Reducing Aerosolized Particles and Droplet Spread in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery during COVID-19.

Objectives: The presence of high SARS-Cov-2 viral loads in the upper airway, including the potential for aerosolized transmission of viral particles, has generated significant concern amongst otolaryngologists worldwide, particularly those performing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We evaluated a simple negative-pressure mask technique to reduce viral exposure.

Methods: Two models simulating respiratory droplets >5-10 μm and fine respiratory nuclei <5 μm using fluorescein dye and wood smoke, respectively, were utilized in a fixed cadaveric study in a controlled environment.

Defining appropriateness criteria for endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of adult dental implant patients with incidental maxillary sinus findings on conebeam computed tomography.

Objectives: Conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is commonly requested by dental implant surgeons, preoperatively, for patients being considered for dental implants. Incidental maxillary sinus findings often result in otolaryngology (ENT) referral for further assessment. CBCT findings include transient and benign mucosal changes that may not require any intervention and therefore unnecessarily delay implant surgery.

Staphylococcus aureus internalization in mast cells in nasal polyps: Characterization of interactions and potential mechanisms.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is a common chronic condition. The exact cause of nasal polyps remains unknown. Recently, we made the novel observation of intracellular localization of Staphylococcus aureus within mast cells in nasal polyps.

A novel insight into the immunologic basis of chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Background: Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CGIFRS) is a rare disease. The underlying immune responses that drive the development of CGIFRS, as opposed to successful pathogen clearance and controlled inflammation, are not currently known.

Objective: To characterize the immune responses associated with CGIFRS.

Eustachian tube communicating with sphenoid sinus: report of a novel anatomical variant.

Reports of congenital anomalies of the Eustachian Tube (ET) are scarce, and often associated with chromosomal abnormalities. We report a unique case of a completely bony left Eustachian tube which communicated with the sphenoid sinus. This report details these findings and discusses the potential embryological basis and implications of such an unusual anatomy, in the context of a comprehensive literature review.

Common airborne fungi induce species-specific effects on upper airway inflammatory and remodelling responses.

Objective: Whilst the exact cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains elusive, it is clear that both inflammation and remodelling are key disease processes. Environmental fungi have been linked to airway inflammation in CRS; however, their role in the pathogenesis of this condition remains controversial. The current consensus suggests that whilst fungi may not be directly causative, it is likely that CRS patients have deficits in their innate and potentially acquired immunity, which in turn may modify their ability to react to fungi.

Use of the lymphocyte count as a diagnostic screen in adults with suspected Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the predictive diagnostic accuracy of the lymphocyte count in Epstein-Barr virus-related infectious mononucleosis (IM).

Study Design: Retrospective case note and blood results review within a university-affiliated teaching hospital.

Methods: A retrospective review of 726 patients undergoing full blood count and Monospot testing was undertaken.

Characterization of bacterial community diversity in chronic rhinosinusitis infections using novel culture-independent techniques.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without polyps is a common chronic upper airway condition of multifactorial origin. Fundamental to effective treatment of any infection is the ability to accurately characterize the underlying cause. Many studies have shown that only a small fraction of the total range of bacterial species present in CRS is detected through conventional culture-dependent techniques.

Epistaxis and conjunctival contamination--are our ENT trainees at risk?

The aims of this study were to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood during the treatment of epistaxis and to identify if certain patients and treatments may pose a higher risk. Protective eye-wear worn by ENT trainees during the ward management of epistaxis was examined for contamination with blood splashes. This occurred in 18% of cases.