Grisel's syndrome: a rare complication following adenoidectomy.

Grisel's syndrome, defined as subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint, not associated with trauma or bone disease, is found primarily in children. There are few references to this syndrome in the ENT literature but it may occur in association with any condition that results in hyperaemia and pathological relaxation of the transverse ligament of the atlanto-axial joint. Several common otolaryngeal conditions have been associated with the syndrome: pharyngitis, adenotonsillitis, tonsillar abscess, cervical abscess, and otitis media. Moreover, the syndrome has been observed after numerous otolaryngologic procedures such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and mastoidectomy. Non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint should be suspected in cases of persistent neck pain and stiffness. X-rays and computed tomography scans of the cervical spine can confirm the diagnosis. Early management, consisting of cervical immobilization and medical treatment, is considered the key factor for a satisfactory outcome. Inappropriate treatment may result in a permanent and painful neck deformity that may even require surgical fusion. Neurological complications have been reported in the literature, with outcome ranging from mild paresthesia, clonus, to quadriplegia or acute respiratory failure and death. The case is described of an 8-year-old boy who developed Grisel's syndrome following adenoidectomy. The pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition are discussed.

[Cytokeratin and vimentin expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma]. / Espressione delle citocheratine e della vimentina nel carcinoma della laringe.

The present study employed immunohistochemical methods to study the cytokeratin (ck) and vimentin expression in 40 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Specific monoclonal isoform antibodies and mixes of antibodies vs. a specific molecule were used in order to determine what cytokeratins were present as accurately as possible. In this sampling two ck patterns were identified based on whether the ck pair 8/18 was present or not. The ck 8/18 positive cases were further broken down into three sub-groups based on the expression of one of the following: the ck 4/13 pair, ck 1/10 pair or vimentin. A statistically significant relationship was found between these sub-groups, the site at which the neoplasm arose and the tendency toward regional metastases. Moreover, it was found that the presence of ck 13 in a squamous cell carcinoma is correlated with the less aggressive forms, as indicated in the literature.

[Papillary carcinoma arising in thyroglossal duct cyst: a case report and review of the literature]. / Carcinoma papillifero insorto su cisti del dotto tireoglosso: presentazione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

While thyroglossal duct cysts are a frequent cause of cervical masses, carcinomas arising in thyroglossal duct remnants are rare. In this paper the Authors report a new case, which occurred in a young woman. The diagnosis of carcinomas in thyroglossal duct cysts almost always comes as a surprise upon pathologic examination. The type of neoplasia most frequently described in Literature is that of the papillary carcinoma (82%). Other types of carcinomas are also reported in Literature: mixed follicular-papillary carcinomas (9 cases), squamous cell carcinomas (10 cases) and follicular carcinomas (3 cases). There are different theories regarding the origin of and therapy for these malignancies. In the sixties some Authors thought that these carcinomas were metastases of thyroid carcinomas. Now, following demonstration of normal thyroid tissue occurrence in the wall of thyroglossal duct cysts, it is almost universally accepted that a carcinoma may arise from thyroglossal remnants. The foci of cancer found in the thyroid reported only infrequently in Literature are a result of the plurifocality of papillary carcinoma. The Authors suggest that the Sistrunk procedure is an adequate, sufficient treatment if the carcinoma is limited to the cyst's walls. They also recommend postoperative administration of substitution therapy of thyroid hormones. Indications for thyroidectomy are then discussed.