A Rare Laryngeal Foreign Body Case: Postcricoid Total Dental Prosthesis.

In this case report, 60-year-old patient who aspirated total dental prosthesis into the postcricoid region was presented with patient's history, clinical findings, radiologic examinations and surgical treatment with comparison of literature data. To our literature knowledge, this is the first total dental prosthesis detected in postcricoid region. This was unusual because it did not cause any respiratory disorders such as laryngospasm and asphyxia, although it led to mucosal abrasions in a wide area of esophageus. Laryngoscope, 134:2331-2334, 2024.

Effects of nasal septum deviation and concha bullosa surgery on the frequency and financial burden of acute rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septum deviation/concha bullosa (DNS)/(CB) are known to be predisposing factors in the pathophysiology of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). However, the effects of surgical treatment of these pathologies on ARS have not been adequately investigated. AIMS: To reveal the effects of the surgical treatment of DNS and CB on the frequency of the ARS, the use of antibiotics (ABs), and the direct cost incurred. METHODS: Medical records of the patients who had undergone successful surgery for DNS/CB and were diagnosed with ARS in the preoperative and postoperative 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed. The average annual number of ARS examinations of the patients, the number of ABs prescribed, and prescription, examination, and total health system costs were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (33 men (62%) and 20 women (38%)) were included in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean annual number of examinations for ARS, the number of ABs prescribed, prescription, examination, and total health system costs (p < 0.05) in the postoperative period compared with the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The present study determined that successful surgeries performed in patients with DNS/CB resulted in a significant decrease in the average annual number of examinations performed for ARS, number of AB prescriptions, and prescription, examination, and total health system costs. With these results, it seems beneficial to direct patients to surgery within the framework of the health policies of countries to reduce the frequency and financial burden of ARS in DNS/CB patients.

Evaluation of the intranasal steroid treatment outcomes in adenoid tissue hypertrophy with or without allergic rhinitis.

PURPOSE: To compare the intranasal steroid (INS) treatment outcomes in patients with adenoid tissue hypertrophy (ATH) with or without allergic rhinitis (AR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 96 children diagnosed with ATH were retrospectively examined. The pediatric version of the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire was used to determine the AR status of the patients and classify them. The children were divided into two groups based on the questionnaire: Group 1, low probability of AR (SFAR<9); and Group 2, high probability of AR (SFAR≥9). Intranasal mometasone furoate (100 µg/mL) was used to treat ATH for at least 3 months. The severity of nasal obstruction and snoring was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the adenoid/choana (A/C) ratios before and after treatment were compared, and the rate of patient referral to surgery was recorded among groups. RESULTS: The change in the A/C ratio within the group between before and after treatment was significant (both P < 0.001). However, the reduction in the adenoid size was more significant in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P = 0.025). A significant improvement in the VAS scores was observed between before and after treatment in both groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the rate of surgical referral of Group 1 was significantly lower than that of Group 2 (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: INS treatment was found more successful for reducing A/C ratio in ATH without AR. Related with this, when considering the INS treatment for ATH, AR status should be kept in mind for predicting the treatment success.

Comparison of effects of baby shampoo vs. saline irrigation on endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal irrigation is an important step of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) postoperative care. This study was performed to compare the effects of diluted baby shampoo (BS) and normal saline solution (NSS) irrigation on patients' quality of life (QoL) and surgical outcomes after FESS. METHODS: This study included 77 patients who underwent FESS to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Lund-Mackay score, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES), synechia score and QoL (using the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22)) were evaluated. RESULTS: LKES was significantly better in the BS group (p=0.001), especially in terms of nasal discharge and crust formation (p=0.024 and p=0.030, respectively) at 1 month postoperatively. However, no significant difference was found at 3, 6 or 12 months postoperatively (p=0.833, p=0.263, and p=0.346, respectively). The reduction of SNOT-22 score (between preoperative assessment and 1 month postoperatively) was significantly better in the BS than in the NSS group (p=0.025). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups at 3, 6, or 12 months postoperatively (p=0.312, p=0.280, and p=0.285, respectively). In the evaluation of SNOT-22 subdomains, changes in psychological, rhinological and extranasal rhinological subdomains were significantly better in the BS group at 1 month postoperatively (p=0.019, p=0.010 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared to irrigation with NSS, BS usage following FESS led to reductions of crusting, nasal discharge and synechia formation; moreover, it was associated with improved SNOT-22 scores, especially in psychological, rhinological and extranasal rhinological subdomains.

Comparison of transnasal and transoral routes of microdebrider combined curettage adenoidectomy and assessment of endoscopy for residue: a randomized prospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and locations of residual adenoid tissue in conventional curettage adenoidectomy (CA) via transnasal endoscopic examination at the end of the operation and to determine the most appropriate technique for residual adenoid tissue removal by transoral or transnasal microdebrider usage. METHODS: Sixty-three patients aged 4-12 years who were scheduled for CA were included in this randomized prospective study in a tertiary reference center. Patients who underwent CA had the endoscopic residual tissue exploration at the end of surgery. The amount and locations of residual tissue were recorded. Patients with > 20% residual tissue were divided into two groups according to randomization list for removing the residual tissue, depending on the use of transoral microdebrider (TOMD) and transnasal microdebrider (TNMD). Two procedures were compared in terms of duration, bleeding, pain, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) transfer time, and complications. RESULTS: Residual tissue was detected in 38 patients (60.2%). The most common location of residual tissue was peritubal area (41.3%). The TOMD group had lower surgical duration, blood loss, pain scores and shorter PACU transfer time (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p˂0.001, and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic exploration at the end of CA should be considered to avoid residual tissue retention. Furthermore, if residual tissue is present, the use of TOMD is easier, faster, and associated with lower morbidity than the use of TNMD.

The novel relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and temporomandibular joint disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Studies investigating the relationship between sex hormones, inflammatory mediators and joint disorders have reported that sex hormones affect the pathogenesis of joint disorders. We aimed to investigate temporomandibular joint disorder (TJD) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the possible role of systemic mediators and sex hormones in TJD pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PCOS patients (n = 45) and controls (n = 30) aged 20-40 years, were enrolled in this case-control study. TJD diagnosis was performed by the specialist and blood samples were tested in the early follicular phase and on the 21 st (midluteal) day to investigate the levels of estrogen, progesterone, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1-8-9, interleukin (IL)-1ß and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS: TJD incidence was significantly higher in PCOS than the control group (51.1% and 6.9% respectively, p < 0.01). Midluteal progesterone (p < 0.01) was lower in PCOS group than the controls (p < 0.01). TNF-α (p < 0.01), MMP 1 (p < 0.01) and MMP 8 (p = 0.02) levels were found significantly higher in PCOS than the control group. Further, Progesterone levels were found significantly lower in TJD (+) PCOS patients than TJD (-) PCOS patients. However, significant difference was not found between the PCOS TJD (+) and PCOS TJD (-) patients for estrogen, MMP 1, MMP 8, MMP 9, TNF-α and IL-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: TJD frequency was found significantly increased in PCOS patients. Related with this, TJD co-occurrence should be kept in mind in the diagnosing and treatment process of PCOS due to hormonal alteration.

Which one is favorable in the elderly? Transoral rigid laryngoscopy or transnasal flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether transoral rigid laryngeal endoscopy (TORLE) or transnasal flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (TNFFL) is more favorable for laryngeal endoscopic examination in the elderly population. METHODS: This randomized prospective study carried out in a tertiary reference center. TORLE or TNFFL were performed to patients who were over 65 years at their first visit according to randomization list. At their second visit, other method was performed. Patients' physiological parameters (Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen (O2) saturation before and immediately after laryngeal examination were recorded. Patients' pain-irritation, gag reflex, and dyspnea status were evaluated using visual analog scale after first and second endoscopic examinations. Further patient preferences for TORLE and TNFFL were recorded. RESULTS: Of 96 patients included in the study, 69.8% (n = 67) preferred TORLE while 30.2% (n = 29) preferred TNFFL. Major factor influencing patient preferences was pain-irritation in TNFFL. Pain-irritation scores were significantly higher in TNFFL than those in TORLE (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between two methods with respect to gag reflex and dyspnea scores (p = 0.194, p = 0.327, respectively). In TORLE, there was no statistically significant difference between the values measured before and after examination in terms of SBP, DBP, HR, and O2 saturation (p = 0.641, p = 0.134, p = 0.119, p = 0.414, respectively). However, in TNFFL, statistically significant decrease was observed after examination in HR and O2 saturation (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: TORLE is more suitable for laryngeal examination in elderly patients since it is more comfortable for patient and does not change physiological parameters.

Effects of perioperative magnesium sulfate with controlled hypotension on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis and edema in open rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: This randomized, double-blind study was planned to evaluate the effect of perioperative magnesium sulfate with controlled hypotension on intraoperative bleeding, postoperative ecchymosis and edema, and side-effects. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty-nine patients undergoing open rhinoplasty were divided into two groups - magnesium sulfate and control. The magnesium sulfate group received 30-50 mg·kg-1 intravenously as a bolus before induction of anesthesia, followed by 10-20 mg·kg-1 h-1 by continuous intravenous infusion during surgery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 3 mg·kg-1, fentanyl 15 µg·kg-1 and cisatracurium 0.6 mg·kg-1. Mean arterial pressure was maintained at 50 to 60 mmHg under controlled hypotensive anesthesia with magnesium sulfate titration. Hemodynamic variables, operational bleeding, early postoperative side-effects and postoperative first-, third- and seventh-day ecchymosis and edema were compared between the groups. Ecchymosis and edema were evaluated using a graded scale from 0 to 4. RESULTS: In the magnesium sulfate group, mean arterial pressure decreased during most of the perioperative period. Intraoperative bleeding also decreased. A distinct reduction in ecchymosis and edema was observed in both the upper and lower eyelids on the first, third and seventh days. Patients in the magnesium sulfate group also had a more peaceful postoperative course with less postoperative nausea vomiting, and shivering. CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulfate with controlled hypotension can lower ecchymosis and edema of the upper and lower eyelids in rhinoplasty surgery by reducing bleeding.

Evaluation of the perioperative effects of dexmedetomidine on tympanoplasty operations.

PURPOSE: This randomized double-blind study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic parameters and the quality of surgery and recovery criteria in tympanoplasty operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 patients 18-55 years undergoing tympanoplasty, who were graded as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 included patients receiving remifentanil alone, Group 2 included patients receiving dexmedetomidine + remifentanil and Group 3 included patients receiving dexmedetomidine + ½ remifentanil. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and cisatracurium. For maintenance of anesthesia, a mixture of 2-2.5% sevoflurane, 40-60% oxygen/air was used. The groups were compared in terms of hemodynamic parameters, surgical area, recovery criteria, modified Aldrete, pain scores, additional analgesic requirements and adverse effects. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and heart rate values of Group 1 were higher at the time of intubation, incision, spontaneous breathing and extubation compared to Group 2 and Group 3. Surgical field satisfaction was higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1. Spontaneous breathing, eye opening and verbal cooperation times were shorter in Group 3 compared to Group 2. Eye opening and verbal cooperation times were longer in Group 2 compared to Group 1. The 30-minute modified Aldrete scores was higher in Group 3 compared to Group 1. There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain and adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The use of dexmedetomidine during tympanoplasty operations may provide better hemodynamic control and surgical view, may provide faster recovery and may reduce remifentanil consumption.

Evaluating the Effect of Infraorbital Region Taping Procedure on Patient Anxiety, Satisfaction, Edema, and Ecchymosis Level on Primary Septorhinoplasty.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of infraorbital region taping on patients' postoperative edema and ecchymosis, satisfaction levels, and anxiety during follow-up. METHODS: A total of 64 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty were included in this randomized controlled prospective study. According to the randomization list, the taping group's (TG) infraorbital region was taped with adhesive strips. Others were included in the control group and were classified as the nontaping group. Two blinded physicians evaluated the degree of edema and ecchymosis according to the photographs of patients taken on the first, second, fifth, and seventh postoperative days. Patient's appearance satisfaction was evaluated for ecchymosis levels. State anxiety inventory (STAI-S) and trait anxiety inventory (STAI-T) were used to measure preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels of patients. RESULTS: The degree of ecchymosis and edema were not significantly different except on the first day in the TG (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively). Significant increment was found in the TG on first, second, and fifth days based on the satisfaction levels of patients for their appearance (P = 0.05, P = 0.03, P = 0.04, respectively). Preoperative STAI-S and STAI-T were similar for the groups (P = 0.78, P = 0.17, respectively). However, postoperative STAI-S of the TG were significantly lower compared with those of the nontaping group except seventh day (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Infraorbital taping did not decrease the edema and ecchymosis except on the first postoperative day. However, it had a significant ameliorating effect on patients' anxiety and satisfaction levels.

Effect of prilocaine and its combination with tramadol on anxiety and pain during nasal packing removal.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of local usage of prilocaine and its combination with tramadol on the pain and anxiety levels of patients during nasal packing removal. METHODS: A total of 117 patients who were treated with the Merocel nasal packing after septoplasty were included in the study. Patients whose Merocel nasal packings infiltrated with prilocaine (P group), prilocaine combined with tramadol 1 mg/kg (P + T1 group), prilocaine combined with tramadol 2 mg/kg (P + T2 group), or normal saline solution (Control group) before nasal packing removal were compared for their pain, sedation, and anxiety related to this removal procedure. The visual analog scale (VAS), Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale were assessed to evaluate the pain, sedation, and anxiety levels of the patients. RESULTS: Groups were found similar according to sex, age, and preoperative STAI scores. The VAS score was significantly lower in P, P + T1, and P + T2 than control group during nasal packing removal (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, state anxiety inventory (STAI-S) and RSS were found significantly improved only in P + T1 and P + T2 (STAI-S: p = 0.032, RSS: p = 0.002, STAI-S: p = 0.000, RSS: p < 0.001, respectively). In the comparison of P + T1 and P + T2, no significant difference was found in VAS, RSS, and STAI-S (p = 0.604, p = 0.154, and p = 0.264, respectively). CONCLUSION: The combined infiltration of prilocaine and tramadol 1 mg/kg into the nasal packing is effective in reducing the pain and anxiety of patients during nasal packing removal.

The Impact of Type II Diabetes on Tongue Dysplasia and p16-Related Aging Process: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes mellitus on p16, p53, Ki67, and Bcl2 expressions and histopathological changes in the tongue of the rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 14) as control (C) (n = 8) and diabetic (DM) (n = 6). The rats in the DM group were given streptozotocin as a single intraperitoneal dose for induction of diabetes. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the tongue were used. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the DM group and the control group in terms of epithelial thickness, length of filiform papillae, and width of filiform papillae (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, and p = 0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, capillary proliferation, and dysplasia (p = 0.204, p = 0.244, and p = 0.204, respectively). As a result of immunohistochemical studies, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of p53, Ki67, and Bcl-2 expressions (p = 0.588, p = 0.662, and p = 0.686, respectively). A significant difference was found between the groups when p16 expression was evaluated (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes mellitus induced p16 expression but did not show any difference in p53, Bcl-2, and Ki67 levels. It should be considered in the studies that the pathological changes at the early stages of the relationship between DM and oral cancer may be related to p16 expression; however, it may also be linked with p16-related aging process.

A Right Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct After Frontal Eosinophilic Granuloma Resection in an 8-Year-Old Boy with Factor V Leiden.

Stroke in children is relatively uncommon. We describe an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with primary eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of the frontal bone. After excision of the EG, the postoperative course was eventful. The patient had an acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct and had been comatose with a diminished Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 5. Urgent decompressive hemicraniectomy with duraplasty was performed. The postoperative course after the second operation was uneventful. Hematological tests revealed a diagnosis of factor V Leiden. The patient was discharged with left hemiparesis and GCS of 15. To the best of our knowledge, no such clinical picture of MCA infarction after EG excision has been described before. Neurosurgeons should be aware of inherited thrombophilias, such as factor V Leiden, if the postoperative clinical course worsens because of cerebral artery thrombosis. Also, decompressive hemicraniectomy could be life saving and should be performed urgently without any hesitation.

Sciatic nerve hypertrophy with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: a case report.

A 73-year-old female patient who had severe neuropathic pain due to sciatic nerve hypertrophy with the Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome has been presented. Localized hypertrophic neuropathy is in one region and characterized by concentric proliferation of Schwann cells around the axon. It is very rare in the absence of generalized hypertrophic neuropathy. Very little is known about the etiology and the course of this neuropathy. Klippel-Trenaunay-Syndrome (KTS) is a rare syndrome characterized by hemangioma, abnormalities of the venous and lymphatic systems, and limb enlargement due to soft tissue and bone hypertrophy.

Histological structure of the medial and lateral walls of cavernous sinus in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to elucidate the architecture of these fine structures in human fetuses. METHODS: The histological examination of medial wall (MW) and lateral wall (LW) was performed in 15 normal human fetuses. Eleven fetuses were female and four were male. The gestational age ranged between 14 and 35 weeks. The weight ranged between 180 and 1750 g. The wall samples (two MW and two LW from each fetus) were obtained by microsurgical technique and underwent histological examination. Each wall was examined for the structure and composition of collagen and elastic fibers, ganglions, peripheral nerves, and vessels. RESULTS: A total of 60 wall samples (30 MW and 30 LW) were examined in 15 fetuses. Loose connective tissue composed of type III collagen was observed in both of the walls. Elastic fibers were observed only in three wall samples (two MW and one LW). Ganglion was detected in 11 samples (nine in LW and two in MW), and peripheral nerve was found in 28 walls (18 LW and 10 MW). Vessels were observed in 51 samples (26 LW and 25 MW). None of the walls was stained with type I collagen. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of LW and MW of the cavernous sinus (CS) in fetuses is mainly composed of collagen tissue while some elastic fibers are supported by this tissue. Type III collagen is the main component of fetal CS walls. Because of the weak histological structure, CS may be more prone to tumor invasion in infants.

A giant frontoethmoid mucocele with intracranial extension.

Mucoceles are mucus-containing cysts lined by epithelium. Although benign, they may show expansive growth and remain undiagnosed until symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures arise. We report a rare case of frontoethmoid mucocele with intracranial extension in an 80-year-old woman with complaints of headache, right diplopia and proptosis. A right frontoorbital craniotomy was performed, and a mucocele in the frontal sinus extending into the frontal lobe and orbit was totally removed. The patient was successfully treated without any complication. The two-year follow-up results were satisfactory. Magnetic resonance imaging excluded any recurrence of the mucocele. Combined intranasal and transcranial approach is necessary to treat giant frontoetmoid mucoceles with intracranial extension.

Intraspinal lipomas without associated spinal dysraphism.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report surgical strategies and clinical outcomes for thoraco-lumbar intradural lipomas. Intraspinal lipomas are rare congenital histologically benign neoplasms, which account for less than 1% of all spinal cord tumors. These tumors are most frequently found in the lumbosacral area as components of a dysraphic state, however, intramedullary lipomas are not associated with spina bifida or cutaneous malformations and have only been described as isolated cases among spinal lipomas, where the thoracolumbar region is rarely affected. CASE PRESENTATION: Three patients with thoracolumbar intradural lipomas were admitted to our clinic at different points of time. Partial resections and debulking of the tumors were achieved with the guidance of an operating microscope. We performed laminectomies or laminoplasties, for tumor resections. DISCUSSION: Postoperatively, the patients demonstrated significant clinical improvements. In this manuscript we presented our surgical experiences for intraspinal lipomas.

Delayed diagnosis of cleidocranial dysplasia in an adult: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare case of cleidocranial dysplasia, an autosomal dominant inherited disease involving the skeleton and teeth, with delayed diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We report a 24-year-old man with cleidocranial dysplasia admitted with hearing loss, rhinolalia, dyspnea and fatigue. Partial absence of clavicles, a bell-shaped ribcage, an open frontal fontanel, unerupted permanent teeth and broad sutures were identified at radiographic examination. CONCLUSION: Cleidocranial dysplasia is very rare, and is commonly missed or diagnosed late. Radiographic findings are essential for diagnosis. An open frontal fontanel is a particularly important finding for neurosurgeons in diagnosis. We describe this rare case and discuss the clinical features of CCD.

Which treatment method should be preferred for lumbar discal cysts? A case report and a review of the literature.

Discal cysts are extremely rare pathologies that occur most often in the lumbar region. The clinical symptoms of discal cysts are indistinguishable from those of a lumbar disc herniation. The aetiology and pathogenesis of discal cysts remain unknown. The optimal treatment of discal cysts also remains controversial. Most cases of lumbar discal cysts are treated surgically, while some cases regress spontaneously. In this article, we report a case of a lumbar discal cyst treated surgically by microdiscectomy. We discuss the treatment options for discal cysts in the context of the literature.

Histological structure of filum terminale in human fetuses.

OBJECT: The structure of the filum terminale (FT) is important in the development of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children. Although many studies have been performed on the histological structure of the FT in adults, there has been no detailed investigation for those of fetuses. The aim of this study was to examine the histological structure of the FT in normal human fetuses and to compare the results with those of previous studies. METHODS: The histological examination of the FT was performed in 15 normal human fetuses; 11 of them were female and 4 were male. The gestational age of the fetuses ranged between 14 weeks and 35 weeks, and they weighed between 180 g and 1750 g. The FT of each fetus was cut and examined for adipose tissue, fibrous tissue, peripheral nerve, ganglion, ependymal cells, gliosis, elastic fibers, and collagen types (Types I and III). RESULTS: Adipose tissue was observed in 2 specimens (13%), whereas fibrous tissue was found in 8 specimens. Peripheral nerve was detected in 11 (73%), ganglion in 6, ependymal cells in 5, and glial tissue in 7 FT samples. Type III collagen was present in 12 specimens (80%) with different concentrations, whereas Type I collagen and elastic fibers were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: The normal structure of the FT in fetuses is different from its structure in adults. The FT has no elasticity during intrauterine life because of the lack of elastic fibers. More detailed studies are needed to understand the histological basis of TCS in children.