Network meta-analysis of pembrolizumab as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / Metanálise em rede comparativa de pembrolizumabe como monoterapia e em combinação com quimioterapia para tratamento de primeira linha de carcinoma de células escamosas da cabeça e pescoço recorrente ou metastático

Pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy is approved as first-line treatment in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) based on improved overall survival (OS) versus EXTREME regimen in the KEYNOTE-048 trial. The clinical outcomes of pembrolizumab were compared with other recommended first-line treatments in R/M HNSCC in this study through a Bayesian network meta-analysis. A systematic literature review was conducted in July 2022, from which six trials that matched the KEYNOTE-048 patient eligibility criteria were included in the network. The OS and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes were compared in the approved pembrolizumab indication (i.e., total population for pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and combined positive score [CPS] ≥ 1 population for pembrolizumab monotherapy). A significant OS improvement was observed for pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab monotherapy versus EXTREME regimen (hazard ratio, 95% credible interval: 0.72, 0.60-0.86; 0.73, 0.60-0.88), platinum+5- FU (0.58, 0.43-0.76; 0.58, 0.44-0.78), and platinum+paclitaxel (0.53, 0.35-0.79; 0.53, 0.35-0.81), respectively. A non-significant numeric trend in OS improvement was observed versus the TPEx regimen. PFS was comparable with most first-line treatments and was improved versus platinum+5-FU (0.48, 0.36-0.64; 0.59, 0.45-0.79). Additional analyses in higher CPS subgroups also showed consistent results. Overall, our study results showed an improvement in OS outcomes versus alternative first-line treatments, consistent with the findings of the KEYNOTE-048 trial. These data support using pembrolizumab as a suitable firstline treatment option in R/M HNSCC.

Pembrolizumabe em monoterapia ou em combinação com quimioterapia é aprovado como tratamento de primeira linha em carcinoma de células escamosas recorrente/metastático de cabeça e pescoço (CECCP R/M) com base na melhora da sobrevida global (OS), em comparação com o esquema EXTREME no estudo KEYNOTE-048. Esse estudo comparou os resultados clínicos de pembrolizumabe com outros tratamentos recomendados de primeira linha em CECCP R/M por meio de uma metanálise de rede bayesiana. Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida em julho de 2022, a partir da qual seis ensaios clínicos que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade de pacientes do KEYNOTE-048 foram incluídos na rede. Os desfechos de OS e sobrevida livre de progressão (PFS) foram comparados na indicação de pembrolizumabe (população total para pembrolizumabe em combinação com quimioterapia e população com escore positivo combinado [CPS] ≥ 1 em monoterapia com pembrolizumabe). Foi observada melhora significativa na OS para pembrolizumabe em combinação com quimioterapia e monoterapia com pembrolizumabe versus o esquema EXTREME (razão de risco, intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,72, 0,60-0,86; 0,73, 0,60-0,88), platina+5-FU (0,58, 0,43-0,76; 0,58, 0,44-0,78) e platina+paclitaxel (0,53, 0,35-0,79; 0,53, 0,35-0,81), respectivamente. Uma tendência numérica não significativa de melhoria na OS foi observada em relação ao esquema TPEx. A PFS foi comparável com a maioria dos tratamentos de primeira linha e melhor em relação à platina+5-FU (0,48, 0,36-0,64; 0,59, 0,45-0,79). Análises adicionais em subgrupos com CPS mais elevado também mostraram resultados consistentes. No geral, os resultados de nosso estudo mostraram melhora nos desfechos de OS em comparação aos tratamentos de primeira linha alternativos, consistentes com os achados do estudo KEYNOTE-048. Esses dados apoiam o uso de pembrolizumabe como opção de tratamento em primeira linha em pacientes com CECCP R/M.

Mucormycosis of left maxilla: A case report and review

Mucormycosis is an angioinvasive infection caused by fungi of the Zygomycetes order. Rhizopus is the main pathogen responsible for 90% of cases of cerebral mucormycosis. The term rhinocerebral mucormycosis should be used only in the face, palatal, orbital, paranasal sinus, or brain area. Here, we present the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with complaints of pain and swelling in relation to the left upper back tooth region for the past 20 days. In this case, the patient was immunocompromised due to type II diabetes, as well as COVID hospitalization. This case enlightens the investigation, as well as the management protocol followed by post-operative rehabilitation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of these deadly fungal infections.

The B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: An enigma to diagnose

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by an abnormal clonal proliferation of T-cells, B-cells, or both. Sometimes, tuberculosis and lymphoma presentation can share common symptoms and features. In this case report, we present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who came with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of the face for the past 6 months. Initially, it was not associated with pain but gradually developed severe pain over the region and reduced salivary flow. The patient was planned for surgery with a differential diagnosis of salivary gland pathology. Post-operatively, the histopathological report showed atypical cells which were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)20. Focally positive for CD45 and CD3 which was positive in reactive T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry pattern favors the diagnosis of B-cell type NHL. Through this case report, we want to share our experience in treating an aggressive tumor that mimics salivary gland pathology.

A surgical management of articular disc injury in temporomandibular Joint: A compiled case series of two cases with articular disc tear managed with surgical intervention

Articular disc injury in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to significant pain and limited jaw movement. We present two cases in this case series of articular disc injuries in the TMJ and elaborate on their etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment provided with follow-up reviews. Case 1 involved a 50-year-old female with a history of pain and clicking in the left TMJ for 10 years, wherein imaging studies revealed a discal tear. Case 2 involved a patient who presented with trauma and was diagnosed with a displaced disc with a disc tear when the patient was screened for mandibular fractures. The patients underwent surgical intervention, and the disc tear was repaired, following which both showed marked improvement. Our cases highlight the importance of early diagnosis and necessary surgical management of articular disc injury in the TMJ for better clinical outcomes.

A review of common anatomical variants of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity and its frequency of occurrence as evidenced on multi-detector computed tomography

This study was carried out to know the frequency of occurrence of common anatomic variants in computed tomography of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Non contrast Computed tomography (CT) of paranasal sinuses of 100 patients referred to Department Of Radiology, Saveetha Medical College were retrospectively studied. The Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans were evaluated for various anatomical variants of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. The frequency of occurrence was calculated in percentage.We found out that deviated nasal septum (DNS) was the most common variant in this study, seen in 86% of cases, followed by Agger nasi cells which was seen in 56% and the third most common was supra-orbital ethmoidal cells seen in 42% of the study population. All the cases included in the study, had minimum of one variant. Most of the study population showed multiple anatomical variations of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity. In conclusion, multidetector Computed tomography plays an important role is the assessment of various anatomical variants of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. Pre-operative MDCT of Paranasal sinuses, gives the surgeons most if not all of the anatomical information they need to tailor surgeries. Considering the relatively high frequency of occurrence of these variants, it is essential for the radiologists to have a precise knowledge of imaging features of normal anatomy and anatomical variants of Paranasal sinuses.

Reliability in detection and differentiation between calcification and hemorrhage by 3 d GRE/ SWI technique compared to CT

This study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of Magnetic Resonance (MR) Susceptibility- Weighted Imaging (SWI) and also to compare the sensitivity of Magnetic Resonance (MR) susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI) and Computed Tomography (CT), such that SWI can replace the use of CT as a standard protocol in the detection and differentiation between calcification and hemorrhage. A series of 70 patients included in this study with clinical suspicion or known history of intracranial hemorrhage/ calcifications for follow up, were scanned using both Philips Multiva 1.5T (MRI/SWI) and Philips Ingenuity 128 slice (CT). Results showed that SWI had 100% relative sensitivity, as it was able to detect both hemorrhage and calcifications in all the cases identified in CT. In addition, SWI detected hemorrhage in 2 additional cases that were nonspecific in CT. Furthermore, SWI detected signal from micro bleeds, which was missed on CT in three cases, and also detected calcification in two cases, which were not positively identified in CT. In conclusion, Susceptibility- Weighted Imaging (SWI) is highly sensitive for the detection and differentiation of hemorrhage and calcifications using Phase reconstructed images compared to conventional MRI methods and Computed Tomography

Recurrent oral submucous fibrosis with nil mouth opening surgical management and reconstruction with bilateral nasolabial flap: A case report and review of literature

Oral submucous fibrosis [OSF] is a premalignant condition characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of submucosal tissue, resulting in trismus. It is associated with chewing of areca nut in betel quid. Mortality rate is significant because it transforms into oral squamous cell carcinoma at a rate of 2.3%–7.6%. The aim of this article is to share our experience in managing a case of recurrent oral submucous fibrosis with nil mouth opening by surgical excision, coronoidotomy, and reconstruction of buccal defect using bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flap, followed by active oral physiotherapy. The patient had reached an acceptable mouth opening with no further recurrence. The patient was observed closely for any malignant transformation. Surgical excision of bands and coronoidotomy followed by reconstruction with nasolabial flaps and active physiotherapy in the postoperative period remains a good option for recurrent and advanced cases of OSF with acceptable functional and cosmetic results.