PET-CT detection of local residual laryngeal carcinoma after definitive (chemo)radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) is currently recommended in evaluating the treatment response after (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT). In the larynx, post-treatment changes and physiological uptake make image interpretation more challenging compared to other head and neck sites. Previous research has not addressed imaging factors specifically in the larynx that would help in distinguishing the residual disease and explain the unique challenges of that anatomic area. The study cohorts are small and heterogenous. Our objective was to investigate the ability of PET-CT in diagnosing local residual laryngeal carcinoma, and to uncover imaging factors that could be used in differentiating the residual disease from post-treatment and physiological changes. In the same study cohort, we also aimed to uncover prognostic factors for local residual or recurrent disease. METHODS: Our retrospective study cohort included 73 patients with T2-T4 laryngeal carcinoma undergoing (C)RT with curative intention, and post-treatment non-contrast-enhanced PET-CT at 2-6 months. Findings were compared between local residual and non-residual disease. Local residual disease was defined as a persistent tumor growth with no evidence of remission in between, confirmed by biopsy, and evident within 6 months from the end of RT. PET-CT was evaluated using a 3-step scale: negative, equivocal, and positive. RESULTS: Nine (12%) had a local residual tumor and 11 (15%) developed local recurrence, based on the biopsy. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 64 months (range, 28-174). In univariate analysis, primary tumor diameter greater than 2.4 cm (median value), and vocal cord fixation were prognostic for local residual or recurrent disease. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 100%, 75%, 36%, and 100%, respectively, when the equivocal interpretation was grouped with the positive interpretation. All local residuals, and 28% (18/64) non-residuals, had a primary tumor area SUVmax of over 4.0 (p < 0.001). CT showed a persistent mass at the primary tumor area in 56% of residuals, and in 23% of non-residuals (p > 0.05). By combining SUVmax>4.0 and mass, specificity improved to 91%. CONCLUSIONS: NPV of post-treatment PET-CT in laryngeal carcinoma is high, but equivocal and positive results have low PPV and require further diagnostics. All local residuals had SUVmax over 4.0. The combination of SUVmax over 4.0 and mass on CT increased specificity, but the sensitivity was low.

Investigating the association of electrically-evoked compound action potential thresholds with inner-ear dimensions in pediatric cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVES: A narrow bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC), as well as a hypoplastic and aplastic cochlear nerve (CN) have been associated with increased electrically-evoked compound action potential (eCAP) thresholds in some studies, suggesting poorer neural excitability in cochlear implantation. Also, in large cochleae the extent of activated spiral ganglion neurons with electrical stimulation is less than in smaller ones. However, a detailed description of the relationship between eCAP thresholds for a lateral-wall electrode array and dimensions of the inner-ear structures and internal auditory canal (IAC) is missing. DESIGN: The study subjects were 52 pediatric patients with congenital severe-to-profound hearing loss (27 females and 25 males; ages 0.7-2.0 years; 1.0 ± 0.3 years, mean ± SD) implanted bilaterally with Cochlear Nucleus CI422, CI522, or CI622 implants with full insertion of the Slim Straight electrode array. Diameters of the cochlea and the BCNC as well as the widths and heights of the IAC and the CN were evaluated from preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. These anatomical dimensions were compared with each other and with the patients' intraoperative eCAP thresholds. RESULTS: The eCAP thresholds increased from the apical to basal direction (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). After sorting the cochleae into four size categories, higher eCAP thresholds were found in larger than in smaller cochleae (p < 0.001). With similar categorization, the eCAP thresholds were higher in cochleae with a larger BCNC than in cochleae with a smaller BCNC (p < 0.001). Neither IAC nor CN cross-sectional areas affected the eCAP thresholds. Correlations were found between cochlea and BCNC diameters and between IAC and CN cross-sectional areas (r = 0.39 and r = 0.48, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In the basal part of the electrode array, higher stimulation levels to elicit measurable neural responses (eCAP thresholds) were required than in the apical part. Increased eCAP thresholds associated with a larger cochlear diameter, but contrary to the earlier studies, not with a small size of the BCNC or the CN. Instead, the BCNC diameter correlated significantly with the cochlea diameter.

Radiological score of computed tomography scans predicts revision surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective: Evaluate computed tomography (CT) signs that predict need for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: CRS patients (n = 48) underwent routine sinus CT scans and baseline ESS in 2006-2011. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores and 43 other CT signs were analysed blinded from both sides. Patients filled in a questionnaire during the day of CT scanning. Follow-up data were collected from hospital records until January 2018. Associations were analysed by Fisher's exact, Mann Whitney U, Kaplan-Meier method with logrank test and Cox's proportional hazard model. Results: Total LM score was not significantly associated with the need for revision ESS. The best predictive model was a sum of CT signs of non-detectable anatomy of inferior/middle turbinates, obstructed frontal recess, and previous sinus surgery. Using these CT findings, we formed a Radiological Score (RS) (min-max, 0-3 points). Having at least one RS point was significantly associated with the need for revision ESS during the average follow-up of 10.7 years (p = 0.008, Logrank test). Conclusion: We identified a radiologic score that was able to predict the need for revision ESS, which is probably useful in predicting CRS outcomes.

Prognostic Value of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical and radiological factors predicting worse outcome after (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with a focus on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 67 OPSCC patients, treated with (C)RT with curative intent and diagnosed during 2013-2017. Human papilloma virus (HPV) association was detected with p16 immunohistochemistry. Of all 67 tumors, 55 were p16 positive, 9 were p16 negative, and in 3 the p16 status was unknown. Median follow-up time was 38 months. We analyzed pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for factors predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional recurrence (LRR), including primary tumor volume and the largest metastasis. Crude and p16-adjusted hazard ratios were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model. Interobserver agreement was evaluated. RESULTS: Disease recurred in 13 (19.4%) patients. High ADC predicted poor DFS, but not when the analysis was adjusted for p16. A break in RT (hazard ratio, HR = 3.972, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.445-10.917, p = 0.007) and larger metastasis volume (HR = 1.041, 95% CI 1.007-1.077, p = 0.019) were associated with worse DFS. A primary tumor larger than 7 cm3 was associated with increased LRR rate (HR = 4.861, 1.042-22.667, p = 0.044). Among p16-positive tumors, mean ADC was lower in grade 3 tumors compared to lower grade tumors (0.736 vs. 0.883; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Low tumor ADC seems to be related to p16 positivity and therefore should not be used independently to evaluate disease prognosis or to choose patients for treatment deintensification.

Additive Manufacturing of Resected Oral and Oropharyngeal Tissue: A Pilot Study.

Better visualization of tumor structure and orientation are needed in the postoperative setting. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a system in which oral and oropharyngeal tumors are resected, photographed, 3D modeled, and printed using additive manufacturing techniques. Three patients diagnosed with oral/oropharyngeal cancer were included. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging followed by resection. In the operating room (OR), the resected tissue block was photographed using a smartphone. Digital photos were imported into Agisoft Photoscan to produce a digital 3D model of the resected tissue. Physical models were then printed using binder jetting techniques. The aforementioned process was applied in pilot cases including carcinomas of the tongue and larynx. The number of photographs taken for each case ranged from 63 to 195. The printing time for the physical models ranged from 2 to 9 h, costs ranging from 25 to 141 EUR (28 to 161 USD). Digital photography may be used to additively manufacture models of resected oral/oropharyngeal tumors in an easy, accessible and efficient fashion. The model may be used in interdisciplinary discussion regarding postoperative care to improve understanding and collaboration, but further investigation in prospective studies is required.

Tumor volume as a prognostic marker in p16-positive and p16-negative oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of primary gross tumor volume (pGTV) and nodal gross tumor volume (nGTV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and the difference in their role between human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative patients. METHODS: The patient cohort consists of 91 OPSCC patients treated with definitive radiochemotherapy or radiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 31 months. Volume measurements were made from computer tomography (CT) scans and HPV status was assessed by p16 immunohistochemistry. The end points were as follows: overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC). RESULTS: pGTV was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS; p = 0.020) in p16-negative patients. nGTV of p16-negative tumors had significant prognostic value in all end points in multivariate analyses. High-stage (III-IVc) p16-negative tumors were only associated with significantly poorer OS (p = 0.046) but not with poorer LRC or DFS when compared with the low-stage (I-II) tumors. nGTV of p16-positive tumors was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (p = 0.005) and LRC (p = 0.007) in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: pGTV may serve as an independent prognostic factor in p16-negative patients and nGTV may serve as an independent prognostic factor both in p16-positive and p16-negative patients treated with radiochemotherapy or radiotherapy using IMRT. Tumor volume may have an impact on selecting patients for de-escalation protocols in the future, both in p16-positive and p16-negative patients.

Presenting symptoms and clinical findings in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is divided in two different disease entities depending on HPV involvement. We investigated differences in presenting symptoms and clinical findings in patients with HPV-positive and -negative OPSCC tumors. METHODS: Altogether 118 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary OPSCC between 2012 and 2014 at the Helsinki University Hospital were included. HPV-status of the tumors was assessed by PCR detection of HPV DNA and immunostaining with p16-INK4a antibody. RESULTS: Fifty-one (47.7%) of the patients had HPV-positive and 56 (52.3%) HPV-negative tumors. Forty-nine (49/51, 96.1%) of the HPV+ tumors were also p16+ showing high concordance. The most common presenting symptom among HPV+/p16+ patients was a neck mass (53.1%), whereas any sort of pain in the head and neck area was more frequently related to the HPV-/p16- (60.0%) group. HPV+/p16+ tumors had a tendency to locate in the tonsillar complex and more likely had already spread into regional lymph nodes compared with HPV-/p16- tumors. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were significantly more common among HPV−/p16− patients but also rather common among HPV+/p16+ patients [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of symptoms and signs confirm that OPSCC can be dichotomized in two distinct disease entities as defined by HPV status.

Otogenic Intracranial Abscesses, Our Experience Over the Last Four Decades.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predisposing factors for otogenic intracranial abscesses, assess their changes over time, and analyze how they differ from those due to other causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients treated for otogenic intracranial abscesses, between 1970 and 2012 at a tertiary referral center, were retrospectively analyzed. The analysis included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, treatments, outcomes, and comparisons of otogenic and non-otogenic intracranial abscesses. RESULTS: Of all intracranial abscesses, 11% (n=18) were otogenic. In the 1970s, otogenic infections were a common predisposing factor for intracranial abscess; but within our study period, the incidence of otogenic intracranial abscesses decreased. Most (94%) otogenic cases were due to chronic suppurative otitis media and 78% were associated with cholesteatoma. Most patients (94%) had ear symptoms. The most common presenting symptoms were discharge from the infected ear (50%), headache (39%), neurological symptoms (28%), and fever (17%). The most common pathogens belonged to Streptococcus spp. (33%), Gram-negative enteric bacteria (22%), and Bacteroides spp. (11%). Neurosurgery was performed on all patients, 69% of which were prior to a later ear surgery. Surgery of the affected ear was performed on 14 patients (78%). A favorable recovery was typical (78%); however, one patient died. CONCLUSION: Otogenic intracranial abscesses were most commonly due to a chronic ear infection with cholesteatoma. Ear symptoms and Gram-negative enteric bacteria were more common among patients with otogenic than non-otogenic intracranial abscesses.

Inter-observer agreement of paranasal sinus computed tomography scans.

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated considerable inter-observer variation in certain surgically important structures. This would indicate the significance for consultation when evaluating sinus CT scans of CRS patients for planned advanced sinus surgery. OBJECTIVES: After the failure of medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the need for surgery and the pre-operative planning of safe surgery is based on computed tomography (CT) findings. The aim of this prospective study was to compare inter-observer agreement of anatomical and surgical structures of sinus CT scans. The hypothesis was that the agreement between observers is good. METHODS: Of these 57 CRS patients, Lund-Mackay (LM) scores and 43 other structural parameters were analyzed blinded. The reproducibility of the findings between three observers, a radiologist, an Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon, and an ENT resident, were compared. RESULTS: In general, there was moderate inter-observer agreement of the structures by Cohen's kappa coefficient. Poor reproducibility was observed in the following structures: optic nerve, insertion of the uncinated process, anterior ethmoidal artery, and Keros class.

Severe Acute Otitis Media and Acute Mastoiditis in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare clinical and microbiological findings in adults hospitalized for acute otitis media (AOM) or mastoid infections (acute or latent). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adults (≥17 years old) hospitalized (between 2003 and 2012) at a tertiary referral center for acute mastoid infections or AOM not responding to outpatient medical treatment. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients in the study sample, 19% had an infection caused by S. pyogenes, 14% by S. pneumoniae, and 11% by P. aeruginosa. AOM was the most common infection (38%), whereas 33% had acute mastoiditis (AM), 18% had latent mastoiditis (LM), and 13% AM of a chronically infected ear (AMc). In contrast to the other infections, P. aeruginosa (30%) and S. aureus (25%) were most common in AMc. Otorrhea (83%), tympanic membrane perforation (57%), and hearing problems (83%) were common in S. pyogenes infections. Patients with S. pneumoniae had longer lengths of hospitalization than those with other bacterial infections (7 vs. 4 days). Otorrhea (94%) and retroauricular symptoms were more common in P. aeruginosa infections. Hearing symptoms were common (67%) but fever (32%) and retroauricular symptoms were uncommon in AOM. Fever (44%) and mastoid tenderness (65%) were common in AM. Patients with LM underwent the most mastoidectomies (54%). Prior medical conditions, retroauricular symptoms, otorrhea (90%), and post-infection problems were common in AMc. CONCLUSION: The bacteriological etiology of hospitalized AOM more closely resembled those of LM and AM than that of AMc. Adults hospitalized for AOM or AM required fewer mastoidectomies than those hospitalized for LM or AMc.

Intracranial abscesses over the last four decades; changes in aetiology, diagnostics, treatment and outcome.

Background The development of modern medicine has resulted in changes in the predisposing conditions, clinical picture, treatment and results of treatment of intracranial abscesses. This study sought to evaluate these changes in a hospital district. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of all patients treated due to intracranial abscesses at a tertiary referral centre, between 1970-2012. Results The total number of intracranial abscesses was 166. The incidence of intracranial abscesses was 0.33/100 000/year (2000-2012). The most common predisposing conditions were infection of the ear-, nose- and throat region (22%), odontogenic infection (15%) and cardiac anomaly (13%). Lately (2000-2012), infections of the ear-, nose- and throat region (15%) and cardiac anomalies (5%) have become less common, whereas odontogenic infections (32%) have become more common. The most common pathogens belong to Streptococcus spp (42%), Fusobacteriae (14%), Actinomycetales (8%) and Staphylococcus spp (8%). Most patients (66%) experienced a favourable recovery; the proportion of patients with favourable outcome enabling return to prior occupation rose over time, from 12% in 1970-1989 to 24% in 1990-2012. Conclusions The predisposing conditions for intracranial abscesses have changed markedly within the study period. Odontogenic infections have become a common predisposing condition, whereas infections of the ear-, nose- and throat region and cardiac malformations are nowadays less common as predisposing conditions compared to at the beginning of the study period. The proportion of patients with favourable outcome enabling return to prior occupation seems to have increased with time.

Bacteriology in relation to clinical findings and treatment of acute mastoiditis in children.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed clinical, radiological, laboratory and microbiological findings in children with acute mastoiditis in order to improve the diagnostics and treatment of these patients. We also investigated whether different pathogens cause different clinical findings of mastoiditis. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of all children aged 0-16 years treated as in-ward patients for acute mastoiditis at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, between 2003 and 2012. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of mastoiditis was 1.88/100000/year. The most common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (38%), Streptococcus pyogenes (11%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%). Of S. pneumoniae, 48% had reduced susceptibility (intermediate or resistant) for the common antimicrobials; this was clearly overrepresented relative to the background population (p<0.001). Otalgia and retroauricular symptoms were common in the patients with S. pneumoniae. Otorrhoea was less common (p=0.03) in these patients relative to the other pathogens. Patients with S. pneumoniae had more destruction of the mastoid septa (p=0.05) than patients with any of the other pathogens. Mastoidectomy was performed in 34% of all cases, it was most common (60%) in the patients with S. pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility. The patients with S. pyogenes had less otalgia and seemed to have less retroauricular symptoms relative to other pathogens. P. aeruginosa especially affected children with tympanostomy tubes, caused otorrhoea in all patients and caused a milder form of disease with less retroauricular swelling (p=0.04) than the other pathogens, and there was no need for mastoidectomies. The younger children (<2 years) had less otorrhoea and more retroauricular symptoms of infection than the older patients. No significant differences emerged in outcome of the patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical findings of acute mastoiditis differ according to the causative pathogen. S. pneumoniae, especially strains with reduced susceptibility, causes severe symptoms and leads to mastoidectomy more often than the other pathogens. S. pyogenes causes less otalgia than the other pathogens. P. aeruginosa particularly affects children with tympanostomy tubes and causes a less aggressive form of disease.

Imaging requirements for medical applications of additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing (AM), formerly known as rapid prototyping, is steadily shifting its focus from industrial prototyping to medical applications as AM processes, bioadaptive materials, and medical imaging technologies develop, and the benefits of the techniques gain wider knowledge among clinicians. This article gives an overview of the main requirements for medical imaging affected by needs of AM, as well as provides a brief literature review from existing clinical cases concentrating especially on the kind of radiology they required. As an example application, a pair of CT images of the facial skull base was turned into 3D models in order to illustrate the significance of suitable imaging parameters. Additionally, the model was printed into a preoperative medical model with a popular AM device. Successful clinical cases of AM are recognized to rely heavily on efficient collaboration between various disciplines - notably operating surgeons, radiologists, and engineers. The single main requirement separating tangible model creation from traditional imaging objectives such as diagnostics and preoperative planning is the increased need for anatomical accuracy in all three spatial dimensions, but depending on the application, other specific requirements may be present as well. This article essentially intends to narrow the potential communication gap between radiologists and engineers who work with projects involving AM by showcasing the overlap between the two disciplines.

[Imaging in head and neck tumors]. / Pään ja kaulan alueen syöpien diagnostiikka kuvantamistutkimusten muuttuvassa maailmassa.

Precise staging and knowledge of the aggressiveness and manner of growth of the tumor provide the cornerstone for a treatment plan for head and neck cancer. Although the basic methods of imaging have remained relatively unchanged for some decades, the information about the properties of the tumor provided by molecular imaging and gene research is changing the status of diagnostics. The aim is more personalized treatment. Appropriately conducted imaging reduces total treatment costs, despite the fact that novel methods may seem expensive at the time of therapeutic decision.

APCAP--activated protein C in acute pancreatitis: a double-blind randomized human pilot trial.

INTRODUCTION: Previous human studies have shown low activity of protein C (APC) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This, together with the findings in animal models, suggests that activated protein C (APC) may protect against pancreatic injury and ameliorate the disease. We, therefore, evaluated its effect on multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) measured by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and on organ-failure-free days, and the safety of APC in SAP. METHODS: A prospective double blind randomized pilot study was use. The study occurred in one university hospital tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) with eight beds. The patients were chosen according to the following inclusion criteria: 1) Those admitted to the hospital < 96 h from the onset of pain, 2) Those who had a three-fold increase in serum amylase over normal upper range or/and in whom computed tomography (CT) verification of SAP was noted, 3) Those who had one or more organ dysfunction (OD), and 4) Those in whom less than 48 hours had passed since their first OD. Of a total of 215 adult patients with SAP screened between June 2003 and August 2007, 158 fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. After exclusions 32 patients were randomized to the study. The intervention consisted of APC (N = 16) administered intravenously for 96 hours with a dose of 24 µg/kg/hour or placebo (N = 16) with a similar infusion rate. The sample size for the study was calculated according to the primary end-point: the change in SOFA during study drug infusion (Days 0 and 5). Comparisons between the study groups were performed using patient-related changes and calculation of difference in means (DIM, 95% CIs) and regarding categorical variables with Fisher's exact test. For all comparisons P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No serious bleeding was detected clinically or by CT scans in either group. No significant difference in SOFA score change between the APC and placebo groups was found (difference in means (DIM) +2.3, 95% CI -0.7 to +5.3). Treatment with APC was associated with an increase in serum levels of both total and conjugated bilirubin. No differences in ventilator-free days, in renal replacement therapy-free days, in vasopressor-free days, or in days alive outside the hospital were detected. CONCLUSIONS: No serious bleeding or differences in the evolution of MOD were detected between APC and the placebo. Instead we found an increase in serum bilirubin in the APC group compared to the placebo group in patients with SAP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01017107.

The effects of ventilatory mode on lung aeration assessed with computer tomography: a randomized controlled study.

Maintenance of spontaneous breathing superimposed on mechanical ventilation is suggested to improve gas exchange in patients with acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of airway pressure release ventilation with maintained unsupported spontaneous breathing (APRV) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support (SIMV) on the amount of lung collapse in acute lung injury patients. Thirty-seven patients with acute lung injury were studied in a trial comparing APRV or SIMV. Computer-assisted tomography scannings (CT) were performed before randomization and at day 7. The change in the amount of nonaerated lung was comparable between groups; 14.7% (3.8-17.4) in APRV group (n = 13) and 9.6% (-1.4 to 18.62) in the SIMV group (n = 10), (P = .65, difference in mean 4.9%, 95% confidence interval -9.0% to 19.0%). The effects of APRV and SIMV on lung aeration are similar after 7 days of mechanical ventilation.

Three-generation familial visceral myopathy with alpha-actin-positive inclusion bodies in intestinal smooth muscle.

We report the clinical and histopathologic findings of a family with 7 affected members in 3 generations suffering from autosomal dominant visceral myopathy. All patients presented with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction affecting especially the entire small bowel. Histologic abnormalities involved intestinal smooth muscle, with degeneration and fibrosis of the muscularis propria. In addition, the inner circular layer of the muscularis propria contained alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive and, in more advanced disease, also periodic acid-Schiff-positive inclusion bodies. The inclusions were invisible in routine hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections, but were visible in immunohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle actin. No abnormality was evident in muscularis mucosae or in blood vessels, and the findings remained unidentified in mucosal biopsy specimens. To our knowledge, this is the first reported alpha-actin-positive inclusion body finding in familial visceral myopathy.

Labyrinthine malformation in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Velocardiofacial syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome, integrating to form the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, manifest frequently with hearing loss. Instead, a labyrinthine anomaly is only occasionally described in velocardiofacial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome. We report a vestibular labyrinthine malformation demonstrated with computed tomographic scan in a patient with a palatal cleft and a 22q11.2 deletion presenting as velocardiofacial syndrome.

Radiofrequency induced thermotherapy: an alternative palliative treatment modality in head and neck cancer.

Bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) is a minimally invasive electrosurgical technique characterized by a precise controllable effect in the tissue. It has demonstrable efficacy, safety and reproducibility in the management of solid malignancies. Our aim was to assess the morbidity and efficacy of RFITT as a palliative treatment of head and neck cancer. Prospective, non-randomized case series and analysis. After evaluation by the multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumour Board at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, 12 consecutive patients with a head and neck cancer without curative treatment possibilities were enrolled into the study. Five patients had pharyngeal carcinomas, one had an unknown primary tumour growing through the skin on the neck, two had a recurrent malignant melanoma originating from the maxillary sinuses, one had a carcinoma of the tongue, two had laryngeal carcinomas, and one had a recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland. RFITT was performed with a CelonLabPrecision generator using appropriate electrodes. The treatment was administered under local or general anaesthesia. The subjective morbidity of the treatment was evaluated. The response to the treatment was assessed clinically and with radiological imaging when feasible. All but two of the patients received palliation to their disease. RFITT induced clinically a partial response in ten patients, and there were radiological detectable changes. There were no treatment related complications, and the patients tolerated the treatment well. RFITT in head and neck cancer patients is easy to perform, well tolerated, and induces reduction in the tumour mass. Continuous evaluation of RFITT treatment modality is warranted in selected palliative care patients.

CT of the chest and abdomen in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of CT scanning of the chest and abdomen as a routine screening method for patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a primary HNSCC (T classification, T2-T4) and or regionally metastatic disease (ie, N+) were eligible for inclusion. Patients who were considered incurable and patients with recurrent disease were excluded. CT scans of the chest and abdomen were performed. RESULTS: We examined 100 patients. Two patients had pulmonary metastases at presentation. An occult aortic aneurysm required surgical repair before anticancer therapy in one patient. In many patients, nonspecific CT findings warranted further examinations or close follow-up. The abdominal CT was negative for metastatic HNSCC in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Routine CT screening of the chest and abdomen resulted in upstaging of disease in two patients (2%) and altered the treatment approach in three patients (3%). Abdominal CT does not seem beneficial in patients with previously untreated HNSCC. Chest CT is not indicated routinely.