Maxillary sinus actinomycosis: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

The authors present a case of maxillary sinus actinomycosis in a young adult woman.This is a rare condition whose unspecific clinical presentation makes its diagnosis challenging. In this case, the diagnosis was given by the identification of Actinomyces colonies in samples of infected tissue.Treatment consisted of a combined medical and surgical approach. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to remove diseased mucosa and to aerate the involved sinuses, followed by long-term antibiotic therapy. No recurrence of the disease was observed during follow-up.

[Optimization of the puncture treatment method for acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis]. / Optimizatsiya metoda punktsionnogo lecheniya ostrogo bakterial'nogo verkhnechelyustnogo sinusita.

OBJECTIVE: Optimization of the method of puncture treatment of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis (ABMS) through the development of original devices for drainage of the maxillary sinus (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Registration and comparative analysis of the results of puncture methods of treatment of 120 patients with ABMS using developed new original devices for drainage of MS with one channels and with two channels in comparison with the Kulikovsky's needle (KN) was carried out. Based on the results of the analysis, the effectiveness of the original devices was assessed. During the clinical study, patients were divided into two groups: in group I, patients underwent of the MS puncture using KN, in group II, using original devices. Groups I and II, depending on the absence or presence of a block of the natural anastomosis MS, was divided into subgroups A and B, respectively. After puncture of the MS, the pain syndrome was assessed by patients using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and by doctors - using Touch Visual Pain (TVP) scale. RESULTS: Our study showed that when puncturing the upper jaw with an original needle with one channels and with two channels, compared with the use of KN, there is a decrease in pain (the average VAS score was 1.5±0.3 and 1.7±0.3 points, respectively; the average TVP scale score was 0.9±0.2 and 1.8±0.3 points, respectively, the difference is significant, p≤0.05). Patients of subgroup IB were manipulated with two KN, patients of subgroup IIB manipulated using the original device with two channels without an additional needle (the average VAS score was 3.0±0.4 and 1.3±0.3 points, respectively; the average TVP scale score was 2.7±0.4 and 1.0±0.2 points, respectively, the difference is significant, p≤0.05). The doctors also assessed the devices used for puncture of the upper jaw. As a result of the study, the high efficiency and safety of using new original devices was established.

The impact of maxillary dimensions on determining surgical approach of fungal ball in the maxillary sinus.

Endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) is commonly used for maxillary sinus (MS) fungal ball removal. For challenging cases involving anterior or inferior recess, an additional inferior meatal approach (IMA) might be needed. We analyzed the differences in MS dimensions on CT scans according to the surgical approach to suggest preoperative variables that could facilitate an additional IMA. CT scans of 281 adult patients who underwent ESS for the MS fungal ball (139 MMA, 62 MMA & IMA) were evaluated for comparative analysis of 8 MS measurements based on the surgical approach. Complete removal was achieved in all cases. Age and sex didn't differ significantly (p > 0.05). The maximum distances between the anterior-posterior walls, the inferior ostium border to the lateral recess, and the ostium to the inferior wall of the MS were statistically greater in the MMA & IMA group compared to the MMA group (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, and p = 0.010, respectively), especially among females. This study underscores the clinical importance of specific measurements-anterior to posterior wall, medial wall to lateral recess, and ostium to inferior wall of the maxillary sinus-for guiding optimal surgical approaches in MS lesions.

Clinical Approach to Dental Root Canal Filler-Induced Maxillary Sinus Fungal Mass Using Transnasal Endoscopy.

Accidentally extruded root canal filler within the sinuses may induce maxillary sinusitis with fungal mass. The authors describe 2 cases of gutta-percha-induced fungal masses in the left maxillary sinus of 2 women. The lesions were evaluated preoperatively using both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, providing comprehensive insights into the condition. In one patient, the lesion was located such that it could be resected through the middle meatal antrostomy alone. However, the second patient presented with an anteroinferiorly situated lesion that necessitated not only a transnasal approach but also an endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy. Both patients recovered uneventfully after surgery. This case series is the first published report of 2 cases of gutta-percha-induced maxillary sinus fungal masses, with their imaging findings, successfully treated through different routes through transnasal endoscopic surgery. These reports highlight the need for a collaborative approach between dental practitioners and otolaryngologists. In addition to the patient's wishes, surgical interventions must consider the unique characteristics of each case and the potential for collaboration across different medical specialties.

The Detection of Bacteria in the Maxillary Sinus Secretion of Patients With Acute Rhinosinusitis Using an Electronic Nose: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Detecting bacteria as a causative pathogen of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a challenging task. Electronic nose technology is a novel method for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that has also been studied in association with the detection of several diseases. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze maxillary sinus secretion with differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) and to determine whether the secretion demonstrates a different VOC profile when bacteria are present. METHODS: Adult patients with ARS symptoms were examined. Maxillary sinus contents were aspirated for bacterial culture and DMS analysis. k-Nearest neighbor and linear discriminant analysis were used to classify samples as positive or negative, using bacterial cultures as a reference. RESULTS: A total of 26 samples from 15 patients were obtained. After leave-one-out cross-validation, k-nearest neighbor produced accuracy of 85%, sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 94%, positive predictive value of 86%, and negative predictive value of 84%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest that bacterial positive and bacterial negative sinus secretion release different VOCs and that DMS has the potential to detect them. However, as the results are based on limited data, further conclusions cannot be made. DMS is a novel method in disease diagnostics and future studies should examine whether the method can detect bacterial ARS by analyzing exhaled air.

BIOFILM AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL GRADING OF MAXILLARY SINUS MUCOSA IN PATIENTS WITH ANTROCHOANAL POLYPS.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the signs of biofilm in the maxillary sinus of patients with antrochoanal polyps (ACP), and status of the mucosa on which the biofilm occurred. Mucosal samples from maxillary sinus in 40 ACP patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were analyzed histopathologically and by scanning electron microscopy. Results were compared with maxillary mucosa samples of 40 patients without endoscopic and radiological signs of sinus disease. The existence of biofilm and its relation to the degree of histopathological changes according to Terrier classification of chronic mucosal inflammation of maxillary sinus were statistically analyzed. Biofilm was detected in 23 of 40 (57.5%) ACP patients; the incidence was significantly lower in the control group (2/40, 5%). Biofilm was not found in type 1 mucosa according to Terrier classification. In conclusion, biofilm showed a significant incidence in the maxillary sinus mucosa of ACP patients (57.5%). Occasionally, biofilm can be found in patients with no signs of sinus disease, but not on histologically normal mucosa. Results of this study support the theory that biofilm formation does not represent the initial stage of the inflammatory process.

Detection of maxillary sinus fungal ball via 3-D CNN-based artificial intelligence: Fully automated system and clinical validation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to develop artificial intelligence (AI) system to automatically classify patients with maxillary sinus fungal ball (MFB), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: We collected 512 coronal image sets from ostiomeatal unit computed tomography (OMU CT) performed on subjects who visited a single tertiary hospital. These data included 254 MFB, 128 CRS, and 130 HC subjects and were used for training the proposed AI system. The AI system takes these 1024 sets of half CT images as input and classifies these as MFB, CRS, or HC. To optimize the classification performance, we adopted a 3-D convolutional neural network of ResNet 18. We also collected 64 coronal OMU CT image sets for external validation, including 26 MFB, 18 CRS, and 20 HCs from subjects from another referral hospital. Finally, the performance of the developed AI system was compared with that of the otolaryngology resident physicians. RESULTS: Classification performance was evaluated using internal 5-fold cross-validation (818 training and 206 internal validation data) and external validation (128 data). The area under the receiver operating characteristic over the internal 5-fold cross-validation and the external validation was 0.96 ±0.006 and 0.97 ±0.006, respectively. The accuracy of the internal 5-fold cross-validation and the external validation was 87.5 ±2.3% and 88.4 ±3.1%, respectively. As a result of performing a classification test on external validation data from six otolaryngology resident physicians, the accuracy was obtained as 84.6 ±11.3%. CONCLUSIONS: This AI system is the first study to classify MFB, CRS, and HC using deep neural networks to the best of our knowledge. The proposed system is fully automatic but performs similarly to or better than otolaryngology resident physicians. Therefore, we believe that in regions where otolaryngology specialists are scarce, the proposed AI will perform sufficiently effective diagnosis on behalf of doctors.

Differences in clinical and imaging presentation of maxillary sinus fungus ball with and without intralesional hyperdensity.

Maxillary sinus fungal balls (MSFBs) mostly occur in older individuals and demonstrate female predominance. Early diagnosis is important to avoid treatment delays. Intralesional hyperdensity (IH) indicates the presence of heavy metal deposition within fungal hyphae and has been the most specific characteristic of MSFB on computed tomography (CT). For those without IH on CT, the diagnosis of MSFB remains challenging. This study aimed to characterize clinical presentation of MSFB with and without IH and to study factors contributing to MSFB with no IH formation. We retrospectively identified 588 patients with MSFB. The clinical characteristics and CT findings were reviewed. Patients with unilateral MSFB had a mean age of 57.4 years and demonstrated female predominance (64.63%). The female-to-male ratio was highest at 51-60 years (2.02) and rose to 2.60 in MSFB with IH only. Compared to those with IH, MSFB without IH was significantly more common in males (OR = 2.49), in those with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 1.87), adjacent maxillary odontogenic pathology (OR = 1.75). Complete opacification on CT was less common in MSFB without IH (OR = 0.60). Patients with MSFB without IH were more likely to have DM, no female predominance, adjacent maxillary odontogenic pathology, and partial opacification of the sinus, compared to those with IH. These may be helpful in better understanding of the formation of MSFBs without IH, early identification of them and prevention of post-operative recurrence.

Treatment of Paranasal Sinus Fungus Ball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Paranasal sinus fungus ball is a common non-invasive mycosis with excellent long-term surgical treatment results. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to define current treatment concepts and success rates in paranasal sinus fungus ball treatment. METHODS: Systematic searches were performed in multiple databases with criteria designed to include all studies published until May 2020 focusing on paranasal sinuses fungus ball treatment in humans. We selected studies including at least 10 patients, specifying treatment modalities, providing a minimum 6-month follow-up, and objectivating treatment success. After duplicate removal, abstract and full-text selection, and quality assessment, we reviewed eligible articles for treatment modalities and success rates. Success rates were pooled in a random effect meta-analysis and compared according to the use of intraoperative sinus lavages and postoperative antibiotics. RESULTS: Among 740 unique citations, 14 studies were deemed eligible. Most (n = 11) were retrospective case series. All studies relied on endoscopic sinus surgery. Intraoperative lavages were proposed in 10 studies and postoperative antibiotics in 7 (for all patients in 5 studies and for selected patients in 2). No significant heterogeneity was observed between results (Cochran's Q P = .639, I2 test = 0). Treatment success rate was 98.4% (95% confidence interval 97.4%-99.3%). Intraoperative sinus toilette and postoperative antibiotics didn't significantly improve the success rate. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic sinus surgery shows excellent results in fungus ball treatment. Further prospective studies might help further reducing antibiotics prescriptions in these patients and improve their management.

Maxillary fungus ball in a diabetic patient. An odontogenic origin.

INTRODUCTION: Fungus ball (FB) represents a granulomatous mass due to a fungal colonization which may disseminate and potentially lead to a systemic infection. Maxillary fungus ball is considered to be a complication of dental treatment and, according to relevant literature, it often stems from improper endodontic therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors report the case of a 69-year-old caucasian woman with nasal respiratory distress and frequent sinusitis symptoms. According to clinical and radiological evidence, FESS surgery was planned, thus validating FB diagnostic hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infection should always be considered in patients with sinusitis and previous root canal theraphy. Misdiagnosis can lead to severe complications. Surgical removal seems to be effective and resolutive. KEY WORDS: Endoscopic surgery, Fungus Ball, Maxillary sinusitiss.

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules in the maxillary sinus. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules are biologically inactive formations simulating true actinomycotic granules. They occur mainly in the female genital tract. Here we describe a previously unreported case of these granules in a maxillary sinus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 74-year old man underwent maxillectomy for a carcinoma of the right alveolar ridge. In the tumor-free sinus mucosa, a deposit of condensed mucus, cell debris and eosinophilic granules, surrounded by leukocytes, were seen. These Gram-positive granules were refractile, not bi-refringent and revealed radiate pattern with peripheral club-like thickening. Alcian blue staining was negative, PAS reaction was present at the periphery. Ziehl-Neelsen, Grocott and Kongo red reactions tested negatively. In the mucoid surroundings, strong IgM, moderate IgG, weak IgA and IgG4, but no IgD immunoreactivity was present. CONCLUSIONS: PAMRAGs in the maxillary sinus have not been described so far. Despite their extremely rare occurence, they must be taken into consideration in histopathological differential diagnosis of actinomycosis of that anatomic location.

Multidisciplinary approaches to odontogenic lesions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an overview of technical considerations and relevant literature in the management odontogenic pathology with involvement of the maxillary sinus. RECENT FINDINGS: Infections, cysts, benign neoplasms (odontogenic and nonodontogenic), and inflammatory conditions impact the maxillary sinus in various ways, could result in significant expansion within the maxillary sinus and significant infections. SUMMARY: This manuscript provides an overview of common pathologic entities of the oral cavity proper that impacts the maxillary sinus health, with discussion of the role of the otorhinolaryngologist and the dental specialist.

Detection of nasal microbiota in pediatric patients with antrochoanal polyps by TLDA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the microbiological features in ACPs groups and control subjects in pediatric group, further to explore the potential role of microbial in the etiology of ACPs. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with ACPs, and 10 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Demographic datas were collected. The TaqMan low-density array assays were used to detect the microbial of swab specimens and nasal tissue samples from ACPs patients. RESULTS: A total of 15 species were identified in all groups. Of all the species, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most common species in ACP patients, but was negative in control group. Of all the viruses detected, Adenovirus positivity was significantly higher in control group than that in ACPs middle meatus on unaffected side, ACPs middle meatus on affected side, and ACPs polypous surface group (P < 0.05). Cytomegalovirus positivity was significantly higher in control group than that in ACP polypous group (P < 0.05). Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) was absent in control goup, and positive in ACP middle meatus on affected side was significantly higher than that in ACP polypous surface and ACP polyp group (P < 0.05). The expression of other microbial differed not significantly in unaffected side, affected side of ACPs, ACPs polypous surface, and ACPs polyp. CONCLUSIONS: Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most common species in ACP patients. Streptococcus pneumonia and Moraxella catarrhalis were the only bacteria detected at certain frequency in nasal polyps and control subjects. Human herpesvirus 6 andMycoplasma pneumoniae may have potential role in the development of ACPs. The isolates rate of microbial differed in middle meatus on unaffected and affected side of ACPs, ACPs polypous surface, ACPs polyp, and their role in the etiology of ACPs need to be further studied.

Premaxillary abscess without bony erosion: An unusual complication of pediatric acute maxillary sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: To report an unusual complication of pediatric acute maxillary sinusitis: premaxillary abscess. To describe clinical, radiological and biological presentation, treatment strategy and progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included all pediatric patients treated for premaxillary abscess complicating acute maxillary sinusitis in two ENT reference centers between 1999 and 2017. Disease history, clinical presentation, biological and radiological findings, treatment modalities and progression were studied. RESULTS: Ten patients were included, with a mean age of 10±4.2 years. All presented with fever, rhinorrhea and premaxillary edema. Contrast-enhanced CT scan systematically found complete opacity of the maxillary sinus, without bone lysis, and extensive effusion along the intersinonasal wall up to the premaxillary region, extending in 3 cases back toward the parapharyngeal space. Bacteriology isolated Streptococcus anginosus most frequently (n=4; 40%). Treatment comprised intravenous wide-spectrum antibiotics, with surgical drainage of the abscess if>10mm (n=9; 90%). Seven of these 9 patients (78%) had recurrent abscess requiring surgical revision and 3 (33%) required a third drainage. All patients were cured without sequelae at 1 month. CONCLUSION: In case of acute maxillary sinusitis with premaxillary edema, premaxillary abscess should be suspected. The high recurrence rate argues for maximalist surgery associated to close clinical monitoring with radiological examination.

Fungus ball of the maxillary sinus: Retrospective study of 48 patients and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary fungus ball (FB) is the most frequent paranasal localization. OBJECTIVE: To review clinical presentation, surgery and results of treatment in our series of patients with maxillary FB. To review the literature concerning treatment of maxillary FB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 48 patients with a diagnosis of maxillary FB were treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) alone or in association with external approaches. Before surgery all patients received computed tomography (CT), nasal endoscopy and dental examination. All the patients were followed for 1 year after surgery. Studies concerning surgical treatment of maxillary FB from 2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53.6 ±â€¯11.9 years. 20 patients (41.6%) did not present any symptom, 19 patients (39.7%) had nasal symptoms, 3 patients (6.2%) had facial pain, 6 patients (12.5%) had a combination of both. Endoscopic examination was positive in 31 patients (64.6%), 17 patients (35.4%) showed negative findings. Logit regression model demonstrated that clinical symptoms contribute to the prediction of a positive endoscopic examination. 25 patients (52.1%) presented odontogenic factors. Complete clinical and radiological resolution of FB was observed in 46 patients (95.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing our sample to the studies reviewed we may concluded that odontogenic factors were frequently reported and should be treated at the same time of maxillary FB. ESS alone or in association with external approaches is an effective treatment for patients with maxillary FB.

A fungal ball within a maxillary sinus with dental root canal filler and rare fungal propagules.

A fungal ball of a maxillary sinus sometimes includes dental treatment-related foreign material because the sinus is close to the root of the upper teeth. We present a case of right maxillary sinus fungal ball with a gutta-percha point, a dental root canal filler. X-ray analysis of the foreign material in the paraffin section of the fungal ball successfully detected zinc, sulfur, and barium, all of which were constituents of the gutta-percha point. The gutta-percha point might have facilitated the formation of the fungal ball through disruption of the sinus-clearing mechanism. Another interesting histological feature of the fungal ball was the finding of calcium oxalate crystals and non-hyphal fungal elements such as cleistothecia, Hülle cells, and conidial heads. This is the first report of such a combination being found in a specimen of human fungal disease. Although fungal culture was not available in the present case, molecular analysis of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue of the fungal ball succeeded in revealing only DNA sequences of Aspergillus nidulans and some other environmental Aspergillus spp.

Pneumococcal Bacteremia Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

From pneumonia to pericarditis, from sepsis to splenic abscess, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the causative agent of a diverse array of pyogenic disease. With the introduction of vaccines and effective antibiotic treatments, the incidence of complicated streptococcal infection has declined. We report a case of S. pneumoniae bacteremia, in the setting of occult sinusitis, complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and recurrent pneumococcal infection. Although severe streptococcal infection has been associated with immunodeficiency or splenectomy, no such predisposition was identified in our patient. We discuss the association of streptococcal infection with HLH and DIC and review occult sinusitis as a source of pneumococcal bacteremia, with the goal of enhancing the "illness scripts" of general medical practitioners to include such entities.