Clinical significance of type IV vascularization of laryngeal lesions according to the Ni classification.

Background: Scattered, small, dot-like intraepithelial papillary capillary loops (IPCLs) represent type IV epithelial vascularization according to "Ni classification" and are considered to be nonmalignant. According to the European Laryngological Society classification, these loops are malignant vascular changes. This contradiction has high clinical importance; therefore, clarification of the clinical significance of type IV vascularization according to the Ni classification is needed. Methods: The study was performed between June 2015 and December 2022. All recruited patients (n = 434) were symptomatic, with macroscopic laryngeal lesions (n = 674). Patients were investigated using the enhanced endoscopic methods of narrow band imaging (NBI) and the Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (IMAGE1 S). The microvascular patterns in the lesions were categorized according to Ni classification from 2011 and all lesions were examined histologically. Results: A total of 674 lesions (434 patients) were investigated using flexible NBI endoscopy and IMAGE1 S endoscopy. Type IV vascularization was recognized in 293/674 (43.5%) lesions. Among these 293 lesions, 178 (60.7%) were benign (chronic laryngitis, hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, polyps, cysts, granulomas, Reinkeho oedema and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis); 9 (3.1%) were squamous cell carcinoma; 61 (20.8%) were mildly dysplastic, 29 (9.9%) were moderately dysplastic, 14 (4.8%) were severe dysplastic and 2 (0.7%) were carcinoma in situ. The ability to recognize histologically benign lesions in group of nonmalignant vascular pattern according to Ni (vascularization type I-IV) and distinguish them from precancers and malignancies was with accuracy 75.5%, sensitivity 54.4%, specificity 94.4%, positive predictive value 89.6% and negative predictive value 69.9%. Conclusion: Laryngeal lesions with type IV vascularization as defined by Ni present various histological findings, including precancerous and malignant lesions. Patients with type IV vascularization must be followed carefully and, in case of progression mucosal lesion microlaryngoscopy and excision are indicated.

Chondrosarcoma of the Thyroid Cartilage Successfully Treated With Partial Resection of the Thyroid Cartilage.

Chondrosarcoma of the thyroid cartilage is a sporadic disease with nonspecific clinical presentation. Smooth swelling of the supraglottic area should arouse suspicion of possible pathology. In addition to laryngoceles, which usually do not have a significant impact, otolaryngologists should consider chondrosarcoma of the thyroid cartilage and indicate computed tomography (CT). Late diagnosis leads to worse prognosis, particularly worse voice after more extensive surgery, need for tracheostomy, and worse survival from higher degree chondrosarcomas.

Economic aspects of multiple myeloma: real costs associated with disease in the Slovak Republic.

Health care costs are continuously increasing. Multiple myeloma represents approximately 1% of all malignancies and the 5-year prevalence is 230,000 patients on average. In addition, there is an annual incidence of 3.8/100,000 in Slovakia. In total economic burden assessment, it is important to focus not only on direct but also on indirect costs, including the lost productivity due to premature death. Based on the data and information obtained from the key stakeholders the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor, the Social Insurance Agency, and NCZI, we provided the assessment of direct and indirect costs. The total cost of the disease for the model patient represents €409,071 from the diagnosis of MM to death. The major cost burden is associated with the treatment, €155,645 followed by the costs of productivity loss due to premature death, €127,611. Cost-of-illness studies provide an important view on the total burden of the disease in specific areas and are necessary for an adequate decision-making process from the regulatory and reimbursement perspective.

Middle Ear Adenoma Imitating Late Postoperative Complication.

Here, we present a rare case of middle ear adenoma in a 58-year-old female, which uniquely presented as an unstable open cavity after an endaural atticoantrotomy. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the tumor produced endocrine and exocrine secretions. The tumor was radically surgically removed.