MR Imaging of the Extracranial Facial Nerve with the CISS Sequence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging is not routinely used to image the extracranial facial nerve. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which this nerve can be visualized with a CISS sequence and to determine the feasibility of using that sequence for locating the nerve relative to tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two facial nerves in 16 healthy subjects and 4 facial nerves in 4 subjects with parotid gland tumors were imaged with an axial CISS sequence protocol that included 0.8-mm isotropic voxels on a 3T MR imaging system with a 64-channel head/neck coil. Four observers independently segmented the 32 healthy subject nerves. Segmentations were compared by calculating average Hausdorff distance values and Dice similarity coefficients. RESULTS: The primary bifurcation of the extracranial facial nerve into the superior temporofacial and inferior cervicofacial trunks was visible on all 128 segmentations. The mean of the average Hausdorff distances was 1.2 mm (range, 0.3-4.6 mm). Dice coefficients ranged from 0.40 to 0.82. The relative position of the facial nerve to the tumor could be inferred in all 4 tumor cases. CONCLUSIONS: The facial nerve can be seen on CISS images from the stylomastoid foramen to the temporofacial and cervicofacial trunks, proximal to the parotid plexus. Use of a CISS protocol is feasible in the clinical setting to determine the location of the facial nerve relative to tumor.

MR Imaging of the Facial Nerve through the Temporal Bone at 3T with a Noncontrast Ultrashort Echo Time Sequence.

The pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) ultrashort echo time MR imaging sequence at 3T enables visualization of the facial nerve from the brain stem, through the temporal bone, to the stylomastoid foramen without intravenous contrast. Use of the PETRA sequence, or other ultrashort echo time sequences, should be considered in the MR imaging evaluation of certain skull base tumors and perhaps other facial nerve and temporal bone pathologies.

Primary cervical tracheal monophasic synovial sarcoma confirmed by SYT-SSX gene rearrangement.

OBJECTIVE: To review the existing diagnostic modalities and treatment for primary tracheal synovial sarcoma, and to report a case of primary cervical synovial sarcoma arising in the trachea. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Head and neck surgery unit at a tertiary university centre. PATIENT: One case of primary cervical tracheal monophasic synovial sarcoma diagnosed by SYT-SSX gene rearrangement. INTERVENTION: This patient underwent surgical resection of the synovial sarcoma, together with tracheal resection and primary anastomosis assisted by laryngeal-releasing manoeuvres, without complication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical, radiographical, pathological and surgical information were collected. RESULT: One year post-operatively, there was no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Synovial sarcoma arising in the trachea is very rare. Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating the SYT-SSX gene rearrangement. The first-line treatment is surgery.

Sipha maydis: distribution and host range of a new aphid pest of winter cereals in Argentina.

Sipha maydis (Passerini) is a new aphid pest of cereals and cultivated and wild grasses in Argentina. This species was recently introduced into America, and nothing is known of its distribution or host range in South America. A better understanding of its biology is likely to facilitate control. This article records 1) the distribution and 2) the host range of S. maydis in Argentina. Over the period 2004-2006 samples were collected from 32 populations at several localities in Argentina. The number of S. maydis, accompanying aphid species, and the host from which they were collected were recorded. The distribution of S. maydis ranged from 32 degrees 52' to 42 degrees 03' S, and from 57 degrees 41' to 71 degrees 24' W, bounded by isothermals 18 and 10 degrees C and isohyets 200-400 and <1,200 mm. No S. maydis were found in the subtropical region, even in winter. In the field, the different populations showed very different host preferences. S. maydis was found mainly on cultivated barley and wheat and on wild Bromus spp. and Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. No aphids were found on maize, Zea mays L. Most of the damage to winter cereal crops occurred at the seedling stage in early autumn and of adult plants when infestations occurred in late spring. In the 4 yr after the first record of S. maydis in Argentina, it colonized a huge area similar to that colonized by Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) in 10 yr. The wide range of regions, hosts and climatic conditions this species is adapted to is likely to make the control of this pest very difficult.