ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative reconstructed tongue flap volume (RTFV) and body mass index (BMI) and identify factors affecting the flap volume in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Thirty-two patients were evaluated for RTFV from computed tomography images and BMI. The first and second evaluations were done at 6 months and 1.5 years after surgery respectively. RTFV rate changes and BMI differences from the first and second evaluations were calculated. The correlation between RTFV rate change and BMI difference was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis evaluated the relationship between the flap volume rate change and age, sex, flap type, and BMI difference to identify influencing factors. Results: The flap volume rate change and BMI difference correlated significantly (r = .594, p < .05). BMI difference and flap type were independent factors that affected reconstructed flap volume rate change in multiple regression analysis (p < .05). Conclusion: The flap volume of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma correlates with the BMI change in the chronic phase. Patients after tongue reconstruction need to be well nourished to maintain BMI and thus postoperative tongue volume to maintain the quality of life. Level of Evidence: Level 3.
ABSTRACT
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) is a genetic prion disease. Swallowing function evaluation in patients with GSS remains unclear. Here, we describe a case of videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF) to facilitate continued oral ingestion in a patient with P105L GSS. A 67-year-old woman developed gait disturbance and Parkinsonism symptoms at the age of 54 years. Since her family wanted her to continue oral ingestion, we performed VF, which revealed impairment and preservation of the oral and pharyngeal phases, respectively. Moreover, the impairment of the oral phase was improved by adjusting the patient's posture and food consistency. A swallowing function evaluation based on the condition of a patient with GSS may facilitate continued oral ingestion.