Pneumosinus Dilatans: A Novel Algorithm for its Classification and Management.

BACKGROUND: Pneumosinus dilatans (PD) is a rare condition in which one or more paranasal sinuses are pathologically hyperaerated. Patients commonly present with an aesthetic complaint, however it has been associated with several serious conditions. The etiology is largely theoretical and the management remains unstandardized, potentially leading to missed diagnoses. This article aims to establish a presumptive classification scheme and management algorithm based on a comprehensive review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of all available publications on the search term "Pneumosinus dilatans" was conducted in PubMed. Associated conditions were identified and clustered based on the number and anatomic location of the sinuses involved. The resultant data was used to formulate an evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and management of PD patients. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients from 103 articles were included. The majority of patients were male (57.2%) with an average age of 32.6 years-old at onset. The frontal sinus was most commonly involved (62.8%) and one pathologic sinus was most common (84.6%). 51% of patients presented with an associated condition; with it least common in frontal sinus PD (29.7% cases) and most common in ethmoid sinus PD (81.5%). To date, no articles to date have proposed a management algorithm for PD based on the number or location of sinus involved. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized evidence-based management algorithm and classification scheme for patients with PD will not only lead to the highest-quality treatment, but will also be instrumental in elucidating an etiology for this rare, and potentially serious, condition.

Equine Nasal Endoscopy: Treating Bullae Disease and Sinus Disease.

The nasal conchal bullae (dorsal and ventral) are separate, air-filled structures within their respective dorsal and ventral nasal conchae. Computed tomography scans have assisted with the increasing diagnosis of empyema of the nasal conchae. This condition is usually associated with dental or sinus disease. Drainage of affected bullae is considered critical for resolution of clinical signs. The ventral conchal bullae can be easily viewed with a standard 10 mm diameter flexible endoscopy via the middle nasal meatus. This approach can also be used for fenestration of the bullae, using a diode laser, equine laryngeal forceps, or bipolar vessel sealing device.

Sarcoidosis of the paranasal sinuses.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease, which predominantly affects the lung. Since sinonasal sarcoidosis is rare, little is known about the sarcoidosis manifestation at this site. Therefore, the aim of our study was to detect the prevalence of sinonasal sarcoidosis, its clinical occurrence, diagnosis, and therapy. METHODS: The database of all patients having visited the otorhinolaryngology departments of the universities in Göttingen and in Bonn between 2003 and 2016 was searched for the diagnosis of sinonasal sarcoidosis. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with a biopsy-proven sinonasal sarcoidosis were identified. Most patients presented non-specific clinical symptoms, which are also found in acute and chronic sinusitis. None of the patients was suspected to have sinonasal sarcoidosis by the ENT doctor before histological validation. The mean diagnostic delay was 262 (± 195) days. An additional pulmonary involvement was detected in four of six patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal sarcoidosis is presenting with heterogeneous clinical presentations. An early biopsy of granulomatous lesions is mandatory. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to exclude serious lung or heart manifestations, because even asymptomatic organ involvement is possible. A CT-scan may be useful even if unspecific. Local or systemic therapy has to be prepared individually using local and systemic corticosteroids, antimetabolites, or anti-TNF-alpha.

Intraorbital Irrigation of Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis.

The aim of this study was to describe a modified technique of intraorbital irrigation of amphotericin B in the treatment of rhino-orbital mucormycosis. A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with rhino-orbital mucormycosis and subsequently underwent orbital and sinus debridement with postoperative intraorbital irrigation of amphotericin B. Daily irrigation of amphotericin B was infused in the orbit with measures taken to avoid iatrogenic toxicity to the ocular surface and gastrointestinal tract. The use of local amphotericin B irrigation directly in the orbit allowed for local control of infection without orbital exenteration, a good cosmetic outcome and excellent postoperative visual acuity. The published reports on the use of intraorbital irrigation with amphotericin B in mucormycosis infections were reviewed and the technique used at the institution was outlined.

Non-Exenteration Management of Sino-Orbital Fungal Disease.

PURPOSE: To describe the non-exenteration management of sino-orbital fungal infection, a life-threatening condition for which orbital exenteration is generally considered a first-line treatment. METHODS: A retrospective case series is presented of 7 orbits in 6 consecutive patients admitted and treated at 2 major metropolitan tertiary teaching hospitals in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS: Seven orbits in 6 consecutive patients with sino-orbital fungal infection were treated conservatively with surgical debridement and intravenous antifungal agents. Four patients were immunosuppressed and the other 2 patients were otherwise healthy. All presented with pain, proptosis, or loss of vision. Causative organisms found were Mucormycoses, Aspergillus, and Scedosporium prolificans. Exenteration was avoided in all patients as part of their planned management and 5 patients, including 1 with bilateral disease, survived their disease without exenteration. Medical treatment included intravenous liposomal amphotericin B or voriconazole. A single immunosuppressed patient deteriorated and as a last resort, exenteration was performed, but this made no difference to his clinical course and in retrospect could have been avoided as he died of multiple cerebral metastases diagnosed shortly after his deterioration. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend that patients with sino-orbital fungal disease preferably be treated conservatively, without orbital exenteration.

A retrospective analysis of eleven cases of invasive rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis presented with orbital apex syndrome initially.

BACKGROUND: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis(ROCM) is an invasive fungal infection that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and sometimes presents as orbital apex syndrome(OAS) initially. It is rapidly fatal without an early diagnosis and treatment. We report the cases of invasive ROCM presenting with OAS initially in order to raise the attention of clinicians. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated eleven cases of invasive ROCM presenting initially with OAS admitted between January 2006 and December 2013. We analyzed clinical features, results of laboratory and radiological examinations, nasal endoscopy, aggressive surgical excision and debridement, and medical management outcomes of each case. RESULTS: A total of eleven cases of invasive ROCM with OAS as an initial sign were presented. Mucormycosis was accompanied by type II diabetes mellitus in nine cases, renal transplant in one case, and injury caused by traffic accident in one case. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed palatine or nasal necrotic lesions in all patients, and transethmoidal optic nerve decompression was carried out in three patients at the same time. CT scan revealed rhino-orbital-cerebral involvement in every patient. All patients were given intravenous amphotericin B. Nine patients underwent surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. Three patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: ROCM is a severe, emergent and fatal infection requiring multidisciplinary management. It may often present with OAS initially. For ophthalmologist, mucormycosis must be considered in immunocompromised patients presenting with OAS initially, and anterior rhinoscopy is imperative before hormonotherapy, even in the cases absent of ketoacidosis induced by diabetes mellitus.

Balloon catheter dilation technology combined with a fibrolaryngoscope to treat a maxillary sinus cyst.

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the effect of balloon catheter dilation technology combined with a fibrolaryngoscope in the treatment of a maxillary sinus cyst. The clinical data of 14 cases (19 maxillary sinuses) with balloon catheter dilation technology combined with a fibrolaryngoscope to remove sinus cysts (balloon group) and 16 cases (23 maxillary sinuses) with conventional nasal endoscopic sinus surgery to remove sinus cysts (conventional group) were analyzed. All cases have completed the preoperative and postoperative SNOT-20, nasal endoscopy and coronal sinus CT scan. Lund-Kennedy endoscopic and Lund-Mackay CT scan staging scores were recorded. All patients were followed up for 24 weeks after the operation. The SNOT-20 scores, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic and Lund-Mackay CT scan staging scores were lower in the balloon group than that in the control group. Balloon catheter dilation technology combined with a fibrolaryngoscope can effectively preserve the function and structures of the nasal cavity and sinus, making it a good choice in the treatment of a retention cyst of the maxillary sinus.

The Role of Conservative Management in Pneumosinus Dilatans Frontalis With Minimal Bony Deformity.

The authors describe the conservative management of 2 rare patients of uncomplicated pneumosinus dilatans of the frontal sinus with minimal bossing of the forehead. Regular nasal hygiene in combination with topical corticosteroids was administered with following complete resolution symptoms.

[Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis. Cohort study of its treatment according disease extent and reversion of its pathophysiology]. / Mucormicosis rinoorbitaria. Estudio de cohorte de su tratamiento de acuerdo a la extensión de la enfermedad y reversión de su fisiopatología.

Mucormycosis is a lethal opportunistic fungal infection, described mostly in immunocompromised patients. A comparative cohort study was conducted to compare the evolution of the study group patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis, in which a therapeutic protocol was instituted, in which the pterygomaxillary fossa is systematically surgically approached and orbital exenteration is performed or not based on the spreading of the infection to the orbital apex or the orbital fissure, with a historical group where these criteria were not applied. Fifteen cases were included, eight in historic group A and seven in the study group B. Medical treatment was provided with control of the underlying disease (amphotericin B and low molecular weight heparin) as well as surgical treatment with extensive debridement including endoscopic ethmoidectomy and exploration of the pterygomaxillary fossa, also performing orbital exenteration only in patients who presented orbital apex syndrome in group B. In group A, there was a mortality rate of 50%, in group B all patients were clinical cured; however, the two patients with hematologic diseases died of complications not related to the fungal infection. With the standardization of a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol, good results in healing and survival of patients can be obtained.

An overview of common diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are a common complaint amongst the general population and service personnel. Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, and nasal deformity leading to airway obstruction are some of the commonest ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions encountered. However, hidden within this generally benign group of conditions are some potentially lethal problems that clinicians need to be able to recognise. This article aims to provide an overview of common conditions affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses, including fractured nasal bones, acute rhinosinusitis and its complications, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Epistaxis and sinonasal malignancies are largely outside the scope of this paper. Background information on pathogenesis will be described, along with guidance on diagnosis and management with particular stress on emergency pre-hospital treatment and indications for referral to an ENT specialist.

[Analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey among the patients presenting with nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses diseases concerning organization and quality of specialized medical assistance].

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the medico-social factors on the development of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses diseases and satisfaction of the patients with the quality of the provided specialized medical assistance. The approaches to the treatment of such patient at the pre-hospital and hospital levels are discussed.

The Role of Adjunctive Therapies in the Management of Invasive Sino-Orbital Infection.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive sino-orbital fungal infections are life-threatening complications of immunonosupression that are difficult to treat. Currently there are no standard treatment guidelines. The most widely accepted therapy includes parenteral anti-fungal therapy and surgical debridement of sinuses with orbital exenteration, a procedure that is not only disfiguring, but may increase morbidity. Injection of retrobulbar Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AMB) is an alternative approach that provides local administration to infected tissues. The adjunct use of anti-fungal retrobulbar injections not been extensively reviewed in treating sino-orbital infection. We are reporting the multimodal approach of using L-AMB retrobulbar injections in combination with sinus debridement, intravenous (IV) anti-fungal therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for the management of sino-orbital infection. METHOD & RESULTS: Review of literature of 12 cases and retrospective evaluation of one patient with sino-orbital Aspergillus flavus infection on chemotherapy for T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia treated with retrobulbar Amphotericin B, IV anti-fungal agents, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Clinical characteristics, radiographic features, management techniques, and clinical outcomes are described. CONCLUSION: Retrobulbar Amphotericin B injection may be an effective adjunct to hyperbaric oxygen and parenteral anti-fungals in the control of sino-orbital fungal infections.

[Orphan disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses]. / Ausgewählte seltene rhinologische Krankheitsbilder Pathogenese - Klinik - Therapie.

Rare rhinological diseases are a diagnostic challenge. From the primary manifestation until the final diagnosis it may take several months or even up to years in which the disease progress is uncontrolled and the disease insufficiently treated. This results in (irreversible) damage and possibly life-threatening situations. The unexpected course of a (misdiagnosed) disease should lead to further diagnostic considerations and steps to detect the orphan disease at a stage as early as possible. In the present work granulomatous diseases of the nose and sinuses caused by mycobacteria, treponemes, klebsiella, fungi and protozoa as well as vasculitis, sarcoidosis, rosacea, the cocaine-induced midline destruction, the nasal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and cholesterol granuloma are discussed. Furthermore diseases with disorders of mucociliary clearance as the primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis are presented taking into account the current literature.

Fungal disease of the nose and sinuses: an updated overview.

Fungal diseases of the nose and sinuses encompasses a diverse spectrum of disease. Clinical manifestations are largely dependent upon the immune status of the host, as, given the ubiquitous nature of these organisms, exposure is unavoidable. Asymptomatic colonization of the nasal passages by fungi warrants no treatment and is common, while allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is challenging and often requires a combined approach of surgical intervention, immunotherapy, and corticosteroid administration. A diagnosis requires a combination of IgE immune reactivity, eosinophilic infiltration, and fungi recovery. Similarly, invasive disease may present only after several months of slowly progressive disease, or in rapid and fulminant fashion in the appropriate host. A differentiation of these overlapping syndromes and the pathophysiologic processes at play, and recommended treatment algorithms, are the focus of this review.

Sarcoidosis with involvement of the paranasal sinuses - a retrospective analysis of 12 biopsy-proven cases.

BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary involvement by sarcoidosis is observed in about 30-40% of patients with sarcoidosis. Little is known about the frequency and clinical characteristics of sinonasal sarcoidosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 12 cases of biopsy-proven sinonasal sarcoidosis. Patients were identified from a patient population of 1360 patients with sarcoidosis at the Outpatient Clinic for Sarcoidosis and Rare Lung Diseases at LungClinic Grosshansdorf, a tertiary care hospital for respiratory medicine. RESULTS: The most frequent signs and symptoms were nasal polyps (4 cases), epistaxis (3 cases), nasal crusts (8 cases) and anosmia (5 cases). Pulmonary sarcoidosis of the patients was staged as stage I (n = 1) and stage II (n = 11) on chest radiographs. Spirometry was normal in 11 patients. 7 patients had a diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide of less than 90% of predicted. Other organs were affected in 8 patients. All patients received systemic corticosteroid treatment and most patients received topical steroids. 5 patients received steroid sparing agents. Repeated sinus surgery had to be performed in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal involvement is a rare disease manifestation of sarcoidosis with a frequency slightly lower than 1% in our patient population. The clinical course of sinonasal sarcoidosis can be complicated by relapse despite systemic immunosuppressive treatment and repeated sinus surgery.

Rhinotillexomania: a rare cause of medial orbital wall erosion.

The authors report a rare case of medial orbital wall erosion with an orbital inflammatory mass and resultant lacrimal obstruction secondary to rhinotillexomania. A 67-year-old male with known history of compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) sought treatment for complaints of watering in his OD. Examination revealed a blocked right inferior canaliculus. Nasal endoscopy showed a large nasal septal defect with multiple areas of crusting and bleeding. Hematologic investigations were normal. CT scan confirmed a large nasal septal and right medial orbital wall defect with an adjacent soft tissue mass in the medial orbit. Investigations ruled out systemic pathology. Histologic examination of medial orbital mass, sinus, and nasal mucosa revealed a reactive inflammatory infiltrate with surface Gram-positive cocci. The authors hypothesized that the patient had enlarged an existing nasal septal defect due to repetitive nose picking resulting in recurrent infection and inflammation of sinuses, leading to erosion of his medial orbital wall.

Efficacy of Mitomycin C for postoperative endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mitomycin C has recently been used to prevent nasal synechiae and sinus ostium stenosis after endoscopic sinus surgery. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To compare nasal synechiae rate between topical Mitomycin C and saline or no treatment. TYPE OF REVIEW: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials databases were used to identify studies up to January 2013. EVALUATION METHOD: Data were independently extracted by two reviewers (PN and KT). Studies which compared topical Mitomycin C with control where the outcomes of interest were nasal synechiae or sinus ostium stenosis were included. Baseline study characteristics, quality of study, numbers of patients between treatment and control groups, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted. A multivariate meta-analysis was separately applied for each outcome (nasal synechiae and maxillary sinus ostium stenosis). RESULTS: Among 11 included studies, most studies used Mitomycin C dose of 0.4-0.5 mg/mL 1-5 mL in the middle meatus for 5 min duration. Eight studies reported synechiae with 281 and 281 nasal cavities received Mitomycin C and saline, respectively. For outcome of nasal synechiae, a multivariate meta-analysis suggested that Mitomycin C was associated with a 66% (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.65) lower risk of nasal synechiae with moderate heterogeneity (I(2) = 43%, 95% CI: 0-77%). Subgroup analyses by age and history of revision could reduce the degree of heterogeneity. Mitomycin C benefits were found in subgroups of age ≤ 40 years (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.05-1.50) and patients without any history of revision (RR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.58). Five studies with 134 and 140 nasal cavities for Mitomycin C and saline were included in pooling of maxillary sinus ostium stenosis. Mitomycin C was associated with 74% (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12-0.54) lower risk of maxillary sinus ostium stenosis when compared with saline with low heterogeneity (I(2) = 5%, 95% CI: 0-85%). There was no evidence of publication bias for both poolings. CONCLUSION: Applying Mitomycin C topically after endoscopic sinus surgery could reduce the risk of nasal synechiae and maxillary sinus ostium stenosis in short term by 66% and 74%, respectively. The treatment effects may be more beneficial in patients aged 40 years or younger or in patients without history of revision. However, our results were based on pooling trials with questionable methodological quality. Further trials with good research methodology and long-term follow-up should be conducted to confirm our results.

New ways to diagnose and treat equine dental-related sinus disease.

The diagnosis and treatment of equine dental-related sinus disease is often challenging. Dental-related sinus disease is common and knowledge of these diseases is becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine. Diagnostic capabilities are continually improving, leading to early diagnostic and therapeutic successes. With advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, understanding of the intimate anatomic relationship between teeth and the paranasal sinuses continues to progress. There are many therapeutic options available for the treatment of these common and challenging disorders. A complete understanding of the disease, therapeutic options, and potential complications is vital to overall successful resolution of clinical signs in equine dental-related sinus disorders.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis deaths associated with sinus irrigation using contaminated tap water.

BACKGROUND: Naegleria fowleri is a climate-sensitive, thermophilic ameba found in the environment, including warm, freshwater lakes and rivers. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost universally fatal, occurs when N. fowleri-containing water enters the nose, typically during swimming, and N. fowleri migrates to the brain via the olfactory nerve. In 2011, 2 adults died in Louisiana hospitals of infectious meningoencephalitis after brief illnesses. METHODS: Clinical and environmental testing and case investigations were initiated to determine the cause of death and to identify the exposures. RESULTS: Both patients had diagnoses of PAM. Their only reported water exposures were tap water used for household activities, including regular sinus irrigation with neti pots. Water samples, tap swab samples, and neti pots were collected from both households and tested; N. fowleri were identified in water samples from both homes. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first reported PAM cases in the United States associated with the presence of N. fowleri in household plumbing served by treated municipal water supplies and the first reports of PAM potentially associated with the use of a nasal irrigation device. These cases occurred in the context of an expanding geographic range for PAM beyond southern tier states with recent case reports from Minnesota, Kansas, and Virginia. These infections introduce an additional consideration for physicians recommending nasal irrigation and demonstrate the importance of using appropriate water (distilled, boiled, filtered) for nasal irrigation. Furthermore, the changing epidemiology of PAM highlights the importance of raising awareness about this disease among physicians treating persons showing meningitislike symptoms.