Ignazio Gerardi

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between the nasal anatomical variants and the clinical and radiological features of odontogenic sinusitis to demonstrate their possible involvement in the genesis of the disease. Methods: This is a retrospective multicentric study of 70 patients with odontogenic sinusitis (OS). Before surgery, all patients performed the classic and mini 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22 and SNOT-8) and Lund–Mackay Score (LMS). Each nasal anatomical anomaly was collected, including paradoxical middle turbinate (PMT), chonca bullosa (CB), and nasal septal deviation (NSD) on the same side as the sinusitis. Results: The patients presented a significantly higher SNOT-22 and SNOT-8 score only in case of association with NSD and PMT/CB. Logistic regression showed that the variables were significantly associated (p = 0.02 and 0.04). No significant correlation was found between LMS and anatomical variations. Conclusions: This study showed that nasal anatomical variables are correlated with SNOT-22 and SNOT-8. Having a combination of NSD and CB or PMT, on the same side as an OS, is related to a worse quality of life in patients affected by this disease. Regarding the radiological features of OS, no significant correlation was found between LMS and anatomical variations.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to assess the rate of complications in patients who underwent thyroid surgery and were monitored post-operatively to explore potential correlations between various parameters that may aid in clinical decision making. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent thyroid surgery and were followed up in our Endocrinology Unit. Patients were selected based on strict criteria. The following data were collected: sex; age; type of thyroid disease; pre-operative symptoms due to thyroid pathology; surgical procedures; post-operative complications; histopathological diagnosis; and post-operative blood levels of TSH, PTH, vitamin D, and calcium. Results: Among 340 patients, 25.29% had benign thyroid disease. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 89.4% of cases. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was found in 32 patients. Hypocalcemia occurred in 14 patients within 24 h post-operatively. Histopathological examination identified incidental parathyroid tissue in 5.88% of thyroidectomy specimens. Post-operative hypoparathyroidism was observed in 26 patients, and vitamin D deficiency in 68 patients. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that thyroid surgery is quite a safe procedure; however, complications may occur. A statistically significant correlation was found between the type of surgery and the risk of vocal fold palsy, without correlation with the type of thyroid disease. A thorough pre-operative evaluation by a multidisciplinary team may help reduce the risk of post-operative complications. Despite the extensive knowledge of thyroid surgery, small refinements may further improve surgical outcomes.