Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common but underreported problem that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Dysfunction is prevalent in over 5% of the adult population and can be broadly categorised into conductive and sensorineural causes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can form part of the diagnostic work up, although its exact role is often debated. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of MRI in managing patients with OD. Design/ Method A retrospective analysis of the records of patients presenting to national smell and taste clinic over a five-year period was performed. Variables included demographics, endoscopic findings, final diagnosis, psychophysical smell test and MRI results. Results A total of 409 patients underwent clinical assessment and smell testing for OD, of which 172 patients (42%) had MRI scans performed. The age range of patients was 10 to 93 years. Imaging in younger age-groups was associated with a higher rate of positive findings, however identifiable causes for OD were recorded across the range. MRI provided both diagnostic and prognostic information in those with idiopathic, traumatic, and congenital causes of OD. For example, MRI provided information on the extent or absence of traumatic gliosis in those with a head trauma history allowing further treatment and prognosis. Conclusion We recommend the adjunct use of MRI in patients with a clear history and examination findings of head injury, congenital cases and in apparent idiopathic cases. MRI should be requested to compliment clinical findings with a view to aiding decision-making on treatment and prognosis independent of patient’s age.

Objectives: The present meta-analysis sought to assess further evidence for the efficacy of steroids in vestibular neuritis (VN). Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched through August 30, 2019. The main outcome measures were 1) complete caloric recovery, 2) improvement of canal paresis (CP) in caloric testing, and 3) dizziness handicap inventory. The follow-up times were divided into short, mid, and long-term. The main outcome measures were 1) complete caloric recovery, 2) improvement of canal paresis (CP) in caloric testing, and 3) dizziness handicap inventory. Results: Among 276 records identified, 5 studies (n = 253) were included in the analysis. The therapeutic effect of steroid on VN was confirmed (Hedges’g = 0.172, 95% CI 0.048 to 0.295, p = .006). This effect was statistically significant on long-term follow-up (Hedges’g = 0.496, 95% CI 0.285 to 0.708, p < .0001). The therapeutic effect of steroids on VN was better than that of non-steroid treatment (Hedges’g = 0.299, 95% CI 0.107 to 0.490, p = .002). However, this effect was obscured by combination of other treatments. The therapeutic effect of steroids on VN was statistically significant regarding complete caloric recovery and improvement in CP (Hedges’g = 0.364, 95% CI 0.181 to 0.547, p < 0.0001; Hedges’g = 0.592, 95% CI 0.315 to 0.5869, p < .0001) Conclusions: The results suggest that corticosteroids are effective at VN recovery, especially in long-term follow-up. More data are required before recommendations can be made regarding management in patients on corticosteroids.

TitleThe Use of Ultrasound Guided Pre-Operative Colloidal Charcoal Injection in the Surgical Management of Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid CancerKeywords: thyroid cancer, neck recurrence, charcoal injection, ultrasound guidance, pre-operative localisation, reoperation

Treating twenty-five cases of chronic resistant otitis externa with fluticasone propionate (Flixonase®): a case series Utilising Flixonase® in treatment of chronic otitis externaKey points:Chronic cases of otitis externa, resistant to conventional treatments are notoriously difficult to treat, with resolution in these cases challenging.Guidelines suggest the use of corticosteroid in chronic otitis externa, however, there is no specific advice on which corticosteroid to utilise.Our case-series demonstrates the potential benefit of fluticasone propionate in patients who have previously failed a multitude of conventional management options.Despite the limitations of our study, our experience highlights a gap in the literature and suggest fluticasone propionate as an exciting and potentially important tool in the arsenal of the otolaryngologist.

Background A dose of 5mg/kg lidocaine is considered appropriate for paediatric airway topicalisation. Existing literature suggests younger children are susceptible to toxic lidocaine plasma levels and achieve this at a faster rate. Aims The primary outcome of this study was to ascertain peak plasma lidocaine levels after topicalisation for airway endoscopy. Secondary endpoints included: time to peak lidocaine plasma levels, signs of lidocaine toxicity (restricted to ECG changes or seizures when under anaesthesia) and clinical adverse events of laryngospasm, coughing or desaturation during the procedure. Methods Data was collected prospectively over 18 months at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Children aged 0-8 years undergoing elective diagnostic or therapeutic airway endoscopy were included within the study. Standardised 2% lidocaine was used for airway topicalisation. Dose varied depending upon practitioner usual practice. Venous blood sampling occurred at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes post administration and plasma lidocaine levels (ng/ml) analysed. Results A significant relationship exists between higher peak plasma levels and ages <18 months (p=0.00973). Strong linear correlation exists between weight and age for our cohort (r=0.88). Higher peak plasma lidocaine levels occur with total dose volumes between 2 and 3mls of 2% lidocaine local anaesthetic (p=0.03) compared with <2ml total dose volumes. Data suggests a potential relationship of lower weights achieving higher peak plasma levels (p=0.0516). Reduced IQR variation of peak plasma lidocaine levels exists when lidocaine dosing is <5mg/kg. Conclusions Age and total dose volume of topicalised lidocaine have a significant relationship with plasma lidocaine levels. A dose of 5mg/kg topicalised lidocaine for paediatric airway endoscopy is safe and provides good operating conditions. Lower patient weights trend toward higher peak lidocaine plasma concentrations and require further investigation.

Key Points:We describe a novel procedure, Endopharyngeal Ultrasound (EPhUS) and EPhUS-guided FNAEPhUS requires an operator and an assistant, can be performed transnasal or transoral, and utilizes a Endoscopic Ultrasonography BronchoscopeEPhUS is a safe and effective method for biopsy of deep space neck masses inaccessible to transcutaneous FNAKey Words: Endoscopic, Ultrasound, Fine needle aspiration, Neck mass, Biopsy, minimally invasiveEthical Considerations: The patient presented below was informed that this procedure has not been reported in the past and agreed to proceed following standard informed consent. The patient consented to having their case published in the literature.

Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the relationship between Bethesda category and molecular mutation of thyroid nodules in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Design: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent thyroidectomy following needle biopsy and molecular profile testing was performed. Setting: Two tertiary care academic hospitals. Participants: Consecutive patients with a dominant thyroid nodule who underwent both USFNA and molecular profile testing followed by thyroidectomy were included in the study. Main Outcome and Measures: The main outcome was postoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer and aggressivity of disease based on histopathological variants, nodal metastasis or extra-thyroidal extension. Associations between Bethesda category, molecular mutation and postoperative pathology was assessed using descriptive analysis and Chi-square testing. Results: 451 patients were included. 95.9% (93/97) of patients with a BRAFV600E mutation had a Bethesda category V or VI (P<0.001), and all had confirmed thyroid cancer on postoperative pathology. Those with H, K or N RAS or EIF1AX mutations, gene expression profiling (GEP) or copy number alterations showed an association with Bethesda categories III and IV (P≤0.01). Those with no identified molecular mutation had a lower incidence of aggressive thyroid cancer compared to those with an identified mutation (12.6% vs 44.3%, P<0.01). Conclusion: BRAFV600E mutations were associated with thyroid cancer subtypes known to be more aggressive. These findings may help thyroid specialists better identify aggressive thyroid nodules associated with indeterminate Bethesda categories.

Objectives As we pass the anniversary of the declaration of a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, it invites us to reflect upon the inescapable changes that coronavirus has wrought upon ENT and, in particular, rhinological practice. As it remains unclear when we will globally emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, a critical analysis of the evidence base on both the assessment and mitigation of risk is vital for ENT departments worldwide. This article presents a systematic review of the literature examining articles which consider either the quantification of risk or strategies to mitigate risk specifically in the setting of rhinological surgery. Design Systematic literature review. Results The literature search yielded a total of 3406 returns with 24 articles meeting eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis stratified results into two broad themes: those which made an assessment as to the aerosolisation of droplets during sinus surgery, further subdivided into work which considered macroscopically visible droplets and that which considered smaller particles, and those studies which examined the mitigation of this risk. Conclusion Studies considering the aerosolisation of both droplets and smaller particles suggest endonasal surgery carries significant risk. Whilst results both highlight a range of innovative adjunctive strategies and support suction as an important variable to reduce aerosolisation, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered mandatory for all healthcare professionals involved in rhinological surgery given studies have demonstrated that close adherence to PPE use is effective at preventing COVID-19 infection.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new emergency department intervention for the management of epistaxis, aiming to reduce epistaxis admissions. Design Tranexamic acid (TXA) (500mg/ml) soaked NasoPore® packing was in the pathway for epistaxis which did not terminate following 10 minutes of simple first aid. The pathway was utilised for adult patients presenting with non-traumatic, anterior epistaxis. Pre- and post-implementation admission rates and re-attendance rates were recorded by retrospective audit at a large central London hospital. Results Epistaxis admissions were reduced by 51.7% (p<0.05) following the implementation of the TXA-soaked NasoPore® pathway. Conclusions The significant reduction in epistaxis admissions demonstrates that this intervention is beneficial for patient outcomes. This has the potential to be introduced in other A&E departments and also pre-hospital settings.

Introduction Recent guidelines suggest obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not an absolute contraindication for same day discharge following surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the feasibility and safety of day case nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery in patients with OSA. Methods We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. Quality assessment of included studies was done. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273451). Results A total of 1836 patients from ten observational studies were included. There were 268 (15.4%) nasal surgeries, 738 palatopharyngeal surgeries (42.4%) and 735 (42.2%) combined nasal and palatopharyngeal surgery. The majority of patients had moderate to severe OSA. A total of 860 patients (49.8%) were successfully discharged as day cases. There were no standard criteria for daycase surgery. Post-anaesthetic respiratory events were reported in 86/1750 (4.9%) patients. Oxygen desaturation was the most common respiratory event (83.7%, n = 72). There was no mortality reported. Conclusion Current data suggests day surgery is feasible in carefully selected patients with OSA undergoing nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery. Further well-designed prospective studies with an emphasis on the systematic assessment of complications are required to establish safety and daycase criteria.

Objective: To evaluate the auditory perception outcomes of cochlear implant (CI) in children with different types of inner ear malformations (IEMs) and to compare them with CI users with the normal cochlea. Design: Retrospective and prospective data collection. Settings: Tertiary referral hospital. Participants: There were 274 CI users with and without IEMs as two groups. Both groups’ chronological age at implantation and duration of cochlear implant usage was matched (±8 months). Main outcome measures: All subjects were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with Ling’s sound test and auditory perception test battery, which includes the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), close-set Pattern Perception Test (PPT), and open-set Sentence Recognition Test (SRT). Also, children with IEMs were assessed for language development. Results: The incidence of IEMs were incomplete partition-II, 40 (29.19%), incomplete partition-I, 36 (26.2%), cochlear hypoplasia, 26 (18.9%), enlarged vestibular aqueduct, 14 (%10.2), incomplete partition-III, 10 (%7.2), common cavity, 8 (5.8%) and dilatation of vestibule, 3 (2.1%) patients. The significant difference was seen in Ling’s sound test and auditory perception test battery scores of children with incomplete partition-I, cochlear hypoplasia, and common cavity (p-value < .005). Conclusion: IEMs group showed different progress according to the type of ear anomaly. Although CI users with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) had the highest scores, users with common cavity had the lowest scores. Taking these results, caused by anatomical differences, in to account is very critical in follow-ups and rehabilitation programs. Each cochlear implant user should be evaluated according to his/her individual needs.

A document by Mark Wilkie. Click on the document to view its contents.

Introduction; This review discusses how nasal congestion may have benefits as a mechanism of defence against respiratory viruses. Methods; A literature research was conducted on respiratory viruses and nasal congestion, following a recently published review on how temperature sensitivity is important for the success of common respiratory viruses. Results; The literature reported that common respiratory viruses are temperature sensitive and replicate well at the cooler temperatures of the upper airways (32oC), but replication is restricted at body temperature (37oC). The amplitude of the phases of congestion and decongestion associated with the nasal cycle was increased on infection with respiratory viruses and this caused unilateral nasal congestion and obstruction. Nasal congestion and obstruction increase nasal mucosal temperature towards 37oC and therefore restricted the replication of respiratory viruses. Conclusion; Nasal congestion associated with the nasal cycle may act as a mechanism of respiratory defence against infection with respiratory viruses

Background: As elective surgical services recover from the COVID-19 pandemic a movement towards day-case surgery may reduce waiting lists. However, evidence is needed to show that day-case surgery is safe for many ENT operations including endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We aimed to investigate the safety of ESS in England. Methods: This was an observational, secondary analysis of administrative data. Participants were all patients in England undergoing elective ESS procedure aged ≥ 17 years during for the five years from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2019. The exposure variable was day-case or overnight stay. The primary outcome was emergency readmission within 30 days post-discharge. Results: Data were available for 49,223 patients operated on across 129 NHS hospital trusts. In trusts operating on more than 50 patients in the study period, rates of day-case surgery varied from 100% to 20.6%. Rates of day-case surgery increased from 64.0% in 2014/15 to 78.7% in 2018/19. Day-case patients had lower rates of 30-day emergency readmission (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.81). For secondary outcomes measures, there was no evidence of poorer outcomes for day-case patients. Outcomes for patients operated on in trusts with ≥80% day-case rates compared to patients operated on in trusts with <50% rates of day-case surgery were similar. Conclusions: ESS can safely be performed as day-case surgery at current rates. There is a potential to increase rates of day-case ESS in England, especially in departments that currently have low rates of day-case ESS.

Objectives: Epistaxis is the second most common referral to the Ear nose and throat (ENT) department. Frailty, a marker for biological vulnerability, has been shown to increase the risk of haemorrhage, but its impact in epistaxis patients is unknown. We aim to establish the impact of Clinical Frailty score, as well as other established risk factors for epistaxis, on the likelihood of admission in patients presenting to secondary care with epistaxis. Design: Retrospective cohort study Setting: University hospital Otolaryngology department Participants: Adult patients presenting to hospital with epistaxis between March 2019 and March 2020. Main outcome measures: We compare the clinical frailty score of patients admitted with epistaxis to those patients seen and treated same day. Results: 299 epistaxis presentations were identified, of which 122 (30.8%) required admission for further management. Clinical frailty score of ≥4 had an increased odds for admission (OR 3.15 (95% CI:1.94 – 5.16), p<0.001). In the majority of presentations (66.2%), patients were taking either an antiplatelet, anticoagulant or a combination of them. Of these presentations, the use of an anticoagulant (OR: 2.00 (95% CI: 1.20-1.92), p:0.10) and dual antiplatelet (OR: 2.82 (95% CI: 1.02-7.86), p:0.10, p:0.07) demonstrated increased odds of admission. Conclusions: We have shown that frailty increases the risk of admission in adult patients presenting with epistaxis. Frailty is becoming an increasingly apparent independent cause for haemorrhage in the elderly population. Careful consideration of bleeding risks, particularly in frail patients, needs addressing due to the morbidity associated with epistaxis.

IntroductionVincristine is a vinca alkaloid chemotherapy agent used in the treatment haematological malignancies including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and some lymphomas. Common toxicity includes neuropathy which can be peripheral, autonomic or less commonly central1. Vincristine remains an essential chemotherapy agent in modern ALL protocols1,2,3. It’s mechanism of action is by inhibiting the M phase of mitosis by binding with the protein component of microtubules. Axonal degeneration takes place when axonal transport and secretory functions are impaired thus leading to apoptosis and toxicity in neural tissue. This is typically seen within the extra-ocular muscles and larynx in cranial neuropathy1.Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy resulting in vocal cord paralysis (vcp) in children has been documented in the literature in multiple case reports and small number of case series4.We present the largest case series to date of seven children who sustained vcp secondary to vincristine chemotherapy for ALL and review the literature.

Key Points 1. This study reports clinical outcome data on 76 patients with platinum-resistant recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous carcinoma treated with nivolumab, making it the largest published single centre case series of its kind. 2. Radiotherapy was administered alongside systemic therapy with nivolumab, defined as radiotherapy within 8 weeks of prior systemic therapy, in 16 of 76 patients (21%). 3. Nivolumab was continued following radiotherapy completion due to ongoing clinical benefit from the drug in 9 of 16 patients (56%). 4. Durable complete response following radio-immunotherapy was seen in 2 of the 9 patients (22%) who continued nivolumab subsequent to radiotherapy. 5. Indications for radiotherapy included symptom control (3 of 9), oligoprogression (5 of 9) and incomplete response (1 of 9).

Key Points • Sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is a known complication of infections of the head and neck. Screening for sepsis should be conducted on admission in order to identify patients at risk and provide early intervention. • Our audit on an ENT ward in a district general hospital found that sepsis screening is poor, however this can be improved further by education and visual reminders such as poster or a clerking proforma. • The most common head and neck infections admitted to a district general hospital were tonsillitis, peritonsillar cellulitis and peritonsillar abscesses. • The incidence of sepsis as a complication of head and neck infections is very rare if diagnosed according to the updated qSOFA criteria. • Using SIRS criteria may result in falsely high rates of diagnosis of sepsis and may lead to excessive and inappropriate clinical management in patients who could otherwise be managed less aggressively.