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Introduction: Sinonasal organizing hematoma (OH) is a rare, nonneoplastic lesion that often presents with epistaxis, a reddish mass, and destruction of the involved sinonasal structures. Due to its rarity, the demographics, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and outcomes have not yet been studied in a large, long‐term study. Materials and Methods: Retrospect cohort of 112 sinonasal OH patients treated between 1997 and 2020 in a tertiary, university hospital were evaluated. Demographics, systemic comorbidities, sinonasal surgery history, serum laboratory tests, radiological findings, and treatment results were collected. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of preoperative computed tomography (CT), Gadolinum‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR), and punch biopsies in detecting sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis. In addition, incidental differences by age and year of diagnosis were calculated using the Poisson log‐linear regression model. Results: The median age was 44, and 58% were male. Fewer than 20% of these cases had a chronic systemic comorbidity, bleeding tendency, or sinonasal surgery history. MR had the highest accuracy of (87%) to detect sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis, compared with contrast‐enhanced‐CT (53%), punch biopsy (49%), and non‐enhanced‐CT (16%) (all <0.05). Sinonasal OH incidence did not vary by age, but the yearly rate significantly increased by 1.05 times over 23 years (p < 0.05). Notably, 84% of 112 patients received surgical removal through the assistance of an endoscope, and none had substantial bleeding without preoperative embolization. Conclusion: Sinonasal OH was observed regardless of age, sex, systemic comorbidities, bleeding tendency, prior sinonasal surgery, or trauma. Preoperative MR gives the highest accuracy for detecting this disease. Sinonasal OH may be safely managed with endoscopic‐assisted surgery removal without embolization. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1581–1590, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Total laryngectomy (TL) patients are good models in which to evaluate the effects of nasal airflow cessation on the sinonasal tract. Here, we evaluated changes in sinonasal structures and association with sinus opacification in the computed tomography (CT) images 3 years post‐TL. Methods: Patients who underwent TL from 2005 to 2017 in a teaching academic center were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a final follow‐up CT taken less than 3 years after TL, tracheoesophageal puncture, inadequate CT image, or history of sinonasal surgery were excluded. The control group included patients who underwent a partial laryngectomy or hypopharyngectomy without requiring a tracheotomy for more than a month. Altogether, 45 TL patients and 38 controls were selected. The volume of all four paranasal sinuses, inferior turbinate soft tissue volume (ITSTV), maxillary sinus natural ostium (MSNO) mucosal width, and Lund–Mackay scores (LMS) were measured on preoperative and postoperative CT scans. Results: The mean duration between surgery and the final CT scan was 6.3 ± 2.4 and 5.5 ± 2.3 years for the TL and control groups, respectively. Neither group showed significant changes in the four paranasal sinuses' volume or MSNO mucosa width. The ITSTV decreased significantly, from 4.6 ± 1.3 to 2.8 ± 1.1 mL (p <.001), in the TL group, regardless of the presence of nasal septal deviation, showing ITSTV reduction on both concave and convex sides. By contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in ITSTV. Postoperative LMS changes in both groups were insignificant. The number of patients with LMS aggravation or alleviation was the same in both groups, regardless of preoperative sinus opacification. Conclusions: Paranasal sinus structures and sinus opacification are not affected significantly by nasal airflow cessation; however, the inferior turbinate mucosa is affected by long‐term discontinuation of nasal airflow. Level of Evidence: 4 (case–control study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sinonasal inverted papillomas (IP) can undergo transformation into IP‐squamous cell carcinomas (IP‐SCC). More aggressive treatment plan should be established when IP‐SCC is suspected. Nevertheless, inaccuracy of the preoperative punch biopsy results to detect IP‐SCC from IP raises the need for an additional strategy. The present study aimed to investigate significant clinicoradiological remarks associated with IP‐SCC than IP. Material and Methods: Postoperative surgical specimens obtained from patients with confirmed IP or IP‐SCC at a single tertiary medical center from 1997 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative in‐office punch biopsy results, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance images were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) associated with IP‐SCC. The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated in the prediction model to discriminate IP‐SCC from IP. Results: The study included 44 IP‐SCC and 301 patients with IP. The diagnostic sensitivity of in‐office punch biopsy to detect IP‐SCC was 70.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with IP‐SCC included tobacco smoking >10PY (adjusted‐OR [aOR]: 4.1), epistaxis (aOR: 3.4), facial pain (aOR: 4.2), bony destruction (aOR: 37.6), bony remodeling (aOR: 36.3), and invasion of adjacent structures (aOR: 31.6) (all p < 0.05). Combining all significantly related clinicoradiological features, the ability to discriminate IP‐SCC from IP reached an AUC of 0.974. Conclusion: IP patients with a history of tobacco smoking, facial pain, epistaxis, and bony destruction, remodeling, or invasion of an adjacent structure on preoperative images may be at higher risk for IP‐SCC. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2502–2510, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We determined the relationship between apnea severity and depressive symptoms in a large sample of the newly diagnosed male patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods Data were collected from patients who received polysomnography due to suspected OSA. The questionnaires included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS)-Sleep Scale, for which Sleep Problems Index-1 (SPI-1) was calculated. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and respiratory distress index (RDI) were used to measure apnea severity. The mediational model, which states that OSA severity affects depression through a mediator, was tested here. Results In total, 302 male patients with severe OSA participated. The mean patient age was 48.4 years (SD = 11.3 years). The BDI was [greater than or equal to]10 in 118 patients (39 %) and was significantly associated with body mass index (r = 0.114; p = 0.048), ESS (r = 0.164; p = 0.004), SPI-1 (r = 0.453; p < 0.001), and RDI (r = 0.126; p = 0.029). According to the linear regression analyses, the RDI is not independently associated with the BDI. The strongest predictor of BDI was sleep quality (SPI-1; [beta] = 0.425; p < 0.001). The bootstrap method confirmed that the depressive effects of RDI are significantly mediated by poor sleep quality (bootstrapped 95 % CI 0.0113-0.0632). Conclusions There is evidence of a mediational role of subjective sleep quality on the relationship between apnea severity and depressive symptoms in male patients with severe OSA., Author(s): Wonhee Lee[sup.1] [sup.2] , Sang-Ahm Lee[sup.1] , Yoo-Sam Chung[sup.3] , Woo Sung Kim[sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 86 [...]

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Objectives: With the increase in dental implants for tooth loss, odontogenic sinusitis following maxillary dental implants is frequently encountered in otorhinolaryngology practice. The authors aimed to reveal the association between implant extrusion into maxillary sinus, along with implant‐related complications in patients diagnosed with implant‐related odontogenic sinusitis (IR‐ODS). Study Design: Case–control study. Methods: This study enrolled 60 patients who received functional endoscopic sinus surgery due to IR‐ODS. The preoperative sinus computed tomography was retrospectively reviewed. Among the 120 maxillary sinuses of the 60 patients, 68 sides were diagnosed with IR‐ODS sides, whereas 27 sides showed no clinical or radiological evidence of this condition after the implant insertion and were defined as the control sides. Statistical analysis between these two groups was conducted, in addition to odds ratio (OR) calculations for associations with IR‐ODS. Results: The mean age of the IR‐ODS subjects was 59.5 ± 19.1, with a male to female ratio of 32/28 (53.3%/46.7%). Implants extruding by more than 4 mm into the maxillary sinus, peri‐implantitis, bone graft disruption–extrusion were associated with a significantly higher incidence in the IR‐ODS (p = 0.035, p = 0.003, p = 0.011, respectively). The IR‐ODS sides showed an adjusted‐OR (95% confidence interval) of 27.4 (2.7–276.5) for extrusion length >4 mm, 11.8 (3.0–46.5) for peri‐implantitis, and 34.1 (3.3–347.8) for bone graft disruption (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Maxillary dental implants extruding more than 4 mm into the maxillary sinus, peri‐implantitis, and disrupted–extruded bone grafts show significant association with IR‐ODS. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:237–243, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Orbital invasion is associated with a poor prognosis in cases of sinonasal malignancy. This study aimed to analyze the oncological outcomes of sinonasal malignancies involving the orbit. Patients and Methods  We reviewed the medical records of 116 patients with a sinonasal malignancy who had orbital invasion at initial diagnosis and followed up at least 6 months between June 1991 and October 2017 at a single institute. The overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates according to the clinicopathological factors, extent to orbit, and treatment modality were compared. Results  Patients were mainly treated with surgery and postoperative radiation (n  = 39, 33.6%) and concurrent chemoradiation (n  = 72, 62.1%). Only five patients (5.1%) underwent orbital exenteration. The OS, DSS, and PFS rates significantly decreased in patients older than 60 years of age and in patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index Score (each p  < 0.001). The OS and DSS rates were higher in patients at clinical T3 and N0 stage than in patients at clinical T4 and N1–2 stage (each p  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in survival and local control rates according to the extent of orbital invasion, treatment modalities, and orbital preservation. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiation or concurrent chemoradiation increased survival rates in the patients treated with surgery. Conclusion  Orbit preservation and relatively successful oncological outcome could be obtained with surgery and adjuvant radiation or concurrent chemoradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular dendritic cells are important stromal components of the germinal center (GC) and have pivotal roles in maintaining the GC microenvironment for high-affinity antibody production. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is essential for the development and functions of follicular dendritic cells. Despite the importance of follicular dendritic cells in humoral immunity, their molecular control mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated due to the lack of an adequate investigation system. Here, we have used a unique human primary follicular dendritic cell-like cell (FDCLC) to demonstrate that the migration of these cells is enhanced by TNFα-mediated metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) expression. MMP3 was found to be highly expressed in normal human GCs and markedly upregulated in human primary FDCLCs by TNFα. TNFα induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the transcription of MMP3 through AP1. TNFα treatment increased FDCLC migration, and a knockdown of MMP3 significantly reduced the TNFα-induced migration of FDCLCs. Overall, we have newly identified a control mechanism for the expression of MMP3 in FDCLCs that modulates their migration and may indicate an important role in GC biology. Since GCs are observed in the lesions of autoimmune diseases and lymphomas, targeting the MMP3/TNFα-mediated migration of stromal cells in the B cell follicle may have great potential as a future therapeutic modality against aberrant GC-associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Sinonasal cancers are rare but have a poor prognosis. Most previous studies of these cancers have focused on 5-year disease-free survival, but recurrences are also known to occur after this period. We examined the post-5-year recurrence patterns in sinonasal cancer patients by histologic type to determine the indicators for extended and close follow-up requirements.Study Design: Retrospective chart review.Methods: A cohort of 241 sinonasal cancer patients was included. Demographic data, cancer site and stage, pathology and treatment results, and follow-up and survival data were collected.Results: Of the 241 patients, a complete remission occurred in 163 (72.4%) patients, but 83 (50.9%) of these cases developed recurrence, which occurred beyond the 5-year follow-up period in 19 cases (11.7%). The most common post-5-year recurrences were adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), squamous cell carcinoma (six patients, 6.7%), and olfactory neuroblastoma (no patients, 0%). Post-5-year local recurrence was highest in adenoid cystic carcinoma (six patients, 33.3%), followed by melanoma (three patients, 21.4%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (two patients, 18.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (five patients, 5.5%). Post-5-year regional recurrence occurred in one squamous carcinoma patient (1.1%), and distant metastasis was seen in one adenoid cystic carcinoma patient (5.5%).Conclusions: Sinonasal cancer shows an 11.7% recurrence rate after a 5-year disease-free period. As this recurrence pattern varies by tumor pathology, a specific follow-up plan is needed for each cancer type.Level Of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 129:2451-2457, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, depression, and apnea severity to mental and physical quality of life (QoL) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were adults diagnosed with OSA. Medical Outcomes Study–Short Form 36 (SF-36), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Medical Outcomes Study–Sleep Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. The factors predicting the physical and mental QoL were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Seven hundred ninety three OSA patients participated in the study. The average age was 48.9 years (SD = 11.7 years). The mean apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.5 hour−1 (SD = 20.6 hour−1). The SF-36 scores were 72.6 (SD = 18.5). The BDI, sleep quality, and age were related to both mental and physical QoL. However, ESS, minimal arterial oxygen saturation, gender, and body mass index were associated with the physical but not mental QoL. The BDI was the strongest predictor of both physical and mental QoL. AHI was related to neither physical nor mental QoL. The potential factors affecting QoL are different between physical and mental dimensions of QoL. Depressive mood was the strongest predictor of both the physical and mental QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: CCRT is a potential treatment option for locally advanced sinonasal SCC in terms of organ preservation. Objectives: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is increasingly used for patients with advanced head and neck cancer to preserve organ function and improve survival. In the present study, treatment outcomes were compared between surgery and post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) and CCRT in patients with locally advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: The records of 30 patients with non-metastatic stage III and IV sinonasal SCC were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients were treated with CCRT and 15 patients underwent PORT. Results: The locoregional recurrence-free, distant metastasis-free, disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates did not differ between PORT and CCRT groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in incidence rates of acute and chronic toxicities between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis The effect of the Pillar implant on mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been assessed in various studies. However, most of these were conducted among a non-Asian population at a single institution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of the Pillar implant in Asian patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at multiple centers. Study Design Multicenter prospective clinical trials. Methods This study included consecutive subjects with simple snoring or mild OSA. We examined subjective symptoms (snoring intensity, frequency, witnessed apnea, and daytime sleepiness) and objective snoring and respiratory parameters (snoring duration [proportion of sleep while snoring louder than 50 dB], snoring loudness, apnea-hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index, minimum arterial oxygen saturation, and oxygen desaturation index ≥ 4%) at 3 to 6 months after surgery. Adverse events were also investigated. Results Twenty-nine subjects with mild SDB completed the study. Whole group analysis found significant improvements in various subjective symptoms, but not in the objective snoring and respiratory parameters. A subgroup analysis of subjects with mild OSA (n = 11) found significant alleviation in various subjective symptoms, apnea-hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index, and oxygen desaturation index ≥ 4%. No major complication related to surgery was observed, and most minor adverse effects were resolved without morbidity. Conclusions In selected Korean patients, the Pillar implant significantly improved not only subjective symptoms of mild SDB but also respiratory disturbances in mild OSA. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1239-1243, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) and offer recommendations for determining surgical extent based on loss of contrast enhancement (LoCE), which reveals tissue ischemia from fungal invasion. Methods Preoperative and postoperative Gd-enhanced MRI was evaluated in 21 patients with confirmed AIFRS who underwent wide debridement and antifungal therapy. Patients were subdivided by AIFRS-specific survival. LoCE and contrast enhancement (CE) of intrasinonasal and extrasinonasal sites in preoperative and postoperative MRI were compared between the two groups. Results All patients had preoperative intrasinonasal LoCE and CE lesions, which did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. Bone destruction on CT was detected in 8 of 16 survivors (50%) and 4 of 5 non-survivors (80%). Intrasinonasal LoCE lesions were completely removed by surgery in all cases. Postoperative extrasinonasal LoCE lesions were found in all non-survivors but no survivors ( p < 0.001). However, postoperative intrasinonasal and extrasinonasal CE lesions were detected in both survivors and non-survivors ( p = 0.119 and p = 0.111, respectively). In addition, remission of hematologic diseases at the time of diagnosis of AIFRS and blood sugar control in diabetic patients were significantly associated with AIFRS-specific survival ( p = 0.028 and p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions LoCE lesions, which have to be surgically removed, should be screened using Gd-enhanced MRI for an earlier diagnosis of AIFRS, determination of surgical extent, and management of follow-up. Remnant LoCE lesions after surgery, active hematologic diseases, and poorly controlled blood sugar adversely affect the AIFRS-survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis An animal model of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may help to investigate the pathophysiology of this disorder and develop appropriate treatments. We investigated the feasibility of a rabbit model of OSA. Study Design Animal study. Methods Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were injected at the base of their tongues under endoscopic guidance with liquid silicone (experimental group, n = 6) or normal saline (control group, n = 6). Polysomnography was performed before and after injection. The development of OSA and changes in sleep parameters were compared between the two groups. Results Before injection, all rabbits showed normal breathing during sleep without hypopnea. In the silicone group, the rabbits had a mean of 29.9 ± 6.9 hypopneas/hour and a mean of 10.4 ± 3.1 apneas/hour 1 month after silicone injection and 28.4 ± 6.9 hypopneas/hour and 10.0 ± 3.3 apneas/hour 3 months after silicone injection ( P < 0.05). Mean total sleep time decreased from 260.3 ± 70.2 minutes at baseline to 152.5 ± 38.8 minutes 1 month and 206.8 ± 60.3 minutes 3 months after injection, with a decrease in stage II sleep. In the saline group, however, there were no breathing events during sleep. Conclusions These results show that silicone injections into the tongue base of rabbits can result in OSA. Level of Evidence N/A Laryngoscope, 124:789-796, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: We found no differences in clinicopathologic factors and post-treatment effects between patients who did and did not receive lumbar drains (LDs) in the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Care should be taken in using LDs, after considering their effectiveness and complications, although routine use of an LD is not indicated in the management of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea. Objectives: We assessed the role and effectiveness of LDs in patients managed conservatively and surgically. Methods: Of 117 patients treated for CSF rhinorrhea, 61 were managed conservatively and 56 were initially managed surgically. We compared the clinicopathologic features and factors related to treatment outcome between patients who did and did not receive LDs. Results: Of 61 conservatively managed patients, 32 were managed without and 29 with LDs. There were no between-group differences in any clinicopathologic factors, recurrence rate, or incidence of meningitis during/after treatment, but duration of hospitalization differed significantly (15.3 vs 23.2 days, p = 0.03). Of 56 surgically managed patients, 24 were managed without and 32 with postoperative LDs. Except for age, there were no between-group differences in clinicopathologic factors. In terms of treatment outcome-related factors, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate, incidence of meningitis, or duration of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Sarcoma and lymphoma comprised 75% of 20 cases of pediatric sinonasal malignancies. As regards treatment, all 20 patients received chemotherapy and 6 patients (30%) underwent surgery. The overall 5-year survival rate was 52%, with favorable outcome for solid tumors compared with lymphoma. Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of sinonasal malignancies in 20 pediatric patients. Methods: Clinical features were evaluated and tumors were staged according to the staging system for each histologic type. Results: The 20 patients consisted of 12 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 1 to 16 years, with a median age of 9.6 years at diagnosis. More than half of the patients presented with nasal obstruction as the primary symptom, and mean symptom duration to diagnosis was 5.4 months. Primary tumor sites included the paranasal sinuses alone in four patients, the nasal cavity alone in eight, and both in eight. Eight tumors were sarcomas and seven were lymphomas. The remaining tumors included three olfactory neuroblastomas and two primitive neuroectodermal tumors. The main treatment modality was chemotherapy rather than surgery. The overall survival rate was 52%, and patients with solid tumors survived significantly longer than those with lymphoma ( p = 0.02). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine whether obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients with mixed sleep apnea (MSA) have different clinical, polysomnographic, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration findings compared to OSAS patients without MSA. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of OSAS patients who had undergone CPAP titration and categorized them into pure-OSA and mixed-OSA groups. Demographic features, daytime sleepiness, and apnea severity were compared between the two groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. CPAP titration findings were also compared between the two groups. Results One hundred and ninety-five subjects (n = 126 pure-OSA; n = 69 mixed-OSA) were included in the analysis. Compared to the pure-OSA group, the mixed-OSA group had a higher percentage of males ( p = 0.003) and a higher body mass index ( p = 0.044), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ( p = 0.028), and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ( p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, older age, male sex, and higher body mass index were independently associated with mixed-OSA before PSG study. When using AHI as a covariable, the higher AHI with older age, male sex, and daytime sleepiness was independently related to mixed-OSA. The mixed-OSA group had a higher percentage of patients with complex sleep apnea, a lower percentage of patients with optimal titration, and a higher titrated pressure than the pure-OSA group. Conclusions Severe OSA, older age, male sex, obesity, and daytime sleepiness were related to mixed-OSA. Complex sleep apnea, less optimal titration, and a higher titrated CPAP were also associated with MSA in OSAS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Isolated sphenoid sinus aspergilloma (ISSA) is a rare disorder that is difficult to diagnose in a timely manner. These lesions can also extend to adjacent structures and thereby cause severe complications. ISSA patients with orbital complications typically have a poor prognosis even when surgical interventions have been successful. We here reviewed 30 ISSA cases with respect to clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. Methods: A group of 30 patients diagnosed with ISSA between January 1990 and October 2010 were retrospectively reviewed in terms of clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, radiologic imaging data, and treatment results. We also compared the clinical manifestations and treatment results between patients with and without orbital complications. Results: Old age (median, 55 years) and a female predominance (23 women in the study) were noted. The most commonly reported symptom was headache (80%) and the average duration of the symptoms before diagnosis was 8.1 months. On radiologic examination, including CT and MRI scans, 13 patients showed bony wall erosions and five patients demonstrated orbital complications including diplopia and visual loss. The appearance of a bony wall erosion on a CT scan and the acute onset of ISSA symptoms were found to be significant factors in the onset of orbital complications (P =0.003 in each case). Endoscopic sphenoidotomy was performed in all 30 cases. Most of the preoperative symptoms among the patients, including headache, facial pain, and postnasal drip, were improved after surgery. Among the five patients in the study group with orbital complications, diplopia was completely resolved after surgery in each case but there was no improvement in visual loss. Conclusions: An early diagnosis of ISSA, although not easy, is important to prevent complications arising from extensions of these lesions beyond the sphenoid sinus. Our present study demonstrates that ISSA could be effectively treated with an endoscopic sphenoidotomy, and that timely intervention is needed in patients with a sinus bony wall to prevent irreversible complications such as visual loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Migration of plasma cells (PCs) is crucial for the control of PC survival and antibody production and is controlled by chemokines, most importantly by CXCL12. This study investigated the role of CD99 in CXCL12-induced PC migration. Among B cell subsets in the tonsils, CD99 expression was highest in PCs. CD99 expression increased during in vitro differentiation of germinal center B cells and was highest in PCs. CD99 engagement reduced chemotactic migration of PCs toward CXCL12 and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by CXCL12. An ERK inhibitor reduced CXCL12-mediated chemotactic migration, which suggests that ERK has a critical role in migration. CD99 engagement did not influence apoptosis, differentiation, or antibody secretion of PCs. We propose a novel role of CD99 in PCs that suppresses ERK activation and chemotactic migration of these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]