Sinonasal schwannoma masquerading as an IgG4-related nasal mass.

An elderly (8th decade) diabetic patient presented with insidious, painless protrusion of the right eye for 1 month, associated with nasal congestion. Past history included healed serous chorioretinopathy in the right eye (>30 years back) and recently diagnosed (1 year prior) autoimmune IgG4-related pancreatitis for which he was on long-term corticosteroids. On nasal endoscopic examination, a well circumscribed mass was found in the right nasal cavity.Keeping in mind the systemic diagnosis, the sinonasal mass was suspected to be a IgG4-related disease. An endoscopic biopsy was performed and revealed a surprise diagnosis of grade 1 nasal schwannoma.

Comparing Diagnostic Efficacy of Imaging During Muller's Maneuver Versus Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative computed tomography (CT) based upper airway analysis using the Muller's maneuver (MM) and compare the findings with drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 adult patients with symptoms of OSA and having apnoea-hypopnea index more than 5. They further underwent CT during normal breathing and during MM; findings of which were compared with DISE. Collapse at velum had statistically significant correlation with collapse at retropalatal level in CT (in MM) (P value = 0.001; r = 0.536). Base of tongue in DISE correlates significantly with retroglossal collapse on CT (P value = 0.002; r = 0.423). Epiglottic and oropharyngeal collapse had no correlation with any CT parameter. Collapse in CT as measured during MM shows significant correlation with DISE findings at velum and tongue base but cannot solely predict all levels without the aid of DISE.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy-continuous positive airway pressure (DISE-CPAP), a newer modality to choose the right candidates for CPAP.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is recommended for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to investigate whether or not combining drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) with CPAP titration may inform more appropriate pressure settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sleep CPAP titration study and DISE-CPAP treatment were performed on consecutive subjects with moderate-to-severe OSA under controlled sedation using bispectral monitoring. Video recordings of dynamic changes in UA with CPAP pressure ranges of 5 to 25 cm were assessed in accordance with the VOTE classification. The 95th percentile (95th PC) pressure of the CPAP titration trial was compared to optimal pressure for alleviating UA blockage. RESULTS: We included 30 subjects (mean age 37.5, 17% women). All showed UA collapse at more than one level, with more than 80% of them collapsing completely at the levels of the velum and oropharynx. At the velum, 90% of subjects experienced improvement with CPAP. At the oropharynx, 75% of subjects experienced improvement with CPAP. The mean pressure and standard deviation (SD) of the 95th PC of the CPAP titration was 14.3 (3.5) cmH2O, while the pressure required to partially or fully open the airway (best possible pressure) was 16.1 (3.9) cmH2O; mean (SD) difference, 1.9 (2.2); P ≤ 0.001. The limits of agreement between the CPAP 95th pressure and the ideal pressure were - 6.32 to + 2.52. CONCLUSIONS: The palate and lateral pharynx were more affected by CPAP than the hypopharynx. Most of the time, the mean 95th PC CPAP titration pressure was lower than the mean optimal pressure needed to alleviate the collapse.

Controlled arachnoid opening to aid endoscopic trans-sphenoidal extrarachnoidal dissection of pituitary macroadenoma.

OBJECTIVES: The arachnoid often bulges prematurely during surgical excision of large pituitary tumors obscuring the deeper regions and crevices preventing total excision. Pushing the arachnoid may not be helpful and may tear it inadvertently and extensively leading to complications. We have described controlled arachnoid opening in large pituitary macroadenomas during the final stages of excision to gain access to the hidden portions and compared our results to the conventional technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with pituitary macroadenoma of Hardy's III and KNOSP II in whom arachnoid had bulged prematurely were considered for study. They were grouped temporally. In first group (n = 12), the arachnoid was pushed to retrieve the tumor and in the second group (n = 10) it was punctured to aid resection. The extent of resection was assessed on postoperative scans, and complications in both groups, were noted. RESULTS: In the first group where arachnoid was pushed to retrieve tumor, Gross Total Resection (GTR) could be achieved in 5 patients. Inadvertent large arachnoid tear occurred in 3 patients of which, 2 developed CSF Rhinorrhoea. No patient had neurovascular injury.In the second group, GTR could be achieved in all without any added complications. CONCLUSION: Deliberate needle puncture and controlled drainage of CSF from arachnoid that bulges prematurely while endoscopic Transsphenoidal surgery for large pituitary tumors is a safe and effective method to gain access to the hidden portions of tumor to achieve GTR.

Infected Haller Cell Misdiagnosed as Invasive Fungal Sinusitis - A Parallax.

We report an unusual case of a 29-year-old female with a short duration of right lower eyelid swelling, painful eye movement and paraesthesia of right cheek. She was subsequently worked up with mucormycosis in mind, but intra-operative findings were suggestive of an infected Haller cell and post-operatively she was symptom free.

An Easy to use Periosteal Flap for Cochlear Implantation: Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre.

This report describes a novel and easy periosteal flap design for cochlear implantation. This technique has been used in 37 patients between June 2019 and August 2020. The patients have been followed up for a period of 2 months to 15 months. There were no flap related complications attributed to this flap. There was no wound hematoma, wound breakdown or implant migration. The flap design is safe, easy, less time consuming and results in better coverage of the receiver stimulator unit without any tension.

Endoscope Assisted Combined Drainage of Sino-Orbital Abscess: Technique Revisited.

Orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis may present with painful proptosis and ophthalmoplegia. Surgical management, when required comprises of endonasal endoscopic sinus clearance with or without external orbital abscess drainage. External drainage involves blind dissection and carries a risk of iatrogenic injury to periorbital structures. We describe a novel technique of endoscope guided orbital abscess drainage under direct visualisation via the external incision site. Patients with orbital cellulitis secondary to rhinosinusitis and planned for surgical intervention were recruited. After endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery, the orbital abscess cavity was opened and an endoscope was inserted externally. The cavity was examined; loculi were opened under direct visualisation till drainage was complete. This procedure was performed in seven patients with a successful outcome. The mean time to resolution was 1.5 months (36.4 ± 18.2 days). None of the patients had any recurrence or residual disease on follow up. In addition, in two cases with obstructed sinus drainage and "walling off" of frontal sinus, visualisation of the instrument placed in the drained abscess cavity via endo-nasally inserted endoscope confirmed the re-establishment of continuity of sinus opening. This approach may allow the surgeon to drain multiloculated abscess completely under direct visualization while minimising iatrogenic damage to periorbital structures. Real time display using endoscopic camera on the monitor screen also serves as a teaching and training tool during the procedure. Technique utilises the existing endoscopic set-up without the need for additional instrumentation.

As the virus sowed, the fungus reaped! A comparative analysis of the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of rhino-orbital mucormycosis before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The sudden surge of mucormycosis cases which happened during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic was a significant public health problem in India. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinico-epidemicological characteristics of the mucormycosis cases to determine the changes that had occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Patients diagnosed with rhino-orbital mucormycosis were categorised into the following groups: Pre-pandemic(May 2019 to April 2020), Pandemic Pre-epidemic (May 2020 to April 2021) and Epidemic (1 May 2021 to 12 July 2021). The epidemiological, clinical and surgical data of all the patients were retrieved from the hospital records and analysed. RESULTS: The epidemic period had 370 cases, compared with 65 during pandemic period and 42 in the pre-pandemic period. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 87% of cases during epidemic period, 92.9% in the pre-pandemic period and 90.8% in the pre-pandemic pre-epidemic period. The proportion of patients suffering from vision loss, restricted extra-ocular movements, palatal ulcer and nasal obstruction was higher in the pre-epidemic groups, and the difference was significant (p, <.01). There was no history of oxygen use in 85.9% of patients and no steroid use in 76.5%. The death rates were the lowest during epidemic (10%). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has caused a statistically significant increase in the number of mucormycosis infections. The mortality and morbidity which showed an increase during the first wave of COVID-19 decreased significantly during the epidemic period.

Laryngeal tuberculosis: a neglected diagnosis.

A 24-year-old woman visited the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) outpatient department with complaints of hoarseness for 2 months not responding to conservative management. Laryngoscopic examination revealed a whitish ulceroproliferative lesion in the anterior commissure and anterior two-thirds of bilateral true vocal cords with surrounding necrosis. In view of the above findings, the patient was planned for biopsy under general anaesthesia. Intraoperative findings showed multiple whitish necrotic friable tissue involving anterior two-thirds of bilateral false vocal cords, ventricle, bilateral true vocal cords, both aryepiglottic folds and laryngeal surface of epiglottis. Postoperative histopathology was consistent with tuberculosis. A pulmonology consultation was taken, and the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. One month post therapy, the voice was symptomatically better. A flexible fibreoptic laryngoscopic examination was done, which revealed almost complete resolution of the lesion with minimal ulceration at the anterior one-third of right true vocal cord.

Tele-Otolaryngology at a Tertiary Care Center in North India During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: A Validated Patient Feedback Questionnaire Based Study.

Providing medical care using the telecommunication networks holds the promise of increased access and efficiency of healthcare particularly during global emergencies like the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Most of the hospital setups worldwide have put telemedicine into practice ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Tele-otolaryngology (TO) at a tertiary care centre during the pandemic lockdown. A validated patient feedback questionnaire was developed and distributed to 2577 patients who utilised the TO mobile health service at our institute. Patient feedback-based assessment of TO effectiveness during COVID-19 lockdown was carried out. The validated questionnaire in English and Hindi was statistically robust with Cronbach's alpha value of 0.808 and 0.886 respectively. 1751 patients completed their feedback to the questionnaire. 97.5% utilised WhatsApp for TO consultation. 15.2% patients were detected of Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with TO guidance. Up to 75% patients had a positive response to the questionnaire and 91.1% opined of savings achieved either with travel time, cost incurred or the treatment time. With respect to patient health status, 71.5% recovered, 20.1% had no change and 8.4% deteriorated with a mortality rate of 1.65%. Telehealth in otolaryngology during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown was indispensable in managing exigencies. Redesigning of clinical protocol and technical constraints, clinician training and a validated patient feedback questionnaire would effectively bestow upon the global emergencies.

Allergic Fungal Otomastoiditis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Allergic fungal otomastoiditis, a rare known entity has only been published as case reports in literature. There have been 3 cases of adult and 1 case of pediatric allergic fungal otomastoiditis reported as of now. A young male had unilateral otorrhea and hearing difficulty for four years. The audiogram revealed moderate conductive hearing loss and radiograph showed complete opacification of tympanic cavity. He underwent tympano-mastoidectomy, showing polypoidal granulations and thick mucoid discharge. The histopathology was a surprise diagnosis of Allergic fungal otomastoiditis. The clinical and histopathological appearance of this entity matches allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. After extensive review of literature, we propose a working criterion for early identification of allergic fungal otomastoiditis in otolaryngology setting.

Plasma Ablation-Assisted Endoscopic Endonasal Transpterygoid Approach to Sphenoid Lateral Recess Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Technique and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Management of sphenoid lateral recess (SLR) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks present a challenge because of the location and requiring complete visualization of the defect for a successful repair. The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach (EETPA) is considered the gold standard in addressing these defects. We lay out our experience in implementing this approach with plasma ablation. METHODS: This is a case series of 11 diagnosed patients of SLR CSF leaks who underwent plasma ablation-assisted EETPA repair by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2020 at our institution. Outcomes in terms of surgical field grade on the Wormald 11-point grading scale, postoperative complications, healing on nasal endoscopy and imaging, and surgical success rate were assessed. RESULTS: The etiology was spontaneous leak in 10 (90.9%) patients and secondary to temporal lobe abscess and/or meningitis in one (9.09%). Three (27%) patients were previously operated elsewhere by the transsphenoidal route, which we reoperated by this technique. As per Wormald grading, grade 1 field in 3 (27.27%), grade 2 in 6 (54.5%), and grade 3 in 2 cases (18.18%) were noted. Complications occurred in 3 patients (27%) in the form of dry eye (9%), meningitis (9%), and transient CSF rhinorrhea in the immediate postoperative period (9%). Repair sites were well healed on follow-up nasal endoscopy and imaging. The surgical success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ablation-assisted EETPA allows for a uninostril approach to the SLR, easy accessibility, and better visualization with a bloodless field, which allows appropriate repair, thus minimizing complications and preventing recurrence.

Hemorrhage in Onodi Cell Leading to Traumatic Optic Neuropathy.

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is an important cause of vision loss in the setting of cranial and/or facial trauma. Both direct and indirect variants exist, with the latter being more common. We describe the case of a young male presenting with loss of vision following trauma with an intact globe, an intraorbital foreign body, and Onodi cell hemorrhage. The challenges in diagnoses of type of TON, exact pathology, and management are discussed. We also highlight the role of thin section digital computed tomography imaging which is paramount for timely detection of subtle injuries and their management.

Laryngeal lymphangioma as a cause of respiratory distress in an adult with Down's syndrome: an extremely rare presentation.

A 32-year-old man with Down's syndrome was referred to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department in view of failed attempts at extubation, and subsequently, at decannulation of tracheotomy tube. He had previously required ventilatory support and had history of intubation for 1 week. A flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy showed a smooth mass covering the laryngeal inlet which moved with respiration. Direct laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia revealed a smooth mucosa covered fleshy mass arising from the left aryepiglottic fold and arytenoid, obstructing the laryngeal inlet. The mass was removed using controlled plasma ablation, and histopathological examination of the same was consistent with lymphangioma. Endoscopic examinations during the regular follow-up visits revealed well-healed supraglottic area with adequate glottic chink and the patient could be successfully decannulated.

Endonasal endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in pituitary tumors among the young: A comparative study & meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The transsphenoidal approach presents unique challenges in young, with scanty literature. This study compares the outcome of pituitary tumors among young in our center between endoscopic(EES) and microscopic(MTS) transsphenoidal surgery, with a meta-analysis. METHODS: Patients within 20 years were studied for their surgical approach to a favorable outcome of endocrine remission (ER) (functioning) or Gross/Near-Total resection (nonfunctioning), besides the need for retreatment. Relevant studies were pooled and analyzed according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Out of 64 young patients with pituitary tumors, 48 underwent transsphenoidal surgery using MTS(33) or EES(15). Of these, 21, 14, 5, and 8 had Cushing's, somatotropinomas, prolactinomas, and non-secreting tumors, respectively. Mean symptom duration was 28months, with weight gain(50 %) and visual complaints(29 %) most prevalent. Hypogonadism(21 %) was the most frequent endocrinopathy. The mean tumor volume was 3.8 cm3. Over mean follow-up of 4.4years, favorable outcome was significantly higher after EES than MTS(78.6 % vs. 46.7 %)(odds ratio 4.18, p = 0.05). EES's better outcome was homogeneous across subgroups of age and tumor type, with no significant subgroup difference. Symptom duration was significantly higher among those who required retreatment(p = 0.05), while ER had a non-significant association with tumor volume(p = 0.07). Overall, 40 %, 27 %, 17 %, and 8% were on hydrocortisone, thyroxine, sex hormone, and desmopressin, respectively, at follow-up with no significant difference between EES and MTS. In pooled analysis of literature, both favorable outcome(74 % vs. 48 %,p = 0.02) and retreatment rate(8% vs. 37 %,p = 0.004) were significantly better with EES than MTS. CONCLUSION: Among young patients with pituitary tumors, the favorable outcome and retreatment rates are better with endonasal endoscopy and associated with symptom duration and tumor volume.

Otolaryngology Practice in Covid 19 Era: A Road-Map to Safe Endoscopies.

Covid-19 has changed the way medical services are being delivered all around the world. Otolaryngology as a speciality is anecdotally associated with high risk of infection. Endoscopies can be associated with aerosolization of particles due to cough or sneeze which may be induced. An overhaul of endoscopy and associated procedures is necessary keeping in mind the prevailing situations. This paper aims at a review of the on-going research and development of a road map for safe endoscopies-both for patients and heath care workers.

Differential independent impact of the intraoperative use of navigation and angled endoscopes on the surgical outcome of endonasal endoscopy for pituitary tumors: a prospective study.

Despite widespread popularity of navigation and angled endoscopes in endonasal endoscopy, there are hardly few studies on their efficacy with the extent of resection or retreatment. This is probably the first study to assess the independent impact of these adjuncts among pituitary tumors. Patients with pituitary tumors undergoing endonasal endoscopy were prospectively studied for their demographics, clinico-radiological features, intraoperative use of navigation, and angled endoscopes, in relation to gross total resection (GTR), near total resection (NTR), endocrine remission, and retreatment. Pertinent statistical analyses were performed. Among a total of 139 patients, navigation and angled endoscopes could be used in 54 and 48 patients, respectively, depending upon their availability rather than chosen as per the case. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics in relation to their use. The surgeon's perception of immediate benefit was noted among 51.9% while using navigation. The use of angled endoscopes towards the end of resection could help with additional tumor removal in 62.5% of patients. Overall, the use of navigation resulted in a significantly higher GTR (80.8% vs. 59.7%, OR 2.83, p = 0.01), a higher GTR/NTR (86.5% vs. 70.8%, OR 2.65, p = 0.04), and a lower retreatment rate (7.7% vs. 20.8%, OR 3.15, p = 0.05) than the others. In functioning tumors with cavernous sinus invasion, navigation had significantly increased remission rates (69.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.03). The use of angled endoscopes yielded a significantly higher GTR/NTR (91.7% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.04) and a lower retreatment rate (0% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.05) among only non-functioning adenomas. In multivariate analyses, the use of neuronavigation had a significant association with both GTR and retreatment rates (p values 0.005 and 0.02 respectively), independent of other confounding factors. The elective intraoperative use of navigation has a significant independent impact on the extent of resection and retreatment overall. While navigation results in better remission rates among functioning tumors with cavernous sinus invasion, angled endoscopy has a significant association with surgical outcomes in non-functioning tumors.

Reversal of vision loss after traumatic optic neuropathy.

Traumatic optic neuropathy is sinister sequelae of craniofacial trauma leading to vision loss. The decision between early medical or surgical intervention is usually individualised. Visual evoked potentials may guide the treatment plan. We describe a young male presenting 5 days after a road traffic accident with no perception of light vision in the right eye. He was managed medically with high dose of intravenous steroids. At the 3-month follow-up, he reported a reversal of vision loss with return of visual acuity to 3/60, which improved to 6/36 at 5 months and remained stable at 8 months.