Current Opinion in Otolaryngology 2025-01-02

Editorial introductions

Publicatie 02-01-2025


No abstract available

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Chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma: epidemiology, pathophysiology, morbidity, treatment

Speth, Marlene M.; Liu, David T.; Besser, Gerold; Sedaghat, Ahmad R.

Publicatie 27-11-2024


Purpose of review Especially with the advent of biologics which have originally been prescribed primarily for pulmonary disease, the interconnections between asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis are becoming even more apparent. Biologics can now also be prescribed for chronic rhinosinusitis in some countries. But what is the epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of both diseases?Recent findings This review covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, morbidity and treatment of both diseases. Specifically, this review highlights the interdependencies of both diseases and potential future treatment options.Summary This review aims to alert physicians to go beyond treating only one of the diseases, but rather to get a broader picture of the diseases and treatment options.

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Postoperative management following endoscopic skull base surgery

Vozel, Domen; Urbančič, Jure

Publicatie 11-09-2024


Purpose of review The purpose of this opinion is to review current evidence regarding postoperative management following endoscopic skull base surgery.Recent findings Postoperative management encompasses consideration of level of care, laboratory tests, analgetic and antiemetic therapy, antibiotic, antithrombotic and antiepileptic prophylaxis, pharmacological and nonpharmacological cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure reduction measures, including CSF diversion, activity restrictions, nasal packing removal, nasal debridement and toilet, nasal glucocorticoid administration, positive pressure ventilation, imaging, CSF leak diagnosis, and future perspectives.Summary Although significant effort has been put into research of postoperative measures after endoscopic skull-base surgery, there is a heterogeneity of practices and deficit of high-level studies, which would enable highly powered systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

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Fibro-osseous lesions of the sinonasal tract: a contemporary review

Motwani, Kartik; Adelman, Avraham E.; Chapurin, Nikita

Publicatie 03-10-2024


Purpose of review Fibro-osseous lesions (FOL) are benign, slow-growing lesions that are often incidentally discovered in the sinonasal cavity. They may necessitate surgical resection in patients with postobstructive sinusitis, or in cases of cranial nerve and orbital compression. We examine the recent advancements in otolaryngology relating to diagnostic characteristics and treatments for FOL, with emphasis on new technologies to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence.Recent findings We discuss distinguishing characteristics across FOL subtypes, including osteomas, fibrous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma. Recent literature encompasses clinical case series and animal model studies examining mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic findings in FOL. Recent advancements include emerging pharmacological therapies, development of imaging guidance for surgical planning, and focus on the importance of complete surgical resection for improved outcomes.Summary Management of most FOL may be approached by endoscopic techniques, harnessing recent improvements in image guidance and surgical innovation. Improved diagnostic imaging, including the use of 3-D surgical planning, has been shown to enhance treatment outcomes. Improved understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological characteristics of FOL could further reveal targeted therapies, reducing recurrence and improving patient quality of life.

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Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: current evidence and research opportunities

Ji, Jenny; Roland, Lauren T.

Publicatie 18-07-2024


Purpose of review To summarize the evidence surrounding diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and surveillance of patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) and discuss future research needs.Recent findings New risk factors for AIFS such as COVID have been identified, and a new prognostic staging system has been developed.Summary Most patients who develop AIFS are immunocompromised, with the majority having a history of diabetes or a hematologic malignancy. Unfortunately, there are not any highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Therefore, a combination of signs and symptoms, imaging, endoscopy, biopsy, and labs should be used to diagnosis AIFS. Although surgery and systemic antifungals are known to improve outcomes, there is limited data on time to intervention, duration of antifungals, and surveillance patterns. There is also limited information on factors that can predict outcomes in AIFS patients. However, sensory/perceptual changes, prolonged neutropenia duration, and comorbidity burden may be associated with a poor prognosis.

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Olfactory outcomes in skull base surgery

Venkatesh, Sanjena; Douglas, Jennifer E.

Publicatie 04-11-2024


Purpose of review This review examines the impact of skull base surgery on olfactory function, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of postoperative quality of life. As surgical techniques continue to evolve, understanding their impact on olfaction is key to optimizing patient outcomes.Recent findings The relationship between skull base surgery and olfactory function continues to be debated in the literature. With the adoption of transnasal surgical approaches, a significant concern has been its impact on olfaction. Prior studies have shown evidence of olfactory dysfunction following transnasal skull base surgery, though these findings are not universal. A particular area of discussion involves the use of the pedicled nasoseptal flap, which has demonstrated potentially negative short-term olfactory impacts. Additional concerns surround flap design (olfactory strip preservation) and technique of flap harvest (cold knife versus electrocautery). Evidence suggests that olfactory strip preservation may effectively maintain postoperative olfactory performance, while cold knife techniques offer no clear advantage over electrocautery.Summary The inconsistencies in the literature underscore the need for standardized, large-scale studies that directly compare surgical techniques to better understand the impact of transnasal skull base surgery on olfaction. This is essential to optimizing surgical outcomes and improving patient quality of life postoperatively.

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Long-term complications of extracranial pericranial flaps in skull base reconstruction

Daniels, Kelly E.; Mocharnuk, Joseph; Balogun, Zainab; Zenonos, Georgios A.; Gardner, Paul A.; Snyderman, Carl H.; Wang, Eric W.

Publicatie 29-10-2024


Purpose of review Nasoseptal flaps are a frequently used and well characterized means of reconstruction following endoscopic endonasal approach surgery (EEA). However, there are alternative means of reconstruction, including the extracranial pericranial flap (ePCF), that while used infrequently fulfill a specialized need in larger or salvage reconstructions. This review aims to better characterize long-term outcomes using ePCF where there is currently a paucity of objective data on use and outcomes.Recent findings A traditional pericranial flap involves elevating and rotating the flap through a craniotomy defect to reconstruct defects of the ventral skull base. The ePCF is implemented without performing a craniotomy, and instead tunnels the flap through a bony opening created at the level of the nasion. This review presents outcomes in a large single-center cohort of patients with ePCFs to better characterize the short- and long-term success, risks, and complications of this reconstructive method.Summary Long-term follow-up demonstrates that obstruction of the frontal sinus outflow may occur but rarely requires surgical intervention. ePCF are a reasonable alternative to consider in cases where local tissue would be insufficient, is not available, or has already failed. There is a low risk of flap complications.

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Recent developments in olfactory neuroblastoma research

Ghanem, Anthony; Finlay, John B.; Jang, David W.; Goldstein, Bradley J.; Abi Hachem, Ralph

Publicatie 27-11-2024


Purpose of review Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignancy originating from olfactory neuroepithelial cells. Given its uncommon nature and complex clinical presentation, this comprehensive review highlights recent findings and treatment approaches for advancing clinical practice and research.Recent findings Recent literature emphasizes significant advancements in the genomic profiling and molecular classification of ONB. Emerging targeted therapies include somatostatin analogs and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. In addition, the development of genetically engineered mouse models has provided valuable platforms for testing new treatment strategies, revealing similarities between ONB and small cell lung cancer, which may inform future therapeutic approaches.Summary These findings have profound implications on clinical practice. Improved diagnostic accuracy through advanced imaging and genomic profiling in addition to identifying specific mutations for targeted therapy can lead to personalized treatments of patients with ONB. Developments in genetically engineered mouse models and multiinstitutional collaborative efforts are vital for advancing research and standardizing molecular testing. The integration of advanced imaging techniques, genomic profiling, and targeted therapies holds promise for improving patient outcomes and understanding this rare malignancy.

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Imaging approach for fungal sinusitis

Dagher, Richard; Calle, Susana; Learned, Kim O.

Publicatie 30-09-2024


Purpose of review This article provides a comprehensive review of the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of invasive fungal sinusitis with an emphasis on pattern recognition and approach to interpretation.Recent findings Fungal sinusitis is categorized into invasive (acute, chronic, and granulomatous) and noninvasive forms (allergic fungal sinusitis and mycetoma). CT is superior for detecting bony erosion and hyperdense fungal elements, while MRI excels in evaluating soft tissue and mucosal involvement. Key radiologic signs such as bone destruction, sinus wall thickening, and ‘black turbinate sign’ aid in early diagnosis, especially in invasive cases. Early imaging signs can be subtle. Early detection is necessary, particularly in immunocompromised patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis, where rapid intervention is critical.Summary Pattern recognition and adequate interpretation of fungal sinusitis are possible using CT and MRI. Imaging can also help identify complications, aiding with reliable diagnosis and prompt intervention.

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