Differential pericyte marker expression in craniofacial benign and malignant vascular tumors.

BACKGROUND: Vascular anomalies and tumors are common in the head, neck, and craniofacial areas and are associated with abnormalities in the angiomatous architecture. However, the etiology and molecular basis for the pathogenesis of most vascular lesions are still unknown. Pericytes are mural cells that surround endothelial cells. Besides angiogenesis and other physiological functions, pericytes play an important role in vascularized tissue repair and as resident mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Perivascular cells demonstrate a distinct immunohistochemical profile, including expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD146, CD105, and PDGFRß, without endothelial differentiation (absence of CD31 and CD34 immunoreactivity). These pericyte markers have been shown to be expressed in soft tissue hemangiomas. However, they have not been fully examined in intraosseous hemangiomas. METHODS: In this study, we compared mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) expression of CD146 and α-SMA markers in pericytes from hemangiomas from different tissues and malignant vascular tumors. RESULTS: The results demonstrated an increased expression of pericyte markers in perivascular cells of benign hemangiomas, especially intraosseous hemangiomas and a significantly reduced expression of pericyte markers in malignant angiosarcomas. CONCLUSION: The evidence provides insight into the function of pericytes in vascular tumors and suggests their role in vascular tumor disease types.

Assessing reviews of academic oral and maxillofacial surgeons within the US on Healthgrades.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the following study was to explore the patient feedback on academic oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) practicing in the United States (US) using the physician rating website (PRW) Healthgrades.com. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on academic OMSs in the US using data from Healthgrades.com. Predictor variables included OMS characteristics or rating characteristics. The primary outcome variable was overall rating. Linear regression was used to determine independent predictors of overall rating. RESULTS: The final study sample consisted of 309 academic OMSs (mean age, 56.4 years; males, 86.4%). Age group was significantly associated with overall rating (p = 0.034). Dual-degree OMSs had a higher mean overall rating than single-degree OMSs (4.26 vs. 3.98, p = 0.012). The number of ratings was also significantly associated with overall rating (p = 0.019). Upon controlling for all other variables, merely age group was independently associated with overall rating. Specifically, OMSs aged 41-55 years were associated with a higher overall rating (+0.96, p = 0.022) relative to OMSs aged >70 years. CONCLUSIONS: The OPRs on Healthgrades.com for academic OMSs within the US are generally positive. Age was the only independent predictor for overall rating - younger OMSs (aged 41-55 years) were independently associated with a higher overall rating relative to older OMSs (aged >70 years). The new generation of younger OMSs is likely to be aware of PRWs and their implications in the growing world of online exposure.

Long-Term Plate Complications in Patient-Specific Plates Utilizing Computer-Aided Design.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the long-term plate complications with patient-specific plates (PSPs) created with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for fibula free flap reconstructions for mandibular defects. METHODS: Retrospective chart review from January 2010 to July 2022 of patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap and PSP. Primary outcome was plating-related complications, defined as plate exposure, fracture, loose screws, and plate removal. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients underwent PSP fibula reconstruction. Average age was 59.8 + 14.3 years old with male to female ratio of 2:1. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible was the most common reason for resection, 47.5%, n = 105. Plate removal occurred in 11% of patients (n = 25) about 17.4 months after the initial surgery. Plates were removed due to exposure (76%, n = 19) or screw loosening (24%, n = 6). Malignancy was associated with an increased risk of plate complications when compared to benign tumor (odds ratio [OR] 9.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.36-3.85), osteonecrosis (OR 1.38, CI 0.59-3.48), and trauma (OR 1.26, CI 0.23-12.8). Postoperative radiation therapy (OR 2.27, CI 1.07-4.82, p = 0.026) and surgical site infection (OR 9.22, CI 4.11-21.88, p = 0.001) were associated with more plate complications. CONCLUSIONS: CAD creates PSPs that remain stable in the majority of patients over the long term. Plate removal is less compared to non-PSP reconstruction. Consideration of the soft tissue envelope over the plate and management of perioperative infection at the time of surgery should be entertained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Management of Soft Tissue Injuries in Children-A Comprehensive Review.

Airway injury, Ocular injury and neurovascular tissue damage, burns is all a spectrum of pediatric soft tissue injury complex. Soft tissue injuries to the head and neck area in children are challenging to manage, because these injuries significantly affect the child's overall health and development. Management of such injuries requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgical and nonsurgical interventions and close collaboration among health care professionals, parents, and caregivers. This article reviews the various causes of injuries, specific considerations for each region of the head and neck, and approaches to the surgical management of soft tissue injuries in pediatric patients, including surgical and adjuvant therapies. Specific anatomic regions reviewed include the scalp/forehead, periorbital region, nose, cheeks, lips, ears, and neck/airway.Laceration repair in the growing pediatric populations may require revisions in the future. Facial soft tissue injuries are prone to poor cosmesis as in many occasions as may be constrained by available surgical specialists, thus proper multispecialty team approach along with surgical alignment and symmetry should be considered comprehensively.

Is health insurance a risk factor for suicidal ideation among adults suffering from head and neck cancer in the US?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the following study was to determine whether health insurance impacts the risk of suicidal ideation among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was completed using the 2016 to 2018 National Inpatient Sample on adult patients (≥18 years) with HNC. The primary predictor was health insurance. The primary outcome was suicidal ideation. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors for the primary outcome variable. RESULTS: The final study sample consisted of 29 231 patients with HNC. Not controlling for confounders, being a Medicaid patient was a risk factor for suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] 2.44; P < .01). However, after controlling for confounders, Medicaid was no longer a risk factor or suicidal ideation (OR 1.52; P = .190). Patients with alcohol dependence/abuse (OR 2.94; P < .01) and depression (OR 8.30; P < .01) were each more likely to experience suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid insurance was not a risk factor for suicidal ideation in our study. Depression and alcohol dependence/abuse were each risk factors for suicidal ideation. Oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer each decreased the risk for suicidal ideations.

Management of the Failing Flap.

Free tissue transfer has become the reconstructive modality of choice for replacing composite tissue defects. While the success rate in high-volume centers is reported to be greater than 95%, up to 10% of patients will require revision of their vascular anastomosis secondary to thrombosis or compromise to flow. In the intraoperative setting, immediate revision is successful in the majority of cases. Rarely, the flap cannot be revascularized and a secondary option must be used. In the perioperative setting revision is successful if the patient can be brought back to the operating room in a timely fashion. Revision rates up to 70% are reported. A small number of these patients may then suffer a second episode of compromise where revision is less successful at 30%. In these cases, consideration should be given to secondary reconstruction rather than attempting salvage. Finally, there are a small number of patients whose flaps will fail following discharge from the hospital. These patients can rarely be salvaged and secondary reconstructive options should be explored.

Principles of Surgery in Head and Neck Cutaneous Melanoma.

Surgical management of head and neck melanoma starts from the primary biopsy of the cutaneous site by a narrow excision with a 1 to 3 mm margins. The margin should include the whole breadth and sufficient depth of the lesion. The key is not to transect the lesion. With the advent of molecular testing, gene expression profiling, and immunotherapies, the surgical management of advanced melanoma has changed. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an essential armamentarium for T2a and higher staging/greater than 1 mm thick and advance stage disease. Molecular pathogenesis and cancer immunology are recognized in the recent treatment protocols along with surgery in advanced stages of melanoma.

Imaging and Laboratory Workup for Melanoma.

Accurate diagnosis and staging of malignant melanoma remain crucial components in the overall treatment and prognosis of the patient. Advanced imaging modalities as well as laboratory testing continue to constitute an important part of the workup in melanoma and have seen several developments in recent years. The authors discuss imaging techniques and serum biomarkers used in the assessment of the melanoma patient.

Parotid Neurogenic Tumors: MPNST Sarcoma to Schwannoma-Review of Literature and Guidelines in Management.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate a distinct clinical, pathological, cytoimmunohistochemical distinguishing features of extracranial parotid neurogenic tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma, the most common parotid neoplasm by itself can mimic a neurogenic tumor, i.e., schwannoma. We have reported such rare entity in earlier publications. This is a systematic review with a case discussion of the third only documented malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) arising in the parotid in a noncontiguous fashion. We review the management, diagnostic immunohistochemistry of this low-grade sarcoma, which has not been documented thus far. PURPOSE: Significant diagnostic and management pitfalls may occur even with fine-needle aspiration or biopsy, as they will not be ideal in diagnosis of parotid neurogenic neoplasms preoperatively. Ultrasound as well as magnetic resonance imaging may not offer a specific facial nerve course in association to the neoplastic lesion. Majority of the neurogenic tumors can be misdiagnosed and hence, improperly managed leading to facial nerve injury and tumor morbidity. Due to the lack of ideal diagnostic modality and morbidity of facial nerve injury, a thorough review of differential diagnosis inclusive of neurogenic tumors of the parotid is to be considered in indications of surgical approaches. We retrospectively review successful resection with preservation of facial nerve function in our parotid neurogenic tumors. CONCLUSION: The objective of this paper is to review the guidelines and treatment planning of parotid neurogenic tumors.

Lateral approach improves surgical access to the superior pole in giant endemic goiters.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of mega-goiters in endemic areas with extreme iodine deficiency presents unique challenges. Based on our initial 5-year experience (2007 to 2011) operating on mega-goiters in Gitwe, Rwanda, Africa, we modified our technique to a lateral approach which affords better exposure of the superior pole vessels and other vital neurovascular structures, thereby improving safety. We describe this lateral approach technique and review outcomes compared to the standard technique. METHODS: From 2007 to 2019, we have conducted 13 annual surgical missions to low resource setting in Gitwe, Rwanda. Retrospective chart review of surgeries between 2012 and 2019 was performed to study outcomes using standard approach and lateral technique during the same time period. RESULTS: Over a period of 8 years (2012 to 2019), out of 192 total cases, lateral approach was used in 35 patients. No patient experienced significant intra-operative blood loss requiring transfusion. One patient had a post-operative hematoma requiring surgical intervention. Vocal cord mobility testing by transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound was implemented in 2016. Of all patients, incidence of vocal cord weakness was 8.0% (11/137 patients tested) with less than 1/3 of these symptomatic. There was no statistically significant difference in vocal cord weakness noted in the two approaches (3/23 in lateral approach and 8/114 in standard approach) by Fisher's exact test (P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral approach, by affording optimal exposure of the great vessels and the laryngeal nerves, reduces the risk of bleeding and nerve injury. Furthermore, inferiorly based strap muscle flap provides excellent coverage and cosmetic outcome.

Sialoendoscopy: Review and Nuances of Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Sialoendoscopy is a nuanced technique of transluminal management of obstructive and nonneoplastic pathology of the major salivary glands. Techniques have been refined in the last two decades due to advances in optical and endoscopic instrumentation. This minimally invasive technique has both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Obstructive salivary gland disease due to mineralized stones causes the majority of salivary duct-related pathology. Mucus plugs and strictures are the other causes. Submandibular gland sialolithiasis comprises the majority of salivary ductal pathology, with less than ten percent of obstructive symptoms related to parotid gland. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to comprehensively understand the scope of practice, the methodology of management, and the techniques for a successful outcome in sialoendoscopy. Anatomy of the salivary glands and the ductal system is reviewed for a successful outcome. Guidance for patient selection, indications, investigations, and preprocedure preparation for sialoendoscopy are discussed. Algorithms and an instrument checklist are provided in table format in the manuscript for clinical utility. CONCLUSION: The author simplifies the various systems of sialoendoscopes and the utility of the instruments. The future of transluminal and intraluminal salivary procedures is within the oral and maxillofacial surgical realm with simulators and multidimensional imaging and navigational advances.

PET/CT Evaluation of Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary.

The diagnosis of carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck is made when there is a metastasis but no primary lesion is identified after physical exam and diagnostic CT or MR imaging. PET/CT is the first step in searching for a primary lesion, followed by more invasive techniques such as endoscopy and surgery. Knowledge of the different tumor histologic types, preferential locations of nodal spread, imaging pitfalls, and other special considerations such as cystic metastases can be helpful in the ultimate identification of primary tumors, which leads to improved overall patient survival.

Sternocleidomastoid Encephalomyosynangiosis for Treatment-Resistant Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Refractory ischemic symptoms in moyamoya disease are a challenging problem, particularly in situations in which multiple direct and indirect revascularization techniques have already been employed. In addition, revascularization of the parietal lobes is difficult, as this area is a watershed between the middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery distributions. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: This is the case of a 50-yr-old woman with hemibody sensorimotor deficits, who had previously undergone bilateral arterial bypass and temporalis myosynangiosis. A method for indirect surgical cerebral revascularization is described, utilizing a rotated and tunneled sternocleidomastoid flap. The perfused muscle is approximated to the cortical surface, with adjacent sulci dissected to expose the underlying vasculature. After sternocleidomastoid encephalomyosynangiosis, the patient experienced symptomatic improvement, along with the appearance of new pial collateral vasculature on diagnostic cerebral angiography. Pre- and postoperative dynamic perfusion computed tomography with acetazolamide challenge demonstrate an increase in cerebral blood flow and decrease in mean transit time, as well as improved cerebrovascular reserve. CONCLUSION: Sternocleidomastoid encephalomyosynangiosis using a tunneled muscle flap is a useful method for revascularization of the parietal and occipital lobes, particularly for refractory moyamoya in cases where a variety of other options have been exhausted.

Radiation-Induced Sarcoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT After Treatment of Gorham-Stout Disease of the Maxilla.

Gorham-Stout disease is a rare disorder characterized by proliferation of lymphatic and vascular channels within bone resulting in osteolysis. A 53-year-old man with Gorham-Stout disease involving the left maxilla underwent previous treatment including radiation therapy and intralesional chemotherapeutic injections. He later presented with anemia, facial pain, weight loss, and nasal cavity hemorrhage. CT imaging demonstrated a mass centered within the right maxillary sinus with locoregional involvement. PET/CT showed prominent FDG activity involving the mass centered in the right maxillary sinus with low-grade avidity involving the contralateral maxilla in regions of treated Gorham-Stout disease. Biopsy of the mass confirmed radiation-induced sarcoma.

Issues in Pediatric Craniofacial Trauma.

Pediatric maxillofacial fractures are rare owing to anatomic differences between juvenile and adult skulls. Children's bone is less calcified, allowing for "greenstick fractures." The overall ratio of cranial to facial volume decreases with age. In children, tooth buds comprise the majority of mandibular volume. The most common pediatric craniomaxillofacial fractures for children ages 0 to 18 years old are mandible, nasal bone, and maxilla and zygoma. Growth potential must be considered when addressing pediatric trauma and often a less-is-more approach is best when considering open versus closed treatment. Regardless of treatment, pediatric trauma cases must be followed through skeletal maturity.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: Case series of 14 with wide range of clinical presentation.

BACKGROUND: To present 14 cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), highlighting their clinical, radiographic, and histologic characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen cases of AOT were retrieved from the archives of the Oral Pathology Biopsy Service (OPBS). Clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings are described. RESULTS: Fourteen AOT cases were reviewed, of which 12 were intraosseous and two were peripheral (gingiva). The cases came from eight females and six males with an age range of 11-30. Of the 12 intraosseous cases, nine were follicular (associated with impacted teeth), while three were extra-follicular (present between teeth). Six of the 12 cases were in the maxilla, and the other six were in the mandible. The two peripheral cases presented as nodules on the buccal gingiva of the anterior maxillary teeth. Radiographically, all 12 follicular and extra-follicular cases were unilocular radiolucencies; of those, only one had specks of radiopacity. Histologically, all specimens were similar in morphology, demonstrating a varied degree of duct-like structures, epithelial spheres, spindle-shaped epithelial cells, calcifications, and a thick capsule. The two peripheral cases had no capsule. CONCLUSIONS: AOT usually affects patients under 20 years of age, with a female to male ratio close to 2:1. Presentation in the anterior maxilla is almost twice as common as in the anterior mandible. Radiographically, AOT presents as a unilocular radiolucency more commonly associated with impacted teeth, simulating a dentigerous cyst. We present 14 new cases of AOT (nine follicular, three extra-follicular, and two peripheral) with discussions of their clinical, radiographic, and histological features. Key words:Adenomatoid, odontogenic, tumor.

Central Xanthoma of the Jaw Bones: A Benign Tumor.

Extragnathic xanthomas are seen in the bones or as soft tissue masses. They are often associated with hyperlipidemia and are considered as reactive or metabolic lesions. Only 19 cases of xanthomas of the jaws have been reported so far in the English literature. A total of ten cases of central xanthoma of the jaw bones were identified from the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology biopsy services of the University of Washington and the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, between the years 2000-2016. The demographic and clinical information on these cases was tabulated logically on the basis of age, gender, location and presence or absence of symptoms, extragnathic lesions and serum hyperlipidemia. Radiographic and histopathological features were also examined. The findings in these cases were correlated with those available from the previously reported cases. Majority of cases are seen in the second and third decades of life. There is no gender predilection. Jaw lesions presented as solitary radiolucencies with a predilection for the posterior mandible. Unlike maxillary lesions, pain and expansion are inconsistent findings in mandibular lesions. Jaw lesions are not associated with extragnathic bone or soft tissue involvement or a hyperlipidemia. The central xanthoma of the jaws is a unique benign tumor. Histopathologically, many other jaw lesions contain variable numbers of foamy histiocytes. Therefore, a diagnosis of a central xanthoma of the jaws must be made after excluding all other such histiocyte containing lesions. This requires correlation of histopathological findings with clinical and radiographic features.