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Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) is a validated instrument that evaluates olfactory‐specific quality‐of‐life. The QOD minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and factors associated with olfactory improvement after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor have not been determined for PwCF. Methods: Prospective observational data were pooled from three studies that enrolled adult PwCF with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). QOD scores and disease characteristics were assessed. To evaluate internal consistency and calculate the QOD MCID, Cronbach's alpha and four distribution‐based methods were employed. For participants who enrolled prior to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD scores were obtained at baseline and after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. Multivariable regression was used to identify factors associated with QOD improvement. Results: Of 129 PwCF included, 65 had QOD scores before and 3–6 months after starting elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Mean baseline QOD score was 6.5 ± 7.9. Mean Cronbach's alpha was ≥0.85. The MCID estimates were as follows: Cohen's effect size = 1.6, standard error of measurement = 2.5, ½ baseline standard deviation = 4.0, and minimal detectable change = 6.9. Mean MCID was 3.7. Of those with pre/post elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor QOD scores, the mean change in QOD was −1.3 ± 5.4. After elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD improvement surpassed the MCID in 22% of participants (14/65). Worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps were associated with improved QOD scores after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (both p < 0.04). Conclusion: The QOD MCID in PwCF was estimated to be 3.7. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor led to qualitative but not clinically meaningful improvements in QOD score for most PwCF; PwCF with worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps improved in a clinically significant manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note discusses the role of individual sinus inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and olfaction after highly effective modulator therapy. The study found that individual sinus opacification (ISO) can be measured using a convolutional neural network approach. ISO decreased over a two-year period after initiating modulator therapy. However, ISO did not correlate with quality of life or olfaction in adults with cystic fibrosis. The study highlights the importance of understanding disease in specific sinuses for targeted treatments. Another article discusses the relationship between sinus opacification (SO) and patient outcomes in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have undergone highly effective modulator therapy. The study found that greater sphenoid SO was correlated with worse rhinologic and extranasal rhinologic scores after 24 months of therapy. However, the clinical significance of this correlation is unknown. The study also found that there was no consistent correlation between SO and other outcome measures such as health utility value and smell identification test scores. The findings suggest that further research is needed to understand the impact of individual sinus inflammation on chronic rhinosinusitis and olfaction in individuals with CF. [Extracted from the article]

Key Points Patients with giant adenomas are more likely to have tumor extension into the paranasal sinuses. Compared to macroadenomas, giant adenomas are not associated with worse preoperative SNOT‐22 scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a nasoseptal flap (NSF) is performed for skull base reconstruction, patients often have significant crusting along the exposed anterior cartilaginous septum and delayed remucosalization. Placing a free mucosal graft (FMG) on the NSF donor site cartilage can help improve postoperative sinonasal symptoms. In this video, we demonstrate the use of a septal stapler to secure a septal FMG to the NSF donor site following endoscopic endonasal resection of a pituitary adenoma.By Jessa E. Miller; Jakob L. Fischer and Marilene B. WangReported by Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery among Pediatric Patients: A 14-Year Review," explores the use and outcomes of endoscopic skull base surgery in pediatric patients. The study analyzed data from a tertiary care center from 2009 to 2023 and compared pediatric patients (under 18 years old) to adult patients. The most common indication for surgery in both groups was a pituitary adenoma. The study found that the rate of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks was high in both pediatric and adult patients, but postoperative CSF leaks were rare. The length of hospital stay after surgery was similar for both groups. [Extracted from the article]

• HEMT improves multiple measures of sinusitis through 2 years of therapy in adults. • Sinus CT scans analyzed via machine learning methods and sinus symptoms improved. • Health utility increased and productivity loss decreased with 24 months of HEMT. • HEMT initiated in adulthood did not fully resolve chronic rhinosinusitis in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of different techniques for skull base reconstruction in endoscopic pituitary surgery and their association with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. The Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been effective in reducing CSF leaks, but there is limited data on the appearance of different reconstruction techniques on MRI and their relationship to CSF leak rates. The study reviewed patient data and imaging to compare the vascularization patterns of free mucosal grafts (FMG) and NSF, and found that patients with NSF reconstruction had higher rates of intraoperative CSF leaks. However, there was no association between patterns of flap enhancement on MRI and CSF leaks. FMGs showed a predictable change in enhancement pattern over 3 months, while NSFs without flap enhancement at 1 week still demonstrated neovascularization without increased risk of complications. [Extracted from the article]