An automated system for the registration and comparison of photographic images in medicine.

A system is presented for digitization and automated comparison of photographic images of patients obtained at different times using a high-precision video camera. The images can be acquired either directly or from slides. The two images to be compared are registered using a complex geometrical and gray-level registration model including six parameters (planar, translation, rotation, magnification, linear transformation of the gray levels). The values of the registration parameters are automatically calculated by maximizing an integer similarity measure selected for robustness. The optimization of this function with respect to the registration parameters is performed using an adaptive random search strategy. The analysis of the differences between the registered images can be carried out through visual inspection of the subtraction image in which artifacts due to remaining infrapixel shifts have been suppressed.

Immediate breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap.

Use of an omental flap to reconstruct the breast after cancer surgery was first reported by Kiricuta in 1963. Since then, the omentum has been widely used in cancer surgery to cover extensive thoracic defects associated with radionecrosis. In contrast, for breast reconstruction or augmentation mammaplasty, rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi flaps have been used far more often than omental flaps. This article describes a new technique for immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omentum and reports the results obtained in 10 patients. Nine patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy. In the other patient, omentum was used in combination with skin grafting to cover a postmastectomy defect. Follow-up exceeded 16 months in the first patients. The results suggest that breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap may be extremely dependable in terms of vascular supply (there was one case of partial necrosis, which healed with local management alone). The postoperative course of all patients was uneventful, and the use of laparoscopy reduced the hospital stay to less than 7 days. Donor-site scars were minimal. There was no residual loss of function, and there were no cases of incisional ventral hernia. Cosmetic results were satisfactory, with a soft breast that was both natural in appearance and stable in volume. However, in two patients the amount of omentum was found to be inadequate during the procedure; consequently, an implant was inserted under the omental flap. Breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap is a new technique that allows autogenous reconstruction without disfigurement of the do-nor site and that results in a soft, natural-looking breast.

Obtaining maximal use of expanded scalp rotation flaps via an experimental model.

The relative inelasticity of scalp skin and the irregular convexity of the cranial vault necessitate careful planning in the design and mobilization of scalp flaps. Rotation flaps adapt particularly well to the curves of the cranial vault. An experimental model has enabled us to study the design and mobilization of expanded scalp rotation flaps and to obtain maximal efficiency from the tissue expansion process. The use of a round tissue expander situated immediately adjacent to a scalp defect is an excellent method for the creation of a rotation flap. To optimize the use of the expanded tissues, the flap should be designed so that its border passes along the periphery of these expanded tissues. In cases in which it is advisable to separate the expander from the defect, such as when the defect is highly contaminated, efficient use of the expanded tissues can still be obtained by placing the expander at the site of a rotation flap backcut. Furthermore, although this study focuses on rotation flaps only, this same model can be used to examine and compare different closure methods using other types of flaps as well.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in expanded tissue: a possible mechanism of angiogenesis in tissue expansion.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenic growth factor. Angiogenesis stimulated by VEGF occurs in several important clinical contexts, including myocardial ischemia, retinal disease, and tumor growth. The level of VEGF is increased in several skin disorders and is stimulated by ischemia. Tissue expansion has been shown to induce angiogenesis and ischemia on the overlying skin. We therefore investigated the hypothesis that VEGF was expressed in expanded tissue. Three samples of skin were obtained from five patients who sustained reconstruction with tissue expansion. One sample was taken on the implantation site of the expander before implantation. Two samples were taken at the time of removal, respectively, one on the nonexpanded skin adjacent to the expanded area and one on the expanded skin on the site of expansion. On these samples we performed immunolocalization of VEGF. Mouse monoclonal antibody was used, recognized with rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) complex conjugated and revealed with naphthol red. Our results showed clearly an increased number of cells that fixated VEGF antibody on the site of expansion. Cell counts revealed that the numbers of cells expressing VEGF were statistically higher in expanded tissue than in nonexpanded tissue. Before expansion skin specimens did not express VEGF. These findings are the first to show the presence of a growth factor in expanded tissue. They open a new field of research on the biological explanation of tissue-expanded angiogenesis.

Influence of underfilling on breast implant deflation.

The authors report a series of 407 patients with a total of 709 saline breast implants (average follow-up, 7.1 years). In this retrospective series, the overall deflation rate was 6.6 percent (47 of 709). Initial comparison of the deflation rates for smooth (8.8 percent) versus textured (1.8 percent) implants suggested a significant difference between the implant types. However, further analysis of the data revealed that smooth implants had a longer average follow-up period and tended to have lower fill volumes. These data were re-examined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis plots, which corrected for differences in follow-up times, and log rank tests performed to determine significance. Implant type was found to have a non-significant association with rupture rate. In contrast, the percent fill (implant fill volume per minimum recommended fill volume x 100) was significantly associated with the spontaneous ruptures; a mean difference of 13.9 percent (89.2 percent versus 103.1 percent) was found between the series of deflated implants and the nondeflated implants (p < 0.0001). These data suggest that underfilling is a major cause of deflation.

Lower back coverage with endoscopically harvested pedicled greater omental flap.

An alternative surgical treatment is proposed here for radionecrosis of the lower back. A 78-year-old patient was treated successfully for a nonhealing ulcer with a pedicled omental flap. The omentum was harvested endoscopically and brought out of abdominal cavity through a limited incision on lateral left side of abdominal wall. The omentum was then tunneled to the back for coverage the lower back. The combination of an endoscopic harvest of an omental flap performed by a general surgeon and wound debridement and skin grafting of the omentum by a plastic surgeon allows minimal donor-site morbidity and avoids the use of delicate microsurgical technique. Additionally, omentum is an ideal flap for the treatment of radionecrosis.

Use of circumflex scapular vessels as a recipient pedicle for autologous breast reconstruction: a report of 40 consecutive cases.

The use of the circumflex scapular pedicle as a recipient vessel for breast reconstruction in a series of 40 consecutive cases in 37 patients is reported. There were 3 bilateral reconstructions and 34 unilateral reconstructions. Twenty-one cases were immediate reconstructions, and 19 cases were secondary reconstructions. The diameter of the artery varied from 1.5 mm to 3 mm and systematically matched with the diameter of the epigastric artery. The artery was a branch of the subscapular system in 82.5 percent of cases (33 of 40). In 17.5 percent of cases (7 of 40), the artery was a direct branch of the axillary artery. The length of available pedicle between the axillary vessel and the distal part where it can be divided (on its division between scapular and parascapular artery) was of 76 +/- 13 mm for the artery and 72 +/- 12 mm for the vein. The vein was unique in 77.5 percent of cases. The diameter was similar to the artery diameter when unique. There was a dual venous system in 21 of 40 cases (52.5 percent) but in 15 cases (37.5 percent), one of the two veins was dominant. In the seven cases for which the veins were dual and of equivalent diameter, the epigastric veins were also dual and allowed a second anastomosis. Clinically, the anastomosis was always possible on the artery. In one case of reconstruction after Halstedt mastectomy, no vein could be found, because all the veins had been ligated previously. One venous thrombosis (2.5 percent) and one arterial thrombosis were experienced. Both were treated by revised anastomoses and did not compromise late results. The circumflex scapular pedicle is a reliable and simple recipient site for breast reconstruction. It allows a unique site of dissection in immediate reconstruction and avoids division of the thoracodorsal pedicle. The technique is now used exclusively at this institution.

Tissue and plasma levels of endothelin in free flaps.

The goal of the study was to assess whether endothelin-1 levels are increased in tissue and plasma in free flaps. To assess this hypothesis, blood samples were taken from the general circulation before and after reperfusion and from the flap after reperfusion in 20 patients undergoing breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps. Tissue samples were also taken from the flap before and after the period of ischemia. Peripheral blood samples of 10 ml each were taken before the vessels were clamped and at 10 minutes and 1 hour after the flap was recharged. The flap vein was catheterized with a smooth catheter to avoid endothelial trauma, and ischemic blood from the flap was obtained immediately after the artery was unclamped and 10 minutes later. Two skin samples of 2 cm each were taken: one after dissection of the flap before division of the vessels and one after reanastomosis of the veins (one or two veins). Statistical analyses were performed with the (nonparametric) Wilcoxon signed rank test. Flap ischemia time, from vessel division to the completion of the arterial anastomosis, ranged from 35 to 120 minutes (mean, 48 minutes). The plasma endothelin-1 level extracted from the flap was 4.34 +/- 0.85 pg/ml, significantly higher than baseline, 3.87 +/- 0.81 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). There was a small increase, 4.5 +/- 1.03 pg/ml (p = NS), 10 minutes after reperfusion. The peripheral level after venous anastomosis was 3.78 +/- 0.79 pg/ml, not significantly different from the peripheral plasma level, before the flap was raised. The peripheral plasma level 1 hour after reperfusion was 3.83 +/- 0.8 pg/ml, with no difference from baseline. The tissue level of endothelin-1 before clamping was 3.8 +/- 0.8 pg/mg and in postischemic tissue, 5.2 +/- 0.6 pg/mg, a statistically significant increase. The authors concluded that endothelin-1 levels are elevated in free flaps. This could be an explanation for vasospasm and may lead to therapy directed against the no-reflow phenomenon.

[Erdheim-Chester disease. The multiviceral form presenting as exophthalmos]. / Maladie d'Erdheim-Chester. Forme multiviscérale révélée par une exophtalmie.

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare visceral xantho-granulomatosis, the 17th case of which is reported here. The initial symptom, bilateral exophthalmos, was uncommon. The picture was completed by a retroperitoneal xanthogranuloma and by bilateral and symmetrical osteosclerosis of the long bones. The lack of X-bodies at electron microscopy differentiated the disease from Hand-Schüller-Christian disease. The patient's condition improved with chemotherapy (vinblastine and doxorubicin) combined with corticosteroid therapy. After a 5-month remission period, he died of an intercurrent infection. No autopsy was performed.

[Basal cell epithelioma of the eyelids]. / Les epithéliomas baso-cellulaires des paupières.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study of 36 patients was to assess the oncological, functional and cosmetic results of surgery in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid and to compare them with those obtained with other possible therapeutic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a series of 36 cases of histologically proven basal cell carcinoma principally located on the lower eyelid and the inner canthus. 27 p. 100 of the patients had previously been treated and presented with a recurrent tumour. Mean age was 61 years. Minimum follow-up was 5 years. Reinforced and potentiated local anaesthesia was given in most cases. Tumoral excision was complete in 31 patients, insufficient or borderline in 5 patients. Intraoperative extemporaneous biopsy was performed in 8 p. 100 of the cases. Repair was carried out by direct suture or by grafting, the flap being simple or combined with a mucosal or chondromucosal graft. The lacrymal passages were destroyed in 5 cases and were not reconstructed in 4 of them. There was no postsurgical therapy. RESULTS: As regards the malignancy itself, the recurrence rate was 6 p. 100 and affected patients who had previously been treated. The cure rate was 100 p. 100 in patients for whom surgery was the first treatment, and 94 p. 100 in the totality of patients. Functionally, there was one case of ectropion, and epiphora developed in 7.4 p. 100 of the cases. In this series epiphora was associated with destruction of the lacrymal passages in only one patient. Satisfactory cosmetic results were obtained in 85 p. 100 of the cases, bearing in mind that the assessment was necessarily subjective. DISCUSSION: Treatments of basal cell carcinoma are numerous. We shall analyze their results, advantages and drawbacks compared with those of surgery. Cryotherapy raises technical problems of execution which are responsible for an excessively high recurrence rate. Chemotherapy has recently been enriched with the introduction of Solcoderm, but the follow-up is still too short. Electrocoagulation gives good oncological results, but it can only be used for small lesions. Radiotherapy (contact, penetrating or semi-penetrating X-ray therapy, electron therapy) has a cure rate of 95 p. 100 and gives acceptable cosmetic results. However, it requires numerous sessions, cannot be repeated if it fails and complicates surgical treatment; in the long term, it carries a risk of radiodystrophy. Its functional and ocular complications have been estimated at 9 p. 100. Epiphora is present in 2 to 19 p. 100 of the cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Basal cell carcinoma of the nose]. / Les carcinomes baso-cellulaires du nez.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study of 81 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the nose was to present the oncological and cosmetic results of surgical treatment and compare these results with those of other possible treatments. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We report a series of 81 cases of histologically proven BCC of the nose located chiefly on the alae nasi and on the lower end of this organ; 42 p. 100 of the tumors had previously been treated and had recurred. The patients' mean age was 63 years, and the shortest follow-up was 3 years. Excision of the tumor under simple or reinforced local anaesthesia was complete in 88 p. 100 of the cases, incomplete or borderline in 12 p. 100 and systematically repeated. Extemporaneous histological examination was performed in 18 p. 100 of the cases. The operative lesion was repaired with a graft or a flap. There was no postsurgical treatment. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 4 p. 100 with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. The cosmetic result was good in 78 p. 100 of the patients. DISCUSSION: Numerous treatments have been used against BCC of the nose, the results, advantages and disadvantages of each of these treatments are given below: 1. Cryosurgery. The problem with this method is that it is relatively difficult to perform and requires reliable operators. The cure rate is similar to that of other treatments. 2. Chemotherapy is not frequently used. 3. Electrocoagulation. Contrary to the conventional excision, this method precludes all histological controls, and the common idea of good oncological results is now being revised. 4. Radiotherapy. The recurrence rate varies from 7 to 11.8 p. 100 with fair cosmetic results. It requires numerous sessions, cannot be repeated in case of recurrence and complicates the surgical treatment. In addition, there is a long-term risk of radiodystrophy. 5. Curietherapy by local implantation of 192Iridium has a recurrence rate of 2.5 to 7 p. 100. This treatment requires hospitalization and is costly. It is indicated in cases of complex surgery, difficult conventional radiotherapy and above all, sclerodermatous BCC. 6. Surgery has a recurrence rate which varies from 3.7 to 12.6 p. 100. Recurrences are due to insufficient excision, and this underlines the value of histological control which can be done only at surgery. It is a rapid and ambulatory treatment, usually performed under local anaesthesia. The cosmetic result is good (85 to 90 p. 100) and the patients must be made aware of this preoperatively with some degree of reliability, depending on age, location, size of BCC and on the surgical technique utilized. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of nasal BCC is safe, effective and rapid, with good oncological and cosmetic results, and it has many advantages over the other treatments.

[Giant intra-extracranial meningioma of the calvaria]. / Méningiome géant intra-extracranien de la voûte.

A 30 year old woman presented with a tumor of calvaria which had grown slowly over a period of 10 years. There was no history of symptoms other than an isolated episode of seizure. Infiltration of the scalp noted at physical examination and radiologic findings suggested the diagnosis slowly progressive sarcoma but the diagnosis of meningioma was established by histologic examination which also showed the important vascularization of the tumor (estimated blood loss was 300cm3). Taking into consideration the histologic benignity of the tumor and the complete thrombosis of the longitudinal sinus, removal of the lesion was planned after complete embolization of the vessels branching from the external carotid artery to supply the tumor. A two stage procedure was performed. During the first operative stage portion of the meningioma infiltrating the bone (800 g; 15 X 12 X 2 cm) and scalp was removed. In as second stage the intracranial "en plaque" meningioma was removed with no significant bleeding. The resected dura was replaced by combining a pericranial graft with a dermal graft. The cranial valt was restored with a bone homograft. The patient tolerated the procedure well and is in good health 18 months following surgery.

[Surgical treatment of naso-sinus tumors invading the anterior region of the base of the skull. Problems encountered during exploration, and repair of bone and dura mater]. / Traitement chirurgical des tumeurs naso-sinusiennes envahissant l'étage antérieur de la base du crâne. Problèmes soulevés par l'exploration et la réparation osseuse et dure-mérienne.

Current limitations for surgical excision and solutions to problems of bone and dura mater repair of nasosinusal tumors invading the anterior region of the base of skull are discussed in relation to 14 cases. None of these patients had been operated upon by first intention using the upper approach Exploration of the median part of the anterior region is limited posteriorly by the posterior border of the jugum and the base of the anterior clinoid processes. Pre-operative discovery of invasion of the dura mater is a contraindication for surgery. Posterior and dural extension of the tumor is evaluated by combined CT Scan and tomography, but these examinations do not always confirm the absence of dura mater involvement before surgery. A double approach should be used when doubt as to invasion of the base exists. Dura mater repair involves suturing, a free periosteal flap, and a pediculated cranial periosteum flap anteriorly on the fronto-orbital region. Reconstruction of the base requires the use of the periosteal flap, alone or associated with bone grafts depending on the size and location of the bone breach. Short and long term postoperative complications were nor observed.

[Surgical treatment of maxillary complications of labiopalatine clefts (author's transl)]. / Traitement chirurgical des séquelles maxillaires des fentes labio-narinaires.

The most frequently observed maxillary complications of labiopalatine clefts are endognathia and mesognathia. Their treatment, which consists essentially of a maxillary osteotomy, enables correction not only of dental articulation disorders but also ensures improved upper lip projection and harmonious support of the base of the alae nasi.

[Bilateral parotid gland tumors. Report on 3 cases (author's transl)]. / Tumeurs bilatérales de la glande parotide. A propos de 3 observations.

Three cases of rarely observed bilateral parotid gland tumors are reported. In two cases the tumors were of different histological types (mixed tumor on one side and an adenocarcinoma on the other side) while in the third case they were both of the mixed variety. No clear explanation for the possible bilateral nature of these tumors was found, diagnosis being made either during the initial examination or after an interval of several years.

[Intra-extracranial meningioma in the cranial vault]. / Les méningiomes intra-extracrâniens de la voûte.

Between 1982 and 1993, 11 cases of intra-extracranial vault meningiomas were treated in Créteil, by the same multidisciplinary team. The average age was 53.5 years and the Karnofsky rating was high (> 80 in 7 cases). Ten of the 11 cases had medial tumours with venous sinus thrombosis occurring in 9 of these. The location of the tumour was frontal in 6 and parietal in 4 patients. Of the medial tumours, 5 (half) were bilateral intracranial lesions. The average duration of symptoms was more than 10 years in four cases, between 1 and 3 years in five, and the diagnosis was made immediately in two patients. MRI coronal sections, after venous contrast injection, allowed diagnosis of the lesion and visualisation of the sinus thrombosis. Embolisation was performed pre-operatively in all cases scheduled to have surgery, resulting in safe excision of the tumour. Surgery was performed in 9 patients with complete tumour removal achieved in 8. Of those who did not undergo surgery, one received radiotherapy and the other died before treatment. The bony defect was covered with cadaveric bone, autogenous bone, coral and methyl-methacrylate in one, two, two and two patients respectively. Complications occurred in 2 cases: extradural secondary infection and CSF rhinorrhea treated with a lumbo-peritoneal shunt. The post-operative Karnofsky rating was greater than 90 in seven cases, 70 in one, and 50 in two cases. After an average follow-up of 4 years, 3 patients had tumor recurrence at 4, 7, and 8 years; the first having a locally malignant character, the second showing radiological recurrence in a case of subtotal removal, and the third a marginal recurrence. Two of the 3 patients underwent further surgery. The malignant case, received radiotherapy but unfortunately a new recurrence occurred 14 months later. As radiotherapy was used in only 3 cases, statistically significant conclusions concerning efficacy cannot be drawn.