A Case of Postoperative Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Nasal Surgery

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that is generally preceded by an infection. Its typical symptoms are progressive symmetric paresis and an absence of deep tendon reflexes. GBS could be a life-threatening condition due to the paralysis of respiratory muscles, and admission to the intensive care unit should be considered for close monitoring. Intravenous immunoglobulin can improve the course of the disease. Postoperative GBS is most likely to occur after gastrointestinal, cardiac, thoracic, neurological, or orthopedic surgery, as well as surgery in the female reproductive tract. The duration of surgery, age, infectious diseases, preexisting autoimmune diseases, and malignant diseases are associated with postoperative GBS. Patients with these factors have a higher risk of postoperative GBS and therefore require precautions to be taken after surgery. We report a case of 53-year-old woman who had experienced GBS after Nasal surgery preceded by gastrointestinal infection and treated by intravenous immunoglobulin.

A Case of Primary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Maxillary Sinus Presenting as Epiphora

Primary sinusoidal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a very rare disease. The main symptoms of sinusoidal NHL are rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and post-nasal drip. Symptoms such as eye protrusion, diplopia, trismus, and periorbital pain can also occur. Epiphora is a very rare symptom of sinusoidal NHL, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of dacryocystitis or dacryostenosis. The authors report the case of a 46-year-old female patient who visited hospital for symptoms of epiphora, which did not improve even after 3 months of eye treatment, leading to a final diagnosis of maxillary NHL.

Changes in levels of fractional exhaled and nasal nitric oxide after treatment in allergic rhinitis

Purpose@#Recent studies have reported that nasal nitric oxide (NO) increases in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA), and can be used as a noninvasive test to determine treatment efficacy. We aimed to investigate the changes in fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) and nasal NO levels before and after treatment in patients with AR and asthma. @*Methods@#Children aged 6–18 years who visited Dong-A University Hospital from August 2013 to July 2014 were treated for mildpersistent or severe-intermittent AR according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. FeNO and nasal NO were measured using NObreath. Among all patients, rhinitis was treated for 1 month, and the results were evaluated in patients with improved AR (n = 31), improved AR+BA (n = 23), and control (n = 19) groups. @*Results@#Sex, age, body mass index, allergy, serum total eosinophil count and immunoglobulin E, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein showed no intergroup differences before or after treatment. Nasal NO before treatment was higher in the BA+AR and AR groups than controls (P = 0.005), but there was no difference between disease groups after treatment. Both groups showed a significant decrease in nasal NO after treatment compared with measurements before treatment (AR, P = 0.044; AR+BA, P = 0.004). @*Conclusion@#Nasal NO can be effectively used as a noninvasive test for clinical efficacy because it was significantly reduced by improving symptoms in AR patients with and without asthma.

A Case of Primary Extracranial Meningioma in the Maxillary Sinus / 대한이비인후과학회지

Meningioma is one of the most common tumors of the central nervous system. However, primary extra cranial meningioma is rare as it consists 1%-2% of meningioma. It is very rare in paranasal sinus and accounts for about 0.1% of the paranasal sinus tumor. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the tumor. Herein, with a review of the literature, we report a rare case of primary extra cranial meningioma in a 38-year-old male.

A Case of Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma Found in a Young Woman’s Nasal Cavity / 대한이비인후과학회지

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a newly recognized, very rare malignant tumor of nose and paranasal sinuses, which usually occurs in women. This tumor contains both neural and muscle tissue in the tumor tissue. It is an invasive disease occuring locally in the nasal cavity. However, if not found early, it can spread along the facial structure, for instance, the orbit, skull base, intracranium, and the oropharynx. This tumor is an uncommon disease that has not been reported in Korea to date. We report a case of a 35-year-old female recently diagnosed with BSNS with a review of the literature.

The Impact of Depressive Symptom on Efficacy and Compliance of Positive Airway Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea / 생물치료정신의학

Objectives@#：The aim of this study was to determine how the efficacy and compliance of positive airway pressure (PAP) varies depending on the depressive symptom with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). @*Methods@#：We collected data about baseline Apnea-Hyponea Index (AHI), sleep and mood state and demographic information from 125 obstructive sleep apnea patients prior to the start of positive airway pressure treatment. The Apnea-Hyponea Index and daytime sleepiness were examined as indicators of efficacy of positive airway pressure and daily average usage time and the utilization rate (%) for more than 4 hours were calculated as indicators of compliance of positive airway pressure at the time of 1, 3 or 9 months after the start of positive airway pressure. Repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed model (LMM) with adjusting age, body mass index and baseline Insomnia severity index were used for revealing any significant differences between groups over time passed. @*Results@#：This difference was confirmed at 9 months after starting positive airway pressure, between the two groups and the usage rate for more than 4 hours in depressive group was lower than that in non-depression group (56.2% vs. 67.5%). @*Conclusions@#：We demonstrated that there would be a difference in the compliance of positive airway pressure among patients with obstructive sleep apnea according to depressive state. Therefore, we suggest evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea before starting positive airway pressure, to increase the compliance of the positive airway pressure, which is essential to maintain the efficacy of the positive airway pressure.

Prevention of Septal Perforation Using a Combination of Crushed Cartilage and Thin Silastic Sheet During Septoplasty

Background and Objectives@#The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a combination of crushed cartilage and thin silastic sheet for patients with a risk of septal perforation during septoplasty. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 195 people who underwent septoplasty surgery at Dong-A University Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. Among 195 people, our surgical method was provided for those with damage to both septal mucosa. The cartilage was collected, crushed with the cartilage crusher, and inserted between perforated mucosa. After the cartilage insertion, a 0.254-mm-thin silastic sheet was designed to cover both sides of the perforated septal mucosa. Next, a penetrating suture was placed. After thin silastic was applied on both mucosa, a 1-mm-thick silastic sheet was inserted on both sides of the nasal cavity and penetrating sutures were placed on the anterior and inferior septum. The operation concluded after packing both sides of the nasal cavity using non-absorbable packing material. The packing was removed on the second day after the operation, and the nasal cavity condition was checked every week. Thick silastic sheets were removed 5 days after surgery, and thin silastic sheets were maintained until both septal mucosa healed. @*Results@#Of nine total cases, only one 78-year-old male experienced septal perforation at the cartilage portion two months after surgery. In this case, no other action was taken to cover the perforation site because he reported no symptoms or discomfort during the 9 months after surgery. In the other eight cases, both septal mucosa healed completely, and there were no complications. @*Conclusion@#This method with crushed cartilage and silastic sheets to fill the defect after septal surgery is thought to help prevent postoperative perforation at no additional cost, and further research is needed.

A Case of Small Cell Carcinoma Originated from Sphenoid Sinus in Patient with Recurrent Pituitary Tumor

Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a type of neuroendocrine tumor commonly originating in the lung, with only about 2-4% of cases arising at extrapulmonary sites. Extrapulmonary SmCC of the head and neck has a poor prognosis and a high rate of distant metastasis. The paranasal sinus is a rare location for extrapulmonary SmCC and only a few related papers have been published to date. We report a rare case of SmCC originating from the sphenoid sinus in a patient with a recurrent pituitary tumor with a literature review.

A Case of Schwannoma in Subfrontal Area and Nasal Cavity

Schwannoma is a benign solitary neoplasm emerging from the Schwann cells of the peripheral, cranial and autonomic nerves. Approximately 25 to 45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck region. However, schwannoma in the subfrontal area, nasal cavity or paranasal sinus is very rare and accounts for only 4% of these neoplasms. We experienced a case of schwannoma in the subfrontal area and left nasal cavity in a 74-year-old man who complained of recurrent rhinorrhea. We report this unusual case of schwannoma with a review of the literature.

A Case of Small Cell Carcinoma Originated from Sphenoid Sinus in Patient with Recurrent Pituitary Tumor

Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a type of neuroendocrine tumor commonly originating in the lung, with only about 2-4% of cases arising at extrapulmonary sites. Extrapulmonary SmCC of the head and neck has a poor prognosis and a high rate of distant metastasis. The paranasal sinus is a rare location for extrapulmonary SmCC and only a few related papers have been published to date. We report a rare case of SmCC originating from the sphenoid sinus in a patient with a recurrent pituitary tumor with a literature review.

A Case of Schwannoma in Subfrontal Area and Nasal Cavity

Schwannoma is a benign solitary neoplasm emerging from the Schwann cells of the peripheral, cranial and autonomic nerves. Approximately 25 to 45% of schwannomas occur in the head and neck region. However, schwannoma in the subfrontal area, nasal cavity or paranasal sinus is very rare and accounts for only 4% of these neoplasms. We experienced a case of schwannoma in the subfrontal area and left nasal cavity in a 74-year-old man who complained of recurrent rhinorrhea. We report this unusual case of schwannoma with a review of the literature.

A Child who has Nasal Polyposis Combined with Bronchiectasis

Nasal polyps are inflammatory lesions of sinonasal tissue that are associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic reaction, and other diseases. Although it is the most common cause of nasal polyps, chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity is not common in children. When nasal polyps are found in childhood, it is important to investigate the cause, such as immunodeficiency disease, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and other syndromes such as Woakes’ syndrome. We report a child who presented with nasal polyps combined with bronchiectasis with a review of related literature.

Delayed Diagnosis Due to Septal Perforation in Patient with Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type / 대한이비인후과학회지

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating in the nasal cavity or in the paranasal sinuses, and is etiologically closely related with the Epstein Barr Virus infection. It is more commonly found in East Asia, South America, and Mexico than in Europe or North America. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type typically shows a crust on the nasal mucosal surface, necrosis, and inflammation. Pathologically, it presents as significant vascular damage and destruction, with apparent tissue necrosis and cytotoxicity. These neoplasms are very aggressive and can show septal perforation, diffuse ulcer lesion on the nasal mucosa, fistula or epistaxis. We experienced a case of the extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type at the nasal septum, which was delayed in diagnosis due to septal perforation, which occurred after septoplasty in a 47-year-old female. Thus, we report this case with a review of literatures.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis through the Consultation with Dentistry / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#For maxillary sinus diseases, it is not easily determined whether it is of the sinus or dental origin as the root of a tooth is located in the maxillary sinus; hence the need to find the pathologic origin for better clinical results. The purpose of this study was to define the characteristics of patients who had needed to consult both a dentist and an otolaryngologist with respect to the diagnosis and management.Subjects and Method Thirty-one patients who visited the department of dentistry and ENT between 2014 and 2018 were included in the study. Patients with dental implant sinusitis were excluded. We restrospectively reviewed the medical records for chief complaints, assessment, diagnose, treatment, and prognosis of the patients. @*Results@#Of 31 patients, 13 patients were diagnosed with odontogenic rhinosinusitis (ORS), 5 with postoperative cheek cyst (POCC), 2 with radicular cyst without ORS, 7 with sinusitis, and 4 with other diseases. Thirteen patients underwent combined operation and 5 at each department. Follow-up periods was about 6.5 months. There was no disease recurrence except one patients with POCC. @*Conclusion@#There needs to be an active consultation with the dentistry department in case of unilateral sinusitis and past history of dental treatment temporally or when patients show positive findings in CT.

Carotid Arterial Calcium Scoring Using Upper Airway Computed Tomography in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Efficacy as a Clinical Predictor of Cerebrocardiovascular Disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of airway computed tomography (CT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a predictor of cerebrocardiovascular disease (CCVD) clinically, by quantitatively analyzing carotid arterial calcification (CarAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 287 patients aged 40–80 years, who had undergone both polysomnography (PSG) and airway CT between March 2011 and October 2015. The carotid arterial calcium score (CarACS) was quantified using the modified Agatston method on each upper airway CT. The OSA severity was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, and severe using the PSG results. Clinical characteristics, comorbid diseases, and lipid profiles of all patients were analyzed, and the prevalence of CCVDs was investigated during the follow up period (52.2 ± 16.0 months). RESULTS: CCVD occurred in 27 patients (9.3%) at the end of follow-up, and the CCVD-present groups showed a significantly older mean age (57.5 years vs. 54.2 years), higher prevalence of hypertension (59% vs. 34%) and CarAC (51.9% vs. 20.8%), whereas sex, other comorbid diseases, and severity of OSA were not significantly different from the CCVD-absent group. A univariate analysis showed that age, hypertension, incidence of CarAC, and CarACS were risk factors for the occurrence of CCVD events. In a multivariate analysis, the incidence of CarAC was the only independent risk factor for CCVD. CONCLUSION: CarAC is an independent risk factor for CCVD, whereas the severity of OSA is not a contributory risk factor in patients with OSA. Therefore, additional analysis of CarACS based on airway CT scans may be useful for predicting CCVD.

Two Cases of Recurrent Nasal Polyps in Siblings-Woakes' Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Woakes' syndrome is a group of disease which include recurrent nasal polyps resulting in the broadening of the nasal pyramid, the onset of hypoplasia of frontal sinus and bronchiectasis, as well as the production of mucous discharge. Children and young adults are mostly susceptible to Woakes' syndrome due to the plasticity of the bone. Even though the exact etiology is unknown, genetic factor is thought to be influential because it is often diagnosed in siblings. Otolaryngologically, the mainstream method of removing nasal polyp by endoscopic sinus surgery as well as topical or systemic treatment can be helpful. We report two siblings who visited our clinic both complaining of nasal obstruction. The patients presented with recurrent nasal polyps and showed signs of bronchiectasis, which led to the diagnosis of Woakes' syndrome. These rare cases are presented here with a review of related literature.

Erratum: Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome in Korean Pollinosis Patients: A Nationwide Survey

This erratum is being published to correct the error on page 650 of the article. The number of participating research institution should be corrected.

Two Cases of Recurrent Nasal Polyps in Siblings-Woakes' Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Woakes' syndrome is a group of disease which include recurrent nasal polyps resulting in the broadening of the nasal pyramid, the onset of hypoplasia of frontal sinus and bronchiectasis, as well as the production of mucous discharge. Children and young adults are mostly susceptible to Woakes' syndrome due to the plasticity of the bone. Even though the exact etiology is unknown, genetic factor is thought to be influential because it is often diagnosed in siblings. Otolaryngologically, the mainstream method of removing nasal polyp by endoscopic sinus surgery as well as topical or systemic treatment can be helpful. We report two siblings who visited our clinic both complaining of nasal obstruction. The patients presented with recurrent nasal polyps and showed signs of bronchiectasis, which led to the diagnosis of Woakes' syndrome. These rare cases are presented here with a review of related literature.

Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors of Anaphylaxis in Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome

PURPOSE: Many studies have reported that pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) can cause anaphylaxis. No comprehensive investigations into anaphylaxis in PFAS have been conducted, however. In this study, we investigated the clinical manifestations and risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from a nationwide cross-sectional study that previously reported on PFAS in Korean patients with pollinosis. Data from 273 patients with PFAS were collected, including demographics, list of culprit fruits and vegetables, and clinical manifestations of food allergy. We analyzed 27 anaphylaxis patients and compared them with patients with PFAS with oropharyngeal symptoms only (n=130). RESULTS: The most common cause of anaphylaxis in PFAS was peanut (33.3%), apple (22.2%), walnut (22.2%), pine nut (18.5%), peach (14.8%), and ginseng (14.8%). Anaphylaxis was significantly associated with the strength of sensitization to alder, hazel, willow, poplar, timothy, and ragweed (p<0.05, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of atopic dermatitis [odds ratio (OR), 3.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–10.23; p=0.017]; sensitization to hazel (OR, 5.27; 95% CI, 1.79–15.53; p=0.003), timothy (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 2.70–51.64; p=0.001), or ragweed (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.03–9.87; p=0.045); and the number of culprit foods (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15–1.37; p<0.001) were related to the development of anaphylaxis in PFAS. CONCLUSION: The most common culprit foods causing anaphylaxis in PFAS were peanut and apple. The presence of atopic dermatitis; sensitization to hazel, timothy, or ragweed; and a greater number of culprit foods were risk factors for anaphylaxis in PFAS.

Correlation between Carotid Arterial Calcium Score and Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: by Using Upper Airway CT and Brain MRI

PURPOSE@#To investigate the relationship between carotid arterial calcium score (CarACS) and silent cerebrovascular lesions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#This study involved retrospective evaluation of 60 OSA patients who underwent both upper airway CT and brain MRI. Using polysomnography, several indicators, including apnea index (AI), were used to evaluate the relationship between OSA and silent cerebrovascular lesions. The CarACS was quantified on CT imaging using the modified Agatston method. Silent cerebrovascular lesions were evaluated on brain MRI by grading periventricular hyperintensity (PVH). Various clinical characteristics, including age, were analyzed in each patient.@*RESULTS@#The number of patients per PVH grade 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 26 (43.3%), 14 (23.3%), 14 (23.3%), 4 (6.7%), and 2 (3.3%), respectively. The mean age, hypertension, smoking status, AI, and CarACS were significantly different among PVH groups (Ps < 0.05). In univariate analysis, the presence of carotid arterial calcification (β = 0.483, p < 0.01), CarACS (β = 0.482, p < 0.01), and age (β = 0.360, p < 0.01) showed a significant association with PVH grade. The mean AI and lowest O₂ saturation had statistically weak associations with PVH grade (β = 0.267, p < 0.01; β = −0.219, p < 0.14, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CarACS was the only factor affecting PVH grade (p < 0.04).@*CONCLUSION@#CarACS is associated with the severity of silent cerebrovascular lesions. Therefore, additional analysis of CarACS in OSA patients may provide more information on their cerebrovascular status.