Rhinoscintigraphic analysis of nasal mucociliary function in patients with Bell's palsy

Abstract

This study showed a faster MCT rate on the nonparalyzed side in Bell's palsy patients when compared to the paralyzed side and the control subjects. A compensatory mechanism could be the underlying reason for faster MCT on the nonparalyzed side. Further studies on larger patient groups are needed to investigate the effect of facial paralysis on the MCT and changes of facial nerve function on the opposite, nonparalyzed side of the face.

Nasal mucociliary clearance after extremely low frequency by scintigraphic and histopathologic evaluation

“…32 In another study, it was found using the rhinocintigraphic method that the NMTR of patients with Bell's palsy on the non-paralyzed side was statistically significantly faster compared to healthy persons and the paralyzed side of patients with Bell's palsy whose parasympathetic functions were affected. 27 In our study, rhinoscintigraphy showed that NMCR values decreased and t½ values enhanced as ELF-MFs intensity increased. Based on these results, exposure to ELF MFs may cause dose-dependent changes in parasympathetic function.…”

“…Binboga et al concluded that short‐term exposure of the chest area to ELF‐EMF could change parasympathetic innervation 32 . In another study, it was found using the rhinocintigraphic method that the NMTR of patients with Bell's palsy on the non‐paralyzed side was statistically significantly faster compared to healthy persons and the paralyzed side of patients with Bell's palsy whose parasympathetic functions were affected 27 . In our study, rhinoscintigraphy showed that NMCR values decreased and t½ values enhanced as ELF‐MFs intensity increased.…”

“…Regarding these advantages, in our study nasal MCC was evaluated by rhinoscintigraphy with Tc‐99m MAA. NMTR and NMCR could be easily calculated by visualizing the movement of the radiotracer in the nasal mucosa with the dynamic images 14,27 …”

“…NMTR and NMCR could be easily calculated by visualizing the movement of the radiotracer in the nasal mucosa with the dynamic images. 14,27 The NMTR values in healthy individuals were measured to be between 4.3 and 13.2 mm/min by using radioisotope methods. 17,28-30 Dostbil et al have demonstrated that the measurement of NMTR by using rhinoscintigraphy with Tc-99m MAA results in excellent intratest and intraobserver reproducibility and good interobserver reliability.…”