Sinonasal and ventral skull base inflammatory pseudotumor: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Inflammatory pseudotumor is a benign idiopathic inflammatory process often misdiagnosed as an infection or neoplasm. This review analyzes all reported cases of sinonasal and ventral skull base inflammatory pseudotumor to date, and provides a framework for evaluation and management of this uncommon condition. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE/PubMed database. REVIEW METHODS: A search for articles related to sinonasal and ventral skull base inflammatory pseudotumor, along with bibliographies of those articles, was performed. Demographics, presentation, radiographic findings, treatment, follow-up, and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-three articles were reviewed, including a total of 87 patients. The most common presenting symptom was vision change (58.6%). Sinonasal and ventral skull base inflammatory pseudotumor was found in the cavernous sinus in 46.0% of cases. The lesion appeared isointense (66.7% of cases) and homogeneously enhancing on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whereas it appeared hypointense on T2-weighted MRI in 90.7% of cases. Inflammatory pseudotumor appeared hyperdense on computed tomography in 78.9% of cases. Histopathological analysis of biopsied specimens revealed presence of inflammatory cells (94.4%) and fibrosis (80.3%). Corticosteroids alone were the most common treatment modality (55.2%), resulting in disease-free patients in 22.9% of cases over a median follow-up period of 17.6 months. Surgical management alone was uncommon (8.0%), but showed high success rate (57.1%). CONCLUSION: This review is the most comprehensive analysis of sinonasal and ventral skull base inflammatory pseudotumor to date. Radiologic findings and histopathological analysis are essential for diagnosis. Corticosteroids are the most common treatment modality. Surgery, although uncommon, appears to be an efficacious treatment modality.

Angiosarcoma arising from the frontal sinus.

Primary sinonasal angiosarcomas are very rare tumors. They typically occur in the nasal cavity of middle-aged patients. They are classically highly aggressive. Primary treatment is surgical excision when feasible. We describe a unique case of angiosarcoma in a young woman arising from the frontal sinus with distant metastasis. This case represents the first report of angiosarcoma arising from the frontal sinus in the English literature. The traditional treatment options for the advanced nature of her disease and overall poor prognosis are discussed. We further review the literature and discuss alternative treatments options. Newer chemotherapeutic regiments on the horizon show promise in helping to control this disease.

Tympanic membrane perforation with squamous epithelial ingrowth.

The squamous epithelium of the tympanic membrane and external auditory canal exhibits an inherent migration pattern to facilitate the exfoliation of keratinizing squamous cells as part of a natural cleansing mechanism.

Temporal bone fracture.

Transverse fractures account for approximately 20% of temporal bone fractures. They occur secondary to frontal or occipital head trauma, and they run perpendicular to the petrous pyramid.

Cochlear-facial dehiscence--a newly described entity.

Dehiscence of the cochlear otic capsule has recently been described as a pathologic entity. We describe two cases of cochlear-facial dehiscence, which are the first reported: a 69-year-old male who complained of hearing loss, autophony, and pulsatile tinnitus and a 41-year-old female who complained of left-sided hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, and vertigo. In both, computed tomography (CT) showed bony dehiscence between the facial nerve and cochlea. Cochlear-facial dehiscence is another example of otic capsule dehiscence that produces symptoms of third-window lesions. When patients present with symptoms of third-window lesions and CT does not show superior canal dehiscence, cochlear-facial dehiscence should be considered.

The central Onodi cell: A previously unreported anatomic variation.

Preoperative recognition of the Onodi cell is necessary to avoid injury to closely associated structures, including the internal carotid artery and the optic nerve. This article describes the central Onodi cell, a variation in which a posterior ethmoid cell lies superior to the sphenoid sinus in a midline position with at least one optic canal bulge. To our knowledge, this anatomic variation has not been previously reported in the literature. Radiographic and endoscopic imaging of this unique variation is provided.

High-resolution computed tomography analysis of variations of the sphenoid sinus.

Purpose The sphenoid sinus is a complex structure with key variations that are important for endoscopic parasellar approaches. In this study, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were analyzed for the frequency of these variations. Methods A retrospective radiographic analysis was conducted on patients undergoing HRCT between July 2008 and September 2010. Results Sphenoid sinus pneumatization was defined as conchal, presellar, sellar, and postsellar based on pneumatization relative to the anterior and posterior face of the sella. The distribution ranged from 1.8%, 7.3%, 47.6%, and 43.3%, respectively. We found a greater preponderance of sellar and postsellar variation than previously reported. No differences were found in regard to age, gender, and ethnicity (African American, Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic) (p > 0.05). The prevalence of optic nerve, maxillary nerve, and internal carotid artery protrusion was 26.1%, 25.9%, and 28.2%, respectively, and dehiscence was 2.1%, 7.4%, and 2.9%, respectively. Accessory septae were present in 43.5% of cases. A lateral recess was identified in 72.4% and clinoid pneumatization in 20% of patients. Conclusion This study demonstrates a greater prevalence of sphenoid sinus pneumatization and variations than previously reported. This has important implications in terms of preparation and anticipation of possible variations to avoid complications.

High-resolution computed tomography analysis of the prevalence of Onodi cells.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Onodi cells are the posterior-most ethmoid air cells that lie superior to the sphenoid sinus. Identification of these cells is essential prior to endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery due to their intricate relationship with the optic nerves and carotid arteries, which may lead to deleterious complications. In this study, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans from 170 adult-patients were analyzed by two independent observers for the presence of Onodi cells. STUDY DESIGN: Radiographic analysis at a tertiary care medical center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing HRCT between July 2008 and September 2010. Incidence of Onodi cells and demographic data were collected. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Onodi cells in this cohort was 65.3%. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity showed a rate of Onodi cells of 83.3% in Asians, 73.1% in whites, 57.0% in African Americans, and 62.7% in Hispanics. The prevalence of Onodi cells was not significantly different among the different ethnicities (P > .05). However, this was limited by a small sample size in some ethnic groups. Onodi cell prevalence was equivalent among males and females: 62.2% and 63.5% respectively (P > .05). Overall, our results show a greater prevalence of Onodi cells than previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher prevalence of Onodi cells in our cohort than previously reported in the literature. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to anticipate the presence of these cells during endoscopic sinus and skull base procedures to prevent potential complications.

Management of hyoid bone fractures: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Fractures of the hyoid bone are rare occurrences. They are mainly caused by strangulation/asphyxiation injuries, trauma to the neck, and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). As a result of their rarity, proper treatment guidelines are not in place for dealing with these injuries. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted with the goal of identifying optimal management for patients with fracture of the hyoid bone. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and PubMed databases. REVIEW METHODS: The MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for patients diagnosed with hyoid bone fracture. Further cases were obtained from the bibliographies of relevant articles. Full-text articles were obtained. Patient presentation, method of diagnosis, treatment regimen, and outcomes are discussed. RESULTS: Forty-six cases were collected from 36 articles. No randomized controlled trials regarding treatment of hyoid fractures were found. The most common etiologies were MVA, assault, and neck trauma during athletic activities. Most common presenting symptoms included dysphagia, odynophagia, and pain upon neck rotation. Most frequent presenting signs included anterior neck tenderness and swelling. Five cases out of 46 had surgical repair of the fractured hyoid bone. In the remaining 41 cases, 26 were treated with conservative management, which included rest/observation, diet changes, and analgesia, while the other 15 cases required tracheotomy or surgical treatment for related injuries. All patients survived and had excellent outcomes with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: This review shows that direct surgical treatment of hyoid fractures was performed in only 10.9% of cases. Both conservative and surgical management yielded positive outcomes.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skull base osteomyelitis with occipital condylar cerebrospinal fluid leak in an immunocompetent patient.

Community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is emerging as an important pathogen in paranasal sinus disease. However, sinonasal CA-MRSA has not been reported as a source of central skull base osteomyelitis. We report an unusual case of a previously healthy and immunocompetent adult who developed meningitis, central skull base osteomyelitis, and occipital condylar cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea from CA-MRSA sphenoid sinusitis requiring endoscopic surgical repair. This case clearly demonstrates the expanding spectrum of severe infections caused by CA-MRSA, which requires prompt diagnosis, a high level of suspicion, and appropriate medical and/or surgical management.

Identification of adenoid biofilms with middle ear pathogens in otitis-prone children utilizing SEM and FISH.

OBJECTIVES: Biofilms have been implicated in the development of several chronic infections. We sought to demonstrate middle ear pathogens in adenoid biofilms using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). METHODS: Comparative micro-anatomic investigation of adenoid mucosa using SEM and FISH with confocal scanning laser microscopic (CLSM) imaging from patients with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). RESULTS: All otitis-prone children demonstrated biofilm surface area presence greater than 85% by SEM. FISH accompanied by CLSM imaging also demonstrated patchy biofilms All biofilms contained middle ear pathogens and were frequent in polymicrobial distributions: 4 of 6, 4 of 6 and 3 of 6 samples contained Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dense adenoid biofilms may act as a reservoir for reinfection of the tubotympanum. Aspiration of planktonic middle ear pathogens existing in resistant adenoid biofilms during a viral upper respiratory tract infection may be an important event in the development of RAOM.

Cartilage grafts in dorsal nasal augmentation of traumatic saddle nose deformity: a long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To document the long-term advantages and disadvantages of cartilage grafts used to correct traumatic saddle nose deformity. Additionally, to demonstrate functional improvement and cosmetic satisfaction with the use of this graft. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and prospective follow-up telephone survey of 20 patients after dorsal augmentation of saddle nose deformity secondary to trauma. METHODS: This is a single-surgeon, single-institution investigation within an academic tertiary care medical center. All patients presented for correction of saddle nose deformity after trauma, and cartilage grafts were used for augmentation of the dorsum. Minimum postoperative follow-up period of 1 year was required. A modified and expanded Nasal Obstructive Symptoms Evaluation survey, which included questions pertaining to the appearance of their nose, was used to assess both functional and cosmetic changes after surgery. RESULTS: Only 1 of the 20 patients was dissatisfied with the overall outcome. Three (15%) were extremely satisfied, 12 (60%) were very satisfied, three (15%) were somewhat satisfied, and one (5%) was indifferent. In terms of function, four (20%) experienced excellent relief in nasal obstruction, five (25%) moderate relief, four (20%) mild relief, and seven (35%) noted no difference. Regarding cosmesis, two (10%) noted excellent improvement, three (15%) moderate improvement, nine (45%) mild improvement, and five (25%) noted no significant change. One (5%) patient reported worsening due to tip edema. Mean follow-up time was 6.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous cartilage grafts are useful in the correction of mild to moderate traumatic saddle nose deformity. The graft is readily available, preserves long-term structural stability, and achieves functional and cosmetic satisfaction in most patients.