Nasal polyposis (or chronic olfactory rhinitis)

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhino Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Predictive Factors of Recurrence

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory condition which may have a significant impact on quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is usually indicated for patients' refractory to maximal medical treatment and presents high recurrence and revision surgery rates. Objective: The aims of this study are to evaluate ESS outcome in CRSwNP management and to assess independent predictive factors for recurrence. Methods: Retrospective medical chart review of patients who underwent ESS for recalcitrant CRSwNP, from January 2002 to December 2021, with a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. Results: This study enrolled 280 patients; 52.5% of whom were males, with a mean age of 41.44 ± 14.25 years. Asthma was the most common comorbidity (36.4%, n = 102) and aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease was present in 16.8% (n = 47) of the study population. We found a recurrence rate of 20.7% (n = 58) and 8.9% (n = 25) of patients required revision surgery. Multivariate analysis identified as independent variables of recurrence (95% CI): no compliance with medication after surgery using topical steroids (OR = 16.056; CI 7.887-32.684; P < .001). Conclusions: ESS proved to be an effective treatment in CRSwNP but with a considerable rate of recurrence. These results indicated an important correlation of postoperative topical steroids compliance with disease recurrence.

Relevance of anatomical remnants for revision sinus surgery

OBJECTIVES

Review of the scientific literature dedicated to investigating how residual structures impact surgical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, providing information on the frequency of anatomical remnants after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review has been reported following the recommendations of the SWiM guideline. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until April 2024. Studies selected for the systematic review were assessed about quality and risk of bias using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence and STROBE. The findings were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively, aligning with EPOS and ICAR guidelines.

RESULTS

Fourteen relevant studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Prospective and retrospective cross-sectional designs, focusing on revision ESS, were included. Four studies examined full-house functional ESS (FESS), three focused on frontal sinus surgery, four on conventional FESS and three did not specify the surgery type. The risk of bias was assessed, revealing significant variability in study quality and a low level of evidence. Wide variability was found in anatomical structures remaining after ESS, most notably in retained uncinate process (29.6-64%), agger nasi cell (4.5-83.33%) and frontoethmoidal cells (40.7-96.8%). Observations on concha bullosa, septal deviation and lateralization of the middle turbinate revealed distinct patterns among the included studies.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review underscores the persistent challenge of incomplete resection of anatomical structures in revision surgeries for CRS. The variability in the retention of key structures highlights the complexity of surgical outcomes and the need for further refinement in surgical techniques.

Olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction on paranasal sinus CT scan in pre-septo-rhinoplasty patients: normal variants or pathologic findings?

OBJECTIVE(S)

To determine the frequency of olfactory cleft (OC) stenosis and obstruction on paranasal sinus CT scans in pre-septorhinoplasty of patients who had septal deviation, septopyramidal deformation or nasal obstruction without other sinonasal conditions.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients referred to our institution between December 2013 and December 2021 for septorhinoplasty due to nasal obstruction without other sinonasal or neurological conditions. All patients underwent preoperative paranasal sinus CT scan and olfactory testing. OC stenosis was quoted as none, partial, or total (less than 1/3 contact between nasal septum and ethmoid turbinates, 1/3-2/3, more than 2/3, respectively), as well as OC obstruction as none, partial, or complete (obstruction of less than 1/3 of OC, 1/3-2/3, more than 2/3, respectively). Radiologic evaluation was validated by near perfect interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients (32 women, 43 men) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 15.64 (23-74) years were included, of which 36 were normosmic and 39 hyposmic. OC stenosis was partial in 58.7% (n = 44) of the patients, absent in 28% (n = 21), and total in 13.3% (n = 10), without difference between normosmic and hyposmic patients (p = .66). OC obstruction was absent in 52% (n = 39) and partial in 46.7% (n = 35), without difference between normosmic and hyposmic patients (p = .51). Only one normosmic patient had complete OC obstruction.

CONCLUSION

OC partial stenosis and partial obstruction were frequent findings in pre-septorhinoplasty patients without respiratory mucosa disease and did not influence their olfactory status. Total stenosis and complete obstruction were rarer and require further investigation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Isolated partial olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction should be considered normal variants, whereas the impact of complete olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction on patient's olfactory status remains to be determined.

KEY POINTS

• The incidence of olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction in asymptomatic patients remains unknown, even though it is encountered in clinical practice. • Partial and total olfactory cleft stenosis occurred in 58.7% and 13.3% of the patients; partial obstruction occurred in half of the cases, but complete obstruction was extremely rare. • There are frequent findings of partial olfactory cleft obstruction and stenosis, but complete obstruction and total stenosis should be further investigated.

Critical review of diagnosis in rhinology and its therapeutical implications

Diagnosis in rhinology is currently based on the concept of inflammation (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]) or the clinical concept of chronic nasal dysfunction (CND). The complementarity between these two approaches can be discussed by a critical review of the literature structured by the analysis of the fundamental and diagnostic bases and the therapeutic implications linked to each. The concept of CRS is based on the anatomical continuity of the nasal and sinus respiratory mucosa and molecular biology data, seeking to analyze the mechanisms of chronic inflammation and to identify proteins and biomarkers involved in the different supposed endotypes of chronic inflammation of this mucosa. The concept of CND seeks to analyze medical, instrumental or surgical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, taking account of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes impacting the anatomy or physiology of each of the three noses (olfactory, respiratory and sinus) that make up the mid-face sinonasal organ of evolution-development (Evo-Devo) theory. Thus, the concept of CRS offers an endotypic approach, based on biological characterization of mucosal inflammation, while the concept of CND offers a compartmentalized phenotypic and pathophysiological approach to sinonasal diseases. The joint contribution of these two concepts in characterizing nasal functional pathology could in future improve the medical service provided to patients.

A short history of nasal polyposis

Nasal polyposis was initially considered a tumor, but came to be seen as a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease during the second half of the 20th century. Although pathogenesis remains unclear, this has not prevented progress in diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and medical, based on the hypotheses of chronic rhinosinusitis with type-2 inflammation and autoimmune inflammation maintained by the vestigial olfactory mucosa of the ethmoid.

Olfaction in nasal polyp patients after Reboot surgery: an endotype-based prospective study

PURPOSE

To report biomarkers present in the olfactory mucosa in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in comparison with nasal polyps and to nasal mucosal tissues from control patients. To evaluate the kinetics of smell over 6 months in patients who underwent Reboot surgery.

METHODS

Cohort study from May 2021 to May 2022. We collected samples of olfactory mucosa and nasal polyps from 16 CRSwNP patients and inferior turbinate samples from 20 control subjects. The study was not randomized for surgical and/or medical treatment. Samples were analyzed by Luminex and Unicap 100 to measure biomarkers of inflammation (IL1-β, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL17, CCL3, CCL4, G-CSF, SE-IgE, total IgE and ECP). 12 of the CRSwNP patients underwent Extended Sniffin'tests at timepoints 1-4 days pre-surgery, and 1, 3 and 6 months after Reboot surgery.

RESULTS

Type-2 markers were significantly elevated in OM and polyp tissue in CRSwNP (n = 16) vs. controls (n = 20), P < 0.05. TDI scores improved already 1 month (P < 0.05) after surgery and remained stable for 6 months. Type-2 inflammation in nasal polyps was associated with decreased sense of smell and taste before surgery, but improved after surgery (P = 0.048). Type-3 inflammation was present in the olfactory mucosa and was associated with a better sense of smell before surgery, but a smaller improvement of smell afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Type-2 inflammation is present in the olfactory mucosa in CRSwNP patients and is associated with smell loss. Reboot surgery, aiming to completely remove inflamed sinus mucosa, significantly improves the smell in this group of patients.

The agreement of the endoscopic Modified Lund-Kennedy scoring in a clinical research group: An observational study

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to prove the robustness of the modified Lund-Kennedy staging system and its use in the clinical research group. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the physicians' homogeneity, identify outliers with an unacceptable agreement and define factors for questionable agreement within the group of raters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anonymized endoscopic photos of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were assessed by independent raters from a clinical research group. The level of agreement between raters was calculated using intra-class correlation and weighted kappa coefficient. Clusters of similarity were identified using Inter-Item Correlation Matrix. The weighted kappa coefficient was calculated for the most homogeneous group and outliers. Age, sex, consultancy years, combined clinical and research work assessed by 5 senior peers were also statistically compared between raters.

RESULTS

Intraclass-correlation coefficients were 0.75 and 0.95 for respectively single and average measures. Single measures value for most homogenous raters was 0.97 (weighted kappa 0.88, (P<0.001). One outlier with less research work score had an unacceptable agreement for single measures coefficient values with the 2 most homogenous raters (respectively 0.59, weighted kappa 0.15, P=0.32 and 0.57, weighted kappa 0.197, P=0.32). Pooled groups were similar in age (P=0.3), sex (P=0.1) and consultancy years (P=0.2) but significantly differentiated in peer-assessed clinical and research work score (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Even with a perfect overall agreement, careful examination of correlation matrix revealed an obvious outlier with less than ideal performance. The method may be helpful when studies using endoscopic staging system are designed to involve researchers from different backgrounds. When exploring the most common factors, education and clinical experience play a paramount role.

Effect of oral steroids on olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral steroids on olfactory disturbances in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective randomized non-blinded study. Selected CRSwNP patients (n=140), with hyposmia, were devided into two groups; group A received a 7-day course of oral steroids with a 12-weeks course of nasal steroids and douching; group B received a 12-weeks course of nasal steroids and douching. Assessment included Sniffin' Sticks scores, visual analogue scale score for olfaction and discomfort (VASsmell, VASdis), the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22, Greek-version (SNOT22-Gr) and the endoscopic appearance (EAS).

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to compare the olfactory effect of the different therapy in group A and group B, at 2, 12 and 24 weeks. Accessory objectives included the comparison of EAS, VASdis and SNOT22-Gr between groups, the evaluation of the therapeutic outcome duration, and, the investigation of potential correlation between the evaluated parameters.

RESULTS

The 2-weeks evaluation showed a significant statistical difference (P<0.001) for all parameters except VASdis. Olfactory outcomes (Sniffin' Sticks and VASsmell scale scores) were found significantly better in group A at the 24-weeks evaluation (P<0.001). Within groups, the therapeutic result remained stable between the 12-weeks and 24-weeks evaluation (P>0.05). Sniffin' Sticks score was strongly correlated at 12-weeks evaluation with EAS (rho=0.58, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a combination treatment of oral and nasal steroids in well-selected patients with CRSwNP may result in early olfaction restoration with a possible long-term effect.

Biotherapy and treatment of adult primary chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Cellular and molecular bases

The present article reviews the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwCRSwNP) and underlying the action mechanisms of biotherapies. Biotherapy uses substances naturally produced by the organism or their specific antagonists targeting a proinflammatory mechanism. CRSwCRSwNP is a form of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which is classically subdivided in to 2 types according to the presence of polyps. In recent years, the concept of endotypes emerged, with a more exhaustive definition of the types of CRS according to inflammatory mechanism, with a view to developing personalized treatments. CRSwNP pathophysiology is poorly understood. Polyps arise from a primary epithelial lesion in a context of chronic local inflammation, mainly type 2 in Europe, implicating eosinophils, IgE, Th2 cytokines (IL-4/IL-13, IL-5) and T and B cells. Biotherapy seems promising in CRSwNP. The present review details the various pathophysiological pathways underlying the action mechanisms of biotherapies, and the various published studies, assessing efficacy and mode of action in the treatment of CRSwNP.

French Otorhinolaryngology Society (SFORL) good practice guidelines for dental implant surgery close to the maxillary sinus

OBJECTIVES

To draw up guidelines for ENT management associated with dental implant surgery with or without sinus lift.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methodology followed the rules of laid down by the French Health Authority (HAS): "Methodological bases for drawing up professional recommendations by formalized consensus". The chosen method was the RAND/UCLA "RAND appropriateness method" (short version).

RESULTS

In the pre-implantation check-up, it is recommended to systematically screen for sinonasal pathology on medical interview and to favor 3D CT or cone-beam imaging. It is recommended that imaging include the entire maxillary sinus when the patient does not have sinonasal history or functional signs on interview. Otherwise, examination of all sinonasal cavities is recommended. This attitude enables simultaneous analysis of maxillary infrastructure for pre-implantation work-up and assessment of sinonasal cavity status. Sinus mucosal incidentalomas are very common in the healthy population and must be assessed with reference to the clinical, endoscopic and radiological context.

CONCLUSION

This formalized expert consensus establishes a common base of knowledge, to clarify the issues and clinical situations and to standardize practices.

Differences in the distribution of CD20, CD3, CD34 and CD45RO in nasal mucosa and polyps from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

The present study focused on the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate that characterizes nasal polyps in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. Inflammatory cell type was determined using specific markers. This evaluation was made possible by determining the expression of the following markers: CD20, a marker of B lymphocytes [using activated T cells (ATC) armed with CD20 antibody]; CD3, a marker of T lymphocytes (using ATC armed with anti-CD3 antibody); CD45, the leukocyte common antigen (using ATC armed with anti-CD45 antibody; and CD34, for the microvasculature of the nasal polyp (using anti-CD34 antibody). The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was made according to current EPOS guidelines based on patient history, clinical examination and nasal endoscopy. We examined surgically resected nasal polyps from 127 patients diagnosed with CRSwNP, who benefited from surgical procedures at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of our institution. The polyps were analyzed at the Department of Pathology of our institution utilizing histopathological and immunohistochemical methods as follows: Firstly, the tissues were paraffin-impregnated, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. We then examined the expression of CD3, CD20, CD34 and CD45RO by immunohistochemistry with soluble labeled streptavidin biotin (LSAB)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) complexes. We observed the following histopathological changes: The structure of the epithelium was evidenced by collagenous subjacent stroma with mixed areas, sometimes associated with hyaline zones. In all types of polyps, we also observed a diffuse underlayer or periglandular lymphoplasmacytic in filtrate composed predominantly from T lymphocytes and eosinophils. The histopathological changes suggest the chronic inflammation of the sinus mucosa, which was diffusely distributed in allergic polyps and with nodular distribution in fibro-inflammatory polyps. The number of B lymphocytes was greater in the fibro-inflammatory polyps. On the whole, the findings of this study indicate that the inflammatory infiltrate in nasal polyps from patients with CRSwNP is mainly composed of T cells and eosinophils in all types of polyposis. In addition, a diffuse distribution of allergic polyps and the nodular distribution of fibro-inflammatory polyps, and the hyperplasia of the seromucous glands was observed. The determination of CD20, CD3, CD34 and CD45RO could be used to assess the inflammatory infiltrate of the nasal poplyps in these patients.

Chronic respiratory rhinitis

The clinical distinction of chronic respiratory rhinitis appears to confirm the evo-devo theory of the three noses. The authors report two cases of advanced allergic rhinitis, in which chronic inflammation had induced a violaceous colour of the mucosa of the respiratory nose and a whitish polypoid appearance of the free edge of the middle turbinate. Nose and paranasal sinus CT scan revealed, beyond the virtual nasal cavities observed on nasal endoscopy and CT imaging, normal radiolucency or only minor opacities of the ethmoid (i.e. olfactory nose) and paranasal sinuses that could not explain the severity of the chronic nasal dysfunction. The hypothesis of non-allergic chronic respiratory rhinitis is developed according to these two observations. The differential diagnosis between chronic respiratory rhinitis and dysfunction of the cavernous plexuses of the respiratory nose is discussed. A precise diagnosis appears to be a prerequisite for appropriate and effective management. Surgery of the respiratory nose can associate septoplasty to inferior turbinoplasty, but must be preceded and combined with medical treatment adapted to the underlying inflammatory process.