Orbital metastasis or idiopathic orbital pseudotumor? A case report from a patient previously diagnosed with primary breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer metastatic to the orbit may be difficult to distinguish from idiopathic orbital pseudotumor at clinical and radiological examination. This case report describes clinical, radiological features, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for orbital neoplasms of unknown origin. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old woman presented to our Unit because of orbital swelling, ocular pain, globe displacement, conjunctival chemosis, and progressive vision loss. The patient had been seen by an ophthalmologist at another hospital. The initial diagnosis was idiopathic orbital pseudotumor. Steroid therapy did not resolve clinical symptoms. Her medical history held decisive clues: ten years before this presentation she had been diagnosed with double primary breast cancer, invasive lobular breast carcinoma, and invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Orbital biopsy was performed for differential diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Considering the rapid onset and severity of symptoms, the radiological features of the orbit, and the patient's medical history of breast cancer, orbital metastasis should have been the most likely diagnosis. Orbital biopsy was performed because of the history of multiple primary cancers and because metastatic origin had to be determined to define the best treatment strategy. CONCLUSION: Biopsy is necessary under specific circumstances in the diagnosis of orbital metastasis, especially when presentation is ambiguous and when differential diagnosis is challenging. A patient's medical history may hold vital clues to correct diagnosis.

A comparative prospective study between the outcomes of one-stage Pelnac reconstruction and full thickness skin graft on donor site healing in the radial forearm and fibula flaps.

OBJECTIVES: Dermal substitutes are classically used in a 2-stage procedure followed by skin graft for wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the possibility to use an alternative technique for radial forearm and fibula donor sites coverage using one-stage Pelnac reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 patients who underwent radial forearm and fibula flaps harvest for reconstruction of head and neck defects after oncological surgery were enroled in the study. 13 patients were treated by one-stage Pelnac reconstruction of the donor site defect, 8 patients underwent full thickness skin graft. The Vancouver Scar Scale was used to evaluate the scar quality. RESULTS: Most patients treated with one-stage Pelnac reconstruction showed good healing of the flap donor site, with minor complications, scar quality comparable to other treatment options and unimpaired function of the implicated limb. One patient had wound dehiscence at the radial forearm site, which was treated with secondary full thickness skin graft. In the group treated with FTSG we had three patients that developed complications, such as dehiscence of the graft and seroma. Overall, we reported comparable satisfaction with donor sites both for aesthetic and functional outcomes, in both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: The use of Pelnac without a following skin graft provides a viable method for the reconstruction of radial forearm and fibula flaps donor site. A longer postoperative care is needed, but the long-term aesthetic and functional results are satisfactory in comparison with full thickness skin graft.

Orbital Exenteration in Recurrence Cancer: 5 Years Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients who underwent orbital exenteration for periorbital, conjunctival, and primary intraorbital carcinomas. Additionally, we assessed the outcomes of anterior retrograde temporalis muscle flap restoration. METHODS: For all patients who had orbital exenteration in the previous five years, a non-comparative retrospective assessment of their medical records, histology, and radiographic imaging was carried out. We investigated the relationships between the various qualitative factors using Cramer's V Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis. For each of the patient's categorical factors that were of relevance, estimates of the survival distribution were displayed, and log-rank tests were used to determine whether the survival distributions were equal. RESULTS: This study looks at 19 participants. The sample is made up of 13 men (68%) and 6 women (32%). The degree of relationship (Cramer's V index) between lymph node metastases (N) and the existence of distant metastases (M) is high, at 64%, and is statistically significant because the p-value is 0.0034 < 0.005. Lymph node metastases had a statistically significant impact on overall survival (p = 0.04 < 0.05). Thirteen of the nineteen patients tested had no palsy (68%). There was no one presenting a CSF leak. CONCLUSION: Our findings show how crucial it is to identify any lymph node involvement that orbital neoplasms may have. In patients who have received many treatments, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may be used to determine the stage and spread of the cancer. To determine whether additional tumor characteristics may be explored, more expertise in the SLNB field for patients with orbital cancer who have received many treatments may be helpful. To prevent additional scarring and to be comparable to previous techniques for facial nerve lesions, the anterior retrograde approach and the transorbital procedure for temporal muscle flap in-setting are both effective methods.

Patient-Specific Facial Implants in Polyetheretherketone and Their Stability: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a synthetic material with many favorable characteristics; PEEK implants are increasingly used for a variety of applications ranging from cranioplasty to orthopedic surgery and facial implants. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent PEEK implant placement in our department over the last 5 years. Polyetheretherketone computer-aided design and manufacture facial implants were designed from high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of each patient. The implants placed were onlay implants used for facial rehabilitation purposes to correct malformative and posttraumatic malformations. RESULTS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients (11 males and 17 females) underwent PEEK implant positioning between January 2015 and December 2020. Common indications were anterior plagiocephaly, hemifacial microsomia, and residual facial imbalance after orthognathic surgery. No complications of implant breakdown, exposure, infection, or displacement were noticed during the follow-up period. During routine controls on 3 patients, we requested a craniomaxillofacial CT scan for reasons unrelated to the implanted prostheses. The CT scans were all high resolution (<1-mm slices). The CT images indicated that bone was starting to form around the implant in all 3 patients as well as in the penetrating holes that were planned in the implants. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, computer-designed, patient-specific PEEK onlay implants are a valid option for the treatment of malformative and posttraumatic malformations. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first clinical report on bone reaction to PEEK implantation in the maxillofacial field. Moreover, based on the signs of bone regrowth that we observed in CT controls we can presume that the design of this type of prosthesis can probably take advantage of some technical stratagems not yet codified and fully exploited. Despite our preliminary favorable results, further multicentric and comparative studies are necessary to evaluate outcomes and better understand the behavior of this promising material and thus optimize its use in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Odontogenic-Related Head and Neck Infections: From Abscess to Mediastinitis: Our Experience, Limits, and Perspectives-A 5-Year Survey.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck infections are commonly caused by affections with an odontogenic origin. Untreated or non-responsive to treatment odontogenic infections can cause severe consequences such as localized abscesses, deep neck infections (DNI), and mediastinitis, conditions where emergency procedures such as tracheostomy or cervicotomy could be needed. METHODS: An epidemiological retrospective observational study was performed, and the objective of the investigation was to present a single-center 5-years retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to the emergency department of the hospital Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" with a diagnosis of odontogenic related head and neck infection, observing the epidemiological patterns, the management and the type of surgical procedure adopted to treat the affections. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 376,940 patients entered the emergency room of Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, for a total of 63,632 hospitalizations. A total of 6607 patients were registered with a diagnosis of odontogenic abscess (10.38%), 151 of the patients were hospitalized, 116 of them were surgically treated (76.8%), and 6 of them (3.9%) manifested critical conditions such as sepsis and mediastinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Even today, despite the improvement of dental health education, dental affections can certainly lead to acute conditions, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

Multidisciplinary ocular and periocular cancers meetings: implementation in a tertiary referral center and analysis over a 12-months period.

PURPOSE: The complexity of multimodal approaches in cancer management has lately led to the establishment of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) to define targeted, patient-centered treatment strategies. However, few data are available regarding the application of this approach in Ocular Oncology. Hereby, the Authors analyze the implementation and outcomes of a trained MDTB in a tertiary ocular oncology referral center. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive analysis of MDTB meetings discussing patients with ocular and periocular cancers, over a 12-months period, was carried out. Data were grouped by main site involved, topics discussed and final clinical decisions therefore taken. Meetings were held by a constant 'Core team' or - when required - by a broader 'Extended team'. RESULTS: During the observational period 86 cases were discussed. In 27 patients ocular surface tissues were involved (31%), in 25 patients orbital tissues (29%), in 22 patients eyelids (26%), and in 12 patients intraocular tissues (14%). In 13 cases (15%) naïve or referred new patients, in 34 cases (40%) imaging or histopathologic reports and in 39 cases (45%) treatment plans were discussed. Regarding final decisions, a treatment plan was scheduled in 47 cases (55%) and a diagnostic ascertainment was required in 27 patients (31%); locally advanced and/or systemic diseases were referred or teamed up with other specialists in 12 cases (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular Oncology multidisciplinary team, by sharing expertise of different specialists, ensures a comprehensive evaluation of patients improving the accuracy of diagnosis and staging upon which planning a proper treatment. Further studies are needed to assess if this approach may also improve the outcomes and prognosis of patients.

Our problems and observations in 3D facial implant planning.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional renderings of two-dimensional computed tomography data have allowed for more precise analysis in the craniofacial field. Design, engineering, architecture, and other industries have paved the way for the manipulation and printing of three-dimensional objects. The usual planning is only carried out based on the bony structures, often without taking into consideration the presence of soft tissues and soft structures. During our practice, we have found ourselves facing the challenge posed by these structures; the aim of this article is to discuss our experience in designing implants presenting our tips and tricks for a better planning leading to an easy and reliable positioning. CASE PRESENTATION: We have retrieved all patients in 5 years among those who underwent computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing implant placement in the last 5 years in order to review the eventual problems and the solutions found. A total number of 25 patients were retrieved and, among them, 10 patients were selected, in which planning inaccuracy caused difficulties during implant placement and which then led to induced changes during the planning of similar cases or in which the problems were noted before or during the planning which led to changes in the plan to address those problems. Six of the selected cases were polyetheretherketone facial implants for the correction of residual deformities in malformed or deformed patients. One case was a delayed orbital reconstruction with a titanium implant. Two cases were titanium functional and anatomical reconstruction of the mandible in patients with failed post-oncological reconstructions. There was 1 case with a mandibular ramus complex and hard-to-treat fracture. CONCLUSIONS: The planning of the implant mostly relies on hard tissue three-dimensional reconstruction, but it should not be limited at what is immediately evident. A surgeon's clinical experience should always guide the process, with knowledge of the patient's anatomy and evaluation of the quality and of the soft tissue response being taken into consideration. The implant should always be tailored not only based on the bone defect and evaluations but also using the patient's previewed and actual anatomy, evaluating eventual interferences and pitfalls.

Three-Dimensional Comparison of the Maxillary Surfaces through ICP-Type Algorithm: Accuracy Evaluation of CAD/CAM Technologies in Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aims to compare the accuracy of two different CAD/CAM systems in orthognathic surgery. The novelty of this work lies in the method of evaluating the accuracy, i.e., using an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, which matches a pair of 2D or 3D point clouds with unknown dependencies of the transition from scan s(k) to scan s(k+1). METHODS: The study population was composed of ten patients who presented to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the University "Sapienza" of Rome for the evaluation and management of skeletal malocclusions. The patients were divided into two groups, depending on the technique used: group 1: splintless group (custom-made cutting guide and plates); group 2: splint group (using a 3D-printed splint). STL files were imported into Geomagic® Control X™ software, which allows for comparison and analysis using an ICP algorithm. The RMSE parameter (3D error) was used to calculate the accuracy. In addition, data were compared in two different patient subgroups. The first subgroup only underwent a monobloc Le Fort I osteotomy (p-value = 0.02), and the second subgroup underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy associated with a segmental osteotomy of the maxilla (p-value = 0.23). RESULTS: Group 1 showed a 3D error of 1.22 mm ± SD 0.456, while group 2 showed a 3D error of 1.63 mm ± SD 0.303. These results have allowed us to compare the accuracy of the two CAD/CAM systems (p-value = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The ICP algorithm provided a reproducible method of comparison. The splintless method would seem more accurate (p-value = 0.02) in transferring the surgical programming into the operating room when only a Le Fort I osteotomy is to be performed.

Reconstruction of the mandibular symphysis: pilot study compares three different flaps.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of mandibular continuity, functionality and attempting to return to the patient's premorbid state is the ultimate goal of reconstruction. Some studies compare different flaps, but the reconstructed portions vary and there is little consensus on the best option for a particular defect. METHODS: This pilot study compares three different reconstructive options with free flaps. We will analyze the accuracy of the reconstruction, the postoperative complications related to the reconstruction, the morbidity of the donor site. This pilot study compares three different reconstructive options with free flap in the reconstruction of the mandibular symphysis: iliac crest, scapula and fibula. RESULTS: In our sample the morbidity of the donor site was overlapping, as for all three choices free from complications. In post resection edentulous patients, the fibula seems to guarantee better positioning, while in patients with residual occlusion the iliac crest seems to allow a more congruous repositioning. The fibula seems to have a superiority over the other flaps in terms of accuracy in all types of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the most recent work on the accuracy of CAD/CAM, we have analyzed the error in the reconstruction of a specific segment and in the repositioning of the residual mandibular component without the use of guided computer programming.

Influence of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on the incidence of facial trauma in a tertiary care hospital in Rome, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Italy has been the first affected country in the western hemisphere by SARS-CoV-2 with over 200,000 cases during the first months of the pandemics. To control the spread of the virus, the whole country was placed under lockdown with limitations in the circulation of people and vehicles from March 2020 to the first half of the month of May. METHODS: We aimed to analyze the incidence and type of facial traumas referred to our tertiary care hospital during the months of Italy lockdown due to SARS-CoV-2 spread compared with those during the same months of 2019 to determine eventual variations in the incidence, type and causes of trauma. RESULTS: During the 2 months of COVID-19-related lockdown, a dramatic decrease in facial trauma patients was observed at our tertiary care hospital with a shift toward older age ranges. Regarding the causes of trauma, the largest percentage reduction was found in road, sports and work accidents; this percentage reduction was not found in aggressions. CONCLUSIONS: A small increase in the percentage was also found regarding surgical indications, likely because more severe cases were more prone to be referred to the hospital despite the fear of being infected.

Patient First: Surgery First and More.

INTRODUCTION: The success of surgery first approach has been defined by the number of advantages offered and is definitively determined by the satisfaction of the patients themselves. The strength of this protocol resides in its philosophy that puts the patient at the center of the whole diagnostic-therapeutic process. The compliance of the patient, its happiness and comfort are the best guarantee of a good final results. While pursuing this philosophy we have wondered whether there was way to increase the comfort of surgery first approach even more and to make it even more appealing for the patients. For these reasons, we have decided to work on a preliminary protocol in order to reduce or even eliminate the use of orthodontic braces and wires during perioperative stages. Materials and Methods: No orthodontic braces or wires are bonded on the teeth before surgery. Intraoperatory intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is carried out with the use of IMF screws which are positioned at the beginning of the operation on the edge between keratinized and nonkeratinized gingiva. Once the osteotomies are performed IMF with IMF screws is carried out on the planned occlusion with the use of surgical splints.Discussion and Conclusions: In selected cases the postsurgical orthodontic treatment can be carried out with the use of clear aligners, completely eliminating the need of braces and wires with an additional level of comfort.

Functional Upper Airway Space Endoscopy: A Prognostic Indicator in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment with Mandibular Advancement Devices.

PURPOSE: The use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a consolidated therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of awake upper airways (UA) functional endoscopy in identifying the outcome of MAD therapy. METHODS: This observational prospective study included 30 adult OSA patients, all patients underwent pre-treatment awake UA functional endoscopy, during the exam subjects were instructed to advance their mandible maximally, and they were divided into three different groups according to the response of the soft tissue, group A (expansion), group B (stretch), group C (unchanged). The results of this test were used in combination with other noninvasive indexes to predict the treatment outcome in terms of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction. RESULTS: We found that a substantial AHI reduction occurred in group A and group B while e slight AHI reduction was measured in group C. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience the awake UA endoscopy is a valid prognostic exam for discriminating responder and non-responder patients; in addition our results indicate the possibility of predicting a range of post-treatment AHI index values.

Secondary Rhinoplasty in Binder Syndrome: Considerations and Management of Complex Problem With Heterologous Bone Graft.

ABSTRACT: Binder Syndrome occurs in less than 1 per 10,000 live births. Mean features of the syndrome include arhinoid face, abnormal position of the nasal bones, intermaxillary hypoplasia with associated malocclusion, reduced or absent anterior nasal spine, atrophy of the nasal mucosa and absence of the frontal sinus. Treatment of these facial deformities is obviously surgical. In the present work, the authors describe, step by step, their technique in secondary rhinoplasty in a 36-years-old patient affected by Binder Syndrome. In this case, the authors used autologous cartilage graft and heterologous bone graft.Satisfying results are achieved in 12 months of follow-up: graft resorption is acceptable, position of the graft is stable, the authors have no signs of infection and the patient is satisfied with the aesthetical and functional results. The authors believe that the first option, in complex nose's reconstruction, is the use of autologous grafts but, the use of cartilage heterologous bone graft should be taken in account, in the future, as a secondary option in Binder Syndrome and in malformed patients.

Endoscopy-Assisted Intraoral Removal of Elongated Styloid Process: Mini-Invasive Surgical Treatment of Eagle Syndrome.

The aim of this work is to illustrate a transoral mini-invasive approach to safely remove elongated styloid process in Eagle syndrome. A 34-year-old Asian male came to our center referring pharyngeal and cervical pain on the right side on swallowing and opening the mouth. Computed tomography showed elongation of the right styloid process. Surgical removal was performed through endoscopy-assisted intraoral approach using a pituitary curette to perform dissection and piezosurgery for the osteotomy. Surgical intervention was completed in 25 minutes. Postoperative period was uneventful except for transient (12 hours) right facial palsy that resolved spontaneously. Two months after surgery, patient referred resolution of symptoms. This technique is easy to perform and permits to obtain good result with reduction of surgical time and with low risk of complication.

Fascia Lata Harvesting: The Donor Site Closure Morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: Fascia lata (FL) is a worldwide adopted source of autologous grafts. In our Department, the endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal surgery (EETS) has been performed regularly for anterior and middle cranial fossa lesions, and FL graft has commonly been a practical resource in repairing tissue defects after EETS.Enough, we used routinely harvesting FL to restore symmetry in facial palsy. To our known, this is the biggest case series about FL harvesting to repare tissue defects after EET. The purpose of our study was to evaluate our experience with the harvesting of FL, in particularly the donor site morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study case series, which evaluated by questionnaire the morbidity of FL donr site. METHODS: The details of 44 patients were analyzed from 2011 to 2016. Thirty-eight patients needed cranial base reconstruction and 6 patients needed facial reanimation. RESULTS: Adequate length of FL was harvested in all our patients. There were no intraoperative complications. We did not use drain in any case. We analyzed 18 women (40%) and 26 men (59.9%). The estimated median age at presentation was 51.53. CONCLUSION: For little FL's gap, diameter until 3 × 6 cm, it's possible to suture FL's margin with Nylon, but for bigger gap it's necessary to reconstruct with allograft to avoid muscle bulge or compartmental syndrome.

Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic-Assisted Sinus Augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to evaluate endoscopic-assisted technique by lateral approach for sinus floor augmentation, to reduce the incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforation, and to guarantee a sufficient apposition of new bone even in the posterior maxillary sinus. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2017, 10 patients affected by severe maxillary atrophy underwent endoscopic-assisted sinus augmentation using a lateral approach. RESULTS: In only 1 patient, a little perforation of sinus membrane was observed intraoperatively and it was repaired. No abnormal postoperative bleeding was observed. None of the patients experienced oro-antral fistula, infection, or V2 dysesthesia. The authors did not find radiologic evidences of biomaterial displaced on the maxillary sinus or postoperative sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: The authors evaluated endoscopic-assisted maxillary sinus augmentation technique using a lateral approach that allows a direct and clear view of the surgical field. This technique, as the preliminary results demonstrate, is safe and helpful, especially in avoiding membrane perforation and in xenograft optimal distribution. It could be very useful in retreatment patients.

Rare Complication in Third Maxillary Molar Extraction: Dislocation in Infratemporal Fossa.

AIM: Removal of impacted third maxillary molar is frequently carried out without difficulties and low rate of intraoperative complications. The rare and particularly challenger to manage it is the third molar dislocation into the infratemporal fossa (IF). In this clinical report, the authors present their solution to manage and resolve this particular complication. METHODS: A 28-year-old woman was referred to the emergency rescue unit of the authors' hospital by her dentistry, after the attempt to extract the left impacted maxillary third molar. During the procedure the tooth accidentally dislodged and was lost sight of it. The patient had significant mouth-opening limitation, omolateral mid face swelling and pain. Computer tomography was immediately performed to determine the exact position of the tooth, showing the dental element dislocated into the IF. RESULTS: Considering all of possible complications the best surgical option must guarantee a direct approach and a constant eye contact of the tooth, even in case of further displacement during the procedure, and allow early surgery. The authors used an endoscopic transoral approach through the preexisted access and solved all the issues reducing morbidity. CONCLUSION: Removing tooth from the IF could be burdened by serious risk of bleeding and/or nerve injury. The endoscopic approach provides direct view of the IF reducing morbidity.

Microsurgical SCIA/SIEA flap for facial contour correction in patient with hemifacial microsomia.

AIM: We propose our experience in soft tissue reconstruction in Hemifacial microsomia using a free fascioadiposal flap. MATERIAL OF STUDY: Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital disorder characterized by craniofacial malformation of one or both sides of the lower face. A 18-year-old female presented with hemifacial microsomia involving the left side. A free SCIA/SIEA fascioadiposal flap was transferred to the left face for soft tissue augmentation. RESULTS: The immediate postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, with no complication and adequate augmentation in contour deformity was achieved. One year after the procedure, the patient presented a good resolution of the deformity with improved facial symmetry DISCUSSION: Reconstruction for facial contour deformities is still a challenging process and treatment for most cases is achieved only by soft tissue augmentation. Several microsurgical flaps have been proposed for restoration of facial asymmetry and improvement of facial volume and contour in these patients: deltopectoral, parascapular, anterolateral thigh, groin and deep inferior epigastric. This article reports our experience in facial soft tissue reconstruction with microsurgical superficial circumflex iliac artery/superficial inferior epigastric artery (SCIA/SIEA) fascioadiposal flap transfer in patient with HFM. This flap, which has a dual blood vascularization and pliant soft tissue, can provide an ideal treatment for soft tissue augmentation in hemifacial microsomia with optimal aesthetic results both in the face and at the donor site. CONCLUSION: The free SCIA/SIEA fascioadiposal flap is a optimal choise option for soft tissue reconstruction with good esthetical outcome both in the face and at the donor site. KEY WORDS: Facial augmentation, Free flaps, Free SCIA/SIEA flap, Hemifacial microsomia.