First stage in predicative measure for transnasal transsphenoidal approach to petrous apex cholesterol granuloma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study evaluates the feasibility of the transsphenoidal approach to petrous apex cholesterol granuloma based on the petrous angle. This is the angle centered at the vomer, extending between the medial aspect of the C3 segment of the internal carotid artery and the occipital protuberance. The aim of this study is to determine the average petrous angle in a population of normal computed tomography scans. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. METHODS: Two of the authors independently reviewed 400 consecutive normal temporal bone computed tomography scans obtained between September and December of 2009. All scans had slice thickness of 1.25 mm at 0.6-mm intervals. Axial images parallel to the orbitomeatal plane were analyzed, and the petrous angle was measured bilaterally. Interrater reliability was tested on 50 of the computed tomography scans. RESULTS: A total of 400 temporal bones were reviewed. The mean and median petrous angle was 17.7 and 16.5 degrees, respectively. Eleven (2.8%) had an angle ≤ 10.0, 331 (82.8%) between 10.1 to 20.0, and 58 (14.5%) ≥ 20.1. The interrater variability was highly correlated (r = 0.912, P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Normative data on consistent petrous apex radiographic landmarks are important for assessing the feasibility of the transphenoidal approach to the petrous apex for cholesterol granuloma drainage. Based on a large population of normal computed tomography scans, the majority of temporal bones (82.8%) have a petrous angle ranging between 10.0 and 20.0 degrees.

Inhaled cidofovir as an adjuvant therapy for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

A previously healthy, full-term, 4-month-old boy presented with progressively weakening cry, hoarseness, and increased work of breathing. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed glottic papillomas, which were endoscopically removed with a microdebrider in the operating room (Derkay score 23). The patient was diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis that disseminated throughout his airway. Despite biweekly serial microdebridements, intralesional cidofovir, and systemic interferon-α, the patient's health declined substantially (Derkay score 40), culminating in a 47-day hospitalization due to complications of his disease. Inhaled cidofovir was initiated after all conventional treatments had failed. Within 6 weeks of therapy (40 mg daily per treatment, 12 days on and 2 days off), the papillomatous disease improved substantially (Derkay score 23). While inhaled cidofovir appeared to significantly reduce papillomatous disease burden in this patient, further investigation into its long-term effectiveness and safety profile is necessary.

Association between adipose graft usage and postoperative headache after retrosigmoid craniotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between extradural abdominal fat graft placement for the closure of retrosigmoid craniotomy defects and postoperative headache. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and analysis of patient questionnaires. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-seven patients who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy between March 1999 and December 2006. INTERVENTION(S): All patients underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy for removal of cerebellopontine angle tumors and received either an abdominal fat graft closure or a standard wound closure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Using a written patient questionnaire, the presence or absence of both overall postoperative headache and specific postcraniotomy headache according to International Headache Society criteria was assessed. Of those patients who had postoperative headaches, the evaluation of headache severity was assessed using a standardized 5-point scale. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients returned completed questionnaires. Fifty-two respondents received adipose grafts; 33 did not. The adipose group demonstrated significantly less chronic postcraniotomy headaches (11.9% versus 30.3%; p < 0.05). Additionally, the adipose group described less severe headaches at all time frames studied with significant differences at 1 month (1.59 versus 2.29; p < 0.05) and 3 months (1.37 versus 2.06; p < 0.05) using the modified headache severity scale. CONCLUSION: When compared with standard wound closure without adipose grafting, use of an abdominal fat graft during retrosigmoid craniotomy wound closure is associated with both decreased incidence of chronic postoperative headache and decreased severity of postoperative headaches at all time intervals studied.