Nasopharyngeal Obstruction Research Articles

Palatal dysgenesis in a feline causing complete obstruction of the nasopharynx: A case report.

The nasopharyngeal disease is common in felines. Nasopharyngeal stenosis is uncommonly a congenital problem, with most cases being secondary to other diseases. An 8-month-old male neutered domestic shorthair presented with a chief complaint of chronic nasal congestion, open-mouth breathing, and discharge. CT was performed, and palatal dysgenesis resulting in complete nasopharyngeal obstruction, secondary nasopharyngitis, and rostral nasal turbinate lysis were found. This was confirmed by an endoscopic evaluation of the nasopharynx region, which demonstrated a lack of connection between the nasopharynx and oropharynx. This is the first CT report documenting congenital palate dysgenesis resulting in complete obstruction of the nasopharynx.

Evaluation of Conductive Hearing Loss in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Obstruction in a Tertiary Care Setup of Karachi

Evaluation of Conductive Hearing Loss in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Obstruction in a Tertiary Care Setup of Karachi

Effects of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in children with conventional obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in pediatric conventional obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) without previous upper airway surgery, or comorbidity, to evaluate the change in treatment strategies and to identify obstructive sites observed during DISE. This study aimed to explore the role of DISE in the management of pediatric conventional OSAHS.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted using both computerized and manual methods to retrieve relevant case studies on DISE-guided treatment of pediatric conventional OSAHS from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WF, and VIP database. The search period extended from database inception to January 2023. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant literature, and data extraction was performed accordingly. Meta-analysis was conducted using the Stata 16.0 software.ResultsA total of 761 patients from four studies were included in the meta-analysis. All pediatric patients had no history of upper airway surgery, craniofacial abnormalities, or syndromes other than OSAHS. The quality assessment revealed that the included studies were of low methodological quality and consisted of non-randomized case studies. Meta-analysis results indicated that in pediatric patients with OSAHS, the obstruction rates observed during DISE were as follows: nasopharyngeal (adenoid) obstruction 93%, soft palate obstruction 35%, oropharyngeal (tonsil) obstruction 76%, tongue base obstruction 32%, supraglottic obstruction 31%, and multi-level obstruction 60%. DISE led to a change in the conventional surgical approach in 45% (95% CI: 29–60%) of patients with OSAHS, providing individualized treatment plans. Postoperative symptoms and sleep-related parameters improved significantly compared to preoperative values, with DISE findings possibly enhancing surgical success rates and potentially avoiding unnecessary procedures.ConclusionIn some cases, DISE may potentially lead to alterations in conventional surgical approaches for children with OSAHS who had no history of upper airway surgery, craniofacial abnormalities, or other syndromes.. The results of our meta-analysis were in favor of DISE-directed approach for pediatric conventional OSAHS. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted in future research to investigate the role of DISE in the management of pediatric OSAHS.

Numerical investigation of nanoparticle deposition in the olfactory region among pediatric nasal airways with adenoid hypertrophy

To understand inhaled nanoparticle transport and deposition characteristics in pediatric nasal airways with adenoid hypertrophy (AH), with a specific emphasis on the olfactory region, virtual nanoparticle inhalation studies were conducted on anatomically accurate child nasal airway models. The computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD) method was employed, and numerical simulations were performed to compare the airflow and nanoparticle deposition patterns between nasal airways with nasopharyngeal obstruction before adenoidectomy and healthy nasal airways after virtual adenoidectomy. The influence of different inhalation rates and exhalation phase on olfactory regional nanoparticle deposition features was systematically analyzed. We found that nasopharyngeal obstruction resulted in significant uneven airflow distribution in the nasal cavity. The deposited nanoparticles were concentrated in the middle meatus, septum, inferior meatus and nasal vestibule. The deposition efficiency (DE) in the olfactory region decreases with increasing nanoparticle size (1–10 nm) during inhalation. After adenoidectomy, the pediatric olfactory region DE increased significantly while nasopharynx DE dramatically decreased. When the inhalation rate decreased, the deposition pattern in the olfactory region significantly altered, exhibiting an initial rise followed by a subsequent decline, reaching peak deposition at 2 nm. During exhalation, the pediatric olfactory region DE was substantially lower than during inhalation, and the olfactory region DE in the pre-operative models were found to be significantly higher than that of the post-operative models. In conclusions, ventilation and particle deposition in the olfactory region were significantly improved in post-operative models. Inhalation rate and exhalation process can significantly affect nanoparticle deposition in the olfactory region.

Etiology of narrow maxilla creating orthodontic and prosthetic treatment difficulties.

Narrow maxilla occurring due to various congenital or acquired causes creates major orthodontic problems and complicates prosthetic dental rehabilitation. The etiologic factors are mostly related to upper airway pathologies that restrict breathing and cause negative pressure at the base of the nose and nasopharynx. The upper and lower airway is a whole unit. Regional anomalies or acquired problems affect the entire system. This can lead to developmental issues and permanent disorders in childhood, which will last their real life. This study was planned to investigate the incidence of nasopharyngeal obstruction originating from allergic rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, septum deviation, and adenoid vegetation in children scheduled for orthodontic treatment due to maxillary stenosis. Our study group consists of one hundred children aged 12-16 years who applied to the orthodontist due to dental malalignment and were found to have a narrowing of the maxilla. After the orthodontic evaluation, the patients were referred for an ENT examination to evaluate the etiological factors originating from the upper respiratory tract. In the study group, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis were first investigated. All symptoms were evaluated and scored. Then, an ENT physical examination was performed in all cases, and nasal cavities, nasopharynx, and oropharynx were assessed with a fiberoptic endoscope. Regarding etiological factors, allergic rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal septum deviation, and adenoid vegetation that would prevent breathing were carefully investigated. Firstly, deep palate, narrowed maxillary arch, V-shaped arch, adenoid face type, bilateral posterior crossbite, insufficient lip presence, maxillary incisor protrusion (upper forward thrust), skeletal class 2 division 1 malocclusion, and increased lower face height detected in patients primarily diagnoses were grouped according to their pathologies. Allergic rhinitis was found in 43 cases, turbinate hypertrophy in 30 instances, nasal septum deviation in 18 cases, and adenoid vegetation that prevented respiration in 61 patients. It is known that increased nasal airway resistance due to allergic rhinitis, septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, or adenoid vegetation in the upper respiratory tract may lead to permanent orthodontic disorders in children and adolescents. A multidisciplinary approach, early diagnosis, and treatment should be the first step to prevent this situation. Secondly, it should be planned to correct the anatomical disorders that have occurred with appliances and, if necessary, surgical approaches. Taking precautions before permanent problems arise in childhood is also crucial in prosthetic dentistry.

Pathophysiological Effect of Enlarged Adenoid on Middle Ear in Children

Objective: To identify the incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children with enlarged adenoid. Methodology: This is a cross sectional observational study was carried out at Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck surgery of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from July 2014 to June 2016. One Hundred and Fifty (150) children with enlarged adenoid were included in this study. All patients were subjected for history, local physical examination, evaluation of adenoid size by X ray of nasopharynx lateral view. Pure tone audiometry & tympanometry were done in all patients. Informations were recorded in a specially designed data collection sheet. Result: Among 150 children with enlarged adenoid 30(20%) patient had OME, majority of patients (60%) were age group 7-9 years. Male were predominant (60%) than female (40%). Among 150 patients grade- I was 16%, grade II- was 26%, grade-III was 54% and grade IV was 4%.According to the grading of enlarged adenoid cases , grade I, grade II , grade III and grade IV had 8.33%,15.38% ,23.46% and 50% cases had OME respectively. Hearing loss was in 33(22%) children. According to tympanometry, type A curve was in 118(78.67%) children, type B 26(17.33%) and type C 6(4%) children. Conclusion: Enlarged adenoid is associated with otitis media with effusion. Incidence of Otitis media with effusion increases with the proportion of severity of nasopharyngeal obstruction by enlarged adenoid. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 29(1): 11-16

Determinants of awake oropharyngeal volume reduction between sitting and supine positions in children evaluated for snoring.

Pharyngeal collapsibility is a major determinant of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathophysiology, but its anatomical predictors in children are largely unknown. We hypothesised that anatomical (tonsillar hypertrophy, narrow palate, nasal obstruction, dental/skeletal malocclusion, obesity) and OSA-related (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI) parameters could be related to a measure of awake pharyngeal collapsibility. We performed acoustic pharyngometry in children evaluated for suspected OSA, allowing us to measure the reduction of oropharyngeal volume in supine versus sitting position normalised for the volume in supine position (ΔV%), a measure of pharyngeal collapsibility. In addition to polysomnography and a clinical examination (anatomical parameters), acoustic rhinometry was used to assess nasal obstruction. A total of 188 snoring children were included, 118 (63%) of whom were obese and 74 (39%) of whom had moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥5/h). The median (25th-75th percentiles) ΔV% in the whole population was 20.1% (4.7; 43.3). ΔV% was independently and positively associated with AHI (p=0.023), z-score of BMI (p=0.001), tonsillar hypertrophy (p=0.007), narrow palate (p=0.035), and African (p < 0.001) ancestry. By contrast, ΔV% was not modified by dental or skeletal malocclusion, Friedman palate position class or nasopharyngeal obstruction. Tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, narrow palate and African ancestry are independently associated with an increase in pharyngeal collapsibility in snoring children, thus increasing the risk of OSA. Increased pharyngeal compliance in African children may explain the increased risk of residual OSA after adenotonsillectomy observed in this population.

Do nasal and nasopharyngeal obstruction and their medical-surgical deobstruction significantly influence facial divergence? A concise review of major clinical studies with meta-analysis

The term «adenoid facies» suggests a causal relationship between nasopharyngeal obstruction and facial hyperdivergence in growing subjects. The strength of this association is controversial and few «quantified» values exist. A rapid electronic search was conducted on PubMed and Embase to find the main cephalometric studies involving patients with nasal/nasopharyngeal obstruction compared to a control sample. A meta-analysis was carried out to quantify the effect of obstruction (1) and intervention to relieve the obstruction (2) on mandibular divergence (SN/Pmand angle), maxillo-mandibular divergence (PP/Pmand angle), inclination of the occlusal plane (SN/Poccl) and the gonial angle (ArGoMe). Qualitatively, the studies' bias level ranged from moderate to high. Results were concordant about the significant effect of the obstruction on facial divergence (1) with an increase in SN/Pmand (+3.6° on average, +4.1° in children <6 years), PP/Pmand (+5.4° on average, +7.7° <6 years), ArGoMe (+3.3°) and SN/Pocc (+1.9°). Surgical interventions to remove the respiratory obstacle in children (2) generally did not normalize the direction of growth, with the exception, with a very low level of evidence, of adenoidectomies/adeno-tonsillectomies, performed at an age less than 6-8 years. Early detection of respiratory obstacles and postural abnormalities associated with oral breathing appears to be decisive in order to hope for management at a young age and normalization of the direction of growth. However, the effects on mandibular divergence remain limited, requiring caution, and cannot be considered a surgical indication.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Differences by Age in Surgically Naive Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Previous reports of DISE findings in children have typically included a broad age range, but it is unclear how these patterns of obstruction vary with age. To compare patterns of airway obstruction observed during DISE in 3 age groups of surgically naive children with SDB. This cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of surgically naive nonsyndromic children with SDB or obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] at risk for residual disease after adenotonsillectomy (defined as having at least 1 of these criteria: severe OSA, older than 7 years, obesity, or Black race) who were recruited between May 1, 2015, and February 28, 2020, was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Data analysis was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022. DISE. DISE findings were rated at 6 anatomic sites using the Sleep Endoscopy Rating Scale (SERS). The association between age and severity of obstruction at each anatomic site and overall were compared using correlation (Kendall τ) and ordinal logistic regression analysis. Data from 288 children (144 girls [50%]; 20 American Indian/Alaska Native [7%], 4 Asian [1%], 19 Black [7%], 93 Hispanic [33%], 2 Middle Eastern [1%], 6 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [2%], and 203 White [70%] individuals; median [IQR] age, 9.2 [7.0-11.7] years) were stratified by participant age into preschool (age 2-5 years; 27 [9%]), younger school-aged (age 5-10 years; 146 [51%]), and older school-aged (age 10-18 years; 115 [40%]). Among these subgroups, the prevalence of multilevel obstruction was 59%, 51%, and 30%, respectively. Increasing age was inversely correlated with obstruction of the nasal airway (τb, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.09), nasopharynx (τb, -0.20; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.10), velopharynx (τb, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.06), and overall obstruction (SERS total score: τb, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.14). An adjusted analysis demonstrated an inverse association between age and nasopharyngeal obstruction (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.92), SERS total score (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.90), and the number of sites of complete obstruction (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.95). This cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of surgically naive children with SDB found that preschool-aged children had more frequent multilevel obstruction, more severe overall obstruction, and nasopharyngeal obstruction compared with older children. Understanding the most common sites of obstruction and expected changes with age could inform personalized treatment for children with SDB.

IS SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VELOPHARYNGEAL INSUFFICIENCY BY MYOMUCOSAL POSTERIOR PHARYNGEAL FLAP A CONTRAINDICATION FOR NASAL INTUBATION? A NARRATIVE REVIEW.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency is a disorder where the soft palate directs the air through the nose. It is often present in patients with previous cleft or short palate, but also in many other conditions. Symptoms are primarily to be found in speech, with very distinct nasal sound. After clinical evaluation and nasal endoscopy, surgery is considered. Several surgical techniques are in use, with posterior pharyngeal flap pharyngoplasty being most widely used. This method leaves the base of the posterior pharyngeal flap attached to the posterior pharyngeal wall, with two lateral ports on each side of the flap. Permanent nasopharyngeal obstruction is a very challenging pathology for anesthesiologists in case of mandatory nasal intubation since it is a relative contraindication for nasal intubation. Patients with previous palatoplasty will regularly appear in our routine anesthetic practice, in all surgical segments. The high risk of damage to the flap with possible bleeding can put the anesthesiologist in a very unpleasant situation if not aware of the permanent effect of this surgery. During preanesthetic assessment, if there is information on a previous pharyngoplasty, one should consider alternative options for nasotracheal intubation. All nasal insertion procedures must be either avoided or carried out with great caution, under fiberoptic visual control.

Nasopharyngeal Presentation of a Pharyngeal Cleft Cyst in a Dog.

A 2 yr old castrated male shih tzu was presented for assessment of worsening chronic snoring since first detected at 3 mo of age. An upper respiratory endoscopic examination and a computed tomographic scan showed a well-circumscribed, fluid-filled nasopharyngeal mass located in the median plane on the nasal side of the soft palate. This lesion was removed using a ventral approach to the nasopharynx by blunt-sharp dissection from the submucosal tissues of the soft palate. Histopathology revealed a cystic lesion lined by a single layer of a pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium, characteristic of a pharyngeal cyst. Follow-up 5 mo after surgery revealed complete resolution of the clinical signs with no evidence of local recurrence. Pharyngeal cysts are developmental abnormalities of the branchial apparatus. Most derive from the second branchial arch and cause cysts, sinuses, and fistulae to develop in the neck region. In our case, the lesion was located in the nasopharynx, leading to snoring and exercise intolerance. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of suspected nasopharyngeal obstruction.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLINICAL SYMPTOM SEVERITY SCORE AND ADENOID-NASOPHARYNX RATIO IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ADENOID HYPERTROPHY

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the clinical symptoms severity score of adenoid hypertrophy in paediatric patients, to determine the relation between the clinical symptoms severity score and Adenoid-nasopharynx ratio and to determine the adenoid nasopharynx ratio in relation to the age of the patient. Methodology It is an Observational, prospective based study. The chart of 41 patients who presented to GMCH, ENT OPD with complaint of nasopharyngeal obstruction due to the adenoid. All the children were clinically and radiologically assessed between (JAN 2020 to JUNE 2021). ResultsAmong 41 patients, female preponderance was observed. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 11-15 years. Snoring were observed to be the commonest type of lesions in both male and female. Mouth breathing was equally common in either sex. In our study, Apnea was seen in one patient each of male and female. The diagnosis based on clinical and radiological assessment were highly accurate. Conclusion: The A/N ratio has a strong relationship with actual adenoid measurement. Lateral neck radiography is a low-cost, readily available procedure with few side effects that could be used to treat adenoid hypertrophy.

Incidence of nasal and nasopharyngeal obstruction by nasal examination and nasal endoscopy in patients with abnormal polysomnography: A prospective study

To assess the incidence of nasal and nasopharyngeal obstruction in patients with abnormal polysomnography. To correlate the levels of nasal and nasopharyngeal obstruction with degree of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Polysomnography by RMS Quest 32 polysomnography machine. Anterior and posterior rhinoscopy using Thudicum’s nasal speculum and posterior rhinoscopy mirror respectively. Nasal endoscopy to visualise nasal and nasopharyngeal airway for obstruction using 0 Hopkin’s rod endoscope under topical anaesthesia using 4% Xylocaine. 31 patients had deviated nasal septum (DNS), 19 had hypertrophied turbinates, 4 had Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP). 21 patients had posterior DNS, 7 had postnasal drip. By Nasal Endoscopy 42 patients had DNS among which 20 had anterior, 15 had posterior deviation. 7 patients had both anterior and posterior DNS. 4 patients had CRSwNP, 7 CRSsNP (Chronic Rhinosinusitis sans Nasal Polyposis), 3 had concha bullosa. Retropalatal obstruction was classified according to Mullers grade, where we found 10% patients had grade I, 28.75% grade II, 28.75% grade III and 32.5% grade IV obstruction. P value of DNS was 0.60 whereas that of other types of nasal obstruction was 0.85. Correlation of Retropalatal obstruction was significantly high with severity of OSA with P value &amp;#60;0.0001. 1-year incidence of Nasal and Nasopharyngeal obstruction in patients with OSA is 0.67 per 1000 population. Degree of OSA has poor correlation with levels of nasal obstruction and strong correlation with grades of retropalatal obstruction.

Correlation between radiographic adenoidnasopharyngeal ratio and clinical symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy in a tertiary health institution in North West Nigeria

Background: Adenoid hypertrophy is the most common cause of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction in children. The radiographic evaluation of the adenoid hypertrophy using the adenoid-nasopharyngeal ratio is a simple, economical, and reliable method in determination of the position, size, and shape of the adenoids. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the correlation between radiographic adenoid-nasopharyngeal ratio and clinical symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional prospective study was carried out in the Department of Radiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, North West Nigeria. A total of 90 consecutive patients aged between 3 and 12 years with clinical symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy were included in the study. All the patients had plain radiography of the post-nasal space. The adenoid-nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR), which is the ratio of the adenoid thickness measured from the maximum convexity of the adenoid to the margin of the basiocciput and the nasopharyngeal depth measured from the posterior border of the hard palate to the anteroinferior aspect of the sphenobasioccipital synchondrosis (Fujioka method), was calculated and scores obtained for each patient were graded into mild (0.50–0.62), moderate (0.63–0.75), and severe (0.76–0.88). The clinical symptoms assessed included snoring, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, otitis media, and recurrent upper airway infections. Each symptom was scored on a 4-point scale and the sum of the scores was graded into mild (0–5), moderate (6–10), and severe (11–15). The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Results: A total of 90 patients were involved in the study, their age ranged between 3 and 12 years (mean=6.11±2.77); and male-tofemale ratio was 2:1.5. The mean ANR score was 0.71±0.11 and that of the clinical symptoms score was 8.67±3.23. ANR correlated significantly with the clinical symptoms scores (r=0.901; P&lt;0.0001). The association was significant at ANR grading for mild (χ2=20.91; P=0.003) and severe (χ2=11.39; P=0.022). Conclusion: This study shows that radiographic ANR can predict the degree of nasopharyngeal airway obstruction especially for mild and severe grading. A severe nasopharyngeal airway obstruction as determined by both ANR and symptom’s severity was observed in the 3–5 years age group.

A Rare Case of Nasopharyngeal Glial Heterotopia in a Neonate

Nasopharyngeal glial heterotopias is an extremely rare, nonhereditary, developmental malformation manifesting as a mass composed of mature neural tissue with no intracranial continuity. Glial heterotopia is a rare, non-neoplastic, extracranial midline malformation. Nasal glioma is the most frequently encountered entity among congenital nasal masses. Cases which are associated with intracranial extension are termed as encephalocele. It must be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway obstruction in neonates. Magnetic resonance imaging is mandatory to rule out intracranial extension. We report a rare case of heterotopic brain tissue in nasopharynx with no intracranial extension to attract attention to the diagnostic workup of nasopharyngeal obstruction in a neonate with respiratory distress. Clinical examination and radiological studies are diagnostic while early surgical excision and histopathological confirmation is the gold standard. This baby underwent complete intranasal endoscopic excision of mass on day 20 of life. The postoperative course was uneventful and the baby is growing well on follow-up. This case would be one of the few cases reported from India.

Modified adenoid grading system for evaluating adenoid size in children: a prospective validation study.

Nasal endoscopy is the best choice for evaluation of adenoid size, but very few studies published on the endoscopic quantitative assessment. This study aimed to newly propose and validate a modified adenoid grading system (MAGS) with the existing endoscopic scoring methods of adenoid size. A prospective study on children with chronic mouth breathing and having endoscopic nasal examination was conducted. Digital images obtained during endoscopic examination were evaluated with the traditional method and the MGAS. Adenoid size was also evaluated by intraoperative nasal endoscopy among those underwent adenoidectomy. One hundred and thirty patients were enrolled. The MAGS showed high inter-rater reliability with a Kappa score of 0.869. Sixty of 130 patients underwent adenoidectomy and assessed with intraoperative nasal endoscopy. The MAGS significantly correlated to the percentage of nasopharyngeal obstruction of intraoperative endoscopy (Spearman's r = 0.796, gamma coefficient = 0.94), and the percentage of choanal obstruction of preoperative endoscopy (Spearman's r = 0.816, gamma coefficient = 0.859). Our findings suggest that the MAGS has high reliability and validity for assessment of adenoid size. It may be a more suitable and reliable grading system for endoscopic evaluation of adenoid size.

Tongue-Based Procedures in Treating Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Down Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: There is a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric and adult Down Syndrome (DS) patients that is refractory to adenotonsillectomy and continuous positive airway pressure. Newer treatment modalities have emerged with improved outcomes. The objective is to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the clinical outcomes of OSA in pediatric and adult DS patients with hypoglossal nerve stimulation using Inspire, midline posterior glossectomy plus lingual tonsillectomy (MPG + LT), and combined genioglossus advancement plus radiofrequency (GGS + RF). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed followed by a meta-analysis. Studies with preoperative and post-operative Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) values were included with patients serving as their own control. Results: Across 5 studies, 56 patients were analyzed. The mean reduction in AHI was statistically significant before vs. after procedure ( P &lt; .001 for hypoglossal nerve stimulation using Inspire with a paired 2-tailed t-test and P = .031 for MPG + LT). Although individual patient AHI values were unavailable in the GGS + RF study, the standard difference in mean AHI was also significant for GGS + RF with P = .001. Device malfunction was the most common complication for Inspire while postoperative bleeding was observed for MPG + LT and nasopharyngeal obstruction and retropalatal collapse were observed for GGS + RF. Conclusion: This review reveals significant improvement in AHI with Inspire, MPG + LT, and GGS + RF for DS patients with refractory OSA. Further investigation is needed for comparison between these 3 therapies.

Concurrent Hiatal Hernia and Megaesophagus Secondary to a Nasopharyngeal Polyp in a 6-month-old Cat

Background: Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign and inflammatory masses assumed to arise from the middle ear or the eustachian tube with extension into the pharynx. The most common clinical signs associated with nasopharyngeal polyps include respiratory stertor, dyspnea, and otic discharge Neurological signs, including head tilt, facial nerve paralysis, and ataxia, might indicate concurrent involvement of the middle or inner ear. The objective of the current study is to describe a case of a feline nasopharyngeal polyp with a concurrent hiatal hernia and megaesophagus, both spontaneously resolved after removal of the polyp.Case: A 6-month-old, intact, female, domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of lethargy, anorexia, and upper respiratory signs, such as stridor, stertor, and dyspnea. A thoracic radiography revealed esophageal dilation caudal to the cardiac silhouette, suggestive of megaesophagus with gaseous filtration. An esophagram confirmed a hiatal hernia and megaesophagus. Computed tomography revealed a nasopharyngeal mass adjacent to the soft palate and a soft-tissue density in the right tympanic bulla. A tentative diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal polyp was made. After the ventral bulla osteotomy, the nasopharyngeal mass was removed by a gentle traction avulsion technique. Six days after the surgery, hiatal hernia and megaesophagus were spontaneously resolved. Based on histopathologic exam, the mass was found to be an inflammatory nasopharyngeal polyp. Two months after surgery, the owner reported that the patient’s condition had returned to baseline with a good appetite, and the thoracic radiography was within normal limit. Six months after the surgery, the owner reported the patient was completely recovered from the upper airway obstruction signs.Discussion: For successful treatment of a nasopharyngeal polyp, traction avulsion of the polyp with or without a ventral bulla osteotomy is recommended. However, in patients with otitis media, a ventral bulla osteotomy followed by traction avulsion of the polyp is recommended in order to reduce the rate of polyp recurrence. Common clinical signs of a nasopharyngeal polyp are stertor, stridor, dyspnea, dysphagia, and open-mouth breathing, which are identified in a chronic upper airway obstruction. A hiatal hernia secondary to a nasopharyngeal polyp has not been reported so far. However, a relationship between chronic upper airway obstruction and hiatal hernias has been proposed previously. Moreover, hiatal hernia resolved spontaneously after removal of the nasopharyngeal polyp suggests that the occurrence of the hiatal hernia was secondary to the nasopharyngeal polyp. In addition to the hiatal hernia, megaesophagus was also identified in the present case. Megaesophagus secondary to a chronic upper airway obstruction from a nasopharyngeal obstruction has been reported. However, megaesophagus is also thought to occur secondary to hiatal hernias. Therefore, in the current study, it is unclear whether the megaesophagus was solely a result of the obstructive nature of the nasopharyngeal polyp or a combination of the hiatal hernia and the nasopharyngeal polyp. In conclusion, any cat with clinical signs of an upper airway obstruction and a concurrent hiatal hernia and megaesophagus should be thoroughly investigated for a nasopharyngeal polyp, as well as other gastrointestinal and systemic causes. Furthermore, this case suggests that the prognosis for a concurrent hiatal hernia and megaesophagus is good in cats if the nasopharyngeal polyp is properly removed.Keywords: cat, hiatal hernia, megaesophagus, nasopharyngeal polyp

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal craniofacial teratoma: US, MRI findings, a rare case report

Background: Craniofacial teratoma is a rare congenital malformation. We present a case of an intracranial expanding orofacial teratoma, where pathological examination revealed the findings of remarkable ultrasonographic signs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case Presentation: In the 23-week ultrasound examination, a solid cystic mass lesion was revealed in the craniofacial region. MRI showed that the mass had an intracranial extension and spread to the fetal face, and also revealed a marked nasopharyngeal obstruction by the mass. There was a growing tumor protruding from the fetus’s mouth. Slight polyhydramnios was also detected. Conclusion: In detecting prenatal anomaly, although the ultrasound is the first scan method applied, MRI in prenatal diagnosis is very useful for evaluating the extent, nasopharyngeal obstruction degree, and extension into the intracranial region of craniofacial teratoma.

Comparison of Conventional Curettage Adenoidectomy Versus Endoscopic Powered Adenoidectomy: A Randomised Single-Blind Study.

Globally adenoidectomy is increasingly being performed in isolation for children who have middle ear effusion or chronic otitis media, chronic rhinosinusitis and nasopharyngeal obstruction causing sleep apnoea and mouth breathing. Several techniques have been described lately including endoscopic powered adenoidectomy with debrider. The present study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic powered adenoidectomy (EA) with respect to conventional adenoidectomy (CA). It is a prospective study of 60 patients requiring adenoidectomy consisting of 33 males and 27 females randomized into group A with 30 patients undergoing conventional adenoidectomy with curette and 30 patients undergoing endoscopic powered adenoidectomy with micro-debrider. The demographic data (age, sex, adenoid hypertrophy grade assessed by Clemens and Mcmurray scale) in both groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in mean operative time of both groups (CA-29.12 ± 6.70, EA-37.80 ± 6.90min, p < 0.05). The intra-operative blood volume loss was 21.30 ± 5.80ml, 28.24 ± 6.93ml in CA and EA respectively. No significant difference was seen in post-operative pain assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (p-0.39). Complete removal of adenoids was seen in 83.3% cases with EA versus 53.3% with CA (p < 0.05). The residual adenoids noted after the CA and EA in Grade I was 23.3% and 13.3% respectively while in CA, grade II with 16.7% and grade III with 6.7% cases had residual adenoids. Injury to surrounding structure was seen in 16.7% and 10% of CA and EA respectively. However, no difference in complication rate was observed between the study groups (p > 0.05). We conclude that endoscopic powered adenoidectomy is more complete, accurate, with less post-operative pain and lower incidence of recurrence in comparison with conventional adenoidectomy.