Frank I. Marlowe

The laryngeal mucocele imaging analysis of a rare lesion

Four patients with laryngeal mucocele (fluid-filled laryngocele) are described. Two laryngeal mucoceles were external, lying outside the thyrohyoid membrane, and two were combined, lying both internal and external to the membrane. The combined laryngeal mucoceles presented with both neck mass and hoarseness. The external lesions and one combined lesion were diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. Another combined lesion had the benefit of CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to exploration. All were homogeneously hypodense at CT with rim enhancement only in the case of the laryngopyocele. The mucocele evaluated with MRI had homogeneously long T1 and T2 relaxation times similar to cerebrospinal fluid.

Cystic metastasis from occult tonsillar primary simulating branchiogenic carcinoma: The case for tonsillectomy as a “grand biopsy.”

The occult primary is a problem well known to head and neck surgeons. Less frequently discussed, but well documented, is cystic degeneration of metastatic nodes. When these conditions combine, they can suggest tumor arising in a pre‐existing cervical cyst. This is a controversial condition, rare if it occurs at all, and is not to be invoked lightly.

External auditory canal dysplasia: CT evaluation

Dysplasias of the external auditory canal can be evaluated with high resolution CT using proper technique. Images are studied to determine the type of atresia (membranous or bony) nnd the thickness of the associated atretic plate (if present). Other findings sought include the degree of pneumatization, the status of the fenestrae, the size of the tympanic cavity, and the location of both the mandibular condyle and the facial nerve canal.

High-resolution computed tomography of the major salivary glands: Current status

At our institution, computed tomography is the procedure of choice for evaluation of suspected mass lesions of the major salivary glands. It affords exact anatomic localization of a mass and allows simultaneous examination of the contralateral gland and other regional structures of importance in salivary gland disease. Intravenous contrast medium enhancement is always utilized; however, concomitant sialography has never been necessary. Regional anatomy of the salivary glands with respect to computed tomography imaging and clinical material demonstrating its efficacy are presented. The neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases affecting the salivary glands are reviewed.

Giant osteoma of the mastoid

Giant osteoma of the mastoid is a rare benign neoplasm that produces symptoms by encroachment on adjacent structures. An unusual feature of this case was impending encroachment on the main trunk of the facial nerve.

Treatment of tracheal stenosis: An unusual complication

Reports on the subject of tracheal stenosis and its treatment have appeared with increasing frequency of late. Such treatment, in a recent case resulted in an unusual complication, and necessitated management of an unusual foreign body.