Esthesioneuroblastoma and Olfactory Preservation: Is it Reasonable to Attempt Smell Preservation?

Objective  Olfactory preservation after resection of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) has been reported, however, the ability to predict tumor involvement of the olfactory system is critical to this surgical strategy. This study aims to answer the question: Can a surgeon predict, based on preoperative imaging, whether there is unilateral involvement of the olfactory system allowing for safe attempt of olfactory preservation? Methods  This is a retrospective review of post-resection ENB meeting inclusion criteria of having bilateral olfactory tracts and bulbs submitted at the time of primary resection for pathologic margins. Five board-certified skull base surgeons blinded to the pathology individually reviewed the preoperative MRI scans to predict degree of tumor involvement. Results  Olfactory bulb involvement occurred in both bulbs in 35% of cases and unilateral in 39% of cases, and there was no involvement in 26% of cases sampled. When comparing physician prediction of involved tracts or bulbs, involvement was appropriate or over-called (i.e., called positive when pathology was in fact negative) in 96% of cases. Conclusion  This study demonstrates unilateral or no pathologic olfactory involvement of the olfactory system in 65% of cases. Our ability to predict this involvement, which may allow for a management strategy that attempts to preserve olfactory function, was accurate at 96%. Therefore, interpretation of imaging and proceeding with smell preservation in ENB appears reasonable in this cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2b.

Volumetric analysis of olfactory neuroblastoma skull base laterality and implications on neck disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the laterality of primary tumors in patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) influenced the pattern and development of neck disease.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort study design from 1994 to 2015, the primary tumors of patients who either presented with or developed neck disease were volumetrically analyzed using iPlan software (version 3.0.0, BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) by two independent observers. Agreement of volume-derived sidedness was assessed with a kappa statistic, whereas agreement in volume-derived degree of tumor laterality was evaluated with an intraclass correlation coefficient. A one-sample t test was used to assess the difference in dominant percentage between the two observers.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients with histological diagnosis and treatment of ONB at our institution were identified. Twenty-four patients exhibited neck involvement, 13 of whom could be volumetrically analyzed. Tumors that were greater than 75% eccentric to one side all exhibited contralateral disease, whereas the majority of unilateral neck disease was associated with relatively midline masses. Within the entire cohort, ipsilateral level 2 lymph nodes displayed the highest involvement (83%, 20 of 24), followed by ipsilateral level 1 (54%, 13 of 24), contralateral level 2 (46%, 11 of 24), contralateral level 1 (21%, 5 of 24), and ipsilateral level 3 (21%, 5 of 24).

CONCLUSION

Ipsilateral neck involvement frequently was observed; however, the degree of ONB primary site laterality did not appear to have implications on the development of contralateral neck disease. Therefore, when considering elective therapy to the neck, ONB laterality should not be used to justify unilateral neck treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:864-870, 2018.

Metal Substitution Modulates the Reactivity and Extends the Reaction Scope of Myoglobin Carbene Transfer Catalysts

Engineered myoglobins have recently emerged as promising scaffolds for catalyzing carbene-mediated transformations. In this work, we investigated the effect of altering the metal center and its first-sphere coordination environment on the carbene transfer reactivity of myoglobin. To this end, we first established an efficient protocol for the recombinant expression of myoglobin variants incorporating metalloporphyrins with non-native metals, including second- and third-row transition metals (ruthenium, rhodium, iridium). Characterization of the cofactor-substituted myoglobin variants across three different carbene transfer reactions (cyclopropanation, N-H insertion, S-H insertion) revealed a major influence of the nature of metal center, its oxidation state and first-sphere coordination environment on the catalytic activity, stereoselectivity, and/or oxygen tolerance of these artificial metalloenzymes. In addition, myoglobin variants incorporating manganese- or cobalt-porphyrins were found capable of catalyzing an intermolecular carbene C-H insertion reaction involving phthalan and ethyl α-diazoacetate, a reaction not supported by iron-based myoglobins and previously accessed only using iridium-based (bio)catalysts. These studies demonstrate how modification of the metalloporphyrin cofactor environment provides a viable and promising strategy to enhance the catalytic properties and extend the reaction scope of myoglobin-based carbene transfer catalysts.

Management of Recurrent and Metastatic HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Transoral Robotic Surgery

Objective

To describe management and oncologic outcomes for patients who develop locoregional recurrence (LRR) or distant metastasis (DM) following transoral robotic surgery for human papilloma virus (HPV)–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care referral center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 286 patients with HPV-positive OPSCC who underwent transoral robotic surgery–based treatment from May 2007 to May 2015.

Results

Of 286 patients (12.2%), 35 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 19 experienced an LRR and 16 developed a DM; 2 patients with LRR subsequently developed DM. In those patients with an LRR, 79% had T1/T2 tumors, and 47% had N0/N1 nodal disease, compared with 75% and 6% in the DM group, respectively. The median time to LRR or DM was 0.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.4-1.0) and 1.8 years (IQR, 1.0-2.1), respectively. Salvage treatment with intent to cure was attempted in 23 patients (16 LRR, 7 DM). The median time from LRR or DM to last follow-up for the 18 patients who were still alive after salvage was 1.9 years (IQR, 0.4-3.8; range, 7 days–6.2 years). Estimated cancer-specific survival rates at 3 years following intent-to-cure treatment were 63% (95% CI, 39-100; number still at risk, 5) in the LRR group and 100% (95% CI, 100-100; number still at risk, 2) in the DM group.

Conclusion

Overall, LRR and DM for HPV-positive OPSCC following transoral robotic surgery–based therapy are infrequent. In our subset of patients who underwent intent-to-cure treatment, cancer-specific survival rates were favorable. Therefore, aggressive salvage treatment for LRR and DM for HPV-positive OPSCC should be recommended for appropriate candidates.

Occult infratemporal fossa neurofibroma presenting with persistent unilateral tinnitus and middle ear effusion: More than meets the eye

Herein, we present the case of a previously healthy 54year-old female who developed several weeks of unilateral tinnitus and aural fullness. She subsequently underwent unilateral pressure equalization tube placement at an outside institution after exam demonstrated a middle ear effusion, conductive hearing loss and normal nasopharyngoscopy. Ultimately, an MRI revealed an occult mass in the infratemporal fossa (ITF), which was successfully removed via an endoscopic transnasal ITF approach. Following resection of a histopathologically confirmed benign neurofibroma, she reported complete resolution of her symptoms. The antiquated diagnostic algorithm of unilateral effusion suggests that normal nasopharyngscopy successfully "rules out" a causative neoplastic process; however, Eustachian tube occlusion by occult skull base lesions may be missed without further investigation. This case highlights the need for additional radiological investigation of unexplained unilateral persistent middle ear effusion in the setting of normal nasopharyngoscopy.

Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Long-Term Outcomes of Open Surgical Techniques

Objectives

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is rare, and its cause remains elusive. Treatment options include empiric medical therapy and endoscopic or open surgery. We present our results for open surgical technique.

Study Design

Case series with chart review (1978-2015).

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Subjects/Methods

Thirty-three patients (32 female; median age, 51 years) met inclusion criteria and underwent cricotracheal resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis, tracheal resection with primary anastomosis, or laryngotracheoplasty with rib grafting. Continuous variables were summarized using medians and ranges while categorical features are presented using frequency counts and percentages.

Results

Sixteen patients (48%) underwent a single-stage approach with immediate extubation or temporary intubation following surgery (median, 1 day; range, 1-3 days). Seventeen patients (52%) underwent a double-staged approach with a median time to decannulation of 35 days (range, 13-100 days). Twenty-four (73%) patients underwent a previous intervention. Median stay in the intensive care unit was 1 day (range, 0-3 days), with a median hospital stay of 4 days (range, 2-7 days). Recurrence requiring further surgical intervention was observed in 12 patients (36%). The median time to recurrence was 8 years over an average follow-up of 9.7 years. The most common complaint following surgery was change in voice quality (fair to poor; n = 10; 30%).

Conclusions

Open surgery should be reserved for refractory cases of iSGS; cricotracheal resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis is the preferred open technique. Recurrence may occur after open treatment, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up. Patients should be counseled about the potential for worsening voice quality with the open approach.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint and lateral skull base: Review of 11 cases

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the clinical behavior, treatment, and outcomes of tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and adjacent temporal bone.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series with histopathologic review.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed identifying and collecting data from all cases of TGCT involving the TMJ and adjacent temporal bone that were treated at the authors' center between January 1960 and December 2015.

RESULTS

Eleven histopathologically confirmed cases met inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years, eight patients were men, and the median follow-up was 116 months. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging revealed a lytic expansile mass centered on the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most commonly exhibited hypointense signal on precontrast T1- and T2-weighted sequences and variable postcontrast enhancement. The median delay in diagnosis was 24 months, and the most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss and pain. All patients underwent surgical resection, eight receiving gross total removal, one receiving near total removal, and two patients from early in the series receiving subtotal resection with neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation. Histopathological review of surgical specimens revealed chondroid metaplasia in seven tumors. Eight of nine cases receiving gross total or near total resection have no evidence of recurrence to date.

CONCLUSIONS

TGCT of the TMJ and temporal bone are rare and locally aggressive tumors that commonly present with nonspecific symptoms. A careful review of CT and MRI followed by early biopsy is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate treatment. TGCT of the TMJ more commonly contain chondroid metaplasia when compared to TGCT at other anatomic locations. Gross total resection is achievable in most cases and offers long-term cure. Radiation may be considered for recurrent disease or adjuvant therapy following subtotal resection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2340-2346, 2017.

Pathology-based staging for HPV-positive squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx

OBJECTIVE

The rapid worldwide rise in incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has generated studies confirming this disease as an entity distinct from traditional OPSCC. Based on pathology, surgical studies have revealed prognosticators specific to HPV-positive OPSCC. The current AJCC/UICC staging and pathologic nodal (pN)-classification do not differentiate for survival, demonstrating the need for new, HPV-specific OPSCC staging. The objective of this study was to define a pathologic staging system specific to HPV-positive OPSCC.

METHODS

Data were assembled from a surgically-managed, p16-positive OPSCC cohort (any T, any N, M0) of 704 patients from five cancer centers. Analysis was performed for (a) the AJCC/UICC pathologic staging, (b) newly published clinical staging for non-surgically managed HPV-positive OPSCC, and (c) a novel, pathology-based, "HPVpath" staging system that combines features of the primary tumor and nodal metastases.

RESULTS

A combination of AJCC/UICC pT-classification and pathology-confirmed metastatic node count (⩽4 versus ⩾5) yielded three groups: stages I (pT1-T2, ⩽4 nodes), II (pT1-T2, ⩾5 nodes; pT3-T4, ⩽4 nodes), and III (pT3-T4, ⩾5 nodes), with incrementally worse prognosis (Kaplan-Meier overall survival of 90%, 84% and 48% respectively). Existing AJCC/UICC pathologic staging lacked prognostic definition. Newly published HPV-specific clinical stagings from non-surgically managed patients, although prognostic, showed lower precision for this surgically managed cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Three loco-regional "HPVpath" stages are identifiable for HPV-positive OPSCC, based on a combination of AJCC/UICC primary tumor pT-classification and metastatic node count. A workable, pathologic staging system is feasible to establish prognosis and guide adjuvant therapy decisions in surgically-managed HPV-positive OPSCC.

Pediatric malignant salivary gland tumors: 60 year follow up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presentation, treatments and outcomes in pediatric patients with salivary gland malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review (1950-2012), Prospective phone interview.

METHODS

Patients ≤18 years old with a salivary gland malignancy treated at our institution were identified. Patients were also contacted by phone for a follow up survey.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients were identified. Tumor origin was 88% parotid (n = 49), 5% (n = 3) submandibular and 7% (n = 4) minor salivary glands. Time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was over one year (mean = 14.4 years). Fifteen out of 52 patients with major gland malignancy had a locoregional recurrence and local recurrences were almost all after initial enucleation. Two of these patients died of disease (overall disease specific survival = 96%). Three out of 4 patients with minor gland malignancy had a local recurrence and two patients with high grade pathology developed metastases and died of their disease (overall survival = 50%). On long term follow up survey in 13 patients (25%), 100% reported normal facial movement and 54% described symptoms of Frey's syndrome, which is higher than other reported series in children. Recurrence was noted up to 45 years after initial treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of malignant pediatric salivary gland tumors are low grade and have excellent survival, especially if found at an early stage. Minor salivary gland malignancies, particularly high grade, have a worse prognosis. Long term mild Frey's syndrome can be expected in approximately half of patients. We advocate a need for long term follow up and increased awareness among providers to diagnose these patients earlier.

Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in tonsillar specimens using 2 commercially available assays

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY IS TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF HIGH-RISK HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HRHPV) INFECTION IN TONSILLAR SWABS AND TISSUE: Patients undergoing tonsillectomy for nonmalignant causes were enrolled. A flocked swab and fresh tissue were collected from the left and right tonsil of each patient. Specimens were tested for hrHPV DNA using the Roche cobas test and for the presence of E6/E7 messenger RNA using the Hologic Aptima hrHPV test. Of the 193 patients enrolled, 129 were in the pediatric group (ages 1-12years; median, 5years), and 64 were in the adult group (ages 13-55; median, 22years). All swab and tissue specimens were negative for hrHPV by both methods. Positive, negative, and internal controls performed as expected. We found a 0% rate of infection indicating that detectable hrHPV infection in tonsillar tissue appears to be uncommon in the children and adults in the population sampled.

Implantable Doppler flow system: Experience with 24 microvascular free-flap operations

Objective

Microvascular reconstruction requires postoperative monitoring to prevent vascular occlusion and flap failure. These methods require skilled personnel and can delay diagnosis and treatment of threatened flap failures. The Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler flow system provides continual feedback on vascular pedicle status, which in turn provides rapid assessment of minute-to-minute changes in flap vasculature that may allow intervention before total vascular occlusion and expeditious reexploration for threatened flap failure, possibly improving flap salvage.

Study Design and Setting

Charts of 24 patients with microvascular free-flap reconstruction and implantation of Doppler flow system at Mayo Clinic Rochester were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical technique and flap outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Microvascular reconstruction and implantation of Doppler flow system were successful in all patients. Complications were minimal, and postoperative monitoring system facilitated rapid reexploration when necessary. Flap viability was 96%.

Conclusion

Doppler flow system is reliable for monitoring minute-to-minute changes in microvascular flap vascular status postoperatively, and allows rapid recognition of complications and facilitating reexploration. This is a valuable, easily mastered tool for microvascular reconstructive surgery.

Significance

May alter postoperative monitoring techniques of microvascular surgeons.

Preoperative diagnosis of vagal and sympathetic cervical schwannomas based on radiographic findings

OBJECTIVE Vagus nerve and sympathetic chain cervical schwannomas (VNCSs and SCCSs) are benign nerve sheath tumors that arise in the head and neck. Despite similar presentations that make accurate preoperative diagnosis more difficult, the potential for morbidity following resection is significantly higher for patients with VNCS. Therefore, the authors analyzed a retrospective case series and performed a comparative analysis of the literature to establish diagnostic criteria to facilitate more accurate preoperative diagnoses. METHODS The authors conducted a blinded review of imaging studies from retrospectively collected, operatively confirmed cases of VNCS and SCCS. They also performed a systematic review of published series that reported patient-specific preoperative imaging findings in VNCS or SCCS. RESULTS Nine patients with VNCS and 11 with SCCS were identified. In the study cohort, splaying of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and internal jugular vein (IJV) did not significantly predict the nerve of origin (p = 0.06); however, medial and lateral ICA displacement were significantly associated with VNCS and SCCS, respectively (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ICA and IJV splaying with medial ICA displacement carried an 86% probability of VNCS (p = 0.001), while the absence of splaying with lateral ICA displacement carried a 91% probability of SCCS (p = 0.006). The presence of vocal cord symptoms or peripheral enhancement significantly augmented the predictive probability of VNCS, as did Horner's syndrome or homogeneous enhancement for SCCS. A review of the literature produced 25 publications that incorporated a total of 106 patients, including the present series. Splaying of the ICA and IJV was significantly, but not uniquely, associated with VNCS (p < 0.0001); multivariate analysis demonstrated that ICA and IJV splaying with medial ICA displacement carries a 75% probability of VNCS (p < 0.0001), while the absence of such splaying with lateral ICA displacement carries an 87% probability of SCCS (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS ICA and IJV splaying frequently predicts VNCS; however, this finding is also commonly observed in SCCS and, among the 9 cases in the present study, was observed more often than previously reported. When congruent with splaying, medial or lateral ICA displacement significantly enhances the reliability of preoperative predictions, empowering more accurate prognostication.

Robotics in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: Recommendations for training and credentialing: A report of the 2015 AHNS education committee, AAO-HNS robotic task force and AAO-HNS sleep disorders committee

Training and credentialing for robotic surgery in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery is currently not standardized, but rather relies heavily on industry guidance. This manuscript represents a comprehensive review of this increasingly important topic and outlines clear recommendations to better standardize the practice. The recommendations provided can be used as a reference by individuals and institutions alike, and are expected to evolve over time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E151-E158.

Application of the Surgical Apgar Score to Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction

PURPOSE

The surgical Apgar score (SAS) is a recently devised risk-stratifying metric that relies on 3 intraoperative parameters to predict postoperative complications in surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to validate the SAS externally in a cohort of patients undergoing microvascular head and neck reconstruction with fibular free flaps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction with fibular free flaps was completed. The primary predictor variable was the calculated SAS. The primary outcome variable was the presence of medical and surgical complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. Basic demographic information, comorbidity indices, and perioperative parameters were abstracted as covariates. Medical and surgical complications were categorized as minor or major depending on severity level. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations with 30-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In 154 patients, the partial flap failure rate was 3% and there were no complete flap failures. There were 110 patients (71%) who developed at least 1 30-day postoperative complication and 51 (33%) who developed a major complication. The median SAS was 7. The SAS was not significantly associated with the presence of any 30-day postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.42; P = .89) or the presence of any major postoperative complication (OR = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.59-1.09; P = .16) in a univariable setting. The SAS did not achieve statistical significance after multivariable adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Despite validation in numerous other surgical specialties, the SAS might not be useful as a metric for risk stratification among patients undergoing major head and neck reconstruction with fibular free flaps.

Epigenomic profiling of preterm infants reveals DNA methylation differences at sites associated with neural function

DNA methylation (DNAm) plays a determining role in neural cell fate and provides a molecular link between early-life stress and neuropsychiatric disease. Preterm birth is a profound environmental stressor that is closely associated with alterations in connectivity of neural systems and long-term neuropsychiatric impairment. The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between preterm birth and DNAm, and to investigate factors that contribute to variance in DNAm. DNA was collected from preterm infants (birth<33 weeks gestation) and healthy controls (birth>37 weeks), and a genome-wide analysis of DNAm was performed; diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data were acquired from the preterm group. The major fasciculi were segmented, and fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and tract shape were calculated. Principal components (PC) analysis was used to investigate the contribution of MRI features and clinical variables to variance in DNAm. Differential methylation was found within 25 gene bodies and 58 promoters of protein-coding genes in preterm infants compared with controls; 10 of these have neural functions. Differences detected in the array were validated with pyrosequencing. Ninety-five percent of the variance in DNAm in preterm infants was explained by 23 PCs; corticospinal tract shape associated with 6th PC, and gender and early nutritional exposure associated with the 7th PC. Preterm birth is associated with alterations in the methylome at sites that influence neural development and function. Differential methylation analysis has identified several promising candidate genes for understanding the genetic/epigenetic basis of preterm brain injury.