Preoperative emobilisation of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma(JNA) are highly vascular benign tumours originating in the sphenopalatine fossa and may extend to the pterygopalatine fossa, paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity. The management of JNA has evolved greatly with development of endoscopy. Treatment modality has changed from open approach to endoscopic approach due to various advantages offered by the endoscopic approach. Bleeding during the surgery can compromise the exposure and surgical excision of JNA endoscopically. There have been many techniques to decrease intraoperative bleeding including external carotid ligation, hypotensive anaesthesia and more recently embolization of the feeding vessels. Embolization of the tumour has made the endoscopic excision of JNA easier because of less bleeding. This study was taken to find out the outcomes of surgical excision of JNA after embolization. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed 22 histopathological proven JNA cases that underwent preoperative embolization followed by resection during the period of June 2015 to December 2020 in our tertiary care hospital. From the records demographic, clinical, radiological imaging (CECT nose and PNS), angiographic, pre-operative embolization and operative details were evaluated. RESULT: In the present study a total of 22 cases of angiofibroma were taken up for surgical excision after embolization. A complete endonasal endoscopic resection could be done in 21/22 cases with average operative time of 141 minutes (80 minutes-190 minutes range). The mean blood loss during surgery was 1163 ml (Range 500 ml- 1900 ml). In 7/22 (31.81%) subjects required intraoperative blood transfusion. No perioperative surgical complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic excision of JNA has now become the primary operative technique and pre operative embolization in such cases can reduce the intraoperative time, blood loss and tumour relapse rate. It is a relatively safe procedure in a hand of an expert and must be done where ever available.

COVID associated mucormycosis: A preliminary study from a dedicated COVID Hospital in Delhi.

BACKGROUND: It is an incontrovertible fact that the Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) upsurge is being seen in the context of COVID-19 in India. Briefly presented is evidence that in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 and injudicious use of corticosteroids may be largely responsible for this malady. OBJECTIVE: To find the possible impact of COVID 19 infection and various co-morbidities on occurrence of ROCM and demonstrate the outcome based on medical and surgical interventions. METHODOLOGY: Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) was performed on each patient and swabs were taken and sent for fungal KOH staining and microscopy. Medical management included Injection Liposomal Amphotericin B, Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with RT PCR negative results for COVID-19. Endoscopic, open, and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow-up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month. RESULTS: Out of total 131 patients, 111 patients had prior history of SARS COVID 19 infection, confirmed with a positive RT-PCR report and the rest 20 patients had no such history. Steroids were received as a part of treatment in 67 patients infected with COVID 19. Among 131 patients, 124 recovered, 1 worsened and 6 died. Out of 101 known diabetics, 98 recovered and 3 had fatal outcomes. 7 patients with previous history of COVID infection did not have any evidence of Diabetes mellitus, steroid intake or any other comorbidity. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that ROCM upsurge seen in the context of COVID-19 in India was mainly seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 infection and injudicious use of corticosteroids.

Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas in patients with orthostatic headaches and normal conventional brain and spine imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistulas, a type of spinal CSF leak that cannot be detected with routine computerized tomography myelography, among patients with orthostatic headaches but normal brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging. BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spinal CSF leaks cause orthostatic headaches but their detection may require sophisticated spinal imaging techniques. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients with orthostatic headaches and normal brain and conventional spine imaging who underwent digital subtraction myelography (DSM) to look for CSF-venous fistulas, between May 2018 and May 2020, at a quaternary referral center for spontaneous intracranial hypotension. RESULTS: The mean age of the 60 consecutive patients (46 women and 14 men) was 46 years (range, 13-83 years), who had been suffering from orthostatic headaches between 1 and 180 months (mean, 43 months). DSM demonstrated a spinal CSF-venous fistula in 6 (10.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8-20.5%) of the 60 patients. The mean age of these five women and one man was 50 years (range, 41-59 years). Spinal CSF-venous fistulas were identified in 6 (19.4%; 95% CI: 7.5-37.5%) of 31 patients with spinal meningeal diverticula but in none (0%; 95% CI: 0-11.9%) of the 29 patients without spinal meningeal diverticula (p = 0.024). All CSF-venous fistulas were located in the thoracic spine. All patients underwent uneventful surgical ligation of the fistula. Complete and sustained resolution of symptoms was obtained in five patients, while in one patient, partial recurrence of symptoms was noted 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Concerns about a spinal CSF leak should not be dismissed in patients suffering from orthostatic headaches when conventional imaging turns out to be normal, even though the yield of identifying a CSF-venous fistula is low.

Primary tubercular dacryocystitis - a case report and review of 18 cases from the literature.

Tuberculosis is an airborne communicable disease primarily affecting lungs. Primary tuberculosis of the lacrimal sac is very rare. A 15-year-old girl presented with bilateral epiphora for 8 months. Examination revealed bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction. During dacryocystorhinostomy, bone over lacrimal sac was found partially eroded. Lacrimal sac was found filled with caseous white material. Biopsy from the lacrimal sac revealed tubercular granulomas. Patient improved after anti-tubercular therapy. Abbreviations: PCR: polymerase chain reaction; NAAT: nucleic acid amplification test.

Canadian Expert Panel Recommendations for MRI Use in MS Diagnosis and Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: A definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), as distinct from a clinically isolated syndrome, requires one of two conditions: a second clinical attack or particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings as defined by the McDonald criteria. MRI is also important after a diagnosis is made as a means of monitoring subclinical disease activity. While a standardized protocol for diagnostic and follow-up MRI has been developed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centres, acceptance and implementation in Canada have been suboptimal. METHODS: To improve diagnosis, monitoring, and management of a clinically isolated syndrome and MS, a Canadian expert panel created consensus recommendations about the appropriate application of the 2010 McDonald criteria in routine practice, strategies to improve adherence to the standardized Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centres MRI protocol, and methods for ensuring effective communication among health care practitioners, in particular referring physicians, neurologists, and radiologists. RESULTS: This article presents eight consensus statements developed by the expert panel, along with the rationale underlying the recommendations and commentaries on how to prioritize resource use within the Canadian healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: The expert panel calls on neurologists and radiologists in Canada to incorporate the McDonald criteria, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centres MRI protocol, and other guidance given in this consensus presentation into their practices. By improving communication and general awareness of best practices for MRI use in MS diagnosis and monitoring, we can improve patient care across Canada by providing timely diagnosis, informed management decisions, and better continuity of care.

Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Localization with Digital Subtraction Myelography: Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) which can lead to neurologic symptoms, such as orthostatic headache. Over time, imaging techniques for detecting and localizing CSF leaks have improved. These techniques include computed tomography (CT) myelography, dynamic CT myelography, cone-beam CT, MRI, MR myelography, and digital subtraction myelography (DSM). DSM provides the highest sensitivity for identifying leak sites and has comparable radiation exposure to CT myelography. The introduction of the lateral decubitus DSM has proven invaluable in localizing leaks when other imaging tests have been inconclusive.

Endoscopic Assessment of Cholesteatoma Following Microscope Assisted Tympano: Mastoidectomy: Study design: a cross section descriptive study.

Complete surgical removal of cholesteatoma has been traditionally performed by microscopic approaches. In recent years, use of endoscopes in middle ear surgery is gaining increasing importance. The wide field view offered by the endoscopes in comparison to the narrow field of view of the binocular microscope enables a surgeon to see and dissect around corners, thereby exposing 'hidden recesses' of the middle ear which can be useful during cholesteatoma surgery. To identify remnant cholesteatoma in difficult access sites of the middle ear cleft using endoscopes following a microscope assisted mastoidectomy. A cross sectional study was conducted in patients who were clinically diagnosed with cholesteatoma. Patients were subjected to High Resolution Computed Tomography of the temporal bone and pre-operative audiological tests. Mastoid exploration was performed microscopically followed by endoscopic evaluation and clearance of disease in the same setting. Patients were then followed up post-operative and endoscopically evaluated to look for any remnant disease. A total of 45 patients were included, all of which underwent microscopic assisted mastoidectomy. Remnant cholesteatoma was discovered in 15 out of 45 cases (33%) distributed in the hidden areas; in the region of sinus tympani 9(60%), anterior epitympanum 4(27%), hypotympanum 1(7%) and tip Cells 1(7%). It can be concluded that endoscopes have a definite role in evaluation and complete surgical clearance of cholesteatoma particularly from the hidden areas of middle ear cleft which would have otherwise been missed by the straight line view of a microscope thereby grossly reducing the rate of remnant disease. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04263-6.

Lateral Spinal CSF Leaks in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Radiologic-Anatomic Study of Different Variants.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal CSF leaks cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Several types of leaks have been identified, and one of these types is the lateral dural tear. Performing myelography with the patient in the decubitus position allows precise characterization of these leaks. The purpose of the current study was to describe the different variants of spontaneous lateral CSF leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included a consecutive group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and lateral CSF leaks who underwent digital subtraction myelography in the decubitus position and underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak between July 2018 and June 2023. RESULTS: The mean age of the 53 patients (37 women and 16 men) was 35.5 years. Three different variants of lateral CSF leak could be identified. Forty-nine patients (92.5%) had a lateral dural tear associated with the nerve root sleeve. The dural tear was at the axilla of the nerve root sleeve in 36 patients (67.9%) and at the shoulder in 13 patients (24.5%). Four patients (7.5%) had a lateral dural tear at the level of the pedicle that was not associated with the nerve root sleeve. Findings on digital subtraction myelography were concordant with intraoperative findings in all patients. An extradural CSF collection was seen in all patients with a lateral dural tear associated with the nerve root sleeve but in only 2 of the 4 patients with the pedicular variant of a lateral dural tear. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 3 variants of spontaneous lateral dural tears. Most lateral dural tears are associated with extradural CSF collections and arise from either the axilla (67.9%) or the shoulder (24.5%) of the nerve root sleeve. Lateral dural tears at the level of the pedicle (7.5%) not associated with the nerve root sleeve are uncommon and may require specialized imaging for their detection.

Acceptance of Endoscopes in Otology - An Indian Perspective and Review of the Literature.

Introduction The role of endoscopes in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) field has been described since the 1980s; It started with endoscopic nasal surgeries, followed by otological and laryngological procedures, and, since then, it has experienced a rapid evolution. Endoscopes help otologists understand how to approach difficult areas of middle ear, as well as the physiology of middle ear cleft. Objectives Despite the introduction of endoscopes in the field of otology, microscopes are still widely used in clinics and in operation theaters either alone or with endoscopes. The present study, which was conducted amongst otologists in India, is on their experience with and knowledge of the use of the endoscope compared to microscopes. Methods A Google form-based questionnaire comprising 18 questions was developed and sent online to otologist all over the country. The final dataset included responses from 354 active otologists. Results Out of 354 participants, only 3% had more than 5 years of experience in endoscopic ear surgery (EES), and 16.1% had never worked with an endoscope. Endoscopes were used in clinics and in operation theaters by 74.9% of the participants. Conclusion There has been a rise in the acceptance and use of endoscopes among Indian otologists and otology surgeons in last few decades.

A common tumour in an uncommon region.

Lipomas are benign, slow growing soft tissue neoplasm that present as soft, painless nodules that are most commonly seen on the trunk but can be located anywhere on the body. They are however seldomly encountered within in the parotid region. It's occurrence in this region also makes its surgical resection challenging due to its close relation to the facial nerve and its branches. We report a case of lipoma of the parotid region in a 30-yearold man who had a 5.0 × 3.0 cm soft mass in the right parotid gland which was managed surgically.

COVID-Associated Sinonasal Mucormycosis: Radiological Pathological Correlation and Prognostic Value of MR Imaging.

Purpose Our aim was to assess the sinonasal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) in coronavirus disease (COVID)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) and to correlate these with histopathology and patient outcome in terms of duration of hospital stay and survival at 10 weeks. Methods Twenty patients with histopathologically confirmed sinonasal CAM underwent MRI (including postcontrast T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging). Histopathological findings (presence of coagulative necrosis, granulomatous reaction, and fungal burden) were recorded and all patients were followed up at 6 and 10 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. Results Enhancement patterns seen in our subjects included homogeneous, heterogeneous, and lack of contrast enhancement (LOC), with LOC being the most common (65%). Diffusion restriction was found in 90% patients. Statistically significant correlation was found between LOC pattern and presence of coagulative necrosis ( p -value = 0.007), extent of fungal hyphae ( p -value = 0.047), and duration of hospital stay ( p -value = 0.004). Restricted diffusion was also seen to correlate with a high fungal load ( p -value = 0.007). Conclusion Our study describes the MRI findings of AIFRS in CAM and highlights the imaging features which may be surrogate markers for coagulative necrosis and fungal burden.

Postoperative Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas Associated With Dural Tears in Patients With Intracranial Hypotension or Superficial Siderosis-A Digital Subtraction Myelography Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are common but rarely cause extensive CSF collections that require specialized imaging to detect the site of the dural breach. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of digital subtraction myelography (DSM) for patients with extensive extradural CSF collections after spine surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify a consecutive group of patients with extensive postoperative spinal CSF leaks who underwent DSM. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (9 men and 12 women) were identified. The mean age was 46.7 years (range, 17-75 years). The mean duration of the postoperative CSF leak was 3.3 years (range, 3 months to 21 years). MRI showed superficial siderosis in 6 patients. DSM showed the exact location of the CSF leak in 19 (90%) of the 21 patients. These 19 patients all underwent surgery to repair the CSF leak, and the location of the CSF leak could be confirmed intraoperatively in all 19 patients. In 4 (19%) of the 21 patients, DSM also showed a CSF-venous fistula at the same location as the postoperative dural tear. CONCLUSION: In this study, DSM had a 90% detection rate of visualizing the exact site of the dural breach in patients with extensive postoperative spinal CSF leaks. The coexistence of a CSF-venous fistula in addition to the primary dural tear was present in about one-fifth of patients. The presence of a CSF-venous fistula should be considered if CSF leak symptoms persist in spite of successful repair of a durotomy.

The reversible impairment of behavioral variant frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome: Challenges and opportunities.

Introduction: Due to loss of brain buoyancy, spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks cause orthostatic headaches but also can cause symptoms indistinguishable from behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) due to severe brain sagging (including the frontal and temporal lobes), as visualized on brain magnetic resonance imaging. However, the detection of these CSF leaks may require specialized spinal imaging techniques, such as digital subtraction myelography (DSM). Methods: We performed DSM in the lateral decubitus position under general anesthesia in 21 consecutive patients with frontotemporal dementia brain sagging syndrome (4 women and 17 men; mean age 56.2 years [range: 31-70 years]). Results: Nine patients (42.8%) were found to have a CSF-venous fistula, a recently discovered type of CSF leak that cannot be detected on conventional spinal imaging. All nine patients underwent uneventful surgical ligation of the fistula. Complete or near-complete and sustained resolution of bvFTD symptoms was obtained by all nine patients, accompanied by reversal of brain sagging, but in only three (25.0%) of the twelve patients in whom no CSF-venous fistula could be detected (P = 0.0011), and who were treated with non-targeted therapies. Discussion: Concerns about a spinal CSF leak should not be dismissed in patients with frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome, even when conventional spinal imaging is normal. However, even with this specialized imaging the source of the loss of spinal CSF remains elusive in more than half of patients.

Multiple Spinal CSF Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Do They Exist?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of multiple spinal CSF leaks in a recent group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) who were investigated with digital subtraction myelography (DSM). METHODS: This observational study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained data base of patients who meet the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition, criteria for SIH. The patient population consisted of a consecutive group of 745 patients with SIH who underwent DSM between March 2009 and February 2020. Based on the results of DSM, participants were classified according to the type and number of spinal CSF leaks. RESULTS: Among 398 patients with SIH and extradural CSF on spinal imaging, multiplicity of CSF leaks was observed in none of 291 patients with type 1a ventral leaks and in 4 (6.2%) of 65 patients with type 1b (postero-) lateral leaks. Among 97 patients with SIH from spinal CSF-venous fistulas (type 3 leaks) who did not have extradural CSF on spinal imaging, 9 patients (9.3%) had multiple fistulas (p < 0.0001 for comparison between groups). Type 3 and type 1a or 1b CSF leaks coexisted in an additional 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with SIH, multiplicity of CSF leaks was observed radiographically in none of the patients with ventral leaks, in 6% of patients with lateral leaks, and in 9% of patients with CSF-venous fistulas. These results suggest that patients with SIH can be reassured that the occurrence of multiple CSF leaks is negligible to uncommon at most, depending on the type of CSF leak.

Epidemiological Profile of ENT Emergencies: Our Experience.

Emergencies in otorhinolaryngology are common occurrence. Early diagnosis and management result in reduction in morbidity and mortality. To assess the epidemiology, pattern and distribution of ENT emergencies at a tertiary level hospital. Cross sectional, retrospective, descriptive study over a period of 5 years. Medical records of these patients were studied, noting the age, sex, diagnosis on admission and outcome of emergency care. A total of 38,793 patients, age ranging from 15 days to 85 years were included in the study. The number of male and female patients were 25,971 (66.95%) and 12,822 (33.05%) respectively and the male to female ratio 2:1. The most commonly encountered emergency was epistaxis, which accounted for 25.58% of the emergencies attended. This was followed by ear ache and ear discharge. The ENT emergency ward plays a key role in the management of life-threatening conditions requiring immediate evaluation and management by specialized physician. It is important to prioritize and reduce the number of non-urgency/emergency cases attending the emergencies in order to ensure proper care is given to the emergency cases.

Tongue Base Schwannoma.

Intraoral schwannomas account for 1% of head and neck schwannoma, with tongue base schwannoma being reported rarely. In an English literature search from 1988 to 2014, not more than 38 cases of tongue base schwannoma have been reported. Large tongue base schwannomas pose a significant risk to airway, thereby calling for an early intervention. We report a rare case of tongue base schwannoma in a 25 year old female managed surgically by lateral pharyngotomy approach.

Acceptance of Endoscopes in Otology - An Indian Perspective and Review of the Literature

Abstract Introduction The role of endoscopes in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) field has been described since the 1980s; It started with endoscopic nasal surgeries, followed by otological and laryngological procedures, and, since then, it has experienced a rapid evolution. Endoscopes help otologists understand how to approach difficult areas of middle ear, as well as the physiology of middle ear cleft. Objectives Despite the introduction of endoscopes in the field of otology, microscopes are still widely used in clinics and in operation theaters either alone or with endoscopes. The present study, which was conducted amongst otologists in India, is on their experience with and knowledge of the use of the endoscope compared to microscopes. Methods A Google form-based questionnaire comprising 18 questions was developed and sent online to otologist all over the country. The final dataset included responses from 354 active otologists. Results Out of 354 participants, only 3% had more than 5 years of experience in endoscopic ear surgery (EES), and 16.1% had never worked with an endoscope. Endoscopes were used in clinics and in operation theaters by 74.9% of the participants. Conclusion There has been a rise in the acceptance and use of endoscopes among Indian otologists and otology surgeons in last few decades.

Naso-Septal Tuberculosis Mimicking Dermoid in a 3-Year old Child.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. Primary tuberculosis of the nose in the pediatric age group is rare. The diagnosis of this common entity in the present case was challenging. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 3-year old girl who presented with a painless swelling over the dorsum of the nose for 7 months. Imaging revealed a mass lesion eroding nasal bones, septum and frontal bone with intracranial extension. Endoscopic examination showed a friable mass in the superior aspect of the nasal septum, extending intracranially. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of nasal tuberculosis, and the patient improved on category I anti-tubercular therapy. CONCLUSION: Midline nasal swelling in children needs to be differentiated from congenital nasal swelling. A high index of suspicion is required for correct diagnosis of a patient with nasal tuberculosis. Anti-tubercular therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

Multifocal brain involvement in a patient with hairy cell leukemia successfully treated with rituximab and cladribine.

Brain involvement, although rare, can occur in HCL.The combination of cladribine and rituximab is a highly effective treatment of HCL with brain involvement.

Ewing's Sarcoma Multifocal Metastases to Temporal and Occipital Bone: A Rare Presentation.

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a common malignant bone tumour seen to involve long bones, flat pelvic bones and ribs and vertebrae in majority of cases. Here, we present a rare case of aggressive primary ES of pelvic bones with multifocal metastases to temporal bone and occipital bone. The patient presented with facial palsy and an occipital swelling, and was referred for chemotherapy.