Ana Eyal

Non-EPI DW MRI in planning the surgical approach to primary and recurrent cholesteatoma.

Objective To investigate a correlation between preoperative non-echo planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (non-EPI DW MRI) with surgical findings of localization and extension of cholesteatoma and to develop criteria for surgical planning. Patients Preoperative non-EPI DWMRI was available and positive for cholesteatoma in 27 patients with primary and 23 with residual/recurrent lesions. Interventions Patients with cholesteatoma limited to the middle ear and its extensions were managed with a transcanal endoscopic approach. Patients with extension of the cholesteatoma posteriorly to the lateral semicircular canal underwent retroauricular mastoidectomy combined with an endoscopic approach. Main Outcome Measure Comparison of preoperative radiologic to surgical findings. Results DWI showed isolated tympanic and attic extension in 33 cases and attico-antral and mastoid extension in 17 cases. MRI findings correlated with surgical findings in all patients with primary cholesteatoma, 19 of whom were managed with a transcanal endoscopic approach and 8 with endoscope-assisted ear surgery. The transcanal endoscopic approach was applied in 14 of the patients with residual/recurrent cholesteatoma, and the other 9 residual/recurrent lesions were eradicated using endoscope-assisted mastoidectomy. DWI overestimated cholesteatoma sites in 1 patient with residual lesion. The smallest cholesteatoma detected on DWI was a 3-mm lesion in the middle ear over the facial nerve. Conclusion Primary and residual/recurrent cholesteatoma was accurately detected on non-EPI DWI with 98% clinical and radiologic concordance. Lesions less than 8 mm confined to the middle ear and its extensions can be eradicated with a minimally invasive endoscopic transcanal technique, whereas endoscope-assisted retroauricular mastoidectomy is preferred for larger lesions.

Intracranial Complications following Mastoidectomy

Mastoidectomy is a common surgical procedure in otology. However, postoperative complications of various degrees of severity may occur. We present4 children who underwent mastoidectomy for middle ear and mastoid disease and developed postoperative intracranial complications. One child was operated on for brain abscess 1 week after the initial mastoidectomy. Another child appeared with seizures 5 days after the initial mastoidectomy and a subdural empyema was drained during revision surgery. Large bone defects with exposed middle cranial fossa dura were found at revision surgery in both cases and Proteus vulgaris and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the mastoid and abscess cavities in these children. A small epidural collection was diagnosed in the third patient 2 days after initial mastoid surgery and was managed with intravenous antibiotics only. The other child was found to have sigmoid sinus thrombosis the day after mastoidectomy that was performed for nonresponsive acute mastoiditis. This child received both intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants. Timely revision surgery, combinations of third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins with vancomycin or metronidazole and the addition of anticoagulants in cases of sinus thrombosis can lead to full recovery.

Dentact for Evaluating Mandibular and Maxillary Invasion in Cancer of the Oral Cavity

We used a retrospective analysis of charts, imaging studies, and histologic findings when available in 17 patients with cancer of the oral cavity to define the value of DentaCT or multiplanar reformation software in assessing bony involvement by malignant tumors of the oral cavity. From two academic tertiary-referral medical centers, the 17 patients had a mean age of 63 years and suspected maxillary (2) or mandibular (15) invasion. All patients had conventional computed tomography scanning and multiplanar reformation scans with several additional imaging studies obtained. Two patients demonstrated no bony involvement by imaging and histologic studies. Twelve of the remaining 15 patients had surgically documented bony involvement also correctly detected by DentaCT. DentaCT was found to be a valuable tool in defining extent of bony invasion by tumor. Although not compared to other imaging modalities, our experience supports the use of DentaCT where available for this purpose.

Pulmonary function after pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest.

Objective The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is widely used in the reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck region. Pulmonary atelectasis has been reported in patients undergoing these procedures, and many of these patients are heavy smokers and drinkers and have associated cardiopulmonary disorders. Flap harvest and donor site closure may lead to impairment of pulmonary function before and after the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMC) in surgical reconstruction in patients with cancer of the head and neck.

Chordoma of the Cervical Spine

INTRODUCTION Chordoma is a slow-growing, localized neoplasm arising from the remains of the embryonic notochord. This is a rare tumor, representing at most 5% of all malignant tumors of bone, and demonstrates a large spectrum of biological behavior. Chordoma may be found in several sites: the sacrococcygeal region, the spheno-occipital region, and the mobile spine. The female-to-male ratio is approximately 1:2.

Novel Anatomic Characteristics of the Laryngeal Framework A Computed Tomography Evaluation

Objective The thyroid cartilage (TC) in men has a more prominent thyroid notch and a narrower interlaminae angle (ILA) as compared with women. Anatomy textbooks classically stipulate that the ILA is 90° in men and 120° in women. Our observation, based on thyroid chondroplasty operations, of a much narrower angle led to the current investigation. Study Design Cohort imaging study. Setting Tertiary academic referral center. Subjects and Methods Computed tomography angiography neck images of adult patients were studied. The ILA was measured on 2 axial planes: at the level of the vocal processes (and the upper portion of thyroarytenoid muscles) and 5 mm superior and parallel to the former. The anterior projection of the TC and the vertical dimensions of the midline cricothyroid membrane (CTM) were also measured. Results A total of 126 patients were included in the study. The average ILAs were 63.5°±20.6° and 93.3°±16.6° for men and women, respectively (P < 10−14), and were significantly narrower at the upper level in comparison with the vocal process level (P < 10−7 for men, P = .004 for women). The anterior projection of the TC in men was more prominent as compared with women (P = .0003) and significantly correlated with the ILA (P = .0159). The length of the midline CTM was 11.1±2.3 mm in men and 10.3±1.7 mm in women (P = .0355). Conclusions The ILA is narrower than that reported in the classic anatomy textbooks. In male patients, the upper part of the TC becomes narrower and projects anteriorly like a “jug’s spout.” The mean vertical dimension of the midline CTM was 10 to 11 mm.

The anatomical evolution of the thyroid cartilage from childhood to adulthood: A computed tomography evaluation

To enhance knowledge and understanding of the laryngeal framework maturation in different age groups and genders.