Endoscopic Study of Ethmoidal Canals in Cadavers, Including a Histological Analysis of Their Contents.

Introduction The advent of the endoscope has enabled the use of the endonasal approach for a variety of diseases. Studying the ethmoidal canals is important for surgeries of the paranasal sinuses and the anterior base of the skull. Objective To investigate the ethmoidal canals and evaluate their structure, the presence of vessels and nerves, their location, and to perform an anatomopathological study of their contents. Methods We evaluated 20 cadavers (20 left and 20 right nasal cavities) through endoscopic dissection of the anterior base of the skull and exposure of the medial periorbita and dura mater; then, the ethmoidal canals were located and measured in relation to the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus and between the ethmoidal canals, followed by removal of their content for histological analysis. Results Vessels were present in 75% of the left anterior ethmoidal canals, 70% of the left posterior ethmoidal canals, 75% of the left middle ethmoidal canals, 85% of the right anterior ethmoid canals, and 64.5% of the right posterior ethmoid canals; 50% of the right middle ethmoidal canals contained one vessel. Conclusion The ethmoidal canal does not necessarily contain an ethmoidal artery. Studies with a larger sample should be performed to quantify the correct proportion of arteries and ethmoidal canals.

The centripetal endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with cystic fibrosis: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study is to analyze the possible differences between clinical, demographic or genetic characteristics, in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with different phenotype. The secondary objective is to describe the possible benefit of surgery with Centripetal Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (CESS). METHODS: The study includes 56 who performed CT scan of the paranasal sinuses. They were divided in 3 group according to phenotype: CRS without Nasal Polyps (NP); CRS with NP; CRS complicated with Mucocele. The clinical symptoms, age, gender, genotype, microbial colonization and pulmonary disease stage were collected and analyzed to assess possible statistically significant differences. Regarding the 7 patients who performed CESS surgery, the number of hospitalizations, intravenous (iv) antibiotic courses, respiratory exacerbations, the FEV1, the Lund-Mackay Score (LMS) and the SNOT 22 were evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences regarding clinical symptoms between the 3 groups were identified (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no differences in age, gender, genotype, microbial colonization and pulmonary disease stage (p > 0.05). Regarding the patients who performed CESS, no significative difference in FEV1 progression was found. A reduction in hospitalization, pulmonary exacerbation and in the number of iv antibiotic courses resulted statistically significant different (p = 0.004; <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). A significant improvement in SNOT-22 and LMS (p < 0.001) was obtained. CONCLUSION: Radiological monitoring of the rhinosinus disease is necessary regardless of the clinical expression of the disease. The presence of CRS with NP complicated by mucocele is frequent and independent of the patient's age and clinical manifestations. An extensive surgical approach could represent the gold standard for patients with CF in consideration of the potential important advantages to perform a total toilet of all the sinuses and nasal cavities and at the same time eliminating a potential microbiological reservoir.

In Vivo Computed Tomography Direct Volume Rendering of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery: A Descriptive Anatomical Study

Abstract Introduction The clinical relevance of the anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is outstanding, considering its role as a landmark in endoscopic surgery, its importance in the therapy of epistaxis, and the high risks related to iatrogenic injuries. Objective To provide an anatomical description of the course and relationships of the AEA, based on direct computed-tomography (CT)-based 3D volume rendering. Methods Direct volume rendering was performed on 18 subjects who underwent (CT) with contrast medium for suspected cerebral aneurism. Results The topographical location of 36 AEAs was assessed as shown: 10 dehiscent (27.8%), 20 intracanal (55.5%), 6 incomplete canals (16.7%). Distances from important topographic landmarks are reported. Conclusion This work demonstrates that direct 3D volume rendering is a valid imaging technique for a detailed description of the anterior ethmoidal artery thus representing a useful tool for head pre-operatory assessments.

In Vivo Computed Tomography Direct Volume Rendering of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery: A Descriptive Anatomical Study.

Introduction The clinical relevance of the anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is outstanding, considering its role as a landmark in endoscopic surgery, its importance in the therapy of epistaxis, and the high risks related to iatrogenic injuries. Objective To provide an anatomical description of the course and relationships of the AEA, based on direct computed-tomography (CT)-based 3D volume rendering. Methods Direct volume rendering was performed on 18 subjects who underwent (CT) with contrast medium for suspected cerebral aneurism. Results The topographical location of 36 AEAs was assessed as shown: 10 dehiscent (27.8%), 20 intracanal (55.5%), 6 incomplete canals (16.7%). Distances from important topographic landmarks are reported. Conclusion This work demonstrates that direct 3D volume rendering is a valid imaging technique for a detailed description of the anterior ethmoidal artery thus representing a useful tool for head pre-operatory assessments.

Impact of delay in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer / Impacto da demora no diagnóstico e tratamento no câncer de cabeça e pescoço

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Head and neck tumors can be easily recognized through clinical evaluation. However, they are often diagnosed at advanced stages. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the delay from the patient's initial symptoms to the definitive treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients enrolled in 2011 and 2012. A questionnaire was filled in about socioeconomic aspects, patient history, tumor data, professionals who evaluated the patients, and the respective time delays. RESULTS: The following time delay medians were observed: ten months between symptom onset and the first consultation; four weeks between the latter and the first consultation with a specialist; four weeks between the specialist consultation and diagnosis attainment; and 12 weeks between diagnosis and the start of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most head and neck tumors are diagnosed at advanced stages, due to patient and health care factors.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar de poderem ser facilmente reconhecidos ao exame clínico, os tumores de cabeça e pescoço são, muitas vezes, diagnosticados em estadiamento avançado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a demora entre o surgimento dos sintomas iniciais do paciente e seu encaminhamento para o tratamento definitivo. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de pacientes arrolados em 2011 e 2012. Foi preenchido questionário sobre fatores sócio-econômicos, antecedentes, dados do tumor, profissionais que avaliaram os pacientes e respectivos períodos de demora. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas as seguintes medianas de tempo de demora: 10 meses entre o início dos sintomas e o primeiro atendimento; 4 semanas entre este e a primeira consulta com o especialista; 4 semanas entre esta e o estabelecimento do diagnóstico; e 12 semanas entre este e o início do tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: A maior parte dos cânceres de cabeça e pescoço é diagnosticada em estádios avançados, por fatores relacionados aos pacientes e à atenção à saúde.

Impact of delay in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck tumors can be easily recognized through clinical evaluation. However, they are often diagnosed at advanced stages. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the delay from the patient's initial symptoms to the definitive treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients enrolled in 2011 and 2012. A questionnaire was filled in about socioeconomic aspects, patient history, tumor data, professionals who evaluated the patients, and the respective time delays. RESULTS: The following time delay medians were observed: ten months between symptom onset and the first consultation; four weeks between the latter and the first consultation with a specialist; four weeks between the specialist consultation and diagnosis attainment; and 12 weeks between diagnosis and the start of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most head and neck tumors are diagnosed at advanced stages, due to patient and health care factors.