Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE: To develop a protocol linking cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to simultaneously acquired audio recordings of specific phonatory tasks to evaluate velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in children. DESIGN: Institutional review board-approved development and application of a novel dynamic cine MR imaging protocol linked to simultaneously recorded audio. SETTING: A tertiary care multidisciplinary pediatric airway center. PARTICIPANTS: Three healthy adult volunteers and 5 pediatric volunteers (age range, 9.3-18.9 years; mean age, 12.4 years) from the multidisciplinary pediatric airway center with VPI who previously had undergone nasopharyngoscopy, videofluoroscopy, or both. INTERVENTIONS: Cine MR imaging with simultaneously acquired audio files was performed in 3 adult volunteers to optimize the protocol and then in 5 pediatric volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: High-resolution cine MR images with clear intelligible audio recordings of specific phonatory tasks. RESULTS: Using 3 healthy adult volunteers, a cine MR imaging VPI protocol was developed that links simultaneously acquired cine MR images to audio recordings of specific validated phonatory tasks. Five school-aged children with VPI from our multidisciplinary pediatric airway center were then enrolled and underwent cine MR imaging using this protocol. The cine MR images and audio recordings acquired were of sufficient diagnostic quality to evaluate VPI closure patterns in school-aged children with VPI. CONCLUSION: Cine MR imaging linked to audio is a quick, safe, and well-tolerated dynamic diagnostic imaging tool that may eventually have the potential to guide more precisely the selection and application of surgical techniques for VPI.

A lateral dermoid cyst is a rare lesion of the floor of mouth, with only 12 cases reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 60-year-old man with a slowly enlarging mass in the submandibular region. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a lesion containing multiple uniformly rounded foci, creating a "sack-of-marbles" appearance. Needle aspirations showed atypical findings, and the mass was excised. Histopathology revealed a cyst containing a keratinizing stratified squamous epithelial lining with apocrine and eccrine glands. These findings were diagnostic of a dermoid cyst, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any midline or lateral cervical lesion.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of pediatric snoring and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, parents or caretakers of 346 children, aged 2 through 6 years, attending well-child care visits at 5 general pediatric offices and clinics (3 academic, 2 private) in Brooklyn, NY completed the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) along with a survey on demographics, prior treatment for SDB, and parental knowledge of pediatric SDB. The child's height and weight were recorded from the office visit. RESULTS: The prevalence of snoring was 13.9% (95% CI 10.2, 17.5) and of SDB was 9.4% (95% CI 6.3, 12.6). The odds of snoring for black children was 2.5 as great as for white children, and for Hispanic children was 2.3 as great as for white children (p = 0.031). There was a higher, non-statistically significant prevalence of abnormal PSQ scores in black and Hispanic children than white children. On multivariate analysis, only black race (OR 3.1 95% CI 1.1, 8.9) and prematurity (OR 4.4 95% CI 1.6, 12.4) were associated with snoring; male gender (OR 2.9 95% CI 1.1, 8.5) was associated with SDB. Knowledge regarding SDB was low among parents and caretakers. The degree of knowledge present was not associated with parental concern about snoring and discussion of the snoring with the child's pediatrician. CONCLUSIONS: Black race and prematurity are independent predictors of snoring. The degree of parental knowledge regarding SDB was not associated with seeking medical treatment.

OBJECTIVES: In this article, we report our decade-long experience in using modified 4D-computed tomography in combination with ultrasonography (Mod 4D-CT/US) to localize abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review at a university-based academic medical center. METHODS: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent a Mod 4D-CT/US and parathyroidectomy between January 1998 and May 2009 were included in the study. Results from preoperative localization studies were compared with operative findings, pathologic data, and biochemical measurements to assess the sensitivity and specificity as well as the positive and negative predictive values of Mod 4D-CT/US. RESULTS: Mod 4D-CT/US demonstrated 94% sensitivity and 96% specificity when these imaging studies were used to lateralize the hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands to one side of the neck. In regard to localizing abnormal parathyroid glands to a specific quadrant of the neck (i.e., right-left; superior-inferior), the sensitivity and specificity of Mod 4D-CT/US was 82% and 93%, respectively. Mod 4D-CT/US had a 92% positive predictive value for single-gland disease and 75% for multigland disease. The negative predictive value for single and multigland disease (MGD) were 73% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mod 4D-CT/US provides excellent sensitivity and specificity in terms of localizing abnormal parathyroid glands to the correct side and quadrant in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, and it correctly identifies many patients with MGD.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the complications and adverse effects of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA). DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Patients with FA treated at community and tertiary care hospitals throughout the United States. PATIENTS: The study included patients with FA who were enrolled in the International FA Registry (IFAR) and who developed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and received postoperative radiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics of patients with FA and adverse effects and dosages of radiotherapy. RESULTS: Twelve patients with FA (7 men and 5 women) were identified. They developed cancers at a mean age of 35.5 years (age range, 20-48 years). The sites of primary cancer were the oral cavity (n = 8), larynx (n = 2), pharynx (n = 1), and unknown (n = 1). The median radiation dose was 5590 cGy (range, 2500-7020 cGy). The most common adverse effects were mucositis (n = 9), dysphagia (n = 8), and pancytopenia (n = 6). Other complications included esophageal stenosis, laryngeal edema, and wound breakdown. Radiotherapy could not be completed in 5 cases. Overall, 8 patients died, 4 during the course of radiotherapy. The postoperative disease-free survival time ranged from 0 to 55 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FA have a high rate of complications from radiotherapy. Common adverse effects, particularly mucositis, are especially prevalent and difficult to manage in this population. Pancytopenia is common and may lead to further complications, particularly bleeding and infection. Overall survival is poor. Further study of the response to radiotherapy in patients with FA should be attempted to establish appropriate dosages to balance treating disease while limiting adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE: Sialoendoscopy is a new technology being used at a limited number of institutions for the diagnosis and management of obstructive sialadenitis. This technique is promising for its superior diagnostic potential as well as its decreased morbidity compared to traditional more invasive techniques for managing obstruction. Our objective is to review the sialoendoscopy experience at our institution to identify successes, areas of improvement, and to provide guidance to other programs that may be interested in sialoendoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: We did a retrospective review of all diagnostic and interventional sialoendoscopies performed at this institution from 2007 to 2009. METHODS: Charts were reviewed for epidemiologic and clinical data, as well as procedural techniques, findings, and outcomes. RESULTS: We attempted 37 parotid and submandibular sialoendoscopies, with successful endoscopic canalization of the duct in 36 of these cases. Twenty of 25 stones were removed from 18 patients. Stones that were larger than 5 mm were more difficult to dislodge and remove without fragmentation. Other abnormal findings included strictures, scars, and mucoid debris. There were two failures of technique, and two patients had postoperative purulent sialadenitis that resolved after antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: As an institution that recently began performing sialoendoscopies, we show similar success rates compared to other programs. Obstacles included the initial cost of acquiring equipment and the associated learning curve of using a new technique. Similar to other programs, successful extraction of sialoliths was limited with larger stones. In the future, we hope to use laser lithotripsy for fragmentation, a technique already being trialed at some institutions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare suprastomal granulation tissue (SSGT) removal using the microdebrider with other common methods of excision. METHODS: Retrospective review (n=21) of SSGT excision at a tertiary care pediatric hospital (2004-10). Outcome measures included intraoperative blood loss, operative time, decannulation rates, and complications. RESULTS: 10 children underwent excision of SSGT via powered SSGT debridement and 8 were decannulated (80% success rate). Of the other 11 patients who had manually non-powered techniques (kerrison rongeur, laryngeal microinstruments, or optical forceps), 7 were decannulated (63% success rate). Operative time was on average shorter than all other procedures, but not significantly (p=0.101). There was no significant difference in blood loss when powered debridement was compared to other techniques (p=0.872). There were no significant complications encountered in our patients who received SSGT powered debridement. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic powered SSGT debridement is a simple and useful tool in the process of pediatric tracheotomy decannulation with superior decannulation rate, shorter operative time, and comparable blood loss to other techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The vast majority of infants in published studies regarding laryngomalacia are Caucasian. These studies suggest affected infants are likely to be male, of term pregnancies, and not of low birth weight. Our study seeks to identify possible associations among different genders and ethnicities with laryngomalacia as well as differences between our diverse population and published Caucasian-predominant studies. METHODS: Data was collected by chart review for seventy-eight children diagnosed with laryngomalacia before the age of 5, prospectively entered into a database at our academic, tertiary-care hospital from 1/16/2008 to 10/15/2010. Data was compared to expected values from the 2009 census data for the Bronx as well as published data in the literature for multiple factors, including gender, ethnicity, low birth weight, and prematurity. RESULTS: There were 45 male and 33 female infants in our study. Twenty-five children were African-American, 17 Hispanic, 12 multi-racial, and 4 Caucasian. Eighteen infants were premature, and 21 were of low birth weight. Twenty-eight percent of our infants had neurologic comorbidity at diagnosis and 30% received surgical treatment. DISCUSSION: Although larger studies are required, we have preliminary evidence that information learned from Caucasian-predominant studies may not apply to all patients of laryngomalacia. When ethnically diverse infants are represented, a strong association between male gender and laryngomalacia does not appear to exist. Our data suggests that premature African-American and Hispanic infants are at greater risk for laryngomalacia. In addition, African-American infants of all gestational ages may be at greater risk. Low birth weight may be a strong predictor of laryngomalacia regardless of the patient's gender or ethnicity.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) rank list position and future otolaryngology residency performance. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Eight consecutive residency classes (starting 2001-2008; 4 residents/y) were reviewed. Three hundred and thirty-three applicants (40.6 applicants/y) were interviewed, and 316 (94.9%) were ranked. Residents matching with our program were divided 3 different ways: into quarters, thirds, and halves, based on their rank order. Correlation coefficients were obtained to compare resident rank number and rank group (quarter, third, half) to faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, and in-service score. Chi-square tests were conducted comparing rank group to chief resident selection and annual teaching award. RESULTS: Resident NRMP rank number was not significantly correlated with faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, or in-service exam score (-0.21 < r < 0.05; P > .28). There was also no significant correlation between resident quarter, third, or half rank group and faculty evaluation; coresident evaluation; or in-service exam score (-0.29 < r < 0.10; P > .13). Chi-square analysis found no relationship between resident rank group and chief resident (P > .35) or teaching award (P > .13) selection. CONCLUSIONS: Applicant rank number and rank group did not correlate with performance of this otolaryngology residency cohort as assessed by faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, in-service exam score, or selection for chief resident or the annual teaching award. Resident selection committees should consider reallocating manpower hours from creating rank order to recruiting applicants and selecting interview candidates.