Auris Nasus Larynx

Editorial Board

2010-04-01

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae isolated from intractable acute otitis media internalized into cultured human epithelial cells

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the internalization of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) into human epithelial cells.Methods: Bactericidal assay was applied to examine the effects of antibiotics against cell-adherent NTHi using HEp-2 cells. A trans-well chamber assay was applied to examine the internalization and penetration of NTHi using Detroit562 cells.Results: The adherence of NTHi to HEp-2 cells was noted after 2h of incubation. Azithromycin had a strong bactericidal effect against both cell-associated and non-adherent NTHi, while ceftriaxone did not show bactericidal effects on NTHi adhered to the HEp-2 cells. Three (60.0%) out of five NTHi isolates from the nasopharynx of children with intractable acute otitis media (AOM) internalized into and subsequently penetrated through the epithelial cells at various degrees. Azithromycin had a strong bactericidal effect against the cell-internalized NTHi, while ceftriaxone was bactericidal only against extracellular NTHi.Conclusion: The potential of NTHi as the intracellular pathogen may contribute to the persistent existence of this pathogen that result in the prolonged and intractable clinical course of AOM. Azithromycin may be a therapeutically significant antibiotic for patients with prolonged respiratory tract infections due to NTHi.

Prevalence and risk factors for persistent otitis media with effusion in primary school children in Istanbul, Turkey

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: To determine the impact of environmental, epidemiologic and familial factors in the development of persistent otitis media with effusion (OME-OME treated with antibiotics and followed additional 12 weeks) in primary school children in Istanbul.Materials and methods: A total of 1800 children who were attending 4 different primary schools in Sisli and Beyoglu districts of Istanbul were screened and 1740 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into this study. Questionnaires prepared in the Otorhinolaryngology Clinics of Taksim Research and Training Hospital and the forms were delivered to the parents to be filled the day before examination of each child. The forms were collected during the otoscopic examinations. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry tests and pneumatic otoscopy were performed on the children who were diagnosed as OME by otoscopic examination. The association between the children diagnosed as OME and the answers to the questionnaires was evaluated.Results: The prevalence of persistent OME in this paper was 8.7% (152/1740). Frequency of smoking in both parents (p<0.01) and mothers alone (p<0.0001), the frequency of acute otitis media (AOM) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in past 1 year (p<0.0001), incidence of attending day care centers and crèches (p<0.0001), allergy history (p<0.05), the number of siblings (p<0.0001) and poor educational status of the parents (p<0001) were statistically significant factors among children with OME compared to normal children. Sex factors (p>0.05), mothers smoke history during pregnancy (p>0.05), relative marriage (p>0.05), smoking history of the fathers (p>0.05) and duration of breastfeeding (p>0.05) were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Environmental, epidemiologic and familial factors in the etiology of OME are important. The parents must be informed about the risk factors and symptoms of OME and by this way, the development or delayed diagnosis of the disease that may lead to permanent hearing loss may be prevented.

Kurz titanium prosthesis ossiculoplasty—Follow-up statistical analysis of factors affecting one year hearing results

A. Alaani, V.V. Raut — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: Analysis of the one year results of Kurz titanium ossicular prosthesis and the factors affecting the outcome from this prosthesis. The hearing results of titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) and total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) were compared.Methods: This is prospective study of 97 Kurz prosthesis ossiculoplasties, performed by the same senior author (VVR) between 2004 and 2006. All patients undergoing ossiculoplasty using Kurz prosthesis between 2004 and 2006 were included. All patients had minimum follow-up period of one year. There were 97 patients in total. 65 patients had PORP's and 32 had TORP's. The mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps for the frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 3000Hz) were calculated. The improvement of the mean air-bone gap (ABG) and air conduction over the same frequencies were measured. A postoperative ABG less than or equal to 20dB was considered a successful result. Statistical analysis was used to identify the factors which affect the postoperative results.Results: The mean preoperative ABG was 27.89dB (SD=11.71). The mean postoperative ABG for the entire series was 11.39dB (SD=10.47). The mean improvement in ABG was 16.50dB (SD=14.00). 81.4% (79 patients) had postoperative ABG≤20dB. 56.7% (55 patients) of the patients had postoperative ABG≤10dB. The mean postoperative ABG for all PORP patients was 10.6dB (SD=9.7). The mean postoperative ABG of TORP was higher in this study (14.84dB, SD=12.86) but it was not statistically significant (p=0.10, 2-tailed t-test, 95% CI −9.35 to 0.924). There was no significant effect of age, presence or absence of cholesteatoma or retraction pocket, type of mastoid surgery and thickness of the cartilage graft used on the results. The effect of the preoperative ossicular condition on the postoperative hearing results was also analysed.Conclusion: Titanium ossicular reconstruction gives stable short-term results. There was no statistically significant difference between the total and partial replacement prostheses. The preoperative status of the stapes superstructure did influence the mean postoperative ABG.

New insight into the bony labyrinth: A microcomputed tomography study

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objectives: To visualize and quantify the morphology and mineralization of the developing fetal human bony labyrinth, using 3D-microcomputed tomography (3D-μCT) imaging.Methods: Eleven right temporal bones from late second and third trimester fetuses were used in this prospective pilot study. After fixation in 10% formalin solution, all samples underwent a microcomputed tomography (μCT) scan, permitting the 3D imaging of the bony labyrinth as well as the quantitative assessment of mineral density, angular distances and dimensions of inner ear components the progression of ossification was precised with histological observations.Results: Our findings show different rates of growth among the semicircular canals, the vestibular aqueduct, the oval window, the round window and the cochlea. The final sizes of the cochlea and round window are achieved at 23 weeks of gestation, with heights of 5mm and 2mm, respectively. The oval window reaches adult size at 35 weeks, whereas the vestibular aqueduct will attain adult size after birth. An increasing degree of torsion of each semicircular canal is observed during fetal development. The superior semicircular canal achieves adult size at 24 weeks, before the posterior and the lateral canals (25 weeks). The time-course of ossification and mineralization observed in structures and confirmed by histology.Conclusions: During this developmental period poorly studied until now, our findings suggest that each part of the bony labyrinth follows distinct growth and ossification kinetics trajectories, some of these reaching their adult size only after birth.

Loop overlay tympanoplasty for anterior or subtotal perforations

Heung-Yeup Lee, Hyeon-Jin Auo, Jun-Myung Kang — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: To report our experience with “loop overlay” tympanoplasty, a modified overlay technique with a superiorly based skin flap, for the reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.Methods: Retrospective review of patients undergoing loop overlay tympanoplasty from March 1998 to February 2007 was performed. Four hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent loop overlay tympanoplasty and then follow-up visits a minimum of 6 months later were included in this study. Hearing test results were reported using a four-frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 3kHz) pure tone average air–bone gap. The outcome was considered successful if the TM was intact without lateralization or anterior blunting after the follow-up visit.Results: There was a 98.8% success rate. There was no graft lateralization, anterior blunting, neocholesteatoma, or sensorineural hearing loss. The mean preoperative to postoperative four-tone air–bone gap improved from 23.5 to 8.1dB, which is a mean gain of 15dB; this was statistically significant (p<0.001, paired sample t-test).Conclusion: The loop overlay graft method is a safe and effective technique for reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total TM perforations, with excellent graft take and significant improvement of hearing. It provides a precise replacement of the flap and a preserved healing plane.

3D analysis of spontaneous nystagmus in early stage of vestibular neuritis

T. Yagi, Yasuo Koizumi, Kazuki Sugizaki — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: The pathological localization of vestibular neuritis is still controversial. Analyses of the spontaneous nystagmus support the temporal bone studies, which indicated the location of the pathology to be in the superior vestibular nerve. However, based on the data from the head impulse testing the pathology is in the vestibular nerve including the inferior branch.Methods: Twenty-three patients with vestibular neuritis participated in this study. The spontaneous nystagmus was recorded within 1 week after the onset of the disease. Three-dimensional analysis of the nystagmus was performed using video image analysis system. The rotation axis was calculated and compared to the anatomical axes of the semicircular canals.Results: The axes of the spontaneous nystagmus in all patients were scattered around the axes of horizontal and anterior canals, especially between the compound axis of anterior and horizontal canals and the axis of horizontal canal. The statistical analysis revealed that in the quite early stage of the disease (day 0–2 of the attack), the spontaneous nystagmus tended to have more torsional eye movements as compared to the less early stage (day 3–6).Conclusion: The present study strongly suggests that the pathology of vestibular neuritis is in the superior vestibular nerve branch. Also it can be speculated that at the early stage of this disease, the pathology is in the whole branch of the nerve. Subsequently, the anterior canal branch recovers faster than the horizontal canal branch.

Organized hematoma in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity—Imaging diagnosis and pathological findings

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objectives: The “organized hematoma” is a non-neoplastic, hemorrhagic lesion, which can develop in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity. This is the first report on the relationship between the imaging and pathological findings.Methods: We diagnosed organized hematoma, based on three criteria: no existence of neoplastic cells; consistency of hematoma and fibrosis; and development from the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity. We retrospectively investigated six cases from the patients’ medical records.Results: On the imaging findings, the central part of the lesion was enhanced more strongly than the lesion periphery. All of the pathological findings were hematoma at the center, and fibrosis at the periphery. In three of the cases, dilated vessels were found but not in the other three.Conclusion: We found that the biphasic appearance of the imaging findings correlated with that of the pathological findings. There are two pathological types – the dilated vessel type and the non-dilated vessel type.

Endoscopic intraoperative control of epistaxis in nasal surgery

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: : Epistaxis represents a dangerous post-operative complication of nasal surgery. The advances of endoscopic procedures have also brought along the possibility of a surgical solution of nasal bleeding. These procedures include endoscopic cautery of the bleeding points, and more difficult techniques of endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery or the anterior ethmoidal artery. These surgical methods permit avoiding nasal packing, a very annoying procedure for the patient. This study aims to evaluate the advantages of this approach at the end of a nasal surgery to prevent routine nasal packing.Method: : 133 subjects were operated on by the same surgeon in the Otorhinolaringology Department of University of Foggia (Italy) from March 2006 to March 2007. 17 (12.8%) patients were submitted to septoplasty, 42 (31.5%) to turbinoplasty (in 22 accompanied by septoplasty) and 74 (55.6%) to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for nasal polyposis or nasal tumors.Results: : Only 16 cases (12%) underwent nasal packing, while in the remaining 117 (88%) endoscopic control of bleeding permitted avoiding packing. In 53 (39.8%) patients only an endoscopic cauterization of bleeding points was performed; in 29 (21.8%) cases a sphenopalatine artery ligation was necessary. Only 2 subjects (1.5%) underwent anterior ethmoidal artery ligation. In the remaining 34 (25.5%) patients no procedure was necessary, due to the apparently scarce bleeding in the endoscopic vision at the end of surgery. In this group of non-packed patients, only 8 (6.8%) needed a post-operative tamponade while in the group of packed patients, 2 (12.5%) cases had a re-bleeding and a revisional surgery was necessary.Conclusion: : Intra-operative precautional packing is therefore not justified during nasal surgery because of the small percentage of post-operative epistaxis. Intra-operative control of bleeding allowed nasal packing to be avoided in a large percentage of cases.

Predicting safe tonsillectomy for ambulatory surgery

Raja Ahmad, Kahairi Abdullah, Zamzil Amin, Jamalludin A. Rahman — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the safety of tonsillectomy procedure in local setting.Methods: Retrospective review of 267 tonsillectomy patients in Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Malaysia from January 2006 to December 2007.Results: Only 2.6% had trauma, 1.1% had difficult intubation, 0.7% had anaesthetic complication and none developed bleeding intra-operatively. Post-operatively, both primary and secondary haemorrhage showed prevalence of 1.9% each, 1.1% patients had infection and 0.4% patients had inability of extubation while another 1.9% had other complications. Duration of post-operative hospital stay was only slightly increased with occurrence of intra-operative complications but not with post-operative complications. Significant increase in risk was observed for both primary haemorrhage (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09min, P=0.020) and respiratory complications (OR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16min, P=0.024) by 4.5% and 8.3%, respectively, with every 1-min increase in length of surgery.Conclusions: The observed low prevalence of complications corresponded with large number of studies denoting safety of tonsillectomy. This may well be increased by appropriately reducing the length of surgery. Although predictors for complications were unable to be determined, it is not advisable for ambulatory tonsillectomy to be performed on OSA patients considering the respiratory complications observed in our setting.

Effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc concentration and ratio of apo/holo-activities of angiotensin converting enzyme in patients with taste impairment

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on hypogeusia, serum zinc concentration and the ratio of apo/holo-activities of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE ratio) in patients with taste impairment. ACE ratio was used as an index of zinc nutritional status.Methods: Forty patients complaining of taste impairment were divided into two groups: zinc deficiency taste impairment (n=12) and idiopathic taste impairment (n=28). Patients with zincemia values of less than 63μg/dl with no history of other disorder or medication known to cause dysgeusia were diagnosed as zinc deficiency group, while those with the same condition and values more than 64μg/dl were considered to belong to the idiopathic group. Patients orally received 150mg of polaprezinc containing 33mg of zinc every day. Subjective symptom was scored according to visual analogue scale (VAS).Results: Zinc supplementation improved hypogeusia in both idiopathic and zinc deficiency groups. The mean improvements of VAS were 3.02±3.03 in the idiopathic group and 3.13±2.53 in the zinc deficiency group. Thus, there were no significant differences in idiopathic and zinc deficiency groups. Significant correlations were found between the improvement of VAS score and the ACE ratio after zinc supplementation in both idiopathic and zinc deficiency groups. On the contrary, significant correlations were not found between the improvement of VAS score and the zinc concentration in the serum after zinc supplementation in both groups.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that zinc deficiency is a predominant factor underlying taste impairment and ACE ratio may be a predictor of the prognosis for taste impairment after zinc supplementation, in addition to a more sensitive indicator of zinc nutrition than zinc concentration in the serum.

Association of a globus sensation with esophageal diseases

Hiromi Nagano, Kousuke Yoshifuku, Yuichi Kurono — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between a globus sensation and esophageal diseases using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods: The study population consisted of 52 consecutive patients (33 men, 19 women, age 46–94 years old) with a globus sensation without laryngeal and hypopharyngeal findings who were referred to the Department of Otolaryngology at Ooshima Prefecture Hospital. The subjects were examined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Results: Nineteen patients (36.5%) had esophageal disorder, including 10 cases of reflux esophagitis, 5 of esophageal candidiasis, 3 of esophageal cancer. and 1 of herpes and reflux esophagitis. Neither age nor duration of symptoms differed significantly between patients without an esophageal disorder and those with reflux esophagitis or esophageal candidiasis.Conclusions: The results suggest that examination for esophageal diseases is important in patients with a globus sensation without laryngeal and hypopharyngeal findings.

Angioedema: 6 years experience with fourteen cases

2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: To study the difference in the findings between the causes of angioedema and the characteristics of angioedema induced by angiotensin receptor II blockers (ARBs), and to investigate whether laboratory examinations for acute phase inflammatory markers can aid in diagnosis and predict airway risk.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed fourteen cases of patients with angioedema that were treated from 2000 to 2006. Data were collected regarding age, sex, location of the edema, cause, time course of resolution and laboratory examinations (leukocyte counts, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, complement function and the activity of C1 esterase inhibitor).Results: The causes of angioedema were ACEIs in six patients (42.9%), candesartan (ARB) in three (21.4%), HAE (types 1 and 2) in two, and unknown in three. Of these patients, 71.4% exhibited edema in the floor of the mouth, irrespective of the cause. Two patients with edema induced by candesartan exhibited both lingual and laryngeal edemas. The remaining one with candesartan-induced edema exhibited edema in the neck and mediastinum and pleural effusion.The average time to resolution was 4.1 days, ranging from one to twelve days. The edema in eleven patients resolved with conservative therapy, while three patients underwent tracheotomy. In two patients with candesartan-induced edema, although the edemas resolved completely after cessation of candesartan administration, the edemas reappeared in the same locations, two and thirty days after the cessation of candesartan for each patient.None of the patients with angioedema induced by ACEIs exhibited elevation of serum CRP levels. No significant differences were found for leukocyte counts and serum CRP levels between patients with angioedemas induced by ACEIs, ARB and those of unknown cause. No significant differences were observed in the above findings between the patients who underwent tracheotomy and those who did not. Two patients exhibited low C4 levels, and one of the two exhibited no activity of C1 esterase inhibitor.Conclusion: Consistent with previous reports, angioedema in the floor of the mouth extending to the tongue should be considered as a possible risk factor for airway compromise. Laboratory examinations for acute phase inflammatory markers are not useful for diagnosis and are not predictive for airway intubation and tracheotomy. Angioedema induced by candesartan can present in anomalous sites and reappear following drug cessation even if the edema has resolved completely.

Analysis of 59 cases with free flap thrombosis after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer

Seiichi Yoshimoto, Kazuyoshi Kawabata, Hiroki Mitani — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: There have been few reports addressing methods of dealing with free flap thrombosis after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer. The present study, through a detailed analysis of the subsequent course of patients who developed postoperative flap thrombosis, aims to clarify possible methods of salvage surgery in the event of vascular occlusion despite rigorous postoperative follow-up.Methods: We analyzed 59 cases of postoperative thrombosis in 1031 patients who underwent free flap transfer and considered the most appropriate salvage surgery in the event of total flap necrosis.Results: The flap salvage rate through vascular reanastomosis was highest for radial forearm flaps, with salvage of jejunal flaps being problematic if postoperative thrombosis occurred. For cases of postoperative thrombosis among patients who underwent reconstruction using a jejunal flap, the period of hospitalization was significantly extended for those patients in whom a second jejunal flap grafting was impossible. For cases of postoperative thrombosis among patients who underwent reconstruction using a radial forearm flap (FA), rectus abdominis flap (RA), or anterior lateral thigh flap (ALT), no significant difference was observed between those undergoing re-grafting with a free flap and those with a pedicled flap.Conclusion: We concluded that, among patients who undergo reconstruction using a jejunal flap, thrombosis should be discovered at an early stage to enable another jejunal flap re-grafting. For patients who undergo reconstruction using a FA, RA, or ALT, if thrombosis can be discovered at an early stage, there is a possibility of salvaging the flap by means of vascular reanastomosis. If it should prove impossible to salvage the flap, however, primary suture of the defect or reconstruction with a pedicled flap may also be considered.

Factors involved in free flap thrombosis after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer

Seiichi Yoshimoto, Kazuyoshi Kawabata, Hiroki Mitani — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: Reconstructive surgery in which a free flap is used following extended resection for head and neck cancer has been popular for more than a quarter of a century. However, postoperative total flap necrosis has not been completely resolved, and few studies have analyzed the specific risk factors for this complication.Methods: Over a three-year period from 2005 to 2007, 388 flaps were used for reconstructive surgery on 384 patients at Department of Head and Neck of the Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, and the results for 22 flaps with thrombosis were analyzed.Results: The only statistically significant risk factor for free flap thrombosis was the history of radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Conclusions: It will be necessary to keep this observation in mind when performing salvage surgery following chemoradiotherapy, which is expected to be performed more often in the future.

Nasal downward swing approach coupled with the facial dismasking flap

Seiji Kishimoto, Atsunobu Tsunoda, Hiroko Koda — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Objective: For the purpose of an en bloc resection with sufficient margins, a wide surgical field is necessary. We have reported on the application of a facial dismasking flap for removals of craniofacial lesions in order to provide a better surgical field with less morbidity. In this paper, we are introducing a new method, which is called the “nasal downward swing approach”.Methods: This approach is a modification of the facial dismaking flap, which elevates the nasal bone along with the facial skin.Results: This approach offers an extremely wide surgical field on the facial front, especially the nasal cavity, while keeping scarring or facial paresis down to a bare minimum.Conclusion: This approach helps to preserve the entire shape of the nasal bone in particular, therefore, a good surgical option for pediatric patients.

Changes in endolymphatic hydrops in a patient with Meniere's disease observed using magnetic resonance imaging

2010-04-01

Abstract: We describe a case report of a patient with Meniere's disease whose changes in endolymphatic hydrops were observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gadolinium was injected intratympanically through the tympanic membrane, and MRI scans performed with a 3-T MRI unit revealed endolymphatic hydrops inside the perilymphatic space filled with gadolinium. We evaluated the relationship between the image findings and hearing level. The correlation between the degree of endolymphatic hydrops observed by MRI and hearing level in patients with Meniere's disease offers a promising new method to study the progression of Meniere's disease.

Bilateral progressive hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction with inner ear antibodies

2010-04-01

Abstract: Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a clinical syndrome of uncertain etiology. We present the neuro-otological findings of 2 cases of bilateral hearing loss, dizziness and the antibody profiles of the inner ears. Case 1 had bilateral progressive hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction and abnormal eye movement as the disease progressed. She had inner ear antibodies against 42 and 58kDa protein antigency on Western blot immune assay, and responded to glycocorticosteroid but not to immunosuppressant treatment. Intratympanic steroid injection temporally eliminated her symptoms. However, she developed idiopathic Cushing's syndrome and underwent labyrinthectomy. Case 2 became deaf as a teenager and experienced dizziness 10 years after becoming deaf. He reacted strongly to 68kDa protein and was a good responder to immunosuppressant with steroid. As we still lack a definitive diagnostic test for AIED, careful observation of the clinical course is critical for differential diagnosis regarding the bilateral progressive hearing loss.

Neuro-Behçet's disease with dizziness

Akemi Sugita-Kitajima, Izumi Koizuka — 2010-04-01

Abstract: A 30-year-old man had complete-type Behçet's disease since he was 23 years old. Disease signs and symptoms were well controlled. After experiencing no symptoms for some years, however, he experienced dizziness, headache, fever, dysarthria, right facial nerve palsy, and right tinnitus. He showed spontaneous horizontal-rotatory nystagmus directed toward the right side, and upbeat nystagmus. T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI showed slight hyperintense signals in the medulla oblongata, pons, and left midbrain. Neurological involvement in Behçet's disease was diagnosed.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis: A rare occurrence in the sinonasal tract

Andrea Bizzoni, Davide Lombardi, Roberto Maroldi, Paolo Incardona, Piero Nicolai — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a systemic reaction to inadequate hematopoiesis. We report two exceedingly rare cases of EMH involving the paranasal sinuses. The first patient, a 30-year-old man, presented with a maxillary sinus mass. The lesion was excised by endoscopic surgery: definitive histology identified foci of EMH within an inflammatory fibromyxoid pseudotumor. The second case occurred in a 29-year-old man affected by intermediate β-thalassemia. He was hospitalized with a diagnosis of sphenoid sinus mucocele secondary to an ethmoid lesion. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the mass and drainage of the sphenoid mucocele. At definitive histology, a diagnosis of EMH was established. Herein, the presenting modalities, imaging profile, and treatment options of this rare EMH localization are reviewed.

Adenocarcinoma of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity with lung metastasis showing complete response to combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF): A case report

Hiromi Nagano, Kousuke Yoshifuku, Kouji Deguchi, Yuichi Kurono — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Malignant tumors in the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity are mostly squamous cell carcinomas, with comparatively few adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinoma developing in paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity generally has a low response to radiotherapy and low chemotherapeutic sensitivity, making surgery the most reliable treatment. However, advanced adenocarcinoma is often difficult to treat due to anatomical complexity, and the outcome may not be satisfactory. We report the case of a 62-year-old man who presented with nasal congestion and epistaxis. We were unable to observe an oncogenic lesion in the nasal cavity directly, but the tumor gave inhomogeneous low intensity signals on T1-weighted images and an isointense signal on T2-weighted images in MRI. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by open biopsy. Six courses of chemotherapy by super-selective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin with concurrent intensity-modulated radiation therapy of 70Gy were performed at another hospital. However, the tumor enlarged and developed distant metastasis to the lung after this therapy. Therefore, TPF chemotherapy (docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) was performed 5 times, after which the tumor gradually reduced in size. The patient is alive after a follow-up period of 43 months, indicating that TPF chemotherapy may be useful for adenocarcinoma of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.

New treatment for invasive fungal sinusitis: Three cases of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis treated with surgery and voriconazole

2010-04-01

Abstract: Invasive fungal sinusitis is a relatively rare disease and can be divided into acute fulminant, chronic, and granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis. The conventional treatment is radical surgery combined with systemic amphotericin B administration, but the poor prognosis and unestablished treatment options require a better therapeutic strategy. We report three cases of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis successfully treated with a combination of surgery and voriconazole, a new antifungal agent, with good responses in all patients. Voriconazole administration could form the basis for a new standard treatment for invasive fungal sinusitis.

A case of invasive paranasal aspergillosis that developed from a non-invasive form during 5-year follow-up

2010-04-01

Abstract: Invasive paranasal aspergillosis has been previously reported, but there have been no case reports of non-invasive paranasal aspergillosis that progressed to the invasive form during follow-up. A case of non-invasive aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus that appeared to become invasive during 5-year follow-up is reported. The patient was diagnosed as having non-invasive aspergillosis at the first visit because CT images revealed only mucosal thickening and calcifications in the right maxillary sinus. Five years later, CT images showed an invasive mass lesion in the orbit and large bone destruction of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. The patient was rescued by total removal of the orbital contents with zygomatic ostectomy followed by appropriate antifungal chemotherapy irrespective of residual tissue invasion. We would propose that appropriate surgical treatment and antifungal agents are necessary to improve the prognosis of invasive aspergillosis.

Sulcus vocalis in monozygotic twins

Zeynep Alkan Cakir, Ozgur Yigit, Ismail Kocak, A. Volkan Sunter, Muzeyyen Dogan — 2010-04-01

Abstract: Sulcus vocalis is the presence of a groove extending along the vibratory surface of a vocal fold and may result in dysphonia. Depending on the level of severity, this condition may require treatment involving complicated surgical techniques. Cases of sulcus vocalis are classified as physiological, vergeture, or pouch type. A clear explanation of the etiology has not been established, and the currently proposed congenital origin, as described in the literature, remains controversial. This paper presents findings from monozygotic twin sisters with bilateral sulcus vocalis; these patients had similar morphologies, vibratory characteristics, and vocal quality measurements, which support the theory of a congenital etiology.

Laryngeal kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: Case report and literature review

Dong Wook Kim, Jin Haeng Chung, Soon Hyun Ahn, Tack-Kyun Kwon — 2010-04-01

Abstract: The kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm of borderline or intermediate malignant potential in which involvement of the head and neck region is rare.A 5-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency room with abrupt massive hemoptysis. Transoral laryngoscopy revealed a round, reddish mass with active bleeding on the anterior portion of the left vocal fold region. Since re-hemoptysis and large amount of aspiration caused breathing difficulties for the patient, suspension exam was performed under general anesthesia. Mass excision and thorough bleeding control was performed with laser assisted laryngo-micro system. Postoperatively, there was no further bleeding. The pathologic diagnosis of the tumor was KHE.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a KHE in the larynx presenting as recurrent hemoptysis in childhood.

Surgical treatment of primary tracheal dyskinesia in a 14-month-old child—Case report

2010-04-01

Abstract: The primary form of tracheal dyskinesia in early childhood is a rare congenital malformation of unknown origin. The degree of the posterior membranous tracheal wall involvement determines the intensity of obstruction and the severity of the clinical picture. The aim of this paper is to present a case of a 14-month-old child with severe tracheal dyskinesia that required surgical treatment. Fascia lata graft fixated with fibrin glue was used in strengthening the posterior tracheal wall. Three years following the surgery, the child is without breathing difficulties. In severe cases of primary dyskinesia, surgical treatment using fascia lata graft, fixated with fibrin glue is recommended in strengthening the posterior tracheal wall.