Diagnosen von Schilddrüsenerkrankungen in HNO-Praxen und Hausarztpraxen in Deutschland 2008–2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate thyroid disorder diagnoses in otorhinolaryngologic (ENT) practices in Germany compared to general (GP) practices using data from a representative Germany-wide practice database.

Methods

The database was retrospectively searched for diagnoses of thyroid disorders made in ENT and GP practices between January 2008 and December 2016. Data were collected on the most common three-character disease classes (categories) from the “Disorders of thyroid gland” (E00–E07) group as well as the “Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland” (D34) and “Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland” (C73) categories. The periods 2008–2010, 2011–2013, and 2014–2016 were evaluated.

Results

The database included 71 ENT and 506 GP practices with continuous participation from 2008 to 2016. The relative frequency (patients/practice) of diagnoses from the “Disorders of thyroid gland” group was 4.4-times higher in GP than in ENT practices. The relative frequency of benign neoplasms of the thyroid gland was 5?times higher in GP than in ENT practices. The relative frequency of malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland was almost identical in GP and ENT practices. The most frequent diagnoses in both ENT and GP practices were found in the categories “Other nontoxic goiter” (E04) and “Other hypothyroidism” (E03). Diagnoses in the categories “Hyperthyroidism” (E05) and “Thyroiditis” (E06) were less frequent. Diagnoses of thyroid neoplasms were the least frequent, with benign neoplasms diagnosed more frequently in GP practices and malignant neoplasms diagnosed more frequently in ENT practices. During the study period, the diagnostic frequency of thyroid diseases decreased in ENT practices, whereas it increased in GP practices.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing interest in establishing thyroid surgery in ENT clinics in Germany in recent years, thyroid diagnoses in ENT practices in Germany have been continuously declining, whereas they have considerably increased in GP practices. The reason for this may be health insurance provider-related differences in reimbursement practices for GPs and specialists.

     

Current indications for (adeno)tonsillectomy in children: a survey in The Netherlands

OBJECTIVE: Despite the fact that (adeno)tonsillectomy is one of the procedures most frequently performed on children, studies of current indications are scarce. The purpose of this study is to determine the indications for (adeno)tonsillectomy in children younger than 15 years of age according to Dutch ENT surgeons and general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: During a period of 8 months, 18 ENT surgeons in seven ENT practices and 210 referring GPs filled out standard questionnaires for 349 children listed for tonsil surgery. RESULTS: Apart from recurrent tonsillitis (ENT: 40%, GP: 35%), findings such as enlarged tonsils (ENT: 42%, GP: 24%) and tonsillar crypt debris (ENT: 29%, GP: 17%) and non-specific symptoms such as listlessness (ENT: 28%, GP: 19%) and poor appetite (ENT: 28%, GP: 16%) were considered important criteria for surgery. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea were present in 25% (ENT) and 6% (GP) of patients but were considered indicative for surgery in only 11% (ENT) and 4% (GP). In contrast to ENT surgeons, GPs considered otitis media and hearing loss relatively important for (adeno)tonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the generally accepted indications such as recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea, other indications play an equally important role in the decision to perform tonsil surgery in The Netherlands.     

The prevalence of orbital complications among children and adults with acute rhinosinusitis

Acute rhinosinusitis occurs commonly in children and adults being commoner in children. The prognosis is favorable in majority of cases.ObjectiveTo investigate orbital complications in children and adult with sinusitis.MethodPatients attending ENT clinic with sinusitis from January 2010 until January 2012 were included. Patients were classified into two groups according to their age. First involved children aged less than 16 and second included adults older than 16 years. Clinical picture, sinus involved, management and outcome were compared.ResultsThe total number of patients were 616. Orbital complications were seen in 36 patients (5.8%). Twenty six patients (72.2%) were children (21 had preseptal and 5 had orbital cellulitis) and ten patients (27.8%) were adults (5 with preseptal, three with orbital cellulitis and 2 with abscess). The most common orbital complication was preseptal cellulitis (72.2%) followed by orbital cellulitis and abscess (22.2% and 5.6% respectively). The commonest sinus involved was ethmoidal in children and mixed sinus pathology in adults. The majority of patients responded to medical treatment.ConclusionOrbital complications of sinusitis are commoner in children than adults and have favorable prognosis. Keywords: Sinusitis, cellulitis, preseptal, abscess.     

Validez de un programa de diagnóstico rápido del cáncer de cabeza y cuello

Introduction and objectivesGiven the epidemiological knowledge of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, the prognosis in survival according to the staging at diagnosis and the absence of screening programmes that have proven cost-effective, we undertook a rapid diagnosis programme. The objective of this study was to analyse whether a rapid diagnostic programme (RDP) to be used by General Practitioners (GP) would achieve a change in the proportion of diagnoses in early versus late stages in these tumours.MethodsA prospective observational study of patients diagnosed with a tumour of ENT location in our centre, was carried out for 24 consecutive months. A “suspicion algorithm” was designed and we established a rapid remission route for these patients. The data obtained (age, sex, toxic substance consumption, initial manifestations, tumour location and extension) were compared with the data of the patients in our ENT Service database diagnosed in the 4 years prior to the start of the study.Results199 patients were included, and 82 ENT tumours diagnosed. The GPs sent to the Hospital via the RDP a total of 136 patients and 35 (26.1%) had a tumour. However, most of the tumours diagnosed in this period by our ENT Department (47 patients, 57.3% of all tumours diagnosed), were not suspected by the GP and were not sent via the RDP.Of the patients, 27% were diagnosed in stages i and ii, and 73% in stages iii and iv, there were no significant differences with the control group. The most frequent initial signs and symptoms were dysphonia, cervical mass and dysphagia, the relationship between initial symptom and stage at the moment of diagnosis was analysed, and in neither case did we obtain any significant variation.ConclusionsThe implementation of a rapid diagnosis pathway for patients who, according to the algorithm created, had a suspected head and neck cancer, has not led to an increase in the diagnosis of these tumours in early stages or a decrease in diagnoses in advanced stages.     

Management of complicated acute sinusitis in the setting of concurrent COVID-19

PurposeIntraorbital and intracranial complications of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis require timely medical and surgical treatment to prevent the development of long-term neurologic sequelae. The era of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has complicated the management of complicated acute rhinosinusitis, especially when patients have concurrent acute sinusitis and COVID-19 infection. This case series aims to highlight the clinical course of pediatric patients at a single tertiary pediatric hospital with concurrent complicated bacterial rhinosinusitis and COVID-19.Materials and methodsA search of pediatric patients treated for COVID-19 and complications from acute sinusitis was performed using billing records for the year 2020–2021 at a single pediatric tertiary hospital. Data regarding presentation, management, microbiology, and hospital course was collected for review.ResultsA total of 6 patients with complicated bacterial sinusitis in the setting of COVID-19 infection were included. All patients were initially managed with medical therapy, consisting of systemic antibiotics, but 3 of these patients ultimately required surgical intervention. Cultures from the cohort grew Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus intermedius, streptococcus constellatus or Prevotella species. All patients experienced clinical improvements and were eventually discharged home with oral antibiotics.ConclusionCOVID-19 continues to be an unusual disease especially for the pediatric population. Concurrent complicated acute rhinosinusitis and COVID-19 appear to have higher rates of surgical requirement in the pediatric population. COVID-19 safety precautions have influenced management practices for patients with severe bacterial rhinologic infections. While there may be an association between complicated bacterial rhinosinusitis and COVID-19 infection, further research is necessary to determine a true correlation.     

Postoperative evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis – comparison of histopathological and clinical findings

Abstract

Background: Olfactory dysfunction in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is poorly understood.

Objective: To compare olfactory mucosal injury due to eosinophil infiltration in ECRS with postoperative olfactory function.

Methods: Seventeen ECRS patients (ECRS group) and 18 bilateral rhinosinusitis (non-ECRS group) patients were compared. At 3 and 12 months post-endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), all patients were evaluated for subjective symptoms (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and olfactory dysfunction), endoscopic nasal findings, CT score and T&T olfactometer recognition threshold test. The eosinophil count, OMP-positive cells and epithelial erosion in olfactory mucosa collected during ESS were compared with the postoperative olfactory function.

Results: The non-ECRS group showed significant improvement in all clinical findings at 3 and 12 months, but the ECRS group showed worsening of the olfactory dysfunction symptoms and T&T olfactometer recognition threshold at 12 months because of recurrence of sinusitis. The groups differed significantly in the ΔT&T value (i.e. pre-ESS T&T recognition threshold – post-ESS T&T recognition threshold) at both 3 and 12 months, and the degree of olfactory improvement differed. Histologically, the ECRS group showed significantly more eosinophils, fewer OMP-positive cells and greater epithelial erosion than the non-ECRS group.

Conclusions: Eosinophilic inflammation was thought to cause olfactory mucosal injury/dysfunction.     

The first experiences of implementation of the Swedish tonsil register in Denmark

Abstract

Background: Tonsil surgery is a daily procedure at Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments as well as ENT practices. Despite national tonsil guidelines in Denmark, no national survey has been introduced.

Objectives: To display the process of implementing a Danish version of the Swedish tonsil register including a presentation and validation of the first year’s results.

Methods: The Swedish tonsil register was translated into Danish. Minor modifications were executed and the register was implemented at the ENT department, Region Hospital West Jutland, Denmark. All patients undergoing surgery due to benign tonsil and/or adenoid diseases were eligible. Written informed consent was obtained. Indication for surgery, comorbidity, surgical and haemostasis techniques, and complications were registered by the surgeon.

Results: Several obstacles were encountered due to legal procedures, daily work, IT organisation, and discontinuous information. 58% of eligible patients were registered. The incidence of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage requiring secondary surgery was 6.4%. The potential underlying risk factors were easily retrieved from the register.

Conclusions and significance: The Danish version of the national Swedish tonsil database is a useful, easily accessible, and informative tool for monitoring and validation of tonsil/adenoid surgery. We recommend a nationwide register with a central steering committee.     

Interest of video-otoscopy for the general practitioner

Introduction

General practitioners (GPs) play an essential role in the management of ear disease, but their diagnosis of pathologic eardrums is inadequate. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of otoscopic diagnosis by GPs using a conventional otoscope versus a video-otoscope.Subjects and method Eleven GPs included 124 patients with ear complaints (193 otoscopies). Examination successively used conventional otoscopy and video-otoscopy. After each type of examination, a 10-criterion assessment questionnaire was filled out and a diagnosis was proposed. Two blinded ENT specialists reviewed the video-otoscopy images and filled out the same grid questionnaire to make their diagnosis. GPs also completed a Likert-scale satisfaction questionnaire on video-otoscopy.

Categorization and Clinicopathological Features of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Eosinophilic Mucin in a Korean Population

ObjectivesChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with eosinophilic mucin is relatively rare in Korea. We categorized CRS patients with characteristic eosinophilic mucin into several groups and compared the groups based on their clinicopathological features.MethodsIn total, 52 CRS patients with eosinophilic mucin were enrolled. Based on the presence or absence of an allergy (A) to a fungus or fungal element (F) in the mucin, the patients were divided into four groups: allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS, A+F+), AFRS-like sinusitis (A+F-), eosinophilic fungal rhinosinusitis (EFRS, A-F+), and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis (EMRS, A-F-). Clinical and immunological variables were compared between the groups.ResultsThere were 13 patients in the AFRS group, 13 in the EFRS group, and 26 in the EMRS group. No patient was assigned to the AFRS-like sinusitis group. The AFRS group showed a significantly higher association with allergic rhinitis than did the EFRS and EMRS groups. The mean total serum IgE level in the AFRS patients was significantly higher than in the EFRS and EMRS patients. While 7.7% of the patients with AFRS and EFRS were asthmatic, 65.4% of the patients with EMRS had bronchial asthma. In the AFRS and EFRS groups, 31% had bilateral disease, in contrast to 100% of EMRS patients with bilateral disease. The prevalence of high attenuation areas by computed tomography was significantly higher in the AFRS group than in the EMRS group, and the mean Hounsfield unit values of the areas of high attenuation in the AFRS patients were significantly greater than those in the EMRS patients.ConclusionAFRS is believed to be an allergic response to colonizing fungi in atopic individuals. In EFRS, local allergies to fungi may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. EMRS is thought to be unconnected with fungal allergies.     

Acute rhinosinusitis – are we forgetting the possibility of a dental origin? A retrospective study of 385 patients

Abstract

Background: Odontogenic sinusitis (OS) is a common but underdiagnosed form of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). OS carries no specific characteristics, but unilateral symptoms and certain microbiological as well as radiological findings indicate odontogenic origin.

Aims/objectives: We studied the proportion of OS in ARS patients, the presence and associations of unilateral symptoms, and possible OS microbial and radiological findings. In addition, we investigated how this condition is recognised among ear, nose and throat specialists and radiologists.

Materials and methods: All 676 ARS patients treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Helsinki University Hospital in 2013 were retrospectively enrolled. The data were collected from patients’ hospital medical records, the laboratory database and radiological reports.

Results: Odontogenic origin of ARS was suspected in 59 (15.3%) patients. Altogether (29.9%) 115 patients complained of unilateral symptoms and these were found to associate with probable oral microbial findings (p?<?.001). These findings covered 20.2% of isolates. Teeth were mentioned in 89.6% of the radiological reports.

Conclusions and significance: OS is common among patients with ARS, and good diagnostic tools already exist in routine practice. Microbial and radiological findings should be carefully evaluated, especially in cases of unilateral symptoms.     

The impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on long-term survival in lung transplantation recipients

Conclusions: Chronic rhinosinusitis diagnosed according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012, not by computed tomography alone, is one of the prognostic factors affecting long-term survival in patients with lung transplantation. Endoscopic sinus surgery might play a beneficial role in the management of lung transplantation recipients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To show the effect of paranasal sinus infection on post-lung transplantation survival.

Method: Lung transplantation recipients were included in this study. Computed tomography was performed before and after lung transplantation. The severity of chronic rhinosinusitis was evaluated by Lund–Mackay scoring system. The survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results: One hundred and forty-eight patients received lung transplantation for various indications. Chronic rhinosinusitis was found in 18.9% (28/148) of the lung transplantation recipients. Of 28 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, seven patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery due to persistent post-nasal drip. The recipients with chronic rhinosinusitis who did not receive endoscopic sinus surgery (n?=?21) showed a significantly lower survival rate as compared to the patients without chronic rhinosinusitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate between the recipients with (n?=?50) and without (n?=?98) paranasal sinus abnormality on computed tomography.     

Herpes viruses and human papilloma virus in nasal polyposis and controls

IntroductionChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a multifactorial disease entity with an unclear pathogenesis. Contradictory data exist in the literature on the potential implication of viral elements in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of human herpes viruses (1–6) and Human Papilloma Virus in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and healthy controls.MethodsViral DNA presence was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction application to nasal polyps specimens from 91 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps patients and nasal turbinate mucosa from 38 healthy controls.ResultsEpstein–Barr virus positivity was higher in nasal polyps (24/91; 26.4%) versus controls (4/38; 10.5%), but the difference did not reach significance (p = 0.06). Human herpes virus-6 positivity was lower in nasal polyps (13/91; 14.29%) versus controls (10/38; 26.32%, p = 0.13). In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps group, 1 sample was herpes simplex virus-1-positive (1/91; 1.1%), and another was cytomegalovirus-positive (1/91; 1.1%), versus none in controls. No sample was positive for herpes simplex virus-2, varicella-zoster virus, high-risk-human papilloma viruses (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) and low-risk-human papilloma viruses (6, 11).ConclusionDifferences in Epstein–Barr virus and human herpes virus-6 positivity among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and healthy controls are not statistically significant, weakening the likelihood of their implication in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps pathogenesis.     

Immunoglobulin E to staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in patients with chronic sinusitis/nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND: The role of infectious agents and their contribution to the inflammation in chronic sinusitis/nasal polyposis (CS/NP) is not clear. Staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins have superantigen activity and have been implicated in inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and asthma. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies to staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in the serum of individuals with CS/NP. METHOD: IgE antibodies to staphylococcal exotoxins, A, B, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A, B, and C were measured in 23 individuals with CS/NP before functional endoscopic sinus surgery and in controls (7 atopic and 6 nonatopic) individuals without chronic sinusitis. Presence of IgE to the toxins was also correlated with disease severity on sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: Staphylococcal and streptococcal toxin specific IgE antibodies were detected in 18 of 23 (78%) and 7 of 21 (33.3%) patients, respectively. None of the controls had IgE to the staphylococcal or streptococcal toxins (P <.0001). There was no association between radiographic severity of sinus disease and the presence of IgE antibody to the toxins. CONCLUSION: A significantly greater proportion of CS/NP patients had IgE to staphylococcal or streptococcal toxins. Evidence of IgE antibodies directed against staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins in the sera of patients with CS/NP suggests a potential role of these toxins with established superantigen effects in the pathogenesis of CS/NP.     

Increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells in chronic rhinosinusitis

Conclusion: High levels of IgG4-positive plasma cells were observed in tissue samples from ～30% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who satisfied the comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease. Detection of increased numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses might not be sufficient to make a diagnosis of IgG4-related rhinosinusitis, and a comprehensive evaluation is required.

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of IgG4-positive plasma cells in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Method: This study examined nasal mucosal specimens from 35 patients and assigned them to high-IgG4 and low-IgG4 groups based on infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells. It compared the pathological characteristics of the two groups, including the presence of fibrosis, phlebitis, hyperplasia of the nasal glands and infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Results: No cases of chronic rhinosinusitis showed storiform fibrosis or obliterative phlebitis. The mean number of IgG4-positive plasma cells in samples from all patients was 29.8?±?40.3/high-power field. Eleven of the 35 cases (31.4%) were classified as high-IgG4. Hyperplasia of the nasal glands was observed significantly more frequently in the high-IgG4 group than in the low-IgG4 group (p?=?.03).     

Long-term improvement of clinical symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients suffered from endocrine ophthalmopathy and orbital complications of rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Background: Rhinosinusitis may cause serious complications, such as secondary orbital infections, resulting in expansion and erosion of process through the orbital wall.

Aims: The aim is to evaluate long-term outcome of ESS in patients suffered from endocrine ophthalmopathy and orbital complications of rhinosinusitis.

Material and methods: Thirteen patients with loss of vision, endocrine ophthalmopathy and orbital complication of rhinosinusitis were treated by ESS. Preoperative and postoperative vision was rated by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing. Nine (69%) have been reinvestigated after 6?years by ophthalmology examination and 10-point scale for assessment of clinical symptoms.

Results: The mean BCVA significantly increased after surgery comparing to results before surgery (0.84, 0.62; respectively) (p?=?.007). The mean values of 10-point scale for subjective assessment of symptoms 6?years after surgery were: headache 2.11, sinonasal pressure 1.72, subjective estimation of vision quality on the affected eye was 7.33 and olfaction 7.66. None of the patients developed impairment of vision loss in postoperative period.

Conclusions: Long-term outcome of ESS showed decreased symptoms in patients who had endocrine ophthalmopathy and orbital complication of rhinosinusitis.

Significance: ESS has numerous advantages for patients with orbital complication and vision loss comparing to conservative treatment and should be considered even in abscess absence.     

Comparative analysis of the outcome of external and endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in children

Abstract

Background: Both open and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are performed in the case of pediatric frontal rhinosinusitis. However, data from comparative analysis of these surgery types are insufficient.

Objective: Prospective randomized trial for comparison of open and endoscopic surgery outcome in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.

Material and methods: The cohort included 30 pediatric patients (7–17?years) with open frontal sinus surgery and 34 patients who underwent FESS using DrafIIa. Lund‐Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores, as well as Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20)questionnaire was used for pre- and postoperative assessment.

Results: Open surgery and FESS resulted in a significant improvement in total Lund‐Kennedy, Lund-Mackay, and SNOT-20 scores, being more profound in FESS group. Using FESS significantly reduced surgery duration by 15% as compared to open surgery. In addition, open surgery was associated with a higher rate of scar formation, reduced local sensitivity, as well as local soreness, lacrimation, and psychological discomfort. In regression models FESS was negatively associated with postoperative total Lund‐Kennedy, Lund-Mackay, and SNOT-20 scores.

Conclusion and significance: Generally, FESS resulted in better surgery outcome as compared to open surgery, although both approaches resulted in a significant improvement in chronic rhinosinusitis.     

慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者鼻内镜术后复发的危险因素及相关模型构建

目的 探讨慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者鼻内镜术后复发的影响因素并构建相关模型。方法 选择2017年1—12月行鼻内镜术的172例慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者作为研究对象,以患者术后1年内是否复发作为分组依据,将复发的48例患者纳入复发组,将未复发的124例患者纳入未复发组,对两组患者的临床资料进行单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析,并建立预测模型,应用工作特征（ROC）曲线检测其区分度,应用拟合优度检验评价其校准度。选取2019年1—7月行鼻内镜术的80例慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者进行预测模型的临床验证。结果 单因素结果表明：两组患者的年龄、鼻窦炎分型、哮喘、手术时间、焦虑自评量表（SAS）评分相比较,差异均具有统计学意义（P均<0.05）;多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示：年龄、鼻窦炎分型、哮喘、手术时间、SAS评分与术后复发均有相关性（P均<0.05）;患者行鼻内镜术后复发的概率预测模型的曲线下面积（AUC）为0.936。该模型的临床验证显示灵敏度为85.00%,特异度为93.33%,预测正确率为91.25%。结论 年龄、鼻窦炎分型、哮喘、手术时间、SAS评分是慢性鼻-鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者鼻内镜术后复发的影响因素。根据各危险因素的构建模型能够有效预测患者术后复发概率。     

Cuerpos extraños en seno maxilar

IntroductionForeign bodies in maxillary sinus (FBMS), whatever their origin or nature, are an unusual clinical condition. Diagnosis is based on the radiological findings in a clinical context of unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis. Treatment is the surgical removal of the intrasinusal foreign body.Patients and methodsTo identify FBMS, the records of 68 patients with unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis operated on from 2000 to 2007 were reviewed.ResultsFrom 68 records reviewed, we found 11 (16 %) FBMS. Ten (91 %) of these 11 foreign bodies were thought to come from the teeth and the last 1 (9 %) had a non odontogenic origin. Eight of the 11 (73 %) patients with FBMS presented with chronic maxillary sinusitis symptoms and all patients showed radiological findings. Treatment was the surgical removal of the foreign body, in 9 (82 %) patients through endonasal approach by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FEES) and in the other 2 (18 %) patients a mixed surgical procedure by endonasal meatotomy and oral antrotomy was required.ConclusionsChronic maxillary sinusitis showing FBMS is rare and it must be suspected with a prior history of dental procedures. The most frequent source of FBMS is material of odontogenic origin, and non-odontogenic origin secondary to an external injury in an accident or assault is much more unusual. We also review the nature of these foreign bodies, their clinical implications and treatment options.     

LittlEARS auditory questionnaire as an infant hearing screening in Germany after the newborn hearing screening

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using the LittlEARS® Auditory Questionnaire (LEAQ®) as part of the infant hearing screening programme in Germany.

Design: LEAQ®s were distributed to 47 paediatric practices and were completed by the parents/guardians of the infants (aged between 9-14?months) involved in the study (= LEAQ^® screening). The infants who failed the LEAQ^® screening were invited to a LEAQ rescreening. Infants who failed the LEAQ^® rescreening were sent to a paediatric ENT specialist. After 3?years, a follow-up was performed on two groups: the first group comprised infants who failed the LEAQ screening; the second group (control group) comprised 200 infants who passed the LEAQ screening.

Study Sample: 5316 questionnaires were returned.

Results: Six infants with permanent hearing loss were identified using the LEAQ^® as a screening tool.

Conclusions: An infant hearing screening using the LEAQ^® is easily implementable in paediatric practices and may be a good alternative in countries where no objective screening instruments are available. The LEAQ^® was suitable for monitoring hearing development in infants in general and could help to identify a late-onset or progressive hearing loss in infants.