Fiberoptic Examination Research Articles

Analysis of implementiation of 4th Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in Department of Otolaryngology in Międzyleski Hospital in Warsaw.

The aim of the study was to analyze the profile of patients applying for free preventive examinations within The Forth European Head an Neck Cancer (HNC) Awareness Week in the Department of Otorhynolaryngology in Międzyleski Hospital in Warsaw (ORL MSS). A media campaign was designed to inform HNC risk patients about the opportunity to receive free preventive examinations in ORL MSS. 225 patients were enrolled to the study. Patient age ranged from 26 to 92 (average 63 years). Women accounted for 66% (149) and males 34% (76). Each patient completed a questionnaire assessing risk factors for HNC, including reported symptoms and lifestyle. ENT examination was performed. Some patients were referred for further diagnostics and treatment. The following HNC risk factors connected with lifestyle were found: nicotine in 22%, alcohol in more than once a week in 12%, oral sex in 17%, multiple sexual partners in 10%, rare dental tests in 24%, prosthetic restorations in 45%. The symptom that most often prompted patients to participate in the HNC prevention week was chronic hoarseness (64%) of people, dry mouth (39%), swallowing (37%), nasal obstruction (6%), neck tumour (5%). One per every five patients was referred to further diagnostics: imaging screening 7% (15 persons), fiber optic examination 11% (25 persons), the excision of the lesion 8% (18 persons). 17 patients were referred for further oncological treatment, of which 13 had benign tumors and 4 had malignant tumors. The HNC Awareness Program increases public consciousness and should systematically includes people with risk factors. The introduction of the Program in the ORL Department has made possible to detect and treat cancer in early stages in 7.5% of those who applied for the program. The use of adequate diagnostics and treatment requires, however, adequate financial resources and systemic solutions.

The clinical impact of bedside fiberoptic laryngoscopic recording on a tertiary consult service.

Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is dependent on accurate descriptions of examination findings. Traditional recording methods can be impractical for inpatient consults. Therefore, we aim to determine the utility of a smartphone-coupled portable recording system with flexible laryngoscopy for transmitting information between resident and attending physicians in a real-time setting. Pilot prospective study in a tertiary academic hospital. This is a prospective study of inpatient consultations in a tertiary referral hospital over a 3-month period from April 2015 to June 2015. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed by a resident physician, and mobile recordings were relayed to an attending physician. Concordance of laryngoscopy interpretations between resident and attending physicians as well as changes in management were documented. Seventy-nine fiberoptic examinations were recorded and compared. Each consult was categorized as follows: airway evaluation (AE) (43%, 34/79), voice evaluation (VE) (3.7%, 3/79), dysphagia (D) (24%, 19/79), and aerodigestive tract mass/pathology (ADM) (29.1%, 23/79). Nine examinations showed discordance between resident and attending interpretations. Inter-rater agreement was good, with a kappa value of 0.747 (95% confidence interval: 0.643-0.851). The frequency of discordant exams within each group was as follows: AE (15%, 5/34), VE (33%, 1/3), D (11%, 2/19), and ADM (4.3%, 1/23). In five patients, changes in laryngoscopy interpretation changed clinical management. Seven nondiscordant exams had a change in management after attending review. Of the 79 exams, only one required repeat flexible laryngoscopy by the attending physician. Portable recording of flexible laryngoscopy is an effective tool for timely management of inpatient consultations. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:818-822, 2018.

High incidence of posterior nasal cavity obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea patients

BackgroundNasal obstruction is a common problem in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Systematic evaluation of nasal obstruction remains challenging due to the high number of variables and factors that contribute to nasal obstruction. Nasal examination by means of anterior rhinoscopy is limited to the evaluation of anterior septal deviation, internal nasal valve angle, and inferior turbinate size, but obstruction due to posterior septal deviation and nasal polyposis may go undiagnosed. The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of posterior nasal obstruction in OSA patients. Specifically, we were interested in other causes of posterior nasal obstruction that were difficult to assess by anterior rhinoscopy examination alone, and that required nasal endoscopy for identification.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series study. Flexible fiberoptic examination of the nasal cavity was performed on 274 consecutive OSA patients evaluated at the Stanford Sleep Surgery Clinic. Examination video files were recorded and later reviewed and scored by a single investigator blinded to the patients’ subjective nasal complaints. Anatomic features that contribute to posterior nasal obstruction were noted.ResultsPosterior septal deviation was the most common incidental finding in OSA patients with posterior nasal obstruction. Other causes included nasal polyposis, nasal mucosal inflammation, and purulent mucosal discharge. In total, there were 73/274 (26.6%) patients for whom nasal endoscopy provided findings that directed management.ConclusionNasal endoscopy provides additional diagnostic information in a significant number of OSA patients who complain of nasal obstruction. Our findings suggest the use of nasal endoscopy for OSA patients who complain of nasal obstruction or CPAP intolerance, despite unremarkable anterior rhinoscopy examination.

A preliminary assessment of the LMA protector\u2122 in non-paralysed patients

BackgroundThe LMA Protector™ is the latest CE marked single use supraglottic airway device. This airway device provides access and functional separation of the respiratory and digestive tracts. There are two ports (male, female ports) to provide suction in the laryngeal region and insertion of the gastric tube. The aim of our study is to assess the ease of use, airway quality, device positioning, airway leak and complications associated with initial clinical experience in LMA Protector™ usage.MethodsThis is an initial investigation of LMA Protector™ airway device. We conducted a preliminary assessment in the anaesthetised women who underwent minor gynaecological procedures with spontaneous ventilation in order to evaluate the performance of the airway device.ResultsInsertion was successful on first and second attempts in 23 (88.5%) and 3 (11.5%) respectively. Median [IQR (range)] insertion time was 19 [17-21(14-58)] seconds. Airway leak pressure was 25.5 [23-29(21-30] cmH2O. On fibreoptic examination via the device, vocal cords were visible in all 26 patients. There were no alternative airway use or airway manipulations required during maintenance of anaesthesia. Six patients had sore throat 24 h after procedures and there was no dysphagia or hoarseness.ConclusionThis pilot study of the LMA protector shows that the device is easily inserted with fast insertion time, providing a reliable and adequate airway seal.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov Registration NCT02531256. Retrospectively registered on August 21, 2015.

Arytenoid dislocation subsequent to difficult intubation

Dislocation of arytenoid cartilage from the crico-arytenoid joint is an uncommon complication due to intubation of larynx. In many cases, it is frequently mistaken as vocal cord paresis, laryngospasm, or laryngeal edema. Early diagnosis of the arytenoid dislocation and prompt treatment with reduction is crucial to avoid the need for more invasive methods and for a better prognosis of the condition. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with arytenoid dislocation following an uneventful coronary artery bypass graft surgery. He complained of persistent hoarseness following 15 days of the surgery. On fiber-optic laryngoscopic examination, the right vocal cord was immobile with minimal movement of arytenoid. A surgical reduction was performed by the otolaryngologist. The patient was relieved of the symptom postreduction.

Nasal and Tracheal Cytological Changes After Total Laryngectomy in Long-Term Survivors.

Complete separation of upper and lower respiratory tract after total laryngectomy results in permanent effects on nasal cavities and tracheo-bronchial airways. Aim of this study is evaluating nasal and tracheal cytological alterations of mucosa in laryngectomy long-term survivors, analyzing the feasibility of scraping for cytological examination of tracheal mucosa. Twenty-five laryngectomy patients underwent symptoms' evaluation, endoscopic fiber optic examination, prick tests, and nasal and tracheal scraping for cytological exam. Twenty-five healthy subjects underwent the same assessment, except for tracheal scraping. Eleven laryngectomy patients accepted inferior turbinate biopsy for histological examination. Nasal cytological analysis demonstrated mucous cell metaplasia in 20% of laryngectomized patients, but it was absent in all healthy subjects; no squamous cell metaplasia was found in both groups. In 15 patients (60%), bacteria were present, without inflammatory infiltrate. Tracheal cytological analysis demonstrated a quite high rate of squamous cell metaplasia (24%), neutrophilic infiltrate (32%), and presence of bacteria (40%). Histological examination of inferior turbinate showed submucosal stromal fibrosis in all patients and submucosal inflammatory infiltrate in 1 case (9%). Nasal cavities and trachea of laryngectomy patients undergo long-term cytological and histological changes of mucosa and submucosa, probably due to airflow modifications.

Evaluation of management of tracheal stenosis: our experience of 25 patients

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> This study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Tracheal stenosis is a relatively rare complication, the chief etiologies being prolonged intubation and trauma. The management is difficult and requires variety of skill based procedures which can be either endoscopic or open technique. Our objective was to determine factors for deciding on the type of surgery required for patients with tracheal stenosis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 25 consecutive patients of tracheal stenosis referred to our department were selected after confirming the diagnosis by fibre optic examination and CT scan. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All the patients were managed using various techniques. Long segment and circumfrential stenosis underwent resection and anastamosis. Other cases were managed by either endoscopic techniques or tracheoplasty.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The main factors for deciding the type of intervention are the length of stenotic segment and presence circumferential stenosis.

Confirmation of laryngeal mask airway placement by ultrasound examination: a pilot study

Study ObjectiveWe sought to validate ultrasound against other established methods of confirming laryngeal mask airway (LMA) placement. DesignAn observational study. SettingA university teaching hospital, operating department. PatientsFifty-eight patients undergoing general anesthesia using an LMA Supreme supraglottic airway device. InterventionsThe position of the LMA was assessed by ultrasound in 3 planes: the pharynx, the larynx, and along the cranial-caudal axis in the midline. The leakage test at 20 cm H2O and fiberoptic examination were also undertaken independently, with the latter being used to detect suboptimal placement (in which case, the LMA was reinserted). MeasurementsWe scored the position of the LMA based on the location of the cuff and whether it had inflated correctly in each of the 3 planes. This score was converted to correspond with the leakage test grading system. We tested the strength of the correlation between the scores and the sensitivity and specificity for predicting reinsertion. Main ResultsSeven patients (12.1%) required LMA reinsertion, and ventilation was inadequate in a further 6 (10.3%). Three patients (5.2%) developed laryngospasm and inspiratory stridor after insertion resulting in inadequate ventilation, but none needed reinsertion as optimal placement was confirmed by fiberscope. Spearman coefficient of rank correlation between the leakage test and ultrasound examination was 0.713 (P< .0001). The κ test and Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the 2 scoring systems (weighted κ = 0.605, standard error = 0.086). An ultrasound examination score equating to grade 3 in the leakage test predicted the need for reinsertion with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 94.1%, respectively. ConclusionsUltrasound examination is a fast, noninvasive and reliable means of detecting LMA misplacement that agrees closely with the leakage test. Ultrasound is as effective as a fiberoptic examination to confirm LMA placement and indicate the need for reinsertion, but does not require ventilation to be interrupted.

Clinical application of iodine solution staining in the diagnosis of early laryngeal cancer with electronic endoscope

Objective:To discuss the feasibility and clinical application value of the laryngeal iodine staining under the electronic fiber laryngoscope.Method:Will meet the inclusion criteria of 90 patients, randomly divided into three groups, set to a, b, c group.a ,all patients in the a group were examined by electronic fiber mirror, NBI mode and 0.5% Lugol liquid iodine staining method in three ways. b, all patients in the b group were examined by electronic fiber mirror, NBI mode and 1.0% Lugol liquid iodine staining method in three ways. c,all patients in the c group were examined by electronic fiber mirror, NBI mode and 1.5% Lugol liquid iodine staining method in three ways. The location and range of positive lesions were recorded in each person of the three groups, positive lesions were biopsy, if the positive lesion is repeated, the site can only take a biopsy. As a diagnostic gold standard, the results of the other tests were compared with the results of other tests. And to observe the color of iodine in the throat, all patients were followed up for 24 hours in the presence of dyspnea, severe pain in the throat and other symptoms, and 24 hours after the examination again electronic fiber optic examination. Biopsy was performed in all patients, as gold standard. Using chi square test, inspection standardP <0.05.Result:As the solution of the iodine concentration increased, the rate of the laryngeal was cancer gradually increased. Ninety people take part in the experiment, no one has serious complications. All the patients have no significant inflammation on the mucous membrane of the throat and the subglottic airway afer 24 hours, by the electronic fiber laryngoscope. 1% and the following concentration of Lugol solution for iodine staining, sensitivity to the diagnosis of early laryngeal cancer was higher than that of electronic fiber,the two methods were compared, and the statistical analysis was performed(P >0.05). No statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the diagnosis of early laryngeal cancer. Contrast between iodine stain with 1.5% Lugol solution and electronic fiber sus pension, after statistical calculation(P <0.05);both are statistically significant, and the difference is significant.Comparison of iodine stain with 1.5% Lugol solution and NBI examination, make statistical analysis,P >0.05, there was no significant difference between the both.Conclusion:The 1.5% and below the concentration of the iodine staining under the electronic fiber laryngoscope can be safely applied to inspect the throat, and 1.5% Lugol iodine solution in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer in the early stage of laryngeal cancer is better than using electronic, and has a certain value in clinical application.

Frequency of Serous Otitis Media in Children without Otolaryngological Symptoms.

Introduction Otitis media with effusion is the fluid in the middle ear with no signs or symptoms of acute ear infection. Objective This study aims to research the frequency of serous otitis media in patients referred to the pediatric clinic between 3–16 years of age without any active ear, nose, and throat complaints. Methods This study included 589 children patients (280 boys, 309 girls; mean age: 9.42; range 3–16) who were administered to the pediatric clinic without otolaryngologic complaints. Patients underwent examination with flexible nasopharyngoscopy for adenoid hypertrophy. An otorhinolaryngologist examined all children on both ears using an otoscope and tested with tympanometry. We used tympanometry results to diagnose SOM. Results The study included 589 patients that underwent fiber optic examination of the nasopharynx with an endoscope. Adenoid vegetation was present in 58 patients (9.8%) and was not detected in 531 patients (90.2%). We found serous otitis media in 94 (15.9%) patients. We obtained Type A tympanogram in 47 (81%) of 58 patients with adenoid vegetation, 6 (10.3%) Type B, and 5 (8.6%) Type C. When comparing 58 patients with adenoid vegetation with 538 patients without adenoid vegetation for serous otitis media, the frequency was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion We believe that in children without any ear, nose, and throat complaints, it is possible to detect serous otitis media with adenoid vegetation. Thus, pediatric patients should undergo screening at regular intervals.

Therapeutic implication of genetic variants of IL13 and STAT4 in airway remodelling with bronchial asthma.

Several gene variants identified in bronchial asthmatic patients are associated with a decrease in pulmonary function. The effects of this intervention on pulmonary function have not been fully researched. We determined the effects of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) on decreased pulmonary function in asthmatic Japanese patients with variants of IL13 and STAT4 during long-term treatments with low to mild doses of ICS. In this study, 411 patients with bronchial asthma who were receiving ICSs and living in Japan were recruited, were genotyped, and underwent pulmonary function tests and fibreoptic examinations. The effects of 2 years of high-dose ICSs administered to asthmatic patients who were homozygous for IL13 AA of rs20541 or STAT4 TT of rs925847 and who progressed to airway remodelling were investigated. High-dose ICS treatment increased the pulmonary function of patients homozygous for IL13 AA of rs20541 but not of patients homozygous for STAT4 TT of rs925847. The increased concentrations of the mediators IL23, IL11, GMCSF, hyaluronic acid, IL24, and CCL8 in bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) were diminished after high-dose ICS treatment in patients homozygous for IL13 AA of rs20541. IL13 AA of rs20541 and STAT4 TT of rs925847 are potential genomic biomarkers for predicting lower pulmonary function. The administration of high-dose ICSs to asthmatic patients with genetic variants of IL13 AA may inhibit the advancement of airway remodelling. The genetic variants of STAT4 TT did not respond to high-dose ICSs. Therefore, using medications other than ICSs must be considered even during the initial treatment of bronchial asthma. These genetic variants may aid in the realization of personalized and phenotype-specific therapies for bronchial asthma.

Diagnostic accuracy of the clinical feeding evaluation in detecting aspiration in children: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical feeding evaluation (CFE) compared to instrumental assessments in detecting oropharyngeal aspiration (OPA) in children. This is important to support clinical decision-making and to provide safe, cost-effective, higher quality care. All published and unpublished studies in all languages assessing the diagnostic accuracy of CFE compared to videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and/or fibre-optic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) in detecting OPA in paediatric populations were sought. Databases were searched from inception to April 2015. Grey literature, citations, and references were also searched. Two independent reviewers extracted and analysed data. Accuracy estimates were calculated. Research reports were translated into English as required. Six studies examining the diagnostic accuracy of CFE using VFSS and/or FEES were eligible for inclusion. Sample sizes, populations studied, and CFE characteristics varied widely. The overall methodological quality of the studies, assessed with QUADAS-2, was considered 'low'. Results suggested that CFEs trialling liquid consistencies might provide better accuracy estimates than CFEs trialling solids exclusively. This systematic review highlights the critical lack of evidence on the accuracy of CFE in detecting OPA in children. Larger well-designed primary diagnostic test accuracy studies in this area are needed to inform dysphagia assessment in paediatrics.

Nasopharyngeal Branchial Cyst, a Rare Presentation

Introduction: Branchial cleft cysts are congenital developmental defects of which second branchial anomalies are the most common type. Most of these anomalies present as a lateral neck mass along anterior border of sternocliedomastoid muscle. Careful examination and proper intervention is needed in some of these cases to avoid unwanted complications or even emergencies. Case presentation: A 5 years old boy was brought by his parents with history of dysphagia and snoring for about one month. There was no other associated history of sore throat or shortness of breath or oral bleeding. During fiberoptic examination we found a pedunculated left nasopharyngeal mass. CT imaging showed a left nasopharyngeal hypodense lesion with no vascular or bony invasion. Excision of the cyst was done via combined transoral/transnasal endoscopic approach. Follow up after eight months showed no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Second branchial cleft cysts presenting in the nasopharynx are considered rare presentations of the disease and other differential diagnosis should be always brought in mind. Fiberoptic examination of such cases is mandatory to rule out laryngeal involvement and to predict the extension of the cyst for surgical intervention. Surgical excision through combined transoral/transnasal endoscopic including the tract ligation is the treatment of choice to prevent recurrence and to minimize the occurrence of possible secondary infection of the cyst.

Atypical Carcinoid Tumor of the Larynx: A Challenging Diagnostic Case

Background: Atypical carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors, but they are the most common type of nonsquamous cell laryngeal neoplasms. Recent literature addresses the importance of adequate diagnosis, but lacks consensus in treatment strategy. Case report: A 69-year-old man presented with dysphagia. Diagnosis of supraglottic hemangioma was based on fiberoptic examination. After treatment with CO2 laser excision histopathological diagnosis stated paraganglioma. Dysphagia recurred after 6 months. (18)F-FDG PET/CT-scan revealed high FDG-uptake at the right aryepiglottic fold. After CO2 laser excision histopathology showed atypical carcinoid. Total laryngectomy and neck dissection was performed to secure tumor-free margins, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy due to lymph node metastases. A month after termination of radiotherapy no lesions were determined by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Conclusion: Personalized management should be based mainly on mitotic rate and locoregional extension. Surgical treatment and lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up is mandatory, while the role of adjuvant therapy remains debatable.

Is Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis a Rare Complication of Spinal Anesthesia? A Case Report

A 47 year old woman underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of a left ankle fracture under spinal anesthesia. In the recovery room, she noticed a sudden onset of dysphonia. Fiberoptic examination revealed an immobile right vocal fold. Her symptoms gradually improved over the next few weeks with conservative treatment. By the eighth week, her voice had returned to normal. Anesthesiologists should be aware that dysphonia that develops immediately or shortly after spinal anesthesia may represent a unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP).

Voice characteristics associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To test the assumption that voice is changed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identify changes that occur. Cross-sectional pilot study. Thirty patients with PCOS and a control group of 22 age-matched and body mass index-matched healthy women were included. Demographic data, anthropometric measurement, serum androgens, and Voice Handicap Index-10 were determined. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy and rigid stroboscopy were performed. Supraglottic hyperfunction was assessed during fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Presence of supraglottic hyperfunction was interpreted as abnormal muscle tension pattern. Glottal closure configuration and vibratory wave characteristics were evaluated via stroboscopy. Acoustic analysis was performed with the Dr. Speech software program version 4 (Tiger DRS Inc., Seattle, WA). Voice complaints and acoustic parameters were similar between groups, whereas serum androgens were significantly higher in patients (P < 0.001). Laryngeal examination detected pathology in 17 (56.7%) patients and two (9.1%) controls (P < 0.001). Fiberoptic examination determined supraglottic hyperfunction in 11 patients but in only two controls (P = 0.023). In stroboscopy, incomplete glottal closure configuration and impaired vocal fold vibration were present in 10 and 11 patients, respectively, whereas only one control had glottal closure abnormality and none of the controls had abnormal vibration (P = 0.028 and P = 0.001, respectively). Abnormal muscle tension patterns and impaired vocal fold vibration are frequent among patients with PCOS; but they are not accompanied by increased vocal symptoms or deteriorated acoustic voice parameters. This may be important for professional voice users or in extensive or extraordinary voice use demands in patients with PCOS. 3b. Laryngoscope, 126:2067-2072, 2016.

Should Reinke edema be considered a contributing factor to post-extubation failure?

We read with interest the recently published review in Critical Care about post-extubation laryngeal edema and stridor by Pluijms et al. [1]. The review considers in detail the risk factors for post-extubation respiratory failure and describes a post-extubation algorithm for its prevention and reduction. We recently published a case report describing the occurrence of post-extubation stridor leading to post-extubation respiratory failure in a woman with a previously undiagnosed Reinke edema (RE) [2]. RE is a progressive laryngeal soft-tissue swelling. The condition typically manifests in female gender as hoarseness and as a gradually deepening voice in patients with a history of smoking, vocal cord abuse, and/or gastroesophageal reflux. Other case reports of RE complicating airway management already exist [3]. Our patient did not undergo prolonged intubation or difficult airway instrumentation. However, she presented risk factors for RE (i.e. female gender and smoking history). Notably, female gender has been reported in different studies investigating risk factors for complications following extubation which have been summarized in the review by Pluijms et al. [1]. Since our patient did not present stridor before intubation, the additional laryngeal edema due to airway management, which would have not been responsible for post-extubation failure in normal conditions, contributed to reaching the critical obstruction of airways. We believe, in accordance with other authors [4], that RE may be considered an important, underdiagnosed concomitant cause of post-extubation stridor. RE may explain why, in certain patients, a minor grade of laryngeal edema could lead to a clinically relevant reduction of airway space and post-extubation stridor. Clinical signs and risk factors for RE should be systematically assessed when clinicians deal with risks of post-extubation failure. In our opinion, when risk factors for RE are associated with difficult airway management and/or prolonged intubation, a conservative approach consisting of otolaryngology consultation, fiberoptic examination, or a neck computed tomography scan may be undertaken for a safe airway assessment and detection of a potentially critical obstruction.

Primary Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Base of Tongue

We describe a 72 year old female who presented with a bulky lesion involving the base of tongue which was diagnosed as diffuse large mantle B-cell lymphoma. Despite the considerable size of the lesion, neither local signs nor symptoms were complained, unless a change of her voice and a slight respiratory obstruction from three months. The patient experienced no B symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats). The woman complained the unaesthetic appearance of a single laterocervical adenopathy (III level), on the right side, from two months. Blood parameters were normal (Lactate Dehidrogenase 172 U/l, WBC 5,8 ?/L). The fiber optic endoscopic examination revealed a fungating mass covered by smooth mucosal tissue originating from the base of tongue and extended laterally to the tonsillar fossae and posteriorly towards the pharyngeal wall; the vallecula were entirely occupied and the epiglottis couldn’t be notice. Chest X-rays resulted negative. The MRI revealed a remarkable thickening of the pharynx at the level of the lingual tonsil which causes considerable limitation of pharyngeal lumen at a supraglottic level. Such lesion appeared homogeneous after contrastografic enhancement as well as the laterocervical adenopathy, which was excised without any complication. Histological analysis demonstrated a subverted lymph nodal architecture, irregular nuclei and a nodular/mantle growth pattern. Immunohistochemical phenotype was CD20+, CD5+, Cyclin D+, Bcl2+, CD23-, CD10- and Bcl6-. A total body PET scan showed no lymphadenopathies in any other region. The patient was classified as IIA according to the Ann Arbor classification and was treated with chemotherapy which consisted of Bendamustin-Rituximab twice a month for six months. After these cycles of chemotherapy, the lesion was completely disappeared. Clinical condition of the patient after the treatments was uneventful and she is currently at the 20th month of follow-up. We want to report an uncommon case of a base of tongue Non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an almost asymptomatic clinical presentation.

Nasal and Tracheal Microbial Colonization in Laryngectomized Patients.

Complete separation of upper and lower respiratory tract after total laryngectomy results in loss of physiological nasal functions and presence of "unconditioned" inspired air in lower airways. Aim of this study is evaluating the presence of a microbial colonization of nasal cavities and trachea in laryngectomized long-term survivors. Twenty-five laryngectomized patients underwent symptoms' anamnestic evaluation, endoscopic fiber optic nasal and tracheal examination, specimen collection for microbiological exam, and culture. Enrolled patients had at least a 2-year follow-up period in order to evaluate long-term microflora. Gram positive polimicrobic flora represented the main finding in nasal cavities and trachea (92% and 48% of patients, respectively). Other bacteria were non-fermenters Gram negative bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus. The same microflora was demonstrated in nasal cavity and trachea in 5 patients (20%), while sterile nasal cavity and trachea were seen in 3 (12%) and 4 (16%) cases, respectively. No fungi were observed in nasal cavity and trachea. Nasal cavities and trachea of laryngectomized patients are colonized by nonpathogenic and/or potentially pathogenic bacteria, in absence of signs and symptoms of infection. Colonizer microflora should be kept in mind when a culture from nasal or tracheal swabs is needed in daily practice.

Assessment of Vibratory Characteristics in Children Following Airway Reconstruction Using Flexible and Rigid Endoscopy and Stroboscopy.

Up to half of children have substantial dysphonia after airway reconstruction. Visual assessment of vocal function is valuable. Feasibility of flexible and rigid endoscopy has been reported; however, the clinical utility of stroboscopy has not been examined. Rating of vibratory characteristics, such as mucosal wave and amplitude of vibration, is essential for the development of interventions to improve voice outcomes. To examine (1) clinicians’ ratings of anatomical and physiological features in children following airway reconstruction on initial voice evaluation using videolaryngostroboscopy and (2) the relationship of age to the type of endoscopy used. Retrospective medical record review of 32 patients aged 3 to 21 years evaluated for post–airway reconstruction dysphonia between July 2011 and July 2012 at a quaternary care children’s hospital. Clinical voice evaluation protocol including rigid and/or flexible endoscopy with stroboscopy. Demographic and voice quality characteristics were collected. The ability to complete endoscopy and ratings of anatomical and/or physiological features were assessed by a consensus of 4 clinicians. A t test was used to determine whether age was a significant factor in successful completion of videolaryngostroboscopy. Of 31 children who underwent flexible videolaryngostroboscopy, 22 (71%) examinations were completed with a distal chip endoscope and 9 (29%) with a fiberoptic. Significant differences were found in age between children who completed the distal chip vs. fiberoptic examination (mean [SD], 7.3 [2.7] vs. 5.5 [6.2] years; P = .05). Rigid endoscopy was attempted for 14 (44%) of 32 patients; 9 examinations (64%) were successful. Significant differences were found in age between patients for whom a rigid endoscopy could be successfully completed vs. those for whom it was not (mean [SD], 12.9 [3.4] vs. 6.2 [2.1] years; P < .001). Eighteen (56%) were glottic phonators, 8 (25%) supraglottic, and 6 (19%) aphonic. Vibratory characteristics were visible in 10 of 37 examinations (27%); 6 (16%) had ratable characteristics. Endoscopy can be successfully completed in most children who have undergone airway reconstruction, most often using a distal chip endoscope.We found that vibratory characteristics were often not assessed adequately using videolaryngostroboscopy. Further work identifying imaging modalities that better display vibratory characteristics, such as high-speed videoendoscopy, may provide new insight into vocal function and lead to a more thorough evaluation.