Anatomical Measurement as a Reference for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Based on CT Scans and Dissections.

Introduction Diseases of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavities, and those related to the skull base can be treated with nasal endoscopic surgery. Anatomical references are essential to safely perform these surgeries. Objective To measure and compare the distance from the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus to the anterior skull base in cadavers and on computed tomography (CT) scans to determine a measurement as an anatomical reference in imaging exams for sinus and anterior skull base surgery. Methods In dissections and CT scans, we took measurements from the most upper and medial point of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus (point A) to the point where the skull base deflects and the anterior sphenoid wall is formed (Δ 90°; point B), in the right and left nasal cavities. We used 51 cadavers aged ≥ 18 years in the present research. Results The measurements obtained from CT scans and dissections were greater than 1.5 cm in all cadavers, and they were positively correlated. The 1-cm increase in the AB-tomography measurement corresponded to the 1.08-cm increase to the right and 1.07-cm to the left in the AB-dissection measurement. Conclusion The CT measurements may be considered a reliable tool to promote safe and effective access to the paranasal sinuses, matching the distance that should be dissected until the anterior base of the skull.

A tomographic study of the skull base in primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the existence of anatomic abnormalities in the skull base that could contribute to the origin of primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks (PSL). METHODS: Twenty PSL patients were compared with 20 healthy individuals. The following features were measured through an analysis of computed tomography scans: the angles of the petrosal bones and skull base in both the sagittal and coronal planes; the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the anterior skull base, sella, and sphenoid sinus; the depth of the olfactory fossa; the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus; the position of the crista galli; and the state of the dorsum sellae. Body mass index (BMI) was compared. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups with respect to the angles and diameters of the anterior cranial fossa and the sphenoid sinus or the depth of the olfactory fossa. Pneumatization of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus was more frequent in the PSL group (55%) than in the control group (25%, p = 0.053). The dorsum sellae were eroded in 30% of the PSL patients but intact in all healthy subjects. PSL subjects showed higher sellae (1.0 versus 0.8 cm, p = 0.002). The average BMI of PSL patients was higher than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Global alterations in the skull base of PSL patients were not found. The increase in the height of sellae and the erosion of its dorsum suggest intracranial hypertension. The higher BMI in the case group confirms the relation between obesity and PSL.

Prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAH) associated with nasal polyposis: an epidemiological study - how to diagnose.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas in the olfactory cleft of patients with nasal polyposis. To demonstrate characteristics indicative of hamartoma on the CT scans of paranasal sinuses during surgery and in histopathological exams. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG and Núcleo de Otorrino BH. We performed 114 nasal endoscopic surgeries for polyposis, between February 2015 and November 2019. We assessed the olfactory cleft width in all preoperative CT scans. Upon seeing an indication of hamartoma on the CT scan, we took a tissue sample from the olfactory cleft during the surgery and sent for histopathological exam. We referred the samples to a pathologist experienced in the anatomopathological diagnosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas. RESULTS: Of the 114 patients with polyposis, 54 (47.4%) had olfactory cleft enlargement and, 100% of them had tissue with a dense and hardened polypoid aspect, with a slight cerebriform appearance in this region during the surgery. Histology confirmed a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma. CONCLUSION: This observation suggests that the presence of hamartomas in polyposis is common, but underdiagnosed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Step 3 (Level 3).

RT-PCR cytokine study in patients with allergic rhinitis.

UNLABELLED: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa, in consequence of an IgE mediated hypersensitive reaction to inhaling allergens, involving different mediators and cytokine cells. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transcriptions for IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IFN-gama, particularly important in the nasal allergy process, especially IL-4 and IL-5. For this study we decided to evaluate atopic patients who were free from allergic crises, with the purpose of knowing the cytokine expressions during this period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Another prospective and transversal study was carried out, selecting 30 patients, 13 of these patients were pauci-symptomatic and 17 were non atopic. The groups were selected by means of a medical interview, an otolaryngologic clinical exam and allergy skin tests - Prick Test. The cytokines were investigated in fragments of the nasal mucosa, using RT-PCR - chosen because it has good reproducibility and specificity. RESULTS: IL-5, IL-8, IFN-gama cytokine values were kept homogeneous in relation to the control group. Only IL-4 presented significant statistic differences. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic patients with allergic rhinitis presented with normalization of cytokine expression in the nasal mucosa, with exception of IL-4.

Cicatricial pemphygoid in the upper aerodigestive tract: report of two cases.

Cicatricial pemphygoid (mucous membrane cicatricial pemphygoid) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by subepithelial bubbles in mucous membranes and, occasionally on the skin. It may affect the mouth, the nose, pharynx, larynx, the eyes, esophagus, anus, genitals and skin; especially affecting patients between fifty and sixty years of life. Treatment includes systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents. In the present paper we describe two cases with the active disease, and one of them had sepsis because of using immunosuppressive agents and another that presented supraglottic stenosis requiring tracheostomy.

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

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

Absence of nasal air flow and maxillary sinus development.

UNLABELLED: Paranasal sinuses development mechanisms are not well known. Nasal air flow, according to one of the proposed theories, would be fundamental to the growth and healthy development of paranasal sinuses. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the maxillary sinus growth and health in the presence and absence of postnasal air flow through a unique model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a series of cases; preoperative CT scans of 7 patients with unilateral choanal atresia, average age was 16.28 years (+/- 5.024). This study was done in a tertiary hospital, with patients treated between 1994 and 2004. The area of the maxillary sinuses was measured with the aid an Auto-Cad software. Kruskal-Wallis test was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Symmetrical or even bigger maxillary sinuses were found in the same side of the choanal atresia in 85.71% of the cases. There was no significant statistic difference between compared sides. CT Scan signs of sinus disease were not seem in these patients. DISCUSSION: These findings oppose the commonly accepted theory about the role of nasal air flow in health and development of paranasal cavities.

Pulmonary hypertension evaluation by Doppler echocardiogram in children and adolescents with mouth breathing syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Adenotonsillar hyperplasia (ATH) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in children. Such diseases, by affecting the upper airways, can cause chronic alveolar hypoventilation, pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension, which in some cases, are irreversible. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in two groups of mouth-breathing (MB) 2-12 years old children with ATH and isolated allergic rhinitis, through Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: 54 patients with ATH and indications for adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and 24 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis were selected and submitted to Doppler echocardiography. The Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure (SPAP) was determined by tricuspid regurgitation and the Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP) was calculated from the SPAP. Similar measurements were carried out in 25 nasal breathing (NB) individuals. RESULTS: The mean MPAP and SPAP were higher in the MB than in the NB group (17.62±2.06 [ATH] and 17.45±1.25 [AR] vs. 15.20±2.36 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, and 25.61±3.38 [ATH] and 25.33±2.06 [AR] vs. 21.64±3.87 [NB] mmHg, p<0.005, respectively) and the mean acceleration time of pulmonary flow trace (Act) was higher in the NB than in the MB group (127.24±12.81 [RN] vs. 114.06±10.63ms [ATH] and 117.96±10.28 [AR] MS [AR]; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: None of the MB children (ATH and AR) met the PH criteria, although individuals with both ATH and isolated AR showed significant evidence of increased pulmonary artery pressure by Doppler echocardiography in relation to NB individuals. No differences were observed between the ATH and AR groups.

Rhinoplasty Complications and Reoperations: Systematic Review.

Introduction This article is related to complications of rhinoplasty and its main causes of reoperations. Objectives The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review of literature on complications in rhinoplasty. Data Synthesis The authors conducted a survey of articles related to key terms in the literature by using three important databases within 11 years, between January 2002 and January 2013. We found 1,271 abstracts and selected 49 articles to this review. Conclusion The main results showed that the number of primary open rhinoplasty was 7902 (89%) and 765 closed (11%) and the percentage of reoperations in primary open complete rhinoplasties was 2.73% and closed complete was 1.56%. The statistical analysis revealed a value of p = 0.071. The standardization of terms can improve the quality of scientific publications about rhinoplasty. There is no difference between primary open or closed rhinoplasty techniques in relation to reoperations.

Prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAH) associated with nasal polyposis: an epidemiological study - how to diagnose

Abstract Objectives: To highlight the prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas in the olfactory cleft of patients with nasal polyposis. To demonstrate characteristics indicative of hamartoma on the CT scans of paranasal sinuses during surgery and in histopathological exams. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG and Núcleo de Otorrino BH. We performed 114 nasal endoscopic surgeries for polyposis, between February 2015 and November 2019. We assessed the olfactory cleft width in all preoperative CT scans. Upon seeing an indication of hamartoma on the CT scan, we took a tissue sample from the olfactory cleft during the surgery and sent for histopathological exam. We referred the samples to a pathologist experienced in the anatomopathological diagnosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas. Results: Of the 114 patients with polyposis, 54 (47.4%) had olfactory cleft enlargement and, 100% of them had tissue with a dense and hardened polypoid aspect, with a slight cerebri-form appearance in this region during the surgery. Histology confirmed a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma. Conclusion: This observation suggests that the presence of hamartomas in polyposis is common, but underdiagnosed. Level of evidence: Step 3 (Level 3).

Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses are very prevalent in the general population, resulting in marked loss of quality of life in affected patients, as well as significant work, leisure, and social activity losses. These patients require specific and specialized treatment. A wide range of oral medications are available. OBJECTIVE: The present document is aimed to clarify, for professionals treating patients with inflammatory sinonasal diseases, both specialists and general practitioners, specific oral therapies in noninfectious nasal inflammatory conditions. METHODS: The methodology used to create this article included the search for the key words: oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, antileukotrienes, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in the last 5 years. Since no relevant article was found for the text on the subject of interest in the last 5 years, the search was extended for another 5 years, and so on, according to the authors' needs. RESULTS: Relevant literature was found regarding the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes and oral corticosteroids in these conditions. The Brazilian Academy of Rhinology emphasizes, after extensive discussion by the collegiate, key points in the treatment with these drugs. CONCLUSION: There is support in the literature for the use of these drugs; however, final considerations about the role of each of them have been made.

Effect of mitomycin C in eosinophilic nasal polyposis, in vivo: concentration of IL5 and GM-CSF, RT-PCR.

UNLABELLED: Eosinophilic nasosinusal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory infection with elevated infiltration of eosinophils, which presents high rate of recurrence after surgical treatment. The continuous inflammatory process that leads to the formation of polyps requires constant clinical treatment. Contributing to the maintenance of eosinophilia are cytokines IL5 (interleukin-5) and GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophages colony-stimulating factor), which show up in elevated concentrations. These oligoproteins diminish the rate of apoptosis and prolong the survival of eosinophils. AIM: By diminishing these cytokines, the action of Mitomycin C (MMC), an antineoplastic drug which inhibits the synthesis of DNA, was studied. In a recent study the power of this drug to cause apoptosis in eosinophils, in vitro, of nasal polyps was verified. METHODOLOGY: A biopsy of the nasal polyps was undertaken in 15 patients carriers of eosinophilic nasosinusal polyposis 24 hours after applying 0.5 mg/ml of MMC during five minutes. RT-PCR (reverse transcription of polymerase chain reaction) for IL5 and GM-CSF was the method used to obtain the results. RESULTS: The comparison of the results of GM-CSF pre- and post-application of MMC, when the paired T-test was used, showed p=0.041 and for IL5 we found p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Topic use of MMC in patients with eosinophilic nasosinusal polyposis shows statistically significant reduction for GM-CSF and significant and important reduction for IL5.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx in a young woman with Fanconi's anemia.

Fanconi's anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital malformation, bone marrow failure and genomic instability, with a predisposition to develop malignancies, especially the leukemias and upper aerodigestive tract tumors. Due to inherent characteristics to this syndrome, the treatment of such neoplasms is particularly difficult. In this paper we report the case of a 24-year-old woman with Fanconi's anemia who developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx; she had none of the traditional risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse. We also briefly review the literature about this topic.

Evaluation of the improvement of quality of life with Azithromycin in the treatment of eosinophilic nasal polyposis.

INTRODUCTION: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) is an important tool in assessing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with a validated version in Brazil. The eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) represents most of the cases of nasal polyposis (85-90%) and belongs to the group of chronic rhinosinusitis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the QoL of patients, not only causing localized symptoms, but also resulting in a general malaise. The standard treatments (corticosteroids and nasal endoscopic surgery) lead to partial control of symptoms, but relapses are frequent. Macrolide acting as an immunomodulator is a promising tool for more effective control of this disease. Studies are still lacking to assess the real impact on the QoL in patients treated with macrolides. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement of QL, evaluated using SNOT-22, in patients with PNSE treated with immunomodulatory dose azithromycin. METHODS: This is a paired experimental study in patients with ENP. Comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment with azithromycin was performed. Patients completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire before the start of treatment and returned for evaluation after eight weeks of treatment. Azithromycin was prescribed at a dose of 500 mg, orally, three times a week, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: SNOT-22 score decreased 20.3 points on average. There was a significant decrease in the SNOT-22 (difference greater than 14 points) in 19 patients (57.6%). There was no significant difference in improvement in SNOT in subgroups with or without asthma/aspirin intolerance. CONCLUSION: Azithromycin resulted in significant improvement of QoL, assessed by SNOT-22, in the studied population.

Azithromycin for the treatment of eosinophilic nasal polyposis: Clinical and histologic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Macrolides used as immunomodulators are a promising tool for chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) is still considered a disease that is difficult to control with the currently standardized treatments. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prolonged treatment with low-dose azithromycin for ENP based on clinical and histopathologic variables. METHODS: The present investigation was a self-paired case study of 33 patients with ENP. A comparison was performed between patients before and after treatment with azithromycin for 8 weeks. The patients were subjected to clinical examinations, staging (three-dimensional imaging by endoscopy), application of the questionnaire, and biopsy of nasal polyps at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: The treatment yielded a clinical improvement regarding the two variables studied: polyposis staging (69.7%) and questionnaire (57.6%). We did not find significant differences in the inflammatory pattern and in the percentage or absolute number of eosinophils per field between samples obtained before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the answers obtained from groups with and without asthma and/or aspirin intolerance (p > 0.3). The patients with advanced initial staging exhibited lower subjective improvement index and staging reduction (p = 0.031 and p = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on this study, azithromycin may be considered as another therapeutic option for ENP. However, further studies are necessary to define the real mechanism of action involved.

Setting of an endoscopic nasal reference point for surgical access to the anterior base through an anatomical study on cadavers.

INTRODUCTION: Diseases of paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and skull base can be treated by endonasal operations using a nasal rigid endoscope. When conducting this kind of surgery, anatomical references are critical for safety. OBJECTIVE: To measure the distance from the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus to the skull base, according to socio-demographic characteristics, and to detail an anatomical reference point for paranasal sinus operations and for an access to the anterior skull base, comparing anatomical variations between right and left sides, gender, height, weight, age, and ethnicity in cadavers. METHODS: Measures were taken from the 90° angle (the starting point where deflection of the skull base begins to form the anterior wall of the sphenoid, also known as Δ90°) to the upper, middle, and lower points of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. This study used 60 cadavers aged over 17 years, and evaluated these bodies with respect to age, height, BMI, weight, gender, and ethnicity, comparing measurements of right and left sides. RESULTS: The measurements were >1.5cm in all cadavers and did not vary with age, height, weight, gender, and ethnicity on their right and left sides. The lack of association between the measurement from Δ90° to the upper, middle, and lower posterior walls of the maxillary sinus (categorical or quantitative) is noteworthy, considering the characteristics studied. CONCLUSION: The methodology defined the nasal point of reference, considering an absence of variation in the cadavers' characteristics.

Effect of mitomycin C on the secretion of granulocyte macrophages colonies stimulating factor and interleukin-5 in eosinophilic nasal polyps stromal culture.

UNLABELLED: The research involving tissue factors, such as granulocyte macrophage colonies stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 5 (IL-5), leads to the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of eosinophilia, which is essential for the pathogenesis on eosinophilic nasal polyps. Mitomycin C has been successfully used in otolaryngology. AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mitomycin C in secretion of GM-CSF and IL-5 on eosinophilic nasal polyps. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a comparative and auto-matched experimental study, performed with fragments of polyps which had been obtained from biopsy of patients with eosinophilic nasosinusal polyposis. The fragments of the experimental group were treated with mitomycin C (400 microg/ml) for 5 minutes and then washed in RPMI substrate. At time zero, 12 and 24 hours, the surface material was taken to determination of its GM-CSF levels in 22 patients and of IL-5 levels in 19 patients, by ELISA method. RESULTS: Reduction in GM-CSF expression on the experimental group at time 24 h (p< or = 0.05). The treated group presented significant GM-CSF expression between zero time and 12 h time (p= 0.013) showing the culture viability such as in the non-treated group. Tendency to decreasing IL-5 levels on the treated groups at 24 hours. CONCLUSION: This study showed that mitomycin C was efficient in inhibiting GM-CSF synthesis with reduction of IL-5 secretion, but this fact needs complementary studies.

Power reflectance testing in newborns and infants.

INTRODUCTION: Auditory screening in newborns allows for detection of hearing problems early in life. However, middle ear diseases can make the diagnosis more difficult. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the power reflectance test as an indicator of the middle ear disease and to compare it to tympanometry. METHODS: Case study evaluating 105 newborns and infants who participated in the audiology screening in 2013. The following exams were performed: transient otoacoustic emissions, power reflectance, and tympanometry. RESULTS: In the optoacoustic emission evaluation, approximately 95% of the subjects passed the test. The specificity of power reflectance in all frequencies studied ranged from 75.3% to 95.9%, and that of tympanometry at 1000Hz ranged from 83% to 87.2%; there was agreement among these exams. CONCLUSION: The outcome of power reflectance tests at 2000Hz and 3000Hz showed a correlation with tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions, and these were the most appropriate frequencies to determine middle ear disease through power reflectance measurement. It was also observed that values of power reflectance above reference levels suggested the presence of fluid in the middle ear, and thus a conductive hearing loss.

Chemical and cytological analysis of cerebral spinal fluid after intrathecal injection of hypodense fluorescein.

INTRODUCTION: Intrathecal fluorescein has been effective for topographic diagnosis of rhinoliquorrhea. Nonetheless, there are no reports on the study of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) after use of intrathecal fluorescein. OBJECTIVE: A prospective study attempting to evaluate CSF through chemical and cytological analysis, after injection of fluorescein. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 24 samples of CSF after intrathecal injection of fluorescein for topographic diagnosis of CSF fistulae, collected at the time of puncture and after 24 and 48h, divided by cellularity: Group 1, up to five cells, and Group 2, with more than five cells. RESULTS: The yellow-greenish color of CSF remained after 48h in 36%, evidencing permanence of fluorescein. No changes in protein and glucose levels were observed between 0-24h and 0-48h. In group 2, an increase in cell count was observed between 24h and 48h (p=0.019). In both groups, there was an increase of neutrophils between 0 and 48h (p=0.048) and a decrease between 24 and 48h (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal fluorescein provoked discreet meningeal reactions, such as an increase of cells between 24 and 48h and an increase of neutrophils at 24h, with a subsequent decrease at 48h with no correlation with symptomatology.