A model for classification of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis by computed tomography.

Our purpose was to classify acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) caused by Mucor versus Aspergillus species by evaluating computed tomography radiological findings. Two blinded readers retrospectively graded radiological abnormalities of the craniofacial region observed on craniofacial CT examinations obtained during initial evaluation of 38 patients with eventually pathology-proven AIFR (13:25, Mucor:Aspergillus). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyze correlation between variables and type of fungi. Score-based models were implemented for analyzing differences in laterality of findings, including the 'unilateral presence' and 'bilateral mean' models. Binary logistic regression was used, with Score as the only predictor and Group (Mucor vs Aspergillus) as the only outcome. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were determined for the evaluated models. Given the low predictive value of any single evaluated anatomical site, a 'bilateral mean' score-based model including the nasal cavity, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid air cells, sphenoid sinus and frontal sinuses yielded the highest prediction accuracy, with Mucor induced AIFR correlating with higher prevalence of bilateral findings. The odds ratio for the model while integrating the above anatomical sites was 12.3 (p < 0.001). PPV, NPV, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 0.85, 0.82, 0.92, 0.69 and 0.84 respectively. The abnormal radiological findings on craniofacial CT scans of Mucor and Aspergillus induced AIFR could be differentiated based on laterality, with Mucor induced AIFR associated with higher prevalence of bilateral findings.

Best Practice Recommendations for Pediatric Otolaryngology during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To review the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pediatric otolaryngology and provide recommendations for the management of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA SOURCES: Clinical data were derived from peer-reviewed primary literature and published guidelines from national or international medical organizations. Preprint manuscripts and popular media articles provided background information and illustrative examples. METHODS: Included manuscripts were identified via searches using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, while organizational guidelines and popular media articles were identified using Google search queries. Practice guidelines were developed via consensus among all authors based on peer-reviewed manuscripts and national or international health care association guidelines. Strict objective criteria for inclusion were not used due to the rapidly changing environment surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and a paucity of rigorous empirical evidence. CONCLUSIONS: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical care must be judiciously allocated to treat the most severe conditions while minimizing the risk of long-term sequelae and ensuring patient, physician, and health care worker safety. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a profound short- and long-term impact on health care worldwide. Although the full repercussions of this disease have yet to be realized, the outlined recommendations will guide otolaryngologists in the treatment of pediatric patients in the face of an unprecedented global health crisis.

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on otolaryngologic surgery: Brief commentary.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis and otolaryngologists are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologic surgery in the setting of COVID-19. METHODS: We reviewed relevant publications and position statements regarding the management of otolaryngology patients in the setting of COVID-19. Recommendations regarding clinical practice during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks were also reviewed. RESULTS: Enhanced personal protective equipment (N95 respirator and face shield or powered air-purifying respirator, disposable cap and gown, gloves) is required for any otolaryngology patient with unknown, suspected, or positive COVID-19 status. Elective procedures should be postponed indefinitely, and clinical practice should be limited to patients with urgent or emergent needs. CONCLUSION: We summarize current best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologists to ensure safety for themselves, their clinical staff, and their patients.

Head and Neck Manifestations of Systemic Disease.

Systemic diseases commonly managed by the Internist may have presentations within the head and neck. Awareness of these manifestations, sometimes as the presenting signs or symptoms of systemic disease, may aid the Internist in diagnosis and management. The Otolaryngologist may be helpful in assisting in the evaluation of these patients and in some cases providing targeted symptomatic therapy. Some systemic processes can generate emergent airway events, and early engagement of the otolaryngologist is of value.

Case-Logging Practices in Otolaryngology Residency Training: National Survey of Residents and Program Directors.

Objective (1) Evaluate the consistency and manner in which otolaryngology residents log surgical cases. (2) Assess the extent of instruction and guidance provided by program directors on case-logging practices. Study Design Cross-sectional national survey. Setting Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education otolaryngology residency programs in the United States. Subjects and Methods US otolaryngology residents, postgraduate year 2 through graduating chiefs as of July 2016, were recruited to respond to an anonymous questionnaire designed to characterize surgical case-logging practices. Program directors of US otolaryngology residency programs were recruited to respond to an anonymous questionnaire to elucidate how residents are instructed to log cases. Results A total of 272 residents and 53 program directors completed the survey, yielding response rates of 40.6% and 49.5%, respectively. Perceived accuracy of case logs is low among residents and program directors. Nearly 40% of residents purposely choose not to log certain cases, and 65.1% of residents underreport cases performed. More than 80% of program directors advise residents to log procedures performed outside the operating room, yet only 16% of residents consistently log such cases. Conclusion Variability in surgical case-logging behaviors and differences in provided instruction highlight the need for methods to improve consistency of logging practices. It is imperative to standardize practices across otolaryngology residency programs for case logs to serve as an accurate measure of surgical competency. This study provides a foundation for reform efforts within residency programs and for the Resident Case Log System.

End-organ radiographic manifestations of cranial neuropathies: A concise review.

BACKGROUND: Cranial neuropathies are a spectrum of disorders associated with dysfunction of one or more of the twelve cranial nerves and the subsequent anatomic structures they innervate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review radiographic imaging findings of end-organ aberrations secondary to cranial neuropathies. METHOD: All articles related to cranial neuropathies were retrieved through the PubMed MEDLINE NCBI database from January 1, 1991 to August 31, 2014. These manuscripts were analyzed for their relation to cranial nerve end-organ disease pathogenesis and radiographic imaging. RESULTS: The present review reveals detectable end-organ changes on CT and/or MRI for the following cranial nerves: olfactory nerve, optic nerve, oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, abducens nerve, facial nerve, vestibulocochlear nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, accessory nerve, and hypoglossal nerve. CONCLUSION: Radiographic imaging can assist in the detailed evaluation of end-organ involvement, often revealing a corresponding cranial nerve injury with high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. A thorough understanding of the distal manifestations of cranial nerve disease can optimize early pathologic detection as well as dictate further clinical management.

Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A 15-Year Experience with 41 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a 15-year single-institution experience of 41 cases of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFRS), identify clinical indicators predictive of AIFRS, and discuss our approach to these high-acuity patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center; The Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for AIFRS consultations between September 1999 and March 2014. Variables reviewed included underlying condition, presenting symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, disease extent on examination, radiographic findings, medical treatment, biopsy results, surgical treatment, and outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed to determine variables significantly associated with AIFRS. Outcome measures were assessed and patient assessment algorithm developed. RESULTS: Of 131 patients evaluated, 41 were diagnosed with AIFRS; 92.7% had an underlying hematologic malignancy. Disease predictive variables included absolute neutrophil count <500/µL (P < .0001; sensitivity = 78%), mucosal abnormalities of middle turbinate (P < .0001; specificity = 88%) and septum (P < .0001; specificity = 97%), and specifically, necrosis of the middle turbinate (P < .0001; specificity = 97%). Twenty-five AIFRS patients (61%) survived until discharge; 25% (n = 10) expired secondary to AIFRS infection explicitly. CONCLUSION: This series represents one of the largest single-institution experiences of AIFRS published to date. Timely diagnosis is necessary to improve patient outcomes and limit morbidity. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in at-risk patient populations, followed by prompt evaluation and management, is crucial in suspected AIFRS. The presence or absence of certain findings appear to correlate with biopsy results and may aid in appropriately gauging clinical suspicion for the presence of AIFRS.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to allergic fungal sinusitis.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare and serious complication secondary to invasive fungal sinusitis, but rarer still in cases of allergic fungal sinusitis. Current recommendations for cavernous sinus thrombosis are controversial, especially regarding anticoagulation, secondary to the rarity of the diagnosis. Early surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics are crucial to prevent mortality and decrease morbidity. Because thrombosis is thought to be caused by a bacterial superinfection, which follows a response to Aspergillus, antifungals may not be necessary. Despite the controversy, most physicians opt to treat with anticoagulation.

Prevention of complications in revision endocrine surgery of the head & neck.

Revision cervical endocrine surgery increases risks for injury to important adjacent structures, possibly resulting in hoarseness and postoperative hypocalcemia. With anatomic knowledge and appropriate use of meticulous dissection techniques, the surgeon strives to minimize morbidity. Technologic advances have provided tools to aid in these difficult cases and maintain the thoroughness of resection while reducing morbidity. The judicious use of preoperative imaging can assist the surgeon in identifying the precise location of disease, thus reducing unnecessary dissection and risk to surrounding structures, while still performing complete resections.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in pregnancy: a case of emergent airway management.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign neoplastic process involving squamous epithelium of the respiratory tract, typically the vocal folds. In cases of aggressive growth, or uncontrolled disease, airway compromise and respiratory distress can occur. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be the etiologic agent in this disease process, as well as in condyloma acuminata, or genital warts. Studies have shown that HPV-induced condyloma acuminata can worsen during pregnancy. We present a case of airway obstruction requiring emergent tracheostomy in a pregnant patient with known laryngeal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. The management of this condition and some theories regarding its response to certain hormonal states are discussed.

Acoustic analysis of upper airway obstruction in the excised human larynx.

Upper airway obstruction is an emergency that requires quick and decisive intervention. Stridor is the sound created by airflow through a partially obstructed airway, and has been described to vary with the site and degree of obstruction. This study sought to determine the sound characteristics of stridor in the excised human larynx. Five fresh cadaver human larynges were harvested and subjected to obstructions at supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic subsites. Subglottic pressure, airflow, and audio signal were recorded. Data were analyzed on the basis of laryngeal obstruction subsite and the degree of laryngeal resistance. Visual inspection demonstrated certain trends in peak spectral energy depending on the site and, more significantly, the amount of obstruction. Statistical analysis of spectral waveforms showed better correlation with the amount of obstruction than with the site of obstruction. In summary, the frequency distribution of stridor produced in an excised human larynx was influenced by the amount of laryngeal resistance, but not by the site of airway obstruction.