To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal insulin for treating persistent and refractory olfactory dysfunction following viral infections.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a significant cause of hearing loss. Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) is commonly used as an initial or salvage treatment; however, the lack of a standardized treatment protocol has caused inconsistencies in clinical practice. Furthermore, no efficient prediction model exists to guide personalized management. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop tailored management strategies for ISSNHL using a machine-learning model.

Since the release of ChatGPT, large language models (LLMs) have rapidly expanded into professional domains, including medicine. These models, trained on extensive text corpora, including the medical literature, have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in tasks such as clinical decision support, research assistance, and education. This review focuses on LLM applications in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat [ENT]). We analyzed 25 studies published between January 2022 and March 2025 in ENT journals ranked in the top 25% (Q1) according to the 2023 Journal Citation Reports. Furthermore, we categorized these studies by use case and systematically examined the models, datasets, and evaluation methods employed. Despite increasing adoption of LLMs in the ENT field, several challenges remain, including limited model diversity, inconsistent evaluation standards, and ongoing issues with accuracy and fairness. We also contextualized LLM research trends within the broader medical domain. Five key areas were identified for advancing clinical-grade LLMs: robust evaluation frameworks, external source-based generation, multimodal integration, agent-based reasoning, and model explainability. Our findings provide ENT clinicians and researchers with a practical foundation for understanding, evaluating, and implementing LLMs or their advanced successors (e.g., large multimodal models, agents) in clinical and research settings.

Although concerns regarding visible scars have traditionally been associated with female patients, male patients are increasingly placing value on cosmetic outcomes in surgical procedures. Single-port robotic thyroidectomy utilizing a hairline approach has proven feasible in female patients. This study aims to evaluate the safety, utility, and cosmetic results of single-port hairline approach thyroidectomy (SPHAT), with a focus on minimizing visible scarring in male patients.

The primary objective was to determine which of the following angular insertion depth (AID) estimation methods showed the strongest correlation with the postoperative AID (AIDpostop) of a lateral wall (LW) electrode: the Escudé formula, based on the largest distance from the round window (RW) to the LW (distance A); the elliptic-circular approximation (ECA) method, based on both distance A and the perpendicular distance (distance B); and a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction method. The secondary objective was to assess the impact of using the actual electrode insertion length on the evaluation of AID estimation methods.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) and tracheal stenosis (TS) is a rare condition that can cause significant breathing difficulties and, if not managed properly, may lead to life-threatening complications. Despite its clinical importance, there is ongoing controversy regarding the optimal management of adult SGS and TS, and no comprehensive guidelines have been established to date. The Korean Bronchoesophagological Society appointed a task force to formulate clinical practice guidelines, intending to develop evidence-based recommendations for managing SGS and TS in adults. The task force conducted a systematic review of relevant literature by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library using predefined search terms aligned with key clinical questions. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, which also guided the development and reporting of the recommendations. The strength of each recommendation reflects the guideline panel's confidence that the benefits of an intervention outweigh the risks for eligible patients. After drafting the guidelines, feedback was obtained through Delphi questionnaires completed by members of the Korean Bronchoesophagological Society. Finally, the committee developed 17 evidence-based recommendations across four categories: initial evaluation, medical management, surgical treatment, and postoperative management and rehabilitation. These guidelines aim to support clinicians in providing optimal care for adult patients with SGS and TS.

The eyebrow is a frequently used landmark in rhinoplasty. While caution is advisable when relying on manipulated eyebrows as a reference, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of unmanipulated eyebrows as a landmark. This study aimed to assess the reliability of unmanipulated eyebrows as landmarks for evaluating deviated nose.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with chronic intermittent hypoxia and systemic inflammation, contributing to vascular and metabolic complications. Monocytes, as key immune cells of innate immunity, have been implicated in this inflammatory state. However, the effect of OSA treatment on monocyte function and inflammatory phenotype remains poorly understood.

The role of highly plastic and heterogeneous macrophages in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps (NP) is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the distribution and responses of NP-derived macrophages to inflammatory cues according to endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma are often comorbid and represent heterogeneous inflammatory disorders in the upper and lower airways, respectively. Type 2 inflammation driven by eosinophils and CD4 T cells has been recognized as central mediators in CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) and asthma pathogenesis. However, recent evidence has highlighted the critical involvement of innate T cells, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT), and γδ T cells in airway inflammatory disorders. Innate T cells were enriched in sinonasal tissues and contributed to mucosal inflammation through cytokine production, exhibiting functional polarization influenced by local inflammatory cues. In particular, MAIT17 and Vγ1+ γδ T cells have been associated with tissue eosinophilia and disease severity in eosinophilic CRSwNP (E-NP) patients, whereas iNKT cells displayed subset-specific distribution across eosinophilic and neutrophilic endotypes. In asthma, iNKT cells consistently contributed to disease development in murine models, whereas the roles of MAIT and γδ T cells were controversial, demonstrating both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles depending on anatomical location and disease context. This review summarizes current findings on the contribution of innate T cells to the immunopathology of CRSwNP and asthma and discusses the challenges and future directions in resolving discrepancies arising from methodological and biological variability.

Sleep apnea surgery is effective only for selecting patients, making it crucial to identify those who will benefit. This study aimed to introduce a novel anatomical index for selecting patients with favorable surgical outcomes.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) impairs quality of life, and combination therapy is often required for comprehensive symptom control. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of montelukast-antihistamine combination therapy compared with antihistamine monotherapy in improving AR symptoms and quality of life.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic nasal mucosal inflammation triggered by environmental allergens. Although its pathophysiology has been well studied, the effects of environmental aggravating factors-especially combined pollutant exposure-are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coexposure to PM2.5, formaldehyde, and zinc on allergic inflammation in a murine model of AR and to characterize the associated immunological and histopathological responses.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product derived from whole blood through the process of gradient density centrifugation. Autologous PRP has been shown to be safe and effective in promoting natural wound healing processes. This study assessed the efficacy of fat graft myringoplasty combined with PRP in tympanic membrane (TM) healing in dry TM perforation due to chronic otitis media and compared it to that of fat graft myringoplasty.

The prognostic value of pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis investigated AAPR's predictive potential for survival outcomes in HNC patients. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases through July 30, 2024. Eight studies comprising 1737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. The analysis revealed that lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (HR = 2.08), progression-free survival (HR = 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR = 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed result robustness, with no significant publication bias detected. These findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare postoperative complication arising from turbinate surgery. Here, we report our clinical experience and comprehensive analysis of the inferior meatus augmentation procedure with autologous costal cartilage (IMAP-ACC) for ENS.