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Background Ambient air pollution is well known to cause inflammatory change in respiratory epithelium and is associated with exacerbations of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, limited work has been done on the impact of air pollution on pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis and there are no reports in the literature of how pollutant exposure may impact sinonasal histopathology in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Objective This study aims to identify associations between certain histopathologic characteristics seen in sinus tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and levels of particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone in their place of residence.Methods A structured histopathology report was created to characterize the tissues of CRS patients undergoing sinus surgery. An estimate for each patient’s exposure to air pollutants including small particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone was obtained using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN). Mean pollutant exposures for patients whose tissues exhibited varying histopathologic features were compared using logistic regression models.Results Data from 291 CRS patients were analyzed. Higher degree of inflammation was significantly associated with increased ozone exposure (p?=?0.031). Amongst the patients with CRSwNP (n=131), presence of eosinophilic aggregates (p?=?0.018) and Charcot-Leyden crystals (p?=?0.036) was associated with increased ozone exposure.Conclusion Exposure to ambient air pollutants may contribute to pathogenesis of CRS. Increasing ozone exposure was linked to both higher tissue inflammation and presence of eosinophilic aggregates and Charcot-Leyden crystals in CRSwNP patients.

Background: Structured histopathology reporting is increasingly being utilized in rhinology to characterize endotypes in chronic rhinosinusitis and guide management decisions after sinus surgery.Objective: The goal of this investigation is to evaluate inter-observer agreement in structured histopathology reporting.Methods: Two experienced head and neck pathologists independently compiled structured histopathology reports for tissue samples collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Cohen’s standard kappa (κ) coefficients were calculated for each histopathologic variable to assess inter-pathologist agreement.Results: A total of 92 cases were analyzed. Substantial inter-pathologist agreement was reached on tissue eosinophil count (κ = 0.64, P< .001), the presence of eosinophil aggregates (κ = 0.62, P< .001), and the presence of fungal elements (κ = 0.74, P< .001). There was moderate agreement on the degree of inflammation (κ = 0.56, P< .001) and the presence of squamous metaplasia (κ = 0.46, P< .001). There was fair agreement on the presence of neutrophil infiltrates (κ = 0.33, P< .001), the presence of hyperplastic changes (κ = 0.40, P< .001), and the presence of fibrosis (κ = 0.24, P= .022). There was only slight agreement on the degree of subepithelial edema (κ = 0.20, P= .008). The κ coefficients for basement membrane thickening and mucosal ulceration were not statistically significant.Conclusion: High inter-pathologist agreement was demonstrated for several salient histopathologic variables, including tissue eosinophil count and the presence of eosinophil aggregates. However, refining the definitions of certain histopathologic variables may improve the reproducibility of structured histopathology reporting.

Background Smoking status has been established as a known irritant of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, leading to inflammation throughout the respiratory system. Tobacco smoking is one comorbidity encountered among chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. The histopathologic features of CRS and comorbid smoking status have yet to be determined by structured histopathology and may have important implications on disease management.Methods Retrospective study of structured histopathology reports analyzing sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathology variables were compared among patients with CRS who were reported as never smokers, former smokers, or current smokers.Results A total of 285 CRS patients were included: 173 never smokers, 85 former smokers, and 27 current smokers. When compared with former smokers, current smokers demonstrated increased basement membrane thickening (88.9% vs 67.1%, P<.020). Compared with never smokers, former and current smokers collectively demonstrated increased hyperplastic changes (14.3% vs 6.9%, P< .035), increased squamous metaplasia (26.8% vs 17.3%, P< .040), and trends toward increased basement membrane thickening (72.3% vs 65.3%, P< .124) and increased fibrosis (47.3% vs 40.5%, P< .154).Conclusion Smoking status may influence histopathologic tissue-level changes in CRS disease. Interestingly, former and current smokers maintained few differences in histopathology. However, former and current smokers collectively demonstrated increased chronic inflammatory changes compared with never smokers. These findings suggest that the timing of smoking exposure has limited effect on the tissue level, rather exposure overall influences inflammatory change. These findings may have important implications on medical and surgical management of CRS disease and comorbid smoking status.

Objective: This study explored the impact of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) on quality-of-life outcomes captured by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and patients with symptoms of LPR.Methods: In a retrospective chart review, SNOT-22 and RSI scores were analyzed in patients seen at a tertiary care center with CRS, LPR, or both CRS and LPR. SNOT-22 items were grouped into sleep, nasal, otologic, and emotional symptom subdomains.Results: A total of 138 patients (36 with CRS alone, 60 with LPR alone, and 42 with both CRS and LPR) were included. Compared to patients with CRS alone, those with CRS and LPR (CRS+LPR) had higher SNOT-22 total (50.54 ± 19.53 vs 35.31 ± 20.20, P< .001), sleep (19.61 ± 9.31 vs 14.42 ± 10.34, P< .022), nasal (17.38 ± 7.49 vs 11.11 ± 8.52, P< .001), otologic subdomains (9.17 ± 5.07 vs 5.53 ± 5.14, P< .002), and RSI (22.06 ± 9.42 vs 10.75 ± 8.43, P< .003). Patients with LPR alone had higher RSI compared to those with CRS (18.48 ± 9.77 vs 10.75 ± 8.43, P< .037). RSI and SNOT-22 scores were positively correlated irrespective of patient group (R = 0.289, P= .003).Conclusion: Compared to patients with CRS or LPR alone, those with CRS+LPR demonstrated higher RSI and total and subdomain SNOT-22 scores. Patients with LPR alone had elevated SNOT-22 despite absent endoscopic evidence of sinusitis.

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated associations between serum eosinophilia and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pathogenesis. However, the association of serum eosinophilia with histopathology profiling in CRS has not been fully delineated and may help better characterize CRS disease burden prior to surgery.Methods: A structured histopathology report of 13 variables was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Complete blood count (CBC) with differential was drawn within 4 weeks prior to FESS. Serum eosinophilia was defined as >6.0% (>0.60 th/μL). Histopathology variables were compared among patients.Results: A total of 177 CRS patients (37 with serum eosinophilia and 140 with normal serum eosinophilia) were analyzed. Compared to CRS patients with normal serum eosinophil counts, CRS patients with serum eosinophilia demonstrated increased polypoid disease (67.6% vs 35.0%, P< .001), eosinophil aggregates (45.9% vs 20.7%, P= .003), and eosinophils per high-power field (>5/HPF) (67.6% vs 40.7%, P= .003).Conclusion: CRS patients with serum eosinophilia demonstrated severe disease burden on histopathology with high levels of polypoid disease and tissue eosinophilia. However, a considerable number of patients without serum eosinophilia demonstrated eosinophilic disease on histopathology, indicating that preoperative serum eosinophilia alone could not be reliably used to predict eosinophilic CRS.Level of evidence: 4

Objectives: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a standard treatment modality for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who have failed appropriate medical therapy. However, FESS entails modification of the upper airway tract that may alter phonatory resonance and produce voice changes. The effects of FESS on postoperative voice characteristics in patients with CRS have yet to be quantitatively assessed.Methods: Patients with severe CRS who underwent FESS at a tertiary care referral center between May and October 2017 were prospectively enrolled. The Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) were used to quantitatively evaluate voice characteristics and quality of life, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative CAPE-V and VHI scores were compared with postoperative scores for each patient. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores were also obtained to assess changes in patient symptoms.Results: 18 CRS patients undergoing FESS were enrolled. The average preoperative Lund-Mackay score was 14, indicating baseline severe CRS. Postoperative assessments demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in CAPE-V (45-27, p= .005) and VHI (10-4.7, p< .001) scores. These correlated with a statistically significant decrease in SNOT-22 scores (42-13, p< .001).Conclusions: Patients with CRS experience a significant improvement in voice characteristics and vocal quality of life following FESS. Furthermore, this appears to correlate with a significant decrease in self-reported disease severity. These findings may augment the discussion of potential benefits of FESS to a new potential domain for voice quality.

Objective:This study aims to examine the lasting effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on inpatient otolaryngology consultations. Methods:In a retrospective analysis, inpatient otolaryngology consultations at an urban, academic tertiary care center were reviewed over the course of 2 years (Jun 2019-Jun 2021). The consultations were categorized by time period based on the local data for COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths as follows: pre-COVID (Jun 2019-Feb 2020), Surge 1 (Mar 2020-May 2020), Surge 2 (Oct 2020-Jan 2021), and Post Surge (Mar 2021-Jun 2021). Results:A total of 897 patients undergoing an inpatient otolaryngology consultation across all 4 time periods were included for analysis. The average consultations per day was 1.67 ± 0.24 in pre-COVID times, and dropped acutely to 0.86 ± 0.33 consultations per day during Surge 1. The consultation volume was not statistically different from pre-COVID levels during Surge 2 (1.33 ± 0.35) and Post Surge (1.60 ± 0.20). Reason for consultation and procedures performed did not vary significantly between pre-COVID times and Post Surge, except that consultation for postoperative complaint was less frequent in Post Surge (4.8% vs 1.0%, P= .02). More patients had been screened with rapid antigen COVID testing in Post Surge versus Surge 1 (20.1% vs 7.6%, P= .04). Conclusions:Inpatient otolaryngology consultation volumes, indications, and procedures performed at an urban, academic institution returned to pre-COVID levels after being significantly impacted during Surge 1.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disease process that can arise in the context of odontogenic disease from the maxillary teeth. The histopathologic features of odontogenic CRS (CRSo) have yet to be determined and may have important implications on disease management and need for escalation of therapy.Objectives The objectives of this study are to characterize the histopathologic features of CRSo and determine whether the inflammatory profile of CRSo contributes to its recalcitrance to medical therapy and need for surgery in a subset of patients with this disease.Methods A structured histopathology report was used to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Histopathology variables, Lund–Mackay scores (LMS), and Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 scores were compared among CRSo patients, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients, and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients.Results Twenty-three CRSo, 38 CRSwNP, and 53 CRSsNP patients who underwent FESS were analyzed. Compared to CRSsNP, CRSo exhibited increased moderate–severe inflammation (73.9% vs 41.5%, P< .009). Compared to CRSwNP, CRSo had decreased squamous metaplasia (0.0% vs 18.4%, P< .03) and decreased fibrosis (26.1% vs 63.2%, P< .005). Eosinophilia was prevalent in CRSo but to a lesser extent than in CRSwNP (39.1% vs 63.2%, P< .05). CRSo cases had significantly lower mean LMS compared to CRSwNP (7.83 ± 2.77 vs12.18 ± 6.77, P< .005).Conclusion CRSo exhibits histopathologic features similar to those of CRSsNP with more severe inflammation. Moreover, eosinophilia, which is not typically considered to coexist with CRSo, was present in a large portion of CRSo patients. These findings may help explain at the inflammatory level why select cases of CRSo may be recalcitrant to medical and dental therapy.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequently observed condition in patients with immunodeficiency secondary to immunosuppressive medications. The histologic features of CRS among patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment have yet to be determined and may have important implications on understanding the pathophysiology of the disease process.Methods A structured histopathology report was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Histopathology variables, Lund–Mackay score (LMS), and sinonasal outcome test 22 scores were compared among patients with CRS on immunosuppressive therapy (CRSi), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients, and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients.Results Fifteen CRSi, 36 CRSwNP, and 56 CRSsNP patients undergoing FESS were analyzed. Compared to CRSsNP, CRSi patients exhibited a trend toward increased moderate–severe inflammation (66.7% vs 42.1%, P< .080), increased neutrophil infiltrate (40.0% vs 24.6%, P< .192), and decreased fibrosis (26.7% vs 43.9%, P< .182). Compared to CRSwNP, CRSi patients demonstrated decreased fibrosis (26.7% vs 66.7%, P< .010), decreased eosinophil aggregates (13.3% vs 44.4%, P< .032), and a trend toward fewer eosinophils per high-power field (46.7% vs 66.7%, P< .154). CRSi cases had significantly lower mean LMS (8.20 ± 4.30 vs 12.78 ± 6.56, P< .017) compared to CRSwNP.Conclusion CRSi patients exhibit histopathology and disease severity more similar to CRSsNP with trends toward increased neutrophilia and reduced fibrosis. In the appropriate clinical context, discontinuing or changing a patient’s immunosuppressive regimen may be a valid treatment option in patients with CRSi. This study provides initial insight into understanding the propensity for chronic sinusitis in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment which may have implications on disease management.

Background Structured histopathology reporting facilitates better understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis. The microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis has been studied extensively; however, distinct histopathologic changes associated with bacteria isolated in chronic rhinosinusitis are largely unknown.Objective The goal of this study is to better understand the relationship between culturable bacteria and histopathology in chronic rhinosinusitis.Methods A structured histopathology report was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery in a group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical therapy. Patients with cystic fibrosis or ciliary dysfunction were excluded. Histology variables included eosinophil count per high-power field, neutrophil infiltrate, basement membrane thickening, subepithelial edema, hyperplastic/papillary changes, mucosal ulceration, squamous metaplasia, fibrosis, fungal elements, Charcot-Leyden crystals, and eosinophil aggregates. Baseline Lund-Mackay score and Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 score were also collected. The association of culture data with the aforementioned variables was assessed.Results A total of 59 chronic rhinosinusitis patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were included. Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosahad significantly increased neutrophil infiltrate (71.4% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.048), subepithelial edema (28.6% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.047), and a trend toward increased fungal elements (28.6% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.071). Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with Staphylococcus aureushad significantly more hyperplastic changes (20% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.050) and a trend toward increased squamous metaplasia (33.3% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.069).Conclusion Distinct histopathologic changes were noted based on sinus culture data for S. aureusand P. aeruginosa. These findings may have important implications on the extent of surgical management and prognosis after surgery.

Background: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) frequently experience sleep disruption and are at a higher than normal risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to determine how CRS affects polysomnography findings and sleep-related breathing in OSA.Methods: A cohort study was performed that included 107 adult patients with CRS and comorbid OSA (CRS+OSA group) and 137 patients with OSA and without CRS as the control group. An electronic medical records database was used to identify eligible subjects. Comorbid conditions and polysomnography data were compared between the two groups by using logistic and linear regression analyses.Results: A total of 246 patients were included: 107 patients in the CRS+OSA group and 137 patients with OSA and without CRS in the control group. After adjusting for demographic factors, the patients in the CRS+OSA group had a lower body mass index (BMI) and higher age at the time of diagnosis of OSA (p < 0.001). The patients in the CRS+OSA group had higher odds of having asthma and eczema. There was an increase in the periodic limb movement (PLM) index in the CRS+OSA group. Apnea and hypopnea indices were similar in the two groups.Conclusion: Patients with CRS developed OSA at a lower BMI; patients CRS and OSA had similar sleep-related breathing patterns but higher risks for PLMs compared with patients with OSA and without CRS.

Background Head and neck surgical pathology has been shown to be prone to histopathologic diagnostic error that can adversely impact patient care due to inappropriate management. Sinonasal tumors, in particular, present a diagnostic challenge given the relative rarity and diversity in histology and thus may have higher rates of discordant histology.Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of discrepancy between preoperative and postoperative diagnoses of sinonasal tumors.Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on 52 patients treated for sinonasal tumors between January 2013 and December 2016. Initial diagnosis on preoperative biopsy was compared to postoperative diagnosis rendered at a single tertiary care referral center. A discrepant diagnosis was regarded as any change in diagnosis that resulted in further refinement of therapy or prognosis.Results Eleven (21.2%) patients had discrepancy between the preliminary pathology and postsurgical diagnosis. Of these diagnoses, four involved a change from a benign to a more aggressive benign or malignant process, three involved reclassification of a malignant tumor to a more aggressive histology, and four involved change from an aggressive process to benign histology. In all 11 cases, alteration in management strategy was rendered. The majority of discordant diagnoses were of fibro-osseous lesions and small round blue cell tumors.Conclusion Sinonasal tumors exhibit a high degree of discordance from preoperative to postoperative diagnosis. Critical decision-making should be reserved until careful review of operative specimens is performed to minimize patient morbidity and unnecessary interventions.

Background Minimally invasive pituitary surgery (MIPS) via endoscopy has become widely accepted as the surgical paradigm of choice for pituitary pathology. The objective of the current study was to analyze the evolution of symptom scores and mucosal healing after MIPS.Methods The 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores and objective endoscopic data of 52 patients were reviewed in a longitudinal manner. Scaled averages of the SNOT-22 and endoscopic scores from different time points were compared with baseline scores by using nonparametric testing. The time to baseline for endoscopic examinations was also analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier curves.Results The rhinologic symptoms subdomain of the SNOT-22 scores showed statistically significant worsening between baseline and 2 weeks after surgery (p = 0.03). Follow-up SNOT-22 scores after 2 weeks showed no significant differences compared with baseline scores, with an overall trend toward improvement in patient symptoms during the subsequent period. Similar analysis for the endoscopic data illustrated statistically significant differences from the baseline scores up to 16 weeks after surgery. The overall trend showed a worsened endoscopic examination, initially with a spike at ∼8 to 10 weeks (p = 0.03) and with a subsequent return to baseline. The Kaplan-Meier estimate curve demonstrated a median time to return to baseline endoscopy at 18.9 weeks (95% confidence interval, 14.9-38.3 weeks).Conclusion The longitudinal data exhibited subjective improvement of patient outcomes based on SNOT-22 scores within 2-4 weeks after MIPS. However, the objective endoscopic data revealed a lag in improvement of the examination, typically at 16-20 weeks, which underscores ongoing careful endoscopic assessment and management to ensure proper mucosal healing beyond just subjective symptoms as the gauge to postoperative recovery.

Background: With the exception of osteomas, bone neoplasms that originate in the sinonasal cavity are seldom diagnosed on preoperative imaging due to a lack of characteristic radiographic features. Here we described the unusual occurrence of an osteoblastoma in the paranasal sinuses, and we drew focus to its salient imaging features. A highly unique imaging sign was indicated, and its pathologic basis was explained, with concurrent review of the literature.Methods: Case series and review of the literature.Results: Two cases of sinonasal osteoblastoma were managed by definitive surgical resection. Both tumors on preoperative computed tomography demonstrated an expansile, heterogeneous fibro-osseous lesion with an eccentric, mature osseous cap. The dense osseous cap seen on imaging corresponded to a rim of mature bone on histopathology. A review of existing literature revealed the presence of this imaging sign in all reported cases.Conclusion: Sinonasal osteoblastoma is an extremely rare entity with undefined imaging characteristics to guide preoperative decision-making. Here we reported, to our knowledge, the first description of a characteristic imaging sign of an eccentric, mature osseous cap, which corresponded histologically to a single peripheral layer rim of osteoblasts, a unique trait of osteoblastoma.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) after endoscopic resection of sinus and skull base neoplasms using validated outcomes measures and to perform correlation of the various metrics to better discern their efficacy. Prospective QOL data collection and retrospective chart review were performed.Methods QOL data were collected using the 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20), Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire (ASBQ), European Quality-of-Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic (LKE) score in 71 patients with sinonasal and skull base tumors.Results The mean age was 53 years and mean follow-up was 14.5 months at the time QOL data were collected. Benign and malignant tumors represented 39 (54.9%) and 32 (45.1%) cases, respectively. Twenty malignancies (62.5%) were stage T3 or T4, and 23 required postoperative chemotherapy and radiation (CRT). Factors indicating worsened postoperative QOL included malignant histopathology, T3 or T4 tumors, and the use of postoperative CRT (p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation of ASBQ with EQ-5D and SNOT-20 scores (r < -0.5) and a moderate correlation between the SNOT-20 and EQ-5D (r > 0.3), and the LKE had moderate correlation with SNOT-20 (r > 0.3) and weak correlation to the ASBQ (r > -0.3) and EQ-5D (r < 0.3).Conclusion Patients who have undergone endoscopic resection of sinonasal tumors have quantifiable QOL changes as measured by various validated metrics. This study shows that concurrent use of these instruments may better discern QOL outcomes after endoscopic tumor surgery.