Nasal sinuses cholesteatoma: case series and review of the English literature.

BACKGROUND: Nasal sinus cholesteatomas are uncommon slow-growing lesions that are frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively. They can develop due to embryologic remnants or iatrogenic factors (surgical trauma or nasal sinus trauma). In addition, they can cause bone destruction resulting in intracranial or intraorbital complications as well as malignant change if neglected. Complete surgical removal is a must with strict postoperative follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of nasal sinus cholesteatoma are reported. The first case was found inside the ethmoidal sinus, the second in the frontal sinus, and the third was found inside a concha bullosa. In all three cases, a wide endoscopic surgical excision was performed. Due to the lateral extension of the lesion, frontal sinus trephine was also used in the case of frontal sinus nasal cholesteatoma. In addition, a review of the English literature for the reported cases of nasal sinus cholesteatomas was conducted. RESULTS: There were no reported recurrence or residual during strict postoperative follow-up for 2 years (by endoscopic examination and diffusion-weighted MRI with delayed postcontrast T1 images). A review of the English literature revealed 42 cases of nasal sinuses cholesteatomas (including the present three cases) (17 in the frontal sinus, 15 in the maxillary sinus, 5 in the ethmoid sinus, 3 in the sphenoid sinus, and 2 in a concha bullosa). CONCLUSIONS: Although nasal sinus cholesteatomas are uncommon, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing nasal sinuses lesions. Preoperative CT scan and diffusion-weighted MRI are essential for proper diagnosis and to exclude other similar lesions, such as nasal sinus mucoceles, cholesterol granuloma, or neoplastic lesions. Wide complete surgical excision is necessary to avoid recurrence and facilitate postoperative follow-up. As with ear cholesteatoma, strict postoperative follow-up is required to detect recurrence or residual early and is performed by endoscopic examination, diffusion-weighted MRI, and delayed post-gadolinium T1 images.

Etiology, Early Diagnosis and Proper Treatment of Silent Sinus Syndrome Based on Review of the Literature and Own Experience.

PURPOSE: The authors' aim was to review the literature in terms of the etiology of the syndrome, the frequency of Silent Sinus Syndrome (SSS) and surgical procedure, as well as to present their own experience. METHODS: The authors used PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct websites to find and review the most significant papers related to SSS. The case reports of SSS published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. A retrospective case review of 8 patients with SSS treated at the authors' departments was done. RESULTS: The silent sinus syndrome has been reported in both children and adults. It is relatively rare and should be differentiated from congenital sinus hypoplasia or atelectasis. It most often affects the maxillary sinus. SSS is usually diagnosed when facial asymmetry or vision problems occur. Late diagnosis requires endoscopic sinus surgery, involving orbital wall reconstruction. The etiology of the syndrome, including the role of bacterial flora found in the sinuses, is unclear. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of SSS enables avoiding orbital complications and limits surgical intervention to endoscopic surgery. Further research into bacteriology may help to understand the pathophysiology of the silent sinus syndrome.

Predictors of sinonasal disease onset, progression, and severity in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.

PURPOSE: Pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a variable onset, severity, and progression of sinonasal disease. The objective of this study was to identify genotypic and phenotypic factors associated with CF that are predictive of sinonasal disease, recurrent nasal polyposis, and failure to respond to standard treatment. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted of 30 pediatric patients with CF chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyps. Patient specific mutations were divided by class and categorized into high risk (Class I-III) and low risk (Class IV-V). Severity of pulmonary and pancreatic manifestations of CF, number of sinus surgeries, nasal polyposis and recurrence, age at presentation to Otolaryngology, and Pediatric Sinonasal Symptom Survey (SN-5)/Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores were examined. RESULTS: 27/30 patients (90%) had high risk mutations (Class I-III). 21/30 (70.0%) patients had nasal polyposis and 10/30 (33.3%) had recurrent nasal polyposis. Dependence on pancreatic enzymes (23/27, 85.2% vs 0/3, 0.0%, p = 0.009) and worse forced expiratory volumes (FEV1%) (mean 79, SD 15 vs mean 105, SD 12, p = 0.009) were more common in patients with high risk mutations. Insulin-dependence was more common in those with recurrent polyposis (5/10, 50% vs 2/20, 10%, p = 0.026). There was no statistical difference in ages at presentation, first polyps, or sinus surgery, or in polyposis presence, recurrence, or extent of sinus surgery based on high risk vs. low risk classification. CONCLUSION: CF-related diabetes was associated with nasal polyposis recurrence. Patients with more severe extra-pulmonary manifestations of CF may also be at increased risk of sinonasal disease.

Paranasal mucoceles in children with cystic fibrosis: Management of a not so rare clinical condition.

PURPOSE: Paranasal mucocele (PM) is reported as a complication in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in up to 4% of patients. The objective of this study was to identify PMs in the personal large series of children with CF and to assess their diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of children with CF and PM who were admitted and treated by means of endoscopic nasal surgery between 2004 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study (mean age 7.7 years). CT scan of sinuses showed a total of 53 PMs. Nasal endoscopic findings suggestive for PM were present in almost 80% of patients. PMs were located in the maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses in 29/34 (85.3%, bilateral in 17 cases), 4/34 (11.8%) and 1/34 (2.9%) patients, respectively. Marsupialization of PMs was performed in all patients using an endoscopic transnasal approach. No complications were observed. Resolution of symptoms and normalization of the endoscopic nasal picture was evident in all patients. After a mean follow-up of 85 months, no recurrences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of CF patients with PMs. Even if not frequently reported in the literature, PMs should not be considered an uncommon finding in patients affected by CF. Routine nasal endoscopy is mandatory to favor early diagnosis. Endoscopic transnasal marsupialization represents the gold standard of care for patients with CF and PM(s).

[Features of the histological structure shell of the maxillary sinus cyst with various diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.] / Osobennosti gistologicheskogo stroeniya obolochki kisty verkhnechelyustnoi pazukhi pri razlichnykh zabolevaniyakh polosti nosa i okolonosovykh pazukh.

The authors examined and operated on 64 patients with a diagnosis of cystic peritoneal cyst, with various concomitant diseases of the nose and SNP, in order to identify the peculiarities of the histological structure of cysts of percussion. In 18 patients, concomitant disease was allergic rhinitis, in patients with a violation of the aerodynamics of the nasal cavity, 14 patients with recurrent bacterial sinusitis. According to the histological structure, characteristic features of the structure of maxillary sinus cysts were revealed in various diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Based on the histological structure of the maxillary sinus cysts, 3 types of the structure of cysts characteristic of a certain pathology were identified.

Recognizing odontogenic sinusitis: A national survey of otolaryngology chief residents.

PURPOSE: Odontogenic sinusitis is underrepresented in sinusitis literature as well as in the otolaryngology teaching curriculum sponsored by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Otolaryngologists and residents in training may therefore have a decreased awareness of the condition. The objective of this study was to survey otolaryngology chief residents toward the ends of their training to determine how often they considered odontogenic sinusitis as a cause of unilateral sinus disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online REDCap survey was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. Online surveys were emailed to 119 Otolaryngology residency program directors in the United States of America, which were then forwarded to their chief residents. Surveys included 3 demographic and 4 clinical questions. Clinical questions included 3 computed tomography-based questions requiring either differential diagnoses or most likely diagnosis, and 1 question on residents' perceived prevalence of odontogenic sinusitis as a cause of unilateral sinus opacification. Answer choices were tabulated and compared based on geographic region and post-residency career plans. RESULTS: Of 293 chief residents emailed, 94 completed the survey (32.1%). While answer choices on imaging-based questions varied, odontogenic sinusitis was generally underrecognized. Approximately 70% of residents felt odontogenic sinusitis represented 0%-40% of unilateral sinus opacification. There were no statistically significant differences in answers based on geographic distribution or post-residency career plans. CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngology chief residents recognized odontogenic sinusitis with variable accuracy on imaging, and generally underestimated its prevalence as a cause of unilateral sinus opacification. Efforts should be made to teach otolaryngology residents about odontogenic sinusitis.

Clinical significance of ocular manifestations in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: association with sinonasal involvement and damage.

Ocular involvement is present in 50-60% of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients and can affect any part of the ocular globe. The present study describes ophthalmologic manifestations, association with systemic symptoms, disease activity and damage in GPA. A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients with GPA who underwent rheumatologic and ophthalmologic evaluation. Demographics, comorbidities, ophthalmologic symptoms, serologic markers, radiographic studies, disease activity and damage were assessed. Descriptive statistics, correlation, univariable logistic regression analyses, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed. Fifty patients were included, 60% female, the median age was 56 years, disease duration 72.5 months. Nineteen (38%) patients had ocular manifestations at GPA diagnosis, scleritis being the most frequent; 27 (54%) patients presented ocular involvement during follow-up, repeated scleritis and dacryocystitis being the most common manifestations. Concomitant ophthalmic and sinonasal involvement was present in 12 (24%). Ocular and ENT damage occurred in 58% and 70%, respectively. Epiphora and blurred vision were the most frequent symptoms; scleromalacia and conjunctival hyperemia (27%) the most frequent clinical abnormalities. Ocular involvement at diagnosis was associated with concomitant ocular and sinonasal involvement at follow-up (OR 4.72, 95% CI 1.17-19.01, p = 0.01). Ocular involvement at follow-up was associated with age at GPA diagnosis (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99, p = 0.03), VDI (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.61, p = 0.02), and ENT damage (OR 5.27, 95% CI 1.37-20.13, p = 0.01). In GPA, ocular involvement is frequent, therefore, non-ophthalmologist clinicians should be aware of this manifestation to reduce the risk of visual morbidity and organ damage.

The Rationale for Endoscopic Inferior Meatal Antrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Complete removal of some maxillary sinus pathologies may be challenging. We describe our experience in performing endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) when approaching certain chronic maxillary sinus disease. METHODS: Retrospectively reviewing charts of all patients whose surgery included EIMA between the years 2012 and 2015. EIMA was performed either after routine endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) failed to completely resect the lesion, or as the sole selected approach for specific maxillary pathologies. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were included in the study. Indications for EIMA included antrochoanal polyps (ACP), maxillary sinus chronic inflammatory disease, maxillary sinus pathology before sinus lift, and odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. In nearly one third of the patients, sinus surgery included only EIMA, of which, the majority were resection of ACP. Follow-up time ranged between 12 and 34 months (mean 14). Residual EIMA opening was variable in size. In the vast majority of our patients, the maxillary sinus cavities were cleared of disease. No major complications and no recirculation were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: EIMA should be considered for various maxillary sinus pathologies. It provides better access to anteroinferior lesions of the maxillary sinus. EMMA is not mandatory for every maxillary sinus disease.

Nasal Septal Abscess Developed After Radiofrequency Cauterization for Epistaxis.

Nasal septal abscesses are commonly caused by nasal trauma, infection, and nasal surgery. As delayed treatment of nasal septal abscesses can cause various complications, including saddle nose, a prompt diagnosis with the relevant intervention is important. However, the diagnosis of nasal septal abscesses is difficult when nasal pain occurs after cauterization because there have been no formal reports of nasal septal abscesses owing to cauterization for epistaxis. Here, the authors report the first case of a nasal septal abscess that developed after cauterization. A 48-year-old woman underwent radiofrequency cauterization as a treatment for epistaxis. She developed nasal pain 10 days following cauterization, and a computed tomography scan revealed a nasal septal abscess. Careful observation should be undertaken in patients who undergo cauterization of the nasal septum, especially in patients complaining of nasal pain.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Post-Traumatic Silent Sinus Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To identify demographic features and clinical outcomes associated with post-traumatic silent sinus syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out at 3 academic medical centers to identify all cases of post-traumatic silent sinus syndrome. Clinical features and management strategies were recorded. Postoperative outcomes were assessed, and statistical analyses were performed via a dedicated computerized software package. RESULTS: Twenty cases were identified (14 men and 6 women, mean age = 44.2 years). Seven patients underwent sinus surgery as the sole means of treatment, and the mean pre- and postoperative enophthalmos measurements were 2.86 and 1.93 mm. Alternatively, 13 patients underwent combined orbital reconstruction and sinus surgery, respectively; the mean pre- and postoperative enophthalmos measurements were 3.42 and 0.39 mm, respectively. The change in enophthalmos was statistically significantly greater in patients who underwent sinus surgery and orbital reconstruction (p = 0.00028). Among patients who underwent sinus surgery alone, one patients (14.2%) experienced complete resolution of enophthalmos, as compared with 10 patients (76.9%) who underwent combined procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest published cohort of patients with post-traumatic silent sinus syndrome. Combined orbital reconstruction and sinus surgery results in greater reductions of enophthalmos and a markedly improved chance of postoperative symmetry of globe position.

Pneumosinus Dilatans: Over 100 Years Without an Etiology.

PURPOSE: Pneumosinus dilatans (PD) is a rare pathologic hyperaeration of the paranasal sinuses that causes serious deformation of the overlying bone and soft tissue. The condition occurs most commonly in the frontal sinus of young men who present with different complaints, including cosmetic. More than 100 cases have been reported in the literature since it was first described in 1898; however, the etiology of this condition remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of all available clinical publications on the subject of PD was conducted in the PubMed electronic database. The resultant articles were grouped based on evidence supporting or refuting various theoretical etiologies to further characterize the condition. RESULTS: In total, 134 known cases were reported in 117 articles. Most affected patients were young men in the third decade of life. Only 19 (16.2%) articles offered some form of evidence in support of a particular etiology. The most substantiated etiologies of PD included a "ball-valve" mechanism of sinus outflow obstruction leading to air trapping or a primary fibro-osseous pathologic process that disrupts the cellular milieu. Less substantiated theories included hormonal dysregulation or a spontaneously draining mucocele. No data exist to support causation by gas-forming bacteria. A bimodal distribution of incidence, a younger population (16 to 25 yr), and an older population (36 to 40 yr) might suggest multiple possible etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: Several theories on the etiology of PD exist, but none have been substantiated by reliable scientific evidence. Standardizing the clinical evaluation, classification, management, and pathologic analysis of patients with PD could aid in elucidating its true etiology.

Paranasal Sinus Mucocele as a Late Complication of Dacryocystorhinostomy.

A 50-year-old female presented with a slowly enlarging painless mass of the right medial canthus. The past surgical history is significant for external dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction 10 years prior and subsequent endoscopic and external revisions. Imaging revealed a large fronto-ethmoidal sinus mucocele extending into the right medial orbit. On surgical exploration, the right middle turbinate was found to have lateralized, obstructing sinus outflow. The mucocele was evacuated and ethmoidectomy and middle turbinectomy were performed. The patient did well postoperatively without recurrence at 6 months of follow-up. Sinus mucocele formation is a rare, late complication of lacrimal surgery.

Frontal Sinus Mucocele Formation as a Late Complication of External Dacrocystorhinostomy.

Two cases of frontal sinus mucocele post external approach dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery are reported. The possible anatomical causes of this condition are discussed and in particular, attention is drawn to the consideration of frontal sinus mucocele in patients presenting with frontal sinus symptoms post-DCR surgery.

Sinocutaneous Fistula Formation After Forehead Recontouring Surgery for Transgender Patients.

Forehead recontouring is a common part of facial feminization surgery. The procedure, which alters the shape and structure of the frontal bone, is regarded as safe and well tolerated by patients. The occurrence of delayed complications, however, is much less understood. The authors describe a patient involving the development of a sinocutaneous fistula as a delayed complication of forehead recontouring surgery. The clinical presentation and management of this patient are discussed. As facial feminization surgery expands as a cosmetic option for patients who desire more feminine facial features, practitioners should recognize the potential risk of sinonasal complications associated with forehead recontouring surgery.

Chronic orbital inflammatory disease and optic neuropathy associated with long-term intranasal cocaine abuse: 2 cases and literature review.

Orbital inflammatory disease and secondary optic neuropathy is a rare but devastating complication of long-term intranasal cocaine abuse. We describe 2 patients with a history of intranasal cocaine consumption who presented with subacute onset of unilateral vision loss from optic neuropathy and limitation of abduction in the affected eye. Magnetic resonance imaging findings included an orbital mass in combination with absent nasal septum and partial destruction of the paranasal sinuses. Biopsies and histopathologic examination of the nasal cavity and the orbital mass revealed chronic inflammation. Both patients were treated with oral corticosteroids, ocular movements completely normalized but no improvement of visual acuity was noted. Intranasal cocaine abuse can cause orbital complications from chronic sinonasal inflammatory disease and these patients are at risk to develop optic neuropathy. Optic neuropathy may be caused by compression, infiltration, or ischaemia.

[The differential approach to the surgical treatment of pathologies of the frontal sinus]. / Differentsirovannyi podkhod k khirurgicheskomu lecheniiu patologii lobnoi pazukhi.

The surgical intervention for the management of frontal sinusitis is required in a large fraction of patients presenting with this condition. The treatment of choice for the pathology in question is endoscopic endonasal frontotomy. Whenever the endoscopic technique is impossible to employ, the surgeon has to resort to an extranasal operation on the frontal sinus. The indications for the application of such strategy include the pathological conditions complicated by the intracranial and orbital processes, the presence of large benign tumours, recurrent post-surgical purulent sinusitis and traumatic frontal sinusitis. For the preservation of the functionally competent frontal sinus during extranasal frontotomy, a frontonasal fistula with all bony walls and maximally spared mucous membrane can be created. In order to remove an osteotoma from the frontal sinus, we applied the osteoplastic approach with the formation of the osteo-periosteal flap from the frontal wall of the sinus. In those cases when it was impossible to restore the frontal sinus and there was a closed bone cavity undergoing purulent inflammation we practiced obliteration of the cavity with the use of a porous carbon implant.

[The radicular cyst in the maxillary sinus encountered in the clinical otorhinolaryngological practice]. / Radikuliarnaia kista verkhnei cheliusti v praktike otorinolaringologa.

This article was designed to report the clinical case of the radicular cyst localized in the maxillary sinus of the 23 year-old man that had been detected before the surgical intervention was undertaken for its treatment. In the preceding visits of the patient to other medical settings, this condition was misinterpreted as a genuine (rhinogenic) cyst. It accounted for the choice of the inadequate surgical strategy for the management of this pathology. As a result, the patient experienced two relapse episodes of the disease. The thorough analysis of the patient's medical history and CT images of the sinus obtained during the 4 year follow up period allowed to establish the definitive diagnosis of odontogenic cyst of the upper jaw. The authors present a brief overview of the relevant scientific literature concerning etiology and pathogenesis as well as the methods of diagnostics and treatment of radicular cyst of the upper jaw.

Cholesterol granuloma: a case series & review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a foreign body reaction to crystallized cholesterol. Orbitofrontal CG is a rare entity with few cases reported in literature. It is usually seen in young to middle-aged males with a history of trauma. Computed tomography features include hypodense lesion-causing bone erosion. CG has typical histopathological features with cholesterol clefts, multinucleated giant cells, histiocytes, foamy macrophages, and altered blood pigments. Management is by total excision of the lesion with curettage of the underlying bone to prevent recurrence. MATERIAL & METHOD: We present an interventional case series of five patients of orbitofrontal CG, two of them females. RESULT: None of the patients gave a history of trauma. Management was by excision of the lesion and curettage confirmed with a 30° rigid endoscope. CONCLUSION: Cholesterol granulomas can present as superior orbital mass lesions in the absence of trauma.

Asbestos exposure and the risk of sinonasal cancer.

BACKGROUND: While the increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma is well established, the relationship between exposure to asbestos dust and sinonasal cancer is less clear. AIMS: To study the risk of sinonasal cancer in relation to asbestos dust exposure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of construction workers, linked to the Swedish Cancer Registry. Participants were classified into four exposure groups; heavy, medium, low or very low exposure to asbestos, according to the incidence of pleural mesothelioma in their occupational group. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and relative risks (RRs) were analysed, adjusted for age and smoking habits. The risks of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were investigated separately. RESULTS: Among the 280222 subjects, there was no increased risk of sinonasal cancer compared to the general population [SIR 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.03], or any dose-response relationship with exposure to asbestos. The highest RR was found in the low exposure group (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.69-2.28) and the lowest RR was found in the group with the highest exposure to asbestos (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.33-1.53). No significantly increased risk or dose-response association could be found for adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma when analysed separately. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find an increased risk of developing sinonasal cancer after asbestos exposure.

Clinical Features of Patients Treated with Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Posttraumatic Paranasal Sinus Mucocele.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features of patients with posttraumatic paranasal sinus mucocele (PSM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, we performed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on 68 patients with PSM at the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Hyogo College of Medicine. Five male patients (age range, 45-76 years) with posttraumatic PSM were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis was based on the history of injury and radiological findings. RESULTS: Posttraumatic PSM was found in 7% (5/68) of patients. The mean interval from injury to diagnosis was 28.4 years. All patients had frontal sinus mucocele. Four patients had symptoms of headache, diplopia, visual field defect, and forehead swelling, and 1 patient was asymptomatic. ESS was performed under general anesthesia in all cases, and the symptoms improved postoperatively. Reoperation was required in 1 patient (20%) because headache developed with obstruction of the frontal drainage route 7 months after ESS. CONCLUSIONS: Posttraumatic PSM was the least frequent form of PSM and was located predominantly in the frontal sinus, causing symptoms long after the forehead injury. The important lessons to be learned for treating posttraumatic PSM are to obtain a detailed history and to enlarge the route to the cyst to avoid its recurrence.