Subjective voice change was associated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in elderly men, but not in women: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between subjective voice changes and appendicular skeletal muscle in the elderly in Korea. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Population-based survey data were collected by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between January 2009 and December 2011. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2611 participants (1081 men and 1530 women) aged 65 to 80 years were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2011. A 70-degree laryngeal endoscopy was performed to check for abnormalities in the larynx, while dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was utilised to measure appendicular skeletal muscle mass. The correlation between subjective voice change and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) was analysed using a linear-by-linear association test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: When comparing ASMI according to the presence or absence of subjective voice change, elderly men showed significantly lower ASMI values when subjective voice change was present (p = .021). However, in women, the ASMI was not significantly lower in the presence of subjective voice changes (p = .365). We confirmed that subjective voice change was significantly lower in the highest quintile of ASMI compared to lowest quintile of ASMI in the men using logistic regression analysis (B 0.281, 95% confident interval 0.082-0.964, p < .044). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that in Korean men aged >65 years, subjective voice abnormality significantly increased as skeletal muscle mass decreased. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether a correlation exists between objective voice test results and ASMI.

SLUG is a key regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pleomorphic adenoma.

The histogenesis of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the salivary glands remains controversial. PAs are characterized by the transition of epithelial cells to spindled mesenchymal cells, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study aimed to identify a major EMT-inducing transcription factor (EMT-TF) in PAs. Real-time PCR analysis of SNAIL, SLUG, ZEB1, and TWIST1 demonstrated that only SLUG was significantly upregulated in normal salivary glands and PAs. Combined in situ hybridization for SLUG and multiplex immunohistochemistry for CK19 and P63 revealed that SLUG was specifically expressed in the myoepithelial cells of normal salivary glands. In PAs, SLUG was expressed in neoplastic myoepithelial cells and stromal cells but not in the luminal cells lining the inner layers of tumor glands. SLUG expression showed no correlation with PLAG1 expression, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that PLAG1 suppression in primary cultured PA cells or PLAG1 overexpression in HEK 293 T cells did not affect SLUG levels, indicating that PLAG1 was not involved in the upregulation of SLUG in PAs. The suppression of SLUG expression in cultured PA cells resulted in a morphology change to a less elongated shape and attenuated tumor growth. In addition, SLUG downregulation led to increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin expression levels along with decreased migratory activity in cultured PA cells. These findings suggest that SLUG is a major TF that can induce EMT in PAs. In summary, SLUG is specifically and highly expressed in the myoepithelial cells and stromal cells of PAs and is a key regulator of EMT in PAs.

Sensitization to house dust mite allergens might be related to the low sensitivity of ImmunoCAP to pollen allergen.

BACKGROUND: Skin prick test (SPT) and ImmunoCAP are widely used to diagnose allergies. However, previous studies showed discordance between the results of SPT and ImmunoCAP and there remains a lack of research to better understand the differences in results between the two tests. OBJECTIVE: We investigated factors that affected the discordance between SPT and ImmunoCAP results. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 94 subjects who underwent both SPT and ImmunoCAP for six allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, alder, ragweed, mugwort, and Humulus japonicus). We retrospectively analyzed whether age, sex, body mass index, and allergic sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) or seasonal allergens affected the discordance of results between SPT and ImmunoCAP. RESULTS: The positivity rates for HDM allergens were similar between the two tests. For seasonal allergens, however, the positivity rates were much higher in the SPT than those in the ImmunoCAP. The concordance rates of the two tests were relatively higher for HDM than seasonal allergens. Moreover, the ratio of the subjects positive by SPT and negative by ImmunoCAP was higher for seasonal allergens. Positivity for HDM allergens by SPT resulted in a higher rate of mismatch between the two tests for seasonal allergens. CONCLUSIONS: The ImmunoCAP test for seasonal antigens showed low positivity rates compared to SPT in cases positive for HDM allergens. This suggests that the results of ImmunoCAP are less sensitive for seasonal allergens compared to the SPT in cases positive for HDM allergens.

Mucosal Melanoma Originating From the Eustachian Tube.

A 77-year-old man was referred with a 4-month history of hearing impairment and ear fullness of the left ear. Otoscopic examination revealed an effusion in the left middle ear, and nasal endoscopic examination revealed a dark polypoid lesion at the opening of the left Eustachian tube. In addition to the lesion of the Eustachian tube, a dark mucosal lesion was seen at the posterior choana and the posterior end of the nasal septum. Endoscopic biopsy was done and pathologic result was consistent with malignant melanoma. Wide surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy was performed; multiple metastases were detected 4 months after the treatment. Mucosal melanoma originating from nasopharynx was extremely rare, but careful examination of nasopharyngeal area should be considered when the patient presents with unilateral middle ear effusion, especially in older age.

Snoring might be a warning sign for metabolic syndrome in nonobese Korean women.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an underlying cause of various diseases and is strongly associated with mortality. In particular, it has been steadily increasing along with changes in diet and lifestyle habits. The close relationship between sleep apnea and MetS is well established. In addition, these two diseases share a common factor of obesity and have a high prevalence among obese individuals. Nevertheless, the association can vary depending on factors, such as race and sex, and research on the relatively low obesity rates among East Asians is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between snoring and MetS in nonobese Koreans. A total of 2478 participants (827 men and 1651 women) were enrolled in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2019 to 2020. We used the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for MetS and a snoring questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to measure the association between MetS and various confounding factors according to age and sex in participants with body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2. MetS was significantly higher in participants with snoring than in those without snoring (26.9% vs. 19.6%; p = 0.007). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.070, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.059-1.082, p < .001), sex (OR 1.531, 95% CI 1.139-2.058, p = 0.005), and snoring (OR 1.442, 95% CI 1.050-1.979, p = 0.024) were significantly associated with MetS in patients with a BMI < 23 kg/m2. Finally, regression analysis showed that snoring was significantly associated with MetS in women with a BMI of less than 23 kg/m2, especially with younger ages (40-49 years, OR 4.449, 95% CI 1.088 to 18.197, p = 0.038). Snoring was closely associated with MetS in women aged 40-50 years with a BMI of less than 23 kg/m2 compared to other participants. However, the association was not found in women aged 60 and over. Therefore, sufficient consideration should be given to the possibility of MetS when snoring is present in nonobese middle-aged Asian women.

Positional changes in the uvula tip after adenotonsillectomy in children: preliminary result.

BACKGROUND: Adenotonsillectomy has become the primary treatment for children with sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea. However, few studies have investigated positional changes in the soft palate or uvula after adenotonsillectomy in children. The present study aimed to evaluate positional changes in the uvula tip using cephalometric analyses after adenotonsillectomy in children. METHODS: We analyzed 160 pediatric patients from December 2015 to July 2016, with 94 pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy as the experimental group and 66 children who were treated and followed up with frequent tonsillitis as the control group. Positional changes in the uvula tip after surgery in the adenotonsillectomy group were investigated using lateral cephalograms obtained within 1 month before surgery and 3-4 months after surgery. Two lateral cephalogram intervals for a few months in the control group who did not undergo adenotonsillectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: The palatal length (23.92 ± 3.47 vs. 24.46 ± 3.26; p = 0.032), palatal angle (43.13 ± 7.76 vs. 46.12 ± 5.91; p < 0.001), and retrouvula length (15.60 ± 3.51 vs. 16.60 ± 2.97; p = 0.009) were significantly increased on postoperative images relative to those on preoperative images. In the control group, there was a significant change in the palatal angle (2.99 ± 5.85 vs. 0.27 ± 4.14; p < 0.001) and retrouvula length (0.99 ± 3.64 vs. 0.05 ± 1.44; p = 0.025), but not in the palatal length (0.58 ± 2.38 vs. 0.043 ± 1.26; p = 0.065). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that the uvula tip is displaced in the anteroinferior direction 3 or 4 months after adenotonsillectomy in children. Thus, clinicians should be aware that the retropalatal space may expand after adenotonsillectomy in the pediatric population.

Retroauricular thyroidectomy with a single-arm robotic surgical system: Preclinical cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluate a new flexible, single-arm robotic system in performing thyroidectomy via a retroauricular approach. METHODS: Four fresh cadavers were used. Technical details of the new system are discussed, and the comprehensive surgical procedures are described step by step. RESULTS: This single-port flexible system could be used to successfully perform retroauricular thyroidectomy. The ideal angle to dock the patient-side cart was at a 90° angle to the operating table. When the cannula tip was placed 10 to 15 cm away from the skin incision, positioning and full movement of all four instruments without collisions were possible. Three flexible instruments and an endoscope made the robotic dissection more efficient. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the first preclinical evaluation of an innovative, flexible, single-arm robotic surgical system for retroauricular thyroidectomy.

Computed Tomography Findings in Patients with Samter's Triad: An Observational Study.

Samter's Triad is a disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (NPs), asthma, and intolerance to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. However, there have been no studies investigating the prediction of Samter's Triad using imaging findings. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in computed tomography (CT) findings between patients who have CRS with NPs and those with Samter's Triad. Patients were classified into a CRS group and a Samter group. Opacification was measured using data from CT scans by scoring each sinus on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 4. The opacification scores of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses were significantly higher in the Samter's Triad group. Furthermore, Samter's Triad was more common in patients who scored ≤ 2 for maxillary opacification (7/16) than in those who scored ≥3 (4/45, p=0.005). Patients with Samter's Triad exhibited a tendency toward higher opacification scores for the ethmoid and frontal sinuses, with a relatively lower opacification score for the maxillary sinus. These findings could be helpful in distinguishing patients with Samter's Triad from those who have CRS with NPs, and to plan treatment strategies without having to perform additional laboratory or radiological tests.

Improved transoral dissection of the tongue base with a next-generation robotic surgical system.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the application of a novel, flexible, single-port robotic surgical system for transoral tongue base resection, and compare it to the current multiport, rigid-arm robotic surgical system. STUDY DESIGN: Preclinical anatomic study using four human cadavers. METHODS: Transoral resection of the tongue base using the da Vinci Sp and the Si robotic surgical systems. A standardized operative procedure is outlined, and operative parameters were compared between robotic systems. RESULTS: Successful completion of tongue base resection was achieved in all cadavers using both the Sp and the Si systems. The optimal entry guide and instrument position for the Sp system was with the cannula rotated 180° from the standard position so that the camera was in the most inferior (caudal) channel. In the optimal configuration, no instrument exchanges were needed with the Sp system, but use of the Si system required one instrument exchange. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first preclinical anatomic study of robotic tongue base resection that compares a novel single-port robotic system to the current multiarm system. Surgical workflow was more streamlined with the da Vinci Sp system, and the new capabilities of simultaneous dissection, traction, and counter traction allowed for improved dissection and vessel control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:78-83, 2018.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Dizziness after Motor Vehicle Accident.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of dizziness occurring after a motor vehicle accident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 217 patients who had visited a tertiary medical center complaining of dizziness after a motor vehicle accident between January 2009 and December 2014. Of the 217 patients, we enrolled 54 patients who had undergone a vestibular function test and had no definite evidence of fracture of the temporal bone or intracranial lesions. Patients were divided into two groups: the dizziness group (group A, 29 patients) and the dizziness with audiological symptoms (hearing disturbance, tinnitus, ear fullness) group (group B, 25 patients). RESULTS: The prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was higher in group A. Apart from this finding, the clinical features did not differ significantly between the two groups. Group B had a higher number of patients who exhibited asymmetric hearing on pure tone audiometry, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There were no notable characteristics in patients with dizziness after motor vehicle accidents, although patients without hearing symptoms tended to have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, whereas other patients tended to have hearing disturbance. This information may be helpful for clinicians in counseling and managing patients with dizziness and audiological symptoms after motor vehicle accidents.

Percutaneous Drainage and Povidone-Iodine Sclerotherapy of Cervical Lymphatic Malformation.

Lymphatic malformations in cases with macrocystic lesions can be treated with surgical excision or sclerotherapy using alcohol, bleomycin, doxycycline, or OK-432. We report a case of a 24-year-old woman who underwent percutaneous drainage and povidone-iodine sclerotherapy as primary treatment for cervical lymphatic malformation. The patient underwent povidone-iodine sclerotherapy for 3 consecutive days. After 8 months, ultrasonography of the lesion in the neck revealed complete resolution of the cervical lymphatic malformation without any complication. Povidone-iodine sclerotherapy can be a safe and cost-effective treatment option for cervical lymphatic malformation.

Transoral Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery: The Contemporary Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.

Traditional open surgical approaches are indicated for treatment of select tumor subsites of head and neck cancer, but can also result in major cosmetic and functional morbidity. Transoral surgical approaches have been used for head and neck cancer since the 1960s, with their application continuing to evolve with the changing landscape of this disease and recent innovations in surgical instrumentation. The potential to further reduce treatment morbidity with transoral surgery, while optimizing oncologic outcomes, continues to be investigated. This review examines current literature evaluating oncologic and quality-of-life outcomes achieved through transoral head and neck surgery.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the tongue base treated by transoral robotic surgery.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy arising from the minor salivary glands in the aerodigestive system, most frequently the hard palate. The treatment of choice is wide surgical resection, and the efficacy of radiotherapy has not been confirmed. A 54-year-old male presenting with a mass at the base of the tongue performed transoral laser microsurgery. The pathologic diagnosis was polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma. Complete surgical excision was performed via transoral robotic surgery without a flap reconstruction of the surgical defect. Without complications of bleeding or injury to the hypoglossal nerve, proper surgical margins were obtained, and no recurrence was found after 6 months after surgery. The patient did not complain of dysphagia or aspiration. We conclude that, in surgery for tongue base tumors with unknown malignant potential, transoral robotic surgery can be considered for achieving a definite resection avoiding a mandibulotomy without complications of dysphagia or aspiration after confirmation of malignancy with a frozen biopsy.

The effectiveness of lumbar drainage in the conservative and surgical treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS: We found no differences in clinicopathologic factors and post-treatment effects between patients who did and did not receive lumbar drains (LDs) in the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Care should be taken in using LDs, after considering their effectiveness and complications, although routine use of an LD is not indicated in the management of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the role and effectiveness of LDs in patients managed conservatively and surgically. METHODS: Of 117 patients treated for CSF rhinorrhea, 61 were managed conservatively and 56 were initially managed surgically. We compared the clinicopathologic features and factors related to treatment outcome between patients who did and did not receive LDs. RESULTS: Of 61 conservatively managed patients, 32 were managed without and 29 with LDs. There were no between-group differences in any clinicopathologic factors, recurrence rate, or incidence of meningitis during/after treatment, but duration of hospitalization differed significantly (15.3 vs 23.2 days, p = 0.03). Of 56 surgically managed patients, 24 were managed without and 32 with postoperative LDs. Except for age, there were no between-group differences in clinicopathologic factors. In terms of treatment outcome-related factors, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate, incidence of meningitis, or duration of hospitalization.

Clinicopathological review of immunohistochemically defined Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease-including some interesting cases.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD) is a benign, self-limited disease characterized by tender regional lymphadenopathy with fever. KFD remains a poorly defined disease, and no clear diagnostic criteria are available. Here, we assess the clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings of KFD cases and report two unusual cases. Forty KFD patients that underwent lymph node (LN) biopsy and diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining, from January 2003 to November 2010, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients had a mean age of 29.3 years, and 29 (72.5 %) were women. Affected LNs were mainly located unilaterally in the cervical area. Mean LN size was 15.3 mm. Twenty-eight (70 %) patients had LN tenderness, and 25 (62.5 %) patients had fever. Leukopenia was observed in 18 of 35 evaluable patients. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated in most patients. Anti-nuclear antibody was positive in four of 19 evaluable patients, but all had been diagnosed with concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus. Histologically, the 40 cases were classified into three types, that is, as proliferative (37.5 %), necrotizing (55.0 %), or xanthomatous (7.5 %). Interesting cases: Case 1 was a 35-year-old female with KFD and uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Case 2 was a 47-year-old male with KFD and bone marrow involvement and presented with severe bicytopenia. Although KFD is an uncommon self-limited benign disorder, it must be included in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy with fever and cytopenia. It is important that the clinical features of KFD be understood to reach a correct diagnosis.