Eight Month-Old-Infant Impaled by Toothbrush Through the Hard Palate.

Impalement of children with foreign bodies is not uncommon. A variety of foreign bodies and mechanisms of injuries have been described. Infant tissues are more vulnerable to injuries and often penetrating traumas are very dangerous. An 8-month-old infant was referred to our department with a major impalement injury of his hard palate by a toothbrush. The integrity of the orbit was in question due to the high proximity of the foreign body to the lamina papyracea. A well-structured algorithm was followed to secure the best interests of the child. Our approach minimizes the risk of complications by taking into account every single parameter. After the removal of the foreign body, a careful reconstruction with meticulous nasendoscopy was held to restore the hard palate integrity and to check the orbit inner wall. According to the literature, toothbrushes seem to be the most common medium of impalement trauma. Parents should be educated that their offspring are at great risk when holding or sucking objects while playing.

Does preoperative administration of hypotensive agents affect the quality of the surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery? A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a surgical procedure widely used in the treatment of various sinonasal conditions. Excessive bleeding during ESS leads to potentially major complications. The primary aim of this trial was to explore any different effects of bisoprolol and nifedipine on the intraoperative surgical field. In addition, the correlations regarding surgical field state, total blood loss (TBL), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were also examined. METHODS: A prospective, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted, including 72 patients between 18 and 65 years of age who underwent ESS. As an indicator of the worst state of the intraoperative surgical field, the Boezaart scale score was used, as evaluated by two surgeons. Appropriate statistical analysis was conducted to explore score comparisons across groups and correlations between vital signs, bleeding, and the operative field state. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found among different intervention groups regarding the worst state of the surgical field (p = 0.367 > 0.05). The Boezaart scale score was positively correlated with TBL (rxy = 0.619, p = 0.000 < 0.001) and MAP (rxy = 0.259, p = 0.028 < 0.05). Furthermore, MAP was positively correlated with HR (rs = 0.254, p = 0.32 < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that preoperative administration of bisoprolol and nifedipine does not affect the worst state of the operative field. However, vital signs seem to either directly or indirectly affect bleeding and operative field state, and agents affecting them are worth exploring further.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis to the Tonsil: A Case Report of a Rare Entity.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most dominant malignant neoplasm of the liver and constitutes the majority of all primary malignancies. Most reported cases of HCC occur in the developing world and are mainly associated with chronic hepatitis B and C viruses. Both hematogenous and lymphatic spreading is common in HCC. Patients with HCC might manifest extra-hepatic metastases and the lungs are the most common potential site of metastatic deposits. Rare sites of metastatic disease have also been described. Oropharyngeal metastases of HCC are rare and there are few reports available in the literature. We report a rare case of extra-hepatic metastasis of HCC to the right tonsil in an 84-year-old patient. The clinical appearance of metastatic oral lesions could be easily underestimated, and diagnosis of the primary tumor might delay. A biopsy of the oral lesion is important for an accurate diagnosis. Metastasis in the oral cavity and oropharynx of an HCC is usually evidence of widespread disease and predisposes to an ominous prognosis.

Extended Scalp Reconstruction With a Free Supraclavicular Graft: A Case Report.

Skin restoration after tumor excision, trauma, or burns may be achieved with full or split-thickness skin grafts or local flaps. The success rate of a skin graft depends on several independent factors. The supraclavicular region is considered a reliable donor site for head and neck skin defects because of its easy access. We present a case of a supraclavicular skin graft harvested to cover a skin deficit after the excision of a squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. The postoperative course was uneventful regarding graft survival, the healing procedure, and the cosmetic outcome.

Quality of life after mastoid surgery. Is there a real benefit to preserving the posterior wall of the external auditory canal? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomies represent the most common cholesteatoma surgical techniques. In this meta-analysis, we compare the postoperative quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with either CWU or CWD mastoidectomy. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the following three electronic databases: Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Articles were assessed for eligibility in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement and data were extracted independently by two authors. Biases assessment was conducted for each study according to the Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. Meta-analysis was performed for postoperative QoL following CWU versus CWD mastoidectomy. RESULTS: Our systematic review included four studies that met the inclusion criteria, three prospective cohort studies, and one retrospective cohort study. The meta-analysis did not favor treatment with one of the two surgical techniques. Postoperative QoL did not show a statistically significant difference between CWU and CWD mastoidectomies (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis results indicate that QoL is not statistically significantly better among patients who underwent CWU mastoidectomies when compared with CWD. The trend of selecting CWU over CWD mastoidectomies in selected cases - for QoL purposes - is not always based on evidence-based data. The statistically insignificant difference between the two surgical techniques suggests that an initial more radical approach might prevent patients from further surgeries, without affecting postoperative QoL.

An Extremely Rare Nasopharyngeal Malignant Tumor: A Case Report.

Nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma (NPAC) is an extremely rare primary malignant tumor. There is only a limited number of cases of NPACs reported in the literature. The neoplasm presents as an exophytic mass with a papillary or polypoid appearance derived from the nasopharyngeal surface epithelium. It can potentially involve any part of the nasopharynx, but it most commonly involves the roof, the lateral, and the posterior wall. The prognosis is very good and no recurrences or metastases have been reported. Nasal obstruction is the most common manifestation. Surgical excision is considered the most appropriate treatment method. There are also reports of patients undergoing radiation therapy. However, its role in the treatment has not been clarified. The presence of this tumor in the nasal cavity could be easily underestimated, because of its appearance. As a result, an index of suspicion is necessary for a timely diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. We present a case of NPAC in a 26-year-old female treated in our hospital.

An Endoscopic-Assisted Open Removal of a Retained Foreign Body From Frontal Sinus.

Facial penetrating injuries can cause retention of foreign bodies in the frontal sinus. This rare condition can remain underdiagnosed for years, since non-specific symptoms, such as headaches and nasal obstruction, can be developed. So far, removal by an endoscopic approach is the most preferred treatment option because it is less invasive with a short recovery time. However, removal by an open surgical approach remains the method of choice for large foreign bodies, especially in cases of coexistent non-reducible fractures of the anterior table of the frontal bone. We present a case where a combined approach - open and endoscopic - was necessary to successfully remove a retained foreign body from a frontal sinus. With the assistance of a transnasal endoscope, the retained stone was mobilized and removed from the open frontal sinus followed by osteosynthesis of the anterior table. Therefore, in special circumstances, a combination of both techniques should be considered for the optimal outcome.

The Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap for Pharynx Reconstruction.

The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a reliable, easy-to-harvest and versatile fasciocutaneous flap that can be used for pharynx reconstruction. Instead of free flaps, it requires no microsurgical technique, reduced operating time and postoperative care, making it an ideal option, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of our study was to present two cases of a total laryngectomy and reconstruction with the SCAIF during the pandemic. The secondary aim was to review the literature concerning surgical techniques, complications and contradictions of the SCAIF for pharynx reconstruction. A literature search was performed using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases, using MeSH terms: larynx AND reconstruction AND flap. Ten full-text articles comprising 92 patients with 93 supraclavicular flaps were included. The patch graft, pharyngeal interposition graft, tubularization or "U"-shaped SCAIF were the main surgical techniques. Pharyngocutaneous fistula was the most frequent postoperative complication, especially in patients with previous radiotherapy, but just 19% of patients required secondary intervention. The lack of donor-site morbidity, low flap loss rates and stenosis rates favored this reconstructive option. This review underlined that the SCAIF has comparable results with other reconstructive options, consolidating this flap in the workhorse of pharynx reconstruction.

Epigenetic editing and tumor-dependent immunosuppressive signaling in head and neck malignancies.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a heterogeneous variety of malignant tumors, characterized by a relatively high tumor mutation burden. Previous data have revealed that immune system dysfunction appears to serve a key role in the development and progression of HNC and established immunosuppression is vital for evading the host immune response. Despite progress in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the survival rate of patients with HNC is still low. Therefore, the present review discusses the development of novel immunotherapy approaches based on the various immune cell signaling routes that trigger drug resistance and immunosuppression. Additionally, the present review discusses the epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs that drive and support HNC progression. Furthermore, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor macrophages and myeloid cells in tumor-related immunosuppression are considered. Specifically, the molecular immune-related mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, which lead to decreased drug sensitivity and tumor relapse, and strategies for reversing drug resistance and targeting immunosuppressive tumor networks are discussed. Deciphering these molecular mechanisms is essential for preclinical and clinical investigations in order to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, an improved understanding of these immune cell signaling pathways that drive immune surveillance, immune-driven inflammation and tumor-related immunosuppression is necessary for future personalized HNC-based therapeutic approaches.

A Rare Case of a Large Sinonasal Neurofibroma.

A neurofibroma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Its appearance in the nose and paranasal sinuses is extremely rare. We present the case of a 61-year-old female with a large sinonasal neurofibroma. The patient was referred to our department due to the findings of a large invasive lesion originating from the left sinus with extension to the adjacent structures on computed tomography. A thorough examination revealed a mass within the left nasal cavity and exophthalmos. The initial symptoms of the disease probably appeared three years ago when she reported that she developed facial swelling following dental work. In the following period and due to reported blurred vision, she consulted with several medical specialists without receiving a diagnosis, while later she visited an otorhinolaryngologist, complaining of ear fullness, and local treatment was prescribed. Due to persistent symptoms, the patient was finally referred for computed tomography. Upon arrival at our department, she underwent a biopsy, which revealed the existence of a neurofibroma. The patient underwent endoscopic resection of the tumor and remains under close follow-up with no signs of recurrence. Sinonasal neurofibroma is a rare condition that presents with non-specific symptoms and may take years to reach a diagnosis. Open or endoscopic surgical resection seems to offer satisfactory results; however, similar cases reported in the literature are scarce.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following the Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a common otolaryngology emergency that significantly affects the patient's quality of life. Although in most cases its etiology remains unknown (idiopathic SSHL), viral infections and vascular compromise constitute the most widely accepted etiopathogenic mechanisms. Specifically, occlusion of the internal auditory artery has been reported in cases of sudden deafness. Thrombotic events following the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are rare. There have been reports of SSHL following immunization with Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, no etiologic relationship has been established between the two entities yet. We present a unique case of SSHL following the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. A 61-year-old female was referred to our department with a four-day history of the right-sided sense of fulness combined with almost complete hearing loss that had started two days after the second dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Pure tone audiometry showed profound right-sided sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and internal auditory canal and magnetic resonance angiography were both normal. The combination of glucocorticoids and acetylsalicylic acid leads to almost full recovery 15 days after deafness. The COVID-19 era is full of new challenges and clinical dilemmas. In our case, the addition of acetylosalicid acid to the patient's initial treatment may have contributed to the hearing restoration; however, this fact will remain a hypothesis.

HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer and Biomarkers Based on Epigenetics and Microbiome Profile.

H uman papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the main cause of the increasing incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and soon, the global burden of HPV-related OPSCC is predicted to exceed that of cervical cancer. Moreover, a different molecular profile for HPV-related OPSCC has been described, opening new promising targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches. Epigenetic and microbiome-based exploration of biomarkers has gained growing interest with a view to the primary oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) screening. Understanding the role of the epigenetic mechanism and the changes that occur during pathogenesis shows appreciable progress in recent years. The different methylation status of DNA and miRNAs demonstrates the value of possible biomarkers discriminating even in different stages of dysplasia. Through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) hold the key to recover missing information. O n the other hand, the microbiota investigation signifies a new biomarker approach for the evaluation of OPC. Along with known cofactors playing a major role in microbiota differentiation, HPV-related cases must be explored further for better understanding. The dynamic approach of the shotgun metagenomic sequencing will robustly fill the gap especially in species/strain level and consequently to biomarker detection. The constantly growing incidence of HPV-related OPC should lead us in further investigation and understanding of the unique features of the disease, more accurate diagnostic methods, along with the development and implementation of new, targeted therapies. This paper comprehensively reviews the significance of biomarkers based on epigenetics and microbiome profile in the accuracy of the diagnosis of the HPV-related cancer in the oropharynx.

Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth: two case reports.

Dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form, according to the main theory, originates from embryonic cells of the 1st and 2nd branchial arch. The acquired form may be due to traumatic or iatrogenic causes and as a result of the occlusion of a sebaceous gland duct. Its occurrence is less and is estimated to be from 1.6 to 6.4% of the dermoid cysts of the body in adults and 0.29% of the head and neck tumors occurring in children. They may also be classified as anatomical and histological. Anatomically, they are divided into median genioglossal, median geniohyoid, and lateral cysts, while histologically they are divided into epidermoid, dermoid cysts and teratomas. Clinically, a distinction between supra and inferior type as well as between central and lateral type is proposed in relation to themylohyoidmuscle and themidline, respectively. Histologically, an estimation of dermoid, epidermoid, and teratoid cysts is reported. Enucleation via intraoral and/or extraoral approach is the method of treatment. Two case reports of dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth are presented in this paper, and an evaluation with regard to pathology, clinical findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment is discussed.

[The use of acoustic rhinometry for the assessment of adenoid hypertrophy: a clinical study]. / Rinometría acústica en la valoración de la hipertrofia adenoidea. Estudio clínico.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, we employed the method of acoustic rhinometry for preoperative and postoperative (after adenoidectomy) evaluation of 25 children between 3-12 years of age who suffered from adenoid hypertrophy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This method showed with accuracy the changes of the dimensions of the nasal cavity following the operation. The parameters which were evaluated prior and subsequent to the operation were the diameter of the nasal cavity in the area of the adenoids and the total volume of the nasal passage. RESULTS: As shown by acoustic rhinometry, the change of the cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx was 59.43% on average. Similarly, the augmentation of the volume of the nasal cavity was 46.39 % on average. The change of the dimensions of the nasal cavity paralleled the alteration of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we can assume that acoustic rhinometry can show with accuracy the dimensions of the nasal cavity, especially at the front part. It is also very useful in the assessment of the efficiency of the treatment in cases of nasal obstruction and especially of adenoid hypertrophy.

Rinometría acústica en la valoración de la hipertrofia adenoidea. Estudio clínico / The use of acoustic rhinometry for the assessment of adenoid hypertrophy: a clinical study

Objetivo: En nuestro estudio, utilizamos el método de rinometría acústica para la evaluación prequirúrgica y posquirúrgica (tras adenoidectomía) de 25 niños entre 3 y 12 años que presentaban hipertrofia adenoidea. Material y método: Este método mostró con precisión los cambios en las dimensiones de la cavidad nasal tras la intervención. Los parámetros evaluados antes y después de la intervención fueron el diámetro de la cavidad nasal en el área de las adenoides y el volumen total del paso nasal. Resultados: Como se observa por la rinometría acústica, el cambio en el área transversal de la nasofaringe fue de media del 59,43 %. De forma similar, el aumento de volumen de la cavidad nasal fue del 46,39 % de media. El cambio en las dimensiones de la cavidad nasal fue paralelo a las alteraciones de los síntomas clínicos. Conclusiones: En conclusión, podemos asumir que la rinometría acústica puede mostrar con precisión las dimensiones de la cavidad nasal, especialmente en la parte frontal. También es muy útil en la valoración de la eficiencia del tratamiento en caso de obstrucción nasal y, especialmente, de hipertrofia adenoidea (AU)

Objective: In our study, we employed the method of acoustic rhinometry for preoperative and postoperative (after adenoidectomy) evaluation of 25 children between 3-12 years of age who suffered from adenoid hypertrophy. Material and method: This method showed with accuracy the changes of the dimensions of the nasal cavity following the operation. The parameters which were evaluated prior and subsequent to the operation were the diameter of the nasal cavity in the area of the adenoids and the total volume of the nasal passage. Results: As shown by acoustic rhinometry, the change of the cross-sectional area of the nasopharynx was 59.43% on average. Similarly, the augmentation of the volume of the nasal cavity was 46.39 % on average. The change of the dimensions of the nasal cavity paralleled the alteration of clinical symptoms. Conclusions: In conclusion, we can assume that acoustic rhinometry can show with accuracy the dimensions of the nasal cavity, especially at the front part. It is also very useful in the assessment of the efficiency of the treatment in cases of nasal obstruction and especially of adenoid hypertrophy (AU)