A Case of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in Both Maxillary Sinuses

Plasmacytoma is a rare hematolymphoid malignancy. The three types of plasmacytoma, according to clinical features and morphological characteristics, include solitary bone plasmacytoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), and multiple myeloma (MM). Although EMP of the head and neck region accounts for approximately 3% of all plasma cell tumors, the involvement of both paranasal sinuses is extremely rare. Herein, we describe a rare case of EMP involving both maxillary sinuses in a 73-year-old male patient who had achieved complete remission from MM following chemotherapy 2 years ago. The EMP was treated successfully with radiotherapy.

Risk Model Establishment of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis:a Multicenter Study in Korea

Background@#Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay treatment for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Since various factors may contribute to the surgical outcome, it is challenging for physicians to predict surgical outcomes. The aim of study was to analyze the prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes and to establish the prediction model with the risk factors that impact the postoperative outcomes. @*Methods@#Medical records of CRS patients who underwent ESS at 9 institutions in 2005, 2010, and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. We classified the patients into 2 groups based on postoperative objective endoscopic outcomes. Demographics, nose-specific symptoms, olfactory function, eosinophil counts in blood (EoB) and nasal tissue (EoT), and LundMackay CT score (LMS) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and established a prediction equation for postoperative endoscopic objective outcomes. @*Results@#In total (n = 1,249), 27.0% were not satisfied under postoperative endoscopic examination. Of 10 variables, LMS (> 5), sinus dominancy (maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus), EoB (> 210), and EoT (> 100) were statistically significant in univariate analysis (P 100) and LMS (> 5) were significantly associated with poor postoperative outcome. Furthermore, 5 significant variables were employed to establish the risk model of postoperative outcomes and P (the value of prediction probability) = 1 / (1 + exp [−0.392 + 1.088 × EoT (> 100) + 0.123 × mean LMS (> 5) − 0.366 × sinus dominancy (maxillary) + 0.064 × sinus dominancy (similar) + 0.200 × EoB (4%) + 0.344 × EoB (> 210)] was developed. @*Conclusion@#Tissue eosinophil count and radiographic severity predispose to a poorer outcome of ESS and the risk model established may be helpful to predict postoperative outcomes of ESS.

Risk Model Establishment of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis:a Multicenter Study in Korea

Background@#Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay treatment for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Since various factors may contribute to the surgical outcome, it is challenging for physicians to predict surgical outcomes. The aim of study was to analyze the prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes and to establish the prediction model with the risk factors that impact the postoperative outcomes. @*Methods@#Medical records of CRS patients who underwent ESS at 9 institutions in 2005, 2010, and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. We classified the patients into 2 groups based on postoperative objective endoscopic outcomes. Demographics, nose-specific symptoms, olfactory function, eosinophil counts in blood (EoB) and nasal tissue (EoT), and LundMackay CT score (LMS) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and established a prediction equation for postoperative endoscopic objective outcomes. @*Results@#In total (n = 1,249), 27.0% were not satisfied under postoperative endoscopic examination. Of 10 variables, LMS (> 5), sinus dominancy (maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus), EoB (> 210), and EoT (> 100) were statistically significant in univariate analysis (P 100) and LMS (> 5) were significantly associated with poor postoperative outcome. Furthermore, 5 significant variables were employed to establish the risk model of postoperative outcomes and P (the value of prediction probability) = 1 / (1 + exp [−0.392 + 1.088 × EoT (> 100) + 0.123 × mean LMS (> 5) − 0.366 × sinus dominancy (maxillary) + 0.064 × sinus dominancy (similar) + 0.200 × EoB (4%) + 0.344 × EoB (> 210)] was developed. @*Conclusion@#Tissue eosinophil count and radiographic severity predispose to a poorer outcome of ESS and the risk model established may be helpful to predict postoperative outcomes of ESS.

Comparative Analysis of Automatic versus Fixed Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#The purposes of this study were to compare the purchase rate and adherence regarding the use of two machines, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and automatic positive airway pressure (APAP), and to determine associated factors affecting the purchase rate and adherence of PAP in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Subjects and Method From March 2016 to December 2017, 45 patients diagnosed with severe OSA by polysomnography were enrolled in this study. Patients were prescribed CPAP or APAP by one doctor and allowed to decide whether to purchase the machine after a one-month lease period, which was identified as the purchase rate. Adherence was identified as using the machine 4 hight on 70% of nights following the PAP therapy of three months. @*Results@#The adherence rate of CPAP (84%) was statistically and significantly higher than APAP (55%) (p=0.033). However, there was no significant difference in the adherence rate between CPAP (76%) and APAP (63%). The mean pressure and 95th percentile leak were 8.62 cm H2O and 12.97 L/min in the CPAP and 10.55 cm H2O and 20.36 L/min in the APAP, respectively. The mean pressure and 95th percentile leak were significantly lower in CPAP than in APAP (p=0.010 and p=0.014, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Although adherence was not significantly different, the purchase rate was significantly higher in the fixed CPAP than in APAP, which may have been influenced by high pressure and leak patients experienced when using the particular PAP machine.

Application of Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Allergic Airway Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to be promising candidates for the treatment of allergic airway diseases. However, MSCs themselves have several problems including immune rejection, risk of aneuploidy, difficulty of handling, and tumorigenicity. An increasing number of studies demonstrated that administration of conditioned media or extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs is as effective as the MSCs themselves in suppression of allergic airway inflammation. EVs can exert their effects by delivering their contents such as proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs to recipient cells. Furthermore, the administration of MSCs-derived EVs may reduce potential safety risks associated with stem cell therapy, suggesting that MSCs-derived EVs may be a promising alternative to cell therapy for allergic airway diseases. This review examines the current understanding of the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs-derived EVs and its therapeutic implication for allergic airway diseases.

Image-guided navigation surgery for bilateral choanal atresia with a Tessier number 3 facial cleft in an adult

The coexistence of craniofacial cleft and bilateral choanal atresia has only been reported in three cases in the literature, and only one of those cases involved a Tessier number 3 facial cleft. It is also rare for bilateral choanal atresia to be found in adulthood, with 10 previous cases reported in the literature. This report presents the case of a 19-year-old woman with a Tessier number 3 facial cleft who was diagnosed with bilateral choanal atresia in adulthood. At first, the diagnosis of bilateral choanal atresia was missed and septoplasty was performed. After septoplasty, the patient’s symptoms did not improve, and an endoscopic examination revealed previously unnoticed bilateral choanal atresia. Computed tomography showed left membranous atresia and right bony atresia. The patient underwent an operation for opening and widening of the left choana with an image-guided navigation system (IGNS), which enabled accurate localization of the lesion while ensuring patient safety. Postoperatively, the patient became able to engage in nasal breathing and reported that it was easier for her to breathe, and there were no signs of restenosis at a 26-month follow-up. The patient was successfully treated with an IGNS.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Testosterone Deficiency

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. OSA in middle-aged men is often associated with decreased testosterone secretion, together with obesity and aging. Although OSA treatment does not reliably increase testosterone levels in most studies, OSA treatment with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not only improve hypogonadism, but can also alleviate erectile/sexual dysfunction. However, because TRT may exacerbate OSA in some patients, patients should be asked about OSA symptoms before and after starting TRT. Furthermore, TRT should probably be avoided in patients with severe untreated OSA.

Comparative Analysis of Endonasal Lateral Osteotomy and Percutaneous Lateral Osteotomy in Patients with Deviated Nose / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of percutaneous and endonasal lateral osteotomy for the correction of deviated nose.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Medical records of 60 patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct deviated nose were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with unilateral osteotomy, revision rhinoplasty, spreader graft, or who had no preoperative or postoperative photos were excluded from the study. The patients were categorized into two groups, which either had C-shaped deviation or I-shaped deviation. Preoperative and postoperative deviation angles were measured and their differences were analyzed according to the approach methods.@*RESULTS@#In the percutaneous approach group, 26 patients had C-shaped deviation and 10 patients had I-shaped deviation, whereas in the endonasal approach group, 17 patients had C-shaped deviation and 7 patients had I-shaped deviation. In the percutaneous approach, the deviation angle was statistically improved in the C-shaped deviation, but in the endonasal approach, it was statistically improved in the C-shaped and I-shaped deviation after surgery. In the C-shaped deviation, the average degrees of improvement of percutaneous and endonasal approach were 5.2°±3.6° and 7.9°±5.3°, respectively, which showed significant difference. However, in the I-shaped deviation, the average degrees of improvement of percutaneous and endonasal approach were 2.9°±1.3° and 2.9°±1.0°, respectively, with no significant difference.@*CONCLUSION@#The improvement of deviation angle following osteotomy may be different according to the approach methods for deviated nose. Endonasal approach was more suitable than percutaneous approach in the correction of I-shaped deviated nose.

Comparative Analysis of Endonasal Lateral Osteotomy and Percutaneous Lateral Osteotomy in Patients with Deviated Nose / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of percutaneous and endonasal lateral osteotomy for the correction of deviated nose. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Medical records of 60 patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct deviated nose were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with unilateral osteotomy, revision rhinoplasty, spreader graft, or who had no preoperative or postoperative photos were excluded from the study. The patients were categorized into two groups, which either had C-shaped deviation or I-shaped deviation. Preoperative and postoperative deviation angles were measured and their differences were analyzed according to the approach methods. RESULTS: In the percutaneous approach group, 26 patients had C-shaped deviation and 10 patients had I-shaped deviation, whereas in the endonasal approach group, 17 patients had C-shaped deviation and 7 patients had I-shaped deviation. In the percutaneous approach, the deviation angle was statistically improved in the C-shaped deviation, but in the endonasal approach, it was statistically improved in the C-shaped and I-shaped deviation after surgery. In the C-shaped deviation, the average degrees of improvement of percutaneous and endonasal approach were 5.2°±3.6° and 7.9°±5.3°, respectively, which showed significant difference. However, in the I-shaped deviation, the average degrees of improvement of percutaneous and endonasal approach were 2.9°±1.3° and 2.9°±1.0°, respectively, with no significant difference. CONCLUSION: The improvement of deviation angle following osteotomy may be different according to the approach methods for deviated nose. Endonasal approach was more suitable than percutaneous approach in the correction of I-shaped deviated nose.

Long-term Breastfeeding in the Prevention of Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic Rhinitis Cohort Study for Kids (ARCO-Kids Study)

OBJECTIVES: There is a great deal of interest in the possibility that environmental factors may influence the risk of developing allergic rhinitis (AR) in early life. We investigated the simultaneous effects of mode of delivery and duration of breastfeeding on the development of AR in children. METHODS: Data from 1,374 children participating in the Allergic Rhinitis Cohort Study for kids (ARCO-kids study) was analyzed. All subjects were divided into AR or non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) groups. Data on environmental factors, mode of delivery and duration of breastfeeding were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared with short-term breastfeeding (<6 months), long-term breastfeeding (≥12 months) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of AR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34 to 0.88). Children in the AR group also had a higher cesarean delivery rate than those in the NAR group (39.1% vs. 32.8%, P=0.05). Regarding the combined effects of mode of delivery and duration of breastfeeding, long-term breastfeeding with a vaginal delivery strongly suppressed the development of AR, compared to short-term breastfeeding with a cesarean delivery (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.73). CONCLUSION: Long-term breastfeeding (≥12 months) and a vaginal delivery are associated with a lower risk of developing childhood AR.

Effectiveness of Polyvinyl Acetate Sheeted with Carboxymethyl Cellulose as a Packing Material after Septoplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although polyvinyl acetate (Merocel®) has been widely used as a packing material after septoplasty, removable nasal packing can increase patient discomfort, local pain, and pressure. Furthermore, the removal of nasal packing has been described as the most uncomfortable and distressing feature associated with septoplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of polyvinyl acetate with carboxymethyl cellulose sheet (Rhinocel®) nasal packing on patient subjective symptoms, degree of bleeding, hemostasis, and wound healing following septoplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Forty patients with nasal septum deviation requiring septoplasty were included. Following surgery, one nasal cavity was packed with Rhinocel® and the other one with Merocel®. Patient subjective symptoms while the packing was in situ, hemostatic properties, pain on removal, degree of bleeding on removal, duration of hemostasis after removal, postoperative wound healing, and the cost of the pack were evaluated. RESULTS: Although the two types of packing materials were equally effective in controlling postoperative bleeding after septoplasty, Rhinocel® was significantly more comfortable while in situ and less painful on removal than Merocel®, which was associated with significantly more bleeding on removal and so more time was needed to control hemorrhage. There was no significant difference in postoperative wound healing or pack cost. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Rhinocel® after septoplasty has less discomfort, greater patient satisfaction, and less bleeding on removal with no adverse reactions compared to Merocel® packing. Therefore, Rhinocel® may be a useful packing material after septoplasty.

Samter's Triad: State of the Art

Samter's triad (ST) is a well-known disease characterized by the triad of bronchial asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin intolerance. Over the past few years, a rapid development in the knowledge of the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of ST has happened. The aim of this paper is to review the recent investigations on the pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic background, diagnosis, and different therapeutic options of ST to advance our understanding of the mechanism and the therapeutic control of ST. As concern for ST increase, more application of aspirin desensitization will be required to manage this disease successfully. There is also a need for continued research efforts in pathophysiology, treatment, and possible prevention.

Effect of Doctor and Device Manager on Adherence with Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although many studies have assessed factors related to adherence of PAP therapy, there were no studies about factors related to doctors or device managers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between PAP therapy adherence and doctor or device manager. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between February 2013 and June 2015, 163 patients newly diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA in one of five hospitals were enrolled in this study. All patients received 4 weeks of PAP treatment with intervention consisting of mechanical support and motivation by doctor and device manager. Data from the PAP device were obtained following a minimum of an initial 30 days, with adherence defined as >4 h/night on 70% of nights. RESULTS: After 30 days, total adherence rate to PAP therapy was 35.6% (n=58). The adherence rate of device manager ① was 26.3% (31/118), and that of device manager ② was 60% (27/45), and there was statistically significant difference between the two device managers. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in the adherence to PAP therapy ranging from 85.6% to 0.0% according to doctor. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the device manager and doctor may be important factors for good adherence to PAP therapy in patients with OSA.

Usefulness of Fibrin Glue in Transantral Orbital Floor Fracture Repair Using Bioresorbable Panel / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages and limitations of using fibrin glue for securing bioresorbable panels to reconstruct the fractured orbital floor by transantral approach. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted from July 2009 to July 2015 in 35 patients with pure orbital floor fractures. Nineteen patients underwent reduction surgery for inserting the bioresorbable panel and 16 patients underwent reduction surgery using fibrin glue for securing the bioresorbable panel via a transantral approach. In both groups, a chart review of preoperative and postoperative ocular symptoms, operation records, and complications was conducted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in the demographic data of patients. Comparing the surgical outcomes between two groups, diplopia and mean discrepancy between fractured bone chip and intact orbital floor based on computed tomography scans showed much better results in the group that used bioresorbable panel secured by fibrin glue than in the bioresorbable only group. Furthermore, we carried out revision operations in six cases in the bioresorbable panel only group, where we found that the main cause of fracture to be the dislocation of bioresorbable panel. On the other hand, in the bioresorbable panel secured by the fibrin glue group, there were no reoperation and postsurgical complications. CONCLUSION: During the course of the study, we sensed orbital floor fracture repair using bioresorbable panel secured by fibrin glue via a transantral approach as an easy and effective technique with good postoperative results, and minimal implant related complications. This novel procedure is recommended as a surgical option for the reduction of orbital floor fractures, especially in large and posterior fractures.

Stem cell therapy in animal models of allergic airway diseases

Allergic airway diseases are characterized by T-helper type 2 (Th2)-skewed eosinophilic inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The excessive activation of Th2 cells due to insufficient suppression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is thought to play a major role in the initiation and development of allergic airway disease. Several studies have shown that stem cells provide a significant reduction in allergic airway inflammation and improve lung function in animal models. The immunomodulatory effects of stem cells in allergic airway disease may be mediated by the up-regulation of Tregs and increases in several soluble factors, such as prostaglandin E2, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-10, and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase. This review examines the current understanding of the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells and its therapeutic implication in allergic airway disease. Furthermore, we will discuss mechanisms by which stem cells inhibit allergic airway inflammation via immunomodulation from a Th2- to a Th1-biased response.

Five-Year Subjective Outcomes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: A Multiinstitutional Study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery on long-term (5-year) subjective outcomes, including sleep disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms and other complications, in patients with OSA. METHODS: We enrolled patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography for OSA between January 2006 and December 2006 in ten hospitals. Patients either were treated for OSA or were not treated for OSA. All patients completed a brief telephone survey regarding their SDB signs and symptoms (e.g., snoring, apnea, nocturnal arousals, and daytime sleepiness), positive airway pressure (PAP) compliance, and any adverse effects of either the surgery or PAP. A positive subjective outcome for either surgery or no treatment was taken to be the alleviation of apnea, defined as a > or =50% increase in score. A positive subjective outcome (compliance) for PAP was defined as a PAP usage of > or =4 hours per night and > or =5 days per week. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: a surgery group (n=87), a PAP group (n=68), and a control (untreated) group (n=74). The surgery group exhibited significant improvement in all SDB symptoms compared with the control group. The long-term subjective outcomes of the surgery (52.9%) and PAP (54.4%) groups were significantly better than those of the control group (25.0%). The subjective outcome of the surgery group was not significantly different from that of the PAP group. The overall surgical complication rate was 23.0% (20 of 87) in the surgery group, and 55.0% (22 of 40) of all patients with PAP experienced adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The extent of SDB symptoms was consistently improved in patients with OSA at 5 years postsurgery. Information about the potential long-term subjective outcomes should be provided to patients when considering surgery.

Comparison of Intranasal Ciclesonide, Oral Levocetirizine, and Combination Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily ciclesonide in comparison to both levocetirizine alone, and a ciclesonide/levocetirizine combination in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHODS: Subjects exhibiting moderate to severe allergic rhinitis for longer than 1 year were randomized in an open-label, 3-arm, parallel group, multicenter study. Subjects received 200 microg ciclesonide, 5 mg levocetirizine, or a combination of both. Changes from baseline until the end-of-study visit (2 weeks following) were evaluated by reflective total nasal symptom scores (rTNSSs), reflective total ocular symptom scores (rTOSSs), physician-assessed overall nasal signs and symptoms severity (PANS), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaires (RQLQ). RESULTS: Significant improvements in rTNSS, PANS, and RQLQ in the ciclesonide monotherapy group were observed in comparison to the levocetirizine alone group. Three individual symptoms of rTNSS, including runny nose, nasal itching, and congestion, were improved in the ciclesonide-treated group. rTOSS scores for ciclesonide monotherapy improved from baseline, but no superiority over levocetirizine was shown. The absolute score and changes in rTNSS and PANS were positively correlated. Ciclesonide spray was more effective than levocetirizine in reducing nasal symptoms in both SAR and PAR patients. Ciclesonide and levocetrizine were well tolerated alone and in combination. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide support for an AR and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendation stipulating that ciclesonide is superior to levocetirizine for the treatment of AR, with tolerable safety. Addition of levocetirizine to ciclesonide did not give further clinical benefit over monotherapy.

Absorbable Packing Materials in The Nasal Cavity Following Sinonasal Surgery

Recently, biomaterials for spacers following sinus surgery have been extensively researched. Such materials may reduce the incidence of early postoperative bleeding and formation of synechiae, and possibly promote mucosal healing. The aims of this study are to review recent advances in absorbent packing materials for the nasal cavity and to differentiate their effects on hemostasis, wound healing and prevention of adhesion.

Maxillary Sinus Retention Cysts Protruding Into the Inferior Meatus

Although most of the maxillary sinus retention cysts are asymptomatic, a few of them increase in size and cause symptoms. However, they rarely erode bony walls nor protrude into the inferior meatus. I present 2 cases with maxillary sinus retention cysts protruding into the inferior meatus by making a large defect on the medial wall of the maxillary sinus.

Solitary Cavernous Sinus Neurosarcoidosis Mimicking Neurosyphilis

A differential diagnosis between neurosarcoidosis and neurosyphilis is particularly problematic in patients with a positive serologic result for syphilis. We report here a patient with a solitary cavernous sinus sarcoidosis who had a history of syphilis and showed rapidly progressing cavernous sinus syndrome. A transsphenoidal biopsy was performed and a histopathologic examination revealed a non-caseating granuloma with an asteroid body. His facial pain disappeared after steroid therapy. He received oral prednisolone for one year. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed resolution of the mass over the cavernous sinus. Particularly in patients with a history of syphilis, neurosyphilis should be included in a differential diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.