Objective:To summarize the clinical outcomes of endoscopic mucosal flap technique combined with absorbable corticosteroid drug-eluting stent in children with congenital bony nasal stenosis. Methods:A retrospective review was performed on 9 children（age 7 days to 5 years） treated from January 2019 to July 2025. Among them, there were 6 cases of congenital choanal atresia and 3 cases of congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis （CNPAS）. Except for 1 case of stenosis of the nasal meatus treated conservatively, the rest were treated by endoscopic choanal atresia repair. During surgery, mucosa over the atretic plate was preserved and fashioned into mucosal flaps to cover raw surfaces; partial vomer removal was performed when necessary to enlarge the neochoana, followed by placement of an absorbable corticosteroid drug-eluting stent for support, flap stabilization, and local anti-inflammation. Follow-ups were scheduled at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months, and thereafter, assessing nasal patency, feeding/sleeping, endoscopic findings, and restenosis/reatrestia. Results:Among 6 choanal atresia cases, 5 remained patent without reatrestia during follow-up, while 1 complete bony case developed reatrestia and was deemed a failure. Among 3 pyriform aperture stenosis cases, the conservatively managed child had prolonged symptoms（20 days） after upper respiratory infections requiring intranasal medications, whereas the two surgically treated children achieved resolution of nasal obstruction and normal feeding. Conclusion:Endoscopic mucosal flap technique combined with absorbable corticosteroid drug-eluting stent may provide favorable patency maintenance and mucosal healing in most children with congenital bony nasal stenosis, while complete bony choanal atresia remains at high risk of reatrestia.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare pharyngeal airway volume between two groups: (1) Individuals with Veau 3 or 4 clefts repaired using a buccal flap-based palatoplasty technique, and (2) age-matched individuals without cleft palate.DesignObservational, prospective.SettingTwo regional hospitals and an academic institution.Participants30 adult males were included in the study: 15 individuals with complete Veau 3 or 4 clefts repaired with double-opposing Z-plasty and buccal flaps (DOZP + BF) during primary palatoplasty and 15 age-matched controls without cleft palate. Individuals with a history of secondary speech surgery, orthognathic surgery, or other interventions affecting the nasopharyngeal airway were excluded.InterventionsAll participants' anatomy was visualized using MRI.Main Outcome MeasuresFive pharyngeal airway anatomical measures.ResultsNo statistically significant differences between groups were observed for nasopharyngeal, velopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or total airway volumes. Individuals with cleft palate repaired with DOZP + BF demonstrated significantly larger oropharyngeal volumes compared with controls (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study suggests that adult males with Veau 3 or 4 clefts repaired using DOZP + BF technique, who have no history of secondary speech surgery or orthognathic surgery, demonstrate airway volumetric measurements that are largely comparable to those of age-matched individuals without cleft palate. The exception is the oropharyngeal airway, which was slightly larger in the cleft group compared with controls. Future research is needed to further evaluate the functional implications of these anatomical differences and to compare outcomes across different surgical approaches.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in intermittent reductions or complete cessation of airflow. These interruptions reduce oxygen saturation and disrupt normal sleep architecture, frequently resulting in daytime fatigue and adverse health outcomes. Recent research has provided increasing evidence that OSAS may be associated with neuroinflammation, defined as inflammation within the brain and nervous system. Such neuroinflammation may contribute to the development of conditions including depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. This narrative review examines the association between OSAS and neuroinflammation and outlines the potential biological mechanisms involved. Intermittent hypoxemia and recurrent sleep fragmentation are thought to promote oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal injury, ultimately contributing to impaired memory, executive function, emotional regulation, and overall neurological function. Over time, these processes can impair memory, executive function, emotional regulation, and overall neurological function. The review also highlights key risk factors and clinical manifestations and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for OSAS. Evidence from both experimental animal studies and human clinical studies is discussed to highlight current understanding while distinguishing established findings from emerging hypotheses. In summary, this review indicates that neuroinflammation may represent an important mechanistic pathway linking OSAS with depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, much of the available evidence remains associative, and further longitudinal and biomarker-driven studies are required to clarify causal relationships and determine the long-term impact of interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Improved understanding of these mechanisms may facilitate earlier diagnosis, risk stratification, and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for individuals with OSAS.

Neonatal cervical teratomas are rare congenital tumors that may cause life-threatening airway compromise despite their predominantly benign histology. We report a male neonate born at 38 weeks of gestation by elective Caesarean section due to a large prenatal neck mass and polyhydramnios. Shortly after birth, the infant developed severe respiratory distress requiring endotracheal intubation following transfer to our institution. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a 10 × 12 × 13.5 cm heterogeneous mass centered within the oropharyngeal/oral cavity and submandibular spaces with extension into the anterior cervical region and upper chest wall, containing cystic and solid components, fat, and calcifications, causing marked tracheal compression and displacement without intracranial extension. Preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was 14,432.78 ng/mL. Complete surgical excision was performed on day 4 of life through a transverse cervical incision while preserving major cervical structures. Histopathological examination confirmed mature cystic teratoma composed of mature glial tissue, cartilage, adipose tissue and squamous epithelium without immature elements. The patient had a good postoperative recovery and was discharged on the 35th postoperative day. Follow-up evaluation revealed normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, while thyroid function tests indicated subclinical hypothyroidism needing levothyroxine replacement therapy. At 5 months, there was no recurrence and AFP had decreased to 44.64 ng/mL. This case underscores the importance of early airway stabilization, detailed imaging, complete surgical excision, and multidisciplinary postoperative surveillance in neonatal cervical teratomas.

Vallecular cysts are rare congenital laryngeal lesions. Although histologically benign, they may cause significant upper airway obstruction, particularly in neonates, and can be life-threatening if not promptly managed. We report two cases of vallecular cysts in infants. The first case was a 54-day-old male infant presenting with respiratory distress, inspiratory stridor, and cyanotic episodes. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a large vallecular cyst. The patient underwent urgent endoscopic excision. Histopathology confirmed a benign cyst lined by respiratory and squamous. The second case involved a 1-year-old male child presenting with chronic snoring, mouth breathing, and feeding difficulties. Imaging demonstrated a well-defined lesion at the base of the tongue. The patient underwent marsupialization of the cyst. Postoperatively, symptoms resolved completely. Vallecular cysts should be considered in infants with persistent stridor or upper airway symptoms. Surgical management is the definitive treatment and associated with excellent outcomes when performed promptly.

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare salivary gland-type tumour often associated with delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific findings. We report a 75-year-old woman with chronic respiratory symptoms initially treated as asthma without improvement. Computed tomography showed a left hilar lesion with post-obstructive changes and apparent compression of the left main and lower bronchi, suggesting extensive hilar involvement. Bronchoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsies were nondiagnostic despite persistent airway obstruction. Surgical exploration revealed a localized intrabronchial tumour arising from the left lower lobe bronchus. A left lower sleeve lobectomy with preservation of the upper lobe was successfully performed, avoiding pneumonectomy. Histopathology confirmed a 22-mm low-grade MEC with negative margins and no nodal involvement. The postoperative recovery was favorable. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of pulmonary MEC and the value of parenchymal-sparing surgery in selected patients with central airway tumours.