Significación clínica de la asimetría amigdalina

IntroductionAsymptomatic unilateral tonsillar enlargement is usually treated with systematic tonsillectomy under suspicion of malignancy. Due to the fact that most of the cases are benign pathologies, we set out to study the clinical signs that would help us in the diagnosis in order to avoid unnecessary tonsillectomies.Material and methodsWe reviewed 267 tonsillectomies performed from 1996 to 2006 and 30 of these were indicated because of asymmetry. We evaluated risk factors for malignancy: cervical lymphatic node enlargement, sex, age, tonsillar enlargement noticed by the patient, suspicious appearance, systemic symptoms, history of malignancy and immunocompromise.ResultsHistopathologic study revealed 80 % to be benign and 20 % malignant. The risk factors with the strongest association were enlargement of cervical lymphatic nodes and suspicious appearance of the tonsil.ConclusionsStrict control of a unilateral tonsillar enlargement is possible, but it is mandatory to perform a tonsillectomy when the appearance of the tonsil raises suspicions or there are enlarged lymphatic nodes.     

Desarrollo de algoritmo clínico para el diagnóstico de tumores del espacio parafaríngeo. Revisión sistemática

IntroductionParapharyngeal space (PPS) is defined as a deep space, located around the upper pharynx, in the shape of an inverted pyramid. Primary tumours in this region are rare, accounting for 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms, and most are benign. The objective of this study is to propose a new study algorithm based on a systematic review and our experience.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out through review of the clinical records of our hospital. Patients with tumours of the parapharyngeal space operated from January 2010 to December 2019 and a systematic review of Pubmed studies from the last 5 years were included. We considered clinical signs, diagnostic methods, presumptive diagnosis and histopathological findings. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA v.14 software.Results53 of our cases and 1392 from the review were included. The clinical algorithm showed a sensitivity of 76.4% and a specificity of 96.3%, with an AUC of 0.57 for diagnosis.DiscussionComplementary radiological examinations are essential in the topographic diagnosis of the tumour. Angio-MRI links the tissue of origin of the tumours and provides the highest diagnostic certainty. FNA has some disadvantages in PPS, but it is useful in some patients.ConclusionThe proposed algorithm contributes to obtaining excellent results in the management of these tumours because it turned out to be effective in diagnosis, and this enables improved surgical planning.     

Absceso parafaríngeo: extensión infrahioidea perilaríngea

Parapharyngeal abscesses are located between the skull base and the hyoid bone. Their infrahyoid extension is usually following the retropharyngeal space, but also can be through the medial aspect of the parapharyngeal space. Thus, surrounding the visceral fascia, they might invade the perilaryngeal and perihypopharyngeal spaces. This results in more significant airway compromise. Computed tomography is essential while locating and evaluating the extension of these infections, specially with regards to the great vessels. We report on 8 parapharyngeal abscesses with perilaryngeal and/or perihypopharyngeal extension. We review their clinical and radiological features, based on computed tomography, as well as their medical and surgical treatment. When medical therapy fails, as they are usually medial to the great vessels, it is possible to perform aspiration and drainage transorally, avoiding the need for cervicotomy, in selected cases.     

Implicación clínica de la lesión iatrogénica de la cuerda del tímpano en la cirugía de la otosclerosis

Introduction: Damage to the chorda tympani nerve is frequent during otologic surgery. This article studies the clinical outcomes of the nerve's section versus its conservation in otosclerosis surgery.Material and method: Retrospective observational study using our department's otosclerosis database and a validated questionnaire on symptoms associated with the chorda tympani nerve. The sample was divided into two groups: section and conservation (patients whose nerve was anatomically conserved). We studied the presence and duration of symptoms, the surgical technique and the audiometric results.Results: 78 patients (88 ears): section group (18 ears; 20 %) and conservation group (70 ears; 80 %). Overall, gustatory symptoms appear in 35 % (39 % section group; 34 % conservation group). Differences between groups are not statistically significant in relation to presence and duration of symptoms, surgical technique or audiometric results. Only 1 patient in each group reports long-term symptoms. Our results suggest there are no major clinical differences following section versus conservation of the chorda tympani nerve. A wide range of factors such as age, presence of previous middle ear pathology, cross innervation and gastronomic culture may play a role in the appearance of symptoms.Conclusions: Symptoms appearing after iatrogenic damage to the chorda tympani nerve have, in general, little clinical relevance, especially in the long term, regardless of whether the nerve is dissected or manipulated to various degrees.     

Reconstrucción de defectos orofaríngeos tras cirugía transoral robótica. Revisión y recomendaciones de la Comisión de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello

Transoral surgery of the oropharynx has seen an important evolution in recent years, expanding the surgical options available (TORS, TOUSS, TOLS). The capacity to resect increasingly extensive lesions and the number of patients who benefit from them. This fact has led to an evolution in the reconstruction of surgical defects after transoral surgery. This article aims to review the possible reconstructive techniques, indications and factors to be taken into account prior to surgery, proposing a protocol to assess the need for transoral reconstruction based on the depth of the defect, the staging, and previous treatment.     

Exploración videoendoscópica con sueño inducido,utilidad clínica y revisión de la literatura

Fiberoptic examination of the pharynx under drug-induced sleep is a test that helps to detect the areas of vibration and collapse in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. This article is a review of the available literature on the subject, aimed at helping otolaryngologists to understand the procedure and to resolve some controversies surrounding it.     

Correlación entre la clínica y la polisomnografía en los trastornos respiratorios del sueño infantil

IntroductionAlthough polysomnography is the gold standard test for sleep-disordered breathing in children, there is controversy about its indication in all cases. Among the arguments both for and against is the lack of correlation between objective values and the symptoms.ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between clinical data and apnea-hypopnoea index (AHI) in our work environment.Material and methodsWe compared the preoperative clinical symptoms and AHI statistically in 170 children with sleep-disordered breathing who underwent polysomnography. We also analysed the correlation to postoperative level, with a subgroup of 80 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy with 1 year of polysomnography follow-up.ResultsBefore surgery, only the degree of tonsillar hypertrophy was statistically significant correlated with AHI. At post-operative follow-up, evidence of correlation between AHI and apnoea was observed: 38.1% of children improved in the group with persistence and 66.7% in the disease resolution group (P=.023). In addition, the correlations showed the level of improvement of snoring, as assessed by visual analogue scale. The mean was 5 points lower in the persistent group and 6.1 lower in the disease resolution group (P=.047).ConclusionDespite the limitations in the correlation between clinical data and polysomnography, especially in preoperative results, polysomnography remains the gold standard diagnostic tool. Efforts should be made to obtain objective parameters that provide higher levels of correlation.     

Expresión clínica de las alteraciones del equilibrio en pacientes con síndrome de latigazo cervical

Introduction and objectiveThere are many entities that cause equilibrium disorders. Whiplash syndrome is becoming an important entity as a trigger of equilibrium disorders because of an increase in traffic accidents. There are many hypotheses on the generation of vertigo and dizziness in whiplash syndrome. The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the clinical symptoms of patients who suffered whiplash.Material and methodThirty six patients with equilibrium disorders who suffered whiplash syndrome were studied prospectively. None of these subjects had cranial trauma or a history of vestibular pathology prior to the traffic accident. We conducted an exhaustive anamnesis, videonystagmography and cervical magnetic resonance. Patients were classified by type of equilibrium symptom and degree of cervical lesion.Results55.5 % of patients had a sensation of dizziness associated with postural and cephalic movements, 38.8 % had disequilibrium continuously, and 16.7 % (6 cases) had vertigo. Three of this last group had a diagnosis compatible with benign positional vertigo but this diagnosis was confirmed in only 2 patients; two patients had labyrinth commotion and one patient had vertigo of unknown origin.ConclusionsIn patients with whiplash, the most frequent equilibrium symptom is the sensation of fleeting dizziness associated with head movements, while only a small group suffer from vertigo. Although vestibular tests are normal in most patients, we cannot rule out the existence of otolithic lesions.     

Linfoma no-hodgkin intraoral. presentación de 4 casos clínicos

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) represent an heterogenous group of malignancies of lymphoreticular histogenesis. In most cases, they initially arise within lymph nodes but socalled extranodal lymphomas are also found. The NHL has low incidence in the oral cavity. It may involve bone and/or soft tissues as a primary or secondary manifestation. We present a review of the literature and four clinical cases of intraoral NHL. The first couple of cases are primary forms, the third one is associated to HIV infectioin and the last one is an oral presentation as a component of more widely disseminated disease     

Correlación clínico-radiológica de las fracturas de hueso temporal

IntroductionThe diagnosis of temporal bone fractures (TBF) is based on radiological imaging. The most widely used classification divides fractures into longitudinal, transverse, and mixed. In recent years, other classifications have emerged to better predict clinical manifestations.ObjectivesTo review computed tomography (CT) images of TBF, define their radiological pattern, and study the concordance of the observed findings with those described in the radiological report. To analyse the association between fracture types and clinical findings. To study the impact of mastoid pneumatization on fracture characteristics.MethodsRetrospective study of 110 TBF diagnosed with CT between January 2016 and May 2019.ResultsFifty-two transverse (47%), 34 longitudinal (30%), and 19 mixed fractures (17%) were identified with good interobserver agreement (k = .637). Longitudinal fractures were associated with conductive hearing loss (p < .001) and transverse fractures with sensorineural hearing loss (p = .005). Of the fractures, 8.2% showed involvement of the otic capsule, and were associated with sensorineural hearing loss (p < .001), facial paralysis (p = .019) and vertigo (p = .035). Fractures were more frequent in cases of greater pneumatization, and the involvement of the otic capsule in cases of very good pneumatization (p = .024).ConclusionsThe traditional classification of TBF is reproducible. Its association with clinical findings improves when the involvement of the otic capsule is also analysed. Mastoid pneumatization is not a protective factor for TBF or for involvement of the otic capsule.     

Evolución clínica y radiológica de un grupo de neurinomas del acústico no tratados

IntroductionThe acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour that originates in the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve. The main treatment is surgery, but many authors suggest that with elderly patients or in small neuromas we can opt for watchful waiting.MethodsThis was a retrospective study from 2007 to 2013 that included 27 patients diagnosed of acoustic neuroma that had not been treated due to the size of the tumour, age and comorbidities, or by patient choice. We evaluated overall condition, hearing thresholds, degree of canal paresis and central disorders.ResultsAfter 6 years of follow up, clinical manifestations of 18 patients remained unchanged, 5 patients underwent hearing loss and developed tinnitus, 2 cases had more intense tinnitus and 2 cases had dizziness. The radiological controls by magnetic resonance imaging showed that the initial maximum diameters (5-16 mm) increased by 1.7 mm on average, with annual growth rates below 0.5 mm.ConclusionIn selected cases, such as for small neuromas and in elderly patients, the conservative option of close monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging is an important alternative given that, in our cases, clinical features and radiological image did not suffer major changes. If there were any such changes, therapeutic options could be proposed.     

Papilomas invertidos rinosinusales. Revisión de 61 casos

IntroductionInverted papillomas are benign sinonasal lesions that arise primarily from the lateral nasal wall which are characterized by their tendency to recur and propensity to be associated with malignancy. The aim of this work is to analyze our experience in the treatment of these lesions, especially through the endoscopic approach.Material and methodWe present 61 cases of sinonasal inverted papillomas that were treated at our hospital since 1983. The patients were studied by age, gender, site of presentation of the tumor, symptoms, radiologic studies, surgical treatment and evolution. The mean follow-up was 51 months (range 6–228 months).ResultsThirty eight of the patients (62%) were males and 23 females (38%). The average age was 58 years (range 22–80). The most common symptom was unilateral nasal obstruction in 91% of the cases, followed by rhinorrhea in 46%. The most frequent location was the ethmoid region in 51% of cases, followed by the maxillary sinus in 28% and the lateral nasal wall in 21% of the cases. 78% of cases had associated sinusitis and the 43% polyposis. Tumours were classified with the Krouse staging system as follows: 35% stage I, 37% stage II, 18% stage III and 8% stage IV. 37% of the patients had bony erosion in the CT scan. Six of the 42 patients treated by endoscopic procedures presented recurrence (14%), compared with 6 of the 9 patients (67%) who were treated by open approaches. The average time to the recurrence was 41 months. 17% of the patients had malignant inverted papillomas, nine of them diagnosed from the beginning as malignant neoplasies and one which became malignant during follow up.Discussion and conclusionsThe endoscopic approach is the method of choice for the treatment of the majority of inverted papillomas. The close follow up of the patient for a large period of time is necessary for the early detection of recurrence and to allow for surgical salvage.