International assessment of inter- and intrarater reliability of the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification system.

BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies in the nomenclature of structures of the frontal sinus have impeded the development of a validated "reference standard" classification system that surgeons can reliably agree upon. The International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) system was developed as a consensus document, based on expert opinion, attempting to address this issue. The purposes of this study are to: establish the reliability of the IFAC as a tool for classifying cells in the frontal recess among an international group of rhinologists; and improve communication and teaching of frontal endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: Forty-two computed tomography (CT) scans, each with a marked frontal cell, were reviewed by 15 international fellowship-trained rhinologists. Each marked cell was classified into 1 of 7 categories described in the IFAC, on 2 occasions separated by 2 weeks. Inter- and intrarater reliability were evaluated using Light's kappa (κ), the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and simple proportion of agreement. RESULTS: Interrater reliability showed pairwise κ values ranging from 0.7248 to 1.0, with a mean of 0.9162 (SD, 0.0537). The ICC was 0.98. Intrarater reliability showed κ values ranging from 0.8613 to 1.0, with a mean of 0.9407 (SD, 0.0376). The within-rater ICC was 0.98. CONCLUSION: Among a diverse sample of rhinologists (raters), there was substantial to almost perfect agreement between raters, and among individual raters at different timepoints. The IFAC is a reliable tool for classification of cells in the frontal sinus. Further outcome studies are still needed to determine the validity of the IFAC.

Comparison between endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy by using the Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Epiphora has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and is commonly caused by nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has traditionally been performed via an external approach, which involves a skin incision. With the advent of endoscopes, the endonasal approach to DCR has gained significant popularity. METHOD: To prospectively compare the quality of life of adult patients who underwent either an endonasal or an external DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q) was administered before and after surgery. The treatment group assignment was nonrandom and performed based on patient preference. The Lac-Q is a validated questionnaire that assesses the subjective perception of one's well-being from an eye-specific symptom and social impact standpoint. Total scores range from 0 (no concerns) to 33 (maximal degree of ocular symptoms and social impact). RESULTS: Sixty patients (22 in the endonasal group, 38 in the external group) were recruited between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016. Postoperative assessment was performed at 3 and 6 months. Patients who underwent external DCR reported a median 7.0-point improvement (interquartile range [IQR], 3.0-11.0) in total Lac-Q scores. A 12.0-point improvement (IQR, 10.0-18.5) was seen in the endonasal group (p = 0.005). The median change in the social impact score was 3.0 and 4.0 in the external group and the endoscopic group, respectively (p = 0.029). Changes in the median lacrimal symptom score were 4.0 in the external group and 8.0 in the endoscopic group (p = 0.014). The anatomic patency rate was lower in the external group (60.0%) when compared with the endonasal group (90.4%). Patients in the external DCR group were significantly older (median age, 51 versus 41 years). CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that both endonasal and external DCR can lead to improvement in quality of life by using a validated questionnaire. Although there are differences in age and anatomic success rates between the two groups, subgroup analyses indicated that the differences in the Lac-Q scores persisted when age and anatomic patency were removed as potential confounding factors. Further larger, randomized studies would be helpful.

Optimum time for intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide in children without any premedication.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous cannulation is usually done in children after inhalational induction with volatile anesthetic agents. The optimum time for safe intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide has been studied in premedicated children, but there is no information for the optimum time for cannulation with inhalational induction in children without premedication. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the optimum time for intravenous cannulation after the induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide in children without any premedication. METHODS: This is a prospective, observer-blinded, up-and-down sequential allocation study in unpremedicated ASA grade 1 children aged 2-6 years undergoing elective dental surgery. Intravenous cannulation was attempted after inhalational induction with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide. The timing of cannulation was considered adequate if there was no movement, coughing, or laryngospasm. The cannulation attempt for the first child was set at 4 minutes after the loss of eyelash reflex and the time for intravenous cannulation was determined by the up-and-down method using 15 seconds as step size. Probit test was used to analyze the up-down sequences for the study. RESULTS: The adequate time for effective cannulation after induction with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide in 50% and 95% of patients was 53.02 seconds (95% confidence limits, 20.23-67.76 seconds) and 87.21 seconds (95% confidence limits, 70.77-248.03 seconds), respectively. CONCLUSION: We recommend waiting for 1 minute 45 seconds (105 seconds) after the loss of eyelash reflex before attempting intravenous cannulation in pediatric patients induced with sevoflurane, oxygen, and nitrous oxide without any premedication.

Objective sinonasal functional outcomes in endoscopic anterior skull-base surgery: an evidence-based review with recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The use of endoscopic endonasal approaches to the anterior skull base has dramatically expanded in recent years, with clinical endpoints and complication rates that compare favorably to traditional approaches. The impact of the endoscopic approach on sinonasal function has been less rigorously evaluated. The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the literature evaluating objective sinonasal outcomes in endoscopic anterior skull-base surgery, and provide evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed based on a published guideline for developing an evidence-based review with recommendations. Objective sinonasal outcomes included were olfaction, mucociliary clearance, and nasal airflow. RESULTS: Ten articles were identified addressing objective olfactory outcomes: 2 randomized controlled trials; 6 cohort studies; and 2 retrospective case series. One cohort study investigating mucociliary clearance was identified. Six studies reporting postoperative endoscopic outcomes were identified. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, nasoseptal flap (NSF) elevation with or without use in reconstruction likely leads to impairment in objective olfactory function. Endoscopic sellar and parasellar surgery without the elevation of an NSF may lead to a transient reduction in olfactory function. In the absence of a high a priori risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, it is an option to avoid routine NSF elevation in sellar and parasellar procedures, with preservation of at least 1 vascular pedicle during the approach. Monopolar electrocautery for mucosal incisions may increase the risk of olfactory impairment. If an NSF is used, donor site defect reconstruction may be considered.

Endoscopic endonasal resection of large skull base schwannoma.

Schwannomas of the skull base can pose a surgical challenge due to their anatomical location. To date extensive craniofacial approaches have had to be used to access these lesions. We present a patient where an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach was used to address a large skull base schwannoma with good results. The approach confers significantly less morbidity and a substantially shorter hospital stay.

Patient-reported nasal morbidity following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the frequency and severity of nasal morbidity following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery using patient-reported outcome measures. METHODS: Retrospective review and follow-up of all patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery at University Hospital Southampton between January 2007 and December 2011. Demographic data were collated from case notes and patients were asked a standardised questionnaire by telephone interview. Statistical sub-analysis of pituitary and other anterior skull base pathology groups was performed using SPSS 1.8. RESULTS: Out of 151 included patients, 85 had a pituitary pathology and the remaining had other anterior skull base pathologies. The mean age was 55.2 years, with 75 male and 76 female patients. Totally 124 patients were interviewed with a median follow-up of 15 months. Mild or no nasal crusting was reported by 77% of patients. In those experiencing crusting, more than 50% resolved within 4 weeks. The majority of patients reported no nasal blockage (52%), pain (83%) or nasal discharge (57%) post-operatively. Totally 71% reported no change in sense of smell post-operatively. The only statistically significant difference between the two pathology groups was that surgery on other anterior skull base pathology was associated with an increased rate of developing anosmia (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery is associated with a low level of patient-reported post-operative nasal morbidity. There is no significant difference in frequency of crusting, blockage, pain or discharge between pituitary and other anterior skull base pathology groups. However, anterior skull base surgery would appear to be associated with an increased rate of anosmia post-operatively.

Headache and high ESR: A cautionary tale.

A 69-year-old woman with new persistent right temporal headache and high ESR was diagnosed with temporal arteritis in primary care. She was started on steroids, but developed a right 6th nerve palsy with continuing headache and raised inflammatory markers. Investigation revealed a sphenoid sinus abscess with intracranial extension and extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The abscess was drained endoscopically and she was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation. Over the course of two months she made a complete recovery.

Primary cultures of human vestibular schwannoma: selective growth of schwannoma cells.

OBJECTIVE: To establish primary vestibular schwannoma (VS) cultures that selectively favor the growth of schwannoma cells. BACKGROUND: The lack of a suitable in vitro model of human VS cells has directly limited the progress of research on tumorigenesis and therapy. The problems of establishing pure VS culture include control of fibroblast proliferation. Current efforts to extend VS cell life span using viral oncogenes, by conferring the ability to proliferate in vitro, will yield cells intrinsically different from in vivo VS tumors. Much more desirable is the ability to culture VS cells without cellular transformation. METHODS: Tumor specimens from 17 patients were processed for cell culture and grown at 37 degrees C with 5% CO2 and 100% humidity. Key modifications limiting fibroblast proliferation included using selective medium without L-valine, supplemented by Nu-Serum for at least a week; the use of cytosine arabinoside to kill contaminating fibroblasts; and using the Dulbecco modified medium, supplemented with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and 10% fetal calf serum after the initial serum-free period. RESULTS: Twelve of 17 VS were successfully cultured. The presence of schwannoma cells and the absence of fibroblasts were confirmed immunohistochemically using S100 and CD90 markers, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated typical spindle-shaped cells and the presence of "fibrous long-spacing collagen." CONCLUSION: We describe a method for obtaining short-term, essentially fibroblast-free, primary VS cultures. Such pure VS cultures, retaining in vivo characteristics, are extremely useful as an in vitro model to study the pathobiology of schwannoma cells.

Endoscopic anterior ethmoidal artery ligation: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the radiologic and endoscopic anatomy of the anterior ethmoidal canal (AEC) and feasibility of endoscopic ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA). STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a prospective analysis of computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses and endoscopic cadaver dissection. METHODS: Twenty-two cadaver heads had CT scans of the paranasal sinuses. The height of the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate was calculated and staged according to the Keros staging system. The presence of a bony mesentery, distance from AEC to the skull base, and dehiscence of the AEC were documented. Forty-four dissections were performed, the AECs identified, and AEA ligation attempted. RESULTS: The mean height of the lateral lamella was 5.4 mm on the right and 4.7 mm on the left. In all cadaver heads with asymmetry, the right lateral lamella was longer (P<.005). A Keros type 1 pattern was seen in 23%, type 2 in 50%, and type 3 in 27%. Thirty-six percent of AECs were in a bony mesentery. AEC distance from the skull base was greater on the right (P<.009). A longer lateral lamella was correlated with the artery being in a mesentery. Sixteen percent of the AECs were dehiscent. Sixty-six percent of AEAs were unable to be clipped. Twenty percent were clipped effectively, all in a mesentery. In 14%, the AEA was not effectively clipped. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic AEA ligation may be possible in some patients. The AEA should be in a mesentery for an effective clip to be placed and be associated with a dehiscence of the AEC. If the lateral lamella is classified as Keros grade 2 or 3, it is likely the AEC will be found in a mesentery.

Effect of using multiple culture media for the diagnosis of noninvasive fungal sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the relative efficiency of three different culture media for isolating fungi in patients suspected of having noninvasive fungal sinusitis. METHODS: A prospective study was performed of 209 operative samples of sinus "fungal-like" mucin from 134 patients on 171 occasions and processed for microscopy and fungal culture in Sabouraud's dextrose agar, potato dextrose agar, and broth media. RESULTS: Ninety-three (69%) of 134 patients had evidence of fungal infection. Two-thirds of patients had negative microscopy samples yet 56% of these went on to positive cultures. Forty-five percent cultured Aspergillus genus. Discrepancy between the fungi cultured in different media and on different occasions was common. With a single culture medium up to 19% of patients and 15% of samples would have been falsely labeled fungal negative. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number and type of fungal culture media used increases the number and range of fungal isolates from mucin in patients with the features of fungal sinusitis. Negative specimen microscopy is unreliable. All specimens should be cultured in multiple media and on multiple occasions when fungal sinusitis is suspected.

Correlation between preoperative symptom scores, quality-of-life questionnaires, and staging with computed tomography in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the correlation between preoperative symptoms, quality-of-life questionnaires (chronic sinusitis survey and 20-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test [SNOT-20]), and staging on computer tomography (CT). It consisted of a prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients undergoing surgery for medically nonresponsive chronic sinusitis, which took place at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-one patients completed the Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) questionnaire and the SNOT-20. A visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score was completed also. The average age of the patients was 44.5 years and the male/female ratio was 1.3:1. The symptom scores of all three questionnaires were compared with the Lund-MacKay CT scan score of the sinuses. RESULTS: The median Lund-MacKay CT score was 12 (mean +/- SD, 12.7 +/- 5.7). There was no significant correlation between the SNOT-20 questionnaire and the Lund-MacKay CT score (p = 0.026; p = 0.764) and between the CSS and the Lund-MacKay CT score (p = -0.158; p = 0.058). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between a single VAS symptom score relating to overall sinonasal symptom severity and the Lund-MacKay CT scan score (p = 0.135; p = 0.121). However, a weak but statistically significant correlation was found between the VAS score based on the sum of five sinonasal symptoms and the Lund-MacKay CT scan score (p = 0.197; p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: The score, based on the sum of five sinonasal VAS symptoms, correlates to the disease severity as measured by the Lund-MacKay CT scan score. The SNOT-20 questionnaire and the CSS symptom score do not correlate to the Lund-MacKay CT scan score, although a correlation was found between the CSS score and the Lund-MacKay CT score in various sub-groups of our patient population.

Role of local immunoglobulin E production in the pathophysiology of noninvasive fungal sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated hypersensitivity to fungi has been postulated to explain allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Not all patients suspected to have AFS demonstrate systemic evidence of allergy. Locally produced IgE might explain those patients with no systemic evidence of allergy but clinical features of AFS. The aim was to determine whether fungal-specific IgE could be demonstrated in sinus mucin in patients with eosinophilic mucin rhino-sinusitis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary rhinology practice in Adelaide, South Australia. METHODS: : Eighty-six consecutive patients with nasal polyposis and thick, colored macroscopically "fungal-like" sinus mucin at time of surgery for chronic sinusitis were entered in the study. The sinus mucin was liquefied and underwent testing for fungal-specific IgE (Pharmacia UniCAP) and fungal culture. Serum fungal-specific and total IgE, eosinophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were measured. RESULTS: Fifty-six (65%) patients were fungal culture positive, and 37% had a detectable fungal-specific IgE in sinus mucin. Data were available to classify 81 patients: AFS = 24 (30%), AFS-like = 6 (7%), nonallergic eosinophilic fungal sinusitis = 32 (40%), nonallergic, nonfungal eosinophilic sinusitis = 19 (23%). Patients with AFS were significantly more likely to have fungal-specific IgE in sinus mucin (17/24, 71%, P =.02). In all fungal culture-positive patients, positive mucin fungal-specific IgE was significantly associated with systemic fungal allergy (P =.005), but a raised total serum IgE was not. Six (19%) of the 32 patients with positive fungal cultures but negative serum fungal-specific IgE had a positive mucin fungal-specific IgE, suggesting that they may be reclassified as AFS. The mean ECP and total IgE were raised most significantly in the AFS subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that fungal-specific IgE may be demonstrated in sinus mucin. It was significantly associated with systemic fungal allergy and may play a role in a minority of fungal sinusitis patients in the absence of systemic fungal allergy.

The effect of beta-blocker premedication on the surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A number of previous studies have tried to assess the effects of hypotension on the surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery. These studies have been limited by inadequate sample sizes, lack of a control group, and limited data collection. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the routine use of beta-blockers as a pre-medication could improve the operative field in endoscopic sinus surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery who fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to receive either a beta-blocker, Metoprolol (group 1), or a placebo tablet (group 2) 30 minutes before surgery. A standard anesthetic protocol was followed. At the commencement of surgery and at regular 15-minute intervals the surgical field, blood loss, heart rate, blood pressure, and isoflurane concentration were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in overall mean heart rate between the placebo and beta-blocker groups (P <.0001). In the entire group, surgical grade correlated with heart rate (r = 0.36, P <.05) but not with mean arterial blood pressure. Mean surgical grade was similar between the placebo and beta-blocker groups, but early in the study a significantly better surgical field was recorded in the beta-blocker group (P <.001). Surgical grade was significantly better in those with a mean heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (P <.02). CONCLUSION: Although "optimum" conditions were present in the patients receiving beta-blocker, the authors thought that the grading system was not discriminating enough to demonstrate a significant difference between the groups. The crucial finding in the study was the correlation between heart rate and surgical grade in the entire group. During endoscopic sinus surgery surgery, anesthetic manipulations should be directed at maintaining a low heart rate.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor expression in aural polyps: predictor of cholesteatoma?

The cytokine, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptors (FGFR) have a pivotal role in wound repair and have been demonstrated in the perimatrix of active cholesteatoma. Aural polyps are a recognized inflammatory reaction of middle-ear mucosa to cholesteatoma, but may arise in its absence. This study examines 28 archival aural polyp specimens, seeking an increased expression for FGFR1 and FGFR3 in polyps associated with cholesteatoma, when compared with those arising in non-cholesteatomatous, mucosal disease, but produced a null result. There was no difference demonstrated in staining intensity between those polyps associated with cholesteatoma and those without. There was a strong correlation between staining patterns of FGFR1 and FGFR3 (r = 0.4, p <0.03). The expression pattern, of nuclear and perinuclear localization, may support the view that nuclear translocation of growth factors, and their receptors, could be related to the cellular proliferation that is associated with cholesteatoma.

Modified endoscopic lothrop as a salvage for the failed osteoplastic flap with obliteration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified endoscopic Lothrop (MEL) procedure for the management of failed osteoplastic flap (OPF) with obliteration of the frontal sinuses. SETTING: Adelaide University Academic Hospital Complex. STUDY TYPE: Prospective case study of 16 patients presenting with symptoms after OPF with obliteration of the frontal sinuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients presented with symptoms of frontal sinus pain after having previously undergone OPF and fat obliteration of the frontal sinuses. All patients underwent computed tomography scanning; 13 underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and 6 underwent a bone scan with technetium to exclude frontal osteitis. All patients underwent exploration of the frontal sinuses by way of the MEL procedure. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were found to have a frontal sinus mucocele, whereas one patient had no mucocele with only new bone and fibrous tissue found at the MEL procedure. Twelve of the 16 patients with mucoceles had resolution of their frontal headaches, with 15 having a patent and healthy communication between the mucocele and the nasal cavity. The one patient without a mucocele continues to have frontal pain. One patient underwent a successful MEL procedure but had persistent symptoms until a supraorbital ethmoid mucocele was removed at a revision procedure. Two other patients continued to have frontal headaches and pain despite a healthy ostium into the frontal sinus mucocele. CONCLUSIONS: MEL is a viable alternative to revision OPF for symptomatic patients who are shown to have a mucocele of the frontal sinuses.

Prevalence of noninvasive fungal sinusitis in South Australia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of noninvasive fungal sinusitis in patients with chronic sinusitis and thick viscous secretions in South Australia. METHODS: We studied of 349 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery in a specialized rhinology practice. Patients with nasal polyposis and thick fungal-like sinus mucin had operative samples sent for microscopy and fungal culture. Evidence of atopy was taken as positive radioallergosorbent or skin-prick tests to fungi. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four (38%) patients were noted to have thick, viscid sinus mucin, raising suspicion of fungal disease. Ninety-three patients had positive fungal cultures or microscopy (26.6%). It was possible to classify 95.5% of the patients into subgroups of noninvasive fungal sinusitis or nonfungal sinusitis: 8.6% of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis, 1.7% of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis-like sinusitis, 15.2% of patients with chronic fungal sinusitis, one patient with a fungal ball, and the remaining 69% of patients with nonfungal chronic sinusitis. CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of these increasingly widely recognized conditions. It highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be alert to these not uncommon diagnoses in order for early, appropriate medical and surgical management to be instituted.

Endoscopic removal of sinonasal inverted papilloma including endoscopic medial maxillectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Surgical excision is regarded as the treatment of choice for sinonasal inverted papilloma. Resection can be performed endoscopically or through an external approach. Debate exists about which approach to use. The study presents different endoscopic techniques for various tumor locations and reviews the results. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study and an integrated literature review. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients with inverted papilloma who underwent endoscopic surgical excision, including medial maxillectomies and modified Lothrop procedures, were analyzed. Preoperative symptoms, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, operative findings, tumor stage, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen male and four female patients presented with inverted papilloma between December 1993 and October 2001. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (50%). Sixty-five percent of tumors were either stage II or stage III. Endoscopic resection was the primary treatment in 14 patients. Of the three patients who were secondarily treated endoscopically, one had recurrence and was subsequently found to have focus of squamous cell carcinoma. The overall recurrence rate was 6% and the incidence of malignancy was 6% (1 of 17). Recurrence rate for primary resections was zero (0 of 14). Five patients underwent endoscopic medial maxillectomies, and one patient with frontal sinus inverted papilloma was successfully treated with a modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a viable treatment alternative for sinonasal inverted papilloma. Recurrence rates for primary treatment are comparable to external approaches. Close follow-up of patients is mandatory because recurrence may be associated with malignancy.