Imaging of Sinonasal Tumors

Chondrosarcoma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: A Rare Entity

Background: Chondrosarcomas are slow-growing malignant tumors that originate in cartilaginous structures. They typically manifest in the head and neck region, with a preference for the maxillofacial skeleton, particularly the mandible and maxilla. However, chondrosarcoma of the sinonasal tract is exceptionally rare, and only few cases have been reported. Case Presentation: This report details the case of a 43-year-old woman who incidentally discovered chondrosarcoma in the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses with nasal extension. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery via a paralatero-nasal approach with adjuvant radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical findings, management, and outcome of sinonasal tract chondrosarcoma. Conclusions: The primary treatment for chondrosarcomas remains surgery, with a transnasal endoscopic approach offering a viable option for complete resection in select cases.

Synthetic MRI and amide proton transfer-weighted MRI for differentiating between benign and malignant sinonasal lesions

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of the synthetic MRI (SyMRI), combined with amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MRI for quantitative and morphologic assessment of sinonasal lesions, which could provide relative scale for the quantitative assessment of tissue properties.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients (31 malignant and 49 benign) with sinonasal lesions, who underwent the SyMRI and APTw examination, were retrospectively analyzed. Quantitative parameters (T1, T2, proton density (PD)) and APT % were obtained through outlining the region of interest (ROI) and comparing the two groups utilizing independent Student t test or a Wilcoxon test. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Delong test, and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the diagnostic efficiency of one-parameter and multiparametric models.

RESULTS

SyMRI-derived mean T1, T2, and PD were significantly higher and APT % was relatively lower in benign compared to malignant sinonasal lesions (p < 0.05). The ROC analysis showed that the AUCs of the SyMRI-derived quantitative (T1, T2, PD) values and APT % ranged from 0.677 to 0.781 for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant sinonasal lesions. The T2 values showed the best diagnostic performance among all single parameters for differentiating these two masses. The AUCs of combined SyMRI-derived multiple parameters with APT % (AUC = 0.866) were the highest than that of any single parameter, which was significantly improved (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of SyMRI and APTw imaging has the potential to reflect intrinsic tissue characteristics useful for differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal lesions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Combining synthetic MRI with amide proton transfer-weighted imaging could function as a quantitative and contrast-free approach, significantly enhancing the differentiation of benign and malignant sinonasal lesions and overcoming the limitations associated with the superficial nature of endoscopic nasal sampling.

KEY POINTS

• Synthetic MRI and amide proton transfer-weighted MRI could differentiate benign from malignant sinonasal lesions based on quantitative parameters. • The diagnostic efficiency could be significantly improved through synthetic MRI + amide proton transfer-weighted imaging. • The combination of synthetic MRI and amide proton transfer-weighted MRI is a noninvasive method to evaluate sinonasal lesions.

Clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: neurosurgical and otolaryngologic conditions

BACKGROUND

Medical three dimensional (3D) printing is performed for neurosurgical and otolaryngologic conditions, but without evidence-based guidance on clinical appropriateness. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides appropriateness recommendations for neurologic 3D printing conditions.

METHODS

A structured literature search was conducted to identify all relevant articles using 3D printing technology associated with neurologic and otolaryngologic conditions. Each study was vetted by the authors and strength of evidence was assessed according to published guidelines.

RESULTS

Evidence-based recommendations for when 3D printing is appropriate are provided for diseases of the calvaria and skull base, brain tumors and cerebrovascular disease. Recommendations are provided in accordance with strength of evidence of publications corresponding to each neurologic condition combined with expert opinion from members of the 3D printing SIG.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus guidance document, created by the members of the 3D printing SIG, provides a reference for clinical standards of 3D printing for neurologic conditions.

Frailty does not worsen postoperative outcomes in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy frequently requiring surgical resection and adjuvant treatment. Frailty is a metric that attempts to estimate a patient's ability to tolerate the physiologic stress of treatment. There is limited work describing frailty in patients with sinonasal cancer. We sought to determine the impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for sinonasal SCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases of patients undergoing surgical resection of sinonasal SCC at two tertiary medical centers were queried. Demographic, treatment, and survival data were recorded. Frailty was calculated using validated indexes, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcomes included medical and surgical complications, readmission, and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

38 patients were included. There were 23 (60.5 %) men and 15 (39.5 %) women with an average age of 59.6 ± 12.1 years. MFI-5 was 0.76 ± 0.54 and CCI was 5.71 ± 2.64. No significant association was noted between frailty measures and postoperative outcomes including 30-day medical complications, 30-day surgical complications, any 30-day complication, and readmission. Increased ASA was noted to be predictive of increased length of stay (Incidence Rate Ratio: 1.80, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.83, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no association between frailty metrics and worsening surgical or medical postoperative outcomes. This suggests that frailty metrics may not be as relevant for sinonasal surgery even for advanced pathologies, given the more limited physiologic impact of minimally invasive surgery.

Imaging of Skull Base Tumors

The skull base provides a platform for supporting the brain while serving as a conduit for major neurovascular structures. In addition to malignant lesions originating in the skull base, there are many benign entities and developmental variants that may simulate disease. Therefore, a basic understanding of the relevant embryology is essential. Lesions centered in the skull base can extend to the adjacent intracranial and extracranial compartments; conversely, the skull base can be secondarily involved by primary extracranial and intracranial disease. CT and MRI are the mainstay imaging methods and are complementary in the evaluation of skull base lesions. Advances in cross-sectional imaging have been crucial in the management of patients with skull base pathology, as this represents a complex anatomical area that is hidden from direct clinical exam. Furthermore, the clinician must rely on imaging studies for therapy planning and to monitor treatment response. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of skull base anatomy and its various pathologies, as well as to recognize the appearance of treatment-related changes. In this review, we aim to describe skull base tumors and tumor-like lesions in an anatomical compartmental approach and present imaging methods that aid in diagnosis, management, and follow-up.

Guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric head and neck pathologies: a multicentre international consensus paper

The use of standardized imaging protocols is paramount in order to facilitate comparable, reproducible images and, consequently, to optimize patient care. Standardized MR protocols are lacking when studying head and neck pathologies in the pediatric population. We propose an international, multicenter consensus paper focused on providing the best combination of acquisition time/technical requirements and image quality. Distinct protocols for different regions of the head and neck and, in some cases, for specific pathologies or clinical indications are recommended. This white paper is endorsed by several international scientific societies and it is the result of discussion, in consensus, among experts in pediatric head and neck imaging.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Sinonasal Cavity: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics With Readout-Segmented Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Features

PURPOSE

To determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with readout-segmented diffusion-weighted imaging (RESOLVE-DWI) and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) features of sinonasal extramedullary plasmacytoma (SN-EMP).

METHODS

The MRI and/or DECT of 10 patients with SN-EMP confirmed by pathology were retrospectively reviewed. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of RESOLVE-DWI were analyzed in 9 patients. The quantitative parameters derived from DECT, including the iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number, and the slope (k) of spectral attenuation curve, were measured in 3 patients.

RESULTS

On conventional MRI, typical lesions were well defined (7 of 9), and isointense to the brain on both T1WI and T2WI (9 of 9). Most lesions presented with marked enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1WI without significant necrosis (8 of 9). Notably, multiple flow-void signals were observed in all lesions (9 of 9). On RESOLVE-DWI, the average ADC value was 0.55 × 10-3 mm2/s, and the normalized ADC value was 0.66 ± 0.04. On DECT, the average values of IC, effective atomic number, and slope (k) was 2.7 mg/mL, 8.62, and 3.8, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Some typical MRI features (well-defined mass, isointensity to the brain, marked enhancement without obvious cystic changes, multiple flow voids, and a lower ADC value) strongly suggest the diagnosis of SN-EMP. The quantitative parameters derived from RESOLVE-DWI and DECT may provide more information for the diagnosis of SN-EMP.

Dual-energy CT in differentiating benign sinonasal lesions from malignant ones: comparison with simulated single-energy CT, conventional MRI, and DWI

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of dual-energy CT (DECT) for differentiating benign sinonasal lesions from malignant ones, and to compare this finding with simulated single-energy CT (SECT), conventional MRI (cMRI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

METHODS

Patients with sinonasal lesions (38 benign and 34 malignant) who were confirmed by histopathology underwent DECT, cMRI, and DWI. DECT-derived parameters (iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number (Eff-Z), 40-180 keV (20-keV interval), virtual non-enhancement (VNC), slope (k), and linear-mixed 0.3 (Mix-0.3)), DECT morphological features, cMRI characteristics, and ADC value of benign and malignant tumors were compared using t test or chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared using the Z test to select the optimal diagnostic approach.

RESULTS

Significantly higher DECT-derived single parameters (IC, Eff-Z, 40 keV, 60 keV, 80 keV, slope (k), Mix-0.3) were found in malignant lesions than those of benign sinonasal lesions (all p < 0.004, Bonferroni correction). Combined quantitative parameters (IC, Eff-Z, 40 keV, 60 keV, 80 keV, slope (k)) can improve the diagnostic efficiency for discriminating these two entities. Combination of DECT quantitative parameters and morphological features can further improve the overall diagnostic performance, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.935, 96.67%, 90.00%, and 93.52%. Moreover, the AUC of DECT was higher than those of Mix-0.3 (simulated SECT), cMRI, DWI, and cMRI+DWI.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with simulated SECT, cMRI, and DWI, DECT appears to be a more accurate imaging technique for differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal lesions.

KEY POINTS

• DE can differentiate benign sinonasal lesions from malignant ones based on DECT-derived qualitative parameters. • DECT appears to be more accurate in the diagnosis of sinonasal lesions when compared with simulated SECT, cMRI, and DWI.

Surgery with Post-Operative Endoscopy Improves Recurrence Detection in Sinonasal Malignancies

OBJECTIVE

The mainstay of treatment in sinonasal malignancy (SNM) is surgery, and when combined with chemoradiation therapy, often leads to the best overall prognosis. Nasal endoscopy is essential for post-treatment surveillance along with physical exam and radiologic evaluation. The ability to directly visualize the sinus cavities after surgery may also improve early detection of tumor recurrence and is another reason to potentially advocate for surgery in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of medical records of patients with pathologically proven SNM was conducted from 2005 to 2019.

RESULTS

The nasal cavity and maxillary sinus were the most common primary tumor sub-sites. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (42%). The median time to recurrence was 9.8 months. Recurrence was initially detected endoscopically in 34.3% patients, by imaging in 62.7% patients, and by physical exam in 3.0% patients. 67 (29%) total recurrences were detected on follow-up, of which 46 (68.7%) were local. Twenty-three of the local recurrences were identified via nasal endoscopy. Thirteen recurrences were identified via endoscopic surveillance within the surgically patent paranasal sinuses while 13 were identified within the nasal cavity; 5 patients had multiple sites of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Local recurrence of SNM is the most common site for recurrent disease and nasal endoscopy identified half of these cases. 50% of these recurrences were within the paranasal sinuses and would not have been easily identified if the sinuses were not open for inspection. Thus, open sinus cavities aid in the detection of tumor recurrence and is another advantage of surgery in the management of SNM.

Radiomics Nomograms Based on Multi-Parametric MRI for Preoperative Differential Diagnosis of Malignant and Benign Sinonasal Tumors: A Two-Centre Study

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of multi-parametric MRI-based radiomics nomograms for preoperative distinction between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors.

Methods

Data of 244 patients with sinonasal tumor (training set, n=192; test set, n=52) who had undergone pre-contrast MRI, and 101 patients who underwent post-contrast MRI (training set, n=74; test set, n=27) were retrospectively analyzed. Independent predictors of malignancy were identified and their performance were evaluated. Seven radiomics signatures (RSs) using maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR), and the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were established. The radiomics nomograms, comprising the clinical model and the RS algorithms were built: one based on pre-contrast MRI (RNWOC); the other based on pre-contrast and post-contrast MRI (RNWC). The performances of the models were evaluated with area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) respectively.

Results

The efficacy of the clinical model (AUC=0.81) of RNWC was higher than that of the model (AUC=0.76) of RNWOC in the test set. There was no significant difference in the AUC of radiomic algorithms in the test set. The RS-T1T2 (AUC=0.74) and RS-T1T2T1C (RSWC, AUC=0.81) achieved a good distinction efficacy in the test set. The RNWC and the RNWOC showed excellent distinction (AUC=0.89 and 0.82 respectively) in the test set. The DCA of the nomograms showed better clinical usefulness than the clinical models and radiomics signatures.

Conclusions

The radiomics nomograms combining the clinical model and RS can be accurately, safely and efficiently used to distinguish between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors.

Esthesioneuroblastoma in children, adolescents and young adults

The esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is characterized as a rare malignant sinonasal tumor of neuroectodermal origin. Its starting point is the olfactory epithelium located in the upper part of the nasal cavities. Different nomenclatures have been proposed, but the most common are "esthesioneuroblastoma" and "olfactory neuroblastoma". ENBs have a bimodal distribution and mainly occur in teenagers, young adults and people aged 50-60. It is a very rare tumor in pediatrics since only around 100 cases have been reported so far. Within ENBs, we can distinguish tumors with different biological behavior ranging from localized forms with slow evolution to aggressive and metastatic forms at onset. In addition, precisely diagnosing undifferentiated tumors and distinguishing them from other etiologies of sinonasal tumors are sometime difficult. Added to its very low incidence, these characteristics make the study of ENB complicated. The standard treatment currently includes broad surgery followed by radiation therapy in localized resectable tumors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is indicated in large unresectable tumors and in metastatic forms. However, in certain indications, such as high-grade operable tumors, the role of perioperative chemotherapy remains to be defined. The objective of this analysis is to detail current knowledge regarding ENBs' epidemiological, biological, clinical and radiological characteristics as well as how to manage ENB in young patients.

An MRI-Based Radiomic Nomogram for Discrimination Between Malignant and Benign Sinonasal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Preoperative discrimination between malignant and benign sinonasal tumors is important for treatment plan selection.

PURPOSE

To build and validate a radiomic nomogram for preoperative discrimination between malignant and benign sinonasal tumors.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

In all, 197 patients with histopathologically confirmed 84 benign and 113 malignant sinonasal tumors.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCES

Fast-spin-echo (FSE) T₁ -weighted and fat-suppressed FSE T₂ -weighted imaging on a 1.5T and 3.0T MRI.

ASSESSMENT

T₁ and fat-suppressed T₂ -weighted images were selected for feature extraction. The least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was applied to establish a radiomic score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine independent risk factors, and the radiomic score was combined to build a radiomic nomogram. The nomogram was assessed in a training dataset (n = 138/3.0T MRI) and tested in a validation dataset (n = 59/1.5T MRI).

STATISTICAL TESTS

Independent t-test or Wilcoxon's test, chi-square-test, or Fisher's-test, univariate analysis, LASSO, multivariate logistic regression analysis, area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer-Lemeshow test, decision curve, and the Delong test.

RESULTS

In the validation dataset, the radiomic nomogram could differentiate benign from malignant sinonasal tumors with an AUC of 0.91. There was no significant difference in AUC between the combined radiomic score and radiomic nomogram (P > 0.05), and the radiomic nomogram showed a relatively higher AUC than the combined radiomic score. There was a significant difference in AUC between each two of the following models (the radiomic nomogram vs. the clinical model, all P < 0.001; the combined radiomic score vs. the clinical model, P = 0.0252 and 0.0035, respectively, in the training and validation datasets). The radiomic nomogram outperformed the radiomic scores and clinical model.

DATA CONCLUSION

The radiomic nomogram combining the clinical model and radiomic score is a simple, effective, and reliable method for patient risk stratification.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Posttreatment surveillance for sinonasal malignancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sinonasal neoplasms have a high rate of recurrence following treatment, and clinicians utilize a variety of surveillance techniques. Generally, surveillance modality and frequency of follow-up are determined by the guidelines for head and neck cancer as a broad category. However, recent studies have demonstrated that a more tailored approach to follow-up may be necessary.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endoscopy has low sensitivity in recurrence detection, especially in the asymptomatic patient. However, it is able to identify superficial recurrences that may be more amenable to repeat resection. Conversely, imaging [computed tomography (CT), MRI, and F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT] is useful in ruling out disease, but the inflammatory environment of the posttreatment sinonasal cavity leads to a high number of false positives. This is especially notable in PET/CT, which has worse specificity and positive predictive value in sinonasal malignancy than in head and neck malignancy overall, especially in the early posttreatment period. Little data are available on optimal timing and duration of follow-up, but tumor histology and aggressiveness should be considered when choosing a surveillance approach.

SUMMARY

Sinonasal malignancy surveillance strategies may warrant modifications of current protocols used for head and neck malignancy. This is due to a number of factors, including a greater diversity of sinonasal disorder and increased duration of posttreatment sinonasal inflammation. Clinicians should be aware of the performance parameters of commonly used surveillance techniques and adjust follow-up regimens based on this information.

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR Imaging in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Sinonasal Lesions: Comparison with Conventional Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intravoxel incoherent motion is a promising method for the differentiation of sinonasal lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the value of intravoxel incoherent motion in the differentiation of benign and malignant sinonasal lesions and to compare the diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion with that of conventional DWI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred thirty-one patients with histologically proved solid sinonasal lesions (56 benign and 75 malignant) who underwent conventional DWI and intravoxel incoherent motion were recruited in this study. The diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) values derived from intravoxel incoherent motion and ADC values derived from conventional DWI were measured and compared between the 2 groups using the Student t test. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, logistic regression analysis, and 10-fold cross-validation were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of single-parametric and multiparametric models.

RESULTS

The mean ADC and D values were significantly lower in malignant sinonasal lesions than in benign sinonasal lesions (both P < .001). The mean f value was higher in malignant lesions than in benign lesions (P = .003). Multiparametric models can significantly improve the cross-validated areas under the curve for the differentiation of sinonasal lesions compared with single-parametric models (all corrected P < .05 except the D value). The model of D+f provided a better diagnostic performance than the ADC value (corrected P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravoxel incoherent motion appears to be a more effective MR imaging technique than conventional DWI in the differentiation of benign and malignant sinonasal lesions.

18FDG PET/CT in Routine Surveillance of Asymptomatic Patients following Treatment of Sinonasal Neoplasms

Objective Sinonasal neoplasms have a high rate of recurrence following treatment, and current guidelines support the use of a variety of surveillance techniques. Recent work demonstrates that performance parameters of surveillance modalities may differ with sinonasal tumors in particular when compared with head and neck tumors overall. This study aims to characterize the value of ¹⁸fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) as a screening tool in asymptomatic patients. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania hospital. Methods Records of asymptomatic patients without suspicious endoscopy or suspicious imaging other than PET during the first 3 years following definitive treatment for sinonasal malignancy were screened and analyzed for inclusion in the cohort. Disease recurrence was determined by biopsy following suspicious PET evaluation. Results PET/CT scans (n = 111) were performed for 45 disease-free asymptomatic patients with no evidence of disease on endoscopy, and 6.3% were suspicious and prompted biopsy during this period, revealing 3 cases of disease recurrence. Overall specificity for PET/CT alone was 96.3% (95% CI, 90.7%-99.0%), with a negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI, 94.8%-100%). All recurrences were detected between 7 and 12 months, and all patients with true recurrence diagnosed by PET/CT had extrasinonasal involvement of tumor at the time of surgery. Conclusion We examined performance parameters of ¹⁸FDG PET/CT in asymptomatic patients with no evidence of disease on endoscopy during the posttreatment period for sinonasal malignancy. The ability of PET/CT to detect recurrences that may be missed by structural imaging or endoscopy makes it a valuable tool for clinicians.

Can Diffusion Weighted Imaging Aid in Differentiating Benign from Malignant Sinonasal Masses?: A Useful Adjunct

Background

To evaluate the role of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values at 3 Tesla in characterizing sinonasal masses.

Material/Methods

After ethical clearance, 79 treatment naive patients with head and neck masses underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including DWI at 3 Tesla using the following b values – 0, 500 and 1000 s/mm². Thirty-one patients were found to have sinonasal tumours and were subsequently analysed. Image analysis consisted of a morphological evaluation of conventional MR images, qualitative evaluation of DW trace images and quantitative assessment of mean ADC values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine a cut-off ADC value for the differentiation between benign and malignant masses.

Results

Sinonasal masses showed an overlapping growth pattern on conventional imaging, irrespective of their biological nature. The mean ADC value of benign lesions was 1.948±0.459×10⁻³ mm²/s, while that of malignant lesions was 1.046±0.711×10⁻³ mm²/s, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.004). When a cut-off ADC value of 1.791×10⁻³ mm²/s was used, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 83.3% were obtained for characterization of malignant lesions, which was statistically significant. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) showed distinctly high ADC values, while meningioma was the only benign lesion with restricted diffusion. Atypical entities with unexpected diffusion characteristics included: adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, meningioma, chondrosarcoma and fibromyxoid sarcoma.

Conclusions

DWI in conjunction with conventional imaging can potentially enhance the diagnostic accuracy in characterizing sinonasal masses as benign or malignant. Some specific entities such as JNA and meningioma showed distinctive diffusion characteristics.

Endoscopy versus imaging: Analysis of surveillance methods in sinonasal malignancy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of imaging and endoscopy in posttreatment surveillance of sinonasal malignancies.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of primary sinonasal malignancies diagnosed between 2000 and 2014. Posttreatment surveillance included nasal endoscopy and imaging (MRI, CT, and positron emission tomography [PET]/CT). Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity, and sensitivity were calculated for each modality and compared.

RESULTS

One hundred nine sinonasal malignancies were identified with 30 recurrences. Endoscopy showed a sensitivity and specificity of 24% and 89%, respectively, whereas imaging was 76% and 90%, respectively. Identifying suspicious symptoms significantly improved the PPV of both endoscopy and imaging. MRI demonstrates the highest PPV when compared with other imaging modalities.

CONCLUSION

Both modalities are necessary in posttreatment surveillance. MRI shows the highest PPV, whereas endoscopy trends toward a higher specificity. PET/CT scans have a high false-positive rate and should be reserved for tumors with a high propensity for distant metastases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1229-1233, 2016.

Imaging of skull base tumours

The skull base is a highly complex and difficult to access anatomical region, which constitutes a relatively common site for neoplasms. Imaging plays a central role in establishing the differential diagnosis, to determine the anatomic tumour spread and for operative planning. All skull base imaging should be performed using thin-section multiplanar imaging, whereby CT and MRI can be considered complimentary. An interdisciplinary team approach is central to improve the outcome of these challenging tumours.

Optimized imaging of the midface and orbits

A variety of imaging techniques are available for imaging the midface and orbits. This review article describes the different imaging techniques based on the recent literature and discusses their impact on clinical routine imaging. Imaging protocols are presented for different diseases and the different imaging modalities.

Imaging Approach to Sinonasal Neoplasms

The neoplastic lesions that can be found in the sinonasal space are numerous and varied. This article describes a general approach to narrowing down the differential diagnosis and provides the treating physician sufficient information to choose and deliver the best treatment modality. Computed tomography and MR imaging together provide complete radiologic assessment of sinonasal neoplasms.

Sinonasal Tumors: Computed Tomography and MR Imaging Features

This article describes the computed tomography and MR imaging features of the neoplasms of the sinonasal space. Although a pathologic diagnosis may not always be possible, knowledge of the features may help in narrowing down the differentials and establishing a malignant pathology.

Utility of apparent diffusion coefficient in characterization of different sinonasal pathologies

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal lesions are a heterogeneous group of lesions that span from a tumor to tumor-like nature. Characterization of such cases preoperatively can improve the surgical control and the overall outcome of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

In this prospective study, we aimed at evaluation of the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal lesions.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All patients scheduled to have sinonasal surgical intervention at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, were enrolled. Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with calculation of ADC were done for all cases. Radiologic findings were then compared with histologic findings, and the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values (PPVs) of the conventional MRI, DW-MRI, and ADC value in differentiation of benign from malignant sinonasal lesions were then calculated.

RESULTS

There were 59 patients with median age of 43 years old. There were 20 cases of inflammatory lesions, 16 cases of benign tumors, and 23 cases of malignant lesions. The ADC values of all cases ranged from 0.4 × 10(-3) to 2 × 10(-3) (median = 1.5 × 10(-3)). The median ADC value for the malignant lesions was 0.6 × 10(-3), whereas that for the inflammatory conditions was 1.6 × 10(-3) and that for the benign tumors was 1.5 × 10(-3) with a highly significant difference (p < .001). Analysis of the conventional MRI and DW-MRI to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions showed that the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100%, 97%, 96%, and 100% and 91%, 97%, 95%, and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DW-MRI did not add significantly to the information gained from conventional MRI. It should be considered complimentary only to standard MRI in uncertain cases when malignancy is still a concern.

Imaging of ectopic thyroid tissue and thyroglossal duct cysts

When a child or young adult presents with a mass in the anterior portion of the neck, diagnostic considerations include a thyroglossal duct cyst and ectopic thyroid tissue. These entities are often suspected clinically, and imaging provides an opportunity to evaluate the extent, confirm the diagnosis, and evaluate for complications. Imaging characteristics of a thyroglossal duct cyst as a simple cyst and of ectopic thyroid tissue as a hyperattenuating soft-tissue mass can help identify these lesions at computed tomography (CT); however, intrinsic magnetic resonance, CT, and ultrasonographic imaging characteristics alone cannot be used to confirm the diagnosis. Rather, knowledge of the typical course of the thyroid primordium during embryologic development is essential to understand the variant locations along this path where thyroid tissue can be found. The migration of thyroid primordium begins at the foramen cecum at the base of the tongue and then loops around the hyoid bone anteriorly and inferiorly and descends anteriorly to the thyrohyoid membrane into the orthotopic location in the infrahyoid portion of the neck. Thyroid ectopia is categorized into one of four typical locations with respect to this embryologic course: (a) the base of the tongue, (b) adjacent to the hyoid bone, (c) the midline infrahyoid portion of the neck, and, rarely, (d) the lateral part of the neck. The differential diagnosis includes metastatic thyroid carcinoma, branchial cleft cyst, lymphatic malformation, abscess, saccular cyst, epidermoid cyst, and squamous cell carcinoma. The relationship of a mass to landmarks such as the foramen cecum, hyoid bone, strap muscles, thyrohyoid membrane, and thyroid cartilage can help differentiate a thyroglossal duct cyst and ectopic thyroid tissue from other anterior neck masses when the embryologic thyroid course is considered.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging observations of rhabdomyosarcoma in the head and neck

Head and neck (HN) rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive malignancy, which is rarely encountered and is commonly misdiagnosed as another type of tumor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of HNRMS and analyze the correlations between the imaging observations and the pathological subtypes. A total of 10 HNRMS patients (three males and seven females; median age, 16 years) were reviewed retrospectively by only CT (n=1), only MRI (n=2), as well as CT and MRI (n=7). In addition, the clinical data, imaging observations and pathological results were recorded and analyzed. The origins of the 10 HNRMSs (eight embryonal and two alveolar subtypes) included the ethmoid sinus (n=4), maxillary sinus (n=1), orbit (n=3), nasopharynx (n=1) and frontotemporal subcutaneous area (n=1). On the CT and MRI images, the soft-tissue masses exhibited ill-defined borders (n=9), bony destruction (n=10), multi-cavity growth (n=7) and cervical lymph node metastasis (n=2), whereas calcification and hemorrhaging were not identified. On CT, eight of the HNRMSs appeared slightly hypodense (2/8) or isodense (6/8) with homogeneous enhancement (4/4). On T1-weighted images (WI), nine tumors exhibited isointensity (9/9) and on T2WI, six tumors demonstrated homogeneous hyperintensity with homogeneous enhancement on contrast-enhanced (CE)-T1WI. In addition, three embryonal RMSs, which originated from the ethmoid sinus, exhibited heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2WI and nodule-shaped enhancement patterns on CE-T1WI. The results of the present study indicated that MRI may accurately demonstrate the location and extent of HNRMS and that the imaging features of HNRMS may be similar to those of other tumors. However, a tumor exhibiting heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2WI and a nodule-shaped enhancement pattern on CE-T1WI in the ethmoid sinus may present specific MRI features, which clearly indicates the botryoid subtype of embryonal RMS.

Myxoma of the vomer bone

Myxomas of bone in the head and neck are rare tumors. We present a 68 year old female with pain and epistaxis who was found to have the first reported case of a myxoma arising within the vomer bone. Some atypical magnetic resonance imaging features are described, however, myxoma imaging features are often non-specific and typically evoke a benign differential diagnosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

[Retrobulbar optic neuropathy secondary to an undifferentiated carcinoma of the sphenoid sinus]

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses is a rare malignant tumor, characterized by rapid growth, local/regional invasion, metastatic potential and poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Clinically, this tumor may manifest as episodes of epistaxis, headache or ophthalmic signs, particularly oculomotor nerve palsies, optic atrophy or even proptosis in the case of orbital extension. We report the case of a patient admitted with a left retrobulbar optic neuropathy, which led to a diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma of the sphenoid sinus.

Esthesioneuroblastoma: a contemporary review of diagnosis and management

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignancy, representing only 3% to 6% of all sinonasal malignancies. A wide array of treatment options for ENB have been described in the literature, but prospective clinical trials are absent given the tumor's rarity and natural history. Delay in diagnosis leading to an initial advanced stage of presentation is common secondary to the clinically hidden primary site at the anterior skull base. This article presents data from the current body of literature and reviews the advocated roles for surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The transnasal approach to the skull base. From sinus surgery to skull base surgery

The indications for endonasal endoscopic approaches to diseases of the skull base and its adjacent structures have expanded considerably during the last decades. This is not only due to improved technical possibilities such as intraoperative navigation, the development of specialized instruments, and the compilation of anatomical studies from the endoscopic perspective but also related to the accumulating experience with endoscopic procedures of the skull base by multidisciplinary centers. Endoscopic endonasal operations permit new approaches to deeply seated lesions and are characterized by a reduced manipulation of neurovascular structures and brain parenchyma while at the same time providing improved visualization. They reduce the trauma caused by the approach, avoid skin incisions and minimize the surgical morbidity. Transnasal endoscopic procedures for the closure of small and large skull base defects have proven to be reliable and more successful than operations with craniotomies. The development of new local and regional vascularized flaps like the Hadad-flap have contributed to this. These reconstructive techniques are furthermore effectively utilized in tumor surgery in this region. This review delineates the classification of expanded endonasal approaches in detail. They provide access to lesions of the anterior, middle and partly also to the posterior cranial fossa. Successful management of these complex procedures requires a close interdisciplinary collaboration as well as continuous education and training of all team members.

Endoscopic skull base surgery for sinonasal malignancy

Management of malignant neoplasms of the sinonasal tract and skull base is hampered by the relative low incidence and pathologic diversity of patient presentations. Many studies have reported successful outcomes in the endoscopic management of malignancy since 1996, and these are summarized in this article. Nonsurgical adjuvant therapies are important for locoregional control because surgery occurs in a restricted anatomic space with close margins to critical structures, and distant disease is an ongoing concern in these disorders. There remains a need for collaborative consistent multicenter reporting, and international registries have been established to assist in such efforts.

Apparent diffusion coefficient mapping for sinonasal diseases: differentiation of benign and malignant lesions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CT and MR imaging features of benign and malignant sinonasal lesions are often nonspecific. Therefore, we evaluated the ADC-based differentiation of these lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed ADCs of 61 patients with histologically proved sinonasal tumors and tumorlike lesions: 19 benign lesions, 28 malignant tumors, and 14 inflammatory lesions. Overall ADCs and percentages of total tumor area with extremely low, low, intermediate, or high ADCs (ADC mapping) were determined by using 2 b-values (500 and 1000 s/mm(2)).

RESULTS

ADCs of malignant tumors (0.87 ± 0.32 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly lower than those of benign (1.35 ± 0.29 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P < .0001) and inflammatory (1.50 ± 0.50 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P = .0002) lesions. On ADC mapping, percentages of total tumor area within malignant tumors having extremely low or low ADCs were significantly (P < .0001) greater than those within benign and inflammatory lesions. Cutoff points for ADC mapping (≥78% of tumor areas having extremely low or low ADCs) effectively differentiated benign or inflammatory lesions and malignant tumors with 75% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 85% accuracy, and 91% positive and 82% negative predictive values, respectively. ADCs also effectively discriminated lymphomas and SCCs from other malignant tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

ADC mapping may be an effective MR imaging tool for the differentiation of benign/inflammatory lesions from malignant tumors in the sinonasal area.

Clinical value of office-based endoscopic incisional biopsy in diagnosis of nasal cavity masses

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical features and the diagnostic accuracy of office-based endoscopic incisional biopsy in patients with nasal cavity masses.

STUDY DESIGN

Diagnostic test assessment with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From January 1997 to August 2006, preoperative diagnosis was achieved using endoscopic incisional biopsy in 521 patients. Cytopathologic and histologic findings were categorized as malignancy, benign neoplasm, or non-neoplastic lesion. Preoperative imaging was done in 462 patients (computed tomography: 438 cases; magnetic resonance imaging: 24 cases). We investigated the accuracy of endoscopic incisional biopsy and preoperative imaging by comparing it with pathologic results from tumor resection as the "gold standard."

RESULTS

Most of the patients had unilateral nasal symptoms (e.g., nasal obstruction, unilateral epistaxis, unilateral facial pain), and the clinical symptoms were of little diagnostic value in the differentiation of tumor and inflammatory lesion. The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic incisional biopsy were 43.7 and 98.9 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies, and 78.2 and 96.2 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of benign neoplasms. The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative imaging were 78.3 and 97.5 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies and 66.4 and 86.3 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of benign neoplasms. Combining the two modalities increased diagnostic accuracy in nasal cavity masses.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic incisional biopsy alone did not ensure accurate diagnosis of nasal cavity tumors, but in combination with preoperative imaging it was helpful for the diagnosis of nasal cavity malignancies.