Reliability of nasofibroscopy for the evaluation of adenoid hypertrophy and its correlation with clinical symptoms

Abstract Objective: To analyze the reliability of estimating the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction by the adenoid using nasofibroscopy and its correlation with clinical symptoms. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted, involving 80 patients between 4 and 14 years old, recruited from Santa Casa of São Paulo general otorhinolaryngology outpatient service during the years of 2020 and 2021. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy examination, and the recorded videos were randomly assigned to four evaluators in two different sessions, with a minimum interval of 1 month. The evaluators estimated the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by the adenoid. Intra- and inter-evaluator correlations were established by comparing the reports from each evaluator. The data were compared to the Pro Image J Software report, that also estimates a percentage of obstruction by computer graphics. To correlate the grading of obstruction with clinical symptoms, all patients completed the OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) 18 questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing sleep apnea in children. The questionnaire data were then compared to the average scores assigned by the evaluators. Results: Satisfactory intra- and inter-rater correlations were observed, and the results were consistent with the Pro Image J Software. However, no correlation was found between the percentage of obstruction and the severity of clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Nasofibroscopy demonstrates good reliability in assessing a percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by adenoids. However, there is no correlation between the degree of obstruction of the rhinopharynx and the clinical symptoms. Level of evidence: 4.

Reliability of nasofibroscopy for the evaluation of adenoid hypertrophy and its correlation with clinical symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the reliability of estimating the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction by the adenoid using nasofibroscopy and its correlation with clinical symptoms. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted, involving 80 patients between 4 and 14 years old, recruited from Santa Casa of São Paulo general otorhinolaryngology outpatient service during the years of 2020 and 2021. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy examination, and the recorded videos were randomly assigned to four evaluators in two different sessions, with a minimum interval of 1 month. The evaluators estimated the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by the adenoid. Intra- and inter-evaluator correlations were established by comparing the reports from each evaluator. The data were compared to the Pro Image J Software report, that also estimates a percentage of obstruction by computer graphics. To correlate the grading of obstruction with clinical symptoms, all patients completed the OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) 18 questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing sleep apnea in children. The questionnaire data were then compared to the average scores assigned by the evaluators. RESULTS: Satisfactory intra- and inter-rater correlations were observed, and the results were consistent with the Pro Image J Software. However, no correlation was found between the percentage of obstruction and the severity of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Nasofibroscopy demonstrates good reliability in assessing a percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by adenoids. However, there is no correlation between the degree of obstruction of the rhinopharynx and the clinical symptoms.

Water protection in patients with tympanostomy tubes in tympanic membrane: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of otorrhea in the postoperative period of patients submitted to tympanotomy to place ventilation tube, and who did not protect the ear when exposed to water. METHODS: Open, randomized-controlled trial. Eighty patients submitted to unilateral or bilateral ear grommet tympanostomy were included and divided into two groups: Auricular Protection and Non-Protection to water during bathing and activities in water. RESULTS: In the first postoperative month, the Non-Protection Group presented a significant increase in the number of patients with otorrhea and in the incidence. Four patients of the Protection Group (11%) presented at least one episode of otorrhea in this period, representing an incidence of 0.11 (standard deviation ±0.32) episode/month, whereas in the Non-Protection Group there were 12 episodes (33%; p=0.045) and incidence of 0.33 (±0.48; p=0.02). Between the 2nd and the 13th postoperative months, there was no difference between groups. Seven patients in the Protection Group (20%) had at least one episode of otorrhea, representing an incidence of 0.04 (±0.09) episodes/month, while in the Non-Protection Group there were seven episodes (22%; p=0.8) and incidence of 0.05 (±0.1; p=0.8). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent ear protection when exposed to water had a lower incidence of otorrhea in the first postoperative month than those who did not undergo protection. From the second month, there was no difference between groups.

Water protection in patients with tympanostomy tubes in tympanic membrane: a randomized clinical trial / Proteção auricular da água em pacientes com tubo de ventilação em membrana timpânica: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the incidence of otorrhea in the postoperative period of patients submitted to tympanotomy to place ventilation tube, and who did not protect the ear when exposed to water. Methods Open, randomized-controlled trial. Eighty patients submitted to unilateral or bilateral ear grommet tympanostomy were included and divided into two groups: Auricular Protection and Non-Protection to water during bathing and activities in water. Results In the first postoperative month, the Non-Protection Group presented a significant increase in the number of patients with otorrhea and in the incidence. Four patients of the Protection Group (11%) presented at least one episode of otorrhea in this period, representing an incidence of 0.11 (standard deviation ±0.32) episode/month, whereas in the Non-Protection Group there were 12 episodes (33%; p=0.045) and incidence of 0.33 (±0.48; p=0.02). Between the 2nd and the 13th postoperative months, there was no difference between groups. Seven patients in the Protection Group (20%) had at least one episode of otorrhea, representing an incidence of 0.04 (±0.09) episodes/month, while in the Non-Protection Group there were seven episodes (22%; p=0.8) and incidence of 0.05 (±0.1; p=0.8). Conclusion Patients who underwent ear protection when exposed to water had a lower incidence of otorrhea in the first postoperative month than those who did not undergo protection. From the second month, there was no difference between groups.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de otorreia no período pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à timpanotomia para colocação de tubo de ventilação e que não realizaram proteção auricular quando expostos à água. Métodos Ensaio clínico controlado, aberto e randomizado. Foram incluídos 80 pacientes submetidos à timpanotomia para colocação de tubo de ventilação unilateral ou bilateral, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Proteção e Grupo Não Proteção auricular da água durante o banho e as atividades aquáticas. Resultados No primeiro mês pós-operatório, o Grupo Não Proteção apresentou aumento significativo tanto no número de pacientes com otorreia quanto na incidência. Quatro pacientes do Grupo Proteção (11%) apresentaram ao menos um episódio de otorreia neste período, representando incidência de 0,11 (desvio padrão ±0,32) episódio/mês, enquanto no Grupo Não Proteção ocorreram 12 episódios (33%; p=0,045) e incidência de 0,33 (±0,48; p=0,02). Entre o 2º e o 13º meses pós-operatórios, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Sete pacientes do Grupo Proteção (20%) apresentaram ao menos um episódio de otorreia, representando incidência de 0,04 (±0,09) episódios/mês, enquanto no Grupo Não Proteção foram registrados sete episódios (22%; p=0,8) e incidência de 0,05 (±0,1; p=0,8). Conclusão Pacientes que realizaram a proteção auricular quando expostos à água apresentaram menor incidência de otorreia no primeiro mês pós-operatório do que aqueles que não a realizaram. A partir do segundo mês, não houve diferença entre os grupos.

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base / Complicações pós-operatórias otorrinolaringológicas em cirurgias endoscópicas transnasais para acesso a base do crânio

Abstract Introduction: The large increase in the number of transnasal endoscopic skull base surgeries is a consequence of greater knowledge of the anatomic region, the development of specific materials and instruments, and especially the use of the nasoseptal flap as a barrier between the sinus tract (contaminated cavity) and the subarachnoid space (sterile area), reducing the high risk of contamination. Objective: To assess the otorhinolaryngologic complications in patients undergoing endoscopic surgery of the skull base, in which a nasoseptal flap was used. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery with creation of a nasoseptal flap, assessing for the presence of the following post-surgical complications: cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, mucocele formation, nasal synechia, septal perforation (prior to posterior septectomy), internal nasal valve failure, epistaxis, and olfactory alterations. Results: The study assessed 41 patients undergoing surgery. Of these, 35 had pituitary adenomas (macro- or micro-adenomas; sellar and suprasellar extension), three had meningiomas (two tuberculum sellae and one olfactory groove), two had craniopharyngiomas, and one had an intracranial abscess. The complications were cerebrospinal fluid leak (three patients; 7.3%), meningitis (three patients; 7.3%), nasal fossa synechia (eight patients; 19.5%), internal nasal valve failure (six patients; 14.6%), and complaints of worsening of the sense of smell (16 patients; 39%). The olfactory test showed anosmia or hyposmia in ten patients (24.3%). No patient had mucocele, epistaxis, or septal perforation. Conclusion: The use of the nasoseptal flap has revolutionized endoscopic skull base surgery, making the procedures more effective and with lower morbidity compared to the traditional route. However, although mainly transient nasal morbidities were observed, in some cases, permanent hyposmia and anosmia resulted. An improvement in this technique is therefore necessary to provide a better quality of life for the patient, reducing potential complications.

Resumo Introdução: O grande crescimento no número de cirurgias endoscópicas transnasais para a base do crânio ocorreu a partir de um maior conhecimento anatômico da região; do desenvolvimento de materiais e instrumentais específicos e, principalmente, após o uso do retalho nasosseptal como uma barreira entre o trato sinusal (cavidade contaminada) e o espaço subaracnóideo (área estéril), com redução de grandes riscos de contaminação. Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações otorrinolaringológicas nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica da base do crânio, na qual foi usado o retalho nasoseptal. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da base do crânio por via endoscópica com retalho nasosseptal, quanto à presença no pós-operatório das seguintes complicações: fístula liquórica, meningite, formação de mucocele, sinéquia nasal, perfuração septal (anterior à septectomia posterior), insuficiência de válvula nasal interna, epistaxe e alteração olfatória. Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia. Desses, 35 eram portadores de adenomas hipofisários (macro ou microadenomas; selares e extensão supraselar), três meningiomas (dois de tubérculo selar e um da goteira olfatória), dois craniofaringiomas e um abscesso intracraniano. As complicações observadas foram: fístula liquórica (três pacientes - 7,3%), meningite (três pacientes - 7,3%), sinéquia em fossa nasal (oito pacientes - 19,5%), insuficiência de válvula nasal interna (seis pacientes - 14,6%) e queixa de pioria do olfato (16 pacientes - 39%). O teste olfatório evidenciou anosmia ou hiposmia em 10 pacientes (24,3%). Nenhum paciente apresentou mucocele, epistaxe ou perfuração septal. Conclusão: O uso do retalho nasosseptal proporcionou uma revolução na cirurgia da base do crânio por via endoscópica e tornou os procedimentos mais eficazes e com baixa morbidade, comparado com a via tradicional. Porém, passou a ocasionar morbidades nasais principalmente transitórias, mas em alguns casos permanentes, como hiposmia e anosmia. Assim, torna-se necessário um aperfeiçoamento dessa técnica para proporcionar uma melhoria na qualidade de vida do paciente e diminuir possíveis complicações.

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base.

INTRODUCTION: The large increase in the number of transnasal endoscopic skull base surgeries is a consequence of greater knowledge of the anatomic region, the development of specific materials and instruments, and especially the use of the nasoseptal flap as a barrier between the sinus tract (contaminated cavity) and the subarachnoid space (sterile area), reducing the high risk of contamination. OBJECTIVE: To assess the otorhinolaryngologic complications in patients undergoing endoscopic surgery of the skull base, in which a nasoseptal flap was used. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery with creation of a nasoseptal flap, assessing for the presence of the following post-surgical complications: cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, mucocele formation, nasal synechia, septal perforation (prior to posterior septectomy), internal nasal valve failure, epistaxis, and olfactory alterations. RESULTS: The study assessed 41 patients undergoing surgery. Of these, 35 had pituitary adenomas (macro- or micro-adenomas; sellar and suprasellar extension), three had meningiomas (two tuberculum sellae and one olfactory groove), two had craniopharyngiomas, and one had an intracranial abscess. The complications were cerebrospinal fluid leak (three patients; 7.3%), meningitis (three patients; 7.3%), nasal fossa synechia (eight patients; 19.5%), internal nasal valve failure (six patients; 14.6%), and complaints of worsening of the sense of smell (16 patients; 39%). The olfactory test showed anosmia or hyposmia in ten patients (24.3%). No patient had mucocele, epistaxis, or septal perforation. CONCLUSION: The use of the nasoseptal flap has revolutionized endoscopic skull base surgery, making the procedures more effective and with lower morbidity compared to the traditional route. However, although mainly transient nasal morbidities were observed, in some cases, permanent hyposmia and anosmia resulted. An improvement in this technique is therefore necessary to provide a better quality of life for the patient, reducing potential complications.

The blood-brain barrier and nasal drug delivery to the central nervous system.

BACKGROUND: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly efficient system that separates the central nervous system (CNS) from general circulation and promotes selective transport of molecules that are essential for brain function. However, it also limits the distribution of systemically administered therapeutics to the brain; therefore, there is a restricted number of drugs available for the treatment of brain disorders. Several drug-targeting strategies have been developed to attempt to bypass the BBB, but none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain. METHODS: The objective of this study is to generally review these strategies of drug administration to the CNS. RESULTS: Noninvasive methods of drug delivery, such as chemical and biologic transport systems, do not represent a feasible platform, whereas for most drugs, it is still not possible to achieve therapeutic levels within the brain tissue after intravenous or oral administration, and the use of higher potency or more concentrated doses may cause serious toxic side effects. Direct intrathecal drug delivery through a catheter into the CNS also presents several problems. Intranasal drug delivery is a potential alternative method due to the direct transport into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment along the olfactory pathway, but the study's conclusions are controversial. An endoscopic intranasal surgical procedure using established skull base surgery reconstruction techniques based on the use of a nasal mucosa surgical flap as the only obstacle between the nose and the subarachnoid space has appeared as a potential solution to increase the absorption of intranasal drugs to the CNS. CONCLUSION: Despite extensive efforts to develop new techniques to cross the BBB, none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain, whereas minimizing adverse effects and the endoscopic mucosal grafting technique offers new potential promise.

Clinical and otorhinolaryngological aspects of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type.

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal NK/T-Cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTLN) is a disease that mainly affects the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. Early nasal symptoms are nonspecific, simulating sinus infection. With disease progression, necrosis of the nasal mucosa increases, hindering histological diagnosis. Thus, multiple biopsies may be necessary until definitive diagnosis. Most studies on NKTLN address the hematological and immunological aspects of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To present data from a Brazilian quaternary hospital, with emphasis on the clinical aspects of the disease, and to correlate the findings with the most recent literature data. METHODS: Case study of seven patient files. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated on their medical history, number of biopsies necessary, association with Epstein-Barr virus, treatment, and outcome. All patients had nonspecific nasal complaints and underwent at least three cycles of antibiotic therapy. The earlier a biopsy was performed, the fewer biopsies were required to diagnose the disease and start treatment. However, this fact did not translate into better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The otolaryngologist plays a fundamental role in the prognosis of NKTLN and can shorten time between symptom onset and treatment of the patient.

Clinical and otorhinolaryngological aspects of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type / Aspectos clínicos e otorrinolaringológicos do linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal,

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal NK/T-Cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTLN) is a disease that mainly affects the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. Early nasal symptoms are nonspecific, simulating sinus infection. With disease progression, necrosis of the nasal mucosa increases, hindering histological diagnosis. Thus, multiple biopsies may be necessary until definitive diagnosis. Most studies on NKTLN address the hematological and immunological aspects of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To present data from a Brazilian quaternary hospital, with emphasis on the clinical aspects of the disease, and to correlate the findings with the most recent literature data. METHODS: Case study of seven patient files. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated on their medical history, number of biopsies necessary, association with Epstein-Barr virus, treatment, and outcome. All patients had nonspecific nasal complaints and underwent at least three cycles of antibiotic therapy. The earlier a biopsy was performed, the fewer biopsies were required to diagnose the disease and start treatment. However, this fact did not translate into better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The otolaryngologist plays a fundamental role in the prognosis of NKTLN and can shorten time between symptom onset and treatment of the patient. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal (LNKTN) é uma doença que acomete preferencialmente a cavidade nasal e os seios paranasais. Os sintomas nasais iniciais são inespecíficos, mimetizando um quadro de infecção nasossinusal. Com a progressão da doença, aumenta a necrose da mucosa nasossinusal, dificultando o diagnóstico histológico e podendo ser necessárias múltiplas biópsias até o diagnóstico definitivo. A maioria dos estudos sobre o LNKTN aborda aspectos imunológicos e hematológicos da doença. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a casuística de um hospital quaternário brasileiro, destacando os aspectos clínicos dos pacientes e correlacionando aos achados mais recentes da literatura. MÉTODO: Estudo de casos de sete pacientes. RESULTADOS: Pacientes foram avaliados quanto a aspectos de sua história clínica, número de biópsias necessárias, associação ao EBV, tratamento e evolução. Todos iniciaram o quadro com queixas inespecíficas nasais e foram submetidos a pelo menos três ciclos de antibióticos. Quanto mais precocemente a biópsia foi realizada, menos biópsias foram necessárias para se obter o diagnóstico e iniciar o tratamento. Entretanto, esta situação não refletiu num melhor prognóstico dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O otorrinolaringologista tem papel fundamental no prognóstico do LNKTN, podendo encurtar o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o tratamento do paciente. .

Vestibulopatias / Vestibular diseases

A tontura é um dos sintomas mais referidos nos consultórios médicos do Brasil e pode ter grande impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Um diagnóstico preciso das causas da tontura permite não só o tratamento adequado dos pacientes, mas também identificar determinadas condições patológicas sistêmicas ou de maior gravidade. Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever e diferenciar as principais vestibulopatias, de várias causas, incluindo princípios do diagnóstico e tratamento deste quadro...