Endoscopic Sinus Surgery For Chronic Rhinosinusitis Research Articles

Intranasal Steroids Delay Repeat Polypectomy Events

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors that may affect the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHOD: Study design: Prospective study 68 patients having CRS were studied (over a priod of 2 years) including history taking, endoscopic examination, CT and measurement of nasal nitric oxide (nNO),nasal carbon monoxide (nCO) and total nasal airway resistance. All patients underwent ESS. The specimens were studied histopathologically (for eosinophilia)and bacteriologically (for intracellular S. aureus). RESULTS: Intracellular S. aureus, old age, tissue eosinophilia, and Widal syndrome were found to be associated with a less favorable long-term outcome. In contrast, anatomic variants, allergy, bronchial asthma, and smoking do not seem to affect the prognosis of ESS in patients with CRS. Post-operatively, there was a significant increase in nNO and decrease in nCO production. Patients with polyposis showed less nNO level and olfactory threshold, but higher CT and endoscopic scores. The CT score correlated positively with the endoscopic score, the surgery score, and the degree of tissue eosinophilia. CONCLUSION: 1) The prognostic factors that may affect the outcome of ESS in CRS have been identified. 2) The postoperative increase in nNO and decrease in nCO levels raises the question of whether they can be used to monitor the treatment of CRS like their use in bronchial asthma or not. 3) The olfactory deficit in patients with polyposis is most likely due to mucosal inflammation rather than airway obstruction.

Biofilm Detection With Hematoxylin-Eosin Staining

To demonstrate that hematoxylin-eosin staining can be used to detect the presence of bacterial biofilm in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A prospective study. The University of Southern California University Hospital and the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles. A total of 34 patients: 24 undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS and 10 undergoing septoplasty with or without turbinate reduction with no history of sinusitis, were enrolled in the study. Contiguous sections from patient samples were examined by both hematoxylin-eosin staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the bacterial-specific probe EUB338 for evidence of bacterial biofilm. Biofilm was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining in 15 of 24 patients with CRS and 1 of 10 control patients. In all cases, hematoxylin-eosin staining was found to be an accurate predictor of the presence or absence of biofilm using FISH as a control standard. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of surgical specimens is a reliable and available method for the detection of bacterial biofilm in chronic infectious disease.

Sinonasal Wegener granulomatosis: A single‐institution experience with 120 cases

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is intimately associated with the sinonasal tract, with involvement reported in 85% of patients during the course of the disease process. The objectives of the study were: 1) to describe sinonasal symptoms and signs at the time of initial otolaryngologic evaluation; and 2) to review indications and outcomes for rhinologic surgery in WG at our institution. A retrospective analysis of 120 patients presenting with WG and referred for otolaryngology consultation at a tertiary care center was performed. Eighty-nine percent of patients exhibited sinonasal involvement including nasal crusting (69%), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (61%), nasal obstruction (58%), bloody nasal discharge (52%), septal perforation (33%), saddle-nose deformity (23%), epiphora (13%), and mucocele formation (3.3%). Thirty-nine (33%) patients underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery or dacryocystorhinotomy (DCR) prior to referral. Nineteen (16%) patients underwent noncosmetic, functional sinonasal procedures at our institution. These included endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS or mucocele decompression in 14 patients, DCR for chronic epiphora in seven patients, and orbital decompression for pseudotumor in three patients. Individual symptom recurrence within the first year was greatest for visual impairment from pseudotumor (50%), followed by CRS (14%) and nasolacrimal duct obstruction (11%). The majority of patients with WG are referred to otolaryngology because of involvement of the sinonasal tract. Noncosmetic functional sinonasal procedures are indicated in a minority of patients. Sinonasal morbidity remains significant even after surgery. It is greatest for orbital pseudotumor, but also common for CRS and nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Nitric Oxide Metabolites as Biomarkers for follow-up after Chronic Rhinosinusitis Surgery

Nitric oxide (NO) has a variety of effects on the pathophysiology of the nasal cavity and seems to play an important role in inflammation. It is increased in the common cold but decreased in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Exhaled NO increases after endoscopic sinus surgery in CRS. In our previous study we showed that NO metabolite (nitrate and nitrite) levels are increased in the sinus cavity of CRS patients. We hypothesized that NO metabolite levels are increased to normal in the nasal lavage of CRS patients after endoscopic sinus surgery and NO metabolites in the nasal lavage can be used as indicators of the disease status after surgery. This study was performed on 52 patients with CRS who did not respond to medical therapy and who underwent surgery. NO metabolite levels were measured in nasal lavages of the patients before surgery and 2 months after surgery. NO metabolite levels (mean +/- SEM) were 18.11 +/- 3.08 micromol/L and 35.97 +/- 4.64 micromol/L in nasal lavages of patients before and after surgery, respectively. The levels of NO metabolites were increased significantly (p < 0.01) after surgery in nasal lavages and patients reported significant improvement based on the visual analog scoring after the operation. NO metabolite levels were decreased in nasal lavages of CRS patients and were increased to normal levels after surgery along with improvement of the disease. NO metabolite levels may be used as an indicator for the follow-up of patients after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Damage to Ciliated Epithelium in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: What is the Role of Bacterial Biofilms?

We assess the association between the presence of biofilms and cilial damage in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), describe the microorganisms associated with samples that exhibited cilial loss and biofilms, and demonstrate the absence of ciliary injury and biofilms in similarly prepared "normal" controls. We examined samples of ethmoid mucosa obtained from 24 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Samples from a control group (20 healthy subjects) were also examined. The specimens were divided into 2 fragments; the first was processed for bacterial cultures, and the second was subjected to scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed. All CRS samples had positive bacterial cultures. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed bacterial biofilms in 10 of the 24 specimens. A marked destruction of the epithelium was observed in samples positive for biofilms (p < 0.001), and the presence of Haemophilus influenzae was associated with ciliary abnormalities (partial damage in 55.6% and absence of cilia in 50%; p = 0.041). The high percentage of biofilms in our specimens confirms the association between biofilms and CRS. Our data support the hypothesis that biofilm formation represents the latter phase of an inflammatory process that leads to complete epithelial destruction.

Squamous Metaplasia and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Clinicopathological Study

The significance of squamous metaplasia (SM) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SM in histopathological specimens from patients with CRS and to correlate these histological findings with clinical features. We reviewed the clinical records and pathological slides from 87 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Demographic and clinical data, preoperative Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) scores, and sinus CT stage were evaluated. Pathological slides were graded by a pathologist to characterize the degree of inflammation and SM, when present. CRS patients with and without SM were compared using student's t-test and chi2 test. Evaluation of the pathology slides revealed that 18.4% of specimens had SM present, whereas only 2.2% of pathology reports noted this. Histological grading of chronic inflammation showed significantly greater severity in specimens with SM (n = 16) when compared with the cohort without SM (n = 75; 100.0% versus 77.5%, respectively; p = 0.016). There was no difference in preoperative CT stage or the presence of hyperostosis on imaging, CSS scores, duration of CRS symptoms, or other clinical features between those with SM and those without SM (p > 0.05). Immunodeficiency was the only comorbidity more prevalent in the metaplastic group (12.5% versus 0%, respectively; p = 0.003). SM is present in approximately 18% of routine CRS specimens. It has a positive correlation with the severity of inflammation noted histologically in CRS but does not correlate with disease severity or chronicity, clinically.

Clinical Utility of Intraoperative Volume Computed Tomography Scanner for Endoscopic Sinonasal and Skull Base Procedures

Intraoperative surgical navigation has become widely accepted as an important tool for improvement of surgical outcomes and reduction of complication in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of intraoperative volume computed tomography (CT) scanning in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures. Retrospective review of patients who underwent intraoperative volume CT imaging (xCAT; XoranTechnologies, Ann Arbor, MI) during endoscopic sinonasal and skull base surgery during a 3-month period was performed. Intraoperative, computer-enabled triplanar review of reformatted 0.4-mm images was performed in all cases. Intraoperative volume CT scanning was completed in 25 patients. Surgical procedures included revision/primary ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without polyposis (12 cases) and mucoceles (6 cases) as well as endoscopic neoplasm resection (5 cases), endoscopic fibro-osseous lesion resection (1 case), and endoscopic meningoencephalocele repair (1 case). The indications for intraoperative CT scanning included assessment of surgical dissection (23 cases), extent of tumor resection (6 cases), and frontal stent placement (6 cases). Based on the intraoperative volume CT information, additional interventions, including additional tumor resection (2 cases), dissection of ethmoid partitions (2 cases), frontal bone drilling during Draf IIB (1 case), and repositioning of a frontal stent (1 case) were performed in 6 (24%) cases. Intraoperative volume CT scanning was successfully performed in 25 patients undergoing ESS. Because additional surgical intervention was performed in 24% of cases, this technology may have an important role in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base procedures.

The Role of Allergy and Smoking in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Polyposis

The article considers the interrelatedness of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The negative impact of perennial allergy and tobacco use on polyposis in sinus surgery patients is explored. A retrospective chart review, performed by the first author over a 6-year period, of patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. The subjects' allergy status and smoking history are scrutinized by summary statistics and a multiple linear logistic model for predicting the presence of polyps. High prevalence of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) is seen in the subject population (56.4%). Both PAR and tobacco use are associated with nasal polyposis (P = .0073 and P = .0114, respectively). The close association of PAR and CRS suggests a possible causal link. Management of allergic rhinitis and tobacco cessation may provide greater control of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis.

Relationship between Mucosal Inflammation, Computed Tomography, and Symptomatology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Polyposis

This study was an attempt to determine whether sinus mucosal inflammation is related to computed tomographic findings and patients' reported symptoms in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without polyposis. I retrospectively reviewed the clinical symptom scores according to the Rhinosinusitis Symptom Inventory (RSI), the radiographic findings, and the histopathologic findings in the paranasal sinus mucosa for a consecutive series of adult patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Linear regression analysis was conducted for the relationship between tissue pathology inflammatory severity score graded on a 5-point Likert scale and the RSI symptom domains. A similar analysis was conducted for the relationship between the pathology inflammatory score and the total Lund score. The study cohort consisted of 115 adult patients (mean age, 40.2 years). The mean Lund score for the cohort was 8.8 (95% confidence interval, 7.9 to 9.7), and the mean pathology severity score was 2.1 (median, 2.0). The mean total symptom score for the overall cohort was 41.3; the mean total symptom scores for pathology severity grades 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 25.0, 43.8, 41.8, 42.4, and 32.8, respectively. No significant association could be identified between pathology severity and any of the 5 RSI symptom domains (nasal, facial, oropharyngeal, systemic, and total symptoms; all p > .436, linear regression). A statistically significant relationship between total Lund score and pathology severity was identified (p < .001). Poor correlation exists between the histopathologic severity of sinonasal inflammation and self-reported symptom scores in CRS. Histopathologic inflammatory grade alone fails to stratify CRS cases according to disease symptom severity. Histopathologic inflammation and computed tomographic findings correlate strongly.

Up-regulation of the Mucosal Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) messenger RNA (mRNA) in human sinus mucosa and to compare the expression of EGFR and EGF among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), patients with CRS and nasal polyposis (CRS/NP), and a healthy control group. Maxillary sinus ostia mucosa was harvested from patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS or CRS/NP and from patients undergoing surgery for non-CRS pathologic conditions (control group). The samples were analyzed using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to detect mRNA of EGFR. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescent staining were used to localize EGFR and EGF in the sinus mucosa. Academic research. Three groups (CRS, CRS/NP, and control), each with 10 subjects, were enrolled in the present study. Area ratios of positive cells in the epithelia were compared among the CRS, CRS/NP, and control groups. In addition, eosinophils were counted in the subepithelial connective tissue in the 3 groups. The level of EGFR mRNAs in the sinus mucosa of the CRS and CRS/NP groups was statistically significantly increased compared with that in the control group (P < .01), and no statistically significant difference was found between the sinus mucosa of the CRS group and that of the CRS/NP group (P < .01). On hematoxylin-eosin staining, hyperplasia and metaplasia of epithelial goblet cells were present in the sinus mucosa of the CRS and CRS/NP groups. Epidermal growth factor receptor was mainly expressed in goblet cells and basal cells and was weakly expressed in ciliated cells, while EGF expression was located in epithelial cells and in some inflammatory cells but not in goblet cells. In the control group, expression of EGFR and EGF was lower compared with that in the CRS and CRS/NP groups. No statistically significant area ratios of positive cells differences in staining of EGFR and EGF were found between the CRS group and the CRS/NP group (P > .05), whereas statistically significant differences were found between the control group and the 2 CRS groups (P < .01). The number of eosinophils was statistically significantly increased in the CRS/NP group compared with that in the CRS group (P < .01). Up-regulation of the EGFR cascade may have an important role regarding mucus production in the sinus mucosa of patients with CRS and CRS/NP associated with hyperplasia and metaplasia of epithelial goblet cells.

The Expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B Mucin Genes in the Mucosa of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and localization of these proteins in human sinus mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and CRS with nasal polyposis (CRS/NP). Maxillary sinus ostia mucosa was harvested from patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS, CRS/NP, and non-CRS pathologies (control). Then, sinus mucosa was analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect mRNA of MUC5AC and MUC5B. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescent staining were used to localize MUC5AC and MUC5B proteins in the sinus mucosa. mRNAs of MUC5AC and MUC5B in the sinus mucosa of CRS and CRS/NP were significantly increased compared with that in normal sinus mucosa (p < 0.01), and no significant difference was found between the mucosa of CRS and that of CRS/NP (p > 0.05). MUC5AC protein was expressed mainly in the goblet cells, and MUC5B expression was located in the submucosal glands cells and the epithelia of sinus mucosa. ARPC in staining of MUC5AC and MUC5B were found no different between the CRS group and the CRS/NP group (p > 0.05), whereas they were significantly lower in the normal group compared with the other two groups, respectively (p < 0.05). This study showed that MUC5AC and MUC5B mucin genes were up-regulated in sinus mucosa of CRS and CRS/NP. MUC5AC and MUC5B may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRS and NP.

CT analysis and histopathology of bone remodeling in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

To evaluate the findings of computed tomography (CT) and histopathology of the bulla ethmoidalis as objective markers of bone remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Preoperative ostiomeatal unit (OMU) scans and histopathologic findings of the bulla ethmoidalis were performed on 23 patients (39 sides) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Lund-Mackay scores and Hounsfield units (HU) of the bulla were checked in coronal CT scans. The pathologist graded the severities of the mucosal and bony changes in histopathology. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient (r). The HU values of the bulla were significantly increased with higher Lund-Mackay scores in OMU CT (r = 0.405, P = 0.01). The bony grades in histopathology were significantly increased with higher mucosal grades (r = 0.821, P = 0.0001). These findings in CT scans and histopathology were well correlated with each other (r > 0.3, P < 0.05). HU may be a useful objective marker of bone remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis.

The Incidence of Concurrent Osteitis in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Clinicopathological Study

The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been found to be multifactorial, with environmental, general host, and local anatomic factors all contributing to its development. Recent studies have indicated that local osteitis of the underlying bone also may play a critical role in the elaboration of CRS by inducing persistent inflammatory changes in the surrounding mucosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical incidence rate of osteitis in patients with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. From January to July 2003, a prospective study was performed on 121 patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Age, number of previous surgeries, radiographic bony characteristics, and pathological findings were all documented. The presence of concurrent osteitis was assessed using both radiographic (neoosteogenesis) and pathological (bony remodeling) criteria. The mean age of the patients was 44.3 years. Fifty-eight percent of the cases were revision surgeries, with each patient having an average of 2.2 operative procedures in the past. Computed tomography (CT) showed neoosteogenesis in 36% of patients, and 53% showed pathological evidence of osteitis on histological analysis of surgical specimens. Concurrent osteitis can be found in 36-53% of patients with CRS, using both radiographic and pathological criteria, respectively. Although a causal relationship between osteitis and CRS can not be inferred from this data, these clinical findings correlate well with previous evidence of bone involvement in CRS found in animal models, further reaffirming the association between underlying osteitis and the pathogenesis of CRS.

Subjective Headache before and after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The aim of this study was to show the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on subjective headache scores in patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyps. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 201 patients over a 2-year period. Headache and Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-20) mean scores were compared preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively on patients diagnosed with CRS with or without nasal polyps. Two hundred one patients underwent surgical management of CRS with or without nasal polyps over a 3-year period. One hundred four patients were men and 97 were women, with a mean age of 49 (range, 18-80 years) years. Polyps were present in 78 patients with CRS. The mean subjective headache score based on a 0-10 visual analog scale improved from 4.7 preoperatively to 0.8 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The mean headache score of 123 patients without polyps was larger compared with 78 patients with polyps (5.1 versus 4.1, respectively; p < 0.05). As previously reported, the mean overall preoperative and postoperative SNOT-20 scores were 28.7 and 6.7, respectively (p < 0.0001). Headache is a common symptom with CRS, present in 73.6% of our patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS with or without nasal polyps. An overall decrease in mean headache scores was noted at 2-year follow-up.

Reliability of the University of Miami Chronic Rhinosinusitis Staging System

The aim of this study was to determine the interrater reliability and correlation between computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic components of the University of Miami (UM) Chronic Rhinosinusitis Staging System (UMCRSS), a comprehensive staging system for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A prospective analysis of 55 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgeryfor CRS was performed. The population consisted of 28 men and 27 women, with a mean age of 45.9 years. All patients underwent staging, via the CT and endoscopic components of the UMCRSS in the operating room, by three examiners. The reliability of the system and all of its components was determined by kappa-coefficient analysis, comparing the data from all three examiners. Correlation between the CT and endoscopic arms was analyzed by Pearson's product moment coefficient. Interrater reliability for the CT arm (kappa = 0.83) and endoscopic arm (kappa = 0.74 for the revision population, and kappa = 0.72 for the primary surgery population) were found to be significant. Endoscopic staging established significant correlation with CT staging (Pearson's r2 = 0.40; p < 0.0001 overall, 0.57, p < 0.0001 for revision, and 0.42, p < 0.0001 for primary cases). The UMCRSS is a comprehensive and reliable staging system with very strong and positive correlation between the CT and endoscopic components.

Symptom and Disease Severity Differences Between Nasal Septal Deviation and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

To determine whether patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) exhibit more severe sinonasal symptom scores as compared with patients with nasal septal deviation (NSD) alone. Two patient cohorts were prospectively identified: patients undergoing surgery for NSD alone and those undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS without NSD. Patients in the NSD group were required to have normal paranasal sinus CT scans, whereas patients in the CRS group were required to have radiographic evidence of CRS. All patients completed the Rhinosinusitis Symptom Inventory (RSI). Statistical comparisons were conducted between cohorts with respect to RSI symptom domains and medical resource utilization. A total of 42 patients were identified in the NSD group (mean age, 40.8 years) and 155 patients were identified in the CRS group (mean age, 44.9). Patients with CRS demonstrated higher severity scores for the nasal symptom domains (60.3 [CRS] versus 53.9 [NSD], P = 0.037). Oropharyngeal symptoms and total symptoms were also worse for the CRS group versus the NSD group (29.8 versus 23.1, P = 0.014 and 43.0 versus 37.0, P = 0.030). Facial and systemic symptom scores did not differ between groups. Patients with CRS demonstrated significantly higher utilization rates for topical nasal steroids (21.2 versus 12.2 weeks, P = 0.006) and oral antibiotics (7.9 weeks versus 2.1 weeks, P < 0.001), but not for oral antihistamines (P = 0.420). Although patients with CRS manifest higher sinonasal symptom scores than patients with NSD alone, differentiating these 2 diagnoses on the basis of symptoms alone is difficult. These data suggest that as a disease process, CRS confers a significant disease burden with more significant negative symptom impact.

Role of Interleukins and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

To determine the role of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-4 receptor (R), IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRS/NP). Sinus tissue from patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS and CRS/NP was collected. Sinus tissue was then analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect transcription of IL-4R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-11. Sinus tissue samples were also cultured in vitro, treated with IL-4 for 24 hours, and real-time PCR was used to quantify the transcription of TGF-beta. Twenty patients were evaluated, 9 with CRS/NP and 11 with CRS alone. The mean age was 43 (20-74) years, with 13 females and 7 males. IL-4R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-11 were identified by RT-PCR in all 20 patients. The transcription of TGF-beta was found to be 3.2 times greater in patients with CRS/NP than in patients with CRS alone (P = .047). IL-6, IL-8, and IL-11 are nonspecific markers of sinus inflammation being transcribed in patients with CRS and patients with CRS/NP. However, patients with CRS/NP demonstrate increased transcription of TGF-beta in response to IL-4 treatment, suggesting an IL-4 mediated mechanism for stromal proliferation in the formation of nasal polyposis.

Bacterial Biofilms in Surgical Specimens of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Biofilms are bacterial pathogens that organize in several chronic and recalcitrant infectious processes. We hypothesize that biofilms play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our goal is to demonstrate biofilms in mucosal specimens of patients undergoing surgery for CRS. A prospective study of the presence of biofilms in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS compared with control patients without CRS. There were a total of 30 subjects and 4 controls enrolled. The samples of 24 subjects and 4 controls were cultured and then prepared using standard methods for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining six subjects' samples were treated using advanced cryofixation methods as preparation to preserve structure for SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using strict SEM morphologic criteria, 24 (80%) of the 30 patients were found to have micrographic evidence of biofilms. All controls had healthy appearing cilia and goblet cells without biofilms. The six cryofixation samples showed biofilm structures on SEM micrographs that were correlated with bacterial structures seen at the mucosal surface on the corresponding TEM cross sections. Bacterial cultures were positive on all patients. Biofilms were demonstrated to be present in patients undergoing surgery for CRS; none of the patients without CRS had any evidence of biofilms. Although SEM is capable of demonstrating the biofilms' three-dimensional structure, glycocalyx, and water channels, it cannot clearly demonstrate the presence of bacteria within the biofilm. We were able to demonstrate evidence of bacteria in the biofilms on the subjects tested using TEM.

Molecular and Cellular Staging for the Severity of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

To correlate objective and subjective clinical parameters with molecular, cellular, and histologic markers and to acknowledge the importance of these basic science parameters in a severity classification system for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS in an academic institution. The preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of all patients with CRS scheduled for surgery were graded according to Lund and Mackay. The patients completed a Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 questionnaire and had a preoperative nasal endoscopy performed, which was graded by assigning an endoscopy score according to Lanza and Kennedy. Subjects had a medical questionnaire regarding presence of aspirin sensitivity, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and medication usage. Subjects also underwent pulmonary function testing and had skin tests for allergies. At the time of surgery, blood was drawn to determine the level of peripheral eosinophilia and the degree of polymorphisms of the leukotriene C4 synthase gene. Sinus mucosal and polyp tissue was examined pathologically for the number of eosinophils per high-powered filed (HPF) and was stained for EG2 to determine the portion of activated eosinophils. Leukotriene C4 levels (pg/g of tissue) were determined using a sensitive competitive enzyme immunoassay. Endoscopy and SNOT-20 scores were reevaluated 1 year after surgery. Data were analyzed for disease-severity correlation to recommend a severity classification system for CRS that incorporates the contribution of clinical, molecular, cellular, and histologic parameters. The presence of polyps resulted in higher preoperative CT scores and higher preoperative and postoperative symptom scores. Average preoperative CT scores were significantly higher in asthmatics and allergy patients and correlated with endoscopy scores. Patients with more than five eosinophils/HPF of sinus tissue had higher frequency of polyps and asthma and higher CT and endoscopy scores than patients without sinus tissue eosinophilia (less than or equal to 5 cells/HPF sinus tissue). The subgroup of patients with eosinophilic nasal polyps (eosinophilic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis) had more severe disease by CT and endoscopy than the subgroup of patients with nasal polyps (hyperplastic rhinosinusitis) but without eosinophilia. Similarly, patients without polyps but with tissue eosinophilia had more severe disease than patients without polyps and without eosinophilia. Leukotriene C4 levels were elevated in all patient groups. Symptom scores did not correlate with any of the parameters. We suggest the following severity classification system for CRS: 1) eosinophilic chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis (ECHRS): patients with polyps and sinus tissue eosinophilia; 2) noneosinophilic chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis (NECHRS): patients with polyps but without sinus tissue eosinophilia; 3) eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS): patients without polyps but with sinus tissue eosinophilia; 4) noneosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (NECRS): patients without polyps and without sinus tissue eosinophilia.

Histopathologic Evaluation of the Ethmoid Bone in Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as a condition lasting for a period greater than 12 weeks, and manifested by an inflammatory response involving the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, fluids within these cavities, and/or the underlying bone. The mucosal changes that occur in CRS have been well described, and include edema, decreased number of ciliated cells, and goblet cell hyperplasia. However, the changes that may occur in the underlying ethmoid bone have only recently been investigated. We evaluated decalcified ethmoid bone specimens from 20 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Our analysis revealed histopathologic changes consistent with varying grades of bone remodeling. Polarized light microscopy demonstrated changes in the extracellular matrix, such as bone resorption and neoosteogenesis. Preoperative clinical data and CT staging were recorded on all patients and correlated with the histopathologic findings. These findings suggest that CRS may be associated with osteitis of the underlying ethmoid bone.