Improved thyroid hypoechogenicity following bariatric-induced weight loss in euthyroid adults with severe Obesity-a pilot study

Background: Obesity may affect both biochemical thyroid function tests; and thyroid morphology, as assessed using ultrasound scans (US). The aim of the present pilot study was to explore whether weight loss achieved by bariatric surgery alters thyroid US morphology including gray-scale measurements; and/or function in euthyroid adults with severe obesity. Methods: Euthyroid adults (> 18 years) with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 and negative thyroid peroxidase antibodies were assessed at baseline (pre-surgery) and after achieving at least 5% weight loss of their baseline body weight following bariatric surgery. Anthropometric assessments, biochemical/hormonal measurements (TSH, free-T4, free-T3, reverse-T3, and leptin) and thyroid US with gray-scale histogram analysis were performed at the baseline and post-surgery follow-up. Results: Ten Caucasian, euthyroid patients (women/men: 8/2; age: 48.6 ± 3.1 years; BMI: 51.4 ± 1.8 kg/m2) successfully completed this study with significantly decreased body weight (> 5% weight loss), waist circumference and serum leptin levels post-surgery (mean post-surgery follow-up duration: 16.5 ± 2.5 months). In parallel to the observed bariatric-induced weight loss, thyroid US echogenicity increased by 25% (p = 0.03), without significant changes in thyroid volume. No significant changes in thyroid function tests were detected. No significant correlations were observed between the increase in thyroid echogenicity and the decreases in anthropometric parameters and circulating leptin. Conclusion: Our results indicate that in euthyroid adults with severe obesity, marked weight loss achieved by bariatric surgery is associated with a parallel significant increase in the thyroid US echogenicity, suggesting that morphological changes of the thyroid in obesity are reversible with weight loss

Association between inferior turbinate hypertrophy and extraesophageal reflux

IMPORTANCE To the authors' knowledge, no prior studies have examined the association between inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) and extraesophageal reflux (EER). If EER were a cause or cofactor of ITH, antireflux treatment can be considered prior to surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE To evaluate EER presence and severity in patients with different degrees of ITH. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective multicentric cohort study conducted at 3 referral centers treating patients with EER and certified for 24-hour monitoring of oropharyngeal pH. The monitoring was performed between October 2020 and October 2021. A total of 94 adult patients with EER symptoms were recruited, 90 of whom were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS Nasal endoscopy was performed to determine the degree of ITH, according to the Camacho classification. Presence and severity of EER were examined using 24-hour monitoring of oropharyngeal pH. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were presence of EER according to RYAN Score, total percentage of time below pH 5.5, and total numbers of EER events below pH 5.5. RESULTS Of the 90 analyzed patients (median [IQR] age, 46 [33-58] years; 36 [40%) male patients), 41 had a maximum of second-degree ITH (group 1), and 49 patients had at least third-degree ITH (group 2), according to the Camacho classification. On the basis of the RYAN Score, EER was diagnosed more often in group 2 (69.4%) than in group 1(34.1%; difference, 35.3% [95% CI, 13.5%-56.9%]). Moreover, compared with group 1, group 2 exhibited higher median total percentage of time below pH 5.5 (median [IQR], group 1: 2.1% [0.0%-9.4%], group 2: 11.2% [1.5%-15.8%); difference, 9.1% [95% CI, 4.1%-11.8%)) and higher median total number of EER events (median [IQR], group 1: 6 [1-14] events, group 2: 14 [4-26] events; difference, 8 [95% CI, 2-15] events). Patients with proven EER demonstrated no difference in the degree of ITH between the right and left nasal cavity (Cohen g, -0.17 [95% CI, -0.50 to 0.30)), or between the anterior and posterior parts of the nasal cavity (Cohen g, -0.21 [95% CI, -0.50 to 0.17]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, patients with a higher degree of ITH had more severe EER. A possible association between severe ITH and EER was demonstrated.Web of Science148877877

Malignancy risk analysis in patients with inadequate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid

Background Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the standard diagnostic modality for thyroid nodules. However, it has limitations among which is the incidence of non-diagnostic results (Thy1). Management of cases with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNAC ranges from simple observation to surgical intervention. We aim to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in non-diagnostic FNAC, and the success rate of repeated FNAC. We also aim to evaluate risk factors for malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNAC. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses of consecutive cases with thyroid non diagnostic FNAC results were included. Results Out of total 1657 thyroid FNAC done during the study period, there were 264 (15.9%) non-diagnostic FNAC on the first attempt. On repeating those, the rate of a non-diagnostic result on second FNAC was 61.8% and on third FNAC was 47.2%. The overall malignancy rate in Thy1 FNAC was 4.5% (42% papillary, 42% follicular and 8% anaplastic), and the yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC. Ultrasound guidance by an experienced head neck radiologist produced the lowest non-diagnostic rate (38%) on repetition compared to US guidance by a generalist radiologist (65%) and by non US guidance (90%). Conclusions There is a low risk of malignancy in patients with a non-diagnostic FNAC result, commensurate to the risk of any nodule. The yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC

Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement

Purpose SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available. Methods A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience. Results Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination. Conclusion Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information

Wyniki funkcjonalne leczenia oszczędzającego w raku krtani – sugestie dotyczące badań kontrolnych

Wstęp: Rak krtani i jego leczenie wiążą się z krótko- i długoterminowymi powikłaniami, wpływającymi na funkcję krtani i jakość życia. Materiały i metody: Analiza retrospektywna dokumentacji medycznych pacjentów leczonych operacyjnie lub zachowawczo z powodu raka krtani z oszczędzeniem krtani. Wyniki: Po zakończeniu leczenia najwięcej pacjentów ze złą jakością głosu obserwowano w grupie chorych na raka głośni (wczesnego lub zaawansowanego). Zaburzenia połykania występowały natomiast częściej w grupie osób z guzami przezgłośniowymi. W porównaniu do stanu sprzed leczenia odsetek pacjentów z zaburzeniami głosu (zła jakość głosu lub jego utrata) początkowo malał we wszystkich grupach (z wyjątkiem guzów nadgłośniowych), a w czasie pierwszego roku obserwacji rósł lub nie zmienił się. Liczba pacjentów bez zaburzeń połykania wzrosła w grupie z guzami: nadgłośniowymi, podgłośniowymi i przezgłośniowymi. Dyskusja: Uważamy za konieczne wprowadzenie standardowych badań kontrolnych przed- i pooperacyjnych głosu i połykania u pacjentów leczonych z powodu raka krtani

Functional Results after Larynx-Preserving Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer. Suggestions for follow-up

Introduction: Laryngeal cancer and its treatment are associated with both short- and long-term side effects, affecting laryngeal functions and having an impact on the quality of life. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients receiving surgical or non-surgical, larynx- -preserving treatment for laryngeal cancer. Results: After termination of the treatment, the highest proportion of patients with bad voice quality was in the glottic carcinoma group (both in early and late phase), with swallowing dysfunction in the transglottic carcinoma group. Compared to the situation before the treatment, the proportion of patients with impaired voice quality (bad voice quality and loss of voice) initially decreased among all groups (except for supraglottic carcinomas), and during the first post-treatment year either increased or did not change. The proportion of patients with no swallowing dysfunction increased in the supraglottic, subglottic and transglottic carcinoma groups. D iscussion: We consider necessary the implementation of a standard pre- and post-treatment monitoring of the voice and swallowing function in the management of patients with laryngeal cancer

Postintubation Dysphagia During COVID-19 Outbreak-Contemporary Review

The COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Its rapid dissemination and serious course require a novel approach to healthcare practices. Severe disease progression is often associated with the development of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and may require some form of respiratory support, including endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube. These conditions increase the risk of dysphagia, aspiration, and aspiration pneumonia. The data on the incidence and risks of dysphagia associated with COVID-19 are not yet available. However, it is assumed that these patients are at high risk, because of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. These findings may exacerbate swallowing deficits. The aim of this review is to summarize available information on possible mechanisms of postintubation dysphagia in COVID-19 patients. Recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of postintubation dysphagia in COVID-19 patients are described in this contemporary review.Peer reviewe

Pathogenesis of Retraction Pocket of the Tympanic Membrane—A Narrative Review

Several theories describe the development of the retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane (RP). Many authors suggest that the negative middle ear pressure is the main reason responsible for developing this condition. A narrative review has been undertaken, and conclusions are drawn reflecting a current knowledge with our new observations in the histological and immunohistochemical study. Recent studies show the important role of inflammation in the development and progression of RP. A review of the available literature shows that the inflammation plays a key role in pathogenesis of the RP and its progression to the cholesteatoma. We support this statement with our new results from histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the RPs

Extraesophageal Reflux: What Is the Best Parameter for pH-Monitoring Data Analysis from the Perspective of Patient Response to Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Objectives. To analyze the pH-monitoring records of patients with suspected extraesophageal reflux (EER) using three different parameters (number of refluxes (NOR), acid exposure time (AET), and reflux area index (RAI)), with a view to determining which type of analysis is best at selecting the patients who will respond to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Methods. Demographic data were obtained and the level of the complaint was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale. A dual probe pH-monitoring study was conducted. NOR greater than six, AET more than 0.1%, and RAI higher than 6.3 mpH were taken to be the thresholds for EER. Subsequently the response to a 12-week PPI trial was analyzed. Results. A total of 81 patients were analyzed. The percentages of patients with substantial EER based on NOR, AET, and RAI were 36%, 28% and 26%, respectively. Statistically significant, often positive PPI trials were confirmed in the group identified as having substantial EER using all three types of analysis. When using AET and RAI, the significance was more pronounced (P=0.012 and P=0.013, resp.) in comparison with NOR (P=0.033). Conclusions. Patients with EER diagnosed using AET or RAI will respond to PPI significantly often

Risk factor analysis for malignancy in inadequate FNAC.

<p>Risk factor analysis for malignancy in inadequate FNAC.</p