Ear Nose Throat Research Articles

Characteristics of Hearing Impairment in Patients with Suspected Congenital Rubella Syndrome at the ENT Clinic of Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar, Indonesia

Asymptomatic rubella virus infection can cause delays in the diagnosis of rubella in pregnant women, leading to the development of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The clinical manifestations of congenital rubella syndrome are called the rubella triad, which includes heart problems, eye problems, and hearing disorders. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss in children with rubella infection. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of hearing loss in CRS patients. This study used a retrospective descriptive research design, utilizing secondary data from the medical records of patients with CRS who underwent hearing examinations at the Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) Polyclinic of Prof. dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar, Indonesia. The study found that the most common age group among suspected CRS patients was 6 - 12 months (51.42%), the majority of these patients were male (62.86%), the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms in suspected CRS patients were congenital heart disease (CHD) as a major criterion (60%), and microcephaly as a minor criterion (77.14%). Based on the CRS case criteria, none of the suspected CRS patients were diagnosed with confirmed CRS, with most cases being classified as clinical CRS (65.71%). The hearing loss in suspected CRS patients was entirely sensorineural type with the majority of cases being bilaterally and to a very severe degree (53.57%)

Expert opinion on factors associated with severe laryngeal injury after intubation in the pediatric population: a worldwide survey study.

To minimize post-intubation laryngeal injury it is important to identify the factors that contribute to the development of these lesions. Previous literature has been inconsistent. This survey aims to investigate experts' opinions on the various factors associated with severe laryngeal injury following intubation in the pediatric population and to determine whether these opinions influence the treatment of patients with one or more of these factors. A multiple-choice questionnaire with the possibility to provide open text answers was developed and sent by email, WhatsApp and Siilo to members of the scientific societies of anesthesiology, pediatric intensive care, emergency medicine and ear nose throat surgeons worldwide. Responses were analyzed thematically. A total of 363 physicians worldwide responded to the survey, mainly anesthesiologists (31%), intensivists (35%) and ENT surgeons (29%). The majority of the respondents (69%) had over 10years of experience in pediatric airway management. Overall, factors with the highest agreement (> 80% of respondents) were 'traumatic intubation', 'multiple intubation attempts', 'the use of oversized tubes', 'skill level of the intubator', 'repeated intubations' and 'period of intubation', specifically in small (weight < 2kg, age < 1year) children. The factors 'use of muscle relaxants' and 'biological sex' were not considered relevant. In accordance with their daily practice, physicians from different specialties reported varying factors as being relevant. These assumptions influence their routine decisions regarding intubation and extubation procedures. Although not extensively supported by literature, the majority of the experts indicate that factors such as 'traumatic intubation', 'multiple intubation attempts', 'oversized tubes', 'skill level of the intubator', 'repeated intubations' and 'period of intubation' are the most relevant factors in the development of post-intubation severe laryngeal injury in the pediatric population. Physicians from different specialisms also highlight specialism specific factors they consider most significant which influence their day-to-day clinical practice.

Performance of an Oral Rinse Point-Of-Care Assay to aid in the diagnosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in a High-Risk Danish Ear-Nose Throat (ENT) Clinic

Abstract Objectives Oral examination and biopsy are established methods for early detection of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate performance of a point-of-care (POC) assay to aid in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Materials and methods 150 consecutive patients were enrolled from a high-risk ear nose and throat clinic at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. A positive POC test represented as a CD44 band or elevated level of total protein (TP) was correlated with biopsy results and then evaluated with sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), PPV, NPV and multivariate models. Results 119 patients enrolled between January 2016 and April 2017. Presence of a CD44 band or TP ≥3: Se of 73% (95% CI 57.0–84.6%), Sp of 50% (95% CI 39.4–60.5%), and NPV of 94.77% (95% CI 84.12–98.33%). CD44 band or TP of ≥ 2 for non-smkers and ≥ 3 for smokers improved performance: Se 81% (95%CI 66–90%) and Sp 33% (95%CI 24–44%), NPV of 94%. Multivariate models with male gender and ≥ 60 years: Se of 84% (95%CI 67–92%) and Sp of 37% (95%CI 27–47%), NPV of 95%. Non-biopsied, healthy, non-smoking, females (n = 17): Sp of 78%. Conclusions POC assay performed well for identifying OOSCC in a prospective clinical trial. Clinical features such as age, smoking status and gender are important variables in assessing risk. Additional studies are underway to further confirm these results including the incorporation of a version 2 POC device.

TFE3 and TP53 were novel diagnostic biomarkers related to mitochondrial autophagy in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) belongs to a subtype of Chronic rhinosinusitis which is a heterogeneous inflammatory condition. It has been reported that mitophagy may provide a new therapeutic option for CRSwNP. The GSE136825 (training dataset) and GSE179265 (validation dataset) were scoured from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The candidate genes related to mitophagy were identified by differential expression analysis. Subsequently, the biomarkers were selected from the machine learning, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, and expression level verification. A backpropagation (BP) neural network was generated to evaluate the diagnostic ability of biomarkers. In addition, the infiltration abundance of immune cells, potential drugs, and related ear-nose-throat (ENT) diseases were analyzed based on the biomarkers. Finally, qPCR analysis was performed to verify these biomarkers. A total of 8 candidate genes were identified by overlapping 3,400 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 72 mitophagy-related genes Subsequently, TFE3 and TP53 were identified as biomarkers of CRSwNP, and the area under the curves (AUC) of the BP neural network was 0.74, which indicated that the biomarkers had excellent abilities. TFE3 and TP53 were co-enriched in the cancer pathway, cell cycle, endocytosis, etc. What's more, Macrophage and Immature dendritic cells had significant correlations with biomarkers. The drugs (Doxorubicin, Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, etc.) and the ear-nose-throat diseases (hearing loss, sensorineural, tinnitus, etc.) related to biomarkers were predicted. Ultimately, qPCR results showed that the expression levels of TFE3 and TP53 in polyp tissue of CRSwNP were increased. Overall, TFE3 and TP53 could be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets to diagnose and treat CRSwNP.

CYRAD: a translational study assessing immune response to radiotherapy by photons or protons in postoperative head and neck cancer patients through circulating leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine levels

BackgroundRadiotherapy has both immunostimulant and immunosuppressive effects, particularly in radiation-induced lymphopenia. Proton therapy has demonstrated potential in mitigating this lymphopenia, yet the mechanisms by which different types of radiation affect the immune system function are not fully characterized. The Circulating Immunes Cells, Cytokines and Brain Radiotherapy (CYRAD) trial aims to compare the effects of postoperative X-ray and proton radiotherapy on circulating leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine levels in patients with head and neck (CNS and ear nose throat) cancer.MethodsCYRAD is a prospective, non-randomized, single-center non interventional study assessing changes in the circulating leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine levels in head and neck cancer patients receiving X-ray or proton radiotherapy following tumor resection. Dosimetry parameters, including dose deposited to organs-at-risk such as the blood and cervical lymph nodes, are computed. Participants undergo 29 to 35 radiotherapy sessions over 40 to 50 days, followed by a 3-month follow-up. Blood samples are collected before starting radiotherapy (baseline), before the 11th (D15) and 30th sessions (D40), and three months after completing radiotherapy. The study will be conducted with 40 patients, in 2 groups of 20 patients per modality of radiotherapy (proton therapy and photon therapy). Statistical analyses will assess the absolute and relative relationship between variations (depletion, recovery) in immune cells, biomarkers, dosimetry parameters and early outcomes.DiscussionPrevious research has primarily focused on radiation-induced lymphopenia, paying less attention to the specific impacts of radiation on different lymphoid and myeloid cell types. Early studies indicate that X-ray and proton irradiation may lead to divergent outcomes in leukocyte subpopulations within the bloodstream. Based on these preliminary findings, this study aims to refine our understanding of how proton therapy can better preserve immune function in postoperative (macroscopic tumor-free) head and neck cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.Protocol versionVersion 2.1 dated from January 18, 2023.Trial registrationThe CYRAD trial is registered from October 19, 2021, at the US National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05082961.

12363 A Unique Case Of hüRthle Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland and Meningioma

Abstract Disclosure: I. Elsayed: None. R. Khan: None. H. Dhaliwal: None. Introduction: MEN1 gene is a tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 11q13 that encodes the nuclear protein menin, which regulates cell growth and cycle. When menin protein is deficient, MEN1 develops. MEN1 mutation usually involves tumors within the parathyroid glands, pancreas, or pituitary. Case Description: A 66-year-old male with past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease presented with sudden onset dizziness, nausea and vomiting for 1 hour. He had similar symptoms on and off for several months, however on the day of presentation, these symptoms were much more acute and severe. Stroke work-up was done including CT and CTA head which revealed a 1.7cm enhancing lesion to R temporal lobe with surrounding edema with an incidental 3 x 3 cm heterogeneous mass in the large portion of the right thyroid gland. Steroids initiated. MRI brain imaging revealed findings consistent with meningioma with local mass effect and pronounced parenchymal edema. Patient underwent successful resection of the mass and pathology confirmed diagnosis of Meningioma, WHO Grade 1. Ear Nose Throat specialist was consulted for incidental thyroid mass. Ultrasound guided Fine needle aspiration biopsy was, Pathology report returned suspicious for follicular neoplasm, Hürthle cell-type. Patient initially underwent right substernal semi-thyroidectomy. Pathology confirmed diagnosis of Oncocytic (Hürthle cell) carcinoma, minimally invasive, 4.3 cm with a single focus of capsular invasion, negative for lymphovascular invasion Discussion: This case presents a 66-year-old male with a rare coexistence of two distinct tumors: a meningioma and a Hürthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. While meningiomas and Hürthle cell carcinoma are not commonly associated with MEN1 syndrome, there have been reports of atypical cases with unusual tumor associations. MEN1 is usually characterized by abnormalities in at least two affected endocrine glands, but variations can involve other endocrine and non-endocrine tumors as well. 25% of thyroid disease can be seen in MEN 1 syndrome; typically papillary thyroid cancer. Only one case in literature found Hürthle cell carcinoma and meningioma in the setting of MEN-1 phenotype. A second case unique case was Hürthle cell carcinoma with metastases to the meninges. The discovery of both a meningioma and a Hürthle cell carcinoma in this patient emphasizes the importance of clinicians being vigilant for the possibility of multiple neoplasms. This case highlights that there may be a relation between role of MEN1 with atypical neoplasms not commonly seen. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Deep Learning-Based Fine-Tuning Approach of Coarse Registration for Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Surgical Navigation Systems.

Accurate registration between medical images and patient anatomy is crucial for surgical navigation systems in minimally invasive surgeries. This study introduces a novel deep learning-based refinement step to enhance the accuracy of surface registration without disrupting established workflows. The proposed method integrates a machine learning model between conventional coarse registration and ICP fine registration. A deep-learning model was trained using simulated anatomical landmarks with introduced localization errors. The model architecture features global feature-based learning, an iterative prediction structure, and independent processing of rotational and translational components. Validation with silicon-masked head phantoms and CT imaging compared the proposed method to both conventional registration and a recent deep-learning approach. The results demonstrated significant improvements in target registration error (TRE) across different facial regions and depths. The average TRE for the proposed method (1.58 ± 0.52 mm) was significantly lower than that of the conventional (2.37 ± 1.14 mm) and previous deep-learning (2.29 ± 0.95 mm) approaches (p < 0.01). The method showed a consistent performance across various facial regions and enhanced registration accuracy for deeper areas. This advancement could significantly enhance precision and safety in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Evaluating diagnostic and management agreement between physiotherapists and ear, nose and throat specialist in a primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic: A prospective blinded inter-rater agreement pilot study

BackgroundDizziness and vertigo are common referrals to Ear Nose Throat (ENT) outpatient services however these services have long waitlists for assessment. Primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinics are recognized as improving access to care. This pilot study investigated agreement between physiotherapists and an ENT medical practitioner for diagnostic and management decisions in patients attending a primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic.MethodsProspective blinded inter-rater agreement study undertaken in an ENT primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic. Participants were adults referred to ENT from general practitioners, triaged (Category 2 or 3) to the primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic with clinical symptoms consistent with vestibular disorder. Primary outcome measures included agreement of diagnoses and management decisions made by an ENT medical practitioner and Physiotherapist based on a vestibular physiotherapy assessment. Adverse events were reviewed 11 months post data collection. Gwet’s first order agreement co-efficient (AC1) calculated inter-rater reliability between physiotherapy and ENT.ResultsFifty-one participants were recruited consecutively from the primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic. Physiotherapy and ENT had a substantial agreement (AC1 0.613) on diagnosis. AC1 between physiotherapy and ENT for recommending Magnetic resonance imaging (0.810) and computerized tomography (0.935) both indicated near perfect agreement. There was moderate to near-perfect agreement regarding management recommendations between physiotherapy and ENT. Substantial agreement (AC1 0.720) was found for recommendations for ENT input, near perfect agreement (AC1 0.933) for neurology input and moderate agreement (AC1 0.574) for physiotherapy input. There were no adverse events from physiotherapist’s management decision, based on final recommendations undertaken 11-months post data collection.ConclusionsPhysiotherapists and ENT medical practitioner made comparable diagnostic and management decisions, based on physiotherapy and audiology hearing assessment, for adults with signs of vestibular dysfunction, within an ENT primary contact physiotherapy-led vestibular clinic. This study provides support for this type of Physiotherapy-led service in managing patients referred to an ENT service with vestibular dysfunction.

Passive smoker exposure as a risk factor of otitis media with effusion in children

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a middle ear disorder often found in children and can cause hearing loss, delayed language acquisition, and behavioral disorders. Cigarette smoke exposure is one of the environmental factors that may raise the incidence of OME. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of OME and the risk of cigarette smoke to OME using urinary cotinine level examination, along with the characteristics of smoking history in the family. This cross-sectional study included 398 children aged 0-14 who underwent history taking, questionnaire completion, ear/nose/throat (ENT) examination, and tympanometry. OME patients based on ENT and tympanometry examination underwent urinary cotinine examination using lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay technique. Of the 398 children, five children were diagnosed with OME. The prevalence rate of OME was 1.3%. No OME patients were exposed to cigarette smoke based on urine cotinine levels of &amp;gt;200 ng/mL. However, based on history taking, one of five patients with OME is a passive smoker, with characteristics of active smoking history in the family one person (the father). In conclusion, there was no proportion of positive urinary cotinine levels in children with OME.

Cleft lip and palate surgery in the Otolaryngology and Head-neck surgery department of a Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are one of the most common developmental anomalies in orofacial region. CLP surgery lies in the anatomical domain of Ear Nose Throat and Head - Neck Surgery. In Bangladesh specialty of plastic surgery is still in developing stage and plastic surgeons are not easily available everywhere. ENT and Head-Neck surgeon had to take up the responsibility of some of cleft patients. This article is a retrospective analysis of a series of 200 cases of cheiloplasty and palatoplasty done in ENT and Head-Neck Surgery department of Khulna City Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Results were satisfactory in our, patient and parent's consideration. Objective: Our aim is to discuss the demographic profile, presentations, degree &amp; type of cleft and outcome of CLP surgery in Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery department of a Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh. We will also discuss the embryology of face &amp; historical background of the cleft surgery. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of CLP surgery for 200 cleft patients. We based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for selection of patients. Majority of cleft lip patients were operated following the Millard modified rotation advancement technique and isolated cleft palate patients were operated following Von Langenbeck bipedicle flap and Veau-Wardil-Kilner V-Y pushback technique in the ENT and Head-Neck Surgery Department of a Medical College Hospital. Patients were advised for periodic follow up. Results: Total of 200 patients of CLP were operated in our department out of which male was 92 (46%) and female was108 (54%)), male and female ratio being 1:1.08. The age range was 3 months to 40 years with a mean of 8.38 years. Pre alveolar group both male and female comprised of 134 (67%) and alveolar group 66 (33%) patients and that of isolated cleft palate 7 (10.60%) patients. Pre alveolar unilateral CLP was high. The results of surgery were satisfactory in our postoperative evaluation. Patients and parents were also satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion: Majority of CLP patients don’t suffer functional problem apart from facial disfigurement. Restoration of normal anatomy, facial appearance and function can be achieved by surgery in appropriate time and age. Few cases may be associated with feeding difficulties, dental and hearing problems. Some cases are associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. Those cases demand team approach of different specialty.

Definition of sinonasal and otologic exacerbation in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia - an expert consensus

BackgroundRecurrent infections of the nose, sinuses, and ears are common problems for people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). While pulmonary exacerbations in PCD are defined, there is no definition for Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) exacerbations, a potential outcome for research and clinical trials.MethodsWe set up an expert panel of 24 ENT specialists, respiratory physicians, other healthcare professionals, and patients to develop consensus definitions of sinonasal and otologic exacerbations in children and adults with PCD for research settings. We reviewed the literature and used a modified Delphi approach with four electronic surveys.ResultsBoth definitions are based on a combination of major and minor criteria, requiring three major or two major and at least two minor criteria each. Major criteria for a sinonasal exacerbation are: 1) reported acute increase in nasal discharge or change in colour; 2) reported acute pain or sensitivity in the sinus regions; 3) mucopurulent discharge on examination. Minor criteria include: reported symptoms; examination signs; doctoŕs decision to treat; improvement after at least 14-days. Major criteria for the otologic exacerbation are: 1) reported acute ear pain or sensitivity, 2) reported acute ear discharge, 3) ear discharge on examination, 4) signs of otitis media in otoscopy. Minor criteria are: reported acute hearing problems; signs of acute complication; doctoŕs decision to treat.ConclusionThese definitions might offer a useful outcome measure for PCD research in different settings. They should be validated in future studies and trials together with other potential outcomes, to assess their usability.

Increase of pyogenic bacterial infections after relaxation of social distancing measures linked to COVID-19 pandemic.

After the relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation measures, we observed a dramatic increase in pyogenic infections. Based on this observation, we retrospectively analysed all cases of invasive bacterial infections of brain, lung and complicated ear-nose-throat (ENT) infections, in the period from 1 August to 31 March from the years 2018-2019 to 2022-2023. The study was conducted in two Paediatric Emergency Departments, at IRCCS 'Burlo Garofolo' of Trieste and at Treviso Hospital. Electronic medical records were searched for all cases with a definitive diagnosis at discharge of mastoiditis, suppurative cervical lymphadenitis, retropharyngeal, parapharyngeal and peritonsillar abscess (ENT group), bacterial brain abscesses, epidural empyema, subdural empyema (central nervous system group), thoracic empyema and necrotising pneumonia (lung group). In 2022-2023, we observed an increase in infections compared to the previous years. Total number of cases were 22, 29, 8, 27 and 63 in 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, respectively. The greater increase occurred in thoracic empyema, with a peak incidence of +120% in 2022-2023 in respect of 2021-2022. We reported an important increase in paediatric bacterial complicated infections in two North East Italian regions, possibly correlated with the relaxation of COVID-19 social distancing measures.

Sinonasal Anatomic Variations in the Adult Population: CT Examination of 1200 Patients.

The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are one of the most frequently anatomically varied regions. Their size and shape vary from person to person, and ethnic origin may have a role in this variety. Recognizing this variations is so important for ear nose throat (ENT) specialists because they predispose to sinonasal pathologies and affect the complication rate and success of endoscopic sinus surgery. This study aimed to determine the frequency of sinonasal anatomic variations on paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) in the Turkish population. Patients who had undergone paranasal sinus CT with any complaints between 2013 and 2020 and aged over 18 years were included in the study. A total of 1209 patients who had undergone paranasal sinus CT were examined for coronal, axial, and sagittal plans retrospectively by two ENT professionals, and anatomical variations were evaluated. To assign the frequency of anatomic variations in a healthy population, patients who had previously undergone paranasal sinus and nasal surgery, who had nasal polyposis, and for whom CT evaluation was not possible due to intense sinusitis were excluded from the study. Among 1209 patients, 644 were male and 565 were female. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 years. The most common sinonasal anatomical variations were nasal septal deviation and agger nasi cells, while the least common variation is the supreme turbinate. No variation was found in 48 (3.9%) CTs. Almost all patients had at least one sinonasal anatomical variation. These variations should be known by the professionals who have interest in sinonasal disease and surgery.

Clinical experiences, current approaches, opinions and awareness of healthcare professionals regarding the audio-vestibular consequences of individuals with traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional online survey study

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences, current approaches, opinions and awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) regarding the audio-vestibular consequences.Design/settingCross-sectional online survey study.ParticipantsHCPs with experience...

Factors impacting the efficiency of triaging ENT (ear, nose, throat) patients in the outpatient setting

Factors impacting the efficiency of triaging ENT (ear, nose, throat) patients in the outpatient setting

#1793 Association of low serum complement C3 with reduced renal survival in ANCA associated vasculitis

Abstract Background and Aims ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a condition that remains poorly understood. Recent data suggest the existence of a complement alternative pathway activation in the pathogenesis of this disease. And recent studies have correlated low complement levels to unfavourable outcomes. Our study aimed to determine whether low serum C3 levels could be used to estimate the severity of AAV and predict renal survival. Method Our study enrolled 26 patients diagnosed with AAV between January 2013 and January 2023. C3 levels were assessed at the time of diagnosis, and patients were categorized into two groups: those with low serum C3 levels and those with normal serum C3 levels (0.9–1.8 g/l). We examined the correlation between serum C3 levels and the severity of AAV at the time of diagnosis, as well as renal survival. Results The average age at diagnosis was 52.5 years, with 15 male patients (57.69%). All patients had kidney involvement, 30% of patients had respiratory symptoms (mostly due to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage) 42% had Ear Nose Throat system involvement 15% had nervous symptoms and 38% had skin signs. The mean Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) at presentation was 20, and the average serum creatinine level was 360 µmol/l. The mean serum C3 and C4 levels were 108.3 and 24.5 mg/dL, respectively. Forty-two percent of the patients (eleven patients) had a low serum C3 level at presentation. Low C3 level was significantly correlated with poor renal survival (p: 0.031) and relapse after 6 months of immunosuppressive treatment (p: 0.02). Furthermore, remission at 6 months was significantly more frequent in patients with normal C3 levels. Conclusion The assessment of C3 level in AAV can be a valuable tool to predict the disease severity. Hypocomplementemia can predict worse renal outcome. This phenotype may confer a poor response to usual immunosuppressive approaches. Corresponding patients may greatly benefit from complement-targeting therapy.

An adjoint-based approach for the surgical correction of nasal septal deviations

Deviations of the septal wall are widespread anatomic anomalies of the human nose; they vary significantly in shape and location, and often cause the obstruction of the nasal airways. When severe, septal deviations need to be surgically corrected by ear–nose–throat (ENT) specialists. Septoplasty, however, has a low success rate, owing to the lack of suitable standardized clinical tools for assessing type and severity of obstructions, and for surgery planning. Moreover, the restoration of a perfectly straight septal wall is often impossible and possibly unnecessary. This paper introduces a procedure, based on advanced patient-specific Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, to support ENT surgeons in septoplasty planning. The method hinges upon the theory of adjoint-based optimization, and minimizes a cost function that indirectly accounts for viscous losses. A sensitivity map is computed on the mucosal wall to provide the surgeon with a simple quantification of how much tissue removal at each location would contribute to easing the obstruction. The optimization procedure is applied to three representative nasal anatomies, reconstructed from CT scans of patients affected by complex septal deviations. The computed sensitivity consistently identifies all the anomalies correctly. Virtual surgery, i.e. morphing of the anatomies according to the computed sensitivity, confirms that the characteristics of the nasal airflow improve significantly after small anatomy changes derived from adjoint-based optimization.

Evaluation of sinonasal involvement in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common obstructive diseases. Based on the similarities, we aimed to evaluate sinonasal symptoms in patients with asthma or COPD, and compare the two diseases with regard to upper-airway involvement. Methods: Patients with asthma or with COPD who were followed up at Ankara University Immunology and Allergy or Chest Diseases Departments were included in the study. The participants went through pulmonary function tests, skin-prick tests, and disease severity assessment of either disease. Nasal endoscopic evaluations of all the patients were performed in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Lund-Mackay scoring was performed on the computed tomography of the paranasal sinus. Chronic rinosinusitis (CRS) diagnosis was made as recent guidelines. Results: A total of 112 subjects (number of women/men: n = 67/45; median age, 49 years [The range for IQR was 22 years]) were included in the study. Fifty-five patients had asthma, 33 had COPD, and 24 were healthy controls. Nasal symptoms were more frequent in the patients with asthma (patients with asthma, n = 52 [98%]; patients with COPD, n = 17 [52%]; controls, n = 9 [38%]) (p < 0.001). The median (IQR) 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire score was higher in the patients with asthma (33 [20-50]) than in the patients with COPD (8 [1.5-18.7]) and the control group (3.5 [0-18.7]) (p < 0.01). Patients with asthma had significantly higher prevalence rates of rhinosinusitis than did those in the COPD and the control groups (36%, 15.6%, 8.3%, respectively; p < 0.01). The SNOT-22 optimal cutoff score was calculated as ≥11 to detect the score limit for CRS prediction with the best sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: As a result, patients with both asthma and COPD may have upper-airway symptoms. CRS, was primarily seen in the patients with asthma. Accordingly, SNOT-22 scores were higher in the patients with asthma than in those in the COPD and the control groups. A referral to the Ear Nose Throat department for further evaluation with nasal endoscopy and computed tomography of the paranasal may be required in a subgroup of patients.

Microdebrider Assisted Endoscopic versus Conventional Sinus Surgery in Sinonasal Polyposis: A Comparative Study

For sinonasal polyposis, functional endoscopic sinus surgery or conventional is the standard surgical approach. Microdebrider assisted endoscopic sinus surgery provides patients with a better therapeutic approach. Objective: To assess and compare intraoperative, loss of smell, synechiae formation and polyp recurrence between microdebrider and conventional method in nasal polyposis patients. Methods: Cohort Study was carried out in Department of Ear Nose Throat, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, 2022-2023. A total of sixty individuals with sinonasal polyposis, presenting in both genders, were included. Once written consent was obtained, the patient's comprehensive demographics were documented. Every patient was split evenly into two groups. Thirty patients each from Group A and Group B underwent endoscopic sinus surgery using traditional endoscopic tools and microdebrider respectively. Results were compared between the two groups in terms of synechiae production, length of operation, postoperative crusting, loss of smell, and intraoperative blood loss. Results: Age and gender differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p-value &gt;0.05). Regarding synechiae and loss of scent, there was no discernible difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The endoscopic sinus surgery with microdebrider was more effective for sinonasal polyposis as compared to conventional procedure

Modified supraauricular approach in recurrent preauricular sinus: A case report

The preauricular sinus (PAS) also known as the fossa fistula sac or depression is located near the external auricle at the posterior end of the stalk of the ascending helix. Most cases of PAS are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Surgery is performed if there are signs of infection or recurrence. Incomplete PAS resection is the most common cause of recurrence. The real problem with surgical resection of PAS is the high recurrence rate after sinusectomy. We report the case of a 22-year-old woman who complained of a mass in her left ear that was enlarging for the past 3 months. The patient had previously undergone two operations at the same site but they were recurrent. Physical examination revealed a non-hyperemic painful cystic mass. A few days after the operation the patient recovered and the pain in front of his left ear disappeared. The patient can close his eyes and lift his forehead symmetrically and show no signs of infection. A follow-up examination 1-2 weeks after surgery in the Department of Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery (ENT-HNS) showed that the general condition of the patient was good and there were no signs of infection. After 6 months the patients ears returned to normal and there was no recurrence 6 months after surgery. There is a scar along the leading edge of the helix. The patient was diagnosed with a recurrent PAS complicated by a preauricular cyst and treated with sinusectomy using a modified supraauricular approach and resection of the preauricular cyst. Sinusectomy with a modified supraauricular approach is an effective technique and is superior to simple sinusectomy due to its low recurrence rate with minimal complications and superior aesthetic appearance. This modified supraauricular approach achieved excellent functional and aesthetic results in this patient.