A new classification for septal perforation and effects of treatment methods on quality of life

IntroductionSeptal perforation is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage and/or bony structures along with the mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum lining them. The etiology includes a history of nasal surgery or trauma, nose picking, bilateral septal cauterization, overuse of nasal sprays, cocaine abuse, vasculitis, and malignancies.ObjectiveComparison of quality of life in patients with septal perforation after conservative or surgical treatment, and a new approach for the determination of the diameter of the perforation from a different point of view.MethodsThe diameter of septal perforation, total vertical diameter of septum, and horizontal diameter of the perforation were measured in a total of 34 patients. Nineteen of the patients underwent surgical septal perforation repair, and 15 of them received septal button application. The patients were asked to complete the Glasgow Benefit Inventory quality of life questionnaire.ResultsThe septal perforation successfully healed in 18 of 19 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The quality of life scores were statistically significantly higher in the surgical treatment group when compared to the button group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe septal perforation classification we propose would be beneficial for providing realistic dimensions, treatment methods, and surgical techniques.     

Solitary plasmacytoma of the jaws: therapeutical considerations and prognosis based on a case reports systematic survey

IntroductionSolitary plasmacytoma is a rare malignant tumor of plasma cells with no evidence of systemic proliferation. There are two known subtypes: extramedullary solitary plasmacytoma and solitary bone plasmacytoma. The etiology is still unknown. Both lesions present a risk of progression to multiple myeloma. A number of approaches have been used for treatment of solitary plasmacytoma.ObjectiveTo carry out a systematic review of the case reports described in the literature, focusing on therapeutic and prognostic aspects.MethodsA search of clinical case reports was performed in the PubMed database using Mesh Terms related to “plasmacytoma” under the following criteria: type of study (case report), articles in English language, conducted in humans, with no publication date limits.ResultsOf the 216 articles found, only 21 articles met the pre-established inclusion criteria.ConclusionThe occurrence of solitary bone plasmacytoma in the bones of the face is a rare condition prevalent between the 4th and 6th decades of life, located in the posterior region of the mandible in most cases. Histopathological examination and systemic investigation are mandatory for confirmation of diagnosis.     

Head trauma and Cochlear implant displacement – A systematic review

ObjectiveCochlear implant (CI) migration due to head trauma is a rare complication, and there is limited data summarizing this topic. This review seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of risk factors, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for traumatic CI displacement.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Protocol was followed using the PubMed and MED-LINE databases from 2000 to 2021, with manual cross-checks of reference lists of identified articles for additional relevant studies. The keywords used for database searches included “cochlear implant”, “migration”, “displacement”, “extrusion” and “head trauma”. All full-text articles available in English were screened, including single case presentations. Abstracts, commentaries, and publications deemed outside the scope of our study aims were excluded from review.ResultsAfter the removal of duplicate articles, a total of 152 articles were screened. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were included in the review. Due to heterogeneity of the available literature, a qualitative synthesis was employed to integrate results by identifying common themes among the relevant studies.ConclusionsThe incidence of traumatic CI migration is extremely low and can be due to receiver-stimulator displacement, magnet displacement, or electrode extrusion. Migration occurred anywhere from 3 months to 26 years after implantation, suggesting that risk of migration from head trauma does not depend solely on time from implantation. There are several methods for repairing migrated CI, but there is limited data comparing operative techniques, specifically in the prevention of traumatic CI migration.     

Mastoid obliteration and reconstruction techniques: A review of the literature

ObjectiveTo review the published literature related to the different obliteration and reconstruction techniques in the management of the canal wall down mastoidectomy.MethodsA PubMed (Medline) and LILACS databases as well as crossed references search was performed with the following Mesh terms: “cholesteatoma”, “cholesteatoma-middle ear”, “otitis media”, “otitis media, suppurative”, “mastoiditis”, “mastoidectomy”, “canal wall down mastoidectomy”, “radical mastoidectomy”, “mastoid obliteration” and crossed references. Inclusion criteria were adult patients subject to mastoid cavity obliteration and posterior canal wall reconstruction. The technique and materials used, anatomic and functional results, complications, recurrence rates, and changes in quality of life, were analyzed. A total of 94 articles were screened, 38 were included for full-text detailed review.ResultsTwenty-one articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Techniques and materials used for canal wall reconstruction, tympanoplasty, and ossiculoplasty were varied and included autologous, biosynthetic, or both. Auditory results were reported in 16 studies and were inconsistent. Three studies reported improvement in the quality of life using the GBI scale. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 83 months. Eleven articles used imaging studies to evaluate postoperative disease recurrence. The highest recurrence rate reported for cholesteatoma after obliteration was 19%. The most frequently reported complications were retraction pockets and transient otorrhea.ConclusionPlenty of techniques combining grafts and other materials have been used to overcome mastoidectomy cavity problems. So far, it is still not possible to standardize an ideal procedure. The available level of evidence for this topic is low and limited.     

A clinical survey on patients with taste disorders in Japan: A comparative study

ObjectiveTo investigate changes in the clinical state of taste disorders between 1990, 2003, and 2019 using the same methodology as that in previous studies.Materials and methodsIn June 2019, we mailed a questionnaire to 1100 otolaryngologists belonging to the Japan Society of Stomato-pharyngology and investigated three question categories: “Institution”, “Number of patients for 3 months”, and “Treatment”. In addition, we analyzed some results by the class of institution.ResultsThe rate of patients who complained of taste disorders in the 2019 survey (220/100,000 persons/year) was twice that of the 1990 survey (110/100,000 persons/year), and slightly higher than that of the 2003 survey (192/100,000 persons/year). The rate of female patients was higher than that of male patients in all age groups. The number of patients was correlated with age up to 70 years of age in both genders. The rates of performing taste tests to assess taste function in the 2019 survey were significantly decreased compared with a 2003 survey (electrogustometry: p<0.001, filter paper disk method: p<0.05 in university). The rate of examination of the serum zinc in the 2019 survey was increased compared with the 1990 survey (p<0.001). Zinc oral therapy was used for the treatment of taste disorders in 239/299 (79.9%) patients/institutes for 3 months. In addition, 213 institutions (69.6%) answered that zinc oral therapy was efficacious for taste disorders.ConclusionThe patients who complained of taste disorder have increased. The zinc administration is an appropriate clinical treatment for taste disorders in Japan. To enhance treatment for taste disorders, simpler methods for assessing taste function need to be developed, and the pathological mechanisms of taste disorders other than zinc deficiency need to be clarified.     

Success rates for various graft materials in tympanoplasty – A review

ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to review how successful each type of grafts is in tympanoplasty.MethodsPubmed, Google and the Proquest Central Database at Kırıkkale University were queried using the keywords “graft”, “success” “tympanoplasty”, “success rate” with the search limited to the period 1955 to 2017.ResultsVarious types of graft materials including temporalis fascia, cartilage, perichondrium, periosteum, vein, fat or skin have been used in the reconstruction of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. Although temporalis fascia ensures good hearing is restored, there are significant concerns that its dimensional stability characteristics may lead to residual perforation, especially where large TM perforations are involved. The “palisade cartilage” and “cartilage island” techniques have been stated to increase the strength and stability of a tympanic graft, but they may result in a less functional outcome in terms of restoring hearing. Smoking habits, the size and site of a perforation, the expertise level of the operating surgeon, age, gender, the status of the middle ear mucosa and the presence of myringosclerosis or tympanosclerosis are all important in determining how successful a graft is.ConclusionAlthough temporal fascia is the most commonly used graft material for tympanoplasty, poor graft stability may cause failure. This failure is due to the inclusion of connective fibrous tissue containing irregular elastic fibers present in the grafted fascia. Cartilage grafts offer better ability to resist infection, pressure, and cope with insufficient vascular supply. This means that cartilage grafts are suitable for use in revision cases.     

Defining the microbiome of the head and neck: A contemporary review

ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to define the microbiome of the head and neck by characterizing and distinguishing the commensal bacteria from pathogenic species.Study designLiterature review.MethodsPubmed and Google scholar databases were queried for relevant articles. Keywords such as “middle ear microbiome”, “outer ear microbiome”, “sinonasal microbiome”, “tonsil microbiome”, and “laryngeal microbiome” were utilized separately to identify articles pertaining to each topic of study. All applicable abstracts were chosen for initial review and relevant abstracts were then selected for review of the full texts. Articles that did not study the human microbiome, those not written primarily in English, those that were not readily available for full review, and case reports were excluded from the study.ResultsLimited studies that investigate the microbial environments of isolated anatomic subsites in the head and neck exist, however the comprehensive microbiome of the head and neck has yet to be completely defined. Based on this review, various studies of the ears, larynx, tonsils and sinus microbiomes exist and yield valuable information, however they are limited in scope and anatomic subsite. In this literature review, these studies are compiled in order to create a comprehensive text inclusive of the known microbial elements of the major anatomic subsites of the head and neck, namely the tonsils, larynx, sinus, outer ear and middle ear.ConclusionsThe significance of the human microbiome in identifying and preventing disease has been established in various physiologic systems, however there is limited research on the microbiome of the head and neck. Understanding the microbiome of the head and neck can help differentiate disease-prone patients from normal patients and guide treatment regimens and antibiotic usage, to aid in resistance control and limit adverse effects of antibiotic overuse. Understanding the elements that lead to dysbiosis can help treat and even prevent common conditions as tonsillitis and rhinosinusitis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review to serve as an initial background for future studies to define the head and neck microbiome distinguished by all relevant subsites.     

Normative values for singing voice handicap index – systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionThere are no official diagnostic protocols for singing voice assessment. In this publication, on the basis of a literature review, standards for the singing voice handicap index exclusively dedicated to voice disorders in singing have been given.ObjectiveThe study aims to determine the normative values for the singing voice handicap index.MethodsThe study is a systematic review and a meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed to access relevant databases and to locate outcome studies. The “inclusion” criteria were as follows: English language, original papers and human studies retrospective and prospective papers, cross-sectional and case-control studies.ResultsEight articles were included for the final analysis. The normative value for the singing voice handicap index was 20.35 with a confidential range of 10.6–30.1 for a group of 729 healthy subjects whose voices were judged as normal, with an age range of 16–64 years.ConclusionThe mean normative value of the singing voice handicap index was 20.35 with the confidence levels between 10.6 and 30.1.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of extratympanic electrocochleography in Ménière’s disease diagnosis

Objective: Determine whether a combination of electrocochleography determined summating/action potential (SP/AP) ratio and other audiological measurements has greater sensitivity and specificity than that achieved with electrocochleography SP/AP ratio alone in diagnosing definite Ménière’s Disease.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study sample: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched using search terms “electrocochleography”, “ECochG, ,“ECoG”, “Ménière’s Disease”, and “Idiopathic Endolymphatic Hydrops”. Inclusion criteria were extratympanic electrocochleography methodology, English language publication between January 2002 and December 2017, and the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Ménière’s disease diagnostic criteria. Five articles satisfied inclusion criteria and were sufficiently detailed for aggregate quantitative analysis of SP/AP ratio (315 subjects) and combination audiological measures (113 subjects).

Results: The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the SP/AP amplitude ratio was 47.6% and 83.8% and of combination diagnostic measures 63.5% and 89.3%, respectively. Point estimates of sensitivity (p?=?0.248) and specificity (p?=?0.969) and the summary Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (p?=?0.407) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Statistically, combination diagnostic measures do not result in greater accuracy of definite Ménière’s disease diagnosis compared to the SP/AP amplitude ratio alone. However, given the small sample size further studies are recommended to arrive at a definitive conclusion.     

Work-related voice disorder

IntroductionDysphonia is the main symptom of the disorders of oral communication. However, voice disorders also present with other symptoms such as difficulty in maintaining the voice (asthenia), vocal fatigue, variation in habitual vocal fundamental frequency, hoarseness, lack of vocal volume and projection, loss of vocal efficiency, and weakness when speaking. There are several proposals for the etiologic classification of dysphonia: functional, organofunctional, organic, and work-related voice disorder (WRVD).ObjectiveTo conduct a literature review on WRVD and on the current Brazilian labor legislation.MethodsThis was a review article with bibliographical research conducted on the PubMed and Bireme databases, using the terms “work-related voice disorder”, “occupational dysphonia”, “dysphonia and labor legislation”, and a review of labor and social security relevant laws.ConclusionWRVD is a situation that frequently is listed as a reason for work absenteeism, functional rehabilitation, or for prolonged absence from work. Currently, forensic physicians have no comparative parameters to help with the analysis of vocal disorders. In certain situations WRVD may cause, work disability. This disorder may be labor-related, or be an adjuvant factor to work-related diseases.     

Quality of life in children with sleep-disordered breathing

Children may present sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and suffer with adverse effects upon their quality of life.ObjectiveThis study assessed the quality of life of children with SDB, compared subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and primary snoring (PS), and identified which areas in the OSA-18 questionnaire are more affected.MethodsThis is a historical cohort cross-sectional study carried out on a consecutive sample of children with history of snoring and adenotonsillar hyperplasia. The subject's quality of life was assessed based on the answers their caregivers gave in the OSA-18 questionnaire and on diagnostic polysomnography tests.ResultsA number of 59 children participated in this study with mean age of 6.7 ± 2.26 years. The mean score of the OSA-18 was 77.9 ± 13.22 and the area most affected were “caregiver concerns” (21.8 ± 4.25), “sleep disturbance” (18.8 ± 5.19), “physical suffering” (17.3 ± 5.0). The impact was low in 6 children (10.2%), moderate in 33 (55.9%) and high in 20 (33.9%). PS was found in 44 children (74.6%), OSAS in 15 (25.6%). OSAS had higher score on “physical suffering” area than PS (p = 0.04). The AI (r = 0.22; p = 0.08) and AHI (r = 0.14; p = 0.26) were not correlated with OSA-18.ConclusionSleep disordered breathing in childhood cause impairment in quality of life and areas most affected the OSA-18 were: “caregiver concerns”, “sleep disturbance” and “physical suffering”. OSAS has the domain “physical suffering” more affected than primary snorers.     

Oral benign neoplasms: A retrospective study of 790 patients over a 14-year period

Introduction and objectiveOral benign neoplasms (OBNs) exhibit some features that can guide the professionals to the correct diagnosis and best treatment. Through retrospective studies, medical records can be reviewed to better describe a given population and, furthermore, help clinicians in routine practice. In this context, the objective of this paper was to analyze the cases of OBNs of an oral pathology referral department, from 2003 to 2017, in order to better understand their epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics.MethodsA total of 8355 histopathological reports were analyzed. Lesions diagnosed as OBNs were selected and the following variables were recorded: gender, age, histological type of the lesion, anatomical location, rate and pattern of growth, type of base, color, symptomatology and diagnostic hypotheses on clinical examination.ResultsOBNs represented 9.4% of all lesions diagnosed. The most frequent histopathological types were fibroma (39.9%), papilloma (22%), fibroblastoma (13.1%), lipoma (10.2%) and hemangioma (6.1%). Overall, most cases affected females (n = 518; 65.6%) and in the fifth decade of life (n = 148; 18.7%). The oral mucosa was the most common site (n = 265; 33.5%). The most common features of each OBN were also highlighted.ConclusionThe most common OBNs were fibroma, papilloma, fibroblastoma, lipoma and hemangioma. Overall, the OBN presented common clinical features; however, in particular cases, there are some characteristics that can lead the professionals to the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, in general, histopathological analysis must be performed to confirm diagnosis. Intraosseous tumors and large lesions may require imaging tests to help diagnosis.     

Review of experimental models: sinusitis in rabbits

IntroductionIn order to better understand the pathophysiology of rhinosinusitis, several attempts have been made to create the disease in an animal model. Among the studied rodents each has its advantages and disadvantages. Rabbits are considered more appropriate for studies that require surgical manipulation or invasive procedures.ObjectivesTo evaluate the most viable experimental model of rhinosinusitis in rabbits to be adopted in future studies.MethodsAn electronic search for studies with experimental models of rhinosinusitis in rabbits published in English and Portuguese between July of 1967 and January of 2013 was conducted in Medline, Pub Med, Cochrane, and CAPES databases, using the keywords “sinusitis”, “rabbits”, and “polyps”.ResultsA total of 256 studies were retrieved, but in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only ten studies were selected. Many different methods of response assessment were used in these studies.ConclusionTo date, there is no ideal experimental model for induction of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis in rabbits, but the rhinogenic model appears to be the most viable option for the continuity of studies of the disease.     

The impact of positive airway pressure on midface growth: a literature review

IntroductionThe treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure in children is restricted due to concerns that it could affect maxilla growth over time.ObjectiveTo undertake a systematic review of the literature about the long-term impact of using a positive airway pressure mask on the midface in growing individuals.MethodsThe literature search was conducted in September 2019 using the keywords (“long-term” OR “long term” OR “side effects” OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR “mid-face” OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND (“airway pressure” OR ventilation) in the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs. The search included papers published in English, until September 2019, on the effects of positive airway pressure on midfacial growth.ResultsThe search strategy identified five studies: two case reports, two cross-sectional studies and one retrospective cohort study. All studies evaluated the long-term effects of a using a nasal mask on the midface in children and adolescents; four showed midface hypoplasia and one no showed difference post- treatment compared to a control.ConclusionMost of the studies demonstrated that long-term use of nasal positive airway pressure in childhood/adolescence is associated with midface hypoplasia.     

Virtual vs in-person otolaryngology evaluation: The patient perspective

ObjectiveTo compare patient responses to validated satisfaction surveys for in-person vs virtual otolaryngology ambulatory evaluation.MethodsNational Research Corporation (NRC) Health patient survey answers between April 2020 and February 2021 were divided into in-person and virtual visit modalities. Responses were compared with two group t-tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Relationships between visit modality by gender, age, race, and sub-specialty visit type and satisfaction scores were examined by testing interactions with separate ANOVA models.Results1242 in-person and 216 virtual patient satisfaction survey responses were highly favorable for all themes (communication, comprehension of treatment plan, and likelihood of future referral) with both visit modalities. Higher satisfaction for in-person evaluation was seen with communication (“care providers listened” 3.68 (0.67)–on a scale of 1-no to 4-yes, definitely) vs 3.57 (0.78), p = 0.0426; “courtesy/respect” 3.75 (0.62) vs 3.66 (0.69), p = 0.0265)), and comprehension of treatment plan (“enough info about treatment” 3.53 (0.79) vs 3.37 (0.92), p = 0.0120; “know what to do” 3.62 (0.76) vs 3.46 (0.88), p = 0.0023)). No differences were detected for future referral of clinic or provider. There was no association between visit modality and patient sociodemographic factors or sub-specialty visit types. Main effects were observed with respect to race, gender, and sub-specialty visit type.ConclusionPatient satisfaction scores for virtual visit evaluation were high and comparable to in-person evaluation, with a slight preference for in-person. Future studies are needed to identify which patients and conditions are particularly suited for virtual vs in-person delivery of otolaryngology services.     

Review on cochlear implant electrode array tip fold-over and scalar deviation

ObjectiveDetermine the occurrence rate of cochlear implant (CI) electrode tip fold-over and electrode scalar deviation as reported in patient cases with different commercial electrode types.Data-sourcesPubMed search for identifying peer-reviewed articles published till 2018 on CI electrode tip fold-over and scalar deviation. Key-words for searching were “Cochlear electrode tip fold-over”, “Cochlear electrode scalar position” and “Cochlear electrode scalar location”.Articles-selectionOnly if electrode related issues were investigated in patient cases. 38 articles met the inclusion-criteria.Results13 articles on electrode tip fold-over issue covering 3177 implanted ears, out of which 50 ears were identified with electrode tip fold-over with an occurrence rate of 1.57%. Out of 50 ears, 43 were implanted with pre-curved electrodes and the remaining 7 with lateral-wall electrodes. One article reported on both tip fold-over and scalar deviation. 26 articles reported on the electrode scalar deviation covering an overall number of 2046 ears out of which, 458 were identified with electrode scalar deviation at a rate of 22.38%. After removing the studies that did not report on the number of electrodes per electrode type, it was 1324 ears implanted with pre-curved electrode and 507 ears with lateral-wall electrode. Out of 1324 pre-curved electrode implanted ears, 424 were reported with scalar deviation making an occurrence rate of 32%. Out of 507 lateral-wall electrode implanted ears, 43 were associated with scalar deviation at an occurrence rate of 6.7%.ConclusionThis literature review revealing the fact of higher rate of electrode insertion trauma associated with pre-curved electrode type irrespective of CI brand is one step closer to obsolete it from the clinical practice in the interest of patient's cochlear health.     

Peritumoral infiltrate in the prognosis of epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity

IntroductionPatients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity present deficits in their cellular immunity that contribute to neoplastic growth. Thus, the inflammatory activity, such as the immunological response to the tumor, can be used as a prognostic factor.ObjectivesTo evaluate the correlation between peritumoral inflammation and clinical characteristics of the patients, survival, and the disease-free interval.MethodsThe study sample consisted of a retrospective hospital-based cohort of patients undergoing surgery for resection of oral cavity tumor. The inflammatory infiltrate on the slides was evaluated semi-quantitatively, and were divided into minor and major inflammatory processes.ResultsThis study included 57 tumor samples, with infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes. The log-rank test showed no significance for the survival curves and recurrence of the “minor inflammatory” and “major inflammatory” processes, with p = 0.14 and p = 0.24, respectively. A direct association between age and inflammation (p = 0.04) was observed, as well as an indirect association between the degree of tumor differentiation and inflammation (p = 0.01).ConclusionAlthough associated with histological differentiation, the peritumoral inflammatory process cannot be considered a prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, as it is not related to survival and disease-free interval.