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Introduction: Salivary gland tumors (SGT) represent 6 to 8 percent of head and neck tumors. The cytologic diagnosis of SGT is performed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with variable sensitivity and specificity. The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) categorizes the cytological results and provides the risk of malignancy (ROM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the cytological findings with the definitive pathological findings to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in SGT according to MSRSGC classification. Method: An observational, retrospective, single-center study was carried out at a tertiary referral hospital over a period of 10 years. Patients that underwent FNAC for major SGT and that have undergone surgery to remove the tumor were included. A histopathological follow-up was performed on the surgically excised lesions. Results from the FNAC were categorized into one of the six MSRSGC categories. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC for determining benign and malignant cases were calculated. Results: A total of 417 cases were analyzed. The cytological prediction of ROM was 10% in nondiagnostic, 12.12% in non-neoplastic, 3.58% in neoplasm benign group, 60% in AUS and SUMP groups, and 100% in suspicious and malignant group. The statistical analysis of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for determining benign cases was 99%, 55%, 94%, 93%, and 94%, respectively, and for determining malignant neoplasm was 54%, 99%, 93%, 94%, and 94%, respectively. Conclusion: In our hands, MSRSGC is highly sensitive for benign tumors and highly specific for malignant tumors. The low sensitivity to differentiate malignant from benign cases makes it necessary to apply an adequate anamnesis, physical examination, and imaging tests to consider surgical treatment in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although smell and taste disorders are highly prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 infection, the predictive factors leading to long-lasting chemosensory dysfunction are still poorly understood. Methods: 102 out of 421 (24.2%) mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients completed a second questionnaire about the evolution of their symptoms one year after the infection using visual analog scales (VAS). A subgroup of 69 patients also underwent psychophysical evaluation of olfactory function through UPSIT. Results: The prevalence of chemosensory dysfunction decreased from 82.4% to 45.1% after 12 months, with 46.1% of patients reporting a complete recovery. Patients older than 40 years (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.56]) and with a duration of loss of smell longer than four weeks saw a lower odds ratio for recovery (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: [0.10, 0.76]). In addition, 28 patients (35.9%) reported suffering from parosmia, which was associated with moderate to severe taste dysfunction at the baseline (OR = 7.80; 95% CI: [1.70, 35.8]). Among the 69 subjects who underwent the UPSIT, 57 (82.6%) presented some degree of smell dysfunction, showing a moderate correlation with self-reported VAS (r = −0.36, p = 0.0027). Conclusion: A clinically relevant number of subjects reported persistent chemosensory dysfunction and parosmia one year after COVID-19 infection, with a moderate correlation with psychophysical olfactory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The identification and preservation of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is essential in neck surgeries due to possible complications. We report the technique to intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of SAN in functional neck dissections. Method: SAN was monitored by needle electrodes placed on the trapezius muscle. Preoperative and postoperative nerve mapping was performed. Conclusion: IONM for spinal accessory nerve in patients undergoing neck dissection is a useful technique that can be valuable for neck surgeries where spinal nerve injury is at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]