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Isolated primary sphenoid sinusitis is a rare occurrence, estimated to make up less than 3% of sinus infections. The posterior anatomic location of the sphenoid makes treatment challenging when it becomes infected. Complications involving intracranial extension to surrounding structures often result in cranial nerve deficits due to their proximity. A single case of chronic sphenoiditis with direct extracranial extension into the prevertebral space is reported with a discussion on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. A 46-year-old female patient with diffuse headaches radiating into the neck and throat was evaluated in the office. Computed tomography demonstrated sphenoiditis with direct extension into the prevertebral space. Imaging revealed a purported route of direct extension through the clinoid and directly into the clivus to form an abscess in the longus colli muscle. The patient underwent endoscopic surgical management including drainage of the prevertebral abscess and has since made a full recovery. This is the first reported case of direct extension of sphenoiditis into the prevertebral space. The findings highlight the importance of aggressive treatment of chronic sphenoid infections to prevent detrimental complications. Computed tomography imaging proved an advantageous imaging modality to demonstrate bony erosion and sinus tracts from the skull base to the deep neck space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic skull base malignancies infrequently occur but, when present, typically arise from breast malignancies. Pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) metastasis of any malignancy is further seldom reported, and metastasis of gynecologic malignancies to the PPF has not been previously described in the literature. We present a single case of a 42-year-old female with the first likely case of high-grade endometrial sarcoma metastatic to the PPF. The patient presented with facial pain and numbness in the V2 distribution presented for evaluation. History was significant for several months of dysmenorrhea and metrorrhagia. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography imaging revealed a PPF mass with local extension and bony metastases. Endoscopic biopsy was performed, and final pathology was most consistent with metastatic high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. This is the first reported case of likely metastatic endometrial sarcoma to the PPF. This case report highlights the possibility of rare distant metastasis of gynecologic malignancy to this area of the skull base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction  Preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is essential in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery to identify potential high-risk anatomic variations. There is no consensus in the literature, as to which grading system to use to describe these variants, leading to inconsistent terminology between studies. In addition, substantial variability exists in the reported incidence of anatomic variants. In this study, we performed an institutional imaging analysis and literature review with the objective of consolidating and clearly defining these sphenoid sinus anatomical variations. In addition, we highlighted their surgical implications and propose a checklist for a systematic assessment of the sphenoid sinus on preoperative CT. Methods  Review of the literature and retrospective analysis assessing several imaging parameters in 81 patients who underwent preoperative HRCT imaging for endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection from January 2008 through July 2015 at Rush University Medical Center. Results  The most common sphenoid pneumatization patterns were sellar (45%) and postsellar (49%) types. Anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization was seen in 17% of patients with high concordance of ipsilateral optic nerve (ON) protrusion. ON protrusion and dehiscence was present in 17 and 6% of patients, respectively. Internal carotid artery (ICA) protrusion and dehiscence was present in 30 and 5% of patients, respectively. Dehiscence rates from local bone invasion overlying the ICA and ON occurred in 17 and 4% of cases, respectively. Conclusions  Our study highlights and reviews the key variants that have potential to impact surgical complications and outcomes in a heterogeneous patient population. The proposed preoperative CT checklist for patients, undergoing transsphenoidal surgery, consistently identifies these higher risk anatomical variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Topical solutions to the sinus cavity are primarily administered via a transnasal route with inherent limitations of distribution. Here we describe an alternate method of sinus access via lacrimal sinus diversion using a novel lacrimal diversion device (LDD). Methods A cadaveric study was performed using 12 disarticulated fresh heads. The LDD was implanted in 23 sides meeting insertion criteria. Time to placement was recorded and patency was assessed via nasal endoscopy. Methylene blue was administered via the LDD and 16 sides underwent surgical ethmoidectomy to assess distribution of mucosal staining. Four cadavers underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging to demonstrate stent position. Results Mean time of placement was 3.66 ± 2.37 minutes (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Patency rate was 100%. Six sides (37.5%) had anterior ethmoid staining, 6 sides (37.5%) had posterior ethmoid staining, and the remaining 4 sides (25%) had mixed anterior and posterior ethmoid staining. Stents placed optimally resulted in anterior ethmoid staining without complication. Malpositioned stents resulted in posterior ethmoid staining and some inadvertent ethmoid vertical lamella trauma in 2 instances. Conclusion Sinus irrigation can be delivered to the ethmoid sinuses directly via a lacrimal diversion stent. Technique modification or image guidance may be helpful in ensuring optimal placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is commonly classified into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Structured histopathologic reporting has the potential to identify salient histologic markers to differentiate subtypes and provide insights into pathophysiologic mechanisms in CRS. Methods A structured histopathology report of 13 variables was prospectively employed to analyze ethmoid sinus tissue removed during endoscopic sinus surgery for 99 patients, including 43 CRSsNP and 56 CRSwNP. These variables were compared in association with presence of nasal polyps, radiographic computed tomography scores (Lund-Mackay Score [LMS]), subjective symptoms scores (SNOT-22), duration of CRS, comorbid asthma, and atopy. Results Overall inflammation did not differentiate between CRSsNP and CRSwNP ( p < 0.26). Compared to CRSsNP, CRSwNP had statistically significant increase in basement membrane thickening (76.8% vs 48.8%, p < 0.004), subepithelial edema (19.6% vs 2.3%, p < 0.01), fibrosis (58.9% vs 27.9%, p < 0.002), hyperplastic/papillary changes (12.5% vs 0.0%, p < 0.016), eosinophilia (41.1% vs 18.6%, p < 0.047), and eosinophilic aggregates (30.4% vs 11.6%, p < 0.022). Higher LMS was associated with increased eosinophilia ( p < 0.001), eosinophil aggregates ( p < 0.000), inflammation ( p < 0.023), basement membrane thickening ( p < 0.037), hyperplastic/papillary changes ( p < 0.040) and fibrosis ( p < 0.000). SNOT-22 scores were not associated with any histologic parameters. Conclusion Significant histopathologic differences were evident in patients with CRSwNP and CRSsNP. No single feature reliably differentiated between the 2 subtypes, underscoring the heterogeneity of CRS and limitation of this phenotypic classification system. Eosinophilic aggregates were associated with significantly worse disease, possibly signifying a unique subtype. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship of histopathologic features to disease outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retromaxillary air cells (RMC) are posterior ethmoid cells that separate the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. The clinical significance of these cells in contributing to revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is unknown. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, anatomic dimensions, and radiographic characteristics of RMC in patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis after previous FESS. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent revision FESS at a tertiary medical center between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. Computed tomographies of patients who underwent revision FESS, including posterior ethmoidectomies, were reviewed. Each side of the scan was assessed for residual RMCs. The radiographic dimensions and Lund-Mackay (LM) scores of these cells were recorded. Results: Sixty-nine patients who underwent revision FESS were identified. The median age of the patient population was 51 years (range, 21-79 years). Forty-two percent of the patients had nasal polyps. The mean number of previous FESS was 2 (range, 1-10). Incompletely dissected RMCs were identified in 101 of 138 analyzed sides (73%), despite documented previous posterior ethmoidectomies. Sixty-five percent of RMCs had an LM score of ≥1; RMCs of patients with polyps were more likely to have an LM score of 2 (p = 0.049). There was a significant correlation between the number of previous FESS procedures and whether the RMCs had been dissected (p = 0.010). There also was a significant correlation between RMC height and the number of previous FESS procedures (p = 0.015). Conclusion: RMCs seemed to often be undissected during primary FESS and, thus, were commonly encountered in revision FESS. The majority of analyzed cells in this cohort demonstrated an LM score of ≥1, which indicated that these cells frequently harbor residual diseased mucosa that may contribute to the need for revision surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is a highly prevalent disorder. Septal swell body (SSB) hypertrophy is an often overlooked contributor to NAO. SSB treatment may relieve symptoms of NAO. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical use of a temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device to treat SSBs to improve symptoms in adults with NAO. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, open‐label, single arm study, patients with severe or extreme NAO related to SSB hypertrophy received bilateral TCRF treatment in the SSB area. The primary endpoint was improvement in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale scores from baseline to 3 months postprocedure. A subset of study patients underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging to evaluate posttreatment changes in SSB size. Results: Mean NOSE Scale scores significantly improved from 73.5 (SD 14.2) at baseline to 27.9 (SD 17.2) at 3 months postprocedure, a reduction of −45.3 (SD 21.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −50.4 to −40.1; p < 0.0001); the responder rate was 95.7% (95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99; p < 0.0001). CT evaluation at 3 months showed statistically significant reductions in the SSB with the greatest reduction in the middle thickness (mean change −3.4 [SD 1.8] mL, 95% CI: −4.0 to −2.8; p < 0.0001). Minimal adverse events with any relationship to the device or procedure were reported; none were serious in nature and no septal perforations occurred. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TCRF treatment of SSB hypertrophy is well tolerated and effective at reducing both SSB size and symptoms of NAO at 3 months posttreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of inverted papilloma (IP) has not been fully elucidated. However, chronic paranasal sinus inflammation has been anecdotally observed in sites distant from tumor obstruction in IP patients, suggesting an association between inflammation and IP tumorigenesis. This study assesses the association between sinonasal inflammation found in IP and compares this to the level of inflammation observed in other sinonasal tumors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed identifying patients with unilateral IP. Pertinent clinical data was obtained and comparative analysis of preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging and histopathology was performed. A sample of unilateral, sinonasal, non‐IP and non–squamous cell tumors was used as the control. The Lund‐Mackay scoring system was used to assess radiologic sinonasal inflammation both ipsilateral and contralateral to the tumor. Results: Seventy‐one patients were included; 58.9% of patients with IP had evidence of contralateral sinusitis at the time of presentation. In the control group, 26.7% had evidence of contralateral inflammation. When comparing contralateral sinus inflammation between the 2 study groups, the IP patients had significantly higher Lund‐Mackay scores than the control group (1.9 vs 0.26, p < 0.001). When comparing ipsilateral sinus inflammation, no significant difference was found in Lund‐Mackay scores (5.44 vs 4.00, p < 0.184). Conclusion: In this study, unilateral IPs were associated with a higher level of contralateral sinonasal inflammation when compared to control. This suggests that IP may be associated with inflammation that is independent of obstruction by the tumor. Further studies are needed to better understand the temporal relationship between chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Current guidelines have identified 10 to 12 weeks posttreatment as the ideal time-point for improved diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for deep tissue sites of the head and neck. After treatment, the sinonasal skull base is predisposed to prolonged inflammation that may render this time-point inappropriate for initial posttreatment imaging surveillance for sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate temporal trends in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) sinonasal uptake after treatment for sinonasal malignancies to better elucidate the optimal time-point for initial PET/CT posttreatment evaluation in this patient population. Methods A retrospective analysis of all successfully treated and non-locally recurrent sinonasal malignancies over a 15-year study period (2000 to 2015) was performed at our institution. Posttreatment 18FDG PET/CT standardized uptake value data were collected and compared between various time-points (2 to 4 months, 5 to 12 months, 5 to 24 months, and 13 to 24 months) using an independent-samples t test. Results A statistically significant difference was noted between the posttreatment time windows 2 to 4 and 5 to 12 months ( p = 0.048) as well as 2 to 4 and 5 to 24 months ( p = 0.02). A trend toward significance was seen when comparing 2 to 4 and 13 to 24 months ( p = 0.083). Conclusion Our analysis of PET/CT in patients previously treated for sinonasal malignancy suggests that the posttreatment sinonasal skull base is characterized by a prolonged period of hypermetabolism that endures beyond the period previously described for deep tissue sites of the head and neck. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the previously described 10- to 12-week cutoff point for initial posttreatment PET/CT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as applied to sinonasal malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]