Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain infection in China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID-19 in China. Methods: This study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade-A hospitals in China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID-19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders. Results: Complete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms. Conclusions: The incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is high in China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, history of head-facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

IL-6 mediates olfactory dysfunction in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Immune-inflammatory response is a key element in the occurrence and development of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). As one of the core factors in immune-inflammatory responses, interleukin (IL)-6 is closely related to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. It may also play an important role in OD induced by diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019. However, there is no study has reported its role in OD in AR. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of IL-6 in AR-related OD, in an attempt to discover a new target for the prevention and treatment of OD in patients with AR. METHODS: Differential expression analysis was performed using the public datasets GSE52804 and GSE140454 for AR, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by obtaining the intersection points between these two datasets. IL-6, a common differential factor, was obtained by intersecting the DEGs with the General Olfactory Sensitivity Database (GOSdb) again. A model of AR mice with OD was developed by sensitizing with ovalbumin (OVA) to verify the reliability of IL-6 as a key factor of OD in AR and explore the potential mechanisms. Furthermore, a supernatant and microglia co-culture model of nasal mucosa epithelial cells stimulated by the allergen house dust mite extract Derp1 was established to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms of IL-6-mediated OD in AR. RESULTS: The level of IL-6 in the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb of AR mice with OD significantly increased and showed a positive correlation with the expression of olfactory bulb microglia marker Iba-1 and the severity of OD. In-vitro experiments showed that the level of IL-6 significantly increased in the supernatant after the nasal mucosa epithelial cells were stimulated by Derp1, along with significantly decreased barrier function of the nasal mucosa. The expression levels of neuroinflammatory markers IL-1ß and INOS increased after a conditioned culture of microglia with the supernatant including IL-6. Then knockdown (KD) of IL-6R by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of IL-1ß and INOS significantly diminished. CONCLUSION: IL-6 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of OD in AR, which may be related to its effect on olfactory bulb microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.

Brain response in asthma: the role of "lung-brain" axis mediated by neuroimmune crosstalk.

In addition to typical respiratory symptoms, patients with asthma are frequently accompanied by cognitive decline, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), sleep disorders, olfactory disorders, and other brain response manifestations, all of which worsen asthma symptoms, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate the burden on families and society. Therefore, studying the mechanism of neurological symptoms in patients with asthma is necessary to identify the appropriate preventative and therapeutic measures. In order to provide a comprehensive reference for related research, we compiled the pertinent literature, systematically summarized the latest research progress of asthma and its brain response, and attempted to reveal the possible "lung-brain" crosstalk mechanism and treatment methods at the onset of asthma, which will promote more related research to provide asthmatic patients with neurological symptoms new hope.

P2X7 receptor of microglia in olfactory bulb mediates the pathogenesis of olfactory dysfunction in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

The pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR)-related olfactory dysfunction (OD) remains unknown. Inhibiting microglial response in olfactory bulb (OB) can ameliorate AR-related OD, but no precise targets have been available. In this study, we established a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR and combined with the application of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-specific antagonists and cell culture in conditioned medium to investigate the role and mechanism of OB microglial P2X7R in AR-related OD. Serum IgE and IL-5 levels determined via ELISA and federated the number of nose-scratching to affirm the success of OVA-induced AR mouse model. Buried food pellet test was used to evaluate the olfactory function of mice. The changes of IBA1, GFAP, P2X7R, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, and CASPASE 1 were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were determined by the commercialized kit. The morphological changes of microglia were assessed using immunofluorescence staining and Sholl analysis. Findings showed that AR-related OD was associated with OB microglia-mediated imbalance between IL-1ß and IL-1Ra. Treatment with BBG improved the olfactory function in AR mice with restoring the balance between IL-1ß and IL-1Ra. In vitro, the conditioned medium obtained after HNEpC treatment with Der p1 could activate HMC3 to arise inflammatory reaction basing on "ATP-P2X7R-Caspase 1" axis, while inhibition of its P2X7R suppressed the reaction. In brief, microglial P2X7R in OB is a direct effector molecule in AR-related OD and inhibition of it may be a new strategy for the treatment of AR-related OD.

IL-1ß and Allergy: Focusing on Its Role in Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper airway immune-inflammation response mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) to allergens and can seriously affect the quality of life and work efficiency. Previous studies have shown that interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) acts as a key cytokine to participate in and promote the occurrence and development of allergic diseases. It has been proposed that IL-1ß may be a potential biomarker of AR. However, its definitive role and potential mechanism in AR have not been fully elucidated, and the clinical sample collection and detection methods were inconsistent among different studies, which have limited the use of IL-1ß as a clinical diagnosis and treatment marker for AR. This article systematically summarizes the research advances in the roles of IL-1ß in allergic diseases, focusing on the changes of IL-1ß in AR and the possible interventions. In addition, based on the findings by our team, we provided new insights into the use of IL-1ß in AR diagnosis and treatment, in an attempt to further promote the clinical application of IL-1ß in AR and other allergic diseases.

Brain response in allergic rhinitis: Profile and proposal.

In addition to typical nasal symptoms, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) will further lead to symptoms related to brain function such as hyposmia, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, memory loss, etc., which seriously affect the quality of life of patients and bring a heavy burden to the patient's family and society. Some scholars have speculated that there may be potential "nose-brain communication" mechanism in AR that rely on neuro-immunity. This mechanism plays an important role in AR-associated brain response process. However, no study has directly demonstrated which neural circuits will change in the connection between the nose and brain during the onset of AR, and the mechanism which underlines this question is also lack. Focusing on the topic of "nose-brain communication", this paper systematically summarizes the latest research progress between AR and related brain responses and discusses the mechanism of AR-related neurological phenotypes. Hope new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to ameliorate the brain function-related symptoms and improve the quality of life of AR patients will be developed.

Chinese Guideline on Allergen Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis: The 2022 Update.

In the last few decades, there has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in China, where it now affects approximately 250 million people. AR prevention and treatment include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, allergen immunotherapy (AIT), and patient education, among which AIT is the only curative intervention. AIT targets the disease etiology and may potentially modify the immune system as well as induce allergen-specific immune tolerance in patients with AR. In 2017, a team of experts from the Chinese Society of Allergy (CSA) and the Chinese Allergic Rhinitis Collaborative Research Group (C2AR2G) produced the first English version of Chinese AIT guidelines for AR. Since then, there has been considerable progress in basic research of and clinical practice for AIT, especially regarding the role of follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells in the pathogenesis of AR and the use of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in nasal secretions for the diagnosis of AR. Additionally, potential biomarkers, including TFR cells, sIgG4, and sIgE, have been used to monitor the incidence and progression of AR. Moreover, there has been a novel understanding of AIT during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Hence, there was an urgent need to update the AIT guideline for AR by a team of experts from CSA and C2AR2G. This document aims to serve as professional reference material on AIT for AR treatment in China, thus improving the development of AIT across the world.

Effects of chronic fluorosis on the brain.

This article reviews the effects of chronic fluorosis on the brain and possible mechanisms. We used PubMed, Medline and Cochraine databases to collect data on fluorosis, brain injury, and pathogenesis. A large number of in vivo and in vitro studies and epidemiological investigations have found that chronic fluorosis can cause brain damage, resulting in abnormal brain structure and brain function.Chronic fluorosis not only causes a decline in concentration, learning, and memory, but also has mental symptoms such as anxiety, tension, and depression. Several possible mechanisms that have been proposed: the oxidative stress and inflammation theory, neural cell apoptosis theory, neurotransmitter imbalance theory, as well as the doctrine of the interaction of fluorine with other elements. However, the specific mechanism of chronic fluorosis on brain damage is still unclear. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms via which chronic fluorosis causes brain damage is of great significance to protect the physical and mental health of people in developing countries, especially those living in the endemic areas of fluorosis. In brief, further investigation concerning the influence of fluoride on the brain should be conducted as the neural damage induced by it may bring about a huge problem in public health, especially considering growing environmental pollution.

Allergic Rhinitis and Depression: Profile and Proposal.

In addition to nasal symptoms, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) often experience mental and psychological disorders such as depression. Depression not only makes the treatment of AR more difficult and expensive but also poses a serious impact on the patients' daily activities and quality of life, thus bringing additional burden to the families and the society. Here we systematically review the recent research advances in the correlation between AR and depression, analyze the possible causes and mechanisms of depression in AR, summarize the current diagnosis and treatment strategies, and provide our insights into the AR-related depression; in addition, we introduce briefly the basic research status on AR-related depression. We hope that this review article will provide evidence for future studies.

Evaluation of the otolith function using c/oVEMPs in patients with Ménière's disease.

BACKGROUND: Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c/oVEMPs) reflect otolith function. Up-to-date, there are no published reports on the systemic evaluation of otolith function in Ménière's Disease (MD) nor are there any reports on the differences in VEMPs between patients with early and late stage MD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in c/oVEMPs between patients with MD and normal controls, as well as between patients with early and late stage MD. METHODS: Thirty patients with unilateral MD and thirty healthy subjects (as normal controls) were prospectively enrolled. c/oVEMPs using 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli were performed. VEMP tests were repeated 3 times on each subject to ensure reliability and reproducibility of responses. VEMPs were defined as present or absent. Abnormal VEMP was defined by lack of VEMP response. RESULTS: In the control group, abnormal cVEMPs and oVEMPs responses were detected in 6.67 and 3.34 % respectively. In MD patients (20 with early stage MD [ES-MD], 10 with late stage MD [LS-MD]), abnormal cVEMPs and oVEMPs responses were detected in 40 and 16.7 % respectively. More patients with MD showed abnormal responses in c/oVEMPs as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). cVEMPs was more often abnormal as compared to oVEMPs in MD patients (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in abnormal cVEMP responses between ES-MD patients (25 %) and LS-MD patients (70 %) (p < 0.05). Difference in abnormal oVEMP responses (ES-MD, 5 %; LS-MD, 40 %) was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increased occurrence of abnormal c/oVEMP recordings appeared in MD patients, possibly as a result of hydrops of the otolith. cVEMPs were more often abnormal in MD patients as compared to oVEMPs, suggesting that saccular dysfunction may be more common than utricular dysfunction. Furthermore, o/cVEMP abnormalities in the LS-MD group were significantly higher than those in the ES-MD group, suggesting the trend that otolith damage is gradually increasing with the aggravation of cochlear injury in MD.

Evaluation of the utricular and saccular function using oVEMPs and cVEMPs in BPPV patients.

BACKGROUND: It is well-known that ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) predominantly reflect utricular function whilst cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) reflect saccular function. To date, there are no published reports on the systemic evaluation of utricular and saccular function in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), nor are there any reports on the differences in VEMPs between patients with recurrent and non-recurrent BPPV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in cervical and ocular (c/o)VEMPs between patients with BPPV and normal controls, as well as between patients with recurrent and non-recurrent BPPV. METHODS: Thirty patients with posterior canal BPPV and 30 healthy subjects (as normal controls) were prospectively enrolled. cVEMP and oVEMP testing using 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli were performed on all. VEMP tests were repeated 3 times on each subject to ensure reliability and reproducibility of responses. VEMPs were defined as present or absent. Abnormal VEMP was defined by lack of VEMP response. RESULTS: In the control group, abnormal cVEMPs responses were detected in 6.67% and abnormal oVEMPs responses were detected in 3.34%. In BPPV patients (10 with recurrent BPPV, 20 with non-recurrent BPPV), abnormal cVEMPs responses were detected in 30% and abnormal oVEMPs responses were detected in 56.7%. More patients with BPPV showed abnormal responses in c/oVEMPs as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). oVEMPs was more often abnormal as compared to cVEMPs in BPPV patients (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between abnormal cVEMP responses in non-recurrent BPPV patients (25%) and recurrent BPPV patients (40%) (p > 0.05). Differences in abnormal oVEMP responses (non-recurrent BPPV, 40%; recurrent BPPV, 90%) were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increased occurrence of abnormal c/oVEMP recordings appeared in BPPV patients, possibly as a result of degeneration of the otolith macula. oVEMPs were more often abnormal in BPPV patients as compared to cVEMPs, suggesting that utricular dysfunction may be more common than saccular dysfunction. Furthermore, oVEMP abnormalities in the recurrent BPPV group were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrent BPPV group. Assessment of c/oVEMPs in BPPV patients may therefore be of prognostic value in predicting likelihood of BPPV recurrence.

[Treatment of pyriform sinus carcinoma involving the lateral wall].

OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss the clinical features, treatment, and efficacy of pyriform sinus carcinoma involving the lateral wall. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with pyriform sinus cancer involving the lateral wall (stage I 8, stage II 10, stage III 32, stage IV 27, according to UICC 2002 staging) were treated from Jun 1997 to Jun 2009 in the department of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery, Yuhuangding Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: Group one 17 cases, simply underwent radiation therapy (R group); Group two 60 cases underwent surgery plus postoperative radiation (SR group). All patients underwent radiotherapy 50-75 Gy. In SR group, hyoid area and lateral pharyngeal approaches were taken according to the lesions for resection. To repair the defects and reconstruct the functions of larynx and pharynx, regional roping in suture, fascial flap/muscular- fascial of strap muscles, glosso-flap, musculocutaneous flap of major pectoral muscle, joint split graft or heterologous (bovine) acellular dermal matrix were used respectively. RESULTS: In group R, the primary tumor and neck lymph node metastasis disappeared at the end of radiotherapy in 15 cases. For one case, the N3 cervical lymph nodes shrank, but failed in local control and died of systemic metastases after 7 months. For another case, the N2 neck lymph nodes significantly reduced after the full course of radiation, PET-CT and biopsy did not find the cancer, but the tumor grew again after 6 months, and died of a neck bleeding 11 months later. All repairing materials used were alive in SR group. Two cases developed postoperative wound infection, and 2 cases suffered from pharyngeal fistula. All patients retained laryngeal functions, and all patients in SR group recovered diet 12 - 30 days, the mean time was 15.6 days. Three and 5 year survival rates for all 77 patients were 59.1% and 41.4%. For stage I + stage II cases in SR group and R group, 3 and 5 year survival rates were 63.6%, 53.0% and 66.7%, 50.0% respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (χ(2) = 0.021, P = 0.884). For cases of stage III + stage IV of the SR group and R group, 3 and 5 year survival rates were 63.9%, 43.7%, 16.4%, and 0. There was a very significant difference (χ(2) = 20.496, P = 0.000); all cases in SR group and in R group for 3, 5-year survival rates were 63.6%, 45.8%, 41.5%, and 24.9% respectively. There was also a significant stastical difference (χ(2) = 4.644, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Pyriform sinus carcinoma involving the lateral wall is characterized with scattered growth on the surface of mucous or submucously, tending to invade lamina cartilaginis thyroidea. Simple radiotherapy can get better therapeutic effect for early stage cases. The comprehensive therapy measures should be taken in advanced cases, especially those with surgical indications should be taken to surgery plus radiotherapy. For the purpose of excising the tumor thoroughly and preserving good laryngeal functions, proper operative approaches and ways of repairing should be selected.

[Surgery and function reconstruction of laryngeal cancer involved supraglottic and glottis area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgery preserving epiglottis, the repair and the postoperative functions in laryngeal carcinoma involving supraglottic and glottic areas. METHODS: A total of 97 cases with laryngeal cancer involving both supraglottic and glottic areas with normal epiglottis underwent surgery between June 2005 and December 2010 was reviewed. Of them 37 cases were stage II, 41 cases were stage III, and 19 cases were stage IV. Vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) or extended VPL with the repair and functional reconstruction was carried out in 86 cases and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in 11 cases. Postoperative survival rate, laryngeal functions and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: The 3-year and 5-year total cumulative survival rate (Kaplan-Meire survival analysis) were 87.1% and 69.6% in the 97 cases; 86.6% and 68.3% in VPL/EVPL group; 90.0% and 78.8% in CHEP group, respectively, with no significant difference between VPL/EVPL and CHEP groups (P > 0.05). Of 97 cases, 86(88.7%) cases were decannulated postoperatively. The rates of decannulation were 87.2% (75/86) in VPL/EVPL group and 100% (11/11) in CHEP group, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Average oral diet recovery time of VPL/EVPL group and CHEP group was (5.2 ± 1.3) and (15.7 ± 5.2) days, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.01). Voice evaluation showed the mean maximum phonation time of VPL/EVPL group was shorter than that of CHEP group (P < 0.01) and the S/Z ratio of VPL/EVPL group was higher than that of CHEP group (P < 0.01). Perceptual voice evaluation GRBAS ratings showed patients in VPL/EVPL group had higher G and B ratings compared to patients in CHEP group (P < 0.01), but no significant difference in R-rating between two groups (P > 0.05). Voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) scores of VPL/EVPL and CHEP groups were 29.5 ± 4.7 and 31.6 ± 6.3, respectively, no significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with the laryngeal carcinoma involving both supraglottic and glottic areas, VPL has better anatomical and functional outcomes than CHEP. The preservation of at least 2/3 of the lamina of thyroid cartilage on one side and shift-down of epiglottis were key to successful VPL and postoperative decannulation.

[Resection and one-stage repair of basal cell carcinoma of external nose].

OBJECTIVE: To present the method of resection and one-stage repair of basal cell carcinoma of external nose. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with basal cell carcinoma of external nose were hospitalized and underwent surgeries from January 2002 to June 2010. The defects after resection were as follows: 1 partial defect of soft tissue of lateral ala nasi, associated defect of ala nasi margin, total defect of ala nasi, defect of soft tissue of apex nasi, defect of apex nasi and ala nasi, defect of the bridge of the nose. Various flaps were applied according to the degree of defects. With nasal parabolic sulci and nasolabial sulcus as the center, different flaps were used, including advanced skin flap, pedicle tunnel island flap of nasolabial sulcus, and flip flap of nasolabial sulcus, forehead axial flap, dissociated auricle compound soft tissue flap for one-stage repair respectively. RESULTS: Two flaps failed because of thanatosis after the surgeries. One flap mostly was a necrosis with the upper small part survived. A marginal partial necrosis of the flap appeared in 2 patients. Two fixing nasal apex and nasal wing suffered a partial circum exfoliation. All other 55 flaps were successfully implanted with satisfying looks and breathing functions with the exception of 1 complaining about obvious nasal obstruction. The rest were followed up for 6 months to 8 years with no relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the tumors of external nose are basaloma, and the margin of safety should be secured during the operation with Mohn's surgery, and once thoroughly resected, there are barely relapses, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy is unnecessary. Pedicled skin flaps can be used as in one-stage repairing of the defect of external nose, with high rate of success and close color shade and good outcome.

[Effect of hyoid suspension with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the methodology and therapeutic effect of hyoid suspension in association with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with severe OSAHS (apnea hyponea index, AHI > 30) were treated with hyoid suspension and UPPP. Sixty-one patients were followed for 6 months (48 of them for 12 months). Polysomnogram (PSG) tests were performed and an Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively in these patients. RESULTS: After the surgery,the snoring of the patients disappeared or was alleviated to varing degrees. Eighteen patients underwent fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examination. Twelve of them showed palatopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal stenosis was improved 6 months after surgery. Six patients showed no change, but had no glossoptosis. Fourteen patients underwent fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examination 1 year after surgery, with no recurrence of the stenosis being found. A decrease of 50% in the AHI was considered effective, and in patients the effective rate was 78.7% (48/61) 6 months after the operation and 75.0% (36/48) 1 year after the operation. The average AHI decreased from 44.8 to 15.1 and 17.2, and the minimum arterial oxygen saturation average increased from 0.512 to 0.880 and 0.730. Matching t tests were utilized and the results of follow-up indicated that there was a significant improvement in the indexes in those cases which could be followed up (P < 0.01). The average of the ESS was 6.7 six months after operation and 7.2 one year after operation, with a significant decrease compared to the preoperative (16.6) data (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Modified hyoid suspension in association with UPPP has the advantage of a simple operation, short hospitalization and less expense, and the effect of the operation was significant. Patients with palatopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal stenosis should be chosen for this operation.

[Endoscopic removal of ethmoid osteomas under navigation guidance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the minimally-invasive ablation of osteomas of the ethmoid sinuses endonasally. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done in 19 patients (15 male, 4 female, aged between 14 - 67, medium 37) diagnosed as osteomas of ethmoid sinuses hospitalized from April 2005 to October 2009. All patients underwent sixteen-detector row computed tomography scan and 3D reconstruction preoperatively. All underwent operation with the help of navigation system and nasal endoscope. RESULTS: The ethmoid osteoma in all 19 patients was removed successfully with endoscope and navigation system. Two open procedures (1 through superciliary arch incision and 1 through labiogingival incision) were performed to assist the removal of the tumor, 17 tumors were removed under endoscopic and navigation guidance. In 5 patients whose osteoma was localized or with the diameter no more than 2 cm, these osteomas were removed endonasally with the help of navigation system. The osteomas in 2 patients was found to have narrow basilar part and relatively dissociative were removed from oral cavity after abscisin the basilar part. The osteomas in 12 patients were found to have basilar part connected with ante-meso skull base, lamina papyracea, orbital apex, cranialis opticus, fossa orbitalis bone, these osteomas were removed using electric drill with the guidance of navigation system. All patients were followed up from 8 to 64 months, and were asymptomatic (1 patient who suffered from amblyopia had the symptom disappeared, 2 patients suffered from prosopo-eminence, 1 patient was asymptomatic and 1 patient was feeling better). Two patients underwent removal of crista galli, 1 of them suffered from postoperative cerebro-spinal rhinorrhea, and recovered after endoscopic repairing procedure and iodoform gauze packing and recovered 15 days later. Two patients who underwent removal of crista galli suffered from anosmia and never recovered after 9 and 26 months follow-up. One patient with enormous osteoma suffered from repeated crusting and abnormal odor, and recovered after nasal flushing. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ablation of osteomas of the ethmoid sinuses with the guidance of navigation system is an accurate, secure, minimally-invasive procedure. Osteomas on median line and localized in ethmoid sinus is an indication of this operation. Preoperative CT scan is a safeguard for an accurate operation.