Medium-term effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity and pharyngeal airway volumes considering age as a factor: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The medium-term effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on nasal cavity (NC) and upper airway (UA) dimensions based on chronological age are still unclear. This retrospective study evaluated the medium-term changes occurring in the NC and pharyngeal airways (PA) after RME in two distinct age-based cohorts of patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 48 subjects who underwent RME grouped in two cohorts: a 6-9-year-old group (EEG group: early expansion group - 25 subjects) and an 11-14-year-old group (LEG group: late expansion group - 23 subjects). NC and PA volumes were analyzed from CBCT imaging segmentation before RME (T0) and twelve months after RME (T1). The amount of maxillary expansion (PW) and minimal cross-sectional area (CSmin) were also considered. RESULTS: All PAs' volumetric sub-regions, CSmin and PW showed a significant volumetric increment (p < 0.05). Inter-group comparisons showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for nasopharynx and CSmin parameters (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were recorded for the other UA's sub-regions and PW (p > 0.05). According to a deviation analysis, part of the UA increase (more marked for the nasopharynx area) may have occurred due to reduced adenotonsillar tissues, which were larger in the EEG group. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve months after treatment, clinicians should not expect changes in the UAs dimensions to be solely related to treatment effects of RME; instead, normal craniofacial growth changes and spontaneous regression of the adenotonsillar tissue could represent the most significant factors influencing UAs changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: From the clinical perspective, the results of the present study encourage caution when considering the therapeutic effects of RME on airways dimensions.

Overview of Nasal Airway and Nasal Breathing Evaluation.

Several methods are available for evaluating nasal breathing and nasal airflow, as this evaluation may be made from several different perspectives.Physiologic methods for nasal airway evaluation directly measure nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance, while anatomical methods measure nasal airway dimensions. Subjective methods evaluate nasal breathing through several validated patient-reported scales assessing nasal breathing. Computational fluid dynamics evaluates nasal airflow through the analysis of several physics' variables of the nasal airway.Being familiar to these methods is of utmost importance for the nasal surgeon to be able to understand data provided by the different methods and to be able to choose the combination of evaluation methods that will provide the information most relevant to each clinical situation.

A Systematic Literature Study of the Sinus Septi Nasi, Crista Galli and Other Minor Pneumatizations / Estudio Bibliográfico Sistemático del Seno Septi Nasi, Crista Galli y Otras Neumatizaciones Menores

SUMMARY: Variations in the paranasal sinuses and pneumatizations originating from these structures are clinically important for surgical procedures to be performed in the nose and nasal cavity regions. No systematic review examining the sinus septi nasi, crista galli and other minor pneumatizations was found in the literature review. This study aimed to review the papers in the literature including the sinus septi nasi, crista galli and other minor pneumatizations and standardize the mean incidence, distribution by sex, age and origin of these structures. Furthermore, it was aimed to examine the height, length, and width values of sinus septi nasi and crista galli pneumatizations, determine the measurement intervals and measurement values, and standardize them. The studies involving these pneumatizations were reviewed from various databases. After being evaluated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 articles between the years 1991-2021 were reviewed. Based on the data obtained from these articles, we examined the incidence of sinus septi nasi, crista galli, and other minor pneumatizations. Middle nasal turbinate pneumatization had the highest incidence among all these pneumatizations. Uncinate process pneumatization had the lowest incidence. Considering the distribution by sex, no difference was found. Upon examining the age range, there were people aged between 1-95 years, and the mean age range was 33.05-41.48. The length, width and height values of crista galli and sinus septi nasi could not be standardized due to the insufficient number of studies and variable data in the literature. We believe that our study will contribute to similar future studies in larger populations with the clinical procedures to be performed in and around the nasal cavity.

Las variaciones en los senos paranasales y las neumatizaciones que se originan en estas estructuras son clínicamente importantes para los procedimientos quirúrgicos que se realizan en las regiones de la nariz y la cavidad nasal. En la revisión de la literatura no se encontró ninguna revisión sistemática que examinara el seno septi nasi, la crista galli y otras neumatizaciones menores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo revisar los trabajos en la literatura que incluyen el seno septi nasi, la crista galli y otras neumatizaciones menores y estandarizar la incidencia media, la distribución por sexo, edad y origen de estas estructuras. Además, tuvo como objetivo examinar los valores de altura, longitud y ancho de las neumatizaciones del seno septi nasi y crista galli, determinar los intervalos de medición y los valores de medición, y estandarizarlos. Los estudios relacionados con estas neumatizaciones se revisaron a partir de varias bases de datos. Luego de ser evaluados según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se revisaron 35 artículos entre los años 1991-2021. Sobre la base de los datos obtenidos de estos artículos, examinamos la incidencia de septi nasi nasi, crista galli y otras neumatizaciones menores. La neumatización de la concha nasal media tuvo la mayor incidencia entre todas estas neumatizaciones. La neumatización del proceso uncinado tuvo la menor incidencia. Considerando la distribución por sexo, no se encontró diferencia. Al examinar el rango de edad, había personas con edades entre 1 y 95 años, y el rango de edad promedio fue de 33,05 a 41,48. Los valores de longitud, ancho y altura de crista galli y seno septi nasi no pudieron estandarizarse debido a la cantidad insuficiente de estudios y datos variables en la literatura. Creemos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a futuras investigaciones similares en poblaciones más grandes con los procedimientos clínicos que se realizarán en y alrededor de la cavidad nasal.

Characterization of Airflow Parameters in the Olfactory Fissure Zone Based on Fluid Mechanics Method.

OBJECTIVE: Airflow in the olfactory fissure region is a necessary condition for olfaction. However, due to the complex anatomy of the olfactory fissure, it is difficult to characterize the airflow in this region. At present, there are few studies on the airflow characteristics of the olfactory fissure. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of objective indicators of airflow parameters in the olfactory fissure region, such as flow velocity, flow rate, pressure and flow ratio, from the perspective of biofluid mechanics. METHODS: In this study, the anatomical structure of the olfactory fissure zone was reconstructed in three dimensions using raw data from 32 healthy adults and 64 sinus computed tomography scans. To study the characteristics of airflow parameter variations in the olfactory fissure region in healthy adults, 10 cross-sectional sections were established in the olfactory fissure region using computational fluid dynamics after obtaining the airflow parameter values at different anatomical positions in the olfactory fissure region. RESULTS: The average flow rate of the ten cross-sections in the olfactory fissure zone was 19.22±9.74 mL/s, the average flow velocity was 0.51±0.21 m/s, the average flow percentage was 5.45%±2.52%, and the average pressure was -13.35±6.74 Pa. The percentile method was used to determine the range of reference values for P90: average flow rate of 0.02-35.87 mL/s, average flow velocity of 0.24-0.94 m/s, average flow percentage of 1.57%-9.93%, and average pressure of -30.4-4.42 Pa. Among the ten cross-sectional systems of the olfactory fissure, the median of Plane3N-Plane8N is more stable and representative. In the olfactory fissure system, the corresponding anatomical position of Plane3N-Plane8N was in the posterior region of the olfactory fissure, mainly at the junction of the anterior, middle 1/3 to the posterior middle turbinate, which was consistent with the main distribution area of the olfactory mucosa. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the application of computational fluid dynamic can rapidly achieve the characterization of airflow parameters in the olfactory fissure. The airflow through the olfactory fissure in healthy adults accounted for no more than 10% of the total flow volume of the nasal cavity. The airflow parameters in the anterior region of the olfactory fissure fluctuated significantly, while those flowing through the posterior region of the olfactory fissure were more stable. This could be due to the anterior section of the middle turbinate truncating the restriction of airflow into the olfactory fissure.

Is nasal airflow disrupted after endoscopic skull base surgery? A short review.

Even the most delicate endonasal surgery for skull base lesion causes changes in the nasal cavity, some of them permanent. Morphological changes in the nasal cavity and their consequences (changes in nasal airflow) are often studied by advanced numerical analysis called computational fluid dynamics. This review summarizes current knowledge of endoscopic transsphenoidal skull base surgery effects on nasal airflow. Several studies have shown that endoscopic skull base surgery changes nasal anatomy to the extent that nasal airflow changes significantly postoperatively. Removing any intranasal structure increases the cross-sectional area of the respective nasal meatus, leading to increased nasal airflow in this area while airflow in the narrower periphery decreases. Middle turbinate resection increases airflow in the middle meatus and reduces airflow in the superior and inferior meatus. Small posterior septectomy does not cause a significant change in nasal airflow. Nasal septum deviation is an important factor in airflow changes. Current studies describe nasal changes after rather extensive procedures (e.g., middle turbinectomy, ethmoidectomy) that are unnecessary in routine pituitary adenoma surgery. No studies have compared changes using pre- and postoperative scans of the same patients after actual surgery.

Complications of Nasopharyngeal Swabs and Safe Procedures for COVID-19 Testing Based on Anatomical Knowledge.

Nasopharyngeal swabs have been widely to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure, but numerous complications have been reported in the media. Therefore, the present study aimed to review and document adverse events and suggest procedural references to minimize preventable but often underestimated risks. A total of 27 articles were selected for the review of 842 related documents in PubMed, Embase, and KoreaMed. The complications related to nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing were reported to be rarely happened, ranging from 0.0012 to 0.026%. Frequently documented adverse events were retained swabs, epistaxis, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, often associated with high-risk factors, including severe septal deviations, pre-existing skull base defects, and previous sinus or transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Appropriate techniques based on sufficient anatomical knowledge are mandatory for clinicians to perform nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing. The nasal floor can be predicted by the line between the nostril and external ear canal. For safe testing, the angle of swab insertion in the nasal passage should remain within 30° of the nasal floor. The swab was gently inserted along the nasal septum just above the nasal floor to the nasopharynx and remained on the nasopharynx for several seconds before removal. Forceful insertion should be attempted, and alternative examinations should be considered, especially in vulnerable patients. In conclusion, patients and clinicians should be aware of rare but possible complications and associated high-risk factors. The suggested procedural pearls enable more comfortable and safe nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing for both clinicians and patients.

Nasosinusal Endoscopic Anatomy and Physiology

The present article focuses on the analysis of the nasal cavity's anatomy succinctly and descriptively. This essay was carried out through a bibliographic review, directed to the detailed anatomy of the nasal cavity, and the structures that form its sinuses. We have identified the need formore studies directed to the related anatomical area so that the improved knowledge of this region ensures a nasoendoscopic treatment with better effectiveness and no complications.

Endoscopic Anatomy of the Lacrimal Sac: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the lacrimal sac in relation to the lateral nasal wall by cadaver dissection, and to measure the distances of surgically important landmarks from relevant structures for safer and more efficient surgery. METHOD: A total of 12 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) were performed on both sides (right and left) of 6 fresh-frozen cadavers. The distances of the lacrimal sac to the posterior edge of the uncinate process, the frontal process of the maxilla, the maxillary ostium, the nasal vestibule, the middle turbinate attachment and the inferior turbinate were measured. In addition, the width and length of the lacrimal sac were measured. RESULTS: The mean width and length of the lacrimal sac were 5.6 mm and 11.1 mm, respectively. The lacrimal sac was located at 15.2 mm from the posterior edge of the uncinate process, at 35.5 mm from the nasal vestibule, at 13.5 mm from the maxillary ostium, at 12.2 mm from the frontal process of the maxilla, at 8.7 mm from the middle turbinate attachment, and at 7.3 mm from the inferior turbinate. CONCLUSION: This study provides additional measurements regarding the lacrimal sac and its relationships with nearby landmarks for use in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The distances of the lacrimal sac to the nasal vestibule, the uncinate process and the frontal process of the maxilla are not as reliable as the middle turbinate attachment for predicting the anatomic localization of the lacrimal sac during DCR.

The Communication between Ocular Surface and Nasal Epithelia in 3D Cell Culture Technology for Translational Research: A Narrative Review.

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between the ocular and nasal epithelia. This narrative review focuses on conjunctival, corneal, ultrastructural corneal stroma, and nasal epithelia as well as an introduction into their interconnections. We describe in detail the morphology and physiology of the ocular surface, the nasolacrimal ducts, and the nasal cavity. This knowledge provides a basis for functional studies and the development of relevant cell culture models that can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases related to these complex structures. Moreover, we also provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the development of 3D culture models, which allow for addressing research questions in models resembling the in vivo situation. In particular, we give an overview of the current developments of corneal 3D and organoid models, as well as 3D cell culture models of epithelia with goblet cells (conjunctiva and nasal cavity). The benefits and shortcomings of these cell culture models are discussed. As examples for pathogens related to ocular and nasal epithelia, we discuss infections caused by adenovirus and measles virus. In addition to pathogens, also external triggers such as allergens can cause rhinoconjunctivitis. These diseases exemplify the interconnections between the ocular surface and nasal epithelia in a molecular and clinical context. With a final translational section on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we provide an overview about the applicability of this technique in basic research and clinical ophthalmology. The techniques presented herein will be instrumental in further elucidating the functional interrelations and crosstalk between ocular and nasal epithelia.

Anatomic Variation for the Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach.

Knowledge of anatomy and its variations is the key to safe and efficient surgery. The endoscopic endonasal route to the sella has evolved to become the preferred route to access a wide variety of diseases. We describe the skeletal, vascular, and neural anatomic variations that could be encountered from the nasal phase, through the sphenoid phase, to the sellar phase of the operative exposure. A preoperative checklist is also provided.

Características epidemiológicas, clínicas, radiológicas y anatomopatológicas de los tumores nasosinusales malignos en pacientes hondureños / Epidemiological, clinical, radiological and anatomopathological characteristics of malignant sinonasal tumors in Honduran patients

Introducción: Los tumores de la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales son neoplasias poco frecuentes. La histopatología y características clínicas son diferentes al resto de las neoplasias de cabeza y cuello. Objetivo: Caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico-epidemiológico, radiológico y anatomopatológico a los pacientes mayores de 18 años con tumores nasosinusales malignos atendidos en un hospital hondureño. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, mediante una técnica de muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia se tomó una muestra de 30 pacientes que estaban hospitalizados en sala de otorrinolaringología del Hospital Escuela de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, en el periodo enero del 2017-diciembre del 2019. Los pacientes estudiados habían sido diagnosticados con cáncer de nariz y senos paranasales. Resultados: El estudio incluyó 30 pacientes, de los cuales el 47 por ciento eran mayores de 50 años, de sexo femenino un 53 por ciento, amas de casa el 40 por ciento y agricultores el 20 por ciento. Los principales síntomas y signos fueron obstrucción nasal (50 por ciento), rinorrea (30 por ciento) y masa (20 por ciento), con localización principalmente en cavidades nasales (67 por ciento). Las características radiológicas más importantes fueron su vascularidad (43 por ciento) y unilateralidad (33 por ciento), la estirpe histológica que predominó fue el linfoma (30 por ciento). Conclusiones: Los tumores nasales predominaron en el sexo femenino, siendo la obstrucción nasal, rinorrea y masa sus síntomas y signos principales. El aumento de la vascularidad en la imagen por tomografía computarizada orienta a sospechar malignidad. Se evidenció que el factor económico y el desconocimiento de la enfermedad demoró la asistencia del paciente a un centro hospitalario(AU)

Introduction: Tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are infrequent neoplasms. Their histopathology and clinical characteristics are different from those of other head and neck neoplasms. Objective: Carry out a clinical-epidemiological, radiological and anatomopathological characterization of patients aged over 18 years with malignant sinonasal tumors attending a Honduran hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted. Nonprobability convenience sampling technique was applied to select a sample of 30 patients staying at the otolaryngology ward of the Medical Sciences Hospital School at the National Autonomous University of Honduras from January 2017 to December 2019. These patients had been diagnosed with nose and paranasal sinus cancer. Results: The study included 30 patients, of whom 47 percent were aged over 50 years, 53 percent were female, 40 percent were housewives and 20 percent were farmers. The main signs and symptoms were nasal obstruction (50 percent), rhinorrhea (30 percent) and mass (20 percent), with most common location in the nasal cavity (67 percent). The most important radiological characteristics were their vascularity (43 percent) and one-sidedness (33 percent), with lymphoma as the prevailing histological type (30 percent). Conclusions: Nasal tumors prevailed in the female sex, with nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and mass as their main signs and symptoms. Increase in vascularity in computed tomography images leads to suspecting malignancy. Evidence was found that the economic factor and poor knowledge about the disease delayed patient attendance to a hospital institution(AU)

Horse choanae are directionally asymmetric / Las coanas de los caballos son direccionalmente asimétricas

SUMMARY: Studies related to the upper respiratory pathway asymmetries are still scarce in the veterinary literature. We present here a study of choanae asymmetries of a pure horses belonging to "Cavall Pirinenc Català" (Pyrenean Horse Breed). For this goal, the palates of 23 dry skulls with no apparent pathologies were photographed and evaluated using geometric morphometrics. On each photo, we identified and digitized a total of 26 points (subset of 2 mid-sagittal, 4 paired landmarks (discrete homologous points) and 10 semilandmarks (points on an outline determined by extrinsic criteria) per side on the choana. Both fluctuating and directional asymmetries appeared statistically significant, the latter accounting more than half of the total variation. The lateral bend observed in horse choanae may be due to the asymmetrically positioned nasal passages. So detected equine choana asymmetry must rather be considered functional, with no clinical implication and presents an important consideration when equine choanae shape.

RESUMEN: Los estudios relacionados con las asimetrías de las vías respiratorias superiores aún son escasos en la literatura veterinaria. Presentamos un estudio de coanas asimetrías de un caballo puro perteneciente al "Cavall Pirinenc Català" (Raza del Caballo de los Pirineos). Para ello, se fotografiaron y evaluaron los paladares de 23 cráneos secos sin patologías aparentes mediante morfometría geométrica. En cada foto, identificamos y digitalizamos un total de 26 puntos (subconjunto de 2 puntos medio sagitales, 4 puntos de referencia emparejados (puntos homólogos discretos) y 10 puntos semillanos (puntos en un contorno determinado por criterios extrínsecos) por lado de la coana. Ambos fluctúan Las asimetrías direccionales aparecieron estadísticamente significativas, representando estas últimas más de la mitad de la variación total. La curvatura lateral observada en las coanas de caballo puede deberse a los conductos nasales asimétricamente posicionados. Por lo tanto, la asimetría de coanas equinas detectada debería considerarse funcional, sin implicación clínica y presenta una importante consideración cuando se forman coanas equinas.

Olfactory flow in the sea catfish, Ariopsis felis (L.): Origin, regulation, and resampling.

The olfactory epithelium of the sea catfish, Ariopsis felis, is found on a pinnate array of lamellae (the olfactory rosette) housed within a nasal chamber. The nasal anatomy of A. felis suggests an ability to capture external water currents. We prepared models from X-ray micro-computed tomography scans of two preserved specimens of A. felis. We then used dye visualisation and computational fluid dynamics to show that an external current induced a flow of water through a) the nasal chamber and b) the sensory channels of the olfactory rosette. The factors responsible for inducing flow through the nasal chamber are common to fishes from two other orders. The dye visualisation experiments, together with observations of sea catfishes in vivo, indicate that flow through the nasal chamber is regulated by a mobile nasal flap. The position of the nasal flap - elevated (significant flow) or depressed (reduced flow) - is controlled by the sea catfish's movements. Flow in the sensory channels of the olfactory rosette can pass through either a single channel or, via multiple pathways, up to four consecutive channels. Flow through consecutive sensory channels (olfactory resampling) is more extensive at lower Reynolds numbers (200 and 300, equivalent to swimming speeds of 0.5-1.0 total lengths s-1), coinciding with the mean swimming speed of the sea catfishes observed in vivo (0.6 total lengths s-1). Olfactory resampling may also occur, via a vortex, within single sensory channels. In conclusion, olfactory flow in the sea catfish is regulated and thoroughly sampled by novel mechanisms.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Ventral-Medial Portion of Posterior Paramedian Skull Base: A Morphometric Perspective of Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide morphometric analysis of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to the ventral-medial portion of posterior paramedian skull base. Furthermore, it aims to investigate the surgical exposure obtained through EEA with and without eustachian tube (ET) removal, emphasizing the role of contralateral nostril (CN) access. METHODS: Five fresh adult head specimens were prepared for dissection. A predissection and a postdissection computed tomography study was performed. A surgically oriented classification into 4 regions was used: 1) tubercular region; 2) occipital condyle region; 3) parapharyngeal space (PPhS) region; and 4) jugular foramen (JF) region. The Student t-test was used to compare angulations and measures of EEA with access from the ipsilateral and CN, respectively, with and without ET removal. RESULTS: EEA to the ventral-medial portion of posterior paramedian skull base encompasses 2 medial trajectories (transtubercular and transcondylar) and 2 lateral pathways to the PPhS and JF. The CN access, without removal of the ET, allows a complete exposure of the petrous and intrajugular portion of the JF and superior PPhS without exposition of the parapharyngeal segment of internal carotid artery. The ipsilateral nostril approach with ET removal allows to obtain a wider exposure, reaching the medial sigmoid part of the JF. No significant differences exist in regard to transtubercular and transcondylar approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that EEA to posterior paramedian skull base allows the realization of a corridor directed to the jugular tubercle, occipital condyle, medial PPhS, and ventral-medial JF. The CN approach with ET preservation can expose the petrous and intrajugular parts of the JF and PPhS. Case series are needed to demonstrate benefits and drawbacks of these approaches.

A novel surgical treatment for long lasting unilateral peripheral parosmia: Olfactory cleft blocking technique.

The treatment of qualitative olfactory disease is challenging. We aimed to treat parosmia using a new minimally invasive surgical technique-the olfactory cleft blocking technique- by preventing odorants from reaching the olfactory epithelium. A novel surgical procedure for blocking the anterior and inferior openings of the olfactory cleft was accomplished in a patient with unilateral persistent peripheral parosmia. The HRCT and endoscopy were performed preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the anatomical structure of the olfactory cleft. The T&T olfactometer was used to assess the preoperative and postoperative olfactory function. After surgery, the patient's parosmia disappeared. Endoscopic examination and CT scan showed complete obstruction of the anterior and inferior portions of the olfactory cleft. No recurrence was reported during a 2-year follow-up. No surgical complications were reported except olfactory loss in the operative nostril. For patients with long-term unilateral peripheral olfactory dysfunction, the olfactory cleft blocking technique seems a novel, simple, safe and effective treatment. Further studies are required with a larger number of patients in order to access success rate.

Neti pot irrigation volume filling simulation using anatomically accurate in-vivo nasal airway geometry.

Nasal saline irrigation is frequently utilised in rhinosinusitis management, and after nasal and sinus surgery. Nasal saline irrigation improves mucociliary transport and assists inflammatory mediator and post-surgical debris removal. The aim of this study was to assess the influence different head positions, irrigation inflow nostril, and the nasal cycle have on Neti pot nasal saline volume filling within the nasal passages and maxillary sinuses. Computational fluid dynamics modelling using anatomically correct nasal geometry found only minor difference in nasal cavity volume filling with inflow from either side of the nose however both head position and inflow direction were both found to have a major influence on maxillary sinus volume filling. Computational modelling flow velocity results at the nasopharynx were validated using particle image velocimetry. It was also found that directing irrigation inflow into the patent side of the nose while in the head-back position achieved the highest volume filling of both maxillary sinuses.

Anterior Pedicled Lateral Nasal Wall Flap for Endonasal Lining: A Radiologic and Anatomical Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this radiological/anatomical study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new endoscopic technique that uses the anterior pedicled lateral nasal flap (APLNW) for the endonasal lining in complex nasal reconstructions. STUDY DESIGN: An anatomical study was performed on 20 nasal fossae of cadaverous specimens to measure the area and lengths of the anterior pedicled nasal lateral wall flap. In addition, a radiological analysis with computed tomography was performed in 150 nostrils to determine the potential donor of the simple and extended flap in the nasal fossa floor. Complex nasal reconstruction with nasofrontal flap and internal lining using the lateral wall pedicled flap was performed in 3 patients. RESULTS: Complete reconstruction for the inner lining of the nasal tip and lateral nasal wall was achieved in the cadaveric study (10 specimens). The surface areas of the simple and extended APLNW flaps were 7.53 (standard deviation [SD] 1.25) cm2 and 24.6 (SD 3.14) cm2 , respectively. Using computed tomography scans, we determined that to reconstruct defects secondary to full-thickness nasal defects, the APLNW flap surface for the simple and extended versions was 7.90 (SD 1.68) cm2 and 23.64 (SD 4.7) cm2 . We present one case were the APLNW flap was used. CONCLUSIONS: The simple or expanded APLNW flap represents a feasible option to reconstruct the internal lining in complex nasal reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1462-E1467, 2021.

Three-dimensional CBCT based evaluation of the inferior part of the maxillary sinus: Retrospective Study.

The maxillary sinus is the largest of the four paranasal sinuses in humans, and its close proximity to the teeth means that caution is required during dental treatment. In particular, implant surgeries involving the maxillary posterior teeth should include evaluating the inferior part of the maxillary sinus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences by comparing the inferior part of the maxillary sinus based on the nasal cavity floor (NCF) between patients (male 30, female 30) genders through the use of the three-dimensional (3-D) program that can facilitate 3-D visualizations. The present study results obtained from 3-D visualizations using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data showed that the inferior part of the maxillary sinus was mostly larger in males than in females. In addition, the utilization of 3-D visualization data was more likely to assure accuracy than when using data obtained by two-dimensional (2-D) imaging. Therefore, 3-D visualizations of the inferior part of the maxillary sinus will contribute to accurate analyses of its anatomical structure during implant surgery and other operations. Further studies utilizing 3-D visualization will yield useful fundamental data and guidelines for future research.

Craniofacial anthropometric investigation of relationships between the nose and nasal aperture using 3D computed tomography of Korean subjects.

This study investigated the relationships of morphology and locations of the nose and nasal aperture by using major craniofacial landmarks on the human skull and face for craniofacial reconstruction/approximation of Koreans. In the frontal view, the positions of bony landmarks on the skull, including the nasal aperture, were correlated with the positions of nasal landmarks vertical to the transverse plane. In profile, the positions of bony landmarks on the skull were correlated with the positions of nasal landmarks horizontal to the coronal plane. Overall, 26 of the 76 measurements demonstrated significant correlations between the corresponding landmarks on the nose and nasal aperture. Simple regression equations were produced from the results. This study showed that the nose and nasal aperture are significantly related to each other in terms of their morphology and location in Koreans. The prediction guidelines, produced as regression formulas, can be applied to craniofacial reconstruction/approximation and bio-anthropological research of Korean skulls. The study results can also be used clinically in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgery.