Pneumosinus dilatans: experiencia clínica y revisión del tema / Pneumosinus dilatans: clinical experience and literature review

Se presentan dos casos clínicos del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología (SORL) del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau (HBLT) con diagnóstico de Pneumosinus dilatans (PD). El PD es una rara condición, que se presenta como una dilatación anormal de uno o varios senos paranasales (SP) sin evidencia de compromiso óseo ni mucoso, que se asocia a dolor y deformidad facial. La tomografía computada (TC) permite hacer el diagnóstico; el tratamiento es quirúrgico y está orientado a descomprimir el o los SP comprometidos; con lo anterior se logra la erradicación del dolor, pero la deformidad facial persiste.

Two clinical cases with a diagnosis of pneumosinus dilatans (PD) from the Servicio de Otorrinolaringología (SORL) of Hospital Barros Lucos-Trudeau (HBLT) are presented. PD is a rare condition in which an abnormal enlargement of one or several paranasal sinuses (PS) is present, with no evidence of bone or mucosa involvement. It is associated with facial pain and deformity. Diagnosis is based on CT scan; treatment is surgical and it is oriented to decompress the PS involved, eradicating pain but with a persisting facial deformity.

El coordinador de trasplantes: su importancia en el procuramiento de órganos en Chile / Transplant coordinator: it importance in the organ procurement in Chile

El coordinador de transplante ha sido definido como: la persona que facilita el transplanta, desde la pesquisa del donante hasta el implante del órgano. Desde la década del 70 que su perfíl profesional se ha ido definiendo progresivamente para haberse constituido en una subespecialidad dentro de los profesionales de la salud. Es una persona que conoce todas las estapas del procuramiento de órganos, sirve de nexo entre los diversos profesionales involucrados y desarrolla importantes actividades de promoción y educación sobre la donación y el transplante de órganos. El objetivo de esta revisión fue conocer cuál ha sido la importancia a nivel nacional. Desde 1992 en adelante la red de coordinadores se ha incrementado de 1 a 18 profesionales. El número de donantes potenciales y efectivos se ha casi cuadruplicado (32 donantes efectivos en 1992; 132 donantes efectivos en 1999). En aquellos centros, en los cuales estos coordinadores son más activos (9 centros nacionales) se obtiene el mayor número de procuramiento y, en conjunto, suman más de 2/3 del total nacional. La proporción de donantes potenciales versus donantes efectivos se ha mantenido estable en este período. El número de transplantes de órganos sólidos en Chile también se ha cuadruplicado (de 75 en 1992 a 300 en 1999). A futuro esta red debe incrementarse a todos los hospitales clase A del país

Retromolar trigone tumors: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with pathological data.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) images to establish both the T stage and the relationships between the tumors and the surrounding structures in retromolar trigone tumors. Twenty-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone were examined by MR with a superconductive scanner operating at 1.5T. The study was performed with spin-echo (SE) T1 and T2 and short SE T1 sequences (TR 180 ms, TE 15 ms) after the administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA). The mandible was studied with SE T1 weighted sequences and GE sequences. The results were compared with the pathological data on the T stage (TNM classification) and the involvement of the surrounding structures. A positive correlation was found in 19 of the 22 patients with an accuracy of 86%. In one patient, the lesion was classified as T1 by MR which, at surgery, resulted being T4, given the infiltration of the cortical mandible (this infiltration was too limited). In another, the MR showed a T4 lesion because of the presence of low signal intensity in the mandibular marrow with enhancement after the Gd-DTPA injection without cortical erosion, while pathological data revealed a T2 lesion (this signal intensity was secondary to inflammation). In another case, the lesion was classified as T1 by MR which, at surgery, proved to be a T2 lesion. In assessing the involvement of the surrounding structures. MR showed a high accuracy, specificity and sensitivity (> 90%). Five false positive cases were observed: in two because of infiltration of the masseter muscle and in the other three, because of infiltration to the pterigoid muscle, mandible and tonsillar bed, respectively, due to the close contact between the tumors and the surrounding structures. Only one false negative case was observed with infiltration of the mandibular marrow. In evaluating the low signal intensity of the mandibular marrow, the accuracy of MR was 87% the specificity 77% and the sensitivity 100%. In one case, perineural spread along the mandibular nerve was found. In conclusion, MR proved to be highly accurate to study the T stage and examine the relationships between the surrounding structures in cases of retromolar trigone tumors.

Procuramiento de órganos para trasplante: la realidad de los años 1993 y 1994 / Supply of organs for transplant: the reality of 1993 and 1994

El procuramiento de órganos es un procedimiento difícil y complejo que consume tiempo y produce gran tensión sicológica. El donante potencial de órganos es un individuo con muerte encefálica con criterios diagnósticos bien establecidos. Las estadísticas internacionales demuestran que los países con programas bien organizados y financiados obtienen entre 10 - 20 donantes efectivos por millón de habitantes por año. Nuestro país está lejos de estas cifras. El objetivo de la presentación es mostrar lo sucedido entre los años 93-94 en Chile. Se pesquizan 253 donantes potenciales de los cuales hubo 124 efectivos. Más del 50 por ciento son hombres que fallecen de TEC abierto o cerrado. La principal causa de pérdida de donantes es la negativa familiar (40,38 por ciento). La solicitud de donación es el principal aspecto que se debe mejorar en la actualidad.

Cuantificación de las deficiencias en el procuramiento de órganos en Chile: años 1993 y 1994 / Quantify of deficiences in organ provision in Chile: 1993 and 1994 years

Debe considerarse como donante potencial a cualquier individuo con daño neurológico grave o que está en muerte encefálica. Los criterios de inclusión y exclusión están bien establecidos. En Chile esta actividad es aún deficiente por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar las deficiencias en algunas etapas. Se efectuó un análisis de todos los protocolos de registro de donantes potenciales que se avisó a la ASODI y a la CNFT durante 1993 y 1994. Los resultados demuestran que sólo 2 áreas de Santiago se acerca a la pesquisa de 45 donantes potenciales por millón de habitantes por año. Las deficiencias en el resto de la Región Metropolitana y el país supera el 80 por ciento. El 40,38 por ciento de los donantes potenciales se pierde por la negativa familiar. De los 110 donantes efectivos en este período, el mayor número de órganos procurados e implantados fueron riñón y córneas. Para lograr que esta actividad mejore deben solucionarse en diversos grados las deficiencias de todas las etapas

[Plasmacytomas of the head and neck]. / I plasmocitomi della testa e del collo.

Neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells results in a population of immunologically homogeneous cells that can produce diffuse (multiple myeloma) or localized (extramedullary plasmacytomas and solitary plasmacytoma of bone) disease. In otorhinolaryngologic literature these neoplasms are rarely described and their nosological arrangement is often confused. The presence of a plasma cell neoplasm can be a surprise and sometimes a diagnostic challenge to the head and neck surgeon. Proper management of such lesions needs to be individualized according to their expected biologic behaviour. The recent observation of a case of maxillary sinus plasmacytoma suggested the Authors to carefully review the literature, drawing their attention mainly on the current histogenetic hypotheses and their consequences in therapeutic strategy. The correct diagnostic procedure is also explained, highlighting the difficulties due to both the protean nature of the disease and the still existing nosological confusion. The possibility of a plasma cell tumour should be never forgotten in presence of an head and neck neoplasm. Because these neoplasms may signal the presence of multiple mieloma, full evaluation is required to exclude disseminated disease. In light of recent histogenetic acquisitions it is suggested that extramedullary plasmacytomas can be classified among the so-called "mucosa-associated" lymphomas. Possible following differences in therapeutic approach and long-term follow-up are also indicated, stressing the role of surgery in managing these disorders. Surgical excision of extramedullary plasmacytomas followed by complementary radiotherapy on the site of tumour is proposed as the best treatment for these kind of neoplasms. This is in opposition with "classical" statement considering radiotherapy the only treatment for this kind of disorders.

Prevalência de doença oclusiva na bifurcaçäo carotídea em pacientes portadores de aterosclerose periférica / Prevalence of carotid lesion in patients with perpheral atherosclerosis

A aterosclerose é uma doença que produz lesöes em diversas localizaçöes nas artérias centrais e periféricas. Essas lesöes ocorrem algumas vezes de forma concomitante, produzindo insuficiência arterial nos territórios irrigados pelas artérias comprometidas. O presente estudo tem por finalidade demonstrar a frequência de lesöes ateroscleróticas em território carotídeo em pacientes portadores de insuficiência arterial periférica (IAPC) de causa aterosclerótica. Foram examinados através de Duplex Ultraom 68 pacientes (136 bifurcaçòes carotídeas). As lesöes foram classificadas em severas (estenoses com 80 por cento ou mais de reduçäo em diâmetro da artéria), moderadas (estenose com 50 a 80 por cento de reduçäo do diâmetro arterial) ou mínimas (estenoses com reduçäo de diâmetro menor que 50 por cento) de acordo com os critérios padronizados. Os resultados foram corralcionados com angiografia digital. A correlaçäo entre os exames Duplex e a angografia apresentou sensibilidade de 90 por cento e especificdde de 100 por cento. Encontramos 7,35 por cento de pacientes portadores de lesöes severas e 16,17 por cento com lesöes moderadas. Tem sido claramente demonstrado na literatura que estas säo as lesöes que potencialmente podem causar ataques isquêmicos transitórios (AIT), acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos (AVCIs) e amaurose fugax. Tendo-se em vista a morbidade das lesöes que potencialmente podem causar ataques isquêmicos transitórios (AIT), acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos (AVCIs) e amaroe fugax. Tendo-se me vista a morbidade das lesöes em território de artérias carótidas e a frequência destas em nosso grupo de pacientes (23,52 por cento do total), recomenda-se o exame Duplex como rotina propedêutica neste grupo de pacientes.

Squamous carcinoma of the epiglottis with sebaceous differentiation. Report of a case.

A case of squamous cell carcinoma with sebaceous metaplasia arising in the epiglottis is reported. Extracutaneous neoplasms that show sebaceous differentiation have been mainly described in the major salivary glands. To date only one case of prominent sebaceous differentiation in a carcinoma arising in the vallecula has been reported. In the present paper we describe a similar case arising in the larynx.

[The CO2 laser treatment of melanotic lesions of the oral mucosa. A clinical case report]. / Trattamento con laser a CO2 delle lesioni melaniche delle mucose del cavo orale. Presentazione di un caso clinico.

The authors, in a careful review of the literature, talk about the melanotic lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, explaining the etiopathogenesis, the various classifications, the diagnosis and the therapy. They also expound the features of laser and its application in management of a clinical case of melanotic lesion of the oral cavity.

Epidemic cholera in rural El Salvador: risk factors in a region covered by a cholera prevention campaign.

In response to the Latin American cholera epidemic, El Salvador began a prevention programme in April 1991. The first case was confirmed in August, and 700 cases were reported within 3 months. A matched case-control study was conducted in rural La Libertad Department in November 1991. Illness was associated with eating cold cooked or raw seafood (odds ratio [OR] = 7.0; 95% confidence limits [CL] = 1.4, 35.0) and with drinking water outside the home (OR = 8.8; 95% CL = 1.7, 44.6). Assertion of knowledge about how to prevent cholera (OR = 0.2; 95% CL = 0.1, 0.8) and eating rice (OR = 0.2; 95% CL = 0.1, 0.8) were protective. More controls than patients regularly used soap (OR = 0.3; 95% CL = 0.1, 1.0). This study demonstrated three important points for cholera prevention: (1) seafood should be eaten cooked and hot; (2) populations at risk should be taught to treat household drinking water and to avoid drinking water outside the home unless it is known to be treated; and (3) education about hygiene can be an important tool in preventing cholera.

T stages of tumors of the tongue and floor of the mouth: correlation between MR with gadopentetate dimeglumine and pathologic data.

PURPOSE: To define MR accuracy in the evaluation of the T stages of tumors of the tongue and floor of the mouth. METHODS: Fifty-two patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma were studied with a superconductive system at 1.5 T. The study was performed with spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted images before contrast and short spin-echo T1-weighted and gradient-echo sequences after gadopentetate dimeglumine administration. The results obtained with MR were compared with pathologic data. RESULTS: Good correlation of T stages (TNM system) was obtained in 45 of 52 cases. MR did not show four superficial lesions. In one case, infiltration of the cortical bone of the mandible was not demonstrated (MR, T2; pathologic, T4), and in another the lesion was classified as T2 instead of T3, as it was pathologically. One lesion was classified as T4 on MR because of infiltration of the alveolar ridge but was classified as T2 at surgery. In 46 patients who underwent surgery, the accuracy of MR was excellent for predicting the relationship of tumor to midline and oral floor musculature. The results obtained with gadopentetate dimeglumine were better than those obtained in noncontrast studies in 32 (62%) of 53 cases. CONCLUSION: MR showed high accuracy in the study of tumors of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

[Evaluation of the T parameter of TNM classification of tumors of the tonsillar region. Correlation of MR and pathological data]. / Valutazione del parametro T della classificazione TNM dei tumori della regione tonsillare. Correlazione tra RM e dati patologici.

The purpose of this study was to define MR accuracy in the evaluation of T Stage of tumors in the tonsillar region. Twenty-two patients with a squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar region were studied utilizing a superconductive scanner operating at 1.5 T. The study was performed with SE T1 and T2 images before contrast and short SE T1 after Gd-DPTA infusion. MR results were correlated with pathological data on T Stage (TNM classification) and on the relationships between tumors and surrounding structures. A positive correlation between MR and pathological data was obtained in 19/22 cases, with an MR accuracy of 86%. MR did not show the presence of 2 superficial lesions (MR T0, pathological T1), while one lesion was classified T2 with MR, instead of pathology T1. The accuracy of MR was 95% in the evaluation of the relationships between tumors and the base of the tongue and 100% for body of the tongue, retromolar trigone, valleculae, epiglottis, pre-epiglottis, parapharyngeal and masticator space. MR showed high accuracy in the evaluation of T Stage, above all utilizing Gd-DPTA infusion, with short SE T1 sequences. MR did not show the superficial lesions, but in these cases a deep extension of the disease was excluded.

[Total/near-total glossectomy for advanced carcinoma of the tongue]. / La glossectoma totale/subtotale nel trattamento dei tumori avanzati della lingua.

Poor survival rates and the limited palliation afforded by radiotherapy alone, together with progress made in reconstructive surgery in restoring mucosal continuity after large resections, make total glossectomy reasonably indicated for treatment of advanced carcinoma of the tongue. The Authors reviewed 19 cases (17 males, 2 females, mean age 58.4 years) of total and near total glossectomy without laryngectomy treated at National Cancer Institute "Regina Elena" of Rome from 1990 to 1993 in order to evaluate oncological and functional results. All patients were reconstructed immediately, 16 with a pectoralis major flap, 2 with a nasolabial flap and 1 with a radial forearm free flap and were available for follow-up from 6 to 45 months (mean 29 months). There was no operative mortality and no patient needed total laryngectomy for aspiration. The rate of local recurrencies was 52.6%, most of them (75%) in patients who had undergone total/near total glossectomy for recurrence. Survival rate was 61.5% after 1 year and 20% after 2 years. 94% of patients resumed swallowing and independent oral alimentation (48% of them without any dysphagia); 84%; of the patients were decannulated and 48% produced easily intellegible speech. Data from our experience let us conclude that, in the light of the acceptable functional results obtained with reconstructive flaps, total glossectomy should be considered as the primary treatment modality in advanced carcinoma of the tongue (including T2 > 3 cm exceeding midline), and should not be reserved only for salvaging hopeless situations.

Evaluación de un programa de procuramiento de riñón cadáver: realidad y futuro en el trasplante de órganos vascularizados / Evaluation of a cadaver kidney retrieval program: reality and future in the vascularized organ transplant

La donación de órganos para trasplantes vascularizados continúa insuficiente de acuerdo a las necesidades existentes en nuestro país. Diversos estudios han estimado el número potencial de donantes en alrededor de 25-40 individuos por millón de habitantes por año. Existe un gran número potencial de donantes que se pierden por negativa familiar o por falta de interés del cuerpo médico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizarcúal fue la realidad en lo que se refiere a pesquisa de donantes y obtención de órganos para trasplante, especifícamente en lo que se refiere a riñones y cuales son las posibilidadesfuturas. Se estudió el período del 1 de enero de 1992 al 30 de abril de 1993. se pesquisó 94 potenciales donantes (63 hombres y 31 mujeres), con 80 por ciento de ellos menores de 44 años. Un 30 por ciento de los donantes no alcanzaron a ser donantes efectivos por negativa familiar. Más del 66 por ciento de los individuos con muerte encefálica fueron por trauma. El 71,2 por ciento presentó muerte cerebral a las 48 horas de ingreso a un servicio de Urgencia. Existen 4 Centros Nacionales que aportan más del 50 por ciento de todos los riñones para trasplante de donante de cadáver. Existe un 15 por ciento de los riñónes obtenidos que van derivados a Centros no procuradores. El porcentaje de recuperación de donantes efectivos se mantiene en alrededor del 25 por ciento en los últimos 6 años. Para mejorar estos resultados, en lo que se refiere a trasplante renal y de otros órganos, en nuestro país debe fomentarse campañas públicas periódicas, sensibilizar a la comunidad médica, concentrar los recursos disponibles en unos pocos lugares y efectuar evaluaciones periódicas de los resultados

[Mycoplasma sp. in the respiratory tract of hospitalized children]. / Investigación de Mycoplasma sp. en las vías respiratorias de niños hospitalizados.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common bacteria causing respiratory diseases in other countries, specially in older children, adolescents and young adults and less frequently in the age group studied here, nevertheless the determination of its presence in this group was considered important. Two hundred and fifty throat swabs were taken from children, under five years of age, hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and to 50 children, same age, with no ARI (controls). The samples were placed in transport media and were incubated at 37 degrees C during 7 to 15 days. They were reinoculated in PPLO agar and typical colonies were looked for, 5 to 8 days later. The organisms were identified by biochemical tests. Eight Mycoplasma sp (3.2%) were obtained, five of them were M. pneumoniae (2.0%) and three M. hominis (1.2%). Only in 2 cases adenoviruses with M. hominis were found in the absence of other pathogens. It was shown that M. pneumoniae also infects children under five years old, so its present should be suspected, specially when the patient's health does not improve with the installed treatment. Some important suggestions for the isolation of mycoplasma are given.

[Morbidity and the morphofunctional aspects of myocutaneous flaps used in the head and neck area]. / Morbilità e aspetti morfo-funzionali in 73 lembi mio-cutanei utilizzati nel distretto cervico-facciale.

The authors analysed the data obtained from their experiences in extensive head and neck resections as well as reconstructive treatments using myocutaneous flaps. They tried to evaluate the reconstructive approach in terms of morbidity and functional results. Sixty-nine patients, treated from January 90 to November 92 for advances intra-oral cancer, were considered in this study. The reconstructive procedure in 68 cases was the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap while in 5 cases the trapezius flap was utilized. Even though the oncological results were poor, the functional ones were quite encouraging. In fact, the assessment of speech and swallowing was extremely satisfactory in 83% of the cases. The morbidity related to both flap procedures was low and the patients' life quality was good. Indeed, the use of a free flap offers additional advantages, without necessarily compromising safety of the reconstruction. Free flaps in general allow greater leeway in flap design and donor-site choice than pedicled flaps. Several reports have already demonstrated the versatility, usefulness and reliability of these flaps, especially in intra-oral reconstruction. The intricate nature of microsurgery and the expense of microsurgical equipment inhibit this kind surgery in many institutions around the world where the standard myocutaneous flaps would be a more practical procedure. In conclusion, even those patients with a poor prognosis may be considered potential candidates for demolitive and reconstructive treatment with which satisfactory results may be obtained.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy: its use in the management of orbital and intraocular tumors.

In the management of 29 patients by needle aspiration biopsy, a 100% accuracy was obtained in the diagnosis of intra- and extra-bulbar orbital lesions. The technique did not produce any important traumatic complications; there was moderate subconjunctival hemorrhagic suffusion, which spontaneously resolved. The technique proved to be positive in the diagnostic approach to lesions with a difficult access. Its importance in the choice of treatment is discussed, and its effect on the prognosis of intra-ocular tumors is emphasized. It can indeed give specific indications for early treatment of malignant lesions and avoid radical surgery of pseudo-neoplastic benign lesions. As in other sites, the technique is reliable if it is applied in cooperation with an experienced pathologist. It is simple and rapid, inexpensive and well accepted by patients more than other invasive diagnostic procedures.