all patients with CRS (n = 828) was 1.61 (range: 0.00-6.00), with a minority of subjects (n = 108; 13.0 %) found to have ratios below 1.00. Mean ratios between patients who underwent primary ESS versus revision ESS were not statistically different (2.00 [±0.83] vs 1.98 [±0.88]; 0.02 %, 95 % CI -0.10, 0.14; P = 0.76), whereas differences in mean ratios between CRSsNP patients (without nasal polyposis) and CRSwNP patients (with nasal polyposis) were statistically significant (1.78 [±0.93] vs 2.26 [±0.67]; 0.48 %, 95 % CI 0.37, 0.59; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This quality metric ratio represents a simple operational means for clinicians to integrate qualitative methodology into self-reflection when evaluating the extent of ESS performed on CRS patients. Its use as a clinical tool for retrospective self-reflection enables the surgeon to identify areas for improvement, assess situational specifics, and hone their craft.

Artificial Intelligence in Rhinology.

Rhinology, allergy, and skull base surgery are fields primed for the integration and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). The heterogeneity of the disease processes within these fields highlights the opportunity for AI to augment clinical care and promote personalized medicine. Numerous research studies have been published demonstrating the development and clinical potential of AI models within the field. Most describe in silico evaluation models without direct clinical implementation. The major themes of existing studies include diagnostic or clinical decisions support, clustering patients into specific phenotypes or endotypes, predicting post-treatment outcomes, and surgical planning.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in an Immunocompetent Patient After Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and a Mycetoma.

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) classically presents as an aggressive fungal infection that can spread beyond its origin in the sinuses in immunocompromised patients. Although there have been reports of AIFS in immunocompetent, non-diabetic patients, it is extremely rare and the true mechanism behind it is unknown. A thirty-eight year old immunocompetent, non-diabetic woman underwent bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps at a tertiary care center and post-operatively developed AIFS. Patient underwent uncomplicated ESS, was packed with foam containing triamcinolone and discharged on steroid rinses and a prednisone taper. Surgical pathology demonstrated left-sided colonization with non-invasive fungal elements consistent with a mycetoma. She presented on post-operative Day 11 with headache and left-sided retro-orbital pain. A culture of her left nasal cavity grew Rhizopus spp and MRI demonstrated evidence of invasive fungal infection of left sphenoid mucosa as well as inflammatory changes in the left orbit centered at the orbital apex. She was started on amphotericin and underwent a left-sided debridement with biopsies which demonstrated angioinvasive fungal disease. Her vision in her left eye worsened to 20/800 and she was treated with transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B. After stable interval imaging she was discharged on a long-term course of antifungals. Extensive immunologic work-up was unremarkable. We describe a case of an immunocompetent patient who developed AIFS after sinus surgery for CRS and a mycetoma likely as a result of local immune suppression and post-surgical trauma. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Quantitative Comparison of Chatbots on Common Rhinology Pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of chatbots as a source of patient information is critical for providers in the rising artificial intelligence landscape. This study is the first to quantitatively analyze and compare four of the most used chatbots available regarding treatments of common pathologies in rhinology. METHODS: The treatment of epistaxis, chronic sinusitis, sinus infection, allergic rhinitis, allergies, and nasal polyps was asked to chatbots ChatGPT, ChatGPT Plus, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing in May 2023. Individual responses were analyzed by reviewers for readability, quality, understandability, and actionability using validated scoring metrics. Accuracy and comprehensiveness were evaluated for each response by two experts in rhinology. RESULTS: ChatGPT, Plus, Bard, and Bing had FRE readability scores of 33.17, 35.93, 46.50, and 46.32, respectively, indicating higher readability for Bard and Bing compared to ChatGPT (p = 0.003, p = 0.008) and Plus (p = 0.025, p = 0.048). ChatGPT, Plus, and Bard had mean DISCERN quality scores of 20.42, 20.89, and 20.61, respectively, which was higher than the score for Bing of 16.97 (p < 0.001). For understandability, ChatGPT and Bing had PEMAT scores of 76.67 and 66.61, respectively, which were lower than both Plus at 92.00 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and Bard at 92.67 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). ChatGPT Plus had an accuracy score of 4.39 which was higher than ChatGPT (3.97, p = 0.118), Bard (3.72, p = 0.002), and Bing (3.19, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: On aggregate of the tested domains, our results suggest ChatGPT Plus and Google Bard are currently the most patient-friendly chatbots for the treatment of common pathologies in rhinology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Computational Rhinology: Unraveling Discrepancies between In Silico and In Vivo Nasal Airflow Assessments for Enhanced Clinical Decision Support.

Computational rhinology is a specialized branch of biomechanics leveraging engineering techniques for mathematical modelling and simulation to complement the medical field of rhinology. Computational rhinology has already contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of the nasal function, including airflow patterns, mucosal cooling, particle deposition, and drug delivery, and is foreseen as a crucial element in, e.g., the development of virtual surgery as a clinical, patient-specific decision support tool. The current paper delves into the field of computational rhinology from a nasal airflow perspective, highlighting the use of computational fluid dynamics to enhance diagnostics and treatment of breathing disorders. This paper consists of three distinct parts-an introduction to and review of the field of computational rhinology, a review of the published literature on in vitro and in silico studies of nasal airflow, and the presentation and analysis of previously unpublished high-fidelity CFD simulation data of in silico rhinomanometry. While the two first parts of this paper summarize the current status and challenges in the application of computational tools in rhinology, the last part addresses the gross disagreement commonly observed when comparing in silico and in vivo rhinomanometry results. It is concluded that this discrepancy cannot readily be explained by CFD model deficiencies caused by poor choice of turbulence model, insufficient spatial or temporal resolution, or neglecting transient effects. Hence, alternative explanations such as nasal cavity compliance or drag effects due to nasal hair should be investigated.

Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT22) score in adult population with no known sino-nasal disease.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to establish normative values for Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score in adult Indian population without known sino-nasal diseases. The purpose was to fill a critical knowledge gap, providing insights into how various host factors influence SNOT-22 scores which seek to serve as reference for clinical studies, facilitating comparisons of symptom severity and aid in patient counselling based on specific score patterns. METHODS: One thousand and twelve adults meeting inclusion criteria participated in the study. Participants provided demographic information, occupation details, addiction history, and medical background. They completed SNOT-22 questionnaire, grading their symptoms on Likert scale of 0-5 based on severity experienced in the past 2 weeks. The collected data were analysed to derive meaningful insights. RESULTS: Mean SNOT-22 score for the study population was 6.80, with 90% scoring below 15, and 40% within 0-3 range. Females exhibited significantly lower mean scores than males. Residents of rural areas reported higher scores than urban counterparts. Education levels had no significant influence on scores. Occupational exposure to aeroallergens, addiction (especially tobacco), and a history of allergies, bronchial asthma, or atopy were associated with significantly higher SNOT-22 scores. Principal component analysis identified four distinct domains, with the nasal symptom domain consistently emerging as the major contributor to differences in subgroups with significantly different total SNOT-22 scores. CONCLUSION: The normative data and subgroup analyses established in this study serve as a foundation for future research, aiding clinicians in predicting symptoms and providing tailored counselling for individuals with sino-nasal pathologies.

Surgery or No Surgery? Exploring the Dilemma of Epistaxis Management in Patients with HHT.

Background: Epistaxis, particularly in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) patients, is a common otolaryngological emergency, often requiring complex management. A hierarchy of increasingly invasive interventions, from external compression of the nasal pyramid to nostril closure, is typically proposed and applied. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on HHT patients to assess the effectiveness and longevity of invasive procedures postoperatively. Data were collected using the Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) questionnaire. The primary focus was on changes in the frequency and intensity of epistaxis, while the secondary focus was on the overall quality of life. Results: This study found that invasive procedures initially improved the frequency and intensity of epistaxis in HHT patients. However, within 1 to 9 months postoperatively, these benefits often diminished, with hemorrhagic symptoms recurring at similar or worsened levels. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for a cautious and restrained approach to using invasive treatments in managing epistaxis in HHT patients. Highly invasive procedures should be reserved for cases where less invasive methods fail, due to their temporary effectiveness and the risk of causing anatomical-functional changes in the rhino-sinus area, complicating future management of severe epistaxis.

Multi-Institutional Analysis of Insurance Denial Patterns Within Rhinology.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining insurance approval is a necessary component of healthcare in the United States and denials of these claims have been estimated to result in a loss of 3% to 5% of revenue. OBJECTIVE: Examine the trends in insurance denials for rhinological procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of deidentified financial data of patients who were treated by participating physicians across 3 institutions from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. The data was queried for rhinological and non-rhinological procedures via CPT codes. Cumulative insurance denials were calculated and stratified by procedure and insurance type. Write-offs were dollar amounts associated with final denials. RESULTS: A sample of 102,984 procedures and visits revealed a final denial rate between 2.2% and 2.9% across institutions (p = .72). The top three rhinological procedures for final write-offs were: nasal endoscopy (16.24%, $111,836.87), nasal debridement or polypectomy (6.48%, $79,457.51), and destruction of intranasal lesion (2.11%, $56,932.20). The write-off percentage for each procedure was highest among commercial insurance payers as opposed to Medicare or Medicaid. CONCLUSION: Final denial rates of rhinology procedures ranged between 2% and 3%. Common procedures such as nasal endoscopy and nasal debridement are among the highest written-off procedures. Insurance denials can lead to notable revenue loss. Rhinology practices must continue to remain knowledgeable of the changes and effects of insurance reimbursement on their practice.

ChatGPT as an information tool in rhinology. Can we trust each other today?

PURPOSE: ChatGPT (Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has proven to be a powerful information tool on various topics, including healthcare. This system is based on information obtained on the Internet, but this information is not always reliable. Currently, few studies analyze the validity of these responses in rhinology. Our work aims to assess the quality and reliability of the information provided by AI regarding the main rhinological pathologies. METHODS: We asked to the default ChatGPT version (GPT-3.5) 65 questions about the most prevalent pathologies in rhinology. The focus was learning about the causes, risk factors, treatments, prognosis, and outcomes. We use the Discern questionnaire and a hexagonal radar schema to evaluate the quality of the information. We use Fleiss's kappa statistical analysis to determine the consistency of agreement between different observers. RESULTS: The overall evaluation of the Discern questionnaire resulted in a score of 4.05 (± 0.6). The results in the Reliability section are worse, with an average score of 3.18. (± 1.77). This score is affected by the responses to questions about the source of the information provided. The average score for the Quality section was 3.59 (± 1.18). Fleiss's Kappa shows substantial agreement, with a K of 0.69 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ChatGPT answers are accurate and reliable. It generates a simple and understandable description of the pathology for the patient's benefit. Our team considers that ChatGPT could be a useful tool to provide information under prior supervision by a health professional.

Validity and reliability of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders for Italian-speaking patients with olfactory dysfunction.

Objective: To translate and validate an Italian version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (IT-QOD). Materials and methods: This is a prospective, multicentre study that involved patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD). Both cases and controls underwent administration of the IT-QOD, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and psychophysical evaluation of orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function. Results: The IT-QOD was administered to 96 patients and 38 controls. The Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.90, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. The test-retest reliability was found to be high for both parosmia (rs = 0.944) and life quality (rs = 0.969). Patients with OD had significantly higher IT-QOD scores compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001), indicating strong internal validity. The external validity was also satisfactory, as shown by the significant correlation with SNOT-22 (rs = -0.54) and the threshold, discrimination, and identification score (rs = -0.63). Conclusions: The IT-QOD was demonstrated to be reliable and valid to assess the impact of OD on the quality of life of Italian-speaking patients.

Incidence of Neoplasm in Patients Referred for Epistaxis.

Objectives: The primary objective was to identify the incidence of neoplastic disease in patients referred for epistaxis. Secondary objectives included identification of any mass lesion, and the need for further workup with imaging and/or biopsy as well as risk factors associated with identification of a mass lesion. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medical records of adult patients who presented to Tufts Medical Center over an 11 year period (2010-2021) with a chief complaint of epistaxis were reviewed. The primary outcome was identification of a nasal or nasopharyngeal mass. Patient characteristics including age, sex, race, smoking status, anticoagulation, comorbidities (hypertension, allergic rhinitis, vasculitis), and treatment of epistaxis (used as surrogate for severity of epistaxis) were also examined. Results: A total of 1164 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-six nasal masses were found among patients presenting with epistaxis (3.09%, P < .001), comprised primarily of benign etiology (2.66%) including nasal polyposis and thornwaldt cyst. Asian race correlated with finding of mass lesion (75%, P = .007). Five malignancies were found (0.43%) including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (2 patients), extranodal natural killer T-cell lymphoma (2 patients), and nasal adenocarcinoma (1 patient). Conclusions: Epistaxis is a common cause for referral to otolaryngology. Although the incidence of neoplasm in our patient population was low, nasal mass lesions warranting further workup were identified in 36 patients. Findings of neoplasm were more common in patients of Asian ethnicity, which may reflect the increased prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in this population. Otolaryngologic evaluation and nasal endoscopy should be considered in all cases of epistaxis.