Clinical features of pharyngeal cancer: a retrospective study of 258 consecutive patients

Pharyngeal cancer still presents an unsatisfactory mortality (30-40 per cent in most series, with a slightly better prognosis for nasopharyngeal cancer relative to both oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers) despite advances in treatment. Therefore, it is critical to know the clinical features of pharyngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the most relevant clinical features of pharyngeal cancer (oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal) in order to improve knowledge of this malignancy with the aim of ameliorating diagnosis and treatment. The retrospective study was based on a review of medical records from 258 consecutive patients with pharyngeal cancer (oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal) diagnosed at La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, between January 1 1991 and and December 31 1995. Medical records were provided by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology. All medical records were analysed for the following clinical variables: 1) incidence, 2) sociodemographics, 3) sites (oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx) and subsites, 4) clinical and histological staging, 5) pathology, 6) presenting symptoms, 7) time to diagnosis, 8) patients' general performance status at diagnosis, 9) personal cancer history and synchronous head and neck tumours, 10) premalignant lesions, and 11) paediatric cases. Our most outstanding finding was the excessively long time that elapsed between first clinical manifestation appearance and conclusive diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer (4.7 months for pharynx, 4.5 for oropharynx, 4.4 for hypopharynx and 6.5 for nasopharynx cancers). It was found that nasopharyngeal cancer was quite different from both oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers with respect to its potential aetiology, risk factors and clinical presentation. In addition it has a better prognosis.     

Clinical value of acoustic voice measures: a retrospective study

Within this study a retrospective analysis of clinical voice perturbation measures, Dysphonia Severity Index and subjective perceived hoarseness was performed to determine their value under clinical aspects. The study included the data of 580 healthy and 1,700 pathologic voices, which were investigated under the following aspects. The relevant parameters were identified and their interrelation determined. Group differences between healthy and pathologic voices were figured out and investigated if voice quality measures allowed an automatic diagnosis of voice disorders. The analysis revealed significant changes between the clinical groups, which indicate the diagnostic relevance of voice quality measures. However, an individual diagnosis of the underlying voice disorder failed due to a vast spread of the parameter values within the respective groups. Classification accuracies of 75–90% were achieved. The high misclassification rate of up to 25% implied that in voice disorder diagnosis, the individual interpretation of the parameter values has to be done carefully.     

Parotid gland tumors: a retrospective study of 154 patients

IntroductionBenign tumors of the parotid gland comprise the majority of salivary gland tumors.ObjectiveTo review the clinical characteristics of parotid gland tumors submitted to surgical treatment by the same surgeon.MethodsRetrospective study with 154 patients who had parotid gland tumors. Clinical and histological data, type of surgery, and complications were assessed and described.ResultsThe main manifestation was a mass with a median evolution of 12 months for benign tumors and five months for malignant tumors. Ultrasonography was the most frequent complementary exam. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common of the benign tumors, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent malignant tumor. Superficial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve was the most common surgical procedure and reversible paresis of branches of the facial nerve was the most common complication.ConclusionsPleomorphic adenoma is the most common parotid gland tumor and superficial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve is the most common and appropriate treatment for most low-morbidity tumors.     

Acute mastoiditis in children: a retrospective study of 188 patients

Objective

The aim of this study is to define the clinical and bacteriological characteristics of acute mastoiditis (AM) in children in order to optimize diagnostic work-up and treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 188 children between 3 months and 15 years of age (15 ± 24 months; median ± SD) were referred to our pediatric ENT emergency center for AM during a 7-year period (December 2001-January 2008).

Results

Fifty seven percent were male and 43% were female. Clinical follow-up duration was 3.9 ± 0.7 months (mean ± SEM). The incidence of AM remained stable during the whole study period. Microbiological samples (n = 236) were negative in 33% of cases. The most frequently isolated germs were Streptococcus pneumoniae (51%), Streptococcus pyogenes (11.5%), Anaerobes (6.5%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (6.5%). Paracentesis, puncture of retro auricular abscess under local anesthesia, and peroperative samples all contributed to isolate the involved germ(s). All the patients were hospitalized and received intravenous antibiotics, and 36.2% (n = 68) underwent surgery. Several surgical procedures were necessary in 4 cases (2.1%). AM recurrences requiring a second hospitalization were observed in 8 patients (4.3%). The only observed complication was lateral sinus thrombosis (n = 6; 3.2%). Surgical failures, requiring more than one surgical procedure, were more frequent in case of: (i) presence of Anaerobes (p ≤ 0.001) or Gram-negative bacteria (p ≤ 0.05) in microbiological samples; (ii) surgical drainage without mastoidectomy (p ≤ 0.001). Recurrences were more frequent in AM due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conclusions

Based on our findings and on literature data, a protocol was established in order to standardize the management of pediatric AM in our center. The mains points are: no systematic surgery; if surgery is indicated, it must encompass a mastoidectomy; broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment covering the most commonly involved germs (3rd generation cephalosporin) and secondarily adapted to the results of microbiological samples. If the infection is not controlled after 48 h of intravenous antibiotherapy, a mastoidectomy had to be performed.     

Antrolithiasis: a retrospective study

In this retrospective study, the computed tomography (CT) archives of paranasal sinus examinations were reviewed and three cases of antroliths are presented. The archives of paranasal sinus CT studies of 1957 patients (1023 females, 934 males, mean age 36.5 years) were surveyed. CT studies were performed using 3 mm collimation and interval in the coronal, axial or both coronal and axial planes. Three out of 1957 patients demonstrated antroliths, all in the left maxillary sinus. Associated sinusitis was detected in all three patients. Only one patient was operated. The chemical analysis of the antrolith revealed it to be a calcium oxalate stone. All the relevant literature is reviewed and only 25 other cases of true antrolithiasis were encountered. The clinical and radiological features of antroliths, as well as differential diagnosis were discussed. Antrolithiasis should be considered in any case of sinusitis, that does not respond to appropriate medical therapy.     

Increased risk of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorder: a retrospective population-based cohort study

This study determined whether there is an increased risk of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We used information from health insurance claims obtained from Taiwan National Health Insurance (TNHI). Patients aged 20 years and older who were newly diagnosed with TMJ disorder served as the study cohort. The demographic factors and comorbidities that may be associated with tinnitus were also identified, including age, sex, and comorbidities of hearing loss, noise effects on the inner ear, and degenerative and vascular ear disorders. A higher proportion of TMJ disorder patients suffered from hearing loss (5.30 vs. 2.11 %), and degenerative and vascular ear disorders (0.20 vs. 0.08 %) compared with the control patients. The crude hazard ratio (HR) of tinnitus in the TMJ disorder cohort was 2.73-fold higher than that in the control patients, with an adjusted HR of 2.62 (95 % CI = 2.29–3.00). The comorbidity-specific TMJ disorder cohort to the control patients’ adjusted HR of tinnitus was higher for patients without comorbidity (adjusted HR = 2.75, 95 % CI = 2.39–3.17). We also observed a 3.22-fold significantly higher relative risk of developing tinnitus within the 3-year follow-up period (95 % CI = 2.67–3.89). Patients with TMJ disorder might be at increased risk of tinnitus.     

Head and neck cancer and ageing: a retrospective study in 438 patients

To evaluate whether age over 70 years represents a prognostic factor in head and neck cancer, we reviewed all cases observed between 1981 and 1984. Four hundred and thirty-eight (438) patients were considered in relation to three age groups (less than or equal to 59, 60-69, and greater than or equal to 70 years, defined as non-elderly, mid-elderly and elderly respectively). The main parameters analyzed included histological diagnosis (no difference emerged among the three age groups); anatomical site (hypopharyngeal carcinoma was most frequent in non-elderly patients); TNM stage (an higher incidence of early stages was seen in the elderly); performance status (better in the non-elderly); previous illnesses (life-style related diseases were more frequent in the non-elderly); contraindications to surgery (more frequent in the elderly); surgical treatment ('en bloc' resections were more often employed in the non-elderly); post-operative complications and local control (no difference between the three groups); multiple primary malignancies (head and neck, oesophagus and lung were more frequent in non-elderly patients) and survival (no difference). Although age affects several features of head and neck cancer patients, it does not appear from the present study to be an independent prognostic factor for local control and survival. With regard to survival, stage appeared to be the most important prognostic factor.     

Ethmoid adenocarcinomas: retrospective study of 76 patients

From the retrospective study of 76 adenocarcinomas of the ethmoid sinuses, results were expressed in two terms: the morbidity related to surgery and the oncologic outcome. This case study extends between 1975 and 2000. It includes 71 men and 5 women, with an average of 61 years. 81% of them works in wood dust, with a mean duration of exposure of 26 years. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma is realized in the three months after the first signs, essentially rhinologicals, next neurologicals and ophthalmologicals. The majority of tumors were classified as T3N0M0, i.e. 57.89%. The treatment of this tumors is surgical: 34.2% surgical only and 59.2% with radiotherapy. The transfacial approach (paralateronasal and degloving) and the combined surgery are respectively performed in 36 patients and 35 patients. 23.2% patients had a local recurrence, and 10% developed cervical nodes and systemic metastasis. Survival rate based on the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method is 82% at 3 years, 80% at 5 years, 72% at 10 years. The prognosis of ethmoidal cancer is strictly correlated to local control. Local recurrence is statistically more likely in patients with involvement of the dura, brain and sphenoid sinus. With the analysis of the carcinologics results, we discuss the therapeutics indications of the adenocarcinomas and a new classification. Taking in account the involvement of the dura, sphenoid and orbit. We did not find any statistical differences between T3 patients treated by combined approach (n = 13) or by transfacial approach (n = 15).     

Preliminary results of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a retrospective study of 364 patients

The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival and toxicity of 364 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was given to patients with local–regionally advanced disease. The median follow-up was 26 months (range 3–62 months). The 2-year local failure-free survival, regional failure-free survival (RFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) were 97.6, 96.8, 89.1 and 93.5 %, respectively. Overall disease failures (at any site) were found in 60 patients. Eighteen patients experienced locoregional failures: seven were local only, seven were regional only and four were both local and regional. Forty-two patients developed distant metastases. Of these, 30 patients had single organ metastasis and 12 had multiple organ metastases. The most common acute toxicities were dermatitis, mucositis and xerostomia. Grade 0–2 dermatitis, mucositis and xerostomia occurred in 337 patients (92.6 %), 204 patients (56.1 %) and 364 patients (100 %), respectively. Grade 3 dermatitis, mucositis and xerostomia were seen in 27 patients (7.4 %), 160 patients (44 %) and 0 patients. No Grade 4 acute toxicities were observed. N stage was an independent prognostic factor for RFFS, DMFS and OS. Our preliminary results showed that IMRT provides excellent local–regional control for NPC, with acceptable acute toxicities. Distant metastasis remains the most difficult treatment challenge. More effective systemic chemotherapy should be explored.     

Need for tracheotomy is rare in patients with acute supraglottitis: findings of a retrospective study

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 23 adults and six children who had been given a presumed diagnosis of acute supraglottitis between 1987 and 1997. The most common symptoms in these patients were odynophagia, dysphagia, hoarseness, and fever. Stridor and drooling were also observed, primarily in the children. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy confirmed the presence of edema and erythema of the supraglottic structures in all patients. Blood cultures were positive for Hemophilus influenzae type b in three children and for Serratia marcescens in one adult. All other blood cultures were negative. All patients were treated with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and humidified oxygen, and two-thirds received intravenous corticosteroids. Patients were monitored with pulse oximetry and serial fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Two patients required intubation; one had an epiglottic abscess, and the other had laryngeal edema so severe that vocal fold mobility could not be assessed. The length of stay in the intensive care unit ranged from 1 to 7 days (mean: 1.9). All patients recovered and were discharged free of symptoms after 2 to 11 days of overall hospitalization (mean: 4.4).     

Epistaxis and hospitalization: a retrospective observational study over 4 years of 260 patients

OBJECTIVE: Epistaxis is a frequent emergency for which guidelines and treatment are well known. Nevertheless few studies have evaluated the factors that may influence the decision for hospitalisation. Through a retrospective study we have searched to define potential factors which lead to taking such a decision. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of charts of 260 patients hospitalized for epistaxis. For each patient we have reviewed several data including, age, associated pathologies, current treatment, duration of the stay, complications, recurrences etc... RESULTS: If the severity of the bleeding is one of the major factor, socio-economic factors are also taken into account and may influence the decision to hospitalize. Age, associated pathologies (hypertension, hemopathy) and their treatment (anti-coagulant) also play a role in this decision. Furthermore an obvious strategy in the choice of the different treatment may help to reduce the length of stay and the morbidity of each treatment. CONCLUSION: We propose some modifications to our strategy to improve the management of epistaxis. This includes the use of endoscopic techniques for diagnosis and treatment.     

Clinical features of sarcoidosis patients presenting with head and neck manifestations – a two-center retrospective study and proposal of a diagnostic algorithm for the otorhinolaryngologist

Abstract

Background and Aims: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with sarcoidosis of the head and neck as the initial manifestation and to provide recommendations for the diagnostic work-up for the practicing otorhinolaryngologist.

Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study at two university medical centers in Germany. Patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis treated in the otorhinolaryngology departments were analyzed.

Results: We identified 62 patients (2003–2016). In total, 85.4% (n?=?53) of patients received the initial diagnosis of sarcoidosis during their ENT treatment. Sarcoidosis was detected in the lymph nodes in 42.3% (n?=?30) of the patients; 57.7% had extra-lymphatic manifestations. Fifteen patients (24.2%) showed pulmonary involvement. 30.6% (n?=?19) were treated with oral glucocorticoids (GC) alone, three patients with GC and methotrexate, one patient initially received a combination of GC and azathioprine, one patient rejected the recommended treatment.

Conclusions: Sarcoidosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with head and neck symptoms. The most frequent presenting symptoms were cervical lymphadenopathy and affection of the paranasal sinuses. Therefore, otorhinolaryngologists should be aware of sarcoidosis and help guide referral strategies as they may be the first physicians treating these patients.     

Nine-month outcomes of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

PurposeThe outcome of performing a tracheostomy in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) seems promising based on the reported 30-day survival rate. However, long-term outcomes are still lacking. Therefore, our aim in this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of tracheostomy performed in critically ill COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 27 COVID-19 patients on whom tracheostomy was performed between February 28, 2020, and April 7, 2020, at Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China). Patients' clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAll patients underwent successful bedside tracheostomy. Thirteen patients (48.1%) were successfully weaned off ventilation within 1 month. The survival rate at one, three, and nine months after tracheostomy were 63.0%, 37.0%, and 29.6%, respectively. At nine months after tracheostomy, 8/27 patients had survived, with five (62.5%) being discharged home while the remaining were dependent on nursing care.ConclusionThe survival rate of COVID-19 patients who underwent tracheotomy decreased markedly from 1 to 3 months after tracheotomy, remaining stable between 3 and 9 months. Medical support is much needed for COVID-19 patients over the first 90 days after tracheotomy.     

Falling sensation in patients who undergo the Epley maneuver: a retrospective study

The author conducted a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of a falling sensation in patients who underwent the Epley canalith repositioning maneuver for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The author studied a total of 436 maneuvers performed on 412 patients and observed 58 episodes (13%) of a strong falling sensation, some very severe. In almost every case, the sensation occurred when the patient was moved to the final (sitting) position; in 1 case, the sensation occurred nearly 30 minutes later. The author recommends that physicians who perform the Epley maneuver warn patients of the risk of a falling sensation, take steps to prevent its consequences, and monitor their patients for at least 30 minutes after the completion of the procedure.