This study investigated the personality traits of patients with allergic rhinitis. It also examined the association between personality type and the type of allergic rhinitis, and compared this with the general population.

A descriptive observational pilot study was carried out on 50 consecutive cases of allergic rhinitis who presented to the allergy clinic between June and October 2010. These patients were compared with a control group comprising 50 individuals from the general population that had no symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Both groups completed the International Personality Disorder Examination questionnaire for the assessment of personality traits.

Persons falling into cluster C personality type showed a positive correlation with the type and severity of allergic rhinitis. The majority of control group individuals fell into cluster A. This indicated a correlation between allergic rhinitis and a dominant anxious trait compared with the control group.

In psycho-allergological research, the potential relevance of personality factors in the maintenance and exacerbation of atopic symptoms is still a matter of debate. More attention should be paid to the psychological status of allergic rhinitis patients, and appropriate treatment should be provided to improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Frontal sinus surgery continues to challenge even the most experienced endoscopic sinus surgeon. Revision frontal sinus surgery is even more challenging. The use of stents in frontal sinus surgery has long been described, as an attempt to decrease the incidence of synechiae and stenosis.

This study included five patients who had previously undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery but suffered recurrence of frontal sinusitis. Two had bilateral disease. Double J stents were used after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy. The stents were left in place for six months.

Four of the 5 patients (6 out of 7 sinuses) had a patent frontal outflow tract after 10 to 36 months’ follow up.

Double J stents can be used as frontal sinus stents. They are well tolerated by patients, easily applied, and self-retaining with no need for sutures. The length of the stent can be altered according to the patient's anatomy and pathology.

To investigate perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters in obese individuals.

Twenty obese and 20 normal-weight volunteers underwent voice evaluation by laryngoscopy, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic measurement and perceptual analysis (using the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain (‘GRBAS') scale and the Voice Handicap Index 10 scale). Data from both subject groups were compared.

No difference was found in acoustic analysis parameters between the two groups (p > 0.05). Maximum phonation time in the obese group (mean ± standard deviation, 19.6 ± 4.9 seconds) was significantly shorter than in controls (26.4 ± 4.1 seconds) (p < 0.001), although the s/z ratio was very similar between the two groups. In the obese and control groups, the mean ± standard deviation grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scores were 1 ± 1.3 and 0.2 ± 0.6 (p = 0.002) and the mean ± standard deviation Voice Handicap Index 10 scores were 0.5 ± 1.2 and 1.2 ± 1.7 (p = 0.27), respectively.

Obese individuals had poorer vocal quality as judged by the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale, and reduced maximum phonation time. However, there was no change in voice quality as assessed by acoustic analysis and Vocal Handicap Index 10 score, compared with controls.

The Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, serves a largely remote, rural population of 330 000. The aim of this study was to report the treatment and survival figures for patients treated for laryngeal cancer at this centre.

The study included 209 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 at the Cumberland Infirmary.

Disease-specific survival was 100 per cent for stage one, 76 per cent for stage two, 87 per cent for stage three and 46 per cent for stage four. In total, 76 patients (36 per cent) had a laryngectomy, either as primary treatment or as a salvage procedure.

Our tumour-specific survival rate was very high, and this success may be due in part to high rates of surgical intervention. Survival data compared favourably with other centres, despite less radical radiotherapy regimes. Laryngeal cancer can be managed effectively in a small, relatively remote, multidisciplinary team setting.

To report an unusual case of a primary mastoid cyst (congenital or developmental) in a patient without otological symptoms.

Case report and review of the English language literature.

Primary mastoid cyst is a newly reported and very rare pathological entity. Mastoid cysts usually occur secondary to chronic infection, inflammation or trauma. Review of the medical literature highlights the rarity of this condition.

This report describes the experience gained by the diagnosis and management of this patient. It emphasises the importance of clinical vigilance so that proper treatment may be instituted in a timely manner.

Although positron emission tomography computed tomography has proven diagnostic and staging value in head and neck carcinoma, it does not have optimal sensitivity or specificity. The positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value has been shown to be associated with carcinoma stage. This study evaluated the impact of major clinicopathological factors on the standardised uptake value at the primary site and at neck lymph node metastases.

Two hundred and forty-three oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent positron emission tomography computed tomography were included. Correlation between the positron emission tomography computed tomography standardised uptake value and various clinicopathological factors was analysed.

A positive correlation was found between the standardised uptake value and the size and depth of tumour infiltration, and lymph node positivity. Higher standardised uptake values were seen for more advanced tumour stages. The presence of perineural invasion, lymphatic invasion and extracapsular spread were all associated with increased standardised uptake values.

Most of the clinicopathological features of head and neck carcinoma which are well known to be poor prognostic factors have a significant impact on positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value.

Serum paraoxonase 1 is involved in mechanisms that protect cells from oxidative stress damage. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum paraoxonase 1 activity and polymorphisms in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Fifty-seven patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 59 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum paraoxonase 1 activity and polymorphisms in blood samples were compared with results for polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism tests.

Mean serum paraoxonase 1 activity levels were lower in patients than controls (mean ± standard deviation, 21.9 ± 5 units/l and 120.4 ± 2 units/l, respectively) (p = 0.001). The serum paraoxonase 1 192 glutamine polymorphism was more common in patients than controls.

Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma had significantly lower serum paraoxonase 1 activity levels and a greater prevalence of the serum paraoxonase 1 192 glutamine allele, compared with controls. Serum paraoxonase 1 may play a role in the aetiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

To compare narrow-band images of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with those of normal adenoidal tissue.

Patients with a nasopharyngeal mass were evaluated using both conventional white light and narrow-band light. Biopsies were performed and Epstein–Barr viral serology was tested for all patients.

Thirty consecutive patients were recruited. Twenty-one patients had normal adenoidal tissue and seven had nasopharyngeal carcinoma. One patient with papillary adenocarcinoma was excluded. The features of narrow-band imaging in normal adenoidal tissue were: (1) a regularly arranged follicular pattern, and (2) each ‘follicle’ comprising a pale centre with surrounding dark periphery. The features of narrow-band imaging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma were: (1) absence of surface patterns (n = 7), and/or (2) ‘reverse’, haphazard follicular pattern comprising a dark brown centre and pale periphery (n = 3).

Narrow-band imaging of the surface of adenoidal tissue and nasopharyngeal carcinoma appears to identify distinct, characteristic features as described. Narrow-band imaging may be a useful adjunct in differentiating normal adenoidal tissue from malignancy. Further studies are needed to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy.

The search for a primary malignancy in patients with a metastatic cervical lymph node is challenging yet ultimately of utmost clinical importance. This study evaluated the efficacy of positron emission tomography computed tomography in detecting the occult primary, within the context of a tertiary referral centre head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team tumour board meeting.

Thirty-two patients (23 men and 9 women; mean and median age, 61 years) with a metastatic cervical lymph node of unknown primary origin, after clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging, underwent positron emission tomography computed tomography.

The primary tumour detection rate was 50 per cent (16/32). Positron emission tomography computed tomography had a sensitivity of 94 per cent (16/17) and a specificity of 67 per cent (10/15). Combining these results with those of 10 earlier studies of similar patients gave an overall detection rate of 37 per cent.

Positron emission tomography computed tomography has become an important imaging modality. To date, it has the highest primary tumour detection rate, for head and neck cancer patients presenting with cervical lymph node metastases from an unknown primary.

Osteonecrosis is a benign condition characterised by necrotic exposed bone, and is associated with bisphosphonate use. Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal is rare, with only a few reported cases.

Two case reports of temporal bone osteonecrosis are presented.

A 64-year-old man with a history of immunoglobulin G kappa multiple myeloma developed a right external auditory canal ulcer 6 years after commencement on clodronate. A 72-year-old woman taking alendronate for osteoporosis, initially diagnosed and treated for right-sided otitis externa, was found to have underlying exposed bone in the right external auditory canal, with a computed tomography scan confirming destruction of the temporal bone.

With increasing use of both oral and intravenous bisphosphonates in the community for benign conditions such as osteoporosis and for malignant conditions such as breast cancer and multiple myeloma, the diagnosis of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis should always be considered in patients with a temporal bone lesion, and a relevant drug history taken.

Follow-up surveillance of head and neck cancer patients varies throughout the UK. The heterogeneity of these patients limits the applicability of a standardised protocol. Improvements in our understanding of the natural history of the disease may assist in the tailoring of resources to patients.

Prospective data collected at the Cumberland Infirmary over a 13-year period were analysed, primarily focusing upon recurrence rates and time to recurrence.

In keeping with other studies, recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was found to be maximal within the first three years of treatment, regardless of subsite.

Hospital-based surveillance may be safely discontinued after three years for some patients. Laryngeal carcinoma may require further surveillance due to possible delayed recurrence of a second primary formation. Emphasis must be placed on patient education, accessibility to head and neck services, and the existence of a robust system to facilitate urgent referrals.

To investigate endoscopic staging, and nitric oxide levels in the polyp tissue, in patients with nasal polyposis undergoing glucocorticoid therapy.

Nasal polyposis was evaluated using endoscopic staging and measurement of polyp tissue nitric oxide levels (chemiluminescence method). Forty-five nasal polyposis patients received either nasal therapy (n = 15), oral therapy (n = 15) or combined therapy (n = 15). Pre-treatment and post-treatment staging and nitric oxide levels were evaluated.

Endoscopic grading indicated significant post-treatment staging improvements in the oral (p = 0.016) and combined (p = 0.016) groups. Post-treatment staging differed significantly between the three groups (p = 0.041), with greater improvements in the oral and combined groups. All groups showed significantly lower post-treatment nitric oxide levels, compared with baseline, but post-treatment levels did not differ significantly between groups. A significant association was found between treatment response and nitric oxide level alteration.

This study demonstrates the favourable effects of glucocorticoids on nasal polyposis, and alteration in nitric oxide tissue levels post-treatment. Nitric oxide level in nasal polyp tissue could be an indicator of treatment response, and may aid surgical decision-making by detecting cases that probably will not respond to medical treatment.

A subjective feeling of nasal airflow obstruction is a common symptom. An objective method for quantitative measurement of nasal airflow has long been desired. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry have been developed for anatomical and physiological evaluation of nasal obstruction. This study was designed to determine the usefulness of a portable spirometer in assessing upper airway obstruction.

One hundred and ninety-six patients were assessed with nasal inspiratory spirometry to determine nasal airflow. All patients also underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography to determine anatomical abnormalities. Spirometry was performed on each nostril separately.

Sensitivity and specificity levels were high. This portable and easy to use device may be useful in respiratory assessment. Correlation between anatomical obstructions and subjects' complaints was statistically significant (p < 0.001), but no definite correlation between septal deviation severity and spirometric values was found.

Portable spirometry is an objective and useful method of evaluating nasal obstruction, but needs more investigation to establish a standardised test.

There is currently little published guidance on the management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication in patients admitted with epistaxis. The routine practice of withholding such medication in an attempt to control the epistaxis is common in the UK. However, this practice is not evidence-based, is often unnecessary, and can be associated with significant morbidity. This study introduces a treatment algorithm for oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in epistaxis patients, validated through a completed audit cycle.

One hundred patients admitted with epistaxis to the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust were studied via a two-audit cycle covering the implementation of a new treatment algorithm formulated jointly by the otolaryngology and haematology departments.

On admission, 58 per cent of patients were taking some form of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. The number of patients having such medication withheld decreased significantly between the two audits, for all drugs studied (i.e. aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin). There was no significant increase in re-bleeding or re-admission rates between the audits.

Implementation of this treatment algorithm would help standardise management for epistaxis patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, and should reduce morbidity associated with unnecessary routine discontinuation of such medication.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be injured during surgery. This study investigated recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation.

To study the short-term effects of primary anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, by laryngeal electromyography and histopathological analysis, in a rabbit model.

Twenty Zealand rabbits underwent either right recurrent laryngeal nerve (1) transection with excision of 1 cm or (2) transection and end-to-end primary anastomosis. Vocal fold movements, laryngeal electromyography results and histological changes were recorded.

Vocal fold analysis showed a paramedian vocal fold in both groups, with perceptible vibratory movements in group two. Electromyography revealed total denervation potentials in group one, but denervation and regeneration signs in group two. Histopathologically, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the vocal fold mucosa were seen in group one, and signs of parakeratosis and hyperplasia in group two.

Even under ideal conditions for primary recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis, a return to normal muscle function is unlikely. However, such anastomosis prevents muscle atrophy, and should be performed as soon as possible. The degree of nerve recovery is associated with the number, amplitude and myelination level of fibrils returning to the original motor end-plaque.

This double-blind, controlled, parallel-group study was designed to determine the efficacy of pre-emptive triple analgesia for paediatric post-tonsillectomy pain management.

One hundred and thirty-five children were randomised into two groups: pre-emptive triple analgesia (n = 55) and control (n = 80). Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (in hospital) and the Parent's Postoperative Pain Measure (at home), and scores recorded.

Visual analogue scale scores on awakening and for 6 hours post-surgery were significantly better in the study group than the control group (p < 0.05). The Parent's Postoperative Pain Measure scores of control group children were significantly higher within the first 3 post-operative days (p = 0.000), with a greater percentage of children experiencing significant pain and requiring more analgesia.

The proposed multimodal, pre-emptive analgesia protocol for paediatric post-tonsillectomy pain results in less post-operative pain, both in hospital or at home.

To assess the use of bacterial culture findings for middle meatal samples obtained via anterior rhinoscopy, in the diagnosis of adults with acute rhinosinusitis.

Microbial cultures were prepared for 30 adult patients with acute rhinosinusitis and suspected bacterial involvement, using samples from the nasopharynx, and from the nasal middle meatus obtained via anterior rhinoscopy. Findings for the ipsilateral maxillary antrum were used as a reference.

Seventeen patients had a bacterial infection as verified by a positive culture from the maxillary antrum. Middle meatal samples had a similar sensitivity but a better specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, compared with nasopharyngeal samples, although predictive values were not statistically significant at a 95 per cent confidence level.

Anterior rhinoscopy with culture of middle meatal samples can be recommended as a diagnostic procedure for acute rhinosinusitis. The results can also guide the decision on antibiotic treatment.

To compare the image quality provided by rigid laryngoscopes versus flexible distal-chip laryngoscopes when documenting the same laryngeal pathology.

This paper reports a prospective single-blind study. Ten early stage glottic cancer cases were selected. Photographs of the pathologies were taken using both rigid and flexible distal-chip laryngoscopes (a total of 20 photographs). Nineteen clinicians were asked to review the laryngoscopic photographs; the clinicians were provided with a worksheet, which included questions regarding the clinical description, photograph quality and overall satisfaction with the images obtained. Clinicians' responses to the worksheet questions were then analysed.

The overall accuracy rate for lesion sidedness, anatomical sub-site involvement, anterior commissure involvement and tumour staging were 94.7 per cent, 46.6 per cent, 53.7 per cent and 47.1 per cent respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the accuracy rates, photograph quality or overall satisfaction with the photographs obtained by either modality.

There were no statistically significant differences demonstrated in overall clinical accuracy or perceived image quality between the use of the rigid or flexible endoscopes when interpreting images of early glottic cancer.

The role of total thyroidectomy in the management of patients with Graves' disease remains controversial. However, there is increasing evidence to support the role of the procedure as a safe and definitive treatment for Graves' disease.

Patients were identified from a prospective thyroid database of the multidisciplinary thyroid clinic at Hull Royal Infirmary. All case notes were independently reviewed to confirm the data held on the database.

Over a 7-year period, the senior author has performed 206 total thyroidectomies for Graves' disease. The incidence of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypoparathyroidism was 3.4 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. There was one case of permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and 3.9 per cent of patients developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. There has been no relapse of thyrotoxicosis.

In the context of a multidisciplinary thyroid clinic, total thyroidectomy should be offered as a safe and effective first-line treatment option for Graves' disease.