Pierpaolo Purpura

Imaging evaluation of facial complex strut fractures.

High-resolution multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reformations and 3-D postprocessing often provides the detail necessary for preoperative assessment of facial injuries. Maxillofacial fractures are classified in the following manner: upper face fractures, midface fractures (the most frequent), Le Fort fractures, and lower face or mandible fractures. The facial skeleton is a framework of vertical and horizontal buttresses that ensures a better resistance to trauma, but serves also as reference for maxillofacial surgery to restore facial size and shape. Radiologists should know how to diagnose and report the main types of facial fracture.

Unilateral laryngeal and hypoglossal paralysis (Tapia's syndrome) in a patient with an inflammatory pseudotumor of the neck

Tapia’s syndrome (TS) is a rare condition thought tobe causedby njury to the extracranial course of both recurrent laryngeal branch f the vagal nerve and hypoglossal nerve. First described in 1904, t occurs with unilateral paralysis of the vocal cord and tongue, ith normal function of the soft palate. Commonly reported causes re direct trauma, neurofibromatosis of X and XII nerves, carotid rtery dissection involving the ascending pharyngeal artery, and isplacement of endotracheal tube during general anesthesia [1].