Using RSI and RFS scores to differentiate between reflux-related and other causes of chronic laryngitis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish if the Reflux Symptom Index (RFI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFC) can help establish the differential diagnosis in patients with distinct causes of chronic laryngopharyngitis. METHODS: A group of 102 adult patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis (Group A - 37 patients with allergic rhinitis; Group B - 22 patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Group C - 43 patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)) were prospectively studied. Chronic laryngitis was diagnosed based on suggestive symptoms and videolaryngoscopic signs (RSI ≥ 13 and RFS ≥ 7). Allergies were confirmed by a positive serum RAST, OSA was diagnosed with a positive polysomnography, and LPR with a positive impedance-PH study. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if the combination of RSI and RFS scores could differentiate between groups. RESULTS: Patients with respiratory allergies and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RSI scores when compared to that of patients with OSA (p < 0.001); Patients with OSA and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RFS scores when compared to that of patients with Respiratory Allergies (OSA vs. Allergies p < 0.001; LPR vs. Allergies p < 0.002). The combination of both scores held a higher probability of diagnosing OSA (72.73%) and Allergies (64.86%) than diagnosing LPR (51.16%). CONCLUSIONS: RSI and RFS are not specific for reflux laryngitis and are more likely to induce a false diagnosis if not used with diligence.

Using RSI and RFS scores to differentiate between reflux-related and other causes of chronic laryngitis

Abstract Objective: To establish if the Reflux Symptom Index (RFI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFC) can help establish the differential diagnosis in patients with distinct causes of chronic laryngopharyngitis. Methods: A group of 102 adult patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis (Group A - 37 patients with allergic rhinitis; Group B - 22 patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Group C -43 patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)) were prospectively studied. Chronic laryngitis was diagnosed based on suggestive symptoms and videolaryngoscopic signs (RSI ≥ 13 and RFS ≥7). Allergies were confirmed by a positive serum RAST, OSA was diagnosed with a positive polysomnography, and LPR with a positive impedance-PH study. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if the combination of RSI and RFS scores could differentiate between groups. Results: Patients with respiratory allergies and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RSI scores when compared to that of patients with OSA (p < 0.001); Patients with OSA and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RFS scores when compared to that of patients with Respiratory Allergies (OSA vs. Allergies p < 0.001; LPR vs. Allergies p < 0.002). The combination of both scores held a higher probability of diagnosing OSA (72.73%) and Allergies (64.86%) than diagnosing LPR (51.16%). Conclusions: RSI and RFS are not specific for reflux laryngitis and are more likely to induce a false diagnosis if not used with diligence.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Reflux Finding Score.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) poses a diagnostic challenge. Clinical diagnosis, based on suggestive symptoms and laryngoscopic signs of inflammation, should be acceptable, as long as diligent differential diagnosis is sought. In order to minimize subjectivity, a number of diagnostic instruments have been proposed, being the most common the Reflux Symptom Index and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS). The latter has been translated into several languages including Portuguese, but it still has not been properly validated in this language. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the RFS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: For validity and internal consistency, 172 adults were studied (106 with LPR and 66 healthy controls). Flexible transnasal laryngoscopy images were randomly examined twice by each of the two experienced otolaryngologists with a 72-hour interval. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to avoid other possible known causes of chronic laryngitis. For assessment of reproducibility and temporal stability, a random sample of 108 subjects (53 patients and 55 controls) were tested and retested. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean RFS between patients with LPR (10.26 ± 3.58) and controls (5.52 ± 1.34) (P < 0.001). The interclass correlation coefficient comparing test and retest for both raters was high (R1 = 0.956; R2 =  0.948). CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the RFS proved to be a reliable and reproducible instrument for the diagnosis of LPR with a sensitivity of 82.08%, a specificity of 93.94%, a positive predictive value of 95.60%, and a negative predictive value was 76.54%.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Reproducibility of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Reflux Symptom Index.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux is controversial. There is currently no gold standard, so it relies mainly on suspicious clinical symptoms and videolaryngoscopic findings. Unfortunately these signs and symptoms are common to other causes of chronic laryngitis. Scoring systems have been proposed to reduce subjectivity in clinical diagnosis. The most widely used and accepted is the Reflux Symptom Index, which has already been translated into over 10 other languages. OBJECTIVE: Study the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Reflux Symptom Index (Índice de Sintomas de Refluxo - ISR). METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four adults, 88 with laryngopharyngeal reflux and 66 healthy controls, were studied over a 6-month period, responding to the ISR after thoroughly investigated on possible other causes of chronic laryngitis and the presence of gastroesophageal disease. Test and retest reliability was addressed by reapplying the score to a random subgroup of 101 subjects. RESULTS: The ISR of subjects was significantly higher than that of controls (Student t test for independent samples, P < 0.001). The ISR also showed high temporal stability and reproducibility (ICC of 0.988 with a confidence interval of 0.982-0.992). The ISR at a cutoff of 13 points presented a sensitivity of 78.4%, a specificity of 95.4%, a false negative of 4.55%, a false positive of 21.59%, a positive predictive value of 95.83%, and a negative predictive value of 86.93%. CONCLUSION: The ISR proved to be a valid and reliable diagnostic tool.

Clinical and polysomnographic findings in class III obese patients.

UNLABELLED: The Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hipopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is closely related to obesity; a linear relation, however, has not been established, particularly in morbid obesity patients. AIM: To evaluate clinical and polysomnographic findings in a group of class III obese patients, and to relate these findings with the presence or absence of OSAHS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty five patients with body mass index (BMI) over 40Kg/m2 were selected consecutively. A clinical history, the anthropometric examination and polysomnography were undertaken in all patients. The results of a study group and a control group (with no OSAHS) were compared. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 68.9% female and 31.1% male patients. The average age was 46.5 years (SD - 10.8 years); the average BMI was 49 (SD - 7 Kg/m2) and the average neck circumference was 43.4 cm (SD - 5.1 cm). All subjects were habitual snorers and 48.9% had daytime drowsiness. Polysomnography showed that 77.8% had an apnea/hipopnea index over 5. The findings associated with OSAHS were: younger age (p=0,02) and an increased neck circumference (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of OSAHS was very high, which emphasizes the importance of investigating this syndrome in patients sent for bariatric surgery. The neck circumference was the best OSAHS marked in this group of patients.

Achados clínicos e polissonográficos em pacientes com obesidade classe III / Clinical and polysomnographic findings in class III obese patients

A Síndrome da apnéia/hipopnéia obstrutiva do sono (SAHOS) apresenta estreita correlação com a obesidade, porém não está estabelecida uma relação linear de gravidade principalmente em relação aos extremos como na obesidade mórbida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados clínicos e polissonográficos em pacientes com obesidade classe III e correlacionar esses achados com a presença da SAHOS. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados consecutivamente 45 pacientes com índice de massa corpórea superior a 40Kg/m2. Todos foram submetidos a anamnese, exame físico antropométrico e polissonografia. Os achados foram comparados entre os pacientes com e sem SAHOS. RESULTADOS: 68,9 por cento dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 31,1 por cento do masculino. A idade média foi de 46,5 DP 10,8 anos, a média do IMC foi 49 DP 7Kg/m2 e a média da circunferência cervical foi 43,4 DP 5,1cm. Todos os pacientes eram roncadores habituais e 48,9 por cento tinham queixa de hipersonolência diurna. Os achados polissonográficos mostraram que 77,8 por cento apresentaram índice de apnéia/hipopnéia superior a cinco. Apresentaram correlação com a presença da SAHOS: idade mais jovem (p=0,02) e maior circunferência cervical (p=0,004). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de SAHOS foi elevada, ressaltando a importância da sua investigação em pacientes referenciados para cirurgia bariátrica. O principal marcador da SAHOS foi a circunferência cervical.

The Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hipopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is closely related to obesity; a linear relation, however, has not been established, particularly in morbid obesity patients. AIM: To evaluate clinical and polysomnographic findings in a group of class III obese patients, and to relate these findings with the presence or absence of OSAHS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty five patients with body mass indexex (BMI) over 40Kg/m2 were selected consecutively. A clinical history, the anthropometric examination and polysomnography were undertaken in all patients. The results of a study group and a control group (with no OSAHS) were compared. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 68.9 percent female and 31.1 percent male patients. The average age was 46.5 years (SD - 10.8 years); the average BMI was 49 (SD - 7 Kg/m2) and the average neck circumference was 43.4 cm (SD - 5.1 cm). All subjects were habitual snorers and 48.9 percent had daytime drowsiness. Polysomnography showed that 77.8 percent had an apnea/hipopnea index over 5. The findings associated with OSAHS were: younger age (p=0,02) and an increased neck circumference (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of OSAHS was very high, which emphasizes the importance of investigating this syndrome in patients sent for bariatric surgery. The neck circumference was the best OSAHS marked in this group of patients.

Inverted papilloma in the sphenoethmoidal recess.

Inverted papilloma is a nasal benign tumor that usually arises from the lateral nasal wall, especially from the middle meatus. It has high local invasive likelihood, high recurrence rates and malignancy potential. Sphenoethmoidal recess involvement is rare and is usually due to sphenoid sinus primary disease. In the literature, no case of isolated sphenoethmoidal recess inverted papilloma has been reported yet. The present report describes an exceptional location of inverted papilloma, arising from the sphenoethmoid recess, without involving the sphenoid sinus.

Papiloma invertido isolado em recesso esfenoetmoidal / Inverted papilloma in the sphenoethmoidal recess

O papiloma invertido é um tumor benigno nasal que geralmente se origina na parede lateral da fossa nasal, mais especificamente da região do meato médio. Apresenta grande potencial invasivo local, com alta taxa de recorrência e potencial para transformação maligna. O acometimento do recesso esfenoetmoidal é raro e, quando ocorre, é decorrente de doença primária do seio esfenoidal. Não há relato de papiloma invertido isolado em recesso esfenoetmoidal na literatura. Relatamos um caso de papiloma invertido originado em recesso esfenoetmoidal, sem comprometimento do seio esfenoidal.

Inverted papilloma is a nasal benign tumor that usually arises from the lateral nasal wall, especially from the middle meatus. It has high local invasive likelihood, high recurrence rates and malignancy potential. Sphenoethmoidal recess involvement is rare and is usually due to sphenoid sinus primary disease. In the literature, no case of isolated sphenoethmoidal recess inverted papilloma has been reported yet. The present report describes an exceptional location of inverted papilloma, arising from the sphenoethmoid recess, without involving the sphenoid sinus.

Schwannoma vestibular: involução tumoral espontânea / Vestibular Schwannoma: spontaneous tumor involution

A história natural dos schwannomas vestibulares ainda não está totalmente elucidada, mas sua maioria tende a apresentar crescimento lento, muitos permanecendo sem sintomas durante toda a vida do paciente. Cerca de 69 por cento deste tipo de tumor diagnosticados não apresentam crescimento e, destes, 16 por cento chegam a apresentar regressão tumoral. Considerando os tumores que apresentam crescimento, cerca de 70 por cento crescem menos de 2 mm ao ano. O avanço nos métodos de diagnóstico por imagem, particularmente à ressonância magnética com contraste de gadolínio, permite o diagnóstico cada vez mais de lesões com sintomas mínimos e tamanhos menores. O tratamento de escolha para estes tumores ainda é a ressecção completa do tumor. As técnicas cirúrgicas apresentaram grande avanço nas últimas décadas, o que possibilitou diminuição da mortalidade. Assim, a cirurgia, que antes tinha como objetivo apenas a ressecção completa do tumor, agora visa também à preservação da audição e da função do nervo facial. Considerações finais: Considerando-se sua história natural, abre-se a possibilidade de uma conduta conservadora já que o ritmo de crescimento no primeiro ano após o diagnóstico prediz o comportamento do tumor nos próximos anos. A conduta conservadora não implica em repúdio à cirurgia, devendo ser utilizada em casos de aumento tumoral, piora dos sintomas ou desejo do paciente. Além disso, em relatos de literatura não há diferença estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia logo após o diagnóstico ou após conduta conservadora inicial, no que diz respeito às seqüelas pós-operatórias.

The natural history of Vestibular Schwannomas (VS) is yet not totally known, but most of them have the tendency to slow growth, sometimes without any kind of symptoms during the individual’s entire time. About 69 percent of diagnosed VS do not grow at all and 16 percent of these can even regress. Considering tumors that grow, about 70 percent have grown less than 2mm an year. Advanced radiological diagnosis, especially magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium helps us diagnose small and less symptomatic tumors. Treatment of choice still is complete tumor resection. Surgical approaches have improved considerably and have helped preserve facial nerve function and hearing. Considering VS’s natural history, there is a possibility for conservative treatment for these tumors, because their growth in the first year after diagnosis predicts tumor growth behavior in the next years. Surgery should be done in cases of tumor growth, patient’s desire or symptoms worsening. Moreover, in terms of postoperative sequelae, there is no difference between patients who underwent surgery immediately after diagnosis and those who underwent initial conservative treatment for these tumors.

Vestibular Schwannoma: spontaneous tumor involution.

The natural history of Vestibular Schwannomas (VS) is yet not totally known, but most of them have the tendency to slow growth, sometimes without any kind of symptoms during the individuals entire time. About 69% of diagnosed VS do not grow at all and 16% of these can even regress. Considering tumors that grow, about 70% have grown less than 2mm an year. Advanced radiological diagnosis, especially magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium helps us diagnose small and less symptomatic tumors. Treatment of choice still is complete tumor resection. Surgical approaches have improved considerably and have helped preserve facial nerve function and hearing. Considering VSs natural history, there is a possibility for conservative treatment for these tumors, because their growth in the first year after diagnosis predicts tumor growth behavior in the next years. Surgery should be done in cases of tumor growth, patients desire or symptoms worsening. Moreover, in terms of postoperative sequelae, there is no difference between patients who underwent surgery immediately after diagnosis and those who underwent initial conservative treatment for these tumors.

Rinolitíase como causa de fístula oronasal / Rhinolithiasis as cause of oronasal fistula

A Rinolitíase é uma doenca na qual ocorre a deposicão de compostos orgânicos e inorgânicos em torno de um núcleo na cavidade nasal, causando rinorréia, obstrucão nasal unilateral, odor fétido, epistaxe, podendo haver complicacões. Os autores apresentam um caso de rinolitíase com fístula oronasal e revisão de literatura.

Rhinolithiasis as cause of oronasal fistula.

Rhinolithiasis is a disease caused by deposition of organic and inorganic compounds in the nasal cavity, leading to unilateral nasal obstruction, fetid rhinorrhea, epistaxis, and it may cause complications. The authors present a case of rhinolithiasis with oronasal fistula and literature review.

Schwanoma vestibular como causa de surdez súbita / Vestibular schwannoma presenting as sudden hearing loss

A Surdez Súbita (SS) é um sintoma causado por mais de 60 doenças diferentes, dentre elas, o Schwanoma Vestibular (SV). Shaia & Sheehy (1976) apresentaram uma incidência de 1 por cento de SV em 1220 casos de SS. Não há características específicas para o diagnóstico do SV, sendo a ressonância magnética (RM) o exame de escolha. OBJETIVO: Verificar a real incidência de SV em casuísticas de SS com a realização de RM. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com a realização de RM com contraste de gadolínio em todos os pacientes com SS do serviço de urgência em Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital São Paulo no período de abril de 2001 a maio de 2003. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados exames de RM em 49 pacientes que apresentaram SS, sendo diagnosticados 3 (6,1 por cento) casos de SV. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência real de SV em casuísticas de SS pode ser maior do que o classicamente descrito na literatura, devido ao subdiagnóstico pela não-utilização da RM de rotina nestes casos.

Ação do implante coclear sobre o zumbido / Action of cochlear implnt on tinnitus

Os autores fazem estudo de todos os trabalhos encontrados na literatura a respeito de implante coclear e sua ação sobre o zumbido. Foram compulsados oito trabalhos, sendo o primeiro de 1976, e realizada uma análise dos 126 implantes realizados que são correlacionados com o zumbido, com 73,8 por cento de melhora ou supressão; 8,2 por cento de piora e 19,6 por cento de ausência de efeito. A ação central do implante coclear sobre o zumbido é evidenciada pela ação contralateral (42,8 por cento). Os autores concluem que houve uma ação efetiva do implante coclear sobre o zumbido e que também ocorreu uma ação central da estimulação elétrica.