This study investigated the feasibility of a fast field echo resembling a CT using a restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) sequence as a radiation-free alternative to CT for evaluating pediatric skull base lesions. In this prospective study (October 2023–December 2024), 40 pediatric patients (mean age, 7.7 ± 4.0 years) with suspected skull base lesions underwent both 256-slice CT and 3.0 T MRI, including a 3D FRACTURE sequence. Two pediatric radiologists independently assessed image quality for bone and soft-tissue visualization. Bone edge sharpness was objectively quantified using the edge rise slope (ERS). Diagnostic accuracy and treatment-planning consistency were evaluated by two radiologists and two surgeons by comparing “FRACTURE combined with conventional MRI” with CT. CT showed slightly higher scores for bone visualization than FRACTURE (5.00 ± 0.00 vs. 4.83 ± 0.47; p = 0.001), while both were diagnostically sufficient. FRACTURE provided significantly superior soft-tissue visualization compared with CT (5.00 ± 0.00 vs. 1.85 ± 0.36; p < 0.001). FRACTURE achieved the highest edge sharpness (ERS: 474.20 ± 69.76), exceeding CT (413.45 ± 188.73) and conventional 3D T1-weighted imaging (226.50 ± 47.04) (p < 0.05). Inter-rater agreement was perfect for diagnosis (ICC = 1.0), and treatment-planning consistency was high (Kappa = 0.892) between FRACTURE-based and CT-based protocols. The FRACTURE sequence provides CT-like bony delineation with superior soft-tissue visualization and sharper bony edges, while completely eliminating ionizing radiation exposure. FRACTURE represents a feasible and reliable alternative to CT for the diagnosis and preoperative treatment planning of pediatric skull base lesions. Question Can the 3D FRACTURE MRI sequence replace CT for the evaluation and preoperative planning of pediatric skull base lesions while avoiding ionizing radiation? Findings FRACTURE provides CT‑comparable bone depiction and superior soft‑tissue visualization for evaluating pediatric skull base lesions. Clinical relevance The FRACTURE-based MRI protocol enables comprehensive evaluation of both bony and soft tissue structures and may serve as a radiation-free alternative to CT for preoperative assessment and surgical planning of pediatric skull base lesions.

Artemisia annua sublingual immunotherapy in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis To the Editor,Artemisia pollen is the main aeroallergen of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in summer and autumn.1,2Artemisia annua Allergens Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Drops (Zhejiang Wolwo Bio-Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhejiang, China, National Drug Approval No.: S20210001) is the only standardized SLIT preparation approved in China for treatingArtemisia-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis (AC).3 In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of A. annua- SLIT in children with SARs.Pediatric patients with at least a two-year clinical history ofArtemisia pollen-induced SAR with or without AC from Inner Mongolia were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial and randomized to receive A. annua -SLIT or placebo at a 2:1 ratio for approximately 28 weeks. The combined score of medication and rhinitis symptoms (CSMS; primary endpoint) and combined score of medication and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms (CSMRS; secondary endpoint) were recorded to evaluate efficacy; adverse events (AEs) were reported to assess safety.Fifty-seven eligible patients aged 4–18 years were randomized into the SLIT (n=38) and placebo (n=19) groups (Figure 1). Finally, 54 patients (SLIT group: n=36; placebo group: n=18) completed the study with 3 patients withdrew by themselves. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of sex, age, atopic status, comorbidity of other allergic diseases, and CSMS and CSMRS scores in the previous pollen season (P >0.05, Table S1).The 2019 pollen season in Inner Mongolia was from 20th July to 7th September (50 days; Figure 2A). The temporal variation of daily CSMRS in both groups showed a similar trend of positive correlation with pollen concentration throughout the pollen season (SLIT group: r=0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.76; placebo group: r=0.68, 95% CI: 0.56–0.77). The SLIT group showed significant improvements in CSMS (1.55±0.81 vs. 1.97±0.73) and CSMRS (1.46±0.75 vs. 1.88±0.75) compared with the placebo group (P <0.05, Figure 2B–C). Fifty-three (98.1%) patients experienced AEs [35, SLIT group; 18, placebo group] (Table S2). All AEs were mild or moderate and resolved without any action or by adjusting the dose of the study drug. There were no significant differences in the incidence and severity of AEs between the groups (P >0.05). Epinephrine use was not reported, and no patients withdrew from the trial because of AEs. Furthermore, 94.4% and 100% of patients in the SLIT and placebo groups, respectively, experienced treatment-related AEs (TRAEs), which frequently occurred in the nose, eyes, throat, and tongue in both groups (P >0.05, Figure 2D). The common TRAEs in children with SLIT are shown in Figure 2E. Most TRAEs in the SLIT group were mild, similar to those in the placebo group.To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the efficacy and safety of A. annua -SLIT in a Chinese pediatric population. Our results showed a consistent trend of clinical efficacy improvements withA. annua -SLIT in children similar to those in adults.4 Recently, a cumulative AE incidence of 93.0% was reported with ragweed SLIT in children and adolescents, with no serious AEs.5 The incidence of AEs in our study were comparable to those in the previous study. Lou et al. found that the most common TRAEs in adults with A. annua -SLIT were mild or moderate.4,6 Our results showed a safety profile similar to that in adults. No new safety signals emerged, and no throat irritation was observed in adults.In conclusion, 28-week A. annua -SLIT treatment was effective and safe for children with SAR, with no major safety concerns. Investigating the benefits of A. annua -SLIT in children will not only expand its application for treatment but also provide the basis for intervention in the early phase of SAR.

Background:Proboscis lateralis (PL) is a rare congenital malformation of the craniofacial structure. On the basis of 34 reported cases, Boo-Chai developed the first classification system in 1985 based on commonly associated anomalies of the eyes, palate, and lips. Sinonasal deformity is the most prevalent systemic abnormality associated with PL, accounting for 87.9%, and concomitant ocular anomalies account for 44-70%.Case Description:We report a case of PL in a 20-month-old female patient with a mass in the left medial canthal area, and ipsilateral symptomatic epiphora. The removal of the proboscis at 4 months without the reconstruction of the nasolacrimal duct resulted in secondary sequelae that lasted 16 months. A second operation by a multidisciplinary team released the pressure on the lacrimal sac and reconstructed the lacrimal system. External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is performed through the original external incision aided by nasal endoscopic examination. The bony passage between the nasal cavity and the lacrimal sac was reconstructed, and nasal endoscopy revealed a wide opening in the nasal cavity of at least 6 mm. Follow ups ensured a patent nasal airway, without complications.Conclusions:It is instructive to learn from this case that treatment plans for PL should consider associated ocular anomalies and lacrimal drainage reconstruction, following a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.

In this article, we report a 10-year-old boy with acute bacteremia and left eye blindness. Culture from abscess drainage was positive for Streptococcus constellatus . Infection caused by S. constellatus is rare among children, and to our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen causing blindness. The rapidness of progression in this case is alarming. We also summarize other cases of S. constellatus infection.

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, pathological features, and diagnosis and treatment strategies of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) in infants and young children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on seven cases of NCMH infants and young children admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 2015 to January 2022. The cohort included 5 males and 2 females, aged from 6 days to 2 years and 3 months. General information, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, treatment plans, postoperative complications, recurrence and follow-up time were collected, summarized and analyzed. Additionally, immunohistochemical characteristics of the lesion were examined. Results: The clinical symptoms of 7 children included nasal congestion, runny nose, open mouth breathing, snoring during sleep, difficulty feeding, and strabismus. All patients underwent electronic nasopharyngoscopy examination, with 5 cases of tumors located in the right nasal cavity and 2 cases in the left nasal cavity. No case of bilateral nasal cavity disease was found. All 7 patients underwent complete imaging examinations, with 5 patients underwent MRI and CT examinations, 1 patient underwent CT examination only, and 1 patient underwent MRI examination only. The CT results showed that all tumors were broad-based, with uneven density, multiple calcifications and bone remodeling, and some exhibited multiple cystic components. The MRI results showed that the tumor showed low signal on T1 weighted imaging and high or slightly high signal on T2 weighted imaging. All patients were diagnosed through histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, including 7 cases of Ki-67 and SMA (+), 5 cases of S-100 and Vimentin (+), and all EMA and GFAP were negative. All patients underwent endoscopic resection surgery through the nasal approach, with 3 cases using navigation technology. Five cases of tumors were completely removed, and two cases of tumors were mostly removed. No nasal packing was performed after surgery, and no postoperative nasal, ocular, or intracranial complication occurred in all patients. Follow up assessments conducted 6 to 84 months post-surgery revealed no instances of tumor recurrence in any of the patients. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of children with NCHM mainly depend on the size and location of the tumor. Nasal endoscopic surgery is the main treatment method. In cases where critical structures like the skull base or orbit are implicated, staged surgical interventions may be warranted. Long-term follow-up is strongly advised to monitor for any potential recurrence or complications.

Background: Chronic Rhinosinusitis is a common disease in children. The main function of CFTR is to maintain the thickness of the mucous layer on the surface of the nasal mucosa. CFTR disease-causing variant can cause CFTR protein dysfunction and induce or aggravate chronic infection. However, the carrying status of the CFTR variants in the Chinese population is not clear. Objective: To study the frequency and variants of CFTR in Chinese children with CRS and to analyze the CFTR variants and the clinical characteristics and susceptibility to CRS. Methods: Whole Exome Sequencing was performed to analyze the CFTR genes in a total of 106 CRS children from the Chinese mainland area. The CFTR variants, frequency and clinical data were summarized and analyzed. Results: A total of 31 CFTR variants were detected, of which the carrying rate of 7 sites was significantly higher than that of the population database. 88 patients carried more than 2 variants. 37 people carried variants (MAF < 0.05), of which 91.89% had a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections, 16 had nasal polyps, 5 had bronchiectasis, and 1 was diagnosed with CF-related disorders. Conclusion: The carrying rate of CFTR variants in Chinese CRS children increased, and the highest rates of variants (MAF < 0.05) are p.I556V, p. E217G, c.1210-12[T]. Carrying multiple CFTR variants, especially p.E217G, p.I807 M, p.V920L and c.1210-12[T] may lead to increased susceptibility to CRS. There are CF-related disorders in patients with CRS.

BACKGROUND:Ionocytes are rare cells in airway epithelium characterized by a high expression of CFTR.OBJECTIVES:To investigate the morphology and distribution of ionocytes and the function of CFTR in the nasal mucosal epithelium of children.METHODS:The exfoliated cells of nasal mucosa from 101 children were detected using flow cytometry to analyze the number of ionocytes and CFTR and the difference of CFTR function. Nasal mucosa and polyps were collected from 10 children with CRSwNP. The RNAscope of FOXI1 and CFTR was detected in pathological paraffin sections. The expression and distribution of ionocytes and CFTR in nasal mucosa and polyp epithelium were observed.RESULTS:In CRS patients, the number of ionocytes in the nasal epithelium was lower and the number of ionocytes that did not express CFTR was higher, and the function of CFTR was also decreased. The expression of CFTR in the nasal mucosa of CRS showed the characteristics of local dense distribution and increased as the inflammation expanded. The ionocytes were "tadpole-shaped" in the epithelium and gathered in the area of high CFTR expression, the intracellular CFTR was expanded in clusters. Ionocytes that did not express CFTR was more common in the nasal polyps.CONCLUSIONS:The number of ionocytes and the function of CFTR in nasal mucosa of CRS patients decreased. With the expansion of inflammation, CFTR and ionocytes showed more obvious dense distribution. Some ionocytes lost the expression of CFTR and did not show the "tadpole" shape, which may be related to the occurrence of polyps.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of esophageal foreign bodies of button battery ingestion in children.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study included 83 children who were hospitalized in our hospital on account of button battery ingestion from January 2011 to December 2021. There were 50 males (60.2%) and 33 females (39.8%). The age ranged from 7.6 months to one month off 10 years, with a median age of 18 months. The data of patient demographics and time from ingestion to admission, location, symptoms, management, complications, and follow-up outcome were recorded. SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:Seventy-two children (86.7%) were younger than 3 years old. The time from ingestion to admission ranged from 1 h to 2 months, with a median time of 8 h. Among the 63 children who were first diagnosed in our hospital, the most common clinical symptoms were nausea and vomiting (32 cases, 50.8%), dysphagia (31 cases, 49.2%), salivation (11 cases, 17.5%) and fever (10 cases, 15.9%). Seventy-three of 83 cases had complete preoperative diagnostic tests, and 55 cases (75.3%) were diagnosed by X-ray. In 56 cases (76.7%), the foreign badies were impacted in the upper third of esophagus. In 72 cases (86.7%), the foreign badies were removed by rigid esophagoscopy. 23 (27.7%) had serious complications, including tracheoesophageal fistula in 15 cases(TEF;65.2%), vocal cord paralysis (VCP;34.8%) in 8 cases, esophageal perforation in 3 cases (EP;13.0%), hemorrhage in 3 cases(13.0%), mediastinitis in 3 cases (13%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (4.3%). There were significant differences in the exposure time of foreign bodies and unwitnessed ingestion by guardians in the complications group ( P<0.05). 2 cases died (2.4%)respectively due to arterial esophageal fistula bleeding and respiratory failure caused by stent displacement during the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula. Conclusion:Accidental button battery ingestion can be life-threatening. and it mostly happens in children under 3 years old. Serious complications may happen cause of non-specific clinical manifestations and unwitnessed ingestions. Anterior and lateral chest X-ray is the first examination choice. Tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common serious complication.

Objective: To review the clinical characteristics, to illustrate diagnosis and management experience of orbital and cranial complications of pediatric acute rhinosinusitis. Methods: The clinical data of 24 children with orbital and cranial complications of acute rhinosinusitis who received endoscopic sinus surgery combined with drug treatment in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 19 boys and 5 girls. The age varied from 13 to 159 months, with a median 47.5 months. The following diagnoses were obtained: 12 isolated subperiosteal orbital abscess, 2 associated with preseptal abscess, 2 associated with intraorbital abscess, 7 associated with optic neuritis, and 1 associated with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. Clinical characteristics, organism isolated and outcomes were analyzed through descriptive methods. Results: All 24 patients presented with fever; 9 presented with nasal congestion and purulent discharge. The clinical manifestations of orbital infection included orbital edema, pain, proptosis and displacement of globe in all patients, while visual impairment was recognized in 7 children. Purulent drainage was cultured in 17 patients, among which 12 were positive. All patients underwent nasal endoscopic surgical interventions uneventfully, excluding one patient who required a second surgical procedure. Follow-up period ranged from 5 to 64 months. All patients resolved fully, with the exception of 2 children who got permanent blindness with visual loss preoperative. There was no recurrence or death. Conclusions: Orbital and cranial complications of pediatric acute rhinosinusitis could be severe with an occult onset. For patients with vison impairment, any signs of intracranial complications and a lack of response to conservative management, an urgent endoscopic intervention is needed.

多源浦肯野纤维相关室性早搏综合征（MEPPC）是近年来新发现的SCN5A突变相关的临床心律失常综合征，患者携带SCN5A错义突变（p.R222Q），呈常染色体显性遗传，临床表现为多源浦肯野纤维相关室性早搏、心房颤动、伴或不伴有扩张性心肌病。亚洲人群尚无此病例报道，本文报道了1例MEPPC患者，结合文献分析其发病原因，探索治疗方案，丰富了该病流行病学及临床资料信息。.

目的 探讨开放性鼻整形切口在治疗儿童先天性鼻中线囊肿及瘘管的手术适应证及预后.方法 回顾分析4例先天性鼻中线囊肿及瘘管的儿童[男3例,女1例,2～6岁(平均4岁)]的临床资料、影像学资料、治疗效果及预后情况,所有患儿均在接受全身麻醉下开放性鼻整形切口入路切除病灶,术后规律随访,随访参数包括病灶复发情况、切口瘢痕情况、鼻尖形态.结果 4例诊断为先天性鼻中线囊肿及瘘管中,瘘口位置均位于鼻梁中下段及鼻尖,感染灶或囊肿位于鼻根部或一侧内眦水平,瘘管走行路径＞1 cm.全部患儿术前均行鼻窦CT及MRI检查,术后规律随访19～24个月,4例患者术中均未出现并发症、术后无复发、鼻部切口瘢痕恢复好、鼻尖形态均正常.结论 开放性鼻整形切口入路用于儿童先天性鼻中线囊肿及瘘管切除的适应证为瘘口位于鼻尖至鼻部中下段,未与颅内沟通者,瘘管走行路径＞1 cm,可在充分暴露病变范围的同时兼顾美容外观,效果理想,短期随访未观察到鼻部发育异常.

Abstract Objective: To explore the role of acquired CFTR dysfunction and inflammatory chemokines in the development of rhinosinusitis in children. Design and setting Twenty-five children who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included. Whole blood, mucosa and polyp tissues of all children were collected for study. Main outcome measures： The CFTR gene was detected by using Full-length second-generation sequencing. The expression of CFTR mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR, and the expression of inflammatory chemokines was measured by CBA. Results： There were 17 cases in the CRS group and 8 cases in the ABRS group. The expression of CFTR mRNA in the mucosa of the ABRS group was lower than that of the CRS group, and the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in the mucosa of the ABRS group was significantly higher than that of the CRS group. IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 were upregulated in polyps. Conclusion: The dysfunction of acquired CFTR and the role of neutrophil chemotactic factor are more obvious in ABRS, and may play a role in the occurrence and development of CRS polyps.

Objective We aimed to investigate the difference between the bacterial profiles of the nasal cavities and adenoid surfaces of children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We also intended to determine and analyze the potential correlation between the pre- and post-adenoidectomy differences in the nasal bacterial profile and clinical prognosis. Methods The clinical information of pediatric patients was collected. All the children underwent adenoidectomy (with or without tonsillectomy), and swab samples were collected during the operation. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. At the 12-month follow-up examination, swab samples were collected again. PCR amplification was performed of the v3-v4 variable regions of 16S rRNA of the collected specimens, as well as high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina platform. The species information was obtained by OTUs clustering, species annotation, and α-diversity analysis. Results Twenty-two male and eight female pediatric patients were included in the investigation The most abundant genus level bacterial representatives on the nasal surface before adenoidectomy were Moraxella catarrh, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas on the surface of adenoids, they were Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, Nucleobacter, and Moraxella catarrhalis. One year postoperatively, the bacteria with the highest abundance on the nasal surface at the genus level were Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and non-culturable Dolosigranulum. One year postoperatively, the bacterial richness in the nasal cavity was significantly higher than at baseline ( P < .05). Furthermore, the subjective nasal score of all children significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively ( P < .01). Conclusion The preoperative bacterial abundance of the nasal cavity and the adenoid surfaces was similar, showing a clear correlation. No single specific bacterium was established to be a dominant species associated with the development of CRS in children. The post-adenoidectomy bacterial richness in the nasal cavity was significantly increased, which may be closely related to the relief of postoperative sinusitis symptoms.

Objective:To review the clinical and radiological presentation and management of infected nasal dermal sinus cysts（NDSC） in children. Methods:Clinical data were collected from 59 NDSC children with secondary fronto-orbital area infection who presented to Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2007 to December 2021. All patients underwent preoperative imaging workup, including MRI and CT. All patients underwent endoscopic excision of a NDSC under general anesthesia. Results:A total of 59 patients were included in the study,while 58 presented with a sinus, 1 presented with a cyst.The main lesions of NDSC included nasal root in 20 cases （33.9%）, nasal bridge in 34 cases （57.6%）, nasal tip in 4 cases （6.8%）, and nasal tip and nasal root in 1 case （1.7%）. The depth of lesions included 6 cases （10.2%） of superficial type of nasal frontal bone, 33 cases （55.9%） of nasal frontal bone, 19 cases （32.2%） of intracranial epidural type, and 1 case （1.7%） of intracranial epidural type. The main sites of infection included inner canthus in 15 cases （25.4%）, nasal dorsum in 22 cases （37.3%）, nasal root in 16 cases （27.1%）, and forehead in 6 cases （10.2%）. Among 59 cases, 7 cases （11.9%） were complicated with other diseases, and 4 cases（6.8%） had external nasal deformities. Surgical approaches included transverse incision in 12 cases（20.3%）, minimal midline vertical incision in 41 cases （69.5%）, external rhinoplasty in 4 cases （6.8%） and bicoronal incision with vertical incision in 2 cases （3.4%）. The range of lesions was completely consistent with MRI results.All cases were successfully operated without one-stage nasal dorsum reconstruction. All patients were followed up from 7 to 173 months（average 52.2 months）. There were 6 cases of recurrence, all of which were in situ recurrence. The operation was performed again, and no recurrence has occurred since the follow-up, No nasal deformity was noted, and cosmetic outcome were favorable for all patients. Conclusion:NDSC infection in children with midfacial infection as the first symptom is rare in clinical practice, and its manifestations are diverse. Early diagnosis and rational treatment are very important to improve the cure rate.Preoperative high resolution MRI combined with CT scanning is of great significance in judging the course of NDSC, especially the intracranial extension. The treatment goal is to achieve minimally invasive and individualized treatment under the premise of complete excision of the lesion, and take into account the cosmetic needs.

目的 为制订儿童急性细菌性鼻窦炎(acute bacterial rhinosinusitis,ABRS)的眼眶并发症诊疗流程、建立随访体系提供依据.方法 回顾性分析2009—2019年首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院收治的ABRS眼眶并发症住院患儿的临床、影像特点、细菌培养结果和治疗方式等信息.结果 2009—2019年首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院诊治ABRS眼眶并发症92例患儿中发病年龄处于新生儿期9例(0～30d),婴儿期(1～12个月)17例,幼儿期(1～3岁)26例,小龄儿童(3～10岁)31例,大龄儿童(10～18岁)9例;男48例,女44例.根据钱德勒分型标准,眶周蜂窝织炎(preseptal cellulitis,PC)12例,眶骨膜下脓肿(subperiosteal abscess,SPA)4例,眶内蜂窝织炎(orbital cellulitis,OC)46例,眶内脓肿(orbital abscess,OA)30例;手术者23例,其中,鼻内镜下鼻窦开放术6例(同时行眶减压术3例),体表切开引流者术17例.手术病例获得的脓液均送细菌培养鉴定,其中金黄色葡萄球菌8例,包括耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌(methicillin-resistant S aureus,MRSA)2例;星座链球菌1例,无致病菌生长5例.结论 重型病例症状以眼球突出/活动受限和视力下降为主,轻型病例以眼睑红肿及全身症状为主.病原微生物培养结果以金黄色葡萄球菌为主.

Introduction Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are a rare benign bone lesion, which are divided into primary and secondary categories, and occur mainly in the vertebra and the long tubular bones. Primary ABCs in the nasal cavity and the sinuses are rare. Case presentation We reported on a one-year-old boy who suffered from progressive nasal obstruction and intermittent nosebleeds over a period of approximately 1 month. The patient had no history of trauma or surgery. Physical examination showed a red tumor in his right nasal cavity. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a multicystic lesion arising from the ethmoid sinus. The lesion was resected under a nasal endoscope without any complications. Histological evaluation confirmed that the lesion was an aneurysmal bone cyst. Because an osteoma was found during the surgery on the cyst, the lesion was considered secondary clinically. However, fluorescence in situ hybridization testing showed a rearrangement of the USP6 (ubiquitin-specific protease 6) oncogene on chromosome 17. No recurrence was observed after 1 year. Conclusion An ABC of the nasal cavity and sinuses in such a young child is very rare and needs to be further analyzed according to postoperative pathology and combined with a genetic examination to make a diagnosis. Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective method of treatment for this kind of disease.

ImportanceThe safety and efficacy of the bath-plug technique for the closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in children remain unknown. ObjectiveWe undertook this study to ascertain whether the bath-plug technique was safe and effective for the repair of CSF leaks. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF leaks with the fat graft as a plug-in at Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2020. Demographic data, medical history, defect sites and sizes, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. One representative clinical case was additionally selected to highlight the procedure and the healing process. ResultsA total of 18 pediatric patients were included in this study. The group was composed of 11 boys and seven girls, aged from 5 to 123 months. The etiologies included congenital CSF leaks (n = 9) and head trauma (n = 9). Among all patients, 12 fistulas (66.7%) were located at the cribriform plate area, two (11.1%) at the roof of the ethmoid sinuses, two (11.1%) in the sphenoid sinus, and two (11.1%) at the frontal sinus. The maximum diameters of fistulas ranged from 5 to 20 mm, with a median value of 8 mm. Encephaloceles were identified in 14 (77.8%) patients. No hydrocephalus was recognized. All CSF leaks were successfully repaired with a bath-plug technique. Follow-up ranged from 50 to 70 months. No surgical complications were encountered in any patient. InterpretationBath-plug technique is safe and reliable for the endoscopic management of CSF leaks in children. Meticulous peri-operative preparations are important for pediatric patients.

Background There are a limited number of validated questionnaires available for use in the clinical screening for allergic rhinitis (AR) in children <= 3 years old. We developed a novel self-reported questionnaire and assessed its accuracy and reliability. Methods After establishing a pool of items, which were screened by experts, the Young Children Allergic Rhinitis Questionnaire (YCAR-Q) was administered to a birth cohort in the Shunyi District (Beijing, China). The electronic version of the YCAR-Q was distributed through the online community. Children were invited to visit a physician for examination. The diagnostic criteria included symptoms, physical examination findings, and specific serum immunoglobulin E tests. Each item on the questionnaire was evaluated, and the questionnaire's internal consistency, content validity, criterion-related validity, and diagnostic accuracy were assessed. Results The six-item YCAR-Q was distributed to 7423 parents, and 3037 valid questionnaires were recovered. In total, 1521 children visited a physician for examination, of which 82 were found to have AR. In terms of internal consistency, Cronbach's coefficient was 0.777 and all six questionnaire items were retained. The average scale-level content validity index value was 1. The area under the curve was 0.759. The total scores ranged from 0 to 6, and the cutoff value for diagnosing AR was 3, with a sensitivity of 68.29% and a specificity of 76.58%. Conclusions This cross-sectional study indicated that the YCAR-Q could detect AR in children <= 3 years old. This brief and simple test may be used effectively in clinical practice.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the surgical effect and prognosis of nasal endoscopic modified mucosal flap technique for repair of congenital choanal atresia in newborns and infants. Methods: The clinical data of 38 newborns and infants with congenital choanal atresia who underwent nasal endoscopic surgery in Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2016 and May 2018 were retrospectively analysed, including 13 males and 25 females. The age ranged from 5 days to 3 years old at the time of operation (15 cases were newborns). The clinical data, imaging data, treatment effect and prognosis were collected. According to the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into the conventional operation group and the modified mucosal flap technique group. The designs of the modified mucosal flap technique were designed according to the type of congenital choanal atresia. The cross-over L-shaped flaps were performed in patients with unilateral atresia, and the mirrored L-shaped flaps were performed in patients with bilateral atresia. All the patients were followed up for 2-3 years, and the follow-up parameters included the times of operations, length of hospital stay, restenosis rate and incidence of complications. Study data was analyzed using SAS version 9.4 statistical software. Results: Sixteen cases underwent conventional operation while 22 patients underwent modified mucosal flap technique under nasal endoscope. The lightest weight (2 200 g) and the youngest age (5 days) of the patients came from the modified mucosal flap technique group. Compared with the conventional operation group under nasal endoscope, the modified mucosal flap technique group had fewer times of operations (1.14±0.47 vs 2.69±1.20, t=5.552, P<0.001), shorter hospital stay ((7.70±3.22) d vs (14.37±19.16) d, t=2.960, P=0.005), lower rate of postoperative restenosis (9.1% vs 43.8%, χ²=6.156, P=0.013), and lower rate of the incidence of complications (13.6% vs 43.8%, χ²=5.955, P=0.015), the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: The nasal endoscopic modified mucosal flap technique is feasible for repairing congenital choanal atresia in newborns and infants, which can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative restenosis and complications.