Islam R. Herzallah

Endoscopic transnasal study of the infratemporal fossa: A new orientation

Introduction: The medial portion of the infratemporal fossa (ITF) is not infrequently involved in sinonasal and skull base pathologies. However, endoscopic view of the ITF remains unclear with lack of studies addressing this region from the endoscopic perspective. Methods: Using an extended endoscopic approach, the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae were dissected in 10 sides of five adult cadaver heads. A plane of dissection along the pterygoid base and the infratemporal surface of the greater sphenoid wing was developed. High-quality images were produced by coupling the video camera to a digital recording system. Results: The foramen rotundum, ovale, and spinosum were accessed and new landmarks were described from the endoscopic point of view. The sphenomandibularis muscle was also highlighted. Maxillary and mandibular nerves and middle meningeal artery were all identified. Columellar measurements to the foramen rotundum and ovale ranged from 6.1 to 8.0 cm for the former and 7.0 to 9.1 cm for the latter, with a mean of 6.75 cm and 7.78 cm respectively. Conclusion: The current study provides a novel endoscopic orientation to the medial ITF. Such knowledge should provide an anatomical basis for experienced surgeons to endoscopically address this region with more safety and efficacy.

Olfactory Bulb Volume Changes in Patients with Sinonasal Polyposis: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Objectives The olfactory bulb (OB) is thought to be a plastic structure with highly active afferent neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of olfactory deprivation caused by sinonasal polyps on OB volume. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary university hospital, Department of Otolaryngology. Subjects and Methods Twenty-two subjects were included: 11 adult patients with bilateral allergic sinonasal polyposis (patient group) and 11 adult healthy controls (control group). Both study groups were matched for age and sex. OB volumes in all study subjects were evaluated in T2-weighted coronal MRI images by planimetric manual contouring. Results In the patient group, OB volume measurements ranged from 5.2 to 19.5 mm3 (mean ± SD, 10.14 ± 3.8). In the control group, volume measurements ranged from 35 to 75.8 mm3 (mean ± SD, 47.66 ± 10.75). The difference in OB volumes between patient and control groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Conclusion Our study highlights the significant reduction in OB volume in patients with bilateral sinonasal polyposis as compared with its volume in healthy controls. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of OB volume reduction on olfactory recovery postoperatively.

Variations of lamina papyracea position from the endoscopic view:a retrospective computed tomography analysis

Accidental injury of lamina papyracea (LP) remains one of the most common complications reported in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) even in most recent studies. The purpose of this study was to categorize the LP position radiologically and from an endoscopic perspective.

Acute rhinosinusitis during Hajj season 2014: Prevalence of bacterial infection and patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility

BACKGROUND The presence of large number of pilgrims during Hajj in Makkah region increases the risk of respiratory diseases. In this study, we aimed to assess the bacteriology of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) during Hajj season and to demonstrate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns that should guide the clinicians towards more appropriate antibiotic use. METHODS Patients with ARS presenting during Hajj season of 2014 were prospectively enrolled. According to EPOS2012 criteria. Sampling of sinus secretions was performed from the middle meatus adjacent to the maxillary sinus ostium via endoscopic guidance. Over all, the study has covered all ENT, emergency and outpatient departments in Hajj. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty six patients with ARS were enrolled in the study. Pathogenic bacteria were identified in 93 (41.2%) patients. Of the 93 patients with bacterial ARS, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 46 (49.5%) patients, out of which 13 (28.3%) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).The second most common group of bacterial isolates was Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli, and various Klebsiella species. Antibiotic sensitivity showed that methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was also sensitive to cephalosporins, quinolones and clindamycin, while exhibiting relatively less sensitivity rates to amoxicillin-clavulinic acid and macrolides. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the importance of assessing the bacteriology of ARS to help implement guidelines for proper treatment and prevention protocols during Hajj season.

Retromaxillary Pneumatization of Posterior Ethmoid Air Cells Novel Description and Surgical Implications

Objective Retromaxillary pneumatization of posterior ethmoid (PE) air cells is an area that is yet to have appropriate description in rhinologic literature. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods First, 524 sides in 262 paranasal sinus computed tomography scans were analyzed: 350 normal sides were examined for PE pneumatization lateral to the sagittal plane of the medial wall of maxillary sinus posteriorly, and 174 diseased sides were similarly reviewed to check how pathology may affect identification and measurements. Following that, 153 operated sides in 84 cases prepared for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were studied for residual diseased cells at different anatomic locations. Results Overall, retromaxillary PE pneumatization was identifiable in 416 of the 524 sides (79.4%). Lateral retromaxillary extension varied from 0.5 to 12.3 mm (mean ± SD, 4.8 ± 2.3 mm). This area of pneumatization is bounded anteroinferiorly by the junction between the posterior and superior walls of the maxillary sinus. Three cell types were described depending on the degree of lateral extension (type I, <3 mm; type II, 3-6 mm; type III, >6 mm). This cell, which we refer to as the Herzallah cell, was distinguishable from the anterior ethmoid Haller cell and was found to have residual disease in 50.3% of cases prepared for revision ESS. Conclusion Retromaxillary extension of PE air cells varies considerably and requires attention during ESS. Residual undissected retromaxillary cell is a common finding in revision ESS and can contribute to inadequate disease clearance.

Endoscopic Identification of the Pharyngeal (Palatovaginal) Canal: An Overlooked Area

Objective The pharyngeal or palatovaginal canal (PC) is a small tunnel that lies between the sphenoid process of the palatine bone and the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone. Currently, little endoscopic information is available about this region. Design and Setting Endoscopic endonasal cadaveric study. Subjects and Methods Twenty sides in 10 adult cadaver heads were studied endoscopically. The sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) and the adjacent pterygopalatine fossa were exposed. Dissection medial to the vidian canal demonstrated a tunnel that runs posteromedially in the sphenoid floor. Endoscopic data were documented. Additionally, canal measurements were obtained on 20 sides from coronal CT scans of paranasal sinuses. Results The PC was identifiable in 85% of the sides, although thickness of its bony wall was variable. The endoscopic relationship of the canal and its artery with other landmarks is described. Radiologically, the diameter of the PC averaged 1.7 mm, and the mean distance from the PC to the vidian canal was 3.78 mm. Conclusion The current study provides a novel endoscopic identification of an overlooked canal. The pharyngeal artery can be a source of bleeding during extended endoscopic procedures. The PC itself could be a place for finger-like projections of anatomically related neoplasms.

Endoscopic anatomy of the lacrimal sac for dacryocystorhinostomy. A cadaveric study

Objectives: To assist the endoscopic localization of the lacrimal sac (LS) relative to nearby landmarks. Methods: This is a descriptive prospective anatomical study. Sixteen lateral nasal walls were dissected endoscopically to identify and localize the LS between October and November 2015. Multiple measurements were obtained from the NS to the anterior and posterior walls of the LS, as well as to the middle turbinate axilla (MTA) and from the MTA to the LS borders. Results: The average distance from the NS to the anterior border of the LS was 42.0 mm and the posterior border was 48.5 mm. The average widths of the LS were 7.55 mm superiorly, and 6.6 mm inferiorly representing a mathematical proof that the LS is a trapezoid shape. The mean distance from the NS to the MTA was 47.3 mm. Nine of the 16 lacrimal sacs (56.3%) were found to be partially overlapped by the MTA. The LS was only totally overlapped and lying posterior to the MTA in one side (6.3%), while in 6 sides (37.5%) the LS lay anterior to the MTA. Conclusion: Endoscopic surgeons should be aware of the location of the LS relative to nearby landmarks, particularly the MTA. Representing a mathematical proof that the LS is wider at it upper part than lower part best presented as a trapezoid shape. We have provided additional measurements that may prove useful in cases of difficult exposure.