Lateral pharyngeal flap with a double pedicle for repair of unilateral velopharyngeal insufficiency

ObjectivesConventional pharyngeal flap surgery, which closes the median portion of the velopharynx, has been performed for dysarthria patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). However, for VPI due to unilateral pharyngeal paralysis, median closing disrupts pharyngeal contraction of the unaffected side and allows pharyngeal pressure to escape through the nose at the lateral portion of the affected side during speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral pharyngeal flap (LPF) surgery for unilateral VPI.MethodsSeven patients with unilateral VPI (five males and two females with an average age of 54 years) underwent LPF surgery combined with other transoral surgeries for dysphagia. The LPF surgical technique was as follows: after the laterocaudal-based pedicle flap of the soft palate and cranial-based pedicle flap of the posterior pharyngeal wall on the affected side were transorally elevated, each mucosal pedicle flap was sutured together. Functional oral intake scale (FOIS) scores and swallowing pressure before and after surgery were compared.ResultsUnilateral velopharyngeal closure preserved nasal breathing after LPF surgery in all patients. Rhinolalia aperta improved postoperatively in all patients except one. The mean FOIS scores were 2.3 preoperatively and 3.7, 5.3, and 5.9 at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean pressures significantly increased at the velopharynx (from 49 ± 30 mmHg to 92 ± 45 mmHg) and oropharynx (from 48 ± 18 mmHg to 66 ± 15 mmHg) six months after the surgery.ConclusionLPF surgery leaving the unaffected side intact can be an effective surgical procedure for patients with unilateral VPI.     

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation changes velopharyngeal control in Parkinson's disease

PurposeAdequate velopharyngeal control is essential for speech, but may be impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). Bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) improves limb function in PD, but the effects on velopharyngeal control remain unknown. We tested whether STN DBS would change aerodynamic measures of velopharyngeal control, and whether these changes were correlated with limb function and stimulation settings.MethodsSeventeen PD participants with bilateral STN DBS were tested within a morning session after a minimum of 12 h since their most recent dose of anti-PD medication. Testing occurred when STN DBS was on, and again 1 h after STN DBS was turned off, and included aerodynamic measures during syllable production, and standard neurological ratings of limb function.ResultsWe found that PD participants exhibited changes with STN DBS, primarily consistent with increased intraoral pressure (n = 7) and increased velopharyngeal closure (n = 5). These changes were modestly correlated with measures of limb function, and were correlated with stimulation frequency.ConclusionOur findings suggest that STN DBS may change velopharyngeal control during syllable production in PD, with greater benefit associated with low frequency stimulation. However, DBS demonstrates a more subtle influence on speech-related velopharyngeal control than limb motor control. This distinction and its underlying mechanisms are important to consider when assessing the impact of STN DBS on PD.Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) describe the effects of deep brain stimulation on limb and speech function; (2) describe the effects of deep brain stimulation on velopharyngeal control; and (3) discuss the possible reasons for differences in limb outcomes compared with speech function with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus.     

Augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall with autologous tragal cartilage for management of velopharyngeal valve insufficiency in adults

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous tragal cartilage graft in adults with velopharyngeal valve insufficiency (VPI).MethodsThe study included 23 patients with VPI (grade I, II, III), with ages ranging from 19 to 45 years. Six patients had previously undergone simple palatoplasty for cleft palate, 8 patients had previously undergone adenotonsillectomy and 9 patients had previously undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The procedure was done by implanting a piece of autologous tragal cartilage in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. The evaluation of percent of speech intelligibility and grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve using video-nasopharyngoscopy was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsHighly statistically significant improvement in the grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve (P = 0.009) and percent of intelligibility (P = 0.001) was found after surgery. There were no postoperative airway obstruction or sleep apnea.ConclusionAugmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall using tragal cartilage is an effective, safe and physiological surgical procedure in the management of VPI in adults who suffered hypernasality following palatal and oropharyngeal surgeries.     

Surgical impact and speech outcome at 2.5 years after one- or two-stage cleft palate closure

ObjectiveIn the ongoing discussion about timing of palate closure, it is said that early closure is favorable for speech development, but can interfere with maxillary growth. On the other hand, beneficial results on both after one-stage palate closure have also been presented. The assumption that one-stage palate closure leads to less surgical impact on the child probably contributed to the choice for this procedure in most cleft centers. However, no previous research has verified this assumption. The aim of the present study is to compare surgical impact and speech outcome at 2.5 years of age between children who underwent either one- or early two-stage palate closure.MethodsPatients underwent either one-stage palate closure between 2007 and 2010 at a median age of 10.8 months (group 1, n = 24) or early two-stage closure before 2007 at median ages of 10.4 and 18.2 months, respectively (group 2, n = 24). Surgical impact was compared between the two groups by means of duration of surgery, length of hospital stay and number of post-operative complications. Speech outcome was compared by means of resonance problems, nasal air emission, articulation and intelligibility, all assessed at a median age of 2.5 years.ResultsThe one-stage closure group showed significantly shorter duration of surgery and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and significantly better articulation (p = 0.029) than the early two-stage closure group.ConclusionOne-stage palate closure is preferable over early two-stage palate closure with regard to surgical impact and speech development. More extensive, prospective studies, in which maxillary growth is taken into account, should be conducted.     

Important points for primary cleft palate repair for speech derived from speech outcome after three different types of palatoplasty

ObjectiveThis study was performed to investigate speech outcomes after three different types of palatoplasty for the same cleft type. The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical techniques that are essential for normal speech on the basis of each surgical characteristic.MethodsThirty-eight consecutive nonsyndromic patients with unilateral complete cleft of the lip, alveolus, and palate were enrolled in this study. Speech outcomes, i.e., nasal emission, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and malarticulation after one-stage pushback (PB), one-stage modified Furlow (MF), or conventional two-stage MF palatoplasty, were evaluated at 4 (before intensive speech therapy) and 8 (after closure of oronasal fistula/unclosed hard palate) years of age.ResultsVelopharyngeal insufficiency at 4 (and 8) years of age was present in 5.9% (0.0%), 0.0% (0.0%), and 10.0% (10.0%) of patients who underwent one-stage PB, one-stage MF, or two-stage MF palatoplasty, respectively. No significant differences in velopharyngeal function were found among these three groups at 4 and 8 years of age. Malarticulation at 4 years of age was found in 35.3%, 10.0%, and 63.6% of patients who underwent one-stage PB, one-stage MF, and two-stage MF palatoplasty, respectively. Malarticulation at 4 years of age was significantly related to the presence of a fistula/unclosed hard palate (P < 0.01). One-stage MF palatoplasty that was not associated with postoperative oronasal fistula (ONF) showed significantly better results than two-stage MF (P < 0.01). Although the incidences of malarticulation at 8 years of age were decreased in each group compared to at 4 years of age, the incidence was still high in patients treated with two-stage MF (45.5%). On the whole, there was a significant correlation between ONF/unclosed hard palate at 4 years of age and malarticulation at 8 years of age (P < 0.05).ConclusionAppropriate muscle sling formation can compensate for a lack of retropositioning of the palate for adequate velopharyngeal closure. Early closure of the whole palate and the absence of a palatal fistula were confirmed to be essential for normal speech. To avoid fistula formation, multilayer repair of the whole palate may be critical.     

Long term speech outcomes following late cleft palate repair using the modified Furlow technique

ObjectivesPublished reports and previous studies from our institution have reported worse overall speech results, including significantly higher rates of persistent articulation errors, in patients undergoing palatoplasty at age >18 months. This study further investigates the effects of late repair on long term speech outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of non-syndromic patients undergoing primary palatoplasty at age >18 months between 1980 and 2006 at our institution. Longitudinal speech results were compared based on reason for late repair and age at repair.ResultsForty-one patients were greater than 18 months of age at the time of palatoplasty, and 24 fit criteria for longitudinal data analysis. There was a statistically significant improvement in nasality scores at Time Point 1 for international adoptees compared to the non-adopted population (p = 0.04). Patients with submucosal clefts were found to have significantly less severe nasal emission scores at Time Point 1 compared to those with overt clefts (p = 0.04), but not at Time Point 2. There were no significant differences between scores if repair was performed between 18 and 36 months or >36 months, nor any difference in incidence of articulation errors between subgroups of patients with late repair at either Time Point.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates that cleft palate repair after 18 months of age is associated with a significantly increased incidence of articulation errors associated with VPI, irrespective of reason for late repair, highlighting the persistence of learned compensatory behaviors in speech and the importance of proceeding with early repair.     

MRI criteria for the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma: a validation study

ObjectivesTo validate an MRI algorithm characteristic of pleomorphic adenoma (PA).Study designCross-sectional analysis.SettingAcademic tertiary-care medical center.MethodsA radiologic algorithm for the MRI diagnosis of PA was developed on the basis of five “high probability” criteria that all must be fulfilled for the MRI to qualify as a positive test result: bright T2-signal, sharp margins, heterogeneous nodular enhancement, lobulated contours, T2-dark rim. We then identified MRI images from our institutional database to test the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed algorithm.ResultsA total of 103 parotidectomy cases with adequate MRI studies were identified (pleomorphic adenoma n = 41, mucoepidermoid carcinoma n = 11, Warthin's tumor n = 8, adenoid cystic carcinoma n = 6, oncocytoma n = 6, acinic cell carcinoma n = 5, salivary duct carcinoma n = 5, and other n = 21). Eighteen of 21 cases that met all five “high probability” MRI criteria were consistent with PA on final histopathology; 3 were consistent with carcinoma. MRI had a specificity of 95.1% [95% confidence interval: 85.6–98.7%] and sensitivity of 43.9% [95% C.I.: 28.8–60.1%] for PA. The positive predictive value was 85.7% [95% C.I.: 70.4–100%] and the negative predictive value was 71.9% [95% C. I.: 62.0–81.9%]. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 74.8% [95% C.I.: 66.2–83.3%].ConclusionA “high probability” MRI is about 95% specific for pleomorphic adenoma. A subset of patients with MRI imaging that is highly suggestive of PA may reliably avoid further workup. The value of MRI in this setting is especially useful if preoperative fine needle aspiration is not readily available. A significant proportion of PAs, however, have indeterminate imaging features that overlap considerably with other benign and malignant lesions.     

Contribution of CT scan and CT-guided aspiration in the management of retropharyngeal abscess in children based on a series of 18 cases

ObjectiveThis study was designed to analyse the contribution of CT scan to the management of retropharyngeal abscess in children and the place of CT-guided percutaneous aspiration as an alternative to surgical drainage.Materials and methodsRetrospective study including 18 children with a mean age of 38 months [range: 5–67 months] presenting with retropharyngeal infection between 2006 and 2011. All cases were initially assessed by contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck. Clinical, radiological treatment and bacteriological data were collected. Radiological results were correlated with surgical and percutaneous aspiration findings (presence or absence of an abscess).ResultsThe initial CT scan detected 14 abscesses, 3 cases of non-suppurative lymphadenitis and one case of retropharyngeal oedema. One case of non-suppurative lymphadenitis progressed to abscess after failure of antibiotic therapy and was treated surgically. Surgical drainage revealed a purulent collection in 11 cases and no collection in 3 cases. Four CT-guided percutaneous aspirations were successfully performed. Three cases were treated by antibiotics alone (2 cases of lymphadenitis and 1 case of retropharyngeal oedema). Bacteriological examinations revealed the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes in 78.5% of cases. The positive predictive value of the initial CT scan was 78.8% in our series.ConclusionContrast-enhanced neck CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess and the indication for surgical drainage. It must be performed urgently, on admission. When it is decided to treat the patient with antibiotics alone, follow-up imaging should be performed in the absence of improvement 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. CT-guided percutaneous aspiration is both a diagnostic modality confirming abscess formation of an inflammatory lesion of the retropharyngeal space as well as a therapeutic tool, sometimes avoiding the need for surgical drainage.     

Characterization of middle-ear condition of Oporto daycare children up-to 3 years-old: A cross sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine tympanometric values of children who attend Oporto daycare centers and further analyze any relations with host and environmental factors.MethodsCross sectional study in a randomly selected sample of 117 daycare children up-to 3-years old from Oporto. Tympanometric measures were collected.ResultsChildren presented in left ear (LE) a mean peak pressure (PP) of −156.53 daPa and a mean compliance of 0.16 cm³. Right ear (RE) revealed a PP of −145.61 daPa and a compliance of 0.19 cm³. Normal tympanograms (type A) had a lower frequency than abnormal tympanograms (type B and type C). There was a positive association between age and compliance (LE: p = 0.016; RE: p = 0.013) and between the presence of rhinorrhea and PP (LE: p = 0.002; RE: p < 0.05). Abnormal tympanograms were more frequent in Spring (RE: p = 0.009), in younger children (LE: p = 0.03) and in children that had rhinorrhea (LE: p = 0.002; RE: p = 0.044).Healthy children had a mean PP of −125.19 daPa and a mean compliance of 0.21 cm³ in LE and a mean PP of −144.27 daPa and a mean compliance of 0.22 cm³ in RE.ConclusionTympanometric measures presented in this paper may be applicable to Oporto daycare children up-to 3 years-old. Most of daycare children revealed abnormal tympanograms. Age, rhinorrhea and season influenced children's middle-ear condition.     

The systolic pulmonary artery pressure and the E/e’ ratio decrease after septoplasty in patients with grade 2 and 3 pure nasal septal deviation

IntroductionNasal septal deviation may contribute to a wide range of symptoms including nasal obstruction, headache, increased secretion, crusting, mucosal damage, and loss of taste and smell. Excessive increase in the respiratory resistance, as seen in nasal septal deviation, results in reduced lung ventilation, thereby potentially leading to hypoxia, hypercapnia, pulmonary vasoconstriction. The deformities in the nasal cavity can be associated with major respiratory and circulatory system diseases.ObjectiveTo investigate cardiovascular effects of septoplasty by comparing pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography findings in nasal septal deviation patients undergoing septoplasty.MethodsThe prospective study included 35 patients with moderate and severe nasal septal deviation (mean age, 23.91 ± 7.01) who underwent septoplasty. The Turkish version of the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation, NOSE questionnaire, was administered to each participant both pre- and postoperatively in order to assess their views on the severity of nasal septal deviation, the effect of nasal obstruction, and the effectiveness of surgical outcomes. A comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography examination was performed both preoperatively and at three months postoperatively for each patient and the findings were compared among patients.ResultsMean preoperative NOSE score was 17.34 ± 1.62 and the mean postoperative score was 2.62 ± 1.68 (p = 0.00). Mean preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure value was 22.34 ± 4.31 mmHg and postoperative value was 18.90 ± 3.77 mmHg (p = 0.00). Mean E/e’ ratio was 5.33 ± 1.00 preoperatively and was 5.01 ± 0.90 postoperatively (p = 0.01). The NOSE scores, systolic pulmonary artery pressure values, and the E/e’ ratios decreased significantly after septoplasty (p < 0.05 for all), whereas no significant difference was found in other transthoracic echocardiography parameters (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe decrease in NOSE scores following septoplasty indicated that the satisfaction levels of the patients were increased. Upper airway obstruction secondary to nasal septal deviation may be a cardiovascular risk factor and may affect transthoracic echocardiography measurements. Moreover, the significant decrease in the systolic pulmonary artery pressure value and E/e’s ratio following septoplasty indicated that negative echocardiographic findings may be prevented by this surgery.     

A comparison of cisplatin cumulative dose and cisplatin schedule in patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

IntroductionThree-weekly cisplatin dose is accepted for standard treatment for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, different chemotherapy schedules are presented in the literature.ObjectiveWe intend to compare toxicity and outcomes of high dose 3-weekly cisplatin versus low dose weekly-cisplatin and cumulative dose of cisplatin in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods98 patients were included in the study, between 2010 and 2018. Cumulative doses of cisplatin (≥200 mg/m² and <200 mg/m²) and different chemotherapy schedules (weekly and 3-weekly) were compared in terms of toxicity and survival. Besides prognostic factors including age, gender, T category, N category and radiotherapy technique were evaluated in uni-multivariate analysis.ResultsMedian follow-up time 41.5 months (range: 2–93 months). Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 68.9% vs. 90.3% (p = 0.11); 66.2% vs. 81.6% (p = 0.15); 87.3% vs. 95.7% (p = 0.18); 80.1% vs. 76.1% (p = 0.74) for the group treated weekly and 3 weekly, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 78.2% vs. 49.2% (p = 0.003); 75.8% vs. 47.9% (p = 0.055); 91% vs. 87.1% (p = 0.46); 80% vs. 72.2% (p = 0.46) for the group treated ≥200 mg/m² and <200 mg/m² cumulative dose cisplatin. There was statistically significant difference between groups for overall survival and there was close to being statistically significant difference between groups for local relapse-free survival. Age, gender, T category, N category, chemotherapy schedules were not associated with prognosis in the uni-variety analysis. Radiotherapy technique and cumulative dose of cisplatin was associated with prognosis in uni-variate analysis (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.071–0.628; p = 0.005 and HR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.125–0.686; p = 0.003, respectively). Only cumulative dose of cisplatin was found as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.146–0.912; p = 0.03). When toxicities were evaluated, such as hematological toxicity, dermatitis, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, there were no statistically significant differences between cumulative dose of cisplatin groups (<200 mg/m² and ≥200 mg/m²) and chemotherapy schedules (3-weekly and weekly). But malnutrition was statistically significant higher in patients treated with 3-weekly cisplatin compared with patients treated with weekly cisplatin (p = 0.001).ConclusionA cisplatin dose with ≥200 mg/m² is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Chemotherapy schedules weekly and 3-weekly have similar outcomes and adverse effects. If patients achieve ≥200 mg/m² dose of cumulative cisplatin, weekly chemotherapy schedules may be used safely and effectively in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.     

Repair of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforation using ofloxacin otic solution and gelatin sponge

IntroductionTraumatic large tympanic membrane perforations usually fail to heal and require longer healing times. Few studies have compared the healing and hearing outcomes between gelatin sponge patching and ofloxacin otic solution.ObjectivesTo compare the healing outcomes of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations treated with gelatin sponge, ofloxacin otic solution, and spontaneous healing.MethodsTraumatic tympanic membrane perforations >50% of the entire eardrum were randomly divided into three groups: ofloxacin otic solution, gelatin sponge patch and spontaneous healing groups. The healing outcome and hearing gain were compared between the three groups at 6 months.ResultsA total of 136 patients with large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations were included in analyses. The closure rates were 97.6% (40/41), 87.2% (41/47), and 79.2% (38/48) in the ofloxacin otic solution, gelatin sponge patch, and spontaneous healing groups, respectively (p = 0.041). The mean times to closure were 13.12 ± 4.61, 16.47 ± 6.24, and 49.51 ± 18.22 days in these groups, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsGelatin sponge patch and ofloxacin otic solution may serve as effective and inexpensive treatment strategies for traumatic large tympanic membrane perforations. However, ofloxacin otic solution must be self-applied daily to keep the perforation edge moist, while gelatin sponge patching requires periodic removal and re-patching.     

Possible role of anti-inflammatory drugs in complications of pharyngitis. A retrospective analysis of 163 cases

ObjectivesComplications of pharyngitis (peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, and cervical cellulitis) are rare, but appear to be on the increase over recent years and many of these patients have been treated by anti-inflammatory drugs prior to admission. The purpose of this study was to review the current epidemiological data concerning these complications and investigate a possible correlation with anti-inflammatory drug use.Material and methodsA single-centre retrospective review of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data was performed on the medical charts of patients hospitalised for peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess or cervical cellulitis between 2005 and 2010.ResultsOver a six-year period, 163 patients were hospitalised for complications of pharyngitis, with a sex-ratio of 1.82 (104/57). The number of cases of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) increased from 13 to 28 cases per year from 2005 to 2010 and the number of cases of retropharyngeal abscess increased from three to six cases per year over the same period. The number of cases of cellulitis remained stable with an average of 1.82 cases per year. Each year, significantly more patients with an abscess were admitted to our unit with a history of anti-inflammatory drug use (13.3 ± 4.6) than without anti-inflammatory drug use (7.8 ± 4.3) (P < 0.01). Micro-organisms were identified in 80% of cases, with mixed strains in 73% of cases, Streptococcus in 72% of samples and Streptococcus pyogenes in 19% of cases of PTA. A favourable outcome was observed in all patients in response to medical and surgical treatment.ConclusionIn line with the literature, we observed an increasing incidence of complications of pharyngitis. The present series comprised significantly more patients admitted for PTA with a history of anti-inflammatory drug use. A multicentre prospective controlled study in Nantes on a large cohort is currently underway and will probably confirm these preliminary results.     

Buccinator myomucosal flap for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with cleft palate and/or lip

Introduction

The interpretation of the speech results obtained with the buccinator myomucosal flap in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with cleft palate has been limited by the restriction in the number of patients and the time of postoperative follow-up.

Various combinations of velopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal surgical procedures for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: Single-stage,multilevel surgery

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and outcomes of velopharyngeal surgeries combined with hypopharyngeal surgeries as single-stage interventions for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Chronic rhinosinusitis and progression of cognitive impairment in dementia

AimThe relationship between chronic inflammatory disease and cognitive decline is still unclear, but there is increasing evidence to support the role of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate if chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with the progression of cognitive decline.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who complained of memory impairment, and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from January 2006 to April 2019. According to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, subjects (n = 661) were divided into three groups: dementia (≤ 17), MCI (18–23), and normal (≥ 24). CRS was defined as a total score of greater than or equal to 4 according to the Lund–Mackay scoring system using brain MRI. Multiple logistic regression analyses estimated adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the association between CRS and dementia or MCI. Among the subjects with follow-up MMSE (n = 286), a repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the difference of changes in MMSE scores between the groups with and without CRS.ResultsAccording to the initial MMSE score, there were 221 subjects with dementia, 195 with MCI, and 245 with normal results. CRS was not significantly associated with dementia (aOR = 1.519, CI = 0.909–2.538, P = 0.111), while being suggestively associated with MCI (aOR = 1.740, CI = 1.041–2.906, P = 0.034). The MMSE scores at follow-up decreased further in subjects with CRS than in those without CRS (P = 0.009). Especially, in the initial dementia group, there was a significant between-group difference in the MMSE score from baseline to follow-up (13.6 ± 4.3 to 11.1 ± 6.3 in CRS group vs. 13.5 ± 3.3 to 14.4 ± 5.4 in no CRS group, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe result of the present study implies a potential association between CRS and progression of cognitive decline. Physicians should be aware of this possibility in patients with clinically diagnosed CRS.     

Effectiveness of balloon sinuplasty in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis

IntroductionBalloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, developed with the aim of restoring patency of the paranasal sinuses ostia with minimal damage to the mucosa.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of balloon sinuplasty in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study comprising 18 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis who underwent balloon sinuplasty. Patients were evaluated for clinical criteria, quality of life (Sino-Nasal Outcome Questionnaire Test-20 [SNOT-20]), and computed tomography of the sinuses (Lund–Mackay staging) preoperatively and three to six months after the procedure.ResultsOut of 18 patients assessed, 13 were included, with a mean age of 39.9 ± 15.6 years. Ostia sinuplasty was performed in 24 ostia (four sphenoid, ten frontal, and ten maxillary sinus). At the follow-up, 22 (92%) ostia were patent and there was no major complication. There was symptomatic improvement (SNOT-20), with Cronbach coefficients for consistency of the questionnaire items of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.73–0.94) preoperatively and of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77–0.95) postoperatively, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.001). In addition, there was marked reduction of the computed tomography signs, an average of 4.2 point score (p < 0.001).ConclusionSinuplasty is effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life as a treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis in selected patients.     

Radiological-audiological correlation in type II tympanoplasty with glass ionomer cement

AimTo assess the CT scan aspect of cement bridges used to repair incudostapedial joint discontinuity (ISD) and correlate these observations to audiometric data over time.Material and methodsA retrospective study in 12 patients with cement rebridging for ISD compared pre- and post-operative pure-tone average thresholds, Hounsfield units (HU), and bridge size and position on postoperative CT scans.ResultsMean pre- and post-operative air-bone gap (ABG) was 24.5 and 16 dB, respectively. HU did not vary over time post-surgery, with no significant correlation between HU and time to postoperative CTnscan up to 24 months (p = 0.219). However, a “suggestive” correlation was found between postoperative ABG and HU (p = 0.004, r = −0.7). High cement density correlated with good functional outcome: HU < 500 indicating functional failure and > 1000 indicating ABG closure.ConclusionImmediate cement polymerization quality (high HU) was stable over time and a marker of ossiculoplasty success, correlating with good functional outcome. Particular care should be taken in preparing the cement, and solidification needs to be on dry mucosa-free ossicles.     

Using craniofacial characteristics to predict optimum airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea treatment

IntroductionManual titration is the gold standard to determinate optimal continuous positive airway pressure, and the prediction of the optimal pressure is important to avoid delays in prescribing a continuous positive airway pressure treatment.ObjectiveTo verify whether anthropometric, polysomnographic, cephalometric, and upper airway clinical assessments can predict the optimal continuous positive airway pressure setting for obstructive sleep apnea patients.MethodsFifty men between 25 and 65 years, with body mass indexes of less than or equal to 35 kg/m² were selected. All patients had baseline polysomnography followed by cephalometric and otolaryngological clinical assessments. On a second night, titration polysomnography was carried out to establish the optimal pressure.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 43 ± 12.3 years, with a mean body mass index of 27.1 ± 3.4 kg/m² and an apnea–hypopnea index of 17.8 ± 10.5 events per hour. Smaller mandibular length (p = 0.03), smaller atlas–jaw distance (p = 0.03), and the presence of a Mallampati III and IV (p = 0.02) were predictors for higher continuous positive airway pressure. The formula for the optimal continuous positive airway pressure was: 17.244 − (0.133 × jaw length) + (0.969 × Mallampati III and IV classification) − (0.926 × atlas–jaw distance).ConclusionIn a sample of male patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the optimal continuous positive airway pressure was predicted using the mandibular length, atlas–jaw distance and Mallampati classification.     

Pharyngeal motility in patients submitted to type I thyroplasty

IntroductionType 1 thyroplasty is performed to improve glottis closure as well as dysphagic symptoms in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the motility of the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility before and after thyroplasty Type I.MethodsWe prospectively studied 15 patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility who underwent thyroplasty Type I. Subjects were divided according to the topography of vagal injury and presence of dysphagia. High resolution manometry was performed before and 30 days after surgery. Time and pressure manometric parameters at the topography of the velopharynx, epiglottis and upper esophageal sphincter were recorded.ResultsDysphagia was present in 67% of patients. 63% had lower vagal injuries. Manometric parameters did not change after thyroplasty for the whole population. The group of dysphagic patients, however, had an increase in residual pressure at the upper esophageal sphincter after thyroplasty (1.2 vs. 5.2 mmHg; p = 0.05). Patients with low vagal injury developed higher peak pressure (100 vs. 108.9 mmHg p ≤ 0.001), lower rise time (347 vs. 330 ms p = 0.04), and higher up stroke (260 vs. 266.2 mmHg/ms p = 0.04) at the topography of the velopharynx after thyroplasty.ConclusionPharyngeal motility is affected by thyroplasty Type I in patients with dysphagia and low vagal injury.