Optico-carotid recess and anterior clinoid process pneumatization â€" proposal for a novel classiï¬cation and uniï¬ed terminology: an anatomic and radiologic study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to propose a novel and uniï¬ed classiï¬cation system of the optico-carotid recess (OCR) and anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization, determine their frequency in a Caucasian population and measure the size of the OCR. METHODOLOGY: A total of 200 specimen (400 sphenoid sinuses) were evaluated in a separate anatomic cadaveric study (n=100) and radiologic study (n=100) by using sphenoidal sinus cast and computed tomography (CT) scan. OCR was divided according to its location to the optic nerve into sub-optical and latero-optical OCR grade I-III. RESULTS: An OCR was found in 39% of the samples (78/200) and in 19% (38/200) it occurred bilaterally. Both, sub-optical and latero-optical OCR were identiï¬ed in 14% of the sides (58/400), with a mean length and depth of 6.9 mm; 7.7 mm and 2.3 mm, 7.1 mm, respectively. We determined the pneumatized ACP frequency with 23% (46/200) and deï¬ned 3 uniï¬ed different types of pneumatization. CONCLUSIONS: The OCR is a reliable landmark to identify the optico-carotid region in endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery, and can even be visualized by CT. Hence, preoperative investigation of the sphenoid region is mandatory. In our opinion, the classiï¬cation presented in this study can be useful in order to avoid surgical complications.

[The Problem of High Recurrence Rate in Endoscopic Revision Surgery for Inverted Papilloma]. / Das Problem der hohen Rezidivrate bei endoskopischer Revisionschirurgie invertierter Papillome.

BACKGROUND: Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign lesion of the sinonasal tract. Clinical problems arise from expansive growth and bone destruction, a possible association with malignancy and a tendency to recur. Complete subperiostal/subperichondral removal via endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the treatment of choice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the theory of an elevated recurrence rate after secondary resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis comprised 66 patients, who were treated for IP at the University Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology Graz between 2000 and 2011. The mean follow-up was 33.85 months. 18 patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 51 males and 15 females. 65 (98.5%) of which had been operated on purely endoscopic or via a combined approach. Recurrence was diagnosed in 14 cases (29.2%), on average 11.9 months after surgery, 71.5% of these in the first 12 months. The recurrence rate was significantly higher after revision surgery (50%) when patients had been previously operated elsewhere as compared to primary resection (12%). The analysis also showed a significant increase in recurrences for Krouse stages 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: The collected data confirms ESS as the best treatment option. Due to recurrences and malignant transformation, follow-up should be performed within 5 years postoperatively. We could statistically verify the prognostic value of Krouse's staging system. The elevated recurrence rate after secondary resection emphasises the significance of removing the tumour completely during the first surgery.

Feasibility of balloon sinuplasty in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: the Graz experience.

BACKGROUND: Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is a catheter-based technique to dilate sinus ostia and drainage pathways to create ventilation and drainage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of BSP in routine treatment of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODOLOGY: Patients with CRS refractory to medical therapy who had been scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. RESULTS: Forty-five consecutive patients were included in this study, in whom 112 sinuses were approached by BSP. Of the 112 sinuses, 68 (60%) were planned as a "Balloon-Only" procedure and 44 (40%) were planned as a "Hybrid" procedure. Of the 68 sinuses in the "Balloon-Only" group, in 44 sinuses BSP failed, equating to a failure rate of 65%. Forty-four sinuses were planned for "Hybrid" procedures. In 29 of these sinuses BSP failed, giving a failure rate of 66%. CONCLUSION: According to literature, BSP can be a useful adjunct technique to standard FESS. In our experience, however, a failure rate of 65% for "Balloon-Only" and of 66% for "Hybrid" procedures occurred, which was regarded as unacceptable by the study group. Therefore, the study initially scheduled for 200 consecutive patients, was abandoned.

[Austrian tonsil study part 3: surgical technique and postoperative haemorrhage after tonsillectomy]. / Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie Teil 3: Operations-technik und Nachblutung nach Tonsillektomie.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for postoperative haemorrhage after tonsillectomy are discussed controversy. In the past years surgical techniques were considered a determining factor for post-tonsillectomy bleedings in several studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective, multicentre study 9,405 patients--of whom 4,437 underwent tonsillectomy and were focused in this article--were evaluated during study -period of 9 months (1st October 2009 till 30th June 2010). Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding episode after extubation and classified according to a 7 grade scheme. RESULTS: Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in 14.4% (637/4,437) patients with 4.6% (204/4,437) requiring a return to theatre and 9.8% (433/4,437) experiencing minor bleedings. Bipolar techniques (with or without cold steel dissection) showed a haemorrhage risk of 16.8% (62/370). Severe bleedings occurred significantly more often with the use of bipolar techniques (8% compared to 4.6% severe bleedings for all operation techniques, p=0.003). In addition, Coblation® technique had a higher postoperative haemorrhage rate (23.5%, 12/51). However, minor bleedings occurred in the majority of patients operated with Coblation® technique (20% compared to 9.8% minor bleedings for all operation techniques, p<0.017). CONCLUSION: Following the strict definition of postoperative haemorrhage, we found higher postoperative haemorrhage rates for bipolar techniques and Coblation® technique. The proportion of severe bleedings is higher for bipolar methods, whereas the proportion of minor bleedings is higher for Coblation® technique.

Cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex; endonasal endoscopic approach.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesterol granulomas are benign lesions that sometimes occur on the petrous apex (PA). We report our experience using an endoscopic endonasal approach to remove PA cholesterol granulomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective patient chart analysis was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital. RESULTS: Four patients (3 females, 1 male) were included in this study. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 78 years. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and computer-assisted navigation were performed. The most common symptom was abducens nerve palsy. The largest granuloma measured 5 x 2 cm and was located on the left side. An endoscopic endonasal approach was chosen and navigation was applied (3/4 patients) to identify the optimal area for opening the granuloma. No complications occurred, and patients were free from recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach to PA cholesterol granulomas is feasible and safe. Intra-operative navigation is recommended to identify the position of the internal carotid artery and determine the safest area for opening the granuloma without damaging the artery. Another advantage of this approach is an easier follow-up through diagnostic nasal endoscopy.

[The Austrian tonsil study 2010--part 1: statistical overview]. / "Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie 2010"--Teil 1: Statistischer Überblick.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy (TE), tonsillotomy (TO) and adenoidectomy (AE) are surgeries performed routinely by otorhinolaryngologists. There were 5 cases of fatal postoperative bleeding in Austria during the years 2006 and 2007, all in children under 6 years of age. The intensive discussion following these sad events resulted in a Consensus Paper of the Austrian Society of ORL, H&NS with the Austrian Society of Pediatrics with modified recommendations towards indications and surgical techniques in different age groups; in addition, the prospective study presented here was initiated. In Austria for the first time a full census could be performed assessing all TE, TO and AE with standardized definitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the study period of 9 months' from October 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, data on patients' characteristics, indication for surgery, surgical technique and postoperative haemorrhage were prospectively collected. Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding after extubation regardless of whether or not a surgical intervention was required. Postoperative bleeding events were categorised into 7 grades depending on severity. RESULTS: More than one million data of 9,405 patients from 32 ENT-departments in Austria were collected and analysed. One third were children younger than 6 years (n=3,474; 37%) and one third were adults (n=3,507, 37%). A TE ±AE was performed in 48.8% (n=4,594), an AE in 37.1% (n=3,492) and a TO in 14.0% (n=1, 319). For the indication "recurrent tonsillitis and tonsilar hypertrophy" 70% of children had a TO but 95% of adults had a TE (p<0.001). Adults with OSAS had a TE whereas in children aged younger than 6 with the same indication a TO was preferably performed in 90% (p<0.001). For TO the Colorado-needle and the Coblation technique were most commonly used. The Adenotome by La Force and the Adenoid curette by Beckmann, with or without endoscopic control, were most frequently used for AE. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time a prospective full survey could be performed in one country assessing all tonsil and adenoid surgeries along standardized criteria. The study gives an overview about the types of surgery, the indications, the operation techniques and the frequency of postoperative haemorrhage. The latter, because of its clinical importance, is dealt with and described in detail in the second part of this publication.

[The Austrian Tonsil Study 2010 - Part 2: Postoperative haemorrhage]. / "Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie 2010" - Teil 2: Postoperative Blutungen.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative haemorrhage is the most common and serious complication of tonsil and adenoid surgery. Definitions, frequency and risk factors of postoperative bleedings are however, controversially discussed in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter cohort study all tonsillectomies (TE), adenotonsillectomies (TE + AE), tonsillotomies (TO), adenotonsillotomies (TO + AE) and adenoidectomies (AE) performed within 9 months from October 1st, 2009 - June 30th, 2010 were collected and evaluated. Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding after extubation and was classified into 7 grades A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D and E depending on the therapy needed and the postoperative day. RESULTS: Data from 9 405 patients of 32 ENT-departments in Austria were analysed. Overall postoperative haemorrhage rate for TE was 16.0%, for TE + AE 11.8%, for TO±AE 2.3% and for AE 0.8%. Surgical revision was necessary in almost one third of patients with a postoperative bleeding event (TE 5.3%, TE + AE 4.1%, TO 0.8% und AE 0.3%). Multiple haemorrhage occurred in every 5th patient, who experienced postoperative bleeding (1.7% of all patients). The frequency of haemorrhage depended on the type of surgery and the age of the individual. Severe bleedings requiring surgical revision were more frequent in children between 6 and 15 years and AE. 9 patients (1.2% of all patients with haemorrhage) experienced a dramatic haemorrhage (grade D), with the need of blood transfusions and difficult surgical control. No deaths occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a new classification postoperative bleeding episodes could be precisely defined and postoperative risk factors were quantified. Considering all postoperative bleedings, including minor and anamnestic ones, the haemorrhage rate over all types of surgeries was 7.9% (2.7% of all patients required a surgical revision). Tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) carries the highest statistical risk of postoperative bleeding, with 4.9% of all patients requiring surgical intervention. Patients who experience one - albeit minimal - postoperative haemorrhage, have a 5 times higher risk for further bleeding requiring surgical control, and should therefore be carefully monitored.

Endoscopic resection of odontoid process in Arnold Chiari malformation type II.

INTRODUCTION: Arnold Chiari Malformation Type II can be associated with basilar invagination through an elongated retroflexed odontoid process (dens axis). Traditionally, decompression surgery has been performed transorally under microscopic vision or via transcutaneous latero-cervical/posterior approaches. Endoscopic approaches were introduced a few years ago. CASE REPORT: We report of an eleven-year-old girl with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type II who had undergone surgery eight years ago for posterior cranial fossa decompression at the department of neurosurgery. At that time, an external transcutaneous median approach was performed to resect the posterior arch of the atlas. The patient now presented with the initial symptoms of brainstem compression as a result of an elongated retroflexed odontoid process and craniocervical instability. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: An endoscopic transoral/transnasal approach was chosen for the resection of the dens. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic surgery was successful and the complete resection of the dens was achieved without any complications. In a second intervention, orthopaedic surgeons performed cranio-cervical arthrodesis.

Ethmoid roof CSF-leak following frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Though clear indications for its clinical application are not established yet, balloon sinuplasty technology per se is considered safe and very few severe complications have been mentioned in literature as of today. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented with right sided rhinorrhea from a CSF-leak in the ethmoidal roof after balloon sinuplasty, aimed at her right frontal sinus. Apparently, the surgeon was unaware of having penetrated the skull base through the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate intraoperatively. CSF rhinorrhea became evident 3 weeks postoperatively only when fever, headaches and moderate nausea developed. Upon revision, diameter, size and shape of the bony defect exactly matched with the tip of a standard sinus balloon catheter device, as could be demonstrated and documented. A small posttraumatic encephalocele had intermittently blocked the leak. Endoscopic surgery and duraplasty were performed under intrathecal fluorescein control, applying CT image-guided navigation. Since two-layer fascia lata closure of the defect, the patient has remained free of symptoms without any evidence of CSF leakage. CONCLUSION: Balloon sinuplasty per se is considered a safe technique, though in inexperienced hands or wrongly applied, complications may occur, as with any surgical tool rigid enough to breach through skull base.

Variations of the paranasal sinuses in Melanesians as observed by CT.

Studies have reported the incidence of anatomical variants of the paranasal sinuses for specific populations with a view to helping surgeons avoid possible complications during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Some have found significant variation when comparing different populations. The current study has used computed tomography (CT) scans to observe variations in the paranasal sinuses in a non-random sample of museum skulls of Melanesians, a racial group that has not previously been studied in this respect. The incidence of variants found were: agger nasi cells 59.5%, concha bullosa 41.5%/o, Haller's air cells 31.7%, internal carotid artery bulge in the sphenoid sinus 23.8%/, supraorbital cells 16. 7%, paradoxical curvature of the mid-dle turbinate 7.5% and pneumatization of crista galli 7.1%.Because of contradictory findings in the literature as to the incidence of such variations between racial groups the authors are able to make only limited meaningful comparisons between their subjects and other such groups.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: an APC-gene-associated tumor?

Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are extremely rare, locally invasive tumors of unknown cause exclusively occurring in male adolescents. Recently, 6 cases have been reported in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli (Gardners syndrome). Mutations or allelic loss of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene have therefore been implied in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The authors analyzed 11 cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibromas from 9 male patients for mutations in the mutation cluster region and allelic loss of the APC gene. Six were primary tumors; 2 first recurrences; and 1, primary tumor with 2 recurrences. Direct sequence analysis was performed on several overlapping polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Detection of allelic loss was performed by restriction length polymorphism analysis at a polymorphic locus. No mutation was detected in 11 tumors of 9 different patients. None of the 9 informative (heterozygous) cases carried an allelic loss. We conclude that alterations of the APC gene do not play a major role in the development of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The coincidence of nasopharyngeal angiofibromas and adenomatous polyposis coli in some families implies the possibility that another gene in this region might be responsible for the development of nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. HUM PATHOL 31:1411:1413.

Idiopathic sclerotic inflammation of the orbit with left optic nerve compression in a patient with multifocal fibrosclerosis.

We present the MR imaging findings in a 43-year-old male patient with bilateral idiopathic sclerosing inflammation of the orbit. Bilateral enhancing retrobulbar masses, with concentric compression of the retrobulbar segment of the left optic nerve, were seen. MR imaging proved to be the only means to distinguish between the different intraorbital structures and to determine the exact site of optic nerve compression. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of MR imaging findings of this entity.

Three-dimensional processing of ultrafast CT sialography for parotid masses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of three-dimensional image processing of ultrafast CT sialography in comparison with conventional CT sialography in patients with parotid masses. METHODS: In nine patients, CT sialography was done with three-dimensional image processing. The visibility of anatomic details and pathologic findings, derived from three-dimensional images, were graded numerically by three observers and compared with the findings obtained from conventional CT sialograms. Histopathologic specimens were obtained in all cases. RESULTS: Ultrafast CT images showed no motion artifact. Three-dimensional CT sialography offered significant improvement in demonstration of ductal anatomy (2.5 +/- 0.2 versus 1.5 +/- 0.1, respectively) and ductal pathology (2.6 +/- 0.1 versus 1.1 +/- 0.2, respectively) over conventional CT sialography. In two cases, the therapeutic regimen was altered substantially. CONCLUSION: Ultrafast CT three-dimensional sialography has the potential to allow more precise presurgical planning and contributes to the diagnosis and therapy planning of parotid masses, especially in patients in whom MR image quality is degraded by motion artifact.

Endoscopic optic nerve decompression: the Graz experience.

Recommendations for management of traumatic injuries to the optic nerve in the literature include expectant management, medical therapy, surgical treatment, and medical therapy combined with surgical decompression. Traditional surgical approaches to optic nerve decompression (OND) are a neurosurgical or craniotomy approach, extranasal transethmoidal approach, transorbital approach, transantral approach, and intranasal microscopic approach. Recent advances in instrumentation and surgical techniques have made an endoscopic approach to OND possible. Since 1991 endonasal endoscopic decompression of the optic nerve has been the surgical approach of choice in patients requiring OND in the authors' hospital. The endoscopic method offers many advantages over the traditional approaches. Decreased morbidity, preservation of olfaction, rapid recovery time, more acceptable cosmetic results with no external scars, no risk of injury to the developing teeth in children, and less operative stress in a patient who may have multisystem trauma are only some of the benefits associated with the endoscopic OND. The authors' technique of endonasal endoscopic approach to OND, medical management, and indications for surgery and the results in 22 patients undergoing this procedure are discussed.

The minimally invasive approach to olfactory neuroblastoma: combined endoscopic and stereotactic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new treatment modality of olfactory neuroblastoma consisting of endoscopic nasal and paranasal sinus surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of three patients suffering from olfactory neuroblastoma. METHODS: Review of the charts, the computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, the operation reports, radiosurgical data, and follow-up. RESULTS: All three patients remained free of disease with excellent quality of life in respective follow-up periods of 71, 50, and 39 months. CONCLUSION: The combination of two minimally invasive therapies, endoscopic sinus surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, provide a reliable new approach to the treatment of a series of olfactory neuroblastomas that offers excellent quality of life, less injury to the patient, fewer side-effects, and fewer long-term effects than other treatment strategies.

Plasma adrenaline concentrations during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Vasoconstrictors (i.e., epinephrine) are routinely applied before functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) but may have significant cardiac side effects. The controversy concerning clinical application of adrenaline is discussed. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospectively controlled study of 51 patients undergoing FESS we evaluated the absorption of adrenaline from standard cotton pledgets and submucous infiltration and the incidence of related side effects during surgery. Additionally, a control group of 12 patients undergoing tonsillectomy was investigated. METHODS: Plasma adrenaline concentrations were measured 1) before anesthesia, 2) after intubation, 3) after nasal packing with adrenaline soaked pledgets (adrenaline 1:1000) and submucous infiltration with 2 mL lidocaine with adrenaline 1:100,000 in each side, and 4) at end of surgery. The catecholamines were determined with a Merck-Hitachi Catecholamine Analyzer, model II (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). Pulse, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood pressure were monitored. RESULTS: In the FESS group, we found a remarkable decrease in systolic (S) as well as diastolic blood pressure (D) (P < .001), whereas the heart frequency was unaffected during surgery. All patients in the adrenaline group showed significant increase in plasma adrenaline (AD) concentrations in the third and fourth sample (P < .001). The control group, however, showed a significant rise in blood pressure only at beginning of surgery (P < .001) with cardiac pulse and plasma adrenaline concentrations unaffected by surgery or anesthesia. The often described severe side effects of adrenaline in combination with general anesthesia were not seen in any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although systemic absorption of locally injected vasoconstrictors occurs, adrenaline-related side effects during FESS are extremely rare when the patient is monitored exactly.

Magnetic resonance assessment of age-related development of the sphenoid sinus.

Magnetic resonance images of the sphenoid sinus in 401 patients under 15 years old were reviewed to establish normal age-related standards. T1-weighted sagittal and T2-weighted axial scans were evaluated for bone marrow conversion, development of pneumatization, spatial enlargement and septation of the sphenoid sinus. The sphenoid sinus had a uniformly low signal intensity (red bone marrow) on T1-weighted images in all children less than 4 months old. Signal intensity changes from hypointense to hyperintense (bone marrow conversion) started at the age of 4 months. Onset of pneumatization was observed in 12% of the patients at age 13-15 months. By age 43-48 months, 85% of the patients showed pneumatization of the anterior part of the sphenoid bone. Pneumatization was complete in all patients older than 10 years. Enlargement of the sinus showed a characteristic profile in each dimension. Median septation was observed irregularly with age, with a maximum of 77%. Septum variants were noticed between 4.5% and 20%. Because paediatric sinus disease is a challenging problem in children, these results may be useful as baseline standards of normal age-related development of the sphenoid sinus during childhood.