Single-center retrospective series of fourteen patients with mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

OBJECTIVES: Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is a rare and highly aggressive tumor. We report our experience over 20 years in management of this tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 14 patients with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma. RESULTS: The series comprised 8 male and 6 female patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 67 years. Staging on the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification of sinus cancer was 14% T2, 22% T3, 75% T4a and 7% T4b. All patients underwent primary surgical treatment; 71% received adjuvant external radiotherapy. Median recurrence-free interval was 28.7 months. Two- and 5-year overall survival was 43% and 32%, respectively. Median follow-up was 43 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are very specific entities. Limited pathophysiological knowledge still precludes effective medium- and long-term management. Future treatment will probably be based on global adjuvant or neoadjuvant-targeted chemotherapy.

[Tumor-bronchial actinomycosis simulating a recurrence of lung cancer 14 years after initial treatment: A case report]. / Actinomycose bronchique pseudo-tumorale simulant une ré-évolution d'un cancer bronchique 14ans après la prise en charge thérapeutique initiale : à propos d'un cas.

A patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the right upper lung lobe treated 14 years before by concomitant chemo-radiotherapy was referred on account of dyspnea. Bronchial endoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the right main bronchus highly suggestive of a tumor recurrence. However, biopsy samples only showed inflammatory and necrotic tissue with no evidence of malignancy. Despite complete tissue resection by rigid bronchoscopy, a rapid and complete recurrence occurred requiring the placement of a Y-shaped bronchial prosthesis. Repeat histological, bacteriological and mycological analyses were negative. The patient was soon readmitted to hospital for a lung infection due to recurrence of obstruction inside and around the prosthesis. Bacterial examination of biopsy samples identified Actinomyces meyeri. Appropriate antibiotic therapy led to a complete regression of the bronchial obstruction. Unfortunately, the patient died a few months later due to massive hemoptysis after the removal of the prosthesis. Autopsy examination showed a fistula between the right main bronchus and pulmonary artery, with no evidence of neoplastic recurrence nor the persistence of lesions associated with actinomycosis.

Gelatin-thrombin matrix: a new and simple way to manage recurrent epistaxis in hematology units.

Introduction. In case of thrombopenia and/or thrombopathy, epistaxes are very difficult to manage. Case Series. Two patients, one with a thrombocytopenia, the other with a thrombopathy, were hospitalized because of repeated active epistaxes after failure of packing. Both patients were successfully treated with an application of Surgiflo without side effects and left the hospital without recurrence of epistaxis. Discussion. Being a subject of many studies dealing with epistaxis, Surgiflo is a simple treatment that seems to be very effective and without side effects to treat acute epistaxis in fragile patients with coagulation disorders. Prospective studies of tolerance and efficiency in such situations should be performed.

Synovial sarcoma of the lateral pharyngeal wall.

OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the clinical, radiological and histological features of pharyngeal synovial sarcoma, on the basis of one clinical case, and discusses management. CASE STUDY: A male patient, aged 27 years, presented with synovial sarcoma of the lateral pharyngeal wall, revealed by pharyngeal discomfort and bloody sputum. CT and MRI showed a partially necrotic tumoral process centered on the upper half of the piriform sinus. Pathologic analysis found a malignant biphasic tumor, suggestive of synovial sarcoma. Partial pharyngolaryngectomy was performed on a lateral approach, with associated radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: Synovial sarcoma raises diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Prognostic factors are not clearly established. CONCLUSION: Pharyngeal synovial sarcoma is a rare tumor. Treatment is essentially surgical, requiring wide margins; radiotherapy is usually associated. The value of chemotherapy has yet to be assessed.

Localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVES: To illustrate, via a case report, how a differential diagnosis of amyloidosis is to be suspected in case of a nasopharyngeal mass. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old woman presented with bilateral nasal obstruction with associated episodic tubal dysfunction. Physical examination found a mass occupying the entire nasopharynx, initially suggestive of tumor. DISCUSSION: Amyloidosis was diagnosed on histopathologic study of the biopsy and surgical specimens. Exploration for systemic disease proved negative. The localized amyloidosis was managed conservatively. At 9 months' follow-up, there was no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Localized amyloidosis, however rare, should be considered as differential diagnosis in any case of nasal obstruction with tubal dysfunction, even if bilateral. ENT physicians need to recognize and understand this pathology for adapted diagnostic and treatment planning.

[Rhinoplasty and reconstruction of the nasal dorsum: role of an autologous graft of the concha media]. / Rhinoplastie et chirurgie d'harmonisation du dorsum nasal: apport de la greffe autologue de cornet moyen.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty can improve facial beauty. Surgical procedure may require autogenous grafts. These bone or cartilage grafts are harvested from different parts of the body. The objective of our study is to evaluate the use of nasal concha media as a new type of graft in rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients consulted for aesthetic as well as for functional problems. They had dorsum deformities. The inclusion criteria had been the achievement of a harmonization surgery of the nasal dorsum, associated or not with another aesthetic or functional rhinoplastic intervention. The grafts are quickly and easily removed by endoscopic endonasal approach under optical control. The removed graft is then shaped and inserted by hidden approach during a rhinoplastic operation. Complications have been noticed for harvesting site and recipient site. RESULTS: Ten patients have benefited from this new technique from 2002 to 2007. They consulted for aesthetic as well as for functional problems in 9 cases. One person consulted for aesthetic matters only. The removal of these grafts has led to no complication. One case of infection has been noticed, and one dorsum irregularitie has been noticed. Aesthetic and functional results have been analysed over an average step back of two years and show at least comparable results to techniques already published. CONCLUSION: The concha media seems to serve well as graft material in some indications of rhinoplasty. The primary indication of this type of graft is in the harmonization surgery of the nasal dorsum. These grafts do not replace the other existent autologous grafts, but advantageously complete the technical arsenal of the rhinoplastician. A study involving a wider population should be done to validate the interest of this new type of filling graft in rhinoplasty.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the parotid gland: diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE: To describe diagnostic and therapeutic management of a rare parotid lesion: sclerosing polycystic adenosis. PATIENT AND METHOD: We report a case of persistent right intraparotid tumefaction. RESULTS: A 68-year-old man was referred with a right parotid nodule of 2 years' evolution. Cytology diagnosed pleomorphic adenoma, verified on MRI. Conservative subtotal parotidectomy diagnosed sclerosing polycystic adenosis. Over 1 year's regular follow-up, there were no signs of local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the parotid gland is a rare and recently described entity presenting several analogies to the much more frequent cystic mastitis. Although benign and well-delimited, it requires complete exeresis of the parotid, due to a non-negligible risk of recurrence.

Supraglottic laryngeal paraganglioma.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal paraganglioma is a rare, mainly supraglottic, tumor. CLINICAL CASE: A 67-year-old woman was operated on in June 2009 for supraglottic laryngeal paraganglioma, with simple postoperative course. DISCUSSION: Anatomopathologic features, malignant paraganglioma and the various possible treatments are presented and discussed. Surgical exeresis with an external approach should in our opinion remain the reference treatment, for optimal control of exeresis of this potentially hemorrhagic tumor with risk of recurrence in case of incomplete exeresis.

[Comparison between external radiotherapy and laser microsurgery for the treatment of TisT1N0 glottic carcinoma: Clinical modelling and cost-minimization study from the French national health insurance payer's point of view]. / Place de l'analyse médico-économique dans la décision thérapeutique en cancérologie ORL. L'exemple du cancer limité de la corde vocale (Tis, Tla). Comparaison entre la radiothérapie externe et l'exérèse laryngoscopique laser CO2. Création d'un modèle clinique et étude de minimisation de coûts suivant la perspective de l'Assurance Maladie.

OBJECTIVES: The excellent effectiveness of both treatment modalities (radiotherapy, endoscopic laser surgery) for early glottic carcinoma (Tis, TlaN0) is similar (carcinologic, functional and QoL results). This is part of an evidence-based medicine policy, which is to choose the cheapest of various treatment modalities known as equally effective and equally morbid. Is analytical economic approach useful and efficient to guide decision making? The aim of this study is to perform a costminimization analysis using an objective clinical modeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For each modality, probabilities of various events were recorded from review of literature. Only local recurrences which constitute the major end-point affecting survival were considered. French national Health insurance's point of view (as the payer's point of view), with a 100% case-mix based payment system was used. Results of cost-minimization between laser endoscopic surgery and external radiation therapy are: Global Cost of laser endoscopic surgery is about 2613.01 euro. Without (90% of cases) and with recurrence it is about 1700.36 euro and 10826.87 euro respectively. Global Cost of external radiation therapy is about 4490.88 euro. Without (90% of cases) and with recurrence it is about 3578.23 euro and 12704.74 euro respectively. CONCLUSION: Cordectomy by CO2 laser seems to be an efficient cost-effective alternative to radiotherapy for early glottic carcinoma management from the French national Health insurance perspective.

[Endostenting using a Y-stent for hematoma after thoracic aorta surgery]. / Endostenting par prothèse en Y sur hématome après chirurgie de l'aorte thoracique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic management of extrinsic tracheobronchial compression after thoracic aorta surgery. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report the case of a female patient with Marfan syndrome. RESULTS: A 27-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome presented respiratory distress after type III dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta from extrinsic compression (hematoma) of the lower third of the trachea and the left bronchial stump. We placed a Y-stent (Y-Tracheobronxane, Novatech SA, France), thus restoring a satisfactory channel. A few days later, the patient developed right congestive heart failure from compression of the left pulmonary artery secondary to the progression of the hematoma. Medical treatment for this cardiological complication and the progressive resorption of the hematoma made it possible to remove the stent after 21 days with no dyspneic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Placing a Y-stent is possible and effective and has few iatrogenic consequences in cases of extrinsic tracheobronchial compression from a hematoma occurring during heavy thoracic vascular surgery. With surgical revision impossible given the risks, stent placement allows progressive resorption of the hematoma, thus ending the compression of the bronchial tree.

[Inflammatory pseudotumor of the larynx in children]. / Tumeur pseudo-inflammatoire du larynx chez l'enfant.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the management of laryngeal pseudotumor in a young boy with exclusive endoscopic resection with laser CO2 resection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: We report a rare case of a laryngeal pseudotumor in a child that was successfully treated with endoscopic resection with laser CO2 vaporization. The last follow-up at 12 months revealed no evidence of recurrence and no voice sequelae. This is the first case reported that was successfully treated after a single procedure. It is the second one where tracheotomy was avoided. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic resection with laser CO2 vaporization is a safe and effective treatment in cases of limited laryngeal inflammatory pseudotumor in a pediatric population, but close follow-up is necessary because of the risk of local recurrence.

[Bilateral hypopharyngocele]. / Hypopharyngocèle bilatérale.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the management of bilateral hypopharyngocele in a trumpet player. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Case report of a professional trumpet player suffering from bilateral hypopharyngocele. RESULTS: A professional trumpet player was referred for an ORL consultation after he noticed that a bad sound was produced while he was playing associated with cervical pain. A CT scan demonstrated an asymmetric bilateral hypopharyngocele with no other abnormality. Because of the mild symptoms and the professional context, a successful conservative approach was used with antireflux medications. He was advised to seek professional instruction in order to improve his technique. On follow-up examination 6 months later, he had had no further problems since adopting the corrected techniques. CONCLUSION: Pharyngoceles are rare and easily misdiagnosed. Because of the mild symptoms and the professional context, a conservative medical approach should be proposed (antireflux medications) combined with specific orthophonic and physical therapy to modify breathing and trumpet playing techniques.

[The application of metal stent in the treatment of adult non neoplastic tracheal stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and the curative effect of the metal stent inserted in non neoplastic tracheal stenosis. METHOD: In this study, 7 patients were treated with endotracheal metal ultraflex stent for non neoplastic tracheal stenosis, who had a contraindication or refuse to the surgery operation. There are six cases, their length of tracheal stenosis more than 4 cm. The other one, tracheal stenosis located at the tracheal fistula after total laryngectomy. Non-silica gel membrane metal stent were used in four cases, silica gel membrane metal stent were used in three cases. RESULT: These stents were well tolerated and produced immediate symptomatic and functional improvement. Granulation tissue without obstruction of the airway was observed in 6 patients; only one patient had a local recurrence that needed a re-tracheotomy. One patient had to pull out the stent after 10 months of operation. The reason is local discomfort. CONCLUSION: Metal stent has a good curative effect in the treatment of non neoplastic tracheal stenosis, especially for the nonresectable patient, and it is easy to operate. However, the results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy and tolerance of the device in the medium and the long term.

[Endobronchial lipomas and their treatment: one case report]. / Lipomes endobronchiques et leur traitement: a propos d'un cas.

PURPOSE: Starting from a clinical observation of an endobronchial lipoma and in the light of worldwide literature, the aim of this case report is to specify the epidemiology, the key points of the diagnosis and the advantage of endoscopy both in the diagnosis and the treatment of these rare benign bronchopulmonary tumours. CLINICAL CASE: Recent pneumopathy in the right superior lobe bronchial area in a 73 year old female, symptomatic with cought. Biopsy exeresis gave the histological diagnosis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The clinical symptoms due to bronchial obstruction associated with the conventional radiological and computed tomography signs orientate the diagnosis definitively obtained through the anatomopathological study. This histological study is carried out from biopsies performed either during a bronchial fibroscopy or during a tracheobronchoscopy. By confronting the benign macroscopic aspect and the data from the extemporaneous anatomopathological study of the lesion, endoscopy provides an early-stage diagnosis and makes it possible to perform a concomitant and conservative treatment before the stage of irreversible broncho-pulmonary complications. It also avoids the risks and sequelae of classical surgery by thoracotomy.

[Treatments of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia of the nasal mucosa]. / Indications et stratégies thérapeutiques des épistaxis dans la maladie de Rendu Osler.

UNLABELLED: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia is a systemic autosomal dominant disorder involving blood vessels. The most common symptom is recurrent epistaxis. The treatments of these epistaxis are numerous but such treatments are often symptomatic and their effects are often not sustained. Some of these treatments may be complicated by visceral vascular malformations. The aim of this study is to propose a treatment plan for these patients with hierarchical organisation of therapeutic options taking into account of their previous therapy. METHOD: H. Plauchu organized in Paris, december 2002 a meeting with any medical specialists of this disease. They have analysed variety of therapies that have been proposed for epistaxis control in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Télangiectasia. RESULTS: Most common use packing of nasal fossa and then hyperselective embolization of the internal maxillary and facial arteries for severe epistaxis. For chronic epistaxis, best treatment use sclerotics products (Ethibloc) and laser. After discussion, primary embolization could be useful to reduce vascularization of nasal fossa. CONCLUSION: Treatment of epistaxis in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia could increase in few years. Use of an index card of for epistaxis in the disease of Rendu-Osler could help to find treatment of choice.

[Rhinocerebral mucormycosis]. / Une mucormycose rhinocérébrale.

INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis is a rare and acute fungal infection which is frequently lethal. The rhinocerebral form is usually seen in diabetics, but other localizations may occur in severely immunocompromised subjects. OBSERVATION: We report the case of a sphenoidal sinusitis associated with a probable cavernous sinus thrombosis and carotid artery thrombosis with middle cerebral artery territory infarction. Diagnosis was made on histological examination following sphenoidotomy. Early medical and surgical treatment led to a good outcome. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis should be considered in the clinical setting of necrotic sinusitis and acute neurologic deficit in diabetic patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial factors leading to a good outcome.

[Interest of thyroïdectomy in the management of thyroglossal duct cysts]. / Intérêt de la thyroïdectomie dans la prise en charge des kystes du tractus thyréoglosse dégénérés.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: To discuss the authors' experience with thyroglossal duct (TD) carcinoma and expose the interest of the thyroidectomy in the management of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with the diagnosis of TD operated on from 1985 to 2002 was performed. RESULTS: Four cases of papillary TD carcinoma were identified. Two patients were treated by a Sistrunk procedure associated with total thyroidectomy. One patient needed a thyroidectomy fifteen years after the initial management of the papillary thyroglossal duct carcinoma. The last patient had a medical treatment, with no evidence of complication after eleven years of follow up. CONCLUSION: A microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma, without cyst wall invasion, can be managed by a Sistrunk procedure, with the need for long-term follow up. Treatment of all other thyroglossal duct papillary carcinomas should include thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine treatment.

Further improvement of quality of life by cetirizine in perennial allergic rhinitis as a function of treatment duration.

The SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire is a generic quality of life questionnaire based on 36 questions selected to represent nine health concepts. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a disease which causes variable restrictions on the physical, psychological and social aspects of patients' lives. According to the SF-36 questionnaire assessment, quality of life is impaired in these patients. Cetirizine, a potent, reliable histamine H1-receptor antagonist, has already been found to induce significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinitis, as assessed by the same SF-36 questionnaire after 1 and 6 weeks of treatment. This paper further investigates the extent to which cetirizine continues to improve quality of life after a long-term treatment (6 weeks) compared to a shorter treatment (1 week). The analyses show that, despite the significant improvement found after 1 week of treatment with cetirizine compared to placebo, a further 5-week course of therapy not only maintains this improvement but continues to enhance quality of life significantly above and beyond this.