Reworking Classification of First Branchial Cleft Anomalies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical features of first branchial cleft anomalies (BCAs) and their relationship to pre-operative imaging, pathologic data, and post-operative surveillance outcomes. Additional aims were to assess the validity of the Work classification and describe features of recurrent cysts. METHODS: Records for 56 children (34 females, 22 males; age at surgery of 5.6 ± 4.4 years) collected over a 12-year period (2009-2021) were reviewed. Imaging and pathologic slides were re-reviewed in a blinded fashion by experts in those respective areas. Parents were contacted via telephone to obtain extended follow-up. An alternate classification method based on the presence (type II) or absence (type I) of parotid involvement is provided. RESULTS: Only 55% of first BCAs could be successfully classified using Work's method. First BCAs within the parotid were more likely to present with recurrent infections, involve scarred tissue planes and lymphadenopathy, and demonstrate enlarged lymphoid follicles on pathology. The overall recurrence rate was 16%, and recurrence was 5.3 times more likely when external auditory canal cartilage was not resected. Preoperative imaging was useful for predicting the extent of surgery required and the presence of scarred tissue planes. CONCLUSION: First BCAs within the parotid gland involve more difficult and extensive surgical resection and the potential for morbidity related to facial nerve dissection. Appropriately aggressive surgical resection, which may include the resection of involved ear cartilage, is necessary to prevent morbidity related to recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:459-465, 2024.

Double Pathology in Rasmussen Encephalitis.

Investigators from Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records to identify all Rasmussen Encephalitis (RE) cases that had undergone surgery with subsequent pathologic evaluation at Children's Hospital Colorado during 2005-2019 to determine the frequency of double pathology.

Medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity (SHH medulloblastoma).

Medulloblastoma is the most common CNS embryonal tumor and the most common malignant tumor of childhood. Its overall incidence is 1.8 cases per 1 million people, with a childhood incidence of 6 cases per 1 million. 77 percent of patients are less than 19 years old. Medulloblastoma occurs in the 4th ventricle and usually presents with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (headaches, nausea, vomiting) and signs of obstructive hydrocephalus. Medulloblastoma is both histologically and genetically defined with prognosis that depends on classification.

Histopathology of Polymicrogyria.

Investigators from Sainte Justine Hospital (Montreal), Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, King's College Hospital (London), and John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford) retrospectively reviewed medical records, autopsy reports, and genetic studies containing "Polymicrogyria."