Case Report: Carotid Blowout With Massive Epistaxis in Patient With Skull Base Osteomyelitis

MRI non-contrast angiography of neck vessels, including internal carotid artery

A 77-year-old woman, whose past medical history included type 2 diabetes, end-stage renal disease and hypertension, presented to the emergency department with a two-month history of severe left ear and facial pain. Imaging demonstrated changes in soft tissue and bone that were concerning for skull base osteomyelitis.

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Incidental CT Findings Influence Subjective, Objective Chronic Rhinosinusitis Scores

Axial plain / sagittal cut of CT scan showing inflammation of both sides maxillary sinuses

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital sought to answer whether the association between SNOT-22 and CT results could be improved by rating partial opacification more precisely. Instead, they found the relationship between the two assessment methods is affected by incidental causes of opacification.

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Clinical Use of Powered Air-Purifying Respirators Jeopardizes Communication, Hearing

Doctor wears personal protective equipment with hood in hospital

Emily Moldoff, NP, Carleton Eduardo Corrales, MD, and Jennifer J. Shin, MD, and colleagues have documented that the noise generated by powered air-purifying respirators creates a substantial barrier to communication during clinical interactions.

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New Tool Speeds Diagnosis of Reflux Disease

doctor showing patient information on a tabletLaryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR), an inflammatory condition related to the direct and indirect effects of gastroduodenal content reflux, affects up to 30 percent of otolaryngology patients worldwide. The condition leads to symptoms including chronic throat clearing and cough, excess throat mucus, postnasal drip and vocal changes, which can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.

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Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Head & Neck Cancer Patients

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy
Image of tumor sample from a patient who demonstrated pathologic response to neoadjuvant pembrolizumab (10X magnification, courtesy of Dr. Rebecca Chernock)

Researchers at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) are advancing innovative approaches to decrease tumor recurrence rates in patients with HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

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Brigham’s Otolaryngology Division Grows in Line With Mission

surgeon

The Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers expert, individualized care for a range of conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat. Since 2017, Ravindra Uppaluri, MD, PhD, has served as the division chief for the group’s multidisciplinary faculty and staff.

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Reducing Treatment Toxicity in Head and Neck Cancer

robot close up

A Phase 2 trial run by the Adult Head and Neck Oncology Program at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) is seeking to reduce the side effects of postoperative therapy for certain head and neck cancer patients, helping them have a better quality of life while maintaining cancer cure rates.

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Making the Case Against Using Intranasal Steroids and Antihistamines for Otitis Media With Effusion

 

illustration of eustachian tubeShould allergy medications such as intranasal steroids and oral antihistamines be used to treat isolated otitis media with effusion (OME)? The answer is a resounding no, according to a review of previously collected data published in October’s Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. Rachel E. Roditi, MD, of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is lead author of the paper.

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New Skull Base Surgery Technology Designed to Eliminate Postsurgical Complications

Illustration of organs

A duo at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has developed a new intraoperative, image-based guidance system to help surgeons more accurately visualize anatomical structures. The technology uses augmented reality to precisely register operative endoscopy views with preoperative CT or MRI images, allowing for real-time adjustment and fine-tuning based on the operator’s changing visual field.

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Novel Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Procedure Helps Sleep Apnea Patients Breathe Easier

Man sleeping

Clinicians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are using hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who struggle to tolerate the first-line therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The Brigham is a leader in using the novel procedure, which involves surgically implanting a device in patients to relieve apnea episodes. HNS offers hope to those with OSA who are intolerant to CPAP.

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