Effects of Particulate Matter on Allergic Rhinitis and Possible Mechanisms / 대한이비인후과학회지

Health impacts of particulate matter (PM) have become a global concern. PM tends to affect patients with allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (AR), more severely. Many epidemiological studies have shown that PM increases outpatient clinic visits as well as the prevalence and severity of AR, while decreasing the quality of life of AR patients. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the effects of PM on the development and exacerbation of AR are still poorly understood. Various mechanisms are involved in the effects of PM on AR, including immunological response, oxidative stress, epithelial barrier dysfunction, allergic sensitization, and epigenetic modification. This article reviews epidemiological and clinical studies on the effects of PM on AR, and the mechanisms by which PM aggravates AR.

Effects of a Proton-Pump Inhibitor on Postnasal Drip Symptoms in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Background and Objectives@#Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is an increasingly common disease, characterized by stomach acid reflux reaching the upper airways. Postnasal drip (PND) is a known consequence of LPR, defined as mucus accumulation perceived in the posterior areas of the nose and throat. PND is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and other symptoms, affecting the quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) on PND symptoms in patients with LPR. @*Methods@#We prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with LPR at our institution between September 2019 and June 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (20 mg of ilaprazole daily for 8 weeks) or the control group. The scores for the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 were evaluated at baseline and at the end of treatment, focusing on PND symptoms. @*Results@#Eighty patients (28 men and 52 women; mean age, 48.8 years, range, 22–78 years) were enrolled, with 43 in the treatment group and 37 in the control group. The initial RSI, RFS, and SNOT-20 scores were similar between the two groups, and they decreased significantly only in the treatment group (p=0.002, p<0.001, and p=0.015, respectively). However, the PND symptom scores showed a significant decrease in the treatment group only in the RSI (p=0.012). @*Conclusion@#PPI treatment for 8 weeks may be effective in improving PND symptoms in patients with LPR.

A Case With Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Mimicking Delayed Complication of Rhinoplasty

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) occurs due to reactivation of dormant varicella zoster virus infection in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Hutchinson’s sign, a herpetic skin lesion in the nasal tip, is a predictor of ocular complications, as the nasal tip area and ocular structure are innervated by the same nasociliary nerve. Patients who present with Hutchinson’s sign should be referred to an ophthalmologist due to possibility of ocular complications. Here, we present a case of a 44-year-old man with HZO that was confused with delayed rhinoplasty complication. The patient presented with nasal tip skin lesions 17 years after undergoing augmentation rhinoplasty. A graft-related infection was suspected due to operation history and skin lesions. However, surgical exploration disclosed no infection or inflammation, and serological tests revealed positive varicella zoster virus immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G, antibodies. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with HZO. Further, the patient received antiviral treatment with famciclovir. The lesions gradually improved with conservative treatment and became almost unrecognizable. Therefore, HZO should be considered when there is an unexplained skin lesion at the nasal tip in patients with history of rhinoplasty.

A Case of the Traumatic Common Carotid Artery Injury Treated by Autograft / 대한이비인후과학회지

Cervical area is not protected by bony structures, so traumatic neck injuries can occur frequently. Emergent surgical exploration is necessary for immediate life threatening signs or symptoms, such as expanding hematoma, hematoma with hemodynamic instability, hemomediastinum, hemothorax or hypovolemic shock. Carotid artery reconstruction may be required in some cases of common carotid or internal carotid artery injury because these injuries could develop fatal or serious complications. We report here a case of common carotid artery injury treated by saphenous vein autograft in an emergent situation.

Evaluation of the Esthetic and Functional Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty for Rhinoplasty in Asian Patients

Objectives@#. In extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS), the entire septal cartilage is harvested, and a neo-L strut is built extracorporeally. Thus, ECS can simultaneously achieve septum straightening and tip projection. This study evaluated the functional and esthetic outcomes of the ECS technique for rhinoplasty in Asian patients. @*Methods@#. We conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients who underwent rhinoplasty using ECS between January 2016 and March 2018. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed and objective surgical outcomes were evaluated. Improvement in nasal obstruction was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Anthropometric changes were compared between preoperative and postoperative facial photographs. Complications and revisions were also analyzed. @*Results@#. The participants comprised 64 patients (48 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 29.3 years). The mean operative time was 89.3 minutes. In total, 61 patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcome, and the overall objective rhinoplasty outcome score was 3.45. Preoperative nasal obstruction symptoms (7.9±1.2 on VAS) improved postoperatively (3.1±1.3, P<0.001), and significant improvements were also observed in the nasofrontal angle (152.3° to 148.1°, P<0.001), nasolabial angle (88.8° to 92.0°, P<0.001), and nasal tip projection (0.62 to 0.66, P<0.033). Recurrent deviation of the nasal septum and external nose or tip deprojection did not occur in any patients, and there were no cases of revision during the mean follow-up period of 13.3 months. @*Conclusion@#. ECS might be an esthetically and functionally satisfactory alternative rhinoplasty technique for Asian patients with a shortage of septal cartilage.

Increased Risk of Psychopathological Abnormalities in Subjects With Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives@#. Although unilateral hearing loss (UHL) has been proven to be associated with educational and behavioral problems, few studies have investigated psychopathological abnormalities in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychopathological influence of UHL among Korean 19-year-old males. @*Methods@#. The authors retrospectively compared the objective personality test profiles of 602 subjects with UHL with those of 23,790 peers with normal hearing. All participants in the current study were 19-year-old males who underwent a physical examination and completed the Korean Military Multiphasic Personality Inventory for conscription at the Military Manpower Administration from February 2015 to December 2016. @*Results@#. Significantly higher scores were found on neurosis scales in the UHL group than in the normal-hearing group (50.9± 10.8 vs. 44.9±6.0 for anxiety; 51.0±10.5 vs. 44.9±5.2 for depression; 51.1±10.4 vs. 45.1±6.81 for somatization, all P<0.001). The psychopathy scales were also significantly higher in the UHL group than in the normal-hearing group (49.3±9.4 vs. 46.3±5.7 for schizophrenia; 51.1±11.2 vs. 44.3±5.8 for personality disorders; 51.1±10.5 vs. 45.7±3.7 for paranoia, all P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#. Nineteen-year-old males with UHL tended to have more abnormal results on personality tests than controls with normal hearing, suggesting that UHL may be related with a higher risk of psychopathology.

Two Cases of Orbital Blowout Fractures with Extraocular Muscle Entrapment in Children / 대한이비인후과학회지

Orbital blowout fracture is a common result of facial trauma and with the expanded use of endoscopy in orbital blowout fracture surgery, otolaryngologists are participating more often blowout fracture surgery. Because orbital blowout fracture may result in sequelae such as diplopia and enophthalmos, proper diagnosis and timing of repair are crucial. Orbital blowout fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment is uncommon and almost exclusively seen in children. It needs emergent release of entrapped muscle to prevent permanent sequelae (e.g., diplopia). The authors experienced two cases of orbital blowout fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment and had good surgical results without any sequelae. We report these cases with a review of the literature.

Clinical Analysis of External Auditory Canal Osteoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: External auditory canal osteoma is an uncommon benign lesion and represents as unilateral solitary pedunculated mass. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical symptoms of osteoma and its treatment outcomes over a 10-year period in a tertiary hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Eight patients underwent operation to remove an external auditory canal osteoma at Chungbuk National University Hospital from 2008 to 2017. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to clinical characteristics, size and location of osteoma, method of surgery and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 41.8 years with the male predominance of 6:2. All of the lesions in the osteoma were unilateral and solitary (average size 5.0 mm). All of the eight cases were pedunculated: in four cases, the stalks of the osteoma were found on the tympanomastoid suture line and in three cases, it was found on the tympanosquamous suture line. Four patients were asymptomatic, where the lesions were found incidentally during unrelated evaluations. No patients were found with conductive hearing loss in the pure tone audiometry. Transcanal and endaural approach were used in five and three cases, respectively. Most of the cases were removed by curettage only, except for the two who needed additional drilling. The average surgery time was 15.6 minutes. There was no postoperative complication or recurrence. CONCLUSION: The external auditory canal osteoma was mostly unilateral and solitary. The removal of osteoma in the early stage was relatively easy with no recurrence or complication.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Comorbid Chronic Rhinosinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition with an increasing incidence, and several recent studies have reported the association of LPR with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we studied the effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom improvement for LPR and comorbid CRS. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Enrolled in the study from January 2017 to December 2017 were 164 patients (54 male, 110 female, mean age 48.8 years) who were diagnosed as LPR by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS) and comorbid CRS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated for CRS severity. The study group was divided into PPI treatment group (Ilaprazole 20 mg, once a day for 8 weeks) and non-treatment group. The RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were repeated at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were prescribed PPI and 72 patients were not. Initial RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy score did not differ between the two groups. RSI and RFS decreased significantly after eight weeks of PPI medication (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In the non-treatment group, only RFS showed statistically significant decrease. SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores decreased significantly in the treatment group (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to the non-treatment group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that PPI treatment for 8 weeks was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of both LPR and CRS.

The Role of NF-κB in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

PURPOSE: Whereas the majority of nasal polyps observed in Western populations are eosinophilic, non-eosinophilic nasal polyps are significantly more frequent in Asian countries. Given the importance of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in inflammation, this study focused on the role of NF-κB in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) in Asian patients. METHODS: A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study (22 diagnosed with CRSwNPs, 10 with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps [CRSsNP], and 14 control subjects). Nasal polyps and uncinate tissues (UTs) were collected and the tissues prepared for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistric (IHC) analysis. Total RNA was isolated for real-time polymerase chain reaction for p65, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and eotaxin. RESULTS: In the CRSwNPs group, 50% of nasal polyps were non-eosinophilic. IHC revealed a significantly higher fraction of NF-κB p65-positive cells in nasal polyps of the CRSwNPs group than in the UTs of control and CRSsNP groups. No difference in NF-κB p65-positive cell fraction was observed between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. The mRNA expression of p65, IL-6, IL-8, and eotaxin was significantly higher in nasal polyps of the CRSwNPs than in the UTs of control and CRSsNP group. However, no difference in expression was observed between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps, with the exception of IL-1β expression. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated expression of NF-κB- and NF-κB-associated inflammatory cytokines suggests NF-κB as the key factor for CRSwNPs pathogenesis in Asian patients. Understanding NF-κB-associated mechanisms will provide a deeper insight into CRSwNPs pathogenesis and ultimately improve therapeutic strategies for CRSwNPs.

Management of Orbital Blowout Fractures: ENT Surgeon's Perspective

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Comorbid Chronic Rhinosinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition with an increasing incidence, and several recent studies have reported the association of LPR with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we studied the effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom improvement for LPR and comorbid CRS.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Enrolled in the study from January 2017 to December 2017 were 164 patients (54 male, 110 female, mean age 48.8 years) who were diagnosed as LPR by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS) and comorbid CRS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated for CRS severity. The study group was divided into PPI treatment group (Ilaprazole 20 mg, once a day for 8 weeks) and non-treatment group. The RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were repeated at the end of treatment.@*RESULTS@#Ninety-two patients were prescribed PPI and 72 patients were not. Initial RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy score did not differ between the two groups. RSI and RFS decreased significantly after eight weeks of PPI medication (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In the non-treatment group, only RFS showed statistically significant decrease. SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores decreased significantly in the treatment group (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to the non-treatment group.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of our study suggest that PPI treatment for 8 weeks was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of both LPR and CRS.

Clinical Analysis of External Auditory Canal Osteoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#External auditory canal osteoma is an uncommon benign lesion and represents as unilateral solitary pedunculated mass. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical symptoms of osteoma and its treatment outcomes over a 10-year period in a tertiary hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Eight patients underwent operation to remove an external auditory canal osteoma at Chungbuk National University Hospital from 2008 to 2017. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to clinical characteristics, size and location of osteoma, method of surgery and treatment outcomes.@*RESULTS@#The average age of patients was 41.8 years with the male predominance of 6:2. All of the lesions in the osteoma were unilateral and solitary (average size 5.0 mm). All of the eight cases were pedunculated: in four cases, the stalks of the osteoma were found on the tympanomastoid suture line and in three cases, it was found on the tympanosquamous suture line. Four patients were asymptomatic, where the lesions were found incidentally during unrelated evaluations. No patients were found with conductive hearing loss in the pure tone audiometry. Transcanal and endaural approach were used in five and three cases, respectively. Most of the cases were removed by curettage only, except for the two who needed additional drilling. The average surgery time was 15.6 minutes. There was no postoperative complication or recurrence.@*CONCLUSION@#The external auditory canal osteoma was mostly unilateral and solitary. The removal of osteoma in the early stage was relatively easy with no recurrence or complication.

Common Sites, Etiology, and Solutions of Persistent Septal Deviation in Revision Septoplasty

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the common causes of persistent septal deviation in revision septoplasty and to report the surgical techniques and results to correct them. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients (86 males) who had revision septoplasty due to persistent septal deviation from 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. Their mean age was 35.6 years and the mean follow-up duration was 9.1 months. Presenting symptoms, sites of persistent septal deviation, techniques used to correct the deviation, and surgical results were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean interval between primary and revision surgery was 6.2 years. Forty-eight patients received revision septoplasty and 52 received revision septoplasty combined with rhinoplasty. Nasal obstruction was the most presenting symptom in almost all patients. The most common site of persistent septal deviation was middle septum (58%) followed by caudal septum (31%). Correcting techniques included further chondrotomy and excision of deviated portion in 76% and caudal batten graft in 39%. Rhinoscopic and endoscopic exams showed straight septum in 97% and 92 patients had subjective symptom improvement postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Middle septum and caudal septum were common sites of persistent deviation. Proper chondrotomy with excision of deviated middle septum and correction of the caudal deviation with batten graft are key maneuvers to treat persistent deviation.

Reduction of Isolated Zygomatic Arch Fractures with Gillies Approach / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of facial bone fracture is increasing. The zygomatic bone, due to its anatomical prominence, is the second most common site of all facial bone fractures. In this study, we present the clinical experiences of zygomatic arch fracture in a tertiary hospital and introduce the Gillies approach for reduction and its outcome results. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We collected data from retrospective chart reviews of patients who underwent surgeries from 2010 to 2017 for zygomatic arch fractures at Chungbuk National University Hospital. Data were analyzed according to age, gender, cause of trauma, location of trauma, and clinical symptoms including trismus. All surgery was performed under general anesthesia and via the use of Gillies approach. The result of surgery was evaluated by postoperative facial computed tomography. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent surgery for zygomatic arch fracture. The patients had the average age of 41.3 years, a male predominance of 15:1 and physical assault as the most common cause of trauma. The time lag between injury and surgical reduction was 5.5 days. The surgical outcomes were assessed “good” in 14 cases and “moderate” in one case. Patients who had trismus preoperatively were resolved of it in all cases after operation. Postoperative complications were absent. CONCLUSION: The Gillies approach proved to be a relatively easy, safe, and reliable method, and its surgical outcomes was satisfactory in our experiences.

A Systematic Review of Benefit of Silicone Intubation in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVES: Insertion of a silicone stent during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the most common procedure to prevent rhinostomy closure. It has been claimed that silicone intubation improves the surgical outcomes of endoscopic DCR. However, many reports have documented an equally high success rate for surgery without silicone intubation. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the outcomes of endoscopic DCR with and without silicone intubation and determine whether silicone intubation is actually beneficial for patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify relevant controlled trials evaluating endoscopic DCR with and without silicone intubation. The search was restricted to English articles published between January 2007 and December 2016. Relevant articles were reviewed to obtain information pertaining to interventions and outcomes. We also performed a meta-analysis of the relevant literature. RESULTS: In total, 1,216 patients included in 12 randomized controlled trials were pooled. A total of 1,239 endoscopic DCR procedures were performed, and silicone stents were used in 533 procedures. The overall success rate for endoscopic DCR was 91.9% (1,139/1,239), while the success rates with and without silicone intubation were 92.9% (495/533) and 91.2% (644/706), respectively. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity among the included studies. A meta-analysis using a fixed-effects models showed no significant difference in the success rate between endoscopic DCR with silicone intubation and that without silicone intubation (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.12; P=0.148; z=1.45). Furthermore, there were no significant differences with regard to surgical complications such as synechia, granulation, and postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: The findings of our meta-analysis suggest that the success rate and postoperative complication rate for endoscopic DCR is not influenced by the use of silicone intubation during the procedure.

Corrective Septorhinoplasty in Acute Nasal Bone Fractures

OBJECTIVES: Closed reduction is generally recommended for acute nasal bone fractures, and rhinoplasty is considered in cases with an unsatisfactory outcome. However, concomitant rhinoplasty with fracture reduction might achieve better surgical outcomes. This study investigated the surgical techniques and outcomes in patients who underwent rhinoplasty and fracture reduction concomitantly, during the acute stage of nasal bone fracture. METHODS: Forty-five patients who underwent concomitant rhinoplasty and fracture reduction were enrolled. Nasal bone fractures were classified into three major types (type I, simple fracture; type II, fracture line that mimics nasal osteotomy; and type III, comminuted fracture) based on computed tomography images and preoperative facial images. Two independent otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons evaluated the surgical outcomes and telephone based survey were made to evaluate patients satisfaction. RESULTS: Among 45 patients, there were 39 males and 6 females. Type I was the commonest type of fracture with 18 patients (40%), while the most frequently used surgical technique for corrective surgery was dorsal augmentation with 44 patients (97.8%). The mean visual analogue scale satisfaction score of the surgeons and patients were 7.62 and 8, respectively, with no significant differences between fracture types. CONCLUSION: Concomitant rhinoplasty with fracture reduction can be performed for acute nasal bone fracture patients, and it might lead to better aesthetic outcomes.

Congenital Cholesteatoma: Analysis of Risk Factors for the Postoperative Recurrence / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of recurrence after surgery of congenital cholesteatoma is increasing due to the widespread use of otoendoscopy as well as an increased awareness of these lesions among primary care physicians. There is no general consensus on the risk factors affecting recurrence. In this study, analyzing clinical characteristics of recurred cases from a tertiary hospital, we investigated risk factors for the recurrence of congenital cholesteatoma after surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From 1999 to 2016, data were collected from retrospective chart reviews of patients who have undergone surgeries for congenital cholesteatoma at Hospital. We analyzed data about clinical characteristics and recurrence according to the age at diagnosis, location, stage and type of disease, pneumatization of mastoid, ossicular erosion, and surgical techniques. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients underwent surgery for congenital cholesteatoma. The average age at operation was 4.8 years. Recurrence was detected in 7 cases of the 68 patients, with the recurrence rate of 10.3%. Sex, age, cholesteatoma type, location, stage, mastoid pneumatization, and operation method did not show significant differences between the recurred group and the non-recurred group in the univariated analysis. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate of congenital cholesteatoma after primary operation was 10.3%. In this study, there was no statistically significant risk factor for postoperative recurrence of congenital cholesteatoma.

A Case of Post-Traumatic Meniere's Disease

There are only a few reports of post-traumatic Meniere's disease and there is few literature that contains detailed data associated with the disease. We report a case of post-traumatic Meniere's disease. He suffered from tinnitus, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, and recurrent vertigo. Symptomatic medical treatment was not helpful and neither was soft tissue plugging around the oval and round windows during exploratory tympanotomy. Three months after soft tissue plugging, endolymphatic sac decompression surgery was performed. The patient's symptoms improved markedly thereafter. The clinical significance of post-traumatic Meniere's disease is described and we present a brief review of the literature.

A Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder. It usually results from the structural compromise of the upper airway. In patients with OSA, the obstruction predominantly occurs along the pharyngeal airway, and also a variety of tumors have been reported to cause such a condition. We present here the case of a thyroglossal duct cyst causing OSA in adult. This case demonstrates that thyroglossal duct cyst or some kind of mass lesions in the airway lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of OSA patients.