[SLEEP HABIT MODIFICATION AS A POSSIBLE PREVENTION OF RECURRENT BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO].

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is effectively treated with a variety of repositioning maneuvers but one-third to one-half of patients experience recurrence, usually within 2 years after the first attack. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate possible prevention of recurrent BPPV by sleep habit modification. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with posterior semicircular canal BPPV (p-BPPV) were asked their preferred lying side during nocturnal sleep. Following Epley maneuver they were recommended to change their head lying side at least every 2 hours during nocturnal sleep and to come back in case of recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were diagnosed with p-BPPV. The mean patient's age was 57 years (range 14-87 years). There were 167 patients with right p-BPPV and 99 patients with left p-BPPV; 134 (50%) patients habitually slept on the right side. Of those, 112 (84%) were diagnosed with right p-BPPV (P= 0.0006); 87 patients (33%) habitually slept on the left side; 56 of them (64%) were diagnosed with left p-BPPV (P <0.0001). Among the 45 patients (17%) who expressed no preference concerning their sleeping positions, the right versus left p-BPPV was nearly even. During the follow-up period (1-80 months, mean 41) 11 patients (4%) were diagnosed with recurrent p-BPPV. Of those, 9 had a recurrence in the same posterior semicircular canal and 2 in the contralateral one. All of them reported that they had not modified their sleep habits. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study can shed some light on the etiology of BPPV and may be helpful in preventing recurrent BPPV by changing sleep-position habits.

The implications of concomitant mucosal inflammation on clinical manifestations and outcomes of sinonasal inverted papilloma.

PURPOSE: This study examines the impact of concomitant mucosal inflammation on clinical manifestations and long-term outcomes of Inverted Papilloma (IP). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in five tertiary medical centers. The included patients underwent an attachment-oriented surgical resection for IP with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: Of 185 patients with IP, 65 patients (35.1%) had synchronous mucosal inflammation with polypoid changes. The mean age was 56.7 years, and 69% were males. Most tumors originated from the maxillary sinus. Age, gender, Krouse stage, and tumor attachment site did not differ between the mucosal inflammation and IP-only groups. IP recurrence rate was twofold in the patients with mucosal inflammation (15.4% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.092). However, the difference was not significant, with a similar median time to recurrence between the two groups [15.5 (3-36) months vs. 16(6-96) months, p = 0.712]. In revision cases, IP recurred only in patients with mucosal inflammation (19% vs. 0%, p = 0.07). This group had a significantly worse 5-years recurrence-free survival than revision cases without mucosal inflammation (80.6% vs. 100%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: IP in the setting of mucosal inflammation might be associated with a higher recurrence rate, predominantly after revision surgery. Otolaryngologists should consider this during these patients' diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Induces Enhanced Mucosal Interferon Response Compared to other Variants of Concern, Associated with Restricted Replication in Human Lung Tissues.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has been characterized by decreased clinical severity, raising the question of whether early variant-specific interactions within the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract could mediate its attenuated pathogenicity. Here, we employed ex vivo infection of native human nasal and lung tissues to investigate the local-mucosal susceptibility and innate immune response to Omicron compared to Delta and earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). We show that the replication of Omicron in lung tissues is highly restricted compared to other VOC, whereas it remains relatively unchanged in nasal tissues. Mechanistically, Omicron induced a much stronger antiviral interferon response in infected tissues compared to Delta and earlier VOC-a difference, which was most striking in the lung tissues, where the innate immune response to all other SARS-CoV-2 VOC was blunted. Notably, blocking the innate immune signaling restored Omicron replication in the lung tissues. Our data provide new insights to the reduced lung involvement and clinical severity of Omicron.

Applicability of Transnasal Echography for Identification of Internal Carotid Artery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the applicability of transnasal echography for the internal carotid artery (ICA) imaging during endoscopic procedures, primarily nasopharyngectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomized controlled cohort. METHODS: The tip of a pediatric transducer for transesophageal echography was inserted into each nostril under endoscopic control and placed in the ipsilateral Rosenmuller's fossa. The ICA's internal diameter and distance between the nasopharyngeal wall and the artery's closest point were measured on each side. Two independent examiners measured the same parameters on the axial plane of the skull base computer tomography (CT). Agreement between CT and echography measurements was estimated by the Bland-Altman approach. RESULTS: Twenty-seven ICAs (sides) were available for the echography-CT agreement analysis. Inter method agreement for both parameters was similar to the inter examiner agreement for the CT measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our first study on endoscopic echography demonstrated that this method is applicable, potentially allowing safer transnasal surgery in the ICA vicinity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1184-1188, 2022.

Is intraoperative margin sampling necessary in inverted papilloma resection?

PURPOSE: To explore the association between intraoperative surgical margin sampling by the frozen sections and recurrence in inverted papilloma surgery. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study of patients who underwent attachment-oriented IP resection in four tertiary care medical centers with a minimal follow-up of 36 months. RESULTS: The study included 220 surgeries with a mean follow-up period of 49 months (range 36-204). The endoscopic approach was used in all but 4 cases; 73% of procedures were primary. Overall recurrence was 10.45% (n = 23). Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 5 cases (2.2%). Intraoperative margin sampling was obtained in 145 cases. There was no difference in the recurrence rate between frozen section and no-frozen section groups (p = 0.44). Furthermore, margin sampling in various sites of tumor origin, in cases with concomitant nasal polyps (p = 0.53) and in revision cases (p = 0.08) showed no correlation with recurrence. In 26 cases when the surgery was extended following a positive frozen section, there was a significantly higher recurrence rate (OR = 6.94). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, intraoperative margin sampling did not affect the recurrence rate of IP, and therefore, its routine use should be questioned.

Human Nasal and Lung Tissues Infected Ex Vivo with SARS-CoV-2 Provide Insights into Differential Tissue-Specific and Virus-Specific Innate Immune Responses in the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract.

The nasal mucosa constitutes the primary entry site for respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While the imbalanced innate immune response of end-stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been extensively studied, the earliest stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the mucosal entry site have remained unexplored. Here, we employed SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection in native multi-cell-type human nasal turbinate and lung tissues ex vivo, coupled with genome-wide transcriptional analysis, to investigate viral susceptibility and early patterns of local mucosal innate immune response in the authentic milieu of the human respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 productively infected the nasal turbinate tissues, predominantly targeting respiratory epithelial cells, with a rapid increase in tissue-associated viral subgenomic mRNA and secretion of infectious viral progeny. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 infection triggered robust antiviral and inflammatory innate immune responses in the nasal mucosa. The upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, cytokines, and chemokines, related to interferon signaling and immune-cell activation pathways, was broader than that triggered by influenza virus infection. Conversely, lung tissues exhibited a restricted innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2, with a conspicuous lack of type I and III interferon upregulation, contrasting with their vigorous innate immune response to influenza virus. Our findings reveal differential tissue-specific innate immune responses in the upper and lower respiratory tracts that are specific to SARS-CoV-2. The studies shed light on the role of the nasal mucosa in active viral transmission and immune defense, implying a window of opportunity for early interventions, whereas the restricted innate immune response in early-SARS-CoV-2-infected lung tissues could underlie the unique uncontrolled late-phase lung damage of advanced COVID-19. IMPORTANCE In order to reduce the late-phase morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, there is a need to better understand and target the earliest stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human respiratory tract. Here, we have studied the initial steps of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the consequent innate immune responses within the natural multicellular complexity of human nasal mucosal and lung tissues. Comparing the global innate response patterns of nasal and lung tissues infected in parallel with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, we found distinct virus-host interactions in the upper and lower respiratory tract, which could determine the outcome and unique pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies in the nasal mucosal infection model can be employed to assess the impact of viral evolutionary changes and evaluate new therapeutic and preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 and other human respiratory pathogens.

How face masks influence the sinonasal quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To study different mask types' impact on a sinonasal quality of life. METHODS: For this observational cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed via social media forums. We used the validated Hebrew version of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 followed by a questionnaire developed specifically for the present study, focusing on the time of the COVID-19 pandemic (Mask Sinonasal Outcome Test), and questions regarding general health issues. The participants' mask-wearing routine was also studied. RESULTS: Seventy percent of 351 participants had experienced a change in their breathing during the time of the pandemic. The median total Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 score was 13, and 10% of the participants reported a significantly impaired quality of life. According to multivariate analyses, the only subject-related variables significantly associated with the reduced sinonasal quality of life were female gender, younger age, a background of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, and the mask-wearing average daily duration. The mask sinonasal outcome test convergent validity was confirmed. CONCLUSION: The majority of our survey's responders, predominantly female and younger participants, reported reduced sinonasal quality of life in the COVID-19 pandemic period. It can be attributed to mask-wearing, especially for a prolonged time, irrespective of the existing mask type. These findings should encourage medical companies to produce more "airway-minded" personal protection equipment.

Can Computed Tomography Findings Predict the Recurrence of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the ability to predict the attachment site of sinonasal inverted papilloma by computed tomography and the long-term surgical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Five tertiary medical centers. METHODS: Study patients underwent attachment-oriented resection of inverted papilloma. The primary outcome was tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Among 195 patients eligible for the study, focal hyperostosis was recognized on computed tomography in 65% (n = 127), in 71% of primary cases (n = 101), and in 50% of revision procedures (n = 26). There was a trend for a higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma among the patients without detectable hyperostosis (P = .051). Location of hyperostosis coincided with the actual tumor attachment site in 114 patients (90%). Discordance between these parameters did not differ significantly (P = .463) between 11 primary and 2 revision cases. The overall rate of recurrence was 9.7% (n = 19), with a mean time to recurrence of 20 months (range, 7-96 months). The rate of recurrence did not correlate with any of the following: tumor stage, surgical approach, presence of squamous cell carcinoma, whether the surgery was primary or revision, and the presence or location of focal hyperostosis on computed tomography. Inverted papilloma recurred significantly more often (38.5%) when the intraoperative findings of the tumor attachment site did not match the location of hyperostosis observed on computed tomography (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.78-23.66). CONCLUSION: Detectability of focal hyperostosis on preoperative computed tomography does not affect the long-term outcome of inverted papilloma resection.

Human Nasal Turbinate Tissues in Organ Culture as a Model for Human Cytomegalovirus Infection at the Mucosal Entry Site.

The initial events of viral infection at the primary mucosal entry site following horizontal person-to-person transmission have remained ill defined. Our limited understanding is further underscored by the absence of animal models in the case of human-restricted viruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital infection and a major pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we established a novel ex vivo model of HCMV infection in native human nasal turbinate tissues. Nasal turbinate tissue viability and physiological functionality were preserved for at least 7 days in culture. We found that nasal mucosal tissues were susceptible to HCMV infection, with predominant infection of ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. A limited viral spread was demonstrated, involving mainly stromal and vascular endothelial cells within the tissue. Importantly, functional antiviral and proleukocyte chemotactic signaling pathways were significantly upregulated in the nasal mucosa in response to infection. Conversely, HCMV downregulated the expression of nasal epithelial cell-related genes. We further revealed tissue-specific innate immune response patterns to HCMV, comparing infected human nasal mucosal and placental tissues, representing the viral entry and the maternal-to-fetal transmission sites, respectively. Taken together, our studies provide insights into the earliest stages of HCMV infection. Studies in this model could help evaluate new interventions against the horizontal transmission of HCMV.IMPORTANCE HCMV is a ubiquitous human pathogen causing neurodevelopmental disabilities in congenitally infected children and severe disease in immunocompromised patients. The earliest stages of HCMV infection in the human host have remained elusive in the absence of a model for the viral entry site. Here, we describe the establishment and use of a novel nasal turbinate organ culture to study the initial steps of viral infection and the consequent innate immune responses within the natural complexity and the full cellular repertoire of human nasal mucosal tissues. This model can be applied to examine new antiviral interventions against the horizontal transmission of HCMV and potentially that of other viruses.

No impact of nasal septoplasty on the outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of combined endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR) with nasal septoplasty for deviation of the nasal septum to endoDCR alone in cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study that included 107 consecutive patients with NLDO, who underwent endoDCR with or without concomitant nasal septoplasty in our institution between October 2009 and October 2017. RESULTS: A total of 117 operations were performed (107 patients, 80.4% females; mean age ± SD 51.1 ± 19.5 years). Twenty-five (21.4%) endoscopic surgeries were combined with septoplasty (the endoDCR + septoplasty group), and 92 (78.6%) comprised endoDCR alone (the endoDCR group). There was no difference in anatomical success and functional success rates between the two groups (P = 0.76 and P = 0.18, respectively). There were no complications attributed to the septoplasty component of the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Considerable numbers of patients undergoing endoDCR also require a septoplasty. Combining an additional procedure (septoplasty), that was not performed for its original indication but rather for facilitating the main surgical intervention (endoDCR), yields surgical success and associated complications equivalent to those of endoDCR alone.

Correlation Between the Sleep-Position Habits and the Affected Posterior Semicircular Canal in Patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It is assumed that sleep is involved in the pathogenesis of BPPV, and that habitual head-lying side during sleep correlates with the affected side in the posterior semicircular canal BPPV. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the preferred sleeping position and the affected semicircular canal in patients with BPPV. METHODS: We performed a retrospective data review of patients seeking help for vertigo/dizziness who had undergone clinical evaluation including a Dix-Hallpike test. Patients diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV (p-BPPV) were asked to define their preferred lying side (right, left, supine, or variable) during the night sleep. Affected semicircular canal (right posterior or left posterior) was registered along with demographic data. RESULTS: In all, 237 patients were diagnosed with p-BPPV. Patients with horizontal semicircular canal BPPV (n=11) were excluded. Patient mean age was 57 years (range 14-87). There were 150 patients with right p-BPPV and 87 patients with left p-BPPV. Among the patients, 122 (52%) habitually slept on the right side. Of those, 102 (84%) were diagnosed with right p-BPPV (P = 0.0006), while 82 patients (34%) habitually slept on the left side. Fifty-three (65%) were diagnosed with left p-BPPV (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in right vs. left p-BPPV in the 33 patients (14%) who expressed no preference concerning their sleeping positions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the etiology of BPPV and showed that changing sleep position habits might be helpful in preventing recurrent BPPV.

Epistaxis in the setting of antithrombotic therapy: A comparison between factor Xa inhibitors, warfarin, and antiplatelet agents.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the characteristics and severity of epistaxis in patients taking factor Xa inhibitors novel anticoagulants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A study of adult patients hospitalized due to spontaneous epistaxis under the treatment of warfarin, rivaroxaban, or apixaban between the years 2011 and 2017 was performed. A control group of patients under antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel) was included. The mean follow-up periods in the warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and antiplatelet groups were 18, 14.5, 13.5, and 18.2 months, respectively. We compared demographics, location and severity of bleeding, treatment methods, and outcome between the groups. RESULTS: The study included 109 patients (35 under factor Xa inhibitors), the majority of whom presented with anterior epistaxis (68%). The antiplatelet group had more episodes of epistaxis prior to admission, and required endoscopic surgical control of bleeding more often, in comparison with anticoagulants (2.23 vs. 1.44, P < .05 and 23% vs. 6%, respectively, P < .05). Among anticoagulants, combined therapy (cauterization and packing) was required more frequently in the apixaban group compared to the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups (64% vs. 25% and 33%, respectively, P < .05). The rate of readmissions due to epistaxis, within 1 year of follow-up was lower in the factor Xa inhibitor groups compared with the warfarin and antiplatelet groups (16% vs. 9% and 4%, respectively, P < .05). Cessation of factor Xa inhibitor therapy was effective and uneventful with no further epistaxis events. CONCLUSIONS: Epistaxis under factor Xa inhibitors was effectively treated with no worse and perhaps even a better outcome when compared to other anticlotting medications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:119-123, 2019.

Microflora of normal maxillary sinuses: does it justify perioperative antibiotic treatment in sinus augmentation procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate bacterial flora of normal maxillary sinuses in order to facilitate perioperative antibiotic management in sinus augmentation procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of maxillary sinus mucosa were harvested during planned orthognatic surgery in 18 patients with no evidence of rhinosinusitis. The samples were processed according to hospital routine for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. RESULTS: Ten maxillary sinuses were found sterile. Twenty-six (72%) maxillary mucosa specimens were culture-positive. Aerobes were recovered in 21 sinus samples (58%), predominantly as polymicrobial flora (18 cultures, 50% of all specimens), S. aureus in 2 sinuses of the same patient (6% of the samples), and Bacillus sp. in 1 sinus (3%). Anaerobes were isolated in 20 of 26 culture-positive specimens (56% of all sinus samples). They were recovered alone in 5 samples. Fifteen anaerobic cultures were polymicrobial (42% of all samples). Propionibacterium acnes was isolated from another 5 sinuses (14%) of 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the policy of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in sinus augmentation procedures where Schneiderian membrane is perforated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluating the need of a perioperative antibiotic therapy in sinus augmentation procedures.

Awake Tracheostomy: Indications, Complications and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Awake tracheostomy (AT) is aimed at securing the airway of patients with upper airway obstruction when other means are not feasible or have failed. Reports on AT in the literature are scarce. The goal of this study was to review our experience with the indications, complications and outcome of AT. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all ATs performed between 2010 and 2016 in two university-affiliated, tertiary medical centers. Data on demographics, indications, techniques, urgency and postoperative complications were retrieved from the medical charts. RESULTS: The 37 of the 1023 recorded tracheostomies (3.62%) that were ATs comprised the study group (mean age of the patients 60.3 years, 32 [86.5%] males). The most common indication was head and neck (HN) malignancy (oncologic group, 70.3%), with the larynx (53.8%) being the most commonly involved site. Patients in the non-oncologic group (n = 11) were significantly younger (P = 0.048) and had a significantly higher prevalence of urgent surgery compared to the oncologic group (P = 0.0009). Major postoperative complications included tube dislodgement (n = 2) and pneumothorax (n = 1) that were managed successfully. One of the two patients with severe hypoxia and arrhythmia that necessitated cardiopulmonary resuscitation died. CONCLUSION: Whether the etiology of the AT was related to HN oncological disease or not was the most important clinical factor in our cohort. The non-oncologic group was significantly younger, suffered from more urgent events and tended to have more complications (nonsignificant). ATs had a 97.3% rate of immediate survival, a 5.4% risk of major irreversible complications and a 2.7% risk of mortality.

Endoscopic Surgery for Delayed Sinonasal Complications of Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Subjective Outcome.

PURPOSE: Delayed sinonasal complications of radiation therapy include choanal stenosis, osteoradionecrosis, chronic sinusitis, and intranasal synechiae. Only sporadic cases on their surgical treatment have been reported, with equivocal results. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a prospective case series of all patients who had been surgically treated for delayed sinonasal complications of radiation therapy in our institution during the past 10 years. The inclusion criteria required ≥6 months of follow-up after surgery. The included patients were asked to complete a Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 16-item questionnaire preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Nine patients with history of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in our series. In all cases, partial or complete subjective improvement occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In select cases, endoscopic sinus surgery could be of benefit in the treatment of delayed sinonasal complications of radiation therapy.

Nasal vestibulitis: etiology, risk factors, and clinical characteristics: A retrospective study of 118 cases.

BACKGROUND: Nasal vestibulitis (NV) is a common infection; however, scant data is available in the literature as it pertains to NV. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of NV in respect to its potential complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 118 NV cases admitted to a tertiary medical center between 2008 and 2015. RESULTS: Identified risk factors for NV included nasal hair plucking (n=15, 14.41%), nose blowing (n=10, 9.32%), nose picking (n=9, 8.47%) and nose piercing (n=5, 3.39%). Twelve patients (10.17%) were diabetic, and 3 patients were immunosuppressed. Mid-facial cellulitis was observed in the majority of patients (78.81%), and abscess of the nasal vestibule was observed in almost half (48.30%). Cultures were taken from 33.33% of patients demonstrated MSSA as the most common isolate (81.25%). No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Even in complicated cases of NV requiring admission, the risk of major complications is extremely low.

Warthin tumor within the superficial lobe of the parotid gland: a suggested criterion for diagnosis.

The location of Warthin tumor (WT) in the parotid gland impacts the surgical approach and may be indicative of the elusive origin of this intriguing entity. Location in the deep versus superficial lobe of the gland is not directly addressed when defining WT characteristics. Our observation, of rare occurrence of deep lobe WT, if at all, led to the current investigation. The study design is cohort study. This is a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing parotidectomy for WT in two tertiary academic referral centers: the Sheba Medical Center (SMC), Israel, and the Christiana Care (CC), Newark, Delaware, USA. 122 consecutive adult patients underwent parotidectomy for WT (72 from SMC and 50 from CC). Seventy percent were males, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Bilateral WT or multi-centric WT were found in 9.8 and 17.2% of the cases, respectively. In one case, the tumor was described as originating in the deep lobe. In all other cases, the tumor originated and was limited to the superficial lobe. 99.2% of WT originated in the superficial lobe, corresponding with the few reports directly addressing its location in the gland. The reason for the tumor to be limited almost uniformly to the superficial lobe is unknown, and could be related to the etiopathogenesis of this elusive entity. We suggest adding tumor location within the superficial lobe to the common characteristics of WT (male, smoking, and lower pole) that serve as "common criterion" while evaluating a parotid lesion.

Cholesteatoma and coexisting findings diagnosed incidentally on MRI.

The explosive growth in the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the pre- and postoperative evaluations of patients with cholesteatoma has led to a concomitant increase in the number of incidental findings in this population. We describe our retrospective examination of MRI studies in cholesteatoma patients to look for the presence of other coexisting abnormalities. We examined the brain MRIs of 103 patients-45 males and 58 females, aged 3 to 81 years (mean: 31.9 ± 21.3)-who had undergone pre- or postoperative imaging during the management of a cholesteatoma. The MRIs revealed the presence of at least one other anomaly in 79 of these patients (76.7%)-36 males and 43 females, aged 3 to 81 years (mean: 43.5 ± 18.2). These 79 MRIs detected a total of 124 lesions that had been coexisting with cholesteatomas; some of these lesions had overlapped with the cholesteatoma. The two most common findings were sinonasal mucoperiosteal thickening and polyposis (n = 66) and white-matter changes (n = 29). Our results establish the need for routine skilled interpretation of brain MRIs by expert neuroradiologists to ensure that findings coexisting with cholesteatoma are detected so that appropriate management can be provided.

Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Children With Hematologic Malignancies: Outcome of Surgical Treatment.

The incidence of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is rising due to more aggressive chemotherapy and longer survival of immunosuppressed patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate but nonmutilating surgical treatment are particularly problematic in the pediatric population. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of surgery for pediatric AIFR. Medical records of children surgically treated for AIFR between 1998 and 2014 were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on both histopathological and microbiological confirmation. Surgery was performed with curative intent and repeated for any resectable extension. The children underwent endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging every 2 and 6 months, respectively, during the first postoperative year. Thirteen patients (2-18 years old) met the EORTC/MSG criteria for proven invasive fungal sinusitis; fungal invasion was diagnosed by preoperative biopsy and confirmed in the surgical specimen. All patients underwent an average of two endoscopic procedures (range 1-3), and four of them also underwent an open surgery. The local control rate was at least 79%. There was no facial disfiguration during follow-up (average 41 months). Although AIFR is still associated with high mortality, aggressive medical and surgical treatment provides local control in most cases. Fair outcome should encourage a maximal joint effort of pediatric hemato-oncologists and otorhinolaryngologists in the management of AIFR.