Relationship of the anterior ethmoid sinus to the lacrimal sac: a computed tomography study

Abstract Objective: To analyze the anatomical relationship between the lacrimal sac and the agger nasi cell on Computed Tomography (CT); to correlate the right and left sides on each scan. Methods: CT scans of adult patients were reviewed for pneumatization of the agger nasi and its relationship to the lacrimal sac. The degree of agreement between the right and left sides was also evaluated. Results: A total of 130 CT scans were examined. An agger nasi cell was found medial to the lacrimal sac in 59.23% of scans. On 86.15% of scans, pneumatization was similar on both sides. Conclusion: The agger nasi air cell is located medial to the lacrimal sac in more than half of individuals. The right and left sides exhibit the same pneumatization pattern in approximately 80% of cases. Level of evidence: 4.

Relationship of the anterior ethmoid sinus to the lacrimal sac: a computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the anatomical relationship between the lacrimal sac and the agger nasi cell on Computed Tomography (CT); to correlate the right and left sides on each scan. METHODS: CT scans of adult patients were reviewed for pneumatization of the agger nasi and its relationship to the lacrimal sac. The degree of agreement between the right and left sides was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 130 CT scans were examined. An agger nasi cell was found medial to the lacrimal sac in 59.23% of scans. On 86.15% of scans, pneumatization was similar on both sides. CONCLUSION: The agger nasi air cell is located medial to the lacrimal sac in more than half of individuals. The right and left sides exhibit the same pneumatization pattern in approximately 80% of cases.

Refractory epistaxis and Stamm's S-point.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ethmoidal arteries are gaining increasing importance as the main source of severe refractory epistaxis. In this direction, Stamm's S-point, a specific bleeding point in the upper nasal septum, around the projection of the axilla of middle turbinate, posterior to the septal body, was recently described. The aim of this review was to present recent data on S-point and its role in severe refractory epistaxis. RECENT FINDINGS: Due to the hidden location posterior to the septal body, S-point is not easily identified by anterior rhinoscopy. When systematic endoscopic assessment was performed in severe epistaxis to search for the precise bleeding point, S-point was clearly the most identified (23.7-28.3%). Electrocauterization of bleeding point had high success rates (91.5-100%) and decreased the risk of recurrence bleeding. SUMMARY: Stamm's S-point plays an important role in severe refractory epistaxis, due to its frequency and stability. However, this specific bleeding point could not be easily identified, so systematic endoscopic assessment should be performed. Recent data has shifted the paradigm of the main source of severe epistaxis from the sphenopalatine artery to ethmoidal arteries and presented high success rates for electrocauterization of bleeding points as single treatment of severe epistaxis.

Endoscope-Assisted Middle Fossa Approach: Optimizing the Surgical Corridor for the Resection of Multicompartmental Chordomas.

Background Skull base chordomas are a major therapeutic challenge. The surgical management involves selecting an approach that will offer the patient the best chance of largest/complete removal while minimizing morbidity and mortality. Methods Medical records and imaging review of two skull base chordomas involving the middle fossa and posterior fossa that were successfully treated with an endoscope-assisted middle fossa approach. Results The use of angled endoscopes provided better identification of anatomical landmarks and improved tumor resection when compared with the microscopic surgical exposure. The approach selection, anatomical landmarks, and technical aspects of the intraoperative setting of the endoscope-assisted approach are discussed. Conclusion Endoscopic assistance in the middle fossa approach is a safe and valuable tool for maximizing the reach of the surgical corridor when treating skull base chordomas.

Effect of topical corticosteroids on nasal patency after acute positive airway pressure exposure / Efeito dos corticosteroides tópicos na patência nasal após exposição aguda à pressão positiva nas vias aéreas

Abstract Introduction Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. Baseline inflammation due to allergic rhinitis could increase or exacerbate the inflammatory effect of high airflow in the nasal cavity as the result of continuous positive airway pressure and lead to greater continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. In this setting, intranasal steroids would be expected to counteract the nasal inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and/or continuous positive airway pressure. Objective The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of topical corticosteroid use on nasal patency after acute exposure to positive pressure. Methods Ten individuals with allergic rhinitis were exposed to 1 h of continuous airway pressure (15 cm H2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure device. Visual analog scale, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow were performed before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks topical nasal steroid (budesonide) application, positive pressure exposure was repeated as well as the first assessments. Results Patients reported a statistically significant improvement both on the visual analog (p = 0.013) and obstruction symptom evaluation scales (p < 0.01). Furthermore, objective measurements were improved as well, with increased nasal cavity volume on acoustic rhinometry (p = 0.02) and increased peak nasal inspiratory flow (p = 0.012), after corticosteroid treatment. Conclusion In patients with allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroid therapy improved objective and subjective parameters of nasal patency after acute exposure of the nasal cavity to positive pressure.

Resumo Introdução Congestão e obstrução nasais são relatadas na maioria dos usuários de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e são frequentemente mencionadas como razões para a falta de aderência. A inflamação basal devida à rinite alérgica pode aumentar ou agravar o efeito inflamatório do alto fluxo de ar na cavidade nasal como resultado da pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e aumentar a intolerância à mesma. Nesse cenário, espera-se que os esteróides intranasais neutralizem a inflamação nasal causada pela rinite alérgica e/ou pela pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do uso tópico de corticosteroides na patência nasal após exposição aguda à pressão positiva. Métodos Dez indivíduos com rinite alérgica foram expostos a uma hora de pressão contínua nas vias aéreas (15 cm H2O) na cavidade nasal, fornecida por um dispositivo de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas. A escala visual analógica, a escala Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, rinometria acústica e pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal foram aplicados antes e após a intervenção. Após 4 semanas de aplicação tópica de esteroide nasal (budesonida), a exposição positiva à pressão foi repetida, bem como as primeiras avaliações. Resultados Os pacientes relataram uma melhoria estatisticamente significante tanto na escala visual analógica (p = 0,013) quanto na escala Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (p < 0,01). Além disso, as medidas objetivas também foram melhoradas, com aumento do volume da cavidade nasal na rinometria acústica (p = 0,02) e aumento do pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal (p = 0,012), após o tratamento com corticosteroide. Conclusão Em pacientes com rinite alérgica, a terapia com corticosteroide intranasal melhorou os parâmetros objetivos e subjetivos da patência nasal após exposição aguda da cavidade nasal à pressão positiva.

Effect of topical corticosteroids on nasal patency after acute positive airway pressure exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. Baseline inflammation due to allergic rhinitis could increase or exacerbate the inflammatory effect of high airflow in the nasal cavity as the result of continuous positive airway pressure and lead to greater continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. In this setting, intranasal steroids would be expected to counteract the nasal inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and/or continuous positive airway pressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of topical corticosteroid use on nasal patency after acute exposure to positive pressure. METHODS: Ten individuals with allergic rhinitis were exposed to 1h of continuous airway pressure (15cm H2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure device. Visual analog scale, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow were performed before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks topical nasal steroid (budesonide) application, positive pressure exposure was repeated as well as the first assessments. RESULTS: Patients reported a statistically significant improvement both on the visual analog (p=0.013) and obstruction symptom evaluation scales (p<0.01). Furthermore, objective measurements were improved as well, with increased nasal cavity volume on acoustic rhinometry (p=0.02) and increased peak nasal inspiratory flow (p=0.012), after corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: In patients with allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroid therapy improved objective and subjective parameters of nasal patency after acute exposure of the nasal cavity to positive pressure.

The Frontal Sinus and Frontal Recess: Anatomical, Radiological and Surgical Concepts

Abstract Introduction The frontal sinus (FS) is the most complex of the paranasal sinuses due to its location, anatomical variations and multiple clinical presentations. The surgical management of the FS and of the frontal recess (FR) is technically challenging, and a complete understanding of its anatomy, radiology, main diseases and surgical techniques is crucial to achieve therapeutic success. Objectives To review the FS and FR anatomy, radiology, and surgical techniques. Data Synthesis The FS features a variety of anatomical, volumetric and dimensional characteristics. From the endoscopic point of view, the FR is the point of greatest narrowing and, to have access to this region, one must know the anatomical limits and the ethmoid cells that are located around the FR and very often block the sinus drainage. Benign diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), mucocele and osteomas are the main pathologies found in the FS; however, there is a wide variety of malignant tumors that can also affect this region and represent a major technical challenge to the surgeon. With the advances in the endoscopic technique, the vast majority of diseases that affect the FS can be treated according to Wolfgang Draf, who systemized the approaches into four types (I, IIa, IIb, III). Conclusion Both benign and malignant diseases that affect the FS and FR can be successfully managed if one has a thorough understanding of the FS and FR anatomy, an individualized approach of the best surgical technique in each case, and the appropriate tools to operate in this region.

The Frontal Sinus and Frontal Recess: Anatomical, Radiological and Surgical Concepts.

Introduction The frontal sinus (FS) is the most complex of the paranasal sinuses due to its location, anatomical variations and multiple clinical presentations. The surgical management of the FS and of the frontal recess (FR) is technically challenging, and a complete understanding of its anatomy, radiology, main diseases and surgical techniques is crucial to achieve therapeutic success. Objectives To review the FS and FR anatomy, radiology, and surgical techniques. Data Synthesis The FS features a variety of anatomical, volumetric and dimensional characteristics. From the endoscopic point of view, the FR is the point of greatest narrowing and, to have access to this region, one must know the anatomical limits and the ethmoid cells that are located around the FR and very often block the sinus drainage. Benign diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), mucocele and osteomas are the main pathologies found in the FS; however, there is a wide variety of malignant tumors that can also affect this region and represent a major technical challenge to the surgeon. With the advances in the endoscopic technique, the vast majority of diseases that affect the FS can be treated according to Wolfgang Draf, who systemized the approaches into four types (I, IIa, IIb, III). Conclusion Both benign and malignant diseases that affect the FS and FR can be successfully managed if one has a thorough understanding of the FS and FR anatomy, an individualized approach of the best surgical technique in each case, and the appropriate tools to operate in this region.

What is the Impact of Positive Airway Pressure in Nasal Polyposis? An Experimental Study.

Introduction It has been hypothesized that increasing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure within the sinonasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) might decrease the size of nasal polyps. Objective To evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in patients with NP and in control subjects. Methods Twelve patients with NP and 27 healthy subjects were exposed to CPAP (20 cm H2O) for 2 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal endoscopy (NE-Meltzer polyp grading system) were performed before and after the intervention, for all patients. Results The control group showed a significant worsening in nasal obstruction symptoms, as measured by VAS and NOSE ( p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in nasal patency, as measured by the PNIF and AR ( p < 0.01). For the NP group, VAS, NOSE, and AR did not differ significantly ( p = 0.72, p = 0.73, and p = 0.17, respectively), but PNIF values worsened ( p = 0.04) after exposure to CPAP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the nasal polyps' size ( p = 0.04). Conclusions Positive pressure worsened the nasal obstruction symptoms and decreased objective parameters of nasal patency in control subjects. In patients with NP, exposure to CPAP reduced the nasal polyps' size, and the nasal patency, as measured by PNIF. However, it had no significant effects in AR and in nasal obstruction symptoms.

Nasal Polyposis: More than a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder-A Disease of Mechanical Dysfunction-The São Paulo Position.

Introduction The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence of mechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP.

Nasal polyposis: more than a chronic inflammatory disorder-a disease of mechanical dysfunction - the São paulo position

Introduction: The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence ofmechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective: To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data: Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion: The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP (AU)

What is the impact of positive airway pressure in nasal polyposis? An experimental study

Introduction: It has been hypothesized that increasing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure within the sinonasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) might decrease the size of nasal polyps. Objective: To evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in patients with NP and in control subjects. Methods: Twelve patients with NP and 27 healthy subjects were exposed to CPAP (20 cm H2O) for 2 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal endoscopy (NE-Meltzer polyp grading system) were performed before and after the intervention, for all patients. Results: The control group showed a significant worsening in nasal obstruction symptoms, as measured by VAS and NOSE (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in nasal patency, as measured by the PNIF and AR (p < 0.01). For the NP group, VAS, NOSE, and AR did not differ significantly (p = 0.72, p = 0.73, and p = 0.17, respectively), but PNIF values worsened (p = 0.04) after exposure to CPAP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the nasal polyps' size (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Positive pressure worsened the nasal obstruction symptoms and decreased objective parameters of nasal patency in control subjects. In patients with NP, exposure to CPAP reduced the nasal polyps' size, and the nasal patency, asmeasured by PNIF. However, it had no significant effects in AR and in nasal obstruction symptoms (AU)

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese / Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese

Abstract Introduction: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. Objective: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. Methods: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. Results: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. Conclusion: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Resumo: Introdução: A cirurgia endoscópica funcional endonasal é um procedimento cirúrgico frequente entre os otorrinolaringologistas. Em 2014, a Sociedade Europeia de Rinologia publicou o "Documento Europeu para Posicionamento sobre a Terminologia Anatômica Interna do Nariz e das Cavidades Paranasais" com o objetivo de unificar os termos na língua inglesa. Ainda não dispomos de uma terminologia unificada na língua portuguesa. Objetivo: Adaptação transcultural dos termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses". Método: Um grupo de rinologistas de todo o Brasil, com experiência em cirurgia endoscópica endonasal, foi convidado a participar da elaboração desse posicionamento sobre os termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português conforme metodologia adaptada da previamente descrita por Rudmik e Smith. Resultados: Os resultados desse documento foram gerados a partir da concordância da maioria dos participantes conforme as sugestões mais populares entre os rinologistas. Uma adaptação transcultural da terminologia anatômica nasossinusal foi consolidada. Sugerimos que se busque uniformizar termos como "concha inferior", "septo nasal", "porção (óssea/cartilaginosa) do septo nasal", "meato (médio/ inferior) nasal", "via da drenagem do seio frontal", "recesso frontal" e "processo uncinado". Conclusão: Consolidamos uma versão adaptada em português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" que auxiliará a publicação de comunicados técnicos, publicações científicas e o ensino dos termos anatômicos internos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais no Brasil.

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. OBJECTIVE: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. METHODS: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. RESULTS: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. CONCLUSION: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.