The clinical value of recurrent laryngeal nerve dissection in the surgical treatment for congenital pyriform sinus fistula / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of recurrent laryngeal nerve dissection in the surgical treatment for congenital pyriform sinus fistula（CPSF）. Methods:The clinical data of 42 patients with CPSF were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University. Results:During the operation, all patients' recurrent laryngeal nerves were dissected successfully, and fistulas were resected completely,no patients had complication of recurrent laryngeal nerve's damage.There were no recurrence cases during the 13 to 48 months of follow-up. Conclusion:The trend of congenital pyriform sinus fistula is closely related to recurrent laryngeal nerve, it's important to dissect the recurrent laryngeal nerve during the operation for congenital pyriform sinus fistula.

Piriform sinus hamartoma in children: a case report and literature review / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations and treatment of laryngopharynx hamartoma in children. Methods:The clinical data of a child with piriform sinus hamartoma treated in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The age, gender, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, location of the tumor and surgical methods were analyzed. Results:The patient had a good prognosis after surgery, and no tumor recurrence was found after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion:Laryngopharynx hamartoma is rare in children. It should be considered in children with laryngeal dysfunction and upper airway obstruction. Complete resection of the tumor is the key to postoperative recurrence.

Diagnosis and treatment of deep neck abscess due to congenital piriform sinus fistula in children / Diagnóstico e tratamento de abscesso cervical profundo por fístula congênita do seio piriforme em crianças

Abstract Introduction: Congenital piriform sinus fistula is a relatively rare type of disease in clinical practice, most occurring during childhood, but doctors have insufficient knowledge regarding this disease, easily misdiagnosing it. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of deep neck abscess due to congenital piriform sinus fistula in children. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 21 cases from January 2016 to August 2018 in our hospital. The onset age, clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination and clinical treatment of the patients was summarized to analyze the diagnosis, treatment characteristics and prognosis. Results: Children from 11 days to 12 years-old were enrolled, with an average age of 3.5 years. Twenty patients had left congenital piriform sinus fistula and 1 had right congenital piriform sinus fistula. Cervical enhanced computed tomography imaging showed gas-liquid equilibrium or air-shadow in the abscesses in 18 cases, and neck ultrasound demonstrated gas echo in the thyroid region in 10 cases. All patients underwent low temperature plasma to seal the internal fistula and returned to the hospital for electronic laryngoscope and neck ultrasound examination at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. No recurrence occurred in any patient. Conclusion: Congenital piriform sinus fistula is an important cause of deep neck abscess in children. The presence of purulent gas-liquid equilibrium or air shadow in cervical-enhanced computed tomography or ultrasound suggests a high possibility of the presence of an internal fistula, and endoscopic low temperature ablation can be done at the same time as the diagnostic endoscopy.

Resumo Introdução: A fístula congênita do seio piriforme é uma doença relativamente rara na prática clínica; a maioria se manifesta na infância; entretanto, os médicos geralmente têm conhecimento insuficiente sobre essa condição clínica e seu diagnóstico é facilmente feito de forma errônea. Objetivo: Identificar as características do abscesso cervical profundo devido à fístula congênita de seio piriforme em crianças. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 21 casos de janeiro de 2016 a agosto de 2018 em nosso hospital. Idade de início, características clínicas, exames auxiliares e tratamento clínico dos pacientes foram resumidos para analisar o diagnóstico, as características do tratamento e o prognóstico. Resultados: Foram incluídas crianças de 11 dias a 12 anos, com média de 3,5 anos. Vinte pacientes tinham fístula congênita de seio piriforme no lado esquerdo e um no lado direito; a tomografia computadorizada cervical com contraste mostrava distribuição líquido-gasosa ou sombra aérea nos abscessos em 18 casos. O ultrassom cervical demonstrou eco gasoso na região da tireoide em 10 casos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a plasma de baixa temperatura para queimar a fístula interna e retornaram ao hospital para exame com laringoscópio eletrônico e ultrassonografia cervical aos 3 meses, 6 meses e um ano após a cirurgia. Não houve recorrências. Conclusão: A fístula congênita de seio piriforme é uma causa importante de abscesso cervical profundo em crianças. A presença de conteúdo líquido-gasoso purulento ou sombra gasosa na tomografia computadorizada ou no ultrassom cervical sugere uma alta possibilidade da presença de uma fístula interna e a ablação endoscópica a baixa temperatura pode ser feita ao mesmo tempo que a endoscopia diagnóstica.

Tiroiditis aguda supurada en una paciente con fístula del seno piriforme: presentación de un caso / Acute suppurative thyroiditis in a patient with a piriform sinus fistula: A case report

La tiroiditis aguda supurada es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría; de origen infeccioso, cuya etiología más frecuente es bacteriana. Su presentación típica en niños es la aparición de una tumoración en la cara anterior del cuello, con signos de flogosis, dolorosa, caliente y eritematosa, que excursiona con la deglución, y puede o no estar acompañada de fiebre, disfagia o disfonía. En niños, las anomalías congénitas, principalmente la fístula del seno piriforme, predisponen a la infección de la glándula, por lo que es importante la resolución quirúrgica del defecto anatómico para prevenir las recurrencias. El diagnóstico rápido, basado en la clínica y los estudios por imágenes, es importante para comenzar en forma temprana con un tratamiento antibiótico adecuado.Se presenta una paciente de 3 años, previamente sana, con tumoración cervical izquierda dolorosa y asociada a fiebre. Durante la internación, se arribó al diagnóstico de tiroiditis aguda supurada secundaria a fístula de seno piriforme.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an infectious disease, uncommon in children, caused by various microorganisms, being bacteria the most frequently involved. The typical presentation includes the appearance of a tumor in combination with signs of swelling in the anterior aspect of the neck, which is painful on palpation and is associated with warmth and erythema. It usually moves with swallowing and the patient can suffer fever, dysphagia or dhysfonia. In children, congenital anomalies can lead to the gland's infection, and the surgical excision of them is important to prevent recurrency. A quick diagnosis, based on clinical manifestations and imaging studies, is necessary to install an adequate antibiotic treatment. We present the case of a 3-year-old patient, who was previously healthy, with a painful left cervical tumor associated with fever. During the hospitalization, we reached the diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis caused by an underlying pyriform sinus fistula

A comparison between endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital piriform fistula / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To compare the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization (ECLC) and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF). Methods: From September 2014 to March 2017, 80 cases with confirmed diagnosis of CPSF received initial treatment at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were prospectively analyzed, including 34 males and 46 females, aged 18 to 672 (194.17±141.18) months. They were consecutively divided into endoscopic group and open-surgery group, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups of patients received surgical treatment under general anesthesia. The endoscopic group was treated by endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization, and the open-surgery group underwent the following surgery: first, we performed suspension laryngoscopy examination to confirm the presence of fistula in the bottom of the piriform fossa, then open-neck resection of congenital piriform sinus fistula with recurrent laryngeal nerve and/or lateral branch of superior laryngeal nerve anatomy plus partial thyroidectomy were performed. The data between the two groups were compared, including the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, average length of stay, neck cosmetic scores, complications and cure rates. All patients were followed up in outpatient clinics. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. P<0.05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results: All patients were successfully completed the operation. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain and average length of hospital stay in the endoscopic group were significantly less than those in the open group [(27.4±5.5) min to (105.8±52.5) min, (0.6±0.5) ml to (33.6±41.5) ml, (1.7±0.9) points to (4.6±0.7) points, (5.9±2.9)d to(8.9±3.3)d, t values were-9.400, -5.031, -16.199, -4.293, P values were all<0.01]; The neck cosmetic score in the endoscopy group was significantly greater than that of the open group [(9.9±0.4) against (5.8±0.9) points, t=25.847, P<0.01]. Compared with the open group (15.0%, 6/40), the complication rate of the endoscopic group (7.5%, 3/40) was not statistically significant (χ²=0.50, P>0.05). Three months after the first treatment, the cure rate in the endoscopic group (82.5%, 33/40) was significantly lower than that in the open-neck group (100.0%, 40/40), χ²=5.64, P<0.05. The follow-up time was 12 months after the last treatment. Eighty cases were followed up and none was lost to follow-up. During the follow-up period, the cure rate of the endoscopy group (97.5%, 39/40) was compared with that of the open group (100.0%, 40/40), and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In the treatment of CPSF, the two-surgical method each has their advantages. Compared with open-neck surgery, ECLC is simpler, repeatable. ECLC has shorter time in operation and hospital stay, less complications, and less postoperative pain and more precise cosmetic results. It could be preferred for the initial treatment of CPSF and relapsed cases after cauterization. But subject to relatively low cure rate of one-time cauterization and uncertain long-term efficacy, it cannot completely replace the open-neck surgery at present.

Aspiration with or without lavage in the treatment of acute suppurative thyroiditis secondary to pyriform sinus fistula

ABSTRACT Objective There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal management of acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) secondary to pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). To investigate the benefits and adverse events of aspiration with or without lavage for the treatment of AST secondary to PSF. Subjects and methods This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with AST secondary to PSF who were admitted at the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2012 and December 2018. Clinical information, procedural data, and imaging data were analyzed. Results Seven patients (five women; mean age, 16.9 ± 6.3 years; range, 8-26 years) were included. The patients most presented with anterior neck pain and swelling (n = 7), fever (n = 7), or odynophagia (n = 5). Six cases of AST occurred on the left side of the thyroid and 1 on the right. All patients had thyroid abscess. AST was diagnosed by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration cytology in all cases. PSF was diagnosed during the inflammatory stage in five patients and during the quiescent stage in two. All patients were treated with empiric antibiotics. Needle aspiration without lavage was performed in three cases. Needle aspiration with lavage was performed in four cases. Repeat aspiration was performed in three cases. All patients recovered completely, with no procedure-related complications. During 18.3 ± 7.8 months of follow-up, AST recurred in one case. Excision of the PSF was performed in another case. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided aspiration with or without lavage had a good treatment effect and without adverse events for the management of AST secondary to PSF.

Absceso retrofaríngeo por fístula congénita del seno piriforme en una adolescente / Retropharyngeal abscess due to a congenital pyriform sinus fistula in a teenager

Arch Argent Pediatr 2020;118(1):e81-e84 / e81Presentación de casos clínicosRESUMENLas fístulas del seno piriforme son anomalías poco frecuentes de los arcos branquiales. La forma de presentación más común en los niños y los adolescentes es la tiroiditis aguda supurada y/o los abscesos cervicales laterales recurrentes. Sin embargo, las fístulas se pueden manifestar de forma atípica. La rareza de esta patología y la presentación clínica atípica pueden demorar el diagnóstico, lo que aumenta el riesgo de infecciones recurrentes y complicaciones.Se presenta el caso inusual de una adolescente de 13 años con absceso retrofaríngeo debido a una fístula congénita del seno piriforme, tratada de forma exitosa mediante electrocauterización endoscópica.

Pyriform sinus fistulas are rare anomalies of the branchial arches. The most common form of presentation in children and adolescents is acute suppurative thyroiditis and/or recurrent lateral cervical abscesses. However, fistulas can manifest atypically. The rarity of this pathology and the atypical clinical presentation can delay the diagnosis increasing the risk of recurrent infections and complications.We present the unusual case of a 13-year-old teenager with retropharyngeal abscess due to a congenital pyriform sinus fistula successfully treated by endoscopic electrocautery

Correlations between Aspiration and Pharyngeal Residue Scale Scores for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation and Videofluoroscopy

PURPOSE: To examine correlations among rating scales and findings suggestive of tracheal aspiration and pharyngeal residue between fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) in dysphagia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied patients referred to our hospital for dysphagia assessment. Three raters judged the residue severity and laryngeal penetration or tracheal aspiration of FEES and VFSS. The raters applied the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) for tracheal aspiration and pixel-based circumscribed area ratio and Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity for post-swallow residue in VFSS and FEES, respectively. Anatomy-physiologic findings during FEES associated with tracheal aspiration were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 178 participants were enrolled in our study. In correlation analysis, PAS (r=0.74), vallecula retention (r=0.76), and pyriform sinus retention (r=0.78) showed strong positive correlations between FEES and VFSS. Intra-rater agreement between VFSS and FEES was good for PAS (κ=0.65) and vallecula (κ=0.65) and pyriform sinus retention (κ=0.69). Among 72 patients who showed subglottic shelf residue, a suspected finding of aspiration, in FEES, 68 had concomitant tracheal aspiration during VFSS. Both vocal fold hypomobility and glottic gap during phonation were significantly associated with findings suggestive of tracheal aspiration during FEES (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Quantitative and reliable aspiration and post swallow residue rating scales showed strong positive correlations and good agreement between VFSS and FEES.

Correlation of Swallowing Function With Bilateral Diaphragmatic Movement in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate difference in bilateral diaphragm movement of patients with tracheal aspiration according to post stroke residue severity and determine correlations of Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), residue scale, and bilateral diaphragm movement. METHODS: A total of 47 patients diagnosed with hemiplegic stroke were enrolled in this study. PAS, severity of valleculae, and pyriform sinus retention during videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were assessed. Bilateral fluoroscopic diaphragm movements during spontaneous breathing and forced breathing were measured. RESULTS: Patients with tracheal aspiration (PAS≥6) had significantly (p=0.035) lower ipsilateral diaphragm movement during spontaneous breathing. Post-swallow residue severity showed statistically significant (p=0.028) difference in patients with ipsilateral diaphragm movement during forced breathing. In linear regression analysis, PAS showed weak correlations with ipsilateral spontaneous diaphragm movement (r=0.397, p=0.006), ipsilateral forced diaphragm movement (r=0.384, p=0.008), and contralateral forced diaphragm movement (r=0.323, p=0.027). Weak correlation was also observed between post swallow residue severity and ipsilateral diaphragm movement during spontaneous breathing (r=0.331, p=0.023) and forced breathing (r=0.343, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: We confirmed the relationship between swallowing function and bilateral diaphragm movement in this study. The severity of dysphagia after hemiplegic stroke was correlated with bilateral diaphragm movement. Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the effect of breathing exercise on post-stroke dysphagia.

Evaluation of pre- and post-pyriform plasty nasal airflow / Avaliação do fluxo aéreo nasal pré e pós-piriformeplastia

Abstract Introduction: Nasal obstruction is a frequent complaint in otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics, and nasal valve incompetence is the cause in most cases. Scientific publications describing surgical techniques on the upper and lower lateral cartilages to improve the nasal valve are also quite frequent. Relatively few authors currently describe surgical procedures in the piriform aperture for nasal valve augmentation. We describe the surgical technique called pyriform plasty and evaluate its effectiveness subjectively through the NOSE questionnaire and objectively through the rhinomanometry evaluation. Objective: To compare pre- and post-pyriform plasty nasal airflow variations using rhinomanometry and the NOSE questionnaire. Methods: Eight patients submitted to pyriform surgery were studied. These patients were screened in the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic among those who complained of nasal obstruction, and who had a positive response to Cottle maneuver. They answered the NOSE questionnaire and were submitted to preoperative rhinomanometry. After 90 days, they were reassessed through the NOSE questionnaire and the postoperative rhinomanometry. The results of these two parameters were compared pre- and postoperatively. Results: Regarding the subjective measure, the NOSE questionnaire, seven patients reported improvement, of which two reported marked improvement, and one patient reported an unchanged obstructive condition. Regarding the rhinomanometry assessment, of 96 comparative measurements between the preoperative and postoperative periods, we obtained 68 measurements with an increase in nasal airflow in the postoperative period, 26 negative results, and two cases that remained unaltered between the preoperative and postoperative periods. Conclusion: When analyzing the results obtained in this study, we can conclude that the piriform plasty surgical procedure resulted in nasal airflow improvement in most of the obtained measurements.

Resumo Introdução: A obstrução nasal é queixa frequente nos ambulatórios de otorrinolaringologia, e a incompetência da válvula nasal é responsável em grande parte dos casos. São bastante frequente também as publicações de trabalhos científicos descrevendo técnicas cirúrgicas sobre as cartilagens laterais superiores e inferiores para melhorar a válvula nasal. Relativamente poucos autores descrevem atualmente procedimentos cirúrgicos na abertura piriforme para incremento da válvula nasal. Descrevemos a técnica cirúrgica chamada piriformeplastia e avaliamos a sua eficácia de forma subjetiva através do questionário NOSE e de forma objetiva através do exame rinomanometria. Objetivo: Comparar as variações do fluxo aéreo nasal pré e pós-piriformeplastia através da rinomanometria e do questionário NOSE. Método: Foram estudados 8 pacientes submetidos à piriformeplastia. Estes pacientes foram triados no ambulatório de otorrinolaringologia, pacientes estes que se queixavam de obstrução nasal, e que apresentavam resposta positiva a manobra de Cottle. Responderam ao questionário NOSE e foram submetidos a rinomanometria no pré-operatório. Após 90 dias foram reavaliados pelo questionário NOSE e pela rinomanometria pós-operatória. Os resultados desses dois parâmetros foram comparados pré e pós-operatoriamente. Resultados: Em relação a medida subjetiva, questionário NOSE, sete pacientes referiram melhora, sendo que dois deles referiram melhora acentuada, e um paciente referiu quadro obstrutivo inalterado. Em relação ao exame rinomanometria, de 96 medidas comparativas entre o pré e o pós-operatório, obtivemos 68 medidas com incremento ao fluxo aéreo nasal no pós-operatório, 26 resultados negativos, e dois casos inalterados entre pré e pós-operatório. Conclusão: O procedimento cirúrgico piriformeplastia conferiu melhoria do fluxo aéreo nasal na maioria das medidas obtidas.

Efficacy of a 4-Week Swallowing Rehabilitation Program Combined With Pyriform Sinus Ballooning in Patients With Post-stroke Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a 4-week swallowing rehabilitation program combined with pyriform sinus ballooning in patients with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). METHODS: We evaluated a total of 30 patients (n=30) with PSD who were admitted to our medical institution between May of 2014 and October of 2016. These patients were randomly assigned to either the trial group (n=15; a 20-minute conventional rehabilitation followed by a 10-minute pyriform sinus ballooning) or the control group (n=15; a 30-minute conventional rehabilitation). In these patients, the efficacy outcome measures were pharyngeal remnant, the pharyngeal transit time, the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores and the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS) scores. We compared the differences in efficacy outcome measures at 4 weeks from baseline between the two groups. RESULTS: There were significant changes in the pharyngeal remnant, the pharyngeal transit time, the PAS scores and the VDS scores at 4 weeks from baseline between the two groups (p < 0.0001, p=0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p=0.0048, respectively). There were no treatment-emergent adverse events in our series. CONCLUSION: Our 4-week rehabilitation program combined with pyriform sinus ballooning is an effective and safe modality in patients with PSD. However, further large-scale, long-term, and multi-center studies are needed to corroborate our results.

Association of Brain Lesions and Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale Parameters on Patients With Acute Cerebral Infarctions

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of dysphagia using the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) with a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) in patients with acute cerebral infarctions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the baseline VFSS in 275 stroke patients was analyzed. We divided patients into 8 groups according to lesion areas commonly observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Dysphagia characteristics and severity were evaluated using the VDS. We also analyzed the relationship between clinical and functional parameters based on medical records and VDS scores. RESULTS: In comparison studies of lesions associated with swallowing dysfunction, several groups with significant differences were identified. Apraxia was more closely associated with cortical middle cerebral artery territory lesions. Vallecular and pyriform sinus residue was more common with lesions in the medulla or pons. In addition, the results for the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), a functional assessment tool, corresponded to those in the quantitative evaluation of swallowing dysfunctions. CONCLUSION: A large cohort of patients with cerebral infarction was evaluated to determine the association between brain lesions and swallowing dysfunction. The results can be used to establish a specific treatment plan. In addition, the characteristic factors associated with swallowing dysfunctions were also confirmed.

Characteristics of Cricopharyngeal Dysphagia After Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD), the frequency, and correlation with a brain lesion in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke, and to provide basic data for developing a therapeutic protocol for dysphagia management. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a series of subjects post-stroke who underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) from January 2009 to December 2015. VFSS images were recorded on videotape and analyzed. CPD was defined as the retention of more than 25% of residue in the pyriform sinus after swallowing. The location of the brain lesion was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Among the 262 dysphagic patients with first-ever ischemic stroke, 15 (5.7%) showed CPD on the VFSS. Patients with an infratentorial lesion had a significantly higher proportion of CPD than those with a supratentorial lesion (p=0.003), and lateral medullary infarction was identified as the single independent predictor of CPD (multivariable analysis: odds ratio=19.417; confidence interval, 5.560–67.804; p < 0.0001). Compared to patients without CPD, those with CPD had a significantly prolonged pharyngeal transit time, lower laryngeal elevation, and a higher pharyngeal constriction ratio and functional dysphagia scale score. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results support the notion that an impaired upper esopharyngeal opening is likely related to the specific locations of brain lesions. The association of CPD with lateral medullary infarction can be explained based on the regulation of the pharyngolaryngeal motor system by the motor neurons present in the dorsal nucleus ambiguus. Overall, the results reveal the relation between CPD and the problems in the pharyngeal phase as well as the severity of dysphagia.

The Combination Therapy of Chemocauterization and Electrocauterization on Fourth Branchial Cleft Cyst

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fourth branchial cleft cyst is a rare congenital anomaly which cause a recurrent cervical abscess. Complete excision of fourth branchial cleft cyst is difficult because of a complicated fistula tract. In addition to attempting chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to avoid surgical complications, authors performed an electrocauterization to close internal opening of pyriform sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed ten patients of fourth branchial cleft cyst underwent TCA chemocauterization and electrocauterization simultaneously. Clinical characteristics including patient informations, medical records, treatment results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Interval time until diagnosed with fourth branchial cleft cyst was variable from several days to decades. Five patients had a history of incision and drainage. Mean follow up period was 36.1 months and all patients were treated with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: TCA chemocauterization with electrocauterization can be a effective choice to reduce recurrence rate and ensure safety of patients of fourth branchial cleft cyst.

Fístulas del seno piriforme congénitas: reporte de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Congenital pyriform sinus fistula: report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Resumen Introducción: Las fístulas del seno piriforme, originadas desde el tercer o cuarto arco branquial, son entidades poco frecuentes. Se pueden presentar como aumento de volumen cervical, fístula cervical, absceso cervical, tiroiditis abscedada y/o disfonía. Objetivo: Reportar 4 casos tratados en nuestro hospital y revisión de la literatura. Discusión: Frente a un cuadro clínico compatible, se debe realizar estudio endos- cópico y de imágenes. El manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el de mejores resultados, pero se han desarrollado terapias endoscópicas y combinaciones de estas con buenos resultados. Conclusión: El diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha clínica. La cirugía abierta se mantiene como el gold standard, sin embargo, en población pediátrica estaría indicada la resolución endoscópica debido a la alta morbilidad de la cirugía tradicional.

Introduction: Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare cervical branchial anomaly derived from the third and fourth branchial arch. Pyriform sinus fistula should be considered in children presenting enlarged neck mass, fistula, abscess, thyroid infection and/or dysphonia. Objective: We here report 4 cases treated in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile and review of the current literature on pyriform sinus fistula. Discussion: When clinical presentation is compatible with pyriform sinus fistula, endoscopic and imaging techniques are required. Surgical outcomes are better, although endoscopic therapies and combination of both surgery and endoscopy have also reported good outcomes. Conclusion: Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and a high index of clinical suspicion. Open surgery is gold standard, however in pediatric population endoscopic resolution should be considered to reduce the high morbidity of traditional surgery.

Estenosis de la apertura piriforme y síndrome de incisivo central único: casos clínicos / Piriform aperture stenosis and solitary median maxillary central incisor: clinical cases

El síndrome incisivo central único es un trastorno que involucra anomalías de la línea media. Se puede presentar con dificultad respiratoria poniendo en peligro la vida del recién nacido, debido a malformaciones nasales. Estas malformaciones incluyen atresia de coanas y la estenosis de la apertura del orificio piriforme. Debe pensarse en esta última en todo recién nacido con estridor y dificultad respiratoria de grado variable, asociado a la dificultad de pasar una sonda a través de la región anterior de las fosas nasales. El diagnóstico se confirma por tomografía computarizada del macizo craneofacial y el examen nasofibroscópico. La conducta terapéutica dependerá de la gravedad de los síntomas, pero en general si es que no hay compromiso respiratorio severo, se prefiere una conducta expectante, y esperar el crecimiento craneofacial del niño, para aumentar permeabilidad nasal. Presentamos dos casos clínicos.

Solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome is a rare disorder involving midline abnormalities. It may present with life threatening respiratory distress in the neonate secondary to nasal malformations. These include choanal atresia and pyriform aperture stenosis. The last to be thought in any newborn with stridor and respiratory distress associated with the difficulty of passing a tube through the anterior region of the nostrils. The diagnosis is confirmed by craniofacial CT scan and nasolaryngoscope evaluation. The therapeutic approach depends on the severity of symptoms.

Failed Deglutitive Upper Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation Is a Risk Factor for Aspiration in Stroke Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We attempted to examine the relationship between abnormal findings on high-resolution manometry (HRM) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) of the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES), and to identify the risk factors for aspiration. METHODS: We performed VFSS and HRM on the same day in 36 ischemic stroke patients (mean age, 67.5 years) with dysphagia. Pressure (basal, median intra bolus, and nadir), relaxation time interval of the UES, and mesopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal contractility (as a contractile integral) were examined using HRM. The parameters of VFSS were vallecular residue, pyriform sinus residue, vallecular overflow, penetration, and aspiration. The association between the parameters of VFSS and HRM was analyzed by the Student's t test. RESULTS: Three (8.3%) and 4 (11.1%) stroke patients with dysphagia had pyriform sinus residue and vallecular sinus residue, respectively, and 5 (13.8%) patients showed aspiration. Mesopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal contractile integrals in patients with residue in the pyriform sinus were significantly lower than those in patients without residue in the pyriform sinus (P < 0.05). Relaxation time intervals in patients with aspiration were significantly shorter than those in patients without aspiration (P < 0.05), and multivariate regression analysis revealed a shorter relaxation time interval as the main risk factor for aspiration (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.65; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Manometric measurements of the pharynx and UES were well correlated with abnormal findings in the VFSS, and a shorter relaxation time interval of the UES during deglutition is an important parameter for the development of aspiration.

Collet-Sicard Syndrome With Hypoglossal Nerve Schwannoma: A Case Report

Collet-Sicard syndrome is a rare syndrome that involves paralysis of 9th to 12th cranial nerves. We report an uncommon case of schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve in a 39-year-old woman presented with slurred speech, hoarse voice, and swallowing difficulty. Physical examination revealed decreased gag reflex on the right side, decreased laryngeal elevation, tongue deviation to the right side, and weakness of right trapezius muscle. MRI revealed a mass lesion in the right parapharyngeal space below the jugular foramen. The tumor was surgically removed. It was confirmed as hypoglossal nerve schwannoma via pathologic examination. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study revealed aspiration of liquid food and severe bolus retention in the vallecula and piriform sinus. Laryngoscopy revealed right vocal cord palsy. Electrodiagnostic study revealed paralysis of the right 11th cranial nerve. In summary, we report an uncommon case of schwannoma of the hypoglossal nerve with 9th to 12th cranial nerve palsy presenting as Collet-Sicard syndrome.