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Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2019Timely, expeditious and appropriate management of Frontal bone fractures and associated Frontal Sinus (FS) injuries are both crucial as well as challenging. Treatment...
BACKGROUND
Timely, expeditious and appropriate management of Frontal bone fractures and associated Frontal Sinus (FS) injuries are both crucial as well as challenging. Treatment options vary considerably, depending upon the nature, extent and severity of these injuries as well as operator skill, expertise and experience. In cases of posterior table fractures of the Frontal Sinus, literature reports have in general, propounded direct visualization and exploration of the sinus via a bifrontal craniotomy, followed by sinus cranialization.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To review the standard protocols of management of Frontal bone fractures and Frontal Sinus injuries. To assess the efficacy of a more conservative approach in the management of outer and inner table fractures of the FS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Contemporary and evolving management protocols and changing treatment paradigms of different types and severities of frontal bone fractures and frontal sinus injuries, have been presented in this case series. A useful Treatment Algorithm has been proposed to efficiently and effectively manage these injuries.
RESULTS
In the present case series, effective and satisfactory results could be achieved in cases of significantly displaced inner and outer table fractures of the Frontal sinus by a more conservative protocol comprising of open reduction and internal fixation carried out via the existing scar of injury, without having to resort to the more radical intracranial approach and sinus cranialization. Nevertheless, presence of complicating factors such as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, evidence of meningitis or the development of encephalomeningocoeles necessitated the standard protocol of sinus exploration and its cranialization or obliteration.
CONCLUSION
Management protocols of Frontal Sinus injuries vary, based on aspects such as the timing of presentation and intervention, degree of injury sustained, concomitant associated Craniomaxillofacial injuries present, presence of complicating factors or Secondary/Residual deformities & Functional debility, and need to be decided upon on a case to case basis.
PubMed: 31909005
DOI: 10.4103/ams.ams_151_19 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2023Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) is a non-neoplastic notochord remnant with limited literature. We present a review on surgically resected clival EP to evaluate if... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) is a non-neoplastic notochord remnant with limited literature. We present a review on surgically resected clival EP to evaluate if available follow-up is adequate to distinguish EP from chordomas.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was completed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Case reports or series of adults with histopathologic and radiographic findings of surgically resected EP were included. Articles including pediatric patients, systematic reviews, chordomas, and without microscopic or radiographic confirmation, or the surgical approach, were excluded. Corresponding authors were contacted twice to further evaluate outcomes.
RESULTS
Eighteen articles were included (n = 25 patients; mean age 47.5 years ± 12.6 [standard deviation] months). All patients had symptomatic, surgically resected EP, with cerebrospinal fluid leak or rhinorrhea the most common symptom (48%). All but 3 had gross total resection, with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal transclival the most common approach (80%). All but 3 reported immunohistochemistry findings, with physaliphorous cells the most common. All but 5 patients had definitive follow-up (80%), with average of 19.5 ± 17.2 months. One corresponding author reported longer-term follow-up for 1 patient (57 months). No recurrence or malignant transformation was reported. Mean time to clival chordoma recurrence (53.9 ± 26.8 months) was also evaluated in a review of 8 studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Mean follow-up for resected EP was almost 3 times shorter than mean time to recurrence of chordomas. Available literature is likely inadequate to confirm the suspected benign nature of EP especially in reference to chordoma, precluding treatment and follow-up recommendations.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Middle Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Chordoma; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Hamartoma; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Nervous System Malformations
PubMed: 36898627
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.016 -
OTO Open 2021To determine the safety and efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) area for the treatment of chronic...
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) area for the treatment of chronic rhinitis.
STUDY DESIGN
A multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, in which the control arm underwent a sham procedure.
SETTING
Sixteen otolaryngology centers.
METHODS
Patients with 24-hour reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS) ≥6, including moderate to severe rhinorrhea and mild to severe congestion, were randomized 2:1 to active treatment of the posterior nasal nerve area with a temperature-controlled RF device or a sham procedure, with no RF energy delivery. The stylus was applied bilaterally to nonoverlapping areas of the posterior middle meatus and posterior inferior turbinate in each nostril in the region of the PNN. The primary endpoint was responder rate at 3 months, where a response was defined as ≥30% improvement (decrease) in rTNSS from baseline.
RESULTS
Patients had a mean baseline rTNSS of 8.3 (95% CI, 7.9-8.7) and 8.2 (95% CI, 7.6-8.8) ( = .797) in the active treatment (n = 77) and sham control (n = 39) arms, respectively. At 3 months, responder rate was significantly higher in the active treatment arm: 67.5% (95% CI, 55.9%-77.8%) vs 41.0% (95% CI, 25.6%-57.9%) ( = .009). The active treatment arm had a significantly greater decrease in rTNSS (mean, -3.6 [95% CI, -4.2 to -3.0] vs -2.2 [95% CI, -3.2 to -1.3]) ( = .013). Three adverse events related to the device/procedure were reported, and all resolved.
CONCLUSION
This randomized controlled trial showed temperature-controlled neurolysis of the PNN area is free from significant adverse events and superior to a sham procedure in decreasing the symptom burden of chronic rhinitis.
PubMed: 34527852
DOI: 10.1177/2473974X211041124 -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Jan 2023To examine an association between idiopathic transclival cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and notochordal lesions. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine an association between idiopathic transclival cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and notochordal lesions.
METHODS
This study consisted of the illustrations of institutional patients who underwent surgery for transclival CSF leak between January 1, 2009 and April 25, 2020 and comprehensive review of the existing literature conducted on April 25, 2020. The cases were classified based on the presumed etiologies that were originally proposed in the articles ("idiopathic" vs. "secondary"). The baseline characteristics were compared between the groups, and the surgical outcomes were summarized.
RESULTS
In 3 institutional cases, ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) was confirmed at the fistula either pathologically (1) or radiologically (2). Among 42 literature cases, 28 were recognized as idiopathic, while 14 were secondary cases with histologically (n = 12) or radiologically (n = 2) confirmed notochordal lesion at the fistula. Thus, any notochordal lesions were histologically confirmed in 13 among a total of 45 cases (28.9%). Fourteen of the idiopathic cases had undescribed radiographic signs suggestive of small ecchordosis physaliphora at the fistula. Both idiopathic and secondary cases demonstrated resemblance in their ages (mean, 51.4 and 56.6 years; p = 0.102), female predominance (male, 36% vs. 25%; P = 0.521), no association with obesity (7% vs. 18%; P = 0.350) or increased intracranial pressure (7% vs. 6%; P = 1.000). All the fistulas were in the midline or paramidline clivus within several millimeters below the dorsum sellae. All the patients were treated surgically with a multilayer closure, resulting in a success rate of 93% with one surgery.
CONCLUSION
Our analyses suggest the association of transclival CSF leak and notochord lesions. A prospective study is needed for definitive conclusion.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Notochord; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Hamartoma; Fistula
PubMed: 36549221
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107562 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Mar 2023Spontaneous rhinorrhea may be the initial manifestation of ecchordosis physaliphora (EP). There are currently 47 published cases of symptomatic EP, with spontaneous...
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous rhinorrhea may be the initial manifestation of ecchordosis physaliphora (EP). There are currently 47 published cases of symptomatic EP, with spontaneous rhinorrhea being one of the most prevalent symptoms. The authors report 1 case as a cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula.
OBSERVATIONS
A 46-year-old woman presented to the authors' clinic with meningitis secondary to nasal CSF leakage. The computed tomography (CT) scan indicated an imperceptibly thin/dehiscent focus along the posterior wall of the sphenoid air cell's midline. A tumor was identified during endoscopic endonasal CSF repair surgery. EP was diagnosed in the frozen and final pathology.
LESSONS
EP should be considered as a potential cause of spontaneous rhinorrhea. This initial clinical manifestation accounts for 35% of symptomatic EP cases. The prepontine and posterior sphenoid sinus wall appear to be the locations with the highest susceptibility. Surgical therapy of the fistula without excision of the lesion may result in insufficient issue resolution and recurrence.
PubMed: 37014027
DOI: 10.3171/CASE236 -
Clivus pathologies from diagnosis to surgical multidisciplinary treatment. Review of the literature.Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Apr 2021
Review
Topics: Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Humans; Skull Base Neoplasms
PubMed: 34060519
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-suppl.1-41-2021-04 -
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Jan 2021There are many fibrin-derived sealants used as topical haemostatic agents in many surgical procedures. Fibrin sealants are usually non-autologous derivatives or animal...
INTRODUCTION
There are many fibrin-derived sealants used as topical haemostatic agents in many surgical procedures. Fibrin sealants are usually non-autologous derivatives or animal derivatives, with the exception of Vivostat®, an autologous fibrin sealant derived from patients own blood.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We present our experience on the use of Vivostat® in skull base closures in 20 patients operated at the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of the Hospital Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia - Cervello of Palermo. All postoperative patients were placed in an anti-trendeleburg position for 48 hours. After removal of the nasal swabs we did not find any rhinorrhea and we checked the tightness of the skull base defect with computed tomography.
RESULTS
On a total of the 20 patients (10 post-traumatic and 10 with iatrogenic leaks), 9 out of 10 post-traumatic cases had a leak in the border area between the anterior and posterior portion of the ethmoid, while 1 patient out of 10 post-traumatic cases had a leak at the level of the sella. In all 20 patients, we repaired skull base defects by fixing grafting materials with Vivostat®. We have not had any complications. Vivostat® is a useful product in skull base repair and safe for the patients.
CONCLUSION
Vivostat® has been used as a sealant on body tissues with greater elasticity and more resistant allowing better and safer wound repair, especially in skull base surgery. In particular, its immediate polymerisation is very useful for an evaluation of the mechanical sealants in the closure of the skull base cerebrospinal fluid leak.
PubMed: 33654684
DOI: 10.22038/ijorl.2020.42520.2385 -
Neurology India 2021Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache syndrome first described by Raskin in 1988. (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache syndrome first described by Raskin in 1988.
AIM
To describe the occurrence of HH in Indian patients and compare its clinicoepidemiological features to those published in the literature and attempt to trace some of the evolving concepts regarding its etiology and clinical features since it was first described.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients attending the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary referral teaching hospital from 01-05-2011 to 30-04-2016 who were identified to have HH as per ICHD 3 beta criteria were included in the study. A meticulous history of the headache and comorbidities, clinical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, blood counts, blood biochemistry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and polysomnography (in selected patients) were done and the results were compared to selected international literature.
RESULTS
A total of 11 patients with HH were identified during the study period, of which 8 (72.72%) were males and 3 (27.27%) were females. The age of the patients varied from a minimum of 53 years to a maximum of 78 years (Mean: 63.36, SD: 8.09). The frequency of attacks per month ranged from 5 to 46(Mean: 20.36, SD: 11.67). The duration of each headache episode ranged from a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours (Mean: 1.93, SD: 1.23). The occurrence of the headaches was maximum during the time periods of 0.00-2.00am and 2.00-4.00am (38% and 36%, respectively). The pain was dull in a majority of patients, 7 (63.63%). Trigeminal autonomic features such as lacrimation, ptosis, or rhinorrhea were not recorded from our cohort. Motor activity was noted in 7 (63.63%) cases. Two (18.18%) patients had associated migraine headaches whereas 3 (27.27%) had associated tension-type headaches. None of the patients in our series had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Four (36.36%) patients had systemic hypertension and 1 patient (9.09%) had diabetes mellitus. Two (18.18%) patients had symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Three (27.27%) patients had symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Blood examinations and MRI were normal in all patients, except for the findings of a few lacunar infarcts and nonspecific T2 weighted hyperintensities in 3 patients (27.27%).
CONCLUSION
Our study proves the existence of the newly described primary headache syndrome called HH in the Indian population. On comparing our results with the international literature, the similarities are much greater than the differences. MRI voxel-based morphometry to demonstrate the loss of gray matter in the posterior hypothalamus may prove to be a reliable test to diagnose primary HH in the future.
Topics: Female; Headache; Headache Disorders, Primary; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Migraine Disorders; Pain; Polysomnography
PubMed: 34747799
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.329541 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Jul 2020Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation has shown promise in improving rhinorrhea due to allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). Early case series have shown...
BACKGROUND
Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation has shown promise in improving rhinorrhea due to allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). Early case series have shown meaningful clinical improvement in 75-80% of patients, but variables predicting PNN cryoablation success have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether disease features and ipratropium nasal spray response predicted rhinorrhea response after PNN cryoablation.
METHODS
A multi-institutional retrospective case-control study of 55 patients who underwent PNN cryoablation for bilateral rhinorrhea due to allergic, nonallergic, or mixed rhinitis was conducted at 3 tertiary medical centers. Patients received a 1-month trial of ipratropium spray. Runny Nose Scores (RNSs) of 0-5 from the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test were collected prospectively, before and after PNN cryoablation.
RESULTS
The mean age of subjects was 55.3 years and 54.6% were women. Mean follow-up was 170 days. NAR comprised 62% of patients. Of the 48 patients who trialed ipratropium spray, 33 (69%) had some response and 15 (31%) had no response. Mean overall preprocedural RNS was 4.2 ± 1.0. After PNN cryoablation, there was a ≥1-point decrease in RNS in 39 patients (71%). Only ipratropium spray (INS) response predicted cryoablation success. For ipratropium spray responders, 28 of 33 (85%) had improved RNS after cryoablation, whereas 5 of 15 (33%) nonresponders improved (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In chronic rhinitis patients, rhinorrhea response to ipratropium was predictive of rhinorrhea improvement after PNN cryoablation. This study has important implications for preoperative counseling and guiding patient expectations when considering PNN cryoablation.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cryosurgery; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Rhinorrhea
PubMed: 32445248
DOI: 10.1002/alr.22574 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery May 2017The use of posterior calvarial distraction (PCD) for the management of craniosynostosis is well recognized. The advantages of using this technique include increased...
The use of posterior calvarial distraction (PCD) for the management of craniosynostosis is well recognized. The advantages of using this technique include increased cranial volume, decreased intracranial pressure, relief of posterior fossa crowding, improved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation at the cranio-cervical junction with cessation, and possible resolution of syrinx.The authors retrospectively review their first 50 patients who have undergone PCD under the senior author's care in our unit.The demographics, diagnoses, intraoperative approach with techniques in distractor placement and outcomes of each patient were obtained through an electronic craniofacial database and written patient records. Analysis of complication rates (bleeding, distraction problems, CSF leaks, and infection) was included.A total of 31 boys and 19 girls underwent the procedure between October 2006 and September 2015 with a median age was 17.7 months (range 4 months to 19 years). Of those 50 children, 34 of the cohort were proven to be syndromic by genetic testing.The median length of inpatient stay was 9.4 days (range 3-43 days). Average distraction distance was 24 mm.Complications including CSF leaks, bleeding, distractor problems, and severe complications (recorded in 3 patients) are discussed. Our overall complication rate was 50%.Favorable outcomes included resolution of Chiari, syrinx, and raised intracranial pressure in the majority of patients where distraction was successful.The authors recommend that PCD should be considered the primary treatment for increasing calvarial volume. The authors discuss our experiences and technical innovations over the past decade.
Topics: Adolescent; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Child; Child, Preschool; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Craniosynostoses; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Intracranial Hypertension; Male; Osteogenesis, Distraction; Retrospective Studies; Skull; Syndrome
PubMed: 28468145
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003458