The Application of Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks in the Detection of Nasal Septal Deviation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images: Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) models are being increasingly studied for the detection of variations and pathologies in different imaging modalities. Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is an important anatomical structure with clinical implications. However, AI-based radiographic detection of NSD has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to develop and evaluate a real-time model that can detect probable NSD using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: Coronal section images were obtained from 204 full-volume CBCT scans. The scans were classified as normal and deviated by 2 maxillofacial radiologists. The images were then used to train and test the AI model. Mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNNs) comprising 3 different backbones-ResNet50, ResNet101, and MobileNet-were used to detect deviated nasal septum in 204 CBCT images. To further improve the detection, an image preprocessing technique (contrast enhancement [CEH]) was added. RESULTS: The best-performing model-CEH-ResNet101-achieved a mean average precision of 0.911, with an area under the curve of 0.921. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the model shows that the model is capable of detecting nasal septal deviation. Future research in this field should focus on additional preprocessing of images and detection of NSD based on multiple planes using 3D images.

Evaluation of nasal septal deviation and maxillary bone and nasal airway dimensions and volumes using cone-beam computed tomography in patients with unilateral palatal canine displacement: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To detect any association between palatally displaced canine (PDC) and nasal septal deviation (NSD), palatal bone thickness and volume, and nasal airway dimensions and volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92 patients were included and subdivided into two groups: group 1, unilateral PDCs (44 patients), and group 2, normally erupted canines (NDCs) (48 subjects). The following variables were measured using cone-beam computed tomography: presence and type of NSD, nasal width, inferior conchae, hard palate and nasal septum thickness, maxillary bone and nasal airway volumes. RESULTS: NSD was detected in 77% and 50% of PDC and NDC subjects, respectively. Within the PDC subjects, significant differences between the displaced and nondisplaced sides were detected. Palate thickness was increased in the canine region and reduced in the molar region. Compared with the control group, PDC subjects had reduced palate thickness and lower nasal airway volume. Two predictors were significant for predicting the odds of PDC occurrence: NSD and maxillary bone volume. CONCLUSIONS: NSD is more frequent in PDC subjects. PDC subjects have reduced palate thickness and decreased nasal airway volume. In the presence of NSD, the odds of developing PDC increase by 3.35 times, and for each one-unit increase in the maxillary bone volume, the odds of developing PDC decrease by 20%.

Assessment of the Change in the Nasal Septum and Nasal Profile After Le Fort I With Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nasal changes and the amount of advancement, impaction, and downward movement of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy. METHODS: The study included 48 patients who underwent Le Fort I surgery and had pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography records. Changes in the nasal septum were evaluated by measuring septal deviation angles and volumes. In addition, nasolabial angle and width of nasal and alar base were examined. Groups were determined according to the movement of point A (the deepest point on the curvature of the maxillary alveolar process), using a threshold of 1.5 mm for vertical movements and 4 mm for sagittal movements. This resulted in the comparison of 6 groups of 8 people each. Results are presented as mean and standard deviation or median and range depending on the data distribution. Significance level was accepted as P < 0.05. RESULT: There were no significant differences for each group on its own septal deviation volume or angle values pre/postoperatively. Groups 3 and 5, which both had at least 1.5 mm of impaction, showed significant changes in both deviation angle and volume between the preoperative and postoperative measurements. Nasolabial angle did not show significant changes between groups. Alar base width and nasal width increase was significantly highest in Group 1, which has more than 4 mm sagittal movement and less than 1.5 mm vertical movement. CONCLUSIONS: Le Fort I osteotomy may lead to undesirable changes in the spatial positioning of the nasal septum. The results of this study suggest that maxillary advancement does not significantly impact septal deviation, whereas maxillary impaction increases the amount of deviation. In addition, nasal width and alar base width tended to increase, and the nasolabial angle tended to decrease slightly, regardless of the direction of movement of the maxilla after orthognathic surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons should consider increased nasal septal deviation risks when planning impaction of the maxilla. The soft tissue changes in the nose vary according to different directions and amounts of Le Fort I surgery.

[Drafâ ¢ approach to unilateral frontal sinus for contralateral drainage].

Objective:Anatomical variation or scar atresia of the drainage channel of the frontal sinus on the affected side, and opening the frontal sinus through the drainage channel of the frontal sinus on the affected side may lead to surgical failure. The purpose of this study is to explore a modified Draf Ⅲ operation to complete the drainage of the affected frontal sinus by removing the floor wall and septum of the frontal sinus and connecting the bilateral frontal sinus through the healthy side of the frontal sinus. Methods:Through the anatomical study of 2 skull bone specimens and 2 fresh frozen specimens, the surgical landmark and surgical approach were explored. Four patients with frontal sinus atresia and frontal sinusitis after DrafⅡb surgery in Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive method was used to analyze the data. Results:The bottom wall of bilateral frontal sinus was removed, and the bilateral frontal sinus was enlarged above the nasal septum to form a large common cavity. The uncinate process and ethmoid bubble were retained, and the midline drainage of the affected frontal sinus in the healthy side of the nasal cavity was completed. From August 2022 to April 2023, 4 patients with frontal sinus atresia and frontal sinusitis after DrafⅡb surgery for unilateral frontal sinus papilloma in Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University were treated with surgery. The headache symptoms disappeared after surgery, and the drainage of frontal sinus was spacious, the mucosa healed well and the drainage was unobstructed under endoscopy. There were no other postoperative complications. Conclusion:DrafⅢ approach to unilateral frontal sinus for contralateral drainage can drain the affected frontal sinus adequately. The essence of this operation is to drain the bilateral frontal sinus in the unilateral nasal cavity, and this operation has short path, less trauma, and a broader prospect, which is suitable for promotion.

Anteriorly tilted CT to visualize the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effectiveness of a 30-degree anteriorly tilted coronal CT in visualizing the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. METHODS: Medical records and CTs of patients who underwent septoplasty, inferior turbinectomy, or endoscopic sinus surgery were reviewed. We evaluated the visibility of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus on conventional coronal CT scans and categorized its orientation. We then created anteriorly tilted coronal CT images to evaluate its improved visibility. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients were evaluated. While conventional coronal CT scans fully visualized the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus in cases with an Onodi cell, 17.7% remained unidentified when the Onodi cell was absent. However, anteriorly tilted coronal CT scans consistently identified the anterior wall regardless of the presence of an Onodi cell. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the effectiveness of anteriorly tilted coronal CT scans in consistently visualizing the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, regardless of the presence of an Onodi cell. It is possible that some other structures may become less identifiable on anteriorly tilted coronal CT.

Wedge Osteectomy of Bony Cap in Rhinoplasty: Minor Nasal Bone Hump Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Hump reduction with traditional ostectomy is an invasive procedure performed in aesthetic rhinoplasty. Natural and flawless nasal dorsum can be obtained with wedge ostectomy (WO) technique. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the nasal dorsum WO technique and examine its effectiveness in correcting nasal dorsum with absent and minor humps in patients undergoing aesthetic rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Senior author performed 488 rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty operations from April 2009 to April 2021. After exclusion of major hump patients, the remaining 312 patients had a secondary evaluation for suitability for wedge ostectomy. After secondary examination, 87 patients, including 19 with absent humps (0 mm) and 68 with small humps (1-3 mm) were operated. RESULTS: Nasal bone hump reduction with WO has proven satisfactory results in majority of patients, minimal revision in done in five patients but no complications were occurred related to this method. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal dorsum WO provides lesser invasive approach to bony hump reduction in selected patients, ensuring bone cortex continuity in nasal dorsum. It decreases possible dorsal nasal irregularities associated with conventional coronal plane ostectomies. At the same time, it provides a natural and anatomically accurate nasal dorsum.

Résumé Contexte:La réduction de la bosse avec l'ostectomie traditionnelle est une procédure invasive effectuée dans la rhinoplastie esthétique. Le dos nasal naturel et sans faille.Objectif:L'objectif de cette étude est de décrire la technique du dorsum nasal et d'examiner son efficacité dans la correction du dos nasal avec des bosses absentes et mineures chez les patients subissant une rhinoplastie esthétique.Matériaux et méthodes:l'auteur principal a effectué 488 opérations de rhinoplastie et de septorhinoplastie d'avril 2009 à avril 2021. Après exclusion des patients principaux Hump, les 312 patients restants ont eu une évaluation secondaire pour l'adéquation pour l'ostectomie en coin. Après un examen secondaire, 87 patients, dont 19 avec des bosses absents (0 mM) et 68 avec de petites bosses (1­3 mm) ont été opérés.Résultats:La réduction de la bosse osseuse nasale avec le WO a prouvé des résultats satisfaisants dans la majorité des patients, une révision minimale dans cinq patients, mais aucune complication n'a été produite à cette méthode.Conclusions:Le dorsum nasal WO fournit une approche invasive moins invasive de la réduction de la bosse osseuse chez les patients sélectionnés, assurant la continuité du cortex osseux dans le dos nasal. Il diminue les éventuelles irrégularités nasales dorsales associées aux ostectomies du plan coronal conventionnel. Dans le même temps, il fournit un dos nasal naturel et anatomiquement précis.

Sinonasal Anatomic Variations in the Adult Population: CT Examination of 1200 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are one of the most frequently anatomically varied regions. Their size and shape vary from person to person, and ethnic origin may have a role in this variety. Recognizing this variations is so important for ear nose throat (ENT) specialists because they predispose to sinonasal pathologies and affect the complication rate and success of endoscopic sinus surgery. AIM: This study aimed to determine the frequency of sinonasal anatomic variations on paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) in the Turkish population. METHODS: Patients who had undergone paranasal sinus CT with any complaints between 2013 and 2020 and aged over 18 years were included in the study. A total of 1209 patients who had undergone paranasal sinus CT were examined for coronal, axial, and sagittal plans retrospectively by two ENT professionals, and anatomical variations were evaluated. To assign the frequency of anatomic variations in a healthy population, patients who had previously undergone paranasal sinus and nasal surgery, who had nasal polyposis, and for whom CT evaluation was not possible due to intense sinusitis were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Among 1209 patients, 644 were male and 565 were female. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 years. The most common sinonasal anatomical variations were nasal septal deviation and agger nasi cells, while the least common variation is the supreme turbinate. No variation was found in 48 (3.9%) CTs. CONCLUSION: Almost all patients had at least one sinonasal anatomical variation. These variations should be known by the professionals who have interest in sinonasal disease and surgery.

Fibromyalgia symptoms before and after septoplasty: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of septoplasty on fibromyalgia symptoms in patients with septum deviation. Patients who were over 18 years of age, had been diagnosed with nasal septum deviation, and indicated for septoplasty were selected consecutively and included in the study. Patients were evaluated twice, at baseline and after septoplasty at 3 months. The patients' widespread pain and symptom severity scores were calculated according to the American College of Rheumatology 2016 Revised Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria. A Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was filled out to evaluate the patients' fibromyalgia symptoms. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the sleep quality of patients. Thirty-five patients, 21 (60.0%) male and 14 (40.0%) female, were accepted to the study. Nine (25.9%) patients had fibromyalgia at the beginning, and none of the patients met the fibromyalgia criteria after the surgery. After septoplasty, a statistically significant decrease was detected in the patients' widespread pain index, symptom severity scale, total score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores (P = .006, P = .004, P = .028, P = .014, and P < .001, respectively). As a result of the study, it was observed that fibromyalgia symptoms of patients with septum deviation improved after surgical correction of the deviation.

American Rhinologic Society Expert Practice Statement: Indications and Recommendations for Septoplasty in Children.

The goal of this American Rhinologic Society Expert Practice Statement (EPS) is to provide recommendations and guidance through evidence-based consensus statements regarding pediatric septoplasty. This EPS was developed following the previously published methodology and approval process. The topics of interest included appropriate indications, safety and efficacy, timing, relevant quality of life instruments, and surgical techniques. Following a modified Delphi approach, six statements were developed, five of which reached consensus and one that did not. These statements and accompanying evidence are summarized along with an assessment of future needs.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the NOSE-Perf scale to Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the NOSE-Perf Scale to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: This study was divided into two stages. In the first stage, the questionnaire was submitted for translation and cultural adaptation, following the guidelines recommended by the ISPOR Task Force (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research). Then, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the NOSE-Perf scale was applied to a group with septal perforation and a control group. The group with perforation answered the questionnaire again after one month. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and discriminant validity were assessed. RESULTS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the NOSE-Perf scale was applied to 32 participants, 16 from the group with septal perforations and 16 controls. The instrument obtained high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.986. High reliability was also obtained, with Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.996 (p < 0.001) and the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.965 with a 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) of 0.886‒0.988. The NSP group obtained a mean total score of 13.8 ±â€¯12.6 and the control group a score of 2.3 ±â€¯1.8, with a statistical difference between the groups (p < 0.001), demonstrating good discriminant validity. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the NOSE-Perf scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring symptoms in patients with nasal septum perforations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2-Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence.

Comparison of the post-operative outcomes between different surgical techniques for inferior turbinate reduction surgery: A cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare and measure post-operative outcomes among various surgical techniques for reducing inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH), and to identify the factors associated with the clinical outcomes of turbinoplasty in patients with this condition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 301 adult patients with ITH were included and were divided into different groups. Postoperative follow-up assessments were completed after one week, one month, and 6 months to evaluate outcomes and complications associated with each surgical technique; descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, and exact logistic regression were utilized as data analysis methods. RESULTS: Most patients in both groups experienced partial or complete improvement after surgery, with 92% showing positive outcomes. Common clinical signs included deviated nasal septum deviation and external nasal deformity, while nasal obstruction was most frequently reported as the primary symptom. Post-surgery bleeding occurred in 3.7% of cases; no adhesions were noted. Microdebrider, medial flap, out-fracture, and submucosal diathermy techniques all demonstrated significantly higher improvement rates than others. CONCLUSION: The identified techniques with higher improvement rates offer evidence-based guidance for selecting optimal surgical approaches, while the study's limitations warrant further prospective research to validate these findings. Ultimately, it contributes valuable knowledge to the field of otorhinolaryngology, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and improve the management of ITH worldwide.

Safety and efficacy of hydroset cranioplasty as an adjunct to gasket-seal and nasoseptal flap closure of the skull base. A case-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic skull base surgery remains a significant complication. Several investigators have suggested Hydroset cranioplasty to reduce leak rates. We investigated our early experience with Hydroset and compared the rate of nasal complications and CSF leak rates with case-controlled historic controls. METHODS: We queried a prospective database of patients undergoing first time endoscopic, endonasal resection of suprasellar meningiomas and craniopharyngiomas from 2015 to 2023. We compared cases closed with a gasket seal, Hydroset, and a nasoseptal flap with those closed with only a gasket seal and nasoseptal flap. Demographics, technical considerations and postoperative outcomes (SNOT-22) were compared. RESULTS: Seventy patients met inclusion criteria, twenty patients in the Hydroset group (meningioma n = 12; craniopharyngioma n = 8) and 50 control patients (meningioma n = 25; craniopharyngioma n = 25). CSF diversion was used in fewer Hydroset patients (75%, 15/20) compared with control group (94%, 47/50; p = 0.02). CSF leak was less frequent in the Hydroset than the control group (5% versus 12%, p = 0.38). One Hydroset patient required delayed nasal debridement. SNOT-22 responses demonstrated no significant difference in sinonasal complaints between groups (Hydroset average SNOT-22 score 22.45, control average SNOT-22 score 25.90; p = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that hydroxyapatite reconstruction leads to improved CSF leak control above that provided by the gasket-seal and nasoseptal flap, without significant associated morbidity as long as the cement is fully covered with vascularized tissue.

Functional evaluation of Septal L-strut extension graft in East Asians.

BACKGROUND: The septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft. SLEG is used to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verified the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function in East Asians. MATERIALS: Medical records of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower two-thirds of the nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyzed the post-operative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured using acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (group B). The NOSE scores decreased significantly in groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase in nasal cavity volume (VOL1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase in minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p < 0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in East Asians. CONCLUSIONS: SLEG has proven to be valuable in improving nasal function.

Porcine nasal septum cartilage-derived decellularized matrix promotes chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells without exogenous growth factors.

BACKGROUND: In the domain of plastic surgery, nasal cartilage regeneration is of significant importance. The extracellular matrix (ECM) from porcine nasal septum cartilage has shown potential for promoting human cartilage regeneration. Nonetheless, the specific biological inductive factors and their pathways in cartilage tissue engineering remain undefined. METHODS: The decellularized matrix derived from porcine nasal septum cartilage (PN-DCM) was prepared using a grinding method. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) were cultured on these PN-DCM scaffolds for 4 weeks without exogenous growth factors to evaluate their chondroinductive potential. Subsequently, proteomic analysis was employed to identify potential biological inductive factors within the PN-DCM scaffolds. RESULTS: Compared to the TGF-ß3-cultured pellet model serving as a positive control, the PN-DCM scaffolds promoted significant deposition of a Safranin-O positive matrix and Type II collagen by HuMSCs. Gene expression profiling revealed upregulation of ACAN, COL2A1, and SOX9. Proteomic analysis identified potential chondroinductive factors in the PN-DCM scaffolds, including CYTL1, CTGF, MGP, ITGB1, BMP7, and GDF5, which influence HuMSC differentiation. CONCLUSION: Our findings have demonstrated that the PN-DCM scaffolds promoted HuMSC differentiation towards a nasal chondrocyte phenotype without the supplementation of exogenous growth factors. This outcome is associated with the chondroinductive factors present within the PN-DCM scaffolds.

Determination of safety margin of nasal septum osteotomy for sphenoid sinus in cleft lip and palate patients.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septum osteotomy is used for separating the nasal septum and maxilla during a Le Fort I osteotomy. If this osteotomy is applied too high or is tilted into the nasal cavity, the sphenoid sinus and various adjacent vital structures may be damaged, and serious bleeding, neurological complications, blindness or even death may occur. The aim of this study is to determine the safety margin of the nasal septum osteotomy for sphenoid sinus during the Le Fort I surgery in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. METHODS: Twenty cleft lip and palate (the CLP group) and 20 healthy individuals (the control group) were included in this study. Three values (two lines and an angle) were measured by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The first line is the line passing through the junction of the spina nasalis anterior point and the lower point of the perpendicular lamina of the palatine bone. The undersired line is the line passing through the junction of the spina nasalis anterior point and the lower anterior border of the base of the sphenoid sinus. The osteotomy angle is the angle between these two lines. RESULTS: In the control group; a surgical line of 44.11-61.14 mm (mean 51.91 ± 4.32), an undesired line of 52.48-69.58 mm (mean 59.14 ± 5.08) and an angle of 18.22-27.270 (mean 22.66 ± 2.55) were found, while in the CLP group, a surgical line of 34.53-51.16 mm (mean 43.38 ± 4.79), an undesired line of 46.86-61.35 mm (mean 55.02 ± 3.24) and an angle of 17.60-28.810 (mean 22.60 ± 2.81) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Although the angle to the sphenoid sinus was not significantly affected by CLP, careful planning and consideration of these anatomical differences are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the safety of Le Fort I surgery in CLP patients. Further research with larger sample sizes and subgroup analysis of unilateral and bilateral CLP cases is needed to improve our understanding of these anatomical variations and improve surgical approaches to individuals with CLP undergoing orthognathic procedures.

[Closing of nasal septum perforation using adipose stromal vascular fraction: an experimental study]. / Zakrytie perforatsii peregorodki nosa s primeneniem stromal'no-vaskulyarnoi zhirovoi fraktsii: eksperimental'noe issledovanie.

Nasal septal perforation (NSP) is a complex problem in otorhinolaryngology, which leads to impaired nasal breathing and dryness in the nose. This reduces the patient's quality of life and leads to psychological discomfort. The treatment of nasal septum perforation is selected taking into account the clinical manifestations, perforation parameters and general condition of the patient. Currently, a large number of different surgical methods have been described in order to closing the defect of nasal septum. To date, there is no universally accepted method for closing NSP, which stimulates the search and development of new treatment options. OBJECTIVE: Under experimental conditions, to study a new method for closing nasal septum perforation using a collagen scaffold together with adipose stromal vascular fraction containing multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out on a model of nasal septum perforation in 24 male rabbits divided into four groups, depending on the construct, implanted into the defect zone: the 1st group was the control group - without the introduction of implantation material; the 2nd group - collagen scaffold without adipose stromal vascular fraction; the 3rd group - collagen scaffold with xenogenic adipose stromal vascular fraction; the 4th group - collagen scaffold with allogeneic adipose stromal vascular fraction with further dynamic evaluation of endoscopic control on day 14, after 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. At month 6, the animals were removed from the experiment, followed by morphological examination in color with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as safranin and methyl green. RESULTS: As a result of the experiment using adipose stromal vascular fraction of allogeneic and xenogenic origin, closing of perforation of the nasal septum of a rabbit for 3 months of dynamic endoscopic control, as well as according to morphological research, was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the use of adipose stromal vascular fraction containing not only endothelial cells and pericytes, but also multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with a collagen scaffold closes the perforation of the nasal septum in a rabbit, without increasing the risk of violations of habitual vital activity.

A 52-Year-Old Man with a Chronic Nasal Wound.

AbstractMorning Report is a time-honored tradition where physicians-in-training present cases to their colleagues and clinical experts to collaboratively examine an interesting patient presentation. The Morning Report section seeks to carry on this tradition by presenting a patient's chief concern and story, inviting the reader to develop a differential diagnosis and discover the diagnosis alongside the authors of the case. This report examines the story of a 52-year-old man who sought evaluation for a chronic nasal lesion that had eroded into his nasal septum. Using questions, physical examination, and testing, an illness script for the presentation emerges. As the clinical course progresses, the differential is refined until a diagnosis is made.

Columella Reconstruction Using a Bilateral Nasolabial Flap: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND The columella has many fundamental functions, such as nasal breathing and support of the nasal tip, in addition to the aesthetic role it plays. The columella is one of the most difficult nasal subunits, both from the point of view of disease control and from that of reconstruction. Lesions involving the columella can be difficult to control, and malignancies can spread to the septum, subcutaneous tissues of the lip, and floor of the nasal cavities. Many columella reconstruction methods after resection have been proposed (local nasal flaps, skin grafts, regional flaps, free flaps), depending on the size of the defect, patient's features, surgeon's experience, and patient's aesthetic wishes. CASE REPORT We present a case of an 82-year-old woman with various comorbidities who had squamous cell carcinoma (G2) originating from the skin of the right side of the columella. The lesion infiltrated the cartilage, arriving to the skin of the columella on the left side and extending to the mucosa of the nasal septum bilaterally. Reconstruction was conducted using a bilateral nasolabial flap, with good functional and aesthetic result. Surgical revision for the autonomization of pedicled flaps was not necessary, nor desired by the patient. CONCLUSIONS The bilateral nasolabial flap is an effective and safe solution for reconstructing the columella, with good support of the tip even without cartilaginous graft. This technique is especially feasible in elderly patients and those with concomitant pathologies, who benefit from rapid healing of the wound.

An adjoint-based approach for the surgical correction of nasal septal deviations.

Deviations of the septal wall are widespread anatomic anomalies of the human nose; they vary significantly in shape and location, and often cause the obstruction of the nasal airways. When severe, septal deviations need to be surgically corrected by ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialists. Septoplasty, however, has a low success rate, owing to the lack of suitable standardized clinical tools for assessing type and severity of obstructions, and for surgery planning. Moreover, the restoration of a perfectly straight septal wall is often impossible and possibly unnecessary. This paper introduces a procedure, based on advanced patient-specific Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, to support ENT surgeons in septoplasty planning. The method hinges upon the theory of adjoint-based optimization, and minimizes a cost function that indirectly accounts for viscous losses. A sensitivity map is computed on the mucosal wall to provide the surgeon with a simple quantification of how much tissue removal at each location would contribute to easing the obstruction. The optimization procedure is applied to three representative nasal anatomies, reconstructed from CT scans of patients affected by complex septal deviations. The computed sensitivity consistently identifies all the anomalies correctly. Virtual surgery, i.e. morphing of the anatomies according to the computed sensitivity, confirms that the characteristics of the nasal airflow improve significantly after small anatomy changes derived from adjoint-based optimization.