Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) of Skull Base Tumours: A Review.

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect tumors consistency, but it can't predict tumor stiffness or adherence of the tumor to nearby structures. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a known non-invasive MRI based imaging technique used to assess the viscoelasticity of the tissues particularly liver fibrosis. This study discussed the importance of preoperative MRE in skull base tumors and the future implications of this new imaging modality. We did review of the English literature (by searching PubMed) regarding the use of MRE in preoperative assessment of skull base tumours stiffness and adherence to surrounding tissues. Recent research demonstrated that MRE can detect the stiffness and adherence of skull base tumors to surrounding structures by recording the spread of mechanical waves in the different tissues. In addition to non-radiation exposure, this technique is fast and can be incorporated into the conventional (MRI) study. MRE can palpate skull base tumours by imaging, allowing the stiffness of the tumour to be assessed. Preoperative assessment of brain tumours consistency, stiffness, and adherence to surrounding tissues is critical to avoid injury of important nearby structures and better preoperative patient counselling regarding surgical approach (endoscopic or open), operative time, and suspected surgical complications. However, the accuracy of MRE is less in small and highly vascular tumors. Also, MRE can't accurately detect tumour-brain adherence, but the new modality (slip-interface imaging) can. Hence, adding MRE to the conventional MRI study may help in preoperative diagnosis and treatment of skull base tumours.

Nasal sinuses cholesteatoma: case series and review of the English literature.

BACKGROUND: Nasal sinus cholesteatomas are uncommon slow-growing lesions that are frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively. They can develop due to embryologic remnants or iatrogenic factors (surgical trauma or nasal sinus trauma). In addition, they can cause bone destruction resulting in intracranial or intraorbital complications as well as malignant change if neglected. Complete surgical removal is a must with strict postoperative follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of nasal sinus cholesteatoma are reported. The first case was found inside the ethmoidal sinus, the second in the frontal sinus, and the third was found inside a concha bullosa. In all three cases, a wide endoscopic surgical excision was performed. Due to the lateral extension of the lesion, frontal sinus trephine was also used in the case of frontal sinus nasal cholesteatoma. In addition, a review of the English literature for the reported cases of nasal sinus cholesteatomas was conducted. RESULTS: There were no reported recurrence or residual during strict postoperative follow-up for 2 years (by endoscopic examination and diffusion-weighted MRI with delayed postcontrast T1 images). A review of the English literature revealed 42 cases of nasal sinuses cholesteatomas (including the present three cases) (17 in the frontal sinus, 15 in the maxillary sinus, 5 in the ethmoid sinus, 3 in the sphenoid sinus, and 2 in a concha bullosa). CONCLUSIONS: Although nasal sinus cholesteatomas are uncommon, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing nasal sinuses lesions. Preoperative CT scan and diffusion-weighted MRI are essential for proper diagnosis and to exclude other similar lesions, such as nasal sinus mucoceles, cholesterol granuloma, or neoplastic lesions. Wide complete surgical excision is necessary to avoid recurrence and facilitate postoperative follow-up. As with ear cholesteatoma, strict postoperative follow-up is required to detect recurrence or residual early and is performed by endoscopic examination, diffusion-weighted MRI, and delayed post-gadolinium T1 images.

Elective neck dissection in T1/T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck: essential or not? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is characterized by a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis with a high incidence of occult metastasis. A strong debate is still present regarding the best treatment for early oral cavity cancer with N0 neck. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare between the results of elective neck dissection (END) and watchful waiting (observation or therapeutic neck dissection) in patients with early-stage (T1/T2) oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck. DATA SOURCES: Medline database (https://www.pubmed.com), Google Scholar and Scopus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis for the evaluation of regional recurrence rate and 5-year survival rate after elective neck dissection (END) or watchful waiting in early oral cancers were conducted. This study included published English medical articles (which met our predetermined inclusion criteria) in the last 30 years, concerning early oral SCC with N0 neck. 24 articles were included (4 randomized studies and 20 observational "retrospective" studies) with a total number of 2190 of patients who underwent END and 1619 who underwent watchful waiting. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, (10) studies were included with a total number of 1211 patients who underwent END and 948 who underwent watchful waiting. RESULTS: Regarding the regional recurrence rate, (END) was associated with significantly lower risk of recurrence when compared with observation. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, END was associated with a better survival rate than the observational group. CONCLUSIONS: Elective neck dissection is better than watchful waiting in early (T1/T2) stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck, regarding regional recurrence and 5-year survival rate.