The impact of digital inequities on laryngeal cancer disparities in the US.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a novel, comprehensive tool, the Digital Inequity Index (DII), that quantifiably measures modern-technology access in the US to assess the impact of digital inequity on laryngeal cancer (LC) care nationwide. METHODS: DII was calculated based on 17 census-tract level variables derived from the American Community Survey and Federal Communications Commission. Variables were categorized as infrastructure-access (i.e., electronic device ownership, type of broadband, internet provider availability, income-broadband subscription ratio) or sociodemographic (i.e., education, income, disability status), ranked and then averaged into a composite score. 22,850 patients from 2008 to 2017 in SEER were assessed for regression trends in long-term follow-up, survival, prognosis, and treatment across increasing overall digital inequity, as measured by the DII. This methodology allows for us to assess the independent contribution of digital inequity adjusted for socioeconomic confounders. RESULTS: With increasing overall digital inequity, length of long-term follow-up (p < 0.001) and survival (p = 0.025) decreased. Compared to LC patients with low DII, high DII was associated with increased odds of advanced preliminary staging (OR 1.06; 95 % CI 1.03-1.08), treatment with chemotherapy (OR 1.06; 95 % CI 1.04-1.08), and radiation therapy (OR 1.02; 95 % CI 1.00-1.04), as well as decreased odds of surgical resection (OR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.94-97). CONCLUSIONS: Digital inequities are associated with detrimental trends in LC patient outcomes in the US, allowing discourse for targeted means of alleviating disparities while contextualizing national sociodemographic trends of the impact of online access on informed care.

Clinicodemographic Predictors of Tracheotomy Tube Size and Decannulation: A Multiinstitutional Retrospective Cohort Study on Tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation. METHODS: We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and <8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060 per inch; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.1891.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Trilayered Hydrogel Scaffold for Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering.

The lamina propria within the vocal fold (VF) is a complex multilayered tissue that increases in stiffness from the superficial to deep layer, where this characteristic is crucial for VF sound production. Tissue-engineered scaffolds designed for VF repair must mimic the biophysical nature of the native vocal fold and promote cell viability, cell spreading, and vibration with air flow. In this study, we present a unique trilayered, partially degradable hydrogel scaffold that mimics the multilayered structure of the VF lamina propria. Using thiol-norbornene photochemistry, trilayered hydrogel scaffolds were fabricated via layer-by-layer stacking with increasing polymer concentration from the top to middle to deep layer. Mechanical analysis confirmed that hydrogel modulus increased with increasing polymer concentration. Partially degradable hydrogels promoted high cell viability and cell spreading in three dimensions as assessed via live/dead and cytoskeleton staining, respectively. Importantly, partially degradable hydrogels maintained some degree of the three dimensional polymer network following protease exposure, while still enabling encapsulated cells to remodel their local environment via protease secretion. Finally, the trilayered hydrogel scaffold successfully vibrated and produced sound in proof-of-concept air flow studies. This work represents a critical first step toward the design of a multilayered, hydrogel scaffold for vocal fold tissue engineering.

3D Printing-Enabled Nanoparticle Alignment: A Review of Mechanisms and Applications.

3D printing (additive manufacturing (AM)) has enormous potential for rapid tooling and mass production due to its design flexibility and significant reduction of the timeline from design to manufacturing. The current state-of-the-art in 3D printing focuses on material manufacturability and engineering applications. However, there still exists the bottleneck of low printing resolution and processing rates, especially when nanomaterials need tailorable orders at different scales. An interesting phenomenon is the preferential alignment of nanoparticles that enhance material properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the landscape of nanoparticle alignment in the context of 3D printing. Herein, a brief overview of 3D printing is provided, followed by a comprehensive summary of the 3D printing-enabled nanoparticle alignment in well-established and in-house customized 3D printing mechanisms that can lead to selective deposition and preferential orientation of nanoparticles. Subsequently, it is listed that typical applications that utilized the properties of ordered nanoparticles (e.g., structural composites, heat conductors, chemo-resistive sensors, engineered surfaces, tissue scaffolds, and actuators based on structural and functional property improvement). This review's emphasis is on the particle alignment methodology and the performance of composites incorporating aligned nanoparticles. In the end, significant limitations of current 3D printing techniques are identified together with future perspectives.

Comparing tracheostomy techniques: Bjork flap vs. tracheal window.

OBJECTIVES: Various operative techniques are used to perform tracheostomies. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient factors that influence the decision to perform a Bjork flap or a window. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent tracheostomies from January 2015 to December 2019 at a tertiary care medical center. All patients underwent tracheostomy with either a Bjork flap or a window. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, indication for tracheostomy, operative details, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 217 tracheostomies were evaluated, of which 104 (47.9%) had a Bjork flap and 113 (52.1%) had a window. Bjork flap was significantly more likely to be performed in patients with a higher average body mass index (p = 0.05), requiring ventilatory support (p = 0.0001), or had a stroke (p = 0.0140). A window was used significantly more in patients with prior neck dissection (p = 0.0110) or neck radiation (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed for post-op bleeding, returning to the operating room, or days to decannulation. In all tracheostomies, thrombocytopenia was found to significantly correlate with post-op bleeding (p = 0.0006), while blood thinner use did not. CONCLUSION: Bjork flaps were more likely to be performed in those with a history of prolonged mechanical ventilation and elevated body mass index. Windows were performed more frequently in patients with a head and neck cancer history. Future prospective studies are needed to compare the outcomes of these techniques and their impacts on the trachea long term.

Tracking changes in age distribution of head and neck cancer in the United States from 1975 to2016.

INTRODUCTION: Several independent studies report an alarming increase in patients younger than 40 being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. There is currently a lack of available data clearly tracking changes in the age distribution of head and neck cancer (HNC) within the United States. This study attempts to elucidate any trends in oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx cancer age distribution in the United States population from 1975 to 2016. Unlike previous studies, this paper does not track incidence but rather reports proportional changes of prevalence within age cohorts over time. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review centred on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Each decade interval from 1975 to 2016 displays the proportion of HNC patients, classified by primary tumour subsite, within each age cohort. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis increased for all subsites except oropharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to show a decrease in the mean age at diagnosis. In addition, oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to demonstrate an overall increase in proportional prevalence, largely due to increased incidence in middle-age (40-59 years) patients. Cancers of the oral cavity were the only subset to show a true increase in the proportion of young (0-39 years) patients, but its mean age at diagnosis still increased. When stratifying by gender, the proportion of young patients in female HNC cases is higher than the young male proportion. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrates an increased proportion of older HNC patients that is consistent with the ageing population. Oral cavity cancer demonstrated a true increase in the proportion of young patients, likely due to the increased incidence of young women diagnosed with this cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to show a decrease in the mean age at diagnosis. The increased proportion of middle-age patients with oropharyngeal cancer likely reflects the increase in HPV-related cancers.

Development of xeno-free epithelial differentiation media for adherent, non-expanded adipose stromal vascular cell cultures.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of respiratory epithelium is critical for the fabrication of bioengineered airway implants. Epithelial differentiation is typically achieved using bovine pituitary extract (BPE). Due to the xenogenic nature and undefined composition of BPE, an alternative for human clinical applications, devoid of BPE, must be developed. The goal of this study was to develop two different BPE-free media, with and without select pituitary hormone (PH), which could initiate epithelial differentiation for use in human implantation. METHODS: The ability of the two BPE-free media to initiate epithelial differentiation of adherent, non-expanded stromal-vascular cells grown on porcine small intestinal submucosa was compared to traditional BPE-containing media (M1). Nanostring® was used to measure differences in gene expression of stemness (MSC), basal cell (basal), and ciliated markers (muco-cil), and staining was performed support the gene data. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, both BPE-free media upregulated epithelial and stemness genes, however this was to a lower degree than BPE-containing media. In general, the expression of basal cell markers (COL17A1, DSG3, ITGA6, KRT6A, LOXL2) and secreted mucous proteins (PLUNC, MUC5B, SCGB2A1) was upregulated. The gene expression of ciliated markers C9orf24, TUBA3 and DNCL2B but not of the key transcription factor for cilagenesis FOXJ1 were upregulated, indicating that mucus-secreting cell differentiation occurs more rapidly than ciliogenesis. The ability of the adherent stromal vascular cells to upregulate gene expression of both epithelial and stemness markers suggests maintenance of the self-renewal capacity of undifferentiated and/or basal cell-like cells contributing to proliferation and ensuring a persisting source of cells for regenerative medicine applications. CONCLUSION: This study provides the initial step to defining a BPE-free epithelial differentiation medium for clinical translation. Thus, either of the proposed BPE-free medium are viable alternatives to BPE-containing medium for partial epithelial differentiation for human translational applications.

Peripheral Synucleinopathy in Early Parkinson's Disease: Submandibular Gland Needle Biopsy Findings.

INTRODUCTION: Finding a peripheral tissue biopsy site to diagnose early PD would be of value for clinical care, biomarker validation, and as research enrollment criteria. Whereas autopsy and advanced PD studies suggest that the submandibular gland is an important biopsy site, there are no studies in early PD. The aim of this study was to determine whether needle biopsy of the submandibular gland reveals Lewy type alpha-synucleinopathy in early PD. METHODS: Twenty-five early PD (duration < 5 years) and 10 controls underwent transcutaneous needle core biopsies of the submandibular gland. Tissue was stained for phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, reviewed blind to clinical diagnosis, and only nerve element staining was considered positive. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation) age was 69.5 (8.3) for the PD group, 64.8 (8.0) years for controls, and disease duration 2.6 (1.1) years. Six PD and 1 control subject had inadequate glandular tissue. Positive staining was found in 14 of 19 (74%) PD and 2 of 9 (22%) control subjects. PD-positive and -negative cases did not differ clinically. Adverse events (mainly swelling and bruising) were common (77% of cases), but were minor and transient. CONCLUSIONS: Submandibular gland needle biopsies identified phosphorylated alpha-synuclein staining in 74% of early PD subjects. False positives may be true false positives or may represent prodromal PD. If confirmed in larger studies with eventual autopsy confirmation, the potential value of submandibular gland biopsies for early PD may be to aid in clinical trial inclusion/exclusion and eventually serve as a gold standard for biomarker studies short of autopsy confirmation.

Idiopathic Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis: A Survey of the Patient Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To report and compare patients' experiences with acquired subglottic stenosis (AS) versus idiopathic subglottic and tracheal stenosis (ISTS). METHODS: A survey was made available to patients with AS and ISTS. Results were analyzed for inter- and intragroup differences using a 2-tailed t test. RESULTS: The study included 160 survey participants (AS n = 28; ISTS n = 132), with a predominance of female participants (82% AS, 98% ISTS). Acid reflux was the most prevalent comorbidity across groups (42%-43%). A significant difference in time to diagnosis was found between groups, with 32% of AS patients diagnosed within 3 months of symptom onset, compared to 2% with ISTS. A diagnosis delay greater than 18 months occurred for 58% of ISTS patients. There was no difference in treatment approach, with the most common treatment being balloon dilation, followed by laser dilation. Tracheal resection was performed in 36% of patients in both groups. Patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes was significantly higher after tracheal resection (76%) compared to other treatment modalities (39%). CONCLUSIONS: ISTS remains a diagnostic challenge as highlighted by the delay in diagnosis compared to AS. There appears to be no historical or symptomatic factors specific to ISTS. Additionally, patients report increased satisfaction and symptom resolution after tracheal resection.

The Mayo Clinic Arizona Spasmodic Dysphonia Experience: A Demographic Analysis of 718 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze demographic data collected over a 25-year experience of 718 patients with spasmodic dysphonia (SD) who have been treated with botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) and compare our data with previously published studies. METHODS: Seven hundred eighteen patients with SD were treated with 6621 BoNT-A injections at Mayo Clinic Arizona between 1989 and 2014. All patients were treated by the same physician team. Background demographic data for each patient were recorded. RESULTS: Of 718 patients, 557 patients were female (77.6%). Six hundred sixty of 718 (91.8%) patients had adductor SD (AdSD), and 58 of 718 (8.1%) patients had abductor SD (AbSD). Average age of onset was 51 years. Of 718 patients, 378 (52.6%) had vocal tremor (VT); VT was present in 54.4% of AdSD patients and 32.1% of AbSD patients. Thirty-seven of 718 (5.2%) patients had other dystonias, including cervical dystonia (2.3%), blepharospasm (1.4%), limb dystonia (1.1%), and oromandibular dystonia (0.3%). A positive family history of SD was present in only 6 of 718 patients (0.8%) and of other dystonias in 11 of 718 patients (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic and potentially disabling focal laryngeal dystonia. The Mayo Clinic Arizona SD experience compares to prior reports and reveals a female preponderance, onset in middle age, infrequent hereditary pattern, high co-occurrence of VT, and low co-occurrence of other dystonias.

Analgesia in Transcutaneous Laryngeal Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVES: There is an absence of data in the literature regarding methods to improve the patient experience during the performance of awake in-office laryngeal injections. This study sought to evaluate whether the use of local anesthetic or a vibrating instrument decreased overall pain experienced by patients with laryngeal dystonia, frequently referred to as spasmodic dysphonia (SD), undergoing transcervical botulinum toxin injections. METHODS: This was an unblinded, prospective randomized control trial with a crossover design where each patient received transcutaneous transcricothyroid injection of botulinum toxin with alternating use of no anesthesia, local anesthesia (2% lidocaine in 1:100,000 epinephrine), and vibrating instrument in three consecutive laryngeal injections to treat adductor SD. Patients were randomized to the order they received these treatments. Patients measured pain on a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and selected their preferred technique after receiving all three analgesic modalities. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference in pain between the three analgesic techniques (p = 0.38). The most preferred analgesic technique was the vibrating wand (44% (14/32)). Lidocaine was the second most preferred (37% (12/32)) and 19% (6/32) of patients preferred nothing. When combining the wand and nothing groups, 63% of patients preferred one of these two methods (95% exact CI: 44%-79%). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in median pain experienced by patients during laryngeal botulinum toxin injection between these different analgesic modalities. More than half of the patients selected a preference for a technique that did not include lidocaine. This data supports individualization of analgesia during transcutaneous laryngeal injections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:2277-2281, 2024.

Tremor Makes a Difference: A Comparative Study of the Demographics and Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia With or Without Vocal Tremor.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the demographic differences between those with adductor spasmodic dysphonia with vocal tremor (AdSD(+)VT) and those without vocal tremor (AdSD(-)VT) and to analyze their response to treatment with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT-A). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A database review of all spasmodic dysphonia patients treated with BoNT from 1989 to 2018 at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona was performed. Only patients who had received ≥4 injections of BoNT-A for AdSD were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those with coexistent vocal tremor (AdSD(+)VT) and those without vocal tremor (AdSD(-)VT). RESULTS: The final analysis included 398 patients, with 210 AdSD(+)VT patients (53%) and 188 AdSD(-)VT patients (47%). The length of follow-up and median number of treatments were similar between cohorts. AdSD(+)VT patients were more likely to be female (P < 0.001), and older at onset (P < 0.001) and first injection (P < 0.001). The mean maximal benefit was significantly lower for the AdSD(+)VT cohort (P < 0.01), however the mean length of benefit was similar (P = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Demographic differences exist between AdSD(+)VT and AdSD(-)VT patients. AdSD(+)VT patients benefit from BoNT-A treatment; however, our analysis suggests that the degree of their maximal benefit is less than in those without VT.

Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis Is Associated With More Frequent and Abnormal Squamous Metaplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Gain insights into the pathophysiology of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) by investigating differences in transcriptome of subglottic mucosal tissue between patients with iSGS and controls, and between tracheal and subglottic tissue within patients. METHODS: RNA sequencing was conducted on biopsied mucosal samples collected from subglottic and tracheal (in-patient control) regions in iSGS patients, and from subglottis in controls. The gene expression differences were validated on a protein level by (1) staining the tissue samples obtained from a second cohort of patients and controls; and (2) in vitro functional assays using primary subglottic epithelial cells from both iSGS patients and healthy donors. RESULTS: We found 7 upregulated genes in the subglottic region of iSGS patients relative to both the tracheal mucosa and subglottic region of controls. A gene ontology enrichment analysis found that the epithelial cell differentiation and cornification pathways are significant, involving specifically 3 of the genes: involucrin (IVL), small proline rich protein 1B (SPRR1B), and keratin 16 (KRT16). Involvement of these pathways suggests squamous metaplasia of the epithelium. Histological analyses of epithelium in subglottic mucosal biopsies revealed squamous metaplasia in 41% of the samples from iSGS patients and in 25% from controls. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the samples presented with squamous epithelium revealed increased expression of the protein encoded by SPRR1B, hyperproliferative basal cells, shedding of apical layers, and accompanying lesions in iSGS compared to CTRL. Cultured primary subglottic epithelial cells from iSGS patients had higher proliferation rates compared to healthy donors and squamous metaplastic differentiation formed thinner epithelia with increased expression proteins encoded by INV, SPRR1B, and KRT16, suggesting intrinsic dysfunction of basal cells in iSGS. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal squamous differentiation of epithelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of iSGS. Patients having metaplastic epithelial phenotype may be sensitive to drugs that reverse it to a normal phenotype.

Impact of Obesity on Timing of Tracheotomy: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on (1) tracheotomy timing and (2) short-term surgical complications requiring a return to the operating room and 30-day mortality utilizing data from the Multi-Institutional Study on Tracheotomy (MIST). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients from the MIST database who underwent surgical or percutaneous tracheotomy between 2013 and 2016 at eight institutions was completed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of obesity on tracheotomy timing and complications. RESULTS: Among the 3369 patients who underwent tracheotomy, 41.0% were obese and 21.6% were morbidly obese. BMI was associated with higher rates of prolonged intubation prior to tracheotomy accounting for comorbidities, indication for tracheotomy, institution, and type of tracheostomy (p = 0.001). Morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) experienced a longer duration of intubation compared with patients with a normal BMI (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 11.0 days [7-17 days] versus 9.0 days [5-14 days]; p < 0.001) but did not have statistically higher rates of return to the operating room within 30 days (p = 0.12) or mortality (p = 0.90) on multivariable analysis. This same finding of prolonged intubation was not seen in overweight, nonobese patients when compared with normal BMI patients (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 10.0 days [6-15 days] versus 10.0 days [6-15 days]; p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: BMI was associated with increased duration of intubation prior to tracheotomy. Although morbidly obese patients had a longer duration of intubation, there were no differences in return to the operating room or mortality within 30 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Laryngoscope, 2024.

Open staple diverticulectomy for a large recurrent Zenker's diverticulum: still a valid procedure.

OBJECTIVES: We demonstrate indications for external mechanical stapler diverticulectomy in the modern era of endoscopic treatment. We review treatment of a large diverticulum and discuss considerations that should be made in deciding on the type of surgical treatment. METHODS: The index case was in a 75-year-old man who had undergone open cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulopexy 35 years earlier. He presented with 25 years of recurrent symptoms. A swallow study showed a 6.5 x 5.0-cm diverticulum. The diverticulum was deemed too large for standard endoscopic myotomy, so diverticulectomy was performed with a stapler. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 without complications. A swallow study on postoperative day 5 demonstrated no diverticulum or extravasation of barium. The patient resumed a normal diet with resolution of dysphagia. Two additional patients with large Zenker's diverticula that were managed similarly are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Although endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy and stapler diverticulostomy have become standard treatments for Zenker's diverticulum, this case of a large recurrent diverticulum illustrates a situation in which older techniques may be preferred. Use of the mechanical stapler allowed for a shorter surgery time than traditional suture techniques, and the potential for an earlier return to a normal diet.

Comparison of carbon dioxide laser-assisted versus stapler-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy.

OBJECTIVES: We directly compared endoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and stapler treatment methods for both cricopharyngeal hypertrophy (CPH) and Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective chart review of 153 patients who underwent either CO2 laser-assisted or stapler-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM). RESULTS: Isolated CPH was more likely to be treated with the CO2 laser than by stapler techniques. The ZD pouch size decreased significantly after surgery in both laser (p = 0.04) and stapler (p = 0.008) groups. The average duration of the procedure for CPM was longer for the laser than for the stapler (p = 0.01). Both techniques were successful when used in revision procedures. The overall complication rates were not statistically significantly different. Laser surgery trended toward a higher rate of major complications (2.4% versus 0%). Symptomatic recurrence was more likely after stapler surgery (p = 0.002). The rates of revision surgery were similar in the two groups (3.3% for laser and 4.3% for stapler). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of isolated CPH or ZD, stapler-assisted endoscopic surgery results in a shorter operative time, whereas laser-assisted CPM results in a decreased incidence of symptomatic recurrence.

Radiation-Induced Laryngeal Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid.

OBJECTIVES: Bullous pemphigoid has previously been linked to radiotherapy, but here we report the first case of MMP suspected to be a consequence of RT. METHODS: The patient described is an 85-year-old male who underwent RT to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the palatine tonsil. Shortly after therapy, the patient developed blisters with worsening dyspnea and dysphonia. RESULTS: This patient was successfully treated with a combination of oral immunosuppressants and surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This incident underscores that not all episodes of mucosal ulceration following radiation are a result of mucositis and MMP should be considered in the differential. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Outcomes of KTP Laser Ablation in Glottic Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) with potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser ablation for glottic neoplasms. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the safety and efficacy of KTP laser therapy in patients with early-stage glottic neoplasms. RESULTS: Eight studies were included. After an average follow-up of 3.3 years, the overall survival and disease-free survival for patients who underwent KTP were 90.7% (95% CI 85%-96.5%) and 98.5% (95% CI 97.3%-99.8%), respectively. In the single-arm meta-analysis, the pooled estimate of recurrence was 7.7% (95% CI 3.4%-12%). The overall voice handicap index (VHI) estimate attributed to KTP in the single-arm meta-analysis was 6.76 (95% CI [3.05, 10.48]) and 5.21 (95% CI [2.86, 7.56]) within 6 months and after a one-year follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: KTP laser ablation is a safe and effective method for treating patients with early glottic neoplasms. Laryngoscope, 133:1806-1814, 2023.

A Heterotopic Mouse Model for Studying Laryngeal Transplantation.

Laryngeal heterotopic transplantation, although a technically challenging procedure, offers more scientific analysis and cost benefits compared to other animal models. Although first described by Shipchandler et al. in 2009, this technique is not widely used, possibly due to the difficulties in learning the microsurgical technique and time required to master it. This paper describes the surgical steps in detail, as well as potential pitfalls to avoid, in order to encourage effective use of this technique. In this model, the bilateral carotid arteries of the donor larynx are anastomosed to the recipient carotid artery and external jugular vein, allowing for blood flow through the graft. Blood flow can be confirmed intraoperatively by the visualization of blood filling in the graft bilateral carotid arteries, reddening of the thyroid glands of the graft, and bleeding from micro vessels in the graft. The crucial elements for success include delicate preservation of the graft vessels, making the correct size arteriotomy and venotomy, and using the appropriate number of sutures on the arterial-arterial and arterial-venous anastomoses to secure vessels without leakage and prevent occlusion. Anyone can become proficient in this model with sufficient training and perform the procedure in approximately 3 h. If performed successfully, this model allows for immunologic studies to be performed with ease and at low cost.

Significance of age and sex in botulinum neurotoxin dosing for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the impact of age and sex on botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT-A) dosing and outcomes in adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD). Methods: A database review of all spasmodic dysphonia patients treated with BoNT from 1989 to 2018 at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona was performed. Only patients who had received ≥4 injections of BoNT-A for AdSD were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts to analyze age, with an age of first treatment cutoff of 60 years. Patients were divided into male and female cohorts to analyze sex. Results: The final analysis included 398 patients. The mean dose of BoNT-A per treatment was significantly higher in the younger cohort (4.4 vs. 3.9 units, p = 0.048). The mean maximal benefit was similar (72% vs. 70%, p = 0.48); however, the mean length of benefit was significantly shorter in younger patients (3.0 vs. 3.6 months, p < 0.01). The mean BoNT-A dose was significantly higher in the female cohort (4.2 vs. 3.6 units, p = 0.02). The mean maximal benefit was similar (69% vs. 75%, p = 0.58), as was the mean length of benefit (3.2 vs. 3.5 months, p = 0.11). Conclusions: This study suggests that age and sex influence BoNT-A dosing and outcomes in AdSD.