Post-COVID-19 Hyposmia Does Not Exhibit Main Neurodegeneration Markers in the Olfactory Pathway.

The biological substrate of persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia is still unclear. However, as many neurodegenerative diseases present with smell impairment at onset, it may theoretically reflect degeneration within the central olfactory circuits. However, no data still exist regarding the post-COVID-19 patients. As the olfactory neurons (ONs) mirror pathological changes in the brain, allowing for tracking the underlying molecular events, here, we performed a broad analysis of ONs from patients with persistent post-COVID-19 OD to identify traces of potential neurodegeneration. ONs were collected through the non-invasive brushing of the olfactory mucosa from ten patients with persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia (lasting > 6 months after infection) and ten age/sex-matched controls. Immunofluorescence staining for protein quantification and RT-PCR for gene expression levels were combined to measure ONs markers of α-synuclein, amyloid-ß, and tau pathology, axonal injury, and mitochondrial network. Patients and controls had similar ONs levels of oligomeric α-synuclein, amyloid-ß peptide, tau protein, neurofilament light chain (NfL), cytochrome C oxidase subunit 3 (COX3), and the heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Our findings thus did not provide evidence for synucleinopathy and amyloid-ß mismetabolism or gross traces of neuronal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction within the olfactory system in the early phase of persistent post-COVID-19 hyposmia.

Angioleiomyoma of the Sinonasal Tract: A Systematic Review of an Uncommon Clinicopathological Entity.

Introduction Angioleiomyoma is a rare neoplasm that represents ∼ 0.2 % of all head and neck benign tumors and ∼ 2% of total cases of tumors of the sinonasal tract. It was once considered a possible subtype of leiomyoma, but, in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue tumors, it is accepted as a singular entity. Objective To systematically review the existing literature on angioleiomyoma in the light of the new classification of soft tissue tumors. Data Synthesis The present study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive search in the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was performed in January 2022. The search items included the following keywords: nasal angioleiomyoma OR sinonasal angioleiomyoma OR nasal vascular leiomyoma OR sinonasal vascular leiomyoma . A total of 87 patients were evaluated. He age of the patients in the studies ranged from 15 to 88 years (mean age at diagnosis: 55.6 years). The most common site of involvement was the nasal septum (28.4 %), followed by the inferior turbinate (22.5%). The most common symptom was nasal obstruction (66.7%), followed by epistaxis (47.1%). Surgical excision represented the main treatment, and there was recurrence of pathology in only 1 case (0.9%). Conclusion To our knowledge, only 87 cases of sinonasal-tract angioleiomyoma have been previously described. The results of the present review seem to confirm the rarity and the benign nature of this neoplasm, and they seem to confirm the necessity to improve the available data about sinonasal-tract angioleiomyoma.

Transnasal Endoscopic Treatment of Tension Pneumocephalus Caused by Posttraumatic or Iatrogenic Ethmoidal Damage.

Background: Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency caused by progressive accumulation of air in the intracranial spaces mediated by a valve mechanism. Tension pneumocephalus usually presents with headaches, reduced consciousness, and even death. One of the most common causes is an ethmoidal defect resulted by nasal surgery or facial traumas. Methods: A literature review about tension pneumocephalus resulting from ethmoidal damages was performed. Surgery strategies included decompression by frontal burr holes and multilayer repair of the ethmoidal defect. In this paper, an endoscopic technique that exploits the ethmoidal defect to decompress the intracranial spaces and to resolve tension pneumocephalus with fewer complications and shorter hospitalization in comparison to frontal craniotomy is proposed. Conclusion: The proposed endonasal endoscopic technique could be effectively used as a first-line treatment for symptomatic tension pneumocephalus caused by posttraumatic or iatrogenic ethmoidal defect.

Epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa: A case report of a combined microscopic and endoscopic transcranial approach.

AIM: To show a case of a giant epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa treated with a combined microscopic and endoscopic transcranial approach. MATERIAL OF STUDY: A 13-years-old girl presented recurrent episodes of convulsions and vision impairment for years. CT scan and MRI revealed a suprasellar cystic lesion. The patient was operated with a combined microscopic and endoscopic transcranial approach. RESULTS: Postoperative MRI demonstrated complete resection of the mass and pathology confirmed the preoperative suspicion of epidermoid cyst. Post procedure, the patient recovered well and was discharged. At the 4 week follow up her symptoms had resolved completely. DISCUSSION: Epidermoid tumors are congenital lesions with a benign nature. They are the most frequent congenital intracranial lesions. Surgical treatment of epidermoid and dermoid cysts may be challenging. In the recent decades endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been commonly used for the treatment of cranial base lesions because it has several advantages compared to open transcranial approach. We decided to do a transcranial approach combining the use of the microscope with the endoscope because EEA was not possible due to the location of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the development of innovative techniques such as the EEA, the transcranial approach remains a viable option, especially when more techniques are combined. In fact, the combination of microscope and endoscope grants the advantages of both tools being very useful to assure a complete excision of intracranial tumors. KEY WORDS: Combined Transcranial Approach, Epidermoid Cyst, Posterior Fossa.

Substance P and Prokineticin-2 are overexpressed in olfactory neurons and play differential roles in persons with persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) is one of the most complaining and worrying complications of long COVID-19 because of the potential long-term neurological consequences. While causes of OD in the acute phases of the SARS-CoV-2 infection have been figured out, reasons for persistent OD are still unclear. Here we investigated the activity of two inflammatory pathways tightly linked with olfaction pathophysiology, namely Substance P (SP) and Prokineticin-2 (PK2), directly within the olfactory neurons (ONs) of patients to understand mechanisms of persistent post-COVID-19 OD. ONs were collected by non-invasive brushing from ten patients with persistent post-COVID-19 OD and ten healthy controls. Gene expression levels of SP, Neurokinin receptor 1, Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), PK2, PK2 receptors type 1 and 2, and Prokineticin-2-long peptide were measured in ONs by Real Time-PCR in both the groups, and correlated with residual olfaction. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to quantify SP and PK2 proteins. OD patients, compared to controls, exhibited increased levels of both SP and PK2 in ONs, the latter proportional to residual olfaction. This work provided unprecedented, preliminary evidence that both SP and PK2 pathways may have a role in persistent post-COVID-19 OD. Namely, if the sustained activation of SP, lasting months after infection's resolution, might foster chronic inflammation and contribute to hyposmia, the PK2 expression could instead support the smell recovery.

Olfactory Neuron Prokineticin-2 as a Potential Target in Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to outline the dynamics of prokineticin-2 pathway in relation to clinical-pathological features of Parkinson's disease by examining olfactory neurons of patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (26 de novo, newly diagnosed) and 31 sex/age-matched healthy controls underwent noninvasive mucosa brushing for olfactory neurons collection, and standard clinical assessment. Gene expression levels of prokineticin-2, prokineticin-2 receptors type 1 and 2, and prokineticin-2-long peptide were measured in olfactory neurons by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); moreover, the prokineticin-2 protein and α-synuclein species (total and oligomeric) were quantified by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Prokineticin-2 expression was significantly increased in Parkinson's disease. De novo patients had higher prokineticin-2 levels, directly correlated with Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III motor score. In addition, oligomeric α-synuclein was higher in Parkinson's disease and directly correlated with prokineticin-2 protein levels. Total α-synuclein did not differ between patients and controls. INTERPRETATION: Prokineticin-2 is a chemokine showing neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Parkinson's disease, but translational proof of its role in patients is still lacking. Here, we used olfactory neurons as the ideal tissue to analyze molecular stages of neurodegeneration in vivo, providing unprecedented evidence that the prokineticin-2 pathway is activated in patients with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, prokineticin-2 expression in olfactory neurons was higher at early disease stages, proportional to motor severity, and associated with oligomeric α-synuclein accumulation. These data, consistently with preclinical findings, support prokineticin-2 as a candidate target in Parkinson's disease, and validate reliability of olfactory neurons to reflect pathological changes of the disease. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:196-204.

Inverted papilloma with bilateral origin. A case report and review of the literature.

AIM: To show a rare case of inverted papilloma with bilateral origin treated with endoscopic approach MATERIAL OF STUDY: The authors reported the unusual case of a 71-year-old male patient with a growing mass occupying both nasal cavities. The patient complained bilateral nasal obstruction associated with thick nasal secretions, anterior and posterior nasal drip, snoring and diffuse nasal pain. The biopsy revealed inverted papilloma. RESULTS: CT Scan and RMI of paranasal sinuses showed a bilateral origin of the tumor with a triple involvement on the left side: middle turbinate axilla, frontal recess posterior wall and ethmoidal sinus roof. Nasal endoscopic surgery approach was performed and the tumoral mass was removed completely. DISCUSSION: Inverted papilloma is an uncommon primary nasal tumor that presents three typical characteristics: a high rate of recurrence, local aggressive behaviour and association with malignancy. Although bilaterality is very rare, in this case the neoplasia occupied both nasal cavities with extension to left frontal, sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. CONCLUSION: The authors, in line with the literature, showed that endoscopic approach represents once again a safe and efficient technique, even for larger tumors. KEY WORDS: Bilateral origin, Inverted papilloma, Paranasal sinuses.

Onset and resolution failure of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: the role of cervical range of motion.

PURPOSE: To explore possible associations between cervical spine mobility, measured by cervical range of motion (CROM) and a possible earlier onset of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), as well as an increased failure rate of canalith repositioning procedures. METHODS: Medical records of 749 patients (247, 253 and 249 patients with a CROM ≤ 45°, between 45.1° and 55° and > 55.1°, respectively) with a first-time diagnosis of non-traumatic BPPV were included in this retrospective study. Age, gender, canal involvement and CROM values were treated as prospective prognostic factors for time of BPPV recurrence onset (RO) and number of manoeuvres needed to achieve resolution (resolution rate, RR). A multiple regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in the incidence of recurrent BPPV was found in patients with reduced CROM (139 [56.27%;], 102 [40.31%] and 87 [34.93%], respectively, belonging to ≤ 45°, 45.1°-55° and > 55.1° subgroups; X2 = 9.42, p = 0.008). A strong association between age, CROM and recurrent BPPV RO and RR was demonstrated, respectively (multiple correlation coefficients = 0.492678 and 0.593493, respectively, p value < 10-4). Canal involvement was in line with the previous experiences. CONCLUSION: The results from this retrospective analysis unveiled the previously unexplored relation between reduction in cervical spine mobility and BPPV recurrence and treatment failure. The data from this study do not indicate the mechanisms by which this comorbidity might directly cause recurrent BPPV. However, they may suggest CROM to be evaluated, in association with other known risk factors for increased susceptibility to BPPV recurrence.

Partial intracapsular tonsillectomy in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome: a prospective study with 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of tonsil reduction with bipolar forceps electrocautery as treatment of paediatric obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-three children aged 4-10 years with OSAHS and an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 3 were enrolled from March 2013 to January 2016. Pre-operative evaluation included oropharyngeal clinical examination with fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy, OSA-18 questionnaire and overnight sleep study. All children were treated with adenoidectomy and tonsillotomy with bipolar forceps. OSA-18 questionnaire and overnight sleep study were performed 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Pre-operative average of the OSA-18 questionnaires was of 70.3 (SD = 9.7); 30-day post-operative score was 23.15 (SD = 8.2; p = 0.045). Pre-operative average Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) score was 9.41 (SD = 4.1); 30-day post-operative average of AHI score was of 1.75 (SD = 0.8; p = 0.012). Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) rate changed from 7.39 (SD = 4) to 1.34 (30-day post-operative) (SD = 4.7; p = 0.085). NADIR rate changed from 79% (SD = 6.32) to 90% (30-day post-operative) (SD = 5.18; p = 0.00012). Peri- and post-operative complications in our sample were mainly pain (average 75 doses of paracetamol), while bleeding did not occur (0%). All patients received a follow-up examination 5 years after surgery to evaluate tonsil size; at this time-point, a reduction in tonsil size from 3.6 (3-4; SD = 4.2) to 1.3 (1-2; SD = 5.5) was found, while tonsil regrowth was observed in five children (2%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that partial tonsillotomy with bipolar forceps electrocautery associated to adenoidectomy is an effective technique in treating OSAHS symptoms in children and ensures less complications in terms of hemorrhage, postoperative pain and infections compared to traditional adenotonsillectomy. The very low tonsillar regrowth rate reported in this study may support the routine use of this technique.