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Comparison of sinusitis with and without allergic rhinitis: characteristics of paranasal sinus effusion and mucosa.

PURPOSE: The relationship between chronic sinusitis and allergy has been discussed for many years. Type I allergies are believed to be involved in chronic sinusitis. However, there is not enough evidence to allow allergic sinusitis to be distinguished as an exact entity. This study was designed to examine the role of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions in allergic sinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the differences between 31 patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis (allergic sinusitis) and 48 control subjects with nonallergic chronic sinusitis (chronic sinusitis). The pathological features of paranasal sinus effusion and mucosa were examined and compared in these two groups. RESULTS: The number of eosinophils, activated eosinophils, and neutrophils was higher in paranasal sinus effusion from patients with allergic sinusitis. The concentration of interleukin-5 was higher in the effusion of allergic sinusitis patients. In addition, more eosinophils and activated eosinophils infiltrated into the sinus mucosa of patients with allergic sinusitis. CONCLUSION: The type I allergic reaction has a significant role in the pathogenesis of sinusitis arising in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Adult↗

Inflammation and remodeling of the sinus mucosa in children and adults with chronic sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The sinus mucosal inflammatory response in adult patients with chronic sinusitis is well documented in the literature. In contrast, little is known about the pathogenesis of this condition in children. The objective of the study was to compare the inflammatory cell profile and the extent of tissue remodeling in the sinus mucosa of children and adults with chronic sinusitis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective design. METHODS: Children (n = 7) and adult patients (n = 7) with chronic sinusitis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited for the study. Patients with no evidence of sinus disease (n = 6) were used as control subjects. Using immunohistochemical analysis, sinus mucosal specimens were assessed for the presence of T lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, and neutrophils. The extent of submucosal collagen deposition was evaluated in histological sections using van Gieson stain. RESULTS: The number of T lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils and the amount of subepithelial collagen deposition are significantly higher in the mucosa of both adults and children with chronic sinusitis compared with normal control subjects (P <.01). The number of mast cells is significantly higher in the mucosa of children with chronic sinusitis compared with normal control subjects (P <.01). The number of eosinophils and neutrophils and the amount of subepithelial collagen deposition are significantly greater in adults compared with children with chronic sinusitis (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: The sinus mucosal inflammatory profile is similar in adults and children with chronic sinusitis. However, the degree of tissue eosinophilia and remodeling is significantly greater in adult sinus specimens when compared with those of children with chronic sinusitis.

Adolescent↗

Radiological findings of the post-sinus lift maxillary sinus: a computerized tomography follow-up.

The purpose of this paper is to present radiological findings of a short-term (8 to 10 months) computerized tomography (CT) follow-up study on 1-stage maxillary sinus lift cases. Pre- and postoperative dental CT scans of 21 patients (24 sinuses) after sinus lift procedures were compared. CT scans were used to assess newly formed bone and its interface with the implants, condition of the sinus membrane, evidence of buccal window cortication, and presence of any sinus pathology. Of the 57 implants placed, 28 had bone fully covering the implant on all sides which did not extend above the apical portion; 20 had bone fully covering the implant which did extend above the apex; and 9 exhibited incomplete bone coverage. All implants supported a fixed ceramo-metal prosthesis, and no implant failures were recorded after 3 years of follow-up. There was evidence of cortication of the buccal window in 10 sinuses; in the 14 remaining sinuses, bone consolidation on the buccal aspect was evident, but no evidence of cortication was seen. All sinuses healed without complications or clinical signs of sinusitis. In 11 sinuses, no changes in membrane thickness were noted. Membrane thickness decreased postoperatively in 12 sinuses, and in one, there was evidence of membrane thickening. Bone cortication in the anterior wall window may serve as an indicator for the remodeling status of the entire graft. Postoperative findings showed a significant improvement in overall membrane thickness. No clinical symptoms of sinusitis were evident, indicating that sinus lift procedures can be considered safe and do not predispose the sinus to acute or chronic sinusitis.

Adult↗

Sinus automaticity and sinoatrial conduction in severe symptomatic sick sinus syndrome.

Electrophysiologic studies with recordings of sinus node electrograms were performed in 38 patients with severe symptomatic sick sinus syndrome. Thirty-two of the 38 patients had episodic tachyarrhythmias and 17 presented with syncope. The clinically documented sinus or atrial pause was 5.6 +/- 2.8 s (mean +/- SD). Patients were divided into three groups according to electrophysiologic findings. Group I consisted of nine patients with complete sinoatrial block. Sinus node electrograms were recorded during the episodes of long pauses. Seven patients had unidirectional exit block, with the atrial impulse being capable of retrograde penetration to the sinus node causing suppression of sinus automaticity; two had bidirectional sinoatrial block. Group II consisted of 22 patients with either 1:1 sinoatrial conduction (group IIa = 13 patients) or second degree sinoatrial exit block (group IIb = 9 patients) during spontaneous sinus rhythm. Sinoatrial exit block, ranging from 1 to greater than 14 sinus beats, was observed during postpacing pauses that ranged from 1,650 to 37,000 ms (mean 7,286 +/- 6,989). The maximal sinus node recovery time ranged from 770 to 5,580 ms (mean 3,004 +/- 1,686) and was normal in 5 patients and prolonged in 17. Group III consisted of seven patients with no recordable sinus node electrogram, reflecting either a technical failure or a quiescence of sinus activity. The sinus node recovery time in these seven patients ranged from 1,190 to 4,260 ms (mean 2,949 +/- 1,121). Thus, abnormalities in both sinus node automaticity and sinoatrial conduction are responsible for the long sinus or atrial pauses in the sick sinus syndrome. However, complete sinoatrial exit block can occur and cause severe bradycardia with escape rhythm; repetitive sinoatrial exit block plays a major role in producing posttachycardia pauses.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗

Computed tomographic indices for maxillary sinus size in comparison with the sinus volume.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the normal range of maxillary sinus size and its changes with age on computed tomography (CT) and define convenient indices for sinus size, in addition, to examine the association of the height of the sinus floor with age and status of the dentition. METHODS: The transverse and anteroposterior dimensions of the normal maxillary sinuses in 107 subjects were measured on axial CT and the relationship between these values and the sinus volume analysed. The height of the sinus floor was obtained by measuring the vertical distance from the anterior nasal spine to the sinus floor. RESULTS: The mean transverse and anteroposterior widths of the normal adult maxillary sinuses were 2.70 (s.d., 0.60) cm and 3.56 (s.d., 0.47) cm, respectively. There was a close correlation with sinus volume which could be predicted well from the multiple regression formula. These values increased up to the age of 20 y, but then decreased. There was no significant difference between subjects aged 50-79 years with and without maxillary premolars and molars. The width of the adult sinus correlated with the interzygomatic buttress distance and body weight. The mean height of the adult maxillary sinus floor was 0.37 (s.d., 0.44) cm inferior to the anterior nasal spine. It correlated negatively with sinus volume and fell with age up to 20 y, then rose again. In adults, it was not significantly influenced by the dentition status, and rose in proportion to the decrease in the interzygomatic buttress distance, and body height and weight. CONCLUSION: The transverse and anteroposterior widths of the maxillary sinus on axial CT are convenient indices for its size. The height of the sinus floor altered with changes in sinus volume, but was not directly influenced by the status of the dentition.

Adolescent↗

The influence of the size of the maxillary sinus ostium on the nasal and sinus nitric oxide levels.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in significant quantities in the nasal sinuses and is thought to have a beneficial effect on the mucociliary transport of the sinuses and nose and to have significant antibacterial properties that contribute to the health of the sinuses. Recently, the concept of "mini-functional endoscopic sinus surgery" has been introduced where the uncinate is removed without enlargement of the maxillary ostium. Although no scientific evidence has been published, enlargement of the ostium is thought to possibly disrupt the mucociliary pathway and decrease the concentration of NO in the nose and sinuses. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of enlargement of the maxillary ostium on sinus and nasal NO. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who were post-endoscopic sinus surgery were included with 52 who were maxillary sinus ostia cannulated. There were 22 large maxillary sinus ostia and 30 small ostia. Smoking, allergy status, and topical steroid use were recorded. NO levels were measured in the nose and maxillary sinus after decongestion with patients mouth breathing and breath holding. RESULTS: This study shows that enlargement of the maxillary sinus ostium above its normal size (20 mm2) produces a significant decrease in both the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity NO levels. In addition, the size of the ostium showed a significant correlation to the sinus NO level. Use of topical nasal steroid sprays and topical decongestants were shown to effect NO levels in the sinuses and nasal cavity. The lowered levels of NO were found irrespective of the technique of measurement of the NO. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of this lowered NO level on the susceptibility of the maxillary sinuses to recurrent infection is yet to be determined.

Adult↗

Prevalence of maxillary sinus disease and abnormalities in patients scheduled for sinus lift procedures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of sinus disease and abnormalities among patients scheduled to undergo direct sinus augmentation. METHODS: Forty-five patients attending a private periodontal practice and consecutively treatment planned for sinus augmentation were referred for otorhinolaryngologic evaluation, which included a medical history and radiographic (computed tomography), clinical, and endoscopic examinations. Pathological findings were recorded and otorhinolaryngologic treatment was provided. Six months later the sinus augmentation procedure was performed and followed by postoperative evaluations for 4 to 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 45 subjects, 98% (44) were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, 51% were smokers, and 27% reported a history of symptoms indicative of sinus disease. Eighteen subjects were diagnosed with sinus disease and/or abnormalities. The diagnosed conditions included chronic sinusitis, sinus cysts, nasal septum deviation, and ostium stenosis. No significant differences in age, gender, or smoking status between patients with and without sinus conditions were found (P >0.05). There was a significant association between history of symptoms and diagnosis of sinus conditions (P <0.0001). Three subjects (one treated for preoperative sinus conditions) experienced notable intra- or postoperative complications related to the sinus augmentation procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that, in a population of patients with chronic periodontitis, presence of sinus conditions is strongly associated with a history of indicative symptoms and is independent of age, gender, and smoking status. The results reinforce the importance of careful detailed history taking and thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation prior to performing sinus augmentation.

Adult↗

Interferon gamma levels in the sinus, ear, and airway in a rabbit sinusitis model induced by Bacteroides inoculation.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we found minimal bacterial dissemination and no evidence of systemic inflammation in a rabbit sinusitis model in which the left maxillary sinus was inflamed by Bacteroides inoculation with the ostium closed. However, we observed an increase in anti-Bacteroides IgG antibodies in the contralateral sinus, lower airway, and middle ear, with an apparent increase in interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) messenger RNA expression in the ear and sinus mucosa. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how IFN-gamma production in the upper and lower airway is associated with localized bacterial sinusitis. DESIGN: Interferon gamma levels were measured in lavage solutions from the sinus, airway, and middle ear and in serum at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks following bacterial inoculation. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 6 rabbits at each time point. The controls were untreated (n = 5) and sham-operated (n = 4-5) rabbits at 2 and 4 weeks. INTERVENTION: Bacteroides fragilis (10(8) plaque-forming units) was inoculated into the left maxillary sinus. RESULTS: Interferon gamma levels in the ear and sinus were less than 0.2 microg/g protein in controls. Following bacterial inoculation into the left sinus, IFN-gamma levels increased up to 10-fold in both sinuses and even more in the middle ear at 3 weeks, independent of bacterial dissemination. Mean +/- SD IFN-gamma levels in the airway (0.3+/-0.28 microg/g protein in controls) were not altered by bacterial inoculation into the sinus. Serum IFN-gamma levels were very low (<0.05 microg/g protein) in most rabbits and were unchanged by bacterial inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Interferon gamma levels increase in the ear and contralateral sinus in response to localized sinus inflammation, indicating concerted mucosal proinflammatory immune responses in the upper airway. Such responses may lead to the aseptic middle ear inflammation often observed in patients with chronic sinusitis.

Animals↗

Restoration of the mucociliary clearance of the maxillary sinus after endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Whether endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) restores the mucociliary clearance of the maxillary sinus needs further evaluation. METHODS: We evaluated the mucociliary clearance of the maxillary sinus by using a radionuclide technique in 12 patients with chronic sinusitis (sinusitis group) and in six patients who had undergone ESS 6 to 14 months after the surgery (post-ESS group). The mucosal cilia taken from the maxillary sinus in 12 patients with sinusitis before and after ESS (paired experiments) were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The radionuclide placed endoscopically in the maxillary sinus in eight patients immediately after ESS maintained 81.2 +/- 16.3% of its radioactivity after 30 minutes. This result was consistent with results in four patients with untreated chronic sinusitis in whom the radionuclide had been instilled by antral puncture (86.9% +/- 3.5%). On the other hand, in six patients in the post-ESS group the radionucleotide maintained only 25.9% +/- 11.6% of its radioactivity, demonstrating statistically significant differences from those of both the sinusitis group without ESS (p < 0.005) and the group 4 days after ESS (p < 0.005). The absence of the cilia in the sinusitis condition was recognized in 35.5% +/- 12.1% (n = 12) of the epithelial cells. On the other hand, the absence of cilia was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced to 5.3% +/- 3.7% of the epithelial cells in the post-ESS condition. Electron microscopic observation also revealed abnormal cilia in the sinusitis condition, whereas the mucosal cilia were regularly arranged in the post-ESS condition. CONCLUSIONS: The mucociliary clearance of the maxillary sinus disturbed by chronic inflammation was restored by ESS, indicating the clinical effectiveness of ESS for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic sinus surgery for maxillary sinus mucoceles.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus mucoceles are relatively rare among all paranasal sinus mucoceles. With the introduction of endoscopic sinus surgical techniques, rhinologic surgeons prefer transnasal endoscopic management of sinus mucoceles. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation of maxillary sinus mucoceles and to establish the efficacy of endoscopic management of sinus mucoceles. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2005, 14 patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for maxillary sinus mucocele. The presenting sign and symptoms, radiological findings, surgical management and need for revision surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: There were eight males and six females with an age range of 14 to 65. Ten patients complained of nasal obstruction, five of nasal drainage, five of cheek pressure or pain and one of proptosis of the eye and cheek swelling. The maxillary sinus and ipsilateral ethmoid sinus involvement on computed tomographic studies was seen in 4 patients. Four patients had history of endoscopic ethmoidectomy surgery for ethmoid sinusitis and one had Caldwell-Luc operation in the past. Ethmoidectomy with middle meatal antrostomy and marsupialization of the mucocele was performed in all patients. Postoperative follow-up ranged between 8 to 48 months. All patients had a patent middle meatal antrostomy and healthy maxillary sinus mucosa. No patients need revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The most common causes of mucoceles are chronic infection, allergic sinonasal disease, trauma and previous surgery. In 64% of the patients of our study cause remains uncertain. Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment for maxillary sinus mucoceles with a favorable long-term outcome.

Adolescent↗

[Relationship between anatomic variations of nasal sinus and chronic sinusitis].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the etiology of chronic sinusitis. METHODS: Ninety-one coronal CT scans of chronic sinusitis were analysed with mutimedia software developed by the authors. Sinus CT images were scanned into multimedia computer and the subtle anatomic structures such as pneumatization of the middle turbinate, agger nasi cell, Haller's cell, septal deformity, maxillary sinus hypoplasia, abnormality of uncinate process and ethmoid bulla and so on were measured. The results were analysed by the statistical software SPSS. RESULTS: The penumatization rate of total or inferior part of middle turbinate correlated positively to the inflammation of anterior ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. Compared with patients with normal frontal sinuses, the vertical diameters of agger nasi cells of patients with frontal sinusitis were larger(11.70 +/- 5.50 mm and 8.54 +/- 3.67 mm respectively, P < 0.01). Compared with patients with normal maxillary sinuses, the Haller's cells of patients with maxillary sinusitis were larger (77.8% and 33.3%, P < 0.05) and the amount of inflammatory Haller's cells of the latter was more abundant than that of the former(91.6 +/- 17.8 mm2 and 41.6 +/- 12.6 mm2, respectively, P < 0.05). The deviation of uncinate process was one of the factors of maxillary sinusitis. The sizes of ethmoid bullae increased with the soft tissue thickening in anterior ethmoid sinus, the large ethmoid bulla may cause anterior ethmoid sinusitis. CONCLUSION: Some anatomic variations may play a role in chronic sinusitis.

Adolescent↗

Effects of sinus membrane perforations on the success of dental implants placed in the augmented sinus.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus lifting procedure enables clinicians to place implant-supported prostheses even in cases with very limited vertical bone height of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implant success with regard to effects of the sinus membrane perforations that occurred during sinus lifting surgery. METHODS: The study group consisted of 91 patients (29 females and 54 males) with edentulous posterior maxilla. Implant placement combined with sinus lifting surgery was performed, and 259 implants were inserted. Sinus membrane perforations were detected in 12 sinus sites. After proper treatment of perforations, 26 implants were placed into perforated sinus areas. Baseline panaromic radiographs were taken before the beginning of prosthetic treatment. Panaromic radiographs taken at the last recall were used for evaluation and compared to the baseline panaromic radiographs using image analysis software to reveal the peri-implant resorption rate for the implants placed in perforated and non-perforated sinus area. The modified sulcus bleeding index and plaque index were used for the assessment of soft tissue conditions. RESULTS: Eleven implants were lost during the follow-up period, resulting in an overall survival rate of 95.9%. Two failures occurred in the group with sinus perforations. There was no statistically significant difference regarding peri-implant bone resorption (P = 0.778) and soft tissue conditions for implants placed into perforated-augmented sinus areas and augmented sinus areas. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, perforation of the sinus membrane did not compromise the osseointegration process or the success of dental implants placed in the augmented maxillary sinus.

Adult↗

Direct packing of the isolated sinus in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse-sigmoid sinus.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of direct packing of the isolated sinus (occluded both distally and proximally) in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) of the transverse-sigmoid sinus. METHODS: Eight patients were included in this study. There were seven men and one woman, ranging in age from 47 to 75 years (mean 60.4 years). Five patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage or venous infarction, one with convulsions, and two with pulsatile tinnitus. Prominent retrograde cortical venous drainage due to sinus isolation was angiographically demonstrated in all patients. All patients were treated by a small craniotomy and direct sinus packing with microcoils; the procedure was performed with the aid of digital subtraction angiography. Five patients were pretreated with transarterial embolization to reduce arterial inflow before the procedure, and intrasinus pressure and sinus blood gases were monitored throughout the operation. Postsurgery, the dural AVF was completely obliterated in all patients. The sinus pressure was 29 to 58% of systemic blood pressure, and sinus blood gas levels were purely arterial before packing. There was no morbidity related to direct sinus packing; however, one patient died as a result of acute myocardial infarction. Over a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 5 years, a faint asymptomatic dural AVF recurred in one patient on the cortex adjacent to the occluded sinus but regressed spontaneously within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Direct sinus packing was found to be highly effective for the treatment of dural AVFs that empty into the isolated sinus. Measurement of changes in sinus pressure and sinus blood gas levels was useful for monitoring the progress of direct sinus packing.

Aged↗

Bone reformation with sinus membrane elevation: a new surgical technique for maxillary sinus floor augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Various maxillary sinus floor augmentation techniques using bone grafts and bone substitutes are frequently used to enable placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. A previous case report demonstrated the possibility of promoting bone formation in the sinus by lifting the membrane without using a grafting material. However, the predictability of the technique is not known. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sinus membrane elevation and the simultaneous insertion of titanium implants without additional grafting material constitute a valid technique for bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 10 patients in whom a total of 12 maxillary sinus floor augmentations were performed. A replaceable bone window was prepared in the lateral sinus wall with a reciprocating saw. The sinus membrane was dissected, elevated superiorly, and sutured to the sinus wall to create and maintain a compartment for blood clot formation. One to three dental implants were inserted through the residual bone and protruded at least 5 mm into the maxillary sinus. The bone window was replaced and secured with the overlying mucosa. Bone height was measured directly at each implant site at the time of insertion. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed on each implant at the time of initial placement, at abutment surgery, and after 12 months of functional loading. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later, prior to exposure of the implants. RESULTS: A total of 19 implants (Brånemark System, TiUnite, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) in lengths of 10 to 15 mm were placed, with an average residual bone height of 7 mm (range, 4-10 mm). All implants remained clinically stable during the study period. Comparisons of pre- and postoperative CT radiography clearly demonstrated new bone formation within the compartment created by the sinus membrane elevation procedure. RFA measurements showed mean implant stability quotient values of 65, 66, and 64 at placement, at abutment connection, and after 12 months of loading, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that there is great potential for healing and bone formation in the maxillary sinus without the use of additional bone grafts or bone substitutes. The secluded compartment created by the elevated sinus membrane, implants, and replaceable bone window allowed bone formation according to the principle of guided tissue regeneration. The precise mechanisms are not known, and further histologic studies are needed. Sinus membrane elevation without the use of additional graft material was found to be a predictable technique for bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor.

Blood Coagulation↗

The endoscopic management of chronic frontal sinusitis associated with frontal sinus posterior table erosion.

Expansile inflammatory diseases of the frontal sinuses may produce erosion of the posterior table of the frontal sinus. In these instances, the bone between sinus mucosa and intracranial dura is absent. Over the past decade, endoscopic frontal sinusotomy has emerged as the preferred technique for the treatment of refractory chronic frontal sinusitis. Endoscopic approaches also have a role in the most advanced instances of frontal sinusitis. A retrospective chart review of patients who were treated for frontal sinusitis with erosion of the frontal sinus posterior table was performed. Eight patients were identified. All patients underwent endoscopic frontal sinusotomy; some patients required multiple endoscopic procedures. Complete frontal recess dissection with identification of the frontal ostium was achieved for all involved frontal sinuses. In all cases, this postoperative result was monitored by CT scans (where indicated) and serial nasal endoscopy, which demonstrated good frontal sinus aeration and normal mucociliary clearance. Antibiotics were administered for culture-documented bacterial exacerbations, and systemic steroids were given for management of allergic fungal sinusitis and sinonasal polyposis associated with asthma. No patient underwent frontal sinus obliteration or cranialization. No suppurative intracranial complications were noted during the postoperative period. Endoscopic frontal sinusotomy can be used safely for the definitive management of frontal sinusitis associated with posterior table erosion. In fact, endoscopic techniques may represent the preferred approach for the treatment of this problem. Such an approach avoids the morbidity of more destructive alternatives (such as obliteration), and serves to create a frontal sinus with normal mucociliary clearance.

Adult↗

Reverse remodeling of sinus node function after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with prolonged sinus pauses.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic prolonged sinus pauses on termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) are an indication for pacemaker implantation. We evaluated sinus node function and clinical outcome in patients with prolonged sinus pauses on termination of arrhythmia who underwent ablation of paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty patients with paroxysmal AF and prolonged sinus pauses (> or =3 seconds) on termination of AF underwent ablation between May 1995 and November 2002. Patients with sinus pauses independent of episodes of AF were excluded from the analysis. The procedure included pulmonary vein and linear atrial ablation. After ablation, sinus node function was assessed during the first week and at 1, 3, and 6 months, by 24-hour ambulatory monitoring to determine the mean heart rate and heart rate range, and by exercise testing to determine the maximal heart rate. Corrected sinus node recovery time was determined at the completion of ablation and at 24.0+/-11.3 months at 600 and 400 ms. After AF ablation, there was a significant improvement of sinus node function, with an increase in the mean heart rate (P=0.001), maximal heart rate (P<0.0001), and heart rate range (P<0.0001). The corrected sinus node recovery time decreased in all patients evaluated at 600 ms (P=0.016) and 400 ms (P=0.019). At 26.0+/-17.6 months, 18 patients (85%) had no recurrence of AF (in the absence of medication), with no symptoms attributable to bradycardia or sinus pauses on ambulatory monitoring. Two patients had infrequent episodes of AF, 1 requiring pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged sinus pauses after paroxysms of AF may result from depression of sinus node function that can be eliminated by curative ablation of AF. This is accompanied by improvement in parameters of sinus node function, suggesting reverse remodeling of the sinus node.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

Sinus node function after selective elimination of sympathetic influences on the sinus node area of the dog.

Six-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) was injected directly into the subepicardium of the sinus node area in an attempt to damage sympathetic nerve terminals in the sinus node. The changes in sinus node function were observed for 4 weeks. The predominant rhythm was of sinus origin throughout the observation period. The sinus rate progressively decreased from 145.1 +/- 14.2 to 76.2 +/- 12.1 beats/min during the first week after injection of 6OHDA. The sinus rate remained at this level for 2 weeks, followed by a gradual increase to 89.3 +/- 18.2 beats/min 4 weeks after injection of 6OHDA. These sinus rates were only significantly different from control dogs through the 14th postoperative day. The sinus rate was considerably increased by intravenous atropine injections 5 to 7 days after the injection of 6OHDA into the sinus node area. The sinus node recovery time was much longer in dogs with an injection of 6OHDA than that in the control dogs throughout the observed period. These results suggest that elimination of the sympathetic influences on the sinus node can be achieved by direct injection of 6OHDA into the sinus node area in the dog, and that sinus node function can be depressed by decreasing sympathetic tone alone, in the absence of an intrinsic dysfunction of the sinus node.

Animals↗

Mucociliary function of the maxillary sinuses after restoring ventilation: a radioisotopic study of the maxillary sinus.

Ostium patency and sinus ventilation play a key role in the normal function of the sinuses and the pathogenesis of sinusitis. Experience with endoscopic treatment modalities has indicated that even severe mucosal disease in the maxillary and frontal sinuses will heal after eradication of an infectious focus in the ethmoid and maintaining ventilation and drainage of sinuses. The aim of this study was to use scintigraphic methods to evaluate possible differences in mucociliary function of chronically diseased maxillary sinuses after establishment of ventilation. Fourteen patients (22 maxillary sinuses) and 3 controls (6 maxillary sinuses) were evaluated after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The drainage ratios of sinuses at 20 min were calculated at the 3rd postoperative day and again at 3 weeks. When the early and late postoperative drainage ratios were compared it was found that mucociliary function returned to normal after 3 weeks in sinuses with cysts but without hyperplastic mucosal degeneration. While the mucociliary function and drainage improved significantly in sinuses with hyperplastic mucosa, depending on the severity and extension of the pathology present, it was still less than levels found in normal sinuses at 3 weeks.

Adolescent↗