Neuroradiological and Neuropathological Changes After 177Lu-Octreotate Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy of Refractory Esthesioneuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Olfactory neuroblastoma, also known as esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), is a malignant neoplasm with an unpredictable behavior. Currently, the widely accepted treatment is inductive chemotherapy, with or without surgery, followed by radiotherapy. Since data on genetics and molecular alterations of ENB are lacking, there is no standard molecularly targeted therapy. However, ENB commonly expresses the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) that is also expressed by neuroendocrine tumors. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, such as 177Lu-octreotate, is an effective treatment for the latter. We present the complex neuroradiological and neuropathological changes associated with 177Lu-octreotate treatment of a patient with a highly treatment-resistant ENB. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 60-yr-old male presented with an ENB that recurred after chemotherapy, surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and immunotherapy. Pathology revealed a Hyams grade 3 ENB and the tumor had metastasized to lymph nodes. Tumor SSTR expression was seen on 68Ga-octreotate positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), suggesting that PRRT may be an option. He received 4 cycles of 177Lu-octreotate over 6 mo, with a partial response of all lesions and symptomatic improvement. Four months after the last PRRT cycle, 2 of the lesions rapidly relapsed and were successfully resected. Three months later, 68Ga-octreotate PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging indicate no progression of the disease. CONCLUSION: We describe imaging changes associated with 177Lu-octreotate PRRT of relapsing ENB. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing neuropathological changes associated with this treatment. PRRT is a promising therapeutic option to improve the disease control, and potentially, the survival of patients with refractory ENB.

The Temporalis Muscle Flap for Palate Reconstruction: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract Introduction The temporalis myofascial (TM) is an important reconstructive flap in palate reconstruction. Past studies have shown the temporalismyofascial flap to be safe as well as effective. Free flap reconstruction of palate defects is also a popular method used by contemporary surgeons. We aim to reaffirm the temporalis myofascial flap as a viable alternative to free flaps for palate reconstruction. Objective We report our results using the temporalis flap for palate reconstruction in one of the largest case series reported. Our literature review is the first to describe complication rates of palate reconstruction using the TM flap. Methods Retrospective chart review and review of the literature. Results Fifteen patients underwent palate reconstruction with the TMflap. There were no cases of facial nerve injury. Five (33%) of these patients underwent secondary cranioplasty to address temporal hollowing after the TM flap. Three out of fifteen (20%) had flap related complications. Fourteen (93%) of the palate defects were successfully reconstructed, with the remaining case pending a secondary procedure to close the defect. Ultimately, all of the flaps (100%) survived. Conclusion The TM flap is a viable method of palate defect closure with a high defect closure rate and flap survival rate. TM flaps are versatile in repairing palate defects of all sizes, in all regions of the palate. Cosmetic deformity created from TM flap harvest may be addressed using cranioplasty implant placement, either primarily or during a second stage procedure.

The Temporalis Muscle Flap for Palate Reconstruction: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Introduction The temporalis myofascial (TM) is an important reconstructive flap in palate reconstruction. Past studies have shown the temporalis myofascial flap to be safe as well as effective. Free flap reconstruction of palate defects is also a popular method used by contemporary surgeons. We aim to reaffirm the temporalis myofascial flap as a viable alternative to free flaps for palate reconstruction. Objective We report our results using the temporalis flap for palate reconstruction in one of the largest case series reported. Our literature review is the first to describe complication rates of palate reconstruction using the TM flap. Methods Retrospective chart review and review of the literature. Results Fifteen patients underwent palate reconstruction with the TM flap. There were no cases of facial nerve injury. Five (33%) of these patients underwent secondary cranioplasty to address temporal hollowing after the TM flap. Three out of fifteen (20%) had flap related complications. Fourteen (93%) of the palate defects were successfully reconstructed, with the remaining case pending a secondary procedure to close the defect. Ultimately, all of the flaps (100%) survived. Conclusion The TM flap is a viable method of palate defect closure with a high defect closure rate and flap survival rate. TM flaps are versatile in repairing palate defects of all sizes, in all regions of the palate. Cosmetic deformity created from TM flap harvest may be addressed using cranioplasty implant placement, either primarily or during a second stage procedure.