Rutt, Amy L.

Abstract Objective Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residency remains highly competitive, with persistent disparities in applicant representation. This study presents a cross‐sectional analysis of OHNS residency and faculty demographics using 2025 program rosters, evaluating degree type (MD vs DO), geographic distribution, and leadership influence. Study Design A cross‐sectional review. Setting All US ACGME‐accredited OHNS residency programs, with data collected in 2024 to 2025. Methods Demographic data were collected on OHNS faculty and residents, including post‐graduate year (PGY) 1 through PGY5 trainees at the time of data collection, corresponding to entry years from 2020 to 2024 across all US ACGME‐accredited residency programs. Data was extracted from official program websites, FREIDA, ACGME, NRMP, and social media. Programs with incomplete data, those using the military match, and non‐accredited sites were excluded. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 tests, and correlation analyses were performed ( p < .05). Results Of 131 programs, 125 were analyzed at the program level and 121 at the faculty level. DO residents were concentrated in Michigan (59%), Ohio (50%), and Oklahoma (50%). DO representation correlated with DO faculty ( r = .82, p < .0001), DO program director ( r = .95, p < .0001), and former AOA program designation ( r = .92, p < .0001). A negative correlation existed between program size and DO resident ( r = –.4, p < .0001). Conclusion Despite growing diversity following the single accreditation system, disparities persist in OHNS. DO residents remain underrepresented and geographically concentrated, with representation strongly associated with osteopathic faculty presence, program leadership, and prior AOA affiliation.

Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal symptoms (LPS) refer to aerodigestive complaints that may result from the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the upper aerodigestive tract. These symptoms may be under-recognised in populations exposed to mechanical or environmental stressors. Divers may be at increased risk due to factors such as pressure changes and body positioning. This study characterised the prevalence and severity of LPS among divers and identified associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was distributed to members of the Divers Alert Network (DAN). Collected data included demographics, diving-related behaviours, medical history, and LPS burden measured using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Results: Of the 309 survey responses analysed, 47.2% were male with a median age of 50.0 years (IQR: 40.0−60.0). Among 291 divers with complete RSI data, 26.1% (95% CI, 21.4–31.5%) had abnormal RSI scores, representing a +16.0 percentage-point increase (95% CI, 11.3%−21.4%) over non-diving population estimates (P &#x0003C; 0.001). In multivariable analysis, female sex (adjusted prevalence rate [aPR] 1.59, 95% CI 1.07–2.37) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) history (aPR 1.75, 95% CI 1.16–2.65) were independent predictors. Recreational divers had a lower risk (aPR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.90). Approximately 5% of respondents described their symptoms as life-threatening. Conclusions: Divers may represent an under-recognised population at elevated risk for LPS. Female sex and GERD history were associated with greater symptom burden, while recreational diving appeared less provocative compared to technical diving. These findings may have implications for risk stratification and symptom management in the diving community.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the connection between symptom burden and sexual quality of life in women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). iSGS is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder involving progressive airway narrowing and respiratory distress. While the impact on physical functioning is well‐established, the influence of iSGS on sexual health, a key component of quality of life, remains unexplored. Study Design Anonymized cross‐sectional survey using validated questionnaires. Setting Online international iSGS support group (Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis). Methods The Dyspnea Index (DI), the Female Sexual Quality of Life (SQOL‐F) questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Health Survey (SF‐36) were distributed to an iSGS support group. Only complete responses were analyzed. Associations between DI and sexual quality of life were evaluated using correlation and linear regression. Median‐based symptom burden groupings were used for secondary descriptive comparisons. Results 682 completed all items in the assigned questionnaires and met inclusion criteria. DI scores were inversely correlated with SQOL‐F (Rho = −0.305, P < .001). SQOL‐F was consistently lower among those with high symptom burden across nearly all items; only partner communication showed no difference. Each one‐point increase in DI predicted a 0.61‐point decrease in SQOL‐F ( B = −0.609, P < .001). High‐burden patients also reported significantly lower SF‐36 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Scores. Conclusions Greater airway symptom burden in iSGS is associated with significantly diminished sexual and general health‐related quality of life. These findings reinforce a need for patient‐centered care that considers both physical and psychosocial well‐being.

Objectives To compare patients’ perception of their degree of subglottic stenosis to their endoscopic exam findings, Clinical Dyspnea Questionnaire, and peak flow results. Study Design Prospective Multi-Institutional. Setting Tertiary Care Clinic. Methods A study of 50 patients comparing patients’ perception of their degree of subglottic stenosis to their endoscopic exam findings. All patients filled out a Clinical Dyspnea Questionnaire and a 10-point scale reflecting their perceived degree of stenosis in 10% intervals. Surgeons filled out the same scale based on measurements from the patients’ exam. Accuracy was defined as +/-1 on a 10-point scale. Pulmonary function testing, number of dilation procedures undergone, cause of stenosis, and demographic information were collected. Results Data complete for 49/50 patients. 48 (98%) were female, 47 (97.9%) Caucasian, 44 (89.8%) had idiopathic subglottic stenosis, and 28 (58.3%) had Grade I subglottic stenosis on the Cotton-Meyer scale. Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.67 indicating moderate correlation overall but 0.88, or high correlation, for those with normal Body Mass Index. Increased Dyspnea Index scores and higher Body Mass Index were correlated with decreased accuracy. Number of previous procedures was not correlated with accuracy. Higher Body Mass Index was correlated with increased dyspnea and lower peak flow volume. Conclusion Patients with normal Body Mass Index have strong predictive accuracy regarding their degree of subglottic stenosis. Better dyspnea scores were correlated with improved accuracy. There is no standard consensus on subglottic stenosis patient follow up. Prior studies have looked at using peak flow meters and validated questionnaires to monitor symptoms.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) may arise from both mechanical and inflammatory airway injury. Patients with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) are uniquely vulnerable, due to both direct effects of systemic inflammation and indirect effects of repeated intubation for anaphylaxis that can converge to cause life-threatening airway compromise. We describe a sentinel case of a 34-year-old female with MCAS and multiple prior intubations who presented with progressive dyspnea. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed grade III SGS. She underwent urgent endoscopic intervention, including balloon dilation, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser radial incisions, and steroid injection. Airway patency was restored, and postoperative care focused on optimizing systemic mast cell control with cromolyn, fexofenadine, montelukast, and omalizumab. Literature review supports a mechanistic role for mast cell mediators in airway fibrosis and impaired wound healing, compounding the effects of mechanical trauma in MCAS. This sentinel case highlights clinically significant risk of SGS in patients with MCAS. By integrating case findings with mechanistic insights, this report underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary awareness, proactive airway evaluation, and research into surveillance and prevention strategies in MCAS and related disorders. Level of Evidence: Level V/Case Report and Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT Objectives To critically evaluate clinical and voice‐related outcomes of in‐office serial intralesional steroid injection (SILSI) in adults diagnosed with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). Data Sources MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Ultimate, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov . Review Methods A systematic search of databases was conducted from inception through April 5, 2025. Studies eligible for inclusion must have reported on adult SILSI recipients undergoing management of iSGS. Articles were independently screened and reviewed by two authors for treatment variables including steroid protocol, clinical outcomes, respiratory function, vocal outcomes, and complications. Results Of 383 studies identified, 14 met inclusion criteria ( n = 371). Triamcinolone was the most commonly used agent in 10 studies. Steroid dosage, number of treatment sessions, and injection interval varied widely across studies. Improvements in surgery‐free interval, peak expiratory flow, dyspnea index, degree of stenosis, and voice‐related outcomes were observed in several studies. No major complications were reported in the included studies. Conclusion Current evidence suggests SILSI represents a promising adjunctive therapy in the treatment of iSGS, with improvement noted across several measures. However, significant variability in steroid treatment regimens and inconsistent reporting of outcomes complicate interpretations of efficacy.

ABSTRACT Background Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) occasionally affects women of childbearing age. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment, yet limited research exists on factors influencing disease severity. This study explores the impact of hormonal contraception on iSGS recurrence rates and surgery‐free intervals. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary academic care center. Patients using hormonal birth control (e.g., estrogen‐progesterone pills, progesterone implants) during their first procedure were classified in “Birth Control (BC)” group, while those not using contraceptives were placed in “No Birth Control (NBC)” group. Poisson regression evaluated recurrence rates, and Mann–Whitney tests assessed surgery‐free intervals. Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated time to first recurrence, adjusting for age and follow‐up duration. Results Twenty‐six patients were in the NBC group and 12 in the BC group (average ages 37 and 34, respectively). Patients in the NBC group were 2.6 times more likely to experience recurrence compared to those in the BC group ( p = 0.001). The expected number of recurrences for the BC group was 0.4 times that of the NBC group (95% CI: 0.2–0.7; p = 0.001). Furthermore, patients taking birth control were significantly less likely to have a first recurrence (HR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.9; p = 0.025) and had longer times to first recurrence (Figure 1; p = 0.031). Conclusions Birth control appears to protect against iSGS severity, potentially through hormonal mechanisms. Hormonal contraception may serve as a non‐surgical alternative for managing iSGS. Future prospective studies may evaluate outcomes in newly diagnosed iSGS patients started on birth control compared to those not using hormonal contraceptives. Level of Evidence 3.