Paranasal sinus and skull base fibro-osseous lesions: when is biopsy indicated for diagnosis?

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: A review of current literature

INTRODUCTION

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare genetic disease, in which normal bone is replaced by fibro-osseus tissue. Disease severity varies greatly from single monostotic lesions to widespread polyostotic disease. Craniofacial lesions are common and, due to the complex anatomy, can cause several disabling symptoms and local extra-skeletal complications. Since relatively rare, reported cases of craniofacial FD (CFD), specifically, are few and the appropriate management remains incompletely defined.

METHODOLOGY

We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines for articles considering CFD in the years 2010-2023. The search was conducted in the PubMed and OVID Medline libraries. Altogether 193 articles were retrieved and reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, the clinical presentation of CFD is highly variable depending on site and extent of lesion, with pain, deformity or impairment of function being most common. Diagnoses are often incidental and primarily based on CT imaging, while more extensive imaging, genetic studies and lesion biopsies are reserved for unclear cases. Asymptomatic patients are suitable for observation, while symptomatic or widespread disease may require more active approach with medical or surgical treatment. Follow-up is encouraged in all patients to observe possible lesion reactivation, late-stage complications and, though rarely, malignant transformation. Management should be individually tailored with a multidisciplinary team and wholesome consideration of individual needs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides an updated discussion on craniofacial FD with focus on improved understanding of disease pathophysiology, appropriate line of surgical management, and new potential means of medical treatment.

Management Strategies of Fibrous Dysplasia Involving the Paranasal Sinus and the Adjacent Skull Base

OBJECTIVE

Current management of fibrous dysplasia (FD) involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base is currently controversial. This study aims to present our experience in the management strategy of FD that involves the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base.

METHODS

Twenty three patients from 2006 to 2019 with monostotic fibrous dysplasia (MFD), polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (PFD), or McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base were retrospectively reviewed. This study series was divided into 3 groups based on management strategies: the observation group, the surgery group, and the optic nerve decompression group.

RESULTS

The observation group included 9 patients with asymptomatic MFD with stable condition during the follow-up period of 15 to 164 months. The surgery group included 10 symptomatic patients with MFD who had personalized endoscopic endonasal surgery. The symptoms of the patients were relieved after surgery. The optic nerve decompression group included 4 patients with visual loss, who underwent endonasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND) with the aid of image-guided navigation. Their vision improved after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical observation and periodic computed tomography (CT) scan are adopted for asymptomatic patients. Surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients. Optic nerve decompression is recommended as soon as possible if the patient has visual loss, whereas prophylactic decompression is not recommended if the optic nerve is encroached by FD without visual loss. Navigation plays an important role in endoscopic surgery involving the paranasal sinuses and the adjacent skull base, especially in FD resection and optic nerve decompression.

Long-Term Results of Fibrous Dysplasia of the Paranasal Sinuses

INTRODUCTION

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign, idiopathic skeletal disorder, in which the normal bone and marrow are replaced by fibrous tissue and immature woven bone. The authors aim to analyze the long-term results of patients diagnosed with FD of the paranasal sinuses via imaging or surgical biopsy.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively enrolled 21 patients with FD of the paranasal sinuses from 2006 to 2021.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of diagnosis of FD of the paranasal sinuses was very high at 45.9 years. The most common site ofoccurrence was the sphenoid sinus (71.4%). During the mean follow-up period of 52.8 months, there was no significant change in the size of FD of the paranasal sinuses, and there was no worsening of symptoms or complications. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 16 patients (76.2%), of which 13 underwent only biopsy and 3 underwent partial resection.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common site of FD of the paranasal sinuses was the sphenoid sinus, and the age at diagnosis was higher thanthat of patients with FD at other sites. Observation with serial radiologic examinations is recommended for asymptomatic FD of the para-nasal sinuses.

Lambdoid Craniosynostosis in an Infant with Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM)

ABSTRACT

Both congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) and lambdoid craniosynostosis are exceedingly rare, with estimated incidences of around 1 in 30,000 live births for each. Herein, we present a case of a patient with prenatally diagnosed CCAM requiring 4 doses of prenatal steroids and ultimately thoracotomy with right lower lobectomy. The operation was uncomplicated, and genome-wide analysis of SNPs revealed no pathologic abnormalities. Development was normal until head shape changes were noted at 5 months of age at which point evaluation by a craniofacial surgeon and 3D CT imaging revealed left-sided lambdoid craniosynostosis. The patient underwent uncomplicated posterior and middle vault expansion and remodeling of his lambdoid synostosis at 11 months of age. This paper explores the etiopathogenesis of CCAM and lambdoid craniosynostosis in an attempt to identify common pathways involved in the development of these exceedingly rare diseases which, to date, have not been described in the peer-reviewed literature.

Long-Term Clinical Course of Benign Fibro-Osseous Lesions in the Paranasal Sinuses

Objectives

Fibro-osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses can present various clinical manifestations. This study aimed to report the long-term clinical course of benign fibro-osseous lesions (BFOLs) in the paranasal sinuses, including clinical and radiologic features.

Methods

Radiologically confirmed BFOLs between 1994 and 2016, with the exclusion of osteoma cases, were retrospectively reviewed. We compared demographic characteristics between the surgery and observation groups. The reasons for the imaging study, radiographic features, histopathology, and clinical course based on serial image scans were analyzed.

Results

In total, 183 subjects were selected from a thorough review of head and neck radiologic tests (n=606,068) at a tertiary referral hospital over 22 years. Patients’ mean age was 28.6±18.1 years, and 56.3% were males. A diagnostic imaging workup was performed in 55.7% of patients due to facial asymmetry, headache, skull mass, or other symptoms related to BFOLs. In other patients (37.7%), BFOLs were found incidentally on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The most common diagnosis was fibrous dysplasia, followed by ossifying fibroma, based on both radiologic exams and histopathologic results. In total, 42.6% of the patients underwent surgery because of subjective symptoms or esthetic concerns. The patients who underwent surgery were younger (P<0.001) and had a longer follow-up duration (P<0.001) than those who underwent observation. Patients who experienced lesion growth (11.5%) were younger (P<0.001) and had more lesion sites (P=0.018) than those who did not, regardless of surgical treatment. Five patients underwent optic nerve decompression, and one patient experienced malignant transformation.

Conclusion

BFOL in the paranasal sinuses is a rare disease, and most cases were observed without specific treatment. Surgical treatment should be considered in symptomatic patients with aggressive clinical features. Regular observation and management are needed, particularly in younger patients in their teens.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Frontal osteoplastic flap without frontal sinus obliteration for orbital roof decompression

Purpose: We describe a novel surgical approach for bilateral orbital roof decompression using a frontal osteoplastic flap without frontal sinus obliteration. This technique utilizes a combined external and endonasal endoscopic approach for wide exposure to the orbital roof bilaterally. We demonstrate this technique for the resection of a massive frontal fibrous dysplasia lesion in a healthy male with bilateral orbital roof involvement. The endonasal endoscopic portion of the technique includes a Draf III frontal sinusotomy (endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure) which precludes the need for frontal sinus obliteration, restores normal frontal sinus function, and allows for postoperative endoscopic surveillance. Methods: Report of novel surgical technique with video demonstration. Results: This technique for orbital roof decompression allows for removal of a frontal lesion, wide decompression of the bilateral orbital roof, and post-operative endonasal endoscopic surveillance of the cavity. The patient in whom we demonstrate this technique had complete resolution of his orbital symptoms and minimal residual fibrous dysplasia postoperatively. Conclusion: Bilateral orbital roof decompression for frontal lesions can be performed safely and effectively with a frontal osteoplastic flap without frontal sinus obliteration, restoring normal orbital and sinus function.

Fibrosarcoma arising in the paranasal sinus: a clinicopathological and radiological analysis

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinicopathological features and the CT and MRI features of patients with paranasal sinus fibrosarcoma.

METHODS

Seven patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed paranasal sinus fibrosarcoma were enrolled. Their CT and MRI data and imaging features were retrospectively analyzed in detail.

RESULTS

The study participants were two males and five females (median age, 43 years; range, 22-73 years). CT or MRI showed a well-defined (n = 5) or ill-defined (n = 2), irregular (n = 6) or oval (n = 1) mass, with heterogeneous (n = 7) density. The lesions were isointense (n = 4) or hypointense (n = 2) on T₁ weighted images, and showed heterogeneous (n = 6) mild hypointensity on T₂ weighted images. Expansive (n = 6) and osteolytic (n = 1) bone destruction were observed. The tumors showed marked heterogeneous delayed enhancement (n = 6) on contrast-enhanced MRI images.

CONCLUSION

Paranasal sinus fibrosarcomas should be included in the differential diagnosis when a sinonasal neoplasm appears as a well- or ill-defined unilateral large irregular mass with characteristic mild hypointensity on T₂ weighted MR images and shows expansive or osteolytic bone destruction and a marked heterogeneous delayed contrast-enhancement pattern.

Ossifying fibromas of the paranasal sinuses: diagnosis and management

Fibro-osseous benign lesions rarely affect the sinonasal tract and are divided into 3 different entities, namely osteoma, fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma. They share several clinical, radiological and histological similarities, but have different behaviours. Ossifying fibroma, and in particular the "juvenile" histological subtype, may have a locally aggressive evolution and a high risk for recurrence if removal is incomplete. The purpose of the present study is to compare the clinical behaviour of ossifying fibroma with the other benign fibro-osseous lesions; highlight different behaviour between the histological subtypes; compare the advantages, limitations and outcomes of an endoscopic endonasal approach with reports in the literature. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients treated for sinonasal ossifying fibroma at a tertiary care centre. All patients underwent CT scan, and MRI was performed in cases of cranial base involvement or recurrence. Pre-operative biopsy was performed in cases where it was possible to use an endoscopic approach. One patient underwent pre-operative embolisation with ipsilateral visual loss after the procedure. Depending on its location, removal of the tumour was performed using an endoscopic (n = 7), or an external (n = 3) or combined (n = 1) approach. Histopathologically, 5 patients presented the conventional type, 5 the juvenile psammomatoid variant, which was associated in 1 case with an aneurismal bone cyst, and 1 case presented the trabecular juvenile variant. Three patients affected by the juvenile psammomatoid histological variant presented invasion of the skull base and underwent a subtotal removal that subsequently required, due to the regrowth of the remnant, a transbasal approach. Clinical, radiological and histological findings should all be considered to establish differential diagnosis among fibrous osseous lesions. More studies are necessary to conclude if the localisation and extension of the disease at the time of diagnosis is more important than the histological variant. An endoscopic approach is the first choice in most of cases even if an external open approach may be necessary in selected patients.

Endonasal endoscopic resection of ossifying fibroma involving the ethmoid sinus, orbit and anterior skull base: case report and literature review

Ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous tumour that rarely involves the ethmoid sinuses and orbit. It is classified as a benign fibroosseous lesion, a term that is synonymous with a variety of lesions reported in the literature. Recurrence rate with deleterious effects in cases of extramandibular ossifying fibroma is the impetus for open en bloc resection of the tumour. Continuously evolving techniques in endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery has rendered resection of large benign sinonasal and cephalonasal tumours possible. The authors report a case of ossifying fibroma involving the ethmoid sinus, orbit and anterior skull base in a 65-year-old previously healthy woman completely resected by endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery. The patient was free from postoperative complications and was dismissed from hospital on the sixth postoperative day. At present, the patient is disease-free at a regular five-year postoperative follow-up. Endonasal endoscopic resection of sinonasal ossifying fibromas is an excellent therapeutic option when performed by a surgeon experienced in endoscopic sinonasal surgery. The advantages of an endonasal endoscopic approach include direct visualization, enhanced visibility and magnification resulting in decreased intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. Aesthetic outcome is excellent in the absence of facial scars.

Endoscopic resection of sinonasal ossifying fibroma: 31 cases report at an institution

A retrospective analysis of 31 lesions undergoing endoscopic surgery between 2006 and 2012 was undertaken. The data of patients' demographics, clinical features, operative parameters, follow-up period, and treatment outcomes were collected. A total of 31 patients were reviewed and consisted of 19 females and 12 males. The median age was 23 years (range 6-55). The surgical strategy included the exclusive endoscopic approach in 26 cases, endoscopic approach with external approach in 5 cases. Twenty-two cases were achieved completely resection and nine cases were subtotally resected. During the follow-up period (median: 25 months, range 4-80 months), 4 cases developed recurrences and there was no evidence of recurrence in the additional 27 cases included 8 cases living with no progressively growing residual tumor and 19 cases living without diseases. Our experience indicates that the endoscopic approach to manage ossifying fibroma of the nose and paranasal sinuses is safe and effective. However, more cases and a longer period of follow-up are required to define its long-term therapeutic effect.

Craniofacial osteoma: clinical presentation and patterns of growth

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the clinical features and the growth rate of craniofacial osteomas.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed of 200 cases of craniofacial osteomas diagnosed from January 2001 to September 2011. Data pertinent to patient and osteoma lesion characteristics were collected. Histology of operated cases was reviewed. Computer tomography (CT) charts were reviewed and those with multiple images were analyzed for growth characteristics.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-nine patients met our inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine percent of these osteomas were found incidentally. Forty-three percent were in the frontal sinus. Fifteen percent of the patients complained of headaches and only 6.71% of patients with osteoma had headaches congruent with osteoma location. Thirty-one percent of CT scans had sinus mucosal disease; only 8% had mucosal disease adjacent to the osteoma. Ten of the 149 patients underwent surgery for cosmetic and/or rapidly growing osteomas. Thirteen patients had intestinal tubular adenoma, and one was genetically positive for Gardner's syndrome. Fifty-two patients had multiple CT scans that were included in growth rate analysis. The mean linear growth rate of osteomas was estimated to be 0.117 mm/yr (95% CI, 0.004, 0.230) in maximal dimension, assuming linear growth. A descriptive analysis of osteoma growth divided the osteomas into several intervals and studied the growth rate separately in each interval. The median change in maximum dimension was different in each interval in a nonsystematic manner, ranging from -0.066 mm, over 3- to 9-month interval (interquartile range [IQR] = -0.404-1.069), to 0.369 mm over 9- to 15-month interval (IQR = -0.032-0.855), and 0.082 mm over 45- to 51-month interval (IQR = -0.000-0.197). There was no significant association between tumor size, location, or complications.

CONCLUSION

Craniofacial osteomas are slow-growing lesions with no specific growth pattern and rare complications. Their clinical behavior is ill defined and justifies a conservative approach toward asymptomatic lesions with close radiological follow-up.