Steroid resistance in nasal polyposis: role of glucocorticoid receptor and TGF-beta1.

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are considered drugs of choice for treating nasal polyps (NPs). However, a subset of patients shows a limited clinical response even to high doses of GCs. Altered expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), namely GR-alpha; and GR-beta;, is a potential mechanism underlying GC insensitivity.

Multiparametric statistical correlations between paranasal sinus anatomic variations and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Improvements in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and computed tomography (CT) have concurrently increased interest in the anatomy of the paranasal region. Common anatomical variations are not rare in patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence of anatomic variations of the lateral nasal wall in a series of 200 patients with persistent symptoms of rhinosinusitis, after failure of medical therapies, and their correlation with paranasal sinus disease.

Hyalinizing trabecular tumor of the thyroid: a case report.

Hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT) of the thyroid is a rare neoplasm that was first described by Carney in 1987. It is a tumor of follicular derivation with peculiar nuclear, architectural, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features. We report a case of HTT in a 69-year-old woman with a mutinodular goiter.

Nasal and lung function in competitive swimmers.

Nasal and sinusal complaints are considered common among swimmers. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the nasal and bronchial functions, before and after swimming, and the relationship between nasal resistances and FEV1 in competitive swimmers. A group of 30 competitive swimmers were examined: spirometry and nasal respiratory tests were carried out before and after swimming.

Adeno-tonsillar surgery in Italy.

Indications to surgery for adeno-tonsillar inflammatory disorders and analysis of the effectiveness of surgical treatment, compared with watchful waiting strategy, continue to be the subject of scientific debate. The present investigation focuses on the surgical activity of 14 Italian Otorhinolaryngological Units between 1999 and 2004. Surgical interventions (adeno-tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy) on 26915 children (age range: 2-11 years) were considered.