A comparison between nitric oxide output in the nose and sinuses: A pilot study in one volunteer

From a study of nitric oxide (NO) output in the nose and sinuses it seems that: (i) the results obtained regarding the regulation of NO output in the nose do not necessarily apply to the sinuses; (ii) the results obtained for one group of sinuses may not apply to another; and (iii) NO output in the sinuses does not behave as one would expect if it serves to protect against infection.A pilot study was undertaken in one subject to determine whether the control of NO output in the nose differs from that in the sinuses.NO output was measured by aspirating different gaseous concentrations of oxygen (and/or carbon dioxide) through the nasal airways or punctured maxillary and frontal sinuses before and after i.v. administration of L-arginine (20 mg/kg).In the absence of gaseous oxygen in the nose or maxillary antrum, the effect of L-arginine on NO output was the same as that in the presence of oxygen. In the frontal sinus, the effect of L-arginine on NO output was blocked by the absence of gaseous oxygen. NO output in the nose and frontal sinus showed similar changes after either i.v. administration of L-arginine or removal of oxygen from the air. NO output in the maxillary antrum was virtually unaffected by either procedure. NO output in the nose was largely unaffected by the gaseous carbon dioxide content but that in the frontal and maxillary sinuses was profoundly inhibited by it. In both sinuses, suppression of NO output by carbon dioxide was countered by oxygen. Alterations in the oxygen or carbon dioxide content of the maxillary antrum did not alter NO output in the frontal sinus, or vice versa. After i.v. infusion of L-arginine, nasal NO output remained elevated for >1 h.     

Does nasal nitric oxide come from the sinuses?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess nitric oxide (NO) output by the nose and sinuses. METHOD: In one volunteer, the osteomeatal complex and sphenoethmoidal recess were occluded to isolate the nose from the sinuses. The antrum and frontal sinus were each punctured by two catheters and irrigated with air at constant flow. Nitric oxide output and its rate of accumulation in the absence of air flow were measured in each sinus and in the adjacent nasal cavity. RESULTS: Prior to ostial occlusion, NO output in the nose was 96 nL/min. It decreased by 12% after blockage of all of the ostia. In the isolated sinuses, it was 190 nL/min (antrum) and 68 nL/min (frontal). After 5 minutes stagnation; NO concentration [NO] rose in the occluded sinuses to 24,700 nL/L in the antrum and 22,300 nL/L in the frontal sinus. In the nose, it increased to 29,000 nL/L. When the period of stagnation was prolonged in the frontal sinus, the [NO] reached a plateau. NO output and accumulation were not altered in the nose or either sinus by opening their ostia. In the antrum and frontal sinus, lidocaine reduced NO output and the rate of NO accumulation, but not in the nose. CONCLUSIONS: In this volunteer, 88% of nasal NO was derived from the nose itself. Nitric oxide exchange between the frontal sinus, antrum, and nose was negligible. In the absence of air flow, [NO] rose to a plateau in the nose and frontal sinus. Lidocaine inhibited NO output in the sinuses but not the nose.     

Gaseous Dynamics of the Rabbit Maxillary Sinus

To better understand the mechanisms underlying maxillary sinus function, the gas composition of the sinus antrum in spontaneously breathing and tracheotomized rabbits (n = 17) was compared. The gas composition of samples (n = 117) obtained from rabbit maxillary sinuses was determined by gas chromatography. Results demonstrated significant differences (P<.005) in sinus gas composition between nasal breathing and tracheotomized animals for oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). In tracheotomized animals O₂ levels decreased while CO₂ levels increased markedly to suprasystemic levels. This unexpected finding may be due to reduced sinus blood flow and the effects of nasal versus tracheal respiration. We conclude that the gaseous dynamics and perhaps the function of the maxillary sinus vary under different respiratory conditions. A better understanding of these processes may lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of improved treatments for sinus disease.     

The influence of the size of the maxillary sinus ostium on the nasal and sinus nitric oxide levels

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in significant quantities in the nasal sinuses and is thought to have a beneficial effect on the mucociliary transport of the sinuses and nose and to have significant antibacterial properties that contribute to the health of the sinuses. Recently, the concept of "mini-functional endoscopic sinus surgery" has been introduced where the uncinate is removed without enlargement of the maxillary ostium. Although no scientific evidence has been published, enlargement of the ostium is thought to possibly disrupt the mucociliary pathway and decrease the concentration of NO in the nose and sinuses. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of enlargement of the maxillary ostium on sinus and nasal NO. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who were post-endoscopic sinus surgery were included with 52 who were maxillary sinus ostia cannulated. There were 22 large maxillary sinus ostia and 30 small ostia. Smoking, allergy status, and topical steroid use were recorded. NO levels were measured in the nose and maxillary sinus after decongestion with patients mouth breathing and breath holding. RESULTS: This study shows that enlargement of the maxillary sinus ostium above its normal size (20 mm2) produces a significant decrease in both the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity NO levels. In addition, the size of the ostium showed a significant correlation to the sinus NO level. Use of topical nasal steroid sprays and topical decongestants were shown to effect NO levels in the sinuses and nasal cavity. The lowered levels of NO were found irrespective of the technique of measurement of the NO. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of this lowered NO level on the susceptibility of the maxillary sinuses to recurrent infection is yet to be determined.     

The paranasal sinuses as reservoirs for nitric oxide

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator and inflammatory marker in human upper airways. Enzymes responsible for NO production have been demonstrated both in the nose and in the paranasal sinuses, but NO levels in the sinuses are reported to be several times higher than those in the nose. It has been postulated that the paranasal sinuses may be the primary sites for NO production in the upper respiratory tract. The present study was designed to compare the NO levels sampled from the nose with those found in the paranasal sinuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: NO levels in the maxillary sinus and nose were determined using a continuous chemiluminescence measuring technique in seven healthy volunteers. RESULTS: When NO was sampled, via a drainage tube inserted into the maxillary sinus, a transient peak in NO level was recorded. The maximal NO level (5,761 +/- 1,513 ppb; n = 7) was reached within 10 s and was followed by the establishment of a lower steady-state level (304 +/- 51 ppb). When NO was continuously sampled from the nose a steady-state level, similar to that found in the sinus, was immediately established (313 +/- 52 ppb). CONCLUSION: The data presented confirm previous findings of extremely high NO levels in the paranasal sinuses and suggest that these cavities may also function as reservoirs for NO.     

The relationship between anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses and chronic sinusitis in children

Conclusions. Anatomical variations in the nose and paranasal sinuses are common in children. Due to the absence of a definitive relationship between anatomical variations and sinus disease, local, systemic or environmental factors appear to be more significant in pediatric sinusitis than the anatomic variations. Objective. Chronic sinusitis is increasing in the pediatric population. Following the initial reports of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for children, the majority of patients undergoing this procedure have experienced improved quality of life. Thus, we need to know the precise anatomy and anatomical variations of the nose, as well as the relationship between such anatomy and chronic sinusitis. Patients and methods. To determine the extent and distribution of disease, as well as associated anatomic abnormalities, computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on 113 children with persistent symptoms of sinusitis after failure of medical therapies. Results. The maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved sinus, followed by the ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. There was no relationship between age and severity of sinusitis. Agger nasi cell was the most common anatomical variation, followed by septal deviation, Haller cell, concha bullosa, paradoxical middle turbinate, and Onodi cell. The prevalence of septal deviation increased with age. There was no significant relationship between the sinusitis and anatomic variations.     

The pathogenesis of maxillary sinus pneumoceles

Pneumocele is a pathologically expanding, air-containing paranasal sinus most common in the frontal sinus. To our knowledge, only six cases of pneumoceles of the maxillary sinus have been reported so far; to these we add a seventh. The pathogenesis of pneumoceles has not been fully understood. It has been postulated that a one-way valve between the nasal cavity and the affected sinus leads to increased antral pressure and sinus expansion after nose blowing. By monitoring antral pressure through a transoral puncture, we demonstrated a one-way valve between the nose and the maxillary antrum. To our knowledge, this is the first verification of the trap-valve hypothesis.     

Bony abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic vasculitis that can affect any organ system, but primarily involves the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the kidneys. Chronic sinusitis is a well-known clinical feature of the disease. Mucosal abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been well-characterized and range from granulomatous lesions to diffuse mucosal thickening. In contrast, abnormalities of the underlying bone of the paranasal sinuses in this disease have not been well-described, and reports have been limited. To characterize bony abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who underwent a sinus CT scan at our institution between 1989 and 1999. Nine patients were identified. A total of 22 distinct bony abnormalities were identified in 5 patients. Specific bony findings included bony erosion and destruction of the septum and turbinates; erosion of the ethmoid sinuses; neo-osteogenesis of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses; and complete bony obliteration of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Although these findings are suggestive of Wegener's granulomatosis, they are not pathognomonic. Bony changes on sinus CT scan may provide radiologic evidence of underlying Wegener's granulomatosis when clinical suspicion is high.     

Maxillary sinus hypoplasia and superior orbital fissure asymmetry

Misdiagnosis of maxillary sinus hypophasia usually as sinus infection, sometimes as neoplasm, can lead to unnecessary and difficult surgical explorations. Associated anatomical abnormalities, e.g., caudal displacement of the ipsilateral frontal lobe of the brain or central position in the maxilla of the infraorbital nerve may create unexpected surgical hazards. Associated orbital enlargement can lead to diagnostic confusion in the investigation of headache, especially if the superior orbital fissures show marked asymmetry suggesting erosion. Projection of the fissure into the antrum in Waters view can simulate trabeculation of the sinus or fracture of the inferior orbital rim. Radiologic examination of 500 patients without intracranial or intraorbital lesions revealed maxillary sinus hypoplasia in 36 cases (7.2%) and in half the hypoplasia was unilateral (sinus asymmetry); aplasia was not encountered. Fissure asymmetry was present in 30 cases (6%), being present in 3.66% of patients with normally developed sinuses and in 36.1% of the hypoplasia patients. The appearances and measurements of the fissure are presented and examples of marked normal fissure asymmetry are demonstrated. Maxillary sinus hypoplasia is classified in this series as grade I-mild hypoplasia with limited inferolateral expansion (4 cases) and grade II in which there is also a curved orbital floor and lateral displacement of the adjacent nasal wall (32 cases).     

Inverted Papilloma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: Clinical Data,Surgical Strategy and Recurrence Rates

Background: In the last decade inverted papillomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses have been observed in increasing numbers, and treatment modalities have ranged from extensive open radical procedures to microinvasive endonasal surgical excision. Objective: To establish criteria for selecting patients for open osteoplastic or endonasal surgery according to clearly defined pathological and clinical data. Material and method: In a retrospective study, clinical data of 55 patients treated surgically in the University ENT Clinic Giessen from 1991 to 1998 were analysed. In 33 patients (60%) endonasal excision of the papillomas was carried out and in 22 (40%) osteoplastic lateral rhinotomy or maxillotomy were performed. All histological specimens were revised. Patients were followed up and endoscopically examined until 31 March 1999. Results: In 22 patients, tumours involving the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, parts of the frontal skull base and anterior ethmoid, and the orbit were operated on using open osteoplastic procedures, with 4 (18%) recurrences observed. Tumours excised endonasally showed the same recurrence rate: 6 out of 33 (18%). These tumours were smaller in size and localized in the nasal cavity, the middle and posterior parts of the ethmoid involving the sphenoid, and the medio-posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. The functional outcome was excellent for all patients; two patients developed a mucocele. Cancerization was observed in three cases. Conclusions: In select cases the endonasal microsurgical approach to inverted papillomas has the same good results concerning function and tumour control as osteoplastic open rhinotomy. This method should still be preferred in tumours localized in the frontal sinus, anterior ethmoid, anterior, caudal and lateral parts of the maxillary sinus and beyond the sinuses.     

The ethmoidal infundibulum and its inflammatory illnesses (author's transl)]

The infundibulum ethmoidale is a cleft-like space situated like a funnel before the maxillary ostium. In this cleft inflammations occur very often. From here they may spread to the paranasal sinuses of the first series (frontal and maxillary sinus, anterior ethmoidal cells), especially to the antrum, and may cause recurrent or chronic inflammations. The walls of the infundibulum may be inspected endoscopically from the middle and inferior meatus, and also from the antrum. Sometimes a direct view in this cleft-like space may be obtained. On this way any inflammations of the infundibulum can be diagnosed exactly and treated endoscopically. This procedure leads not only to healing of the infundibulum, but also of the adjacent paranasal sinuses of the first series.     

Management of a large frontoethmoid osteoma with sinus cranialization and cranial bone graft reconstruction

Osteoma represents the most common benign neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The etiology of osteomas is uncertain and the majority occur in the frontal. ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses in that order. We present a 14-year-old male with a large frontoethmoid osteoma that required frontal sinus cranialization and pericranial bone graft reconstruction following removal. The osteoma recurred 6 months postoperatively and was excised. Treatment alternatives and a review of the literature are presented.     

Mucin Impaction Tumor of The Paranasal Sinuses: A New Clinical Entity?

A variety of uncommon benign lesions occur in the paranasal sinuses and have been reported to masquerade as carcinomas. Nearly all of such cases have been limited to the frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinuses with an isolated report of maxillary sinus involvement. The classic roentgenologic picture is that of bony destruction. Heretofore described destructive lesions of the maxillary sinus include the mucocele, mucous retention cyst, pseudocyst, pyocele and cholesteatoma. This report deals with a previously undescribed entity, the mucin impaction tumor located in a septate maxillary sinus. This inflammatory, non-neoplastic tumor-like condition, presents as chronic sinusitis with periorbital edema, malar swelling and tenderness. Radiologic examination reveals total destruction of the bony walls of the nose, of the orbital rim and floor and of the maxillary sinus. The importance of recognizing this lesion lies in its benign nature but destructive capabilities. The destruction may possibly be accounted for by its anatomical origin in the septate sinus. Repeated surgical intervention may also serve to predispose or potentiate development of these lesions. Its resolution after adequate surgical extirpation and its place in the differential diagnosis of antral lesions are worthy of emphasis.     

Unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses removed by endoscopic surgery

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and nature of unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses in patients who had endoscopic sinus surgery performed in ENT. Materials and methods: In the years 2006–2011 endoscopic sinus surgery for unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses was performed in 1847 patients (838 women and 1009 men). The enrollment of patients was based on the findings of otolaryngological clinical and subjective examinations, assessment of the paranasal sinuses on three-dimensional CT scans, and laboratory examinations. Based on the analysis of medical history data, including gender, age, the type of surgical procedure performed, and histopathological findings the cases were finally analyzed.

Results

Pathological lesions of the paranasal sinuses were localized on the left side in 132 (57%) patients, and on the right side in 100 (43%) patients. Of the 232 patients with unilateral pathological changes, 41.8% subjects underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for polypotic changes in the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses; 28.4% for the maxillary sinus; 10.8% for the ethmoid, maxillary and frontal sinuses; and 8.6% patients for all paranasal sinuses on one side. The number of operations of only one sinus was considerably lower: sphenoid sinus, 4.7%; ethmoid sinus, 2.2%; and frontal sinus, 1.7% patients. The histopathological analysis of unilateral pathological lesions removed by endoscopic surgery showed chronic paranasal sinusitis with polyps in 56.5% patients; chronic paranasal sinusitis in 22.8% patients; and maxillary sinus cyst was confirmed in 11.6% patients. In 5.1% patients inverted papilloma was diagnosed and in 2.2% patients the presence of osteoma was found.

Conclusions

Unilateral paranasal pathological lesions, leaving aside rather typical maxillary sinus cysts, require a particularly thorough pre-operative diagnosis and a precise histopathological assessment.     

鼻腔鼻窦骨化纤维瘤的螺旋CT诊断

目的探讨螺旋CT在鼻腔鼻窦骨化纤维瘤的诊断价值。方法回顾性研究本院行手术治疗并经病理确诊的鼻腔鼻窦骨化纤维瘤患者24例,分析其临床资料及螺旋CT影像学特征,探讨螺旋CT诊断程序。结果侵犯单个鼻窦的肿瘤12例,包括筛窦8例,上颌窦4例;其中6例伴有鼻腔侵犯。病变同时侵犯多个鼻窦和鼻腔者12例,包括上颌窦和筛实8例,筛窦和额窦4例。肿瘤的CT表现为鼻腔／鼻窦内单发类圆形或不规则形高密度肿块,部分区域可见低密度影,其周边显示完整的骨性包壳,呈膨胀性生长,周围组织受压变形但界限清晰。结论螺旋CT扫描是诊断鼻腔鼻炎骨化纤维瘤最常用和最有价值的影像学检查手段。     

A decrease in maxillary sinus pressure,as seen in upper airway allergy or infection,results in an increase in upper airway nitric oxide levels

The paranasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity via small osties. Ostial occlusion, caused by mucosal swelling, will result in a slowly increasing negative pressure inside the sinus cavity. In parallel, the oxygen content in the sinus will decrease, resulting in the development of relative hypoxia. Hypoxia is a powerful inducer of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and inducible NO synthase has been shown to be present in considerable amounts in the upper airways, including the sinuses. The present study was designed to investigate whether a reduction in sinus pressure would affect upper airway NO production. Thirteen healthy volunteers were investigated. A pressure chamber was used to lower the ambient pressure to -4.9 kPa. NO was sampled from one nostril or via a drainage tube inserted into the maxillary sinus before, during and after the hypobaric exposure. When the pressure was decreased, NO levels increased from 256 +/- 15 to 316 +/- 19 ppb (n = 13, p < 0.001). The NO levels remained elevated (282 +/- 21 ppb; p < 0.05) when measurements were repeated 20 min after leaving the chamber. The nasal airway resistance (V2tot) also increased as a result of the chamber session (from 16 +/- 2 degrees before to 21 +/- 3 degrees after; p < 0.05). An increase in NO levels was also found when the experiments were repeated with NO sampled directly from the maxillary sinus (225 +/- 6 before and 265 +/- 9 ppb after; n = 6, p < 0.001). For control purposes the nasal analyses were repeated again, this time under hyperbaric conditions (+ 4.9 kPa). This resulted in a slight decrease in the NO levels (from 273 +/- 22 to 241 +/- 17 ppb; n = 10, p < 0.001), but there was no change in the nasal airway resistance. We conclude that a reduction in sinus pressure, as seen in upper airway allergy or infection, may result in an increase in upper airway NO production.     

Zonography in diagnosis of maxillary and frontal sinus pathology

The results of a survey roentgenogram of the paranasal sinuses in the nasomental projection were compared to those of maxillary and frontal sinus zonography according to an original technique in 150 patients aged 15-67 years with acute and chronic lesions in the frontal or maxillary sinuses. Diagnostic efficacy of paranasal sinus zonography is shown.     

Morphometric Study of the Paranasal Sinuses in Normal and Pathological Conditions

Prospective and retrospective morphometric CT (axial and coronal) research was performed with 100 healthy persons and 163 patients (145 males, 118 females, mean age 50 years, range 1-88 years). The patients were classified into the following groups: chronic sinusitis (n=85), polyposis (n=25), mucoceles (n=13), benign tumors (n=20) and malignant tumors (n=20). After initial calibration with the scale (in cm) displayed on the CT image, each paranasal sinus was outlined following its bone inner surface. The data were processed with a high-resolution analysis system, and volumes were calculated using an integration areas rule. The ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses exhibited an increase in volume for a period of up to 15 years, afterwards maintaining similar values. The frontal sinus grows in a monomodal pattern (peak at 30 years). The volumetric results (mean and standard deviation) in the normal adult group were as follows: maxillary sinus 13.07 cm³ (6.8), ethmoid 5.5 cm³ (2.0), sphenoid 3.5 cm³ (2.6) and frontal 3.7 cm³ (3.6). Primary frontal and maxillary sinus hypoplasia appeared in 3.9% and 1.3% of cases, respectively. The anatomic variations were as follows: concha bullosa 8.3%, Haller cells 3.2% and Onodi cells 8.3%. The sinusitis values (adults) were greater than those in the normal group: 14.4 cm³ (7.3), 6.8 cm³ (2.9), 2.9 cm³ (1.9) and 4.2 cm³ (5.2), with the exception of the sphenoid, but the difference was not statistically significant. Finally, we propose a new classification for paranasal sinus tumors (benign and malignant), volumetric T (vT), taking into account the morphometric tumoral volume and the mean volumetric value of normal sinuses.     

Hypoxia Depresses Nitric Oxide Output in the Human Nasal Airways

Objectives The role of oxygen in the nasal air on nasal nitric oxide (NO) output was studied in 13 adult volunteers. Methods Nasal NO was measured while air containing oxygen (0%–100% in nitrogen) was aspirated through the nasal airway before and after the topical application of xylometazoline. Results The mean nasal NO output of the untreated nose was 507.8 ± 161.9 nL/min (mean ± SD) when 21% oxygen was aspirated through the nasal cavities in series and remained unaltered by 100% O₂ (P = .79). Below 10% oxygen the reduction in nasal NO output correlated positively and significantly with the decrease in oxygen concentration (r² = 0.14). NO output was 245.2 ± 153.4 nL/min at 0% oxygen, a significant decline from 21% oxygen (P < .0001). Nasal vasoconstriction induced by xylometazoline and alterations in the blood oxygen content by a maximal breath‐holding or breathing 100% oxygen did not alter nasal NO in hypoxia (P = .41). Conclusions Nasal NO output is markedly depressed in hypoxia and is oxygen dependent at concentrations of less than 10%. Approximately 50% of nasally generated NO is produced from oxygen in nasal air or regulated by it.     

Metástasis fronto-etmoidal de adenocarcinoma prostático. presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura

Prostatic metastases in the nose and paranasal sinuses are rare. Less than 100 cases have been reported in the literature. Kidney are the commomest site of primary tumour, followed by lung and breast. Only 10 cases have previously been reported in the world literature. Prostatic metastases have been mainly reported in the sphenoid sinus. This paper reports one case of metastases of prostatic carcinoma in the fronto-ethmoid sinus in a 72 years old male. The clinical picture includes acute frontoethmoid right sinusitis, severe exophthalmos and chemosis. The CT scan showed extensive soft tissue filling the maxillary, ethmoid cells, shpenoid and frontal right sinuses, with subdural abscess. Biopsies from the frontoethmoid mass showed infiltration by adenocarcinoma with positive immunostaining for prostatic specific antigen. We also review the literature about metastases involving the nose and paranasal sinuses.