Biomedical subjects

Amber Luong

Publications and source records attributed to Amber Luong.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Sinus surgery: indications and techniques.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a recent addition to the treatment armamentarium of sinus disease. Performed through the nasal cavity using endoscopes and inciting no external scars, these advantages have renewed an interest in the surgical intervention of various sinus diseases. With minimal risk and complications associated with FESS, the temptation exists to lower the threshold and expand the indications for sinus surgery. However, regardless of the reduced risk, FESS should be pursued only when the goals are attainable and the limitations of surgery are understood for each specific disease. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), affecting more than 31 million people a year, represents a treatment challenge. The challenge stems from evidence that CRS can result from different etiologies including bacteria, virus, fungi, superantigens, and unfavorable anatomy. With an unclear pathogenesis, success of medical therapy is often limited. Individuals failing medical therapy are candidates for surgical intervention. The controversy, indications, and goals of surgery in CRS are reviewed. Other indications for FESS are less controversial. Nasal polyps, which can interfere with medical therapy and obstruct airflow, often require surgical intervention. In addition, recent data has suggested a link between surgery and a reduction in inflammatory markers. Repair of skull base defects, and resection of benign and limited malignant nasal masses are also indications for FESS. This article reviews the indications of sinus surgery. In addition, it addresses some of the controversies, limitations, and advances in FESS.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2005

The role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Collective clinical and bench observations of the past 25 years have expanded interest in the role that fungi may play in developing and perpetuating inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. As with any new concept, controversy regarding such a process has emerged, but it has served to stimulate increased interest and further study. Review of the current literature appears to offer strong evidence to support both allergic and nonallergic forms of noninvasive fungal inflammation. It remains to be seen whether or these forms of inflammation are inter-related or independent of one another. As investigation focusing upon these new concepts continues, it should lead to better understanding of chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tracts.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2005

Antibiotic therapy for nontuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) cervicofacial lymphadenitis, both as an alternative and as adjuvant to surgical excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis treated from January 1993 to November 2003 at an academic tertiary care children's hospital. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (age range, 15 mo-16 y) with the diagnosis of NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy that had 1) lymph node culture positive for an atypical mycobacteria, 2) histological findings consistent with mycobacterial infection (granulomas) with negative bartonella serological titers, 3) histological stain positive for the presence of acid-fast bacillus in the absence of tuberculous infection, or 4) positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test result with a negative finding on polymerase chain reaction for tuberculous mycobacteria. Clinical response was defined as complete or partial resolution of skin changes and palpable lymphadenopathy in response to antibiotic therapy consisting of macrolide therapy alone or in combination with other anti-mycobacterial pharmaceuticals. RESULTS: Of the 55 children studied, 45 of 55 (82%) with both single and multiple lesions underwent a trial of medical therapy, and 30 of 45 lesions (67%) ranging in size from 1 x 1 to 6 x 5 cm achieved resolution without surgical excision. Of the other 15 patients treated initially with medical therapy, 6 of 15 (40%) responded well to a course of antibiotic therapy before undergoing surgical excision, and 7 of 15 (47%) patients were nonresponsive to antibiotic therapy and required surgical excision to resolve the neck mass. The remaining 2 of 15 patients (13%) proceeded to surgery only after a course of antibiotics of 3 weeks or less. Ten of the 55 patients (18%) underwent surgical excision initially, with 5 of 10 patients (50%) receiving postoperative antibiotics for treatment of residual disease or prevention of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Some NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis infections appear to respond to medical therapy alone. A trial of antibiotic therapy might be considered in patients with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis before surgical excision or as an adjuvant to surgical excision.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Acquired external auditory canal stenosis: assessment and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although uncommon, acquired external auditory canal stenosis is an entity that is encountered by many otolaryngologists. This paper reviews the causes, pathogenesis, assessment, and management options for external auditory canal stenosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Initially, acquired external auditory canal stenosis was described as resulting from a number of different causes. Since then, histology and imaging studies of this disease have shown that a common cascade of inflammatory changes resulting from these different causes is the primary pathogenesis leading to medial canal fibrosis. Once there is complete obstruction of the external auditory canal, surgery is the primary treatment. Understanding the strong role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of external auditory canal stenosis may lead to new preventative medical therapies. SUMMARY: Although acquired external auditory canal was described several years ago, its underlying pathophysiology is now better understood. From this knowledge, improved medical as well as surgical approaches can be developed.

Constriction, Pathologic↗

PubMed2004

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

The combination of nasal polyposis, crust formation, and sinus cultures yielding Aspergillus was first noted in 1976 by Safirstein, who observed the clinical similarity that this constellation of findings shared with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Eventually, this disease came to be known as allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). As clinical evidence of AFRS accumulated, controversy regarding its etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and appropriate treatment naturally emerged. Despite past and current efforts, many of these controversies remain incompletely resolved, but continuing clinical study has illuminated some aspects of the disease and has led to an improved understanding of AFRS and its treatment. In this article, we review current data and theories regarding the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of AFRS, as well as the roles of various surgical and nonsurgical forms of therapy.

Fungi↗