Global avulsion of the globe associated with frontal sinus and naso-orbital-ethmoid (FSNOE) complex fracture. A rare case report and short literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic avulsion of the globe is a rare and uncommon pathology with serious morpho-physiological, cosmetic and aesthetic implications. The association with complex fractures of the skull increases the morbidity and complexity of the case. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of FSNOE complex fracture associated with avulsion of the left globe, with complete sectioning of the optic nerve and loss of vision. DISSCUSION: The prompt diagnosis and the immediate establishment of a correct multidisciplinary treatment, led to the favorable evolution of the case. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull architecture and resizing of the orbital contour, as well as successful prosthesis of the eyeball concured for a satisfactory anatomic and cosmetic result. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic decision to reposition the globe in the case of complete avulsion should be made depending on the severity of associated lesions, the patient's general state, age, and the risk of potential postoperative complications. KEY WORDS: Word, Post-traumatic, Avulsion of the globe, Frontal sinus, Naso-orbito-ethmoid, NOE, Fracture.

The Association of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures with Naso-Orbitoethmoid Fractures in Pediatric Populations.

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures associated with ipsilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are more challenging injuries than zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. However, there is a paucity of information on this complex fracture pattern in the pediatric population. This study investigated the cause, treatment, and outcomes of combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures versus isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a 25-year retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who presented to a single institution with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Baseline patient demographics and clinical information, and concomitant injuries, treatment/operative management, and postoperative complications/deformities were recorded and compared between patients with combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures and patients with isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified to have had zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in the authors' 25-year study period, of whom 46 had adequate clinical documentation and follow-up. Seventeen patients had combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures, of whom six had panfacial fractures. Both patient groups (zygomaticomaxillary complex only and combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures) were similar in terms of demographics. However, a significantly greater proportion of combined fracture patients experienced postoperative complications compared to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture patients, even after excluding those with panfacial fractures (87.5 percent versus 35.3 percent; p < 0.001). Enophthalmos (37.5 percent) and midface growth restriction (37.5 percent) were the two most common complications/deformities in all combined fracture patients. CONCLUSIONS: High-impact trauma can lead to zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with associated naso-orbitoethmoid fractures in children. This injury pattern was found to cause significantly greater postoperative morbidity than isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. Thus, pediatric patients presenting with this complex facial fracture pattern should be closely monitored. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Unique case of a post-traumatic nasoseptal arteriovenous malformation.

Extracranial manifestation of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is uncommon. Nasoseptal AVMs are an even rarer entity. In this case report, we present an interesting and first-of-its-kind case of the development of a left nasoseptal AVM in a 60-year-old man after a fall. This was likely post-traumatic, unlike the usual congenital AVMs described in the literature. The patient was managed conservatively with regular follow-up for the AVM as he was asymptomatic.

Anatomical Factors that Can Predict the Structure of Lamina Papyracea for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated morphological variations of lamina papyracea, the structure that should be carefully considered when opening posterior ethmoid sinus during endoscopic sinus surgery, to avoid injury. STUDY DESIGN: This study employed axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography. METHODS: Using computed tomography images of 228 face-sides, various anatomical parameters were determined: distances of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries from the skull base, and from the third lamella; changes in the angles of the lamina papyracea at the anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses; and presence or absence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SECs), Onodi cell, and Haller cell. The relationship between the distances which indicate the point of maximum projection by the lamina papyracea among third lamina and posterior ethmoid artery into the posterior ethmoid sinus and these anatomical factors were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The projection distance of lamina papyracea into the posterior ethmoid sinus was -2.6 mm to 3.4 mm, and in 41.2% of cases, projection in the direction of the nasal cavity was greater than that of the lamina papyracea at the anterior ethmoid sinus. This distance increased with increasing distance of the maximum projection point from the skull base and increasing floating distances of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries. The number of subjects with large projection distances was increased among those with floating posterior ethmoid arteries. In addition, subjects with SECs had significantly greater projection distances. CONCLUSIONS: Particular care should be taken to avoid injury to the lamina papyracea when opening the posterior ethmoid sinus in subjects with floating anterior or posterior ethmoid arteries, and/or SEC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E19-E25, 2021.

Treatment of naso-orbito-etmoidal Type III fracture in adolescents: case report / Tratamiento de la fractura naso-orbito-etmoidal Tipo III en adolescentes: relato de un caso

The naso-orbito-ethmoidal region is composed of delicate bones and when fractured may result in significant aesthetic-functional impairment. Diagnosis through clinical and imaging findings is extremely important for surgical planning. This study aims to report a case of type III fracture of the naso-orbito-ethmoidal region. Patient D.R.S., female, 13 years old, attended the emergency department of Hospital dos Fornecedores de Cana de Piracicaba (HFCP) - SP with complaint of pain in the fronto-nasal region and respiratory distress after trauma in face of baseball bat. Physical examination showed edema and short blunt injury in the region of the nasal dorsum and frontal region, bilateral periorbital hematoma, hyposphagma in right eye and traumatic telecanthus. When analyzing the computed tomography, it was observed fracture of the nasal bones, also affecting the medial wall of the orbit. The procedure was osteosynthesis of the fractures and reconstruction of the nasal dorsum. The fracture traces were exposed from coronal access, reduction of fractures and use of calvarial bone graft for nasal dorsum reconstruction. The fracture and the graft were fixed with plates of 1,6mm. Postoperative computed tomography analysis showed good graft positioning, but there was still a slight sinking of the left lateral wall of the nose. In a second moment another surgical intervention was done to reduce this wall and an internal containment device was installed. Currently the patient is in a state of observation and a follow-up period of 665 days. In cases of complex nasoorbito-ethmoidal fractures early diagnosis and treatment is essential to minimize sequelae and provide a better aesthetic and functional result.

La región etmoidal nasoorbital está compuesta de huesos delicados y, cuando se fractura, puede provocar una lesión estética-funcional significativa. El diagnóstico mediante hallazgos clínicos y de imagen es de suma importancia para la planificación quirúrgica. El paciente D.R.S., mujer, 13 años, leucoderma, asistió al servicio de emergencia del Hospital de Proveedores de Caña de Azúcar de Piracicaba quejándose de dolor en la región frontal-nasal y dificultad para respirar después de un traumatismo en la cara con un palo. El examen físico reveló edema y lesión contundente en el dorso nasal y la región frontal, hematoma periorbitario bilateral, hiposfagma del ojo derecho y telecanto traumático. Al analizar la tomografía computarizada se observó fractura de los huesosnasales en libro abierto, afectando también la pared medial de la órbita. El enfoque aplicado fue la osteosíntesis de fracturas y la reconstrucción del dorso nasal. Los rastros de fractura se expusieron del abordaje coronal, se redujeron las fracturas y se usaron injertos de casquete para reconstruir el dorso nasal. La fractura y el injerto se fijaron con placas de sistema de 1,6 mm y se realizó la cantopexia de los ligamentos cantales mediales. Se requirió cirugía reparadora secundaria para la corrección de la pared lateral de la nariz, que persistió en el postoperatorio. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra en un estado de conservación y período de seguimiento de 665 días. En casos de fracturas nasoorbitales-etmoidales complejas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos son esenciales para minimizar las secuelas y proporcionar un mejor resultado estético y funcional.

Ipsilateral transnasal medial canthopexy to correct secondary telecanthus after naso-orbito-ethmoid fracture.

BACKGROUND: Telecanthus results from medial canthal tendon (MCT) disruption, which can result from traumatic naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures. Several methods, using different anchoring materials, incision approaches, or fixation positions, have been proposed for MCT reconstruction. Herein, we report our experience in treating MCT disruption using ipsilateral transnasal medial canthopexy with a Y-V approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2017, seven patients with traumatic NOE fractures underwent ipsilateral transnasal MCT fixation with Y-V epicanthoplasty. The length ratio, defined as the length of the affected side divided by that of the normal side, was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively. A modified Y-V epicanthoplasty incision was made, after first marking the site in the apex of the caruncular fornix. The nasal wall was exposed and the MCT was accessed carefully. Bulky MCT tissue was trimmed. The lacrimal bone was ground using a bur, creating a concave shape to reposition the MCT, and two holes were drilled into the ipsilateral lacrimal fossa and frontomaxillary process. The MCT was fixed to the frontomaxillary process using no. 2 transnasal wire, which was secured by a 6-mm screw. Finally, the Y-V epicanthoplasty was repaired using 5.0 nylon. RESULTS: The preoperative length ratio (mean±standard deviation: 83.3%±6.0%; range: 73.7%-92.0%) was significantly lower than the postoperative length ratio (mean±standard deviation: 99.4%±0.6%; range: 98.5%-100%) (p<0.05). No major complications were observed, with an average of 13 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral transnasal wiring fixation with Y-V epicanthoplasty is a useful and adequate method for MCT reconstruction after NOE fractures, without remarkable complications.

Underdiagnosis of Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures in Patients with Zygoma Injury.

BACKGROUND: Nasoorbitoethmoid fractures commonly accompany midface fractures and may be underdiagnosed, resulting in incomplete reconstruction or inadequate treatment following facial trauma. To better understand the nasoorbitoethmoid fracture diagnosis and treatment tendencies, the authors analyzed concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid injuries in the setting of zygoma fractures. METHODS: The facial trauma database at a level I trauma center was evaluated. All patients with diagnosed zygoma fractures from June of 2011 to March of 2016 were assessed for a concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid injury. Documentation of these fractures in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes was recorded, as was the rate of nasoorbitoethmoid fracture surgical repair. RESULTS: The authors identified 339 eligible patients and completed retrospective analysis of computed tomographic images for their 356 zygoma fractures. The incidence of concomitant nasoorbitoethmoid fractures was 30.6 percent (109 of 356). Documentation rates of nasoorbitoethmoid fractures were 0 percent, 3.7 percent, and 8.3 percent in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes, respectively. The rate of surgical correction of nasoorbitoethmoid injuries was 22.9 percent (25 of 109). Of those fractures identified, 44.9 percent (49 of 109) were minimally displaced or nondisplaced. Subset analysis of only significantly displaced fractures yielded an incidence of 16.8 percent (60 of 356). Of significantly displaced fractures, documentation rates were 0 percent, 6.7 percent, and 16.8 percent in radiology, plastic surgery, and operative notes, respectively. The surgical repair rate of significantly displaced fractures was 31.7 percent (19 of 60). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a high concomitance rate of nasoorbitoethmoid fractures with zygoma fractures and identify a tendency to underdocument and undertreat this injury pattern. Clinicians managing patients with midface trauma should have a high suspicion for nasoorbitoethmoid trauma. Plastic surgeons and radiologists should be better trained in identifying the nasoorbitoethmoid fracture pattern.

A Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid (NOE) Fracture Associated with Bilateral Anterior and Posterior Frontal Sinus Wall Fractures Caused by a Horse Kick-Case Report and Short Literature Review.

Naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures associated with anterior and posterior frontal sinus wall fractures are among the most challenging cranio-maxillofacial injuries. These represent a major emergency, having a potentially severe clinical picture, with intracranial hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningeal lesions, pneumocephalus, contusion or laceration of the brain matter, coma, and in some cases death. In this article, we present the case of a 30-year-old patient with the diagnosis of NOE fracture associated with bilateral anterior and posterior frontal sinus wall fractures caused by a horse kick, with a fulminant post-traumatic alteration of the neurological status and major impairment of the midface bone architecture. Despite the severity and complexity of the case, early initiation of correct treatment both in terms of intensive care and cranio-maxillofacial surgery led to the successful rehabilitation of the neurological status, as well as to the reconstruction and redimensioning of midface architecture and, not least, to the restoration of the patient's physiognomy.

Computed tomography based analysis of the lamina papyracea variations and morphology of the orbit concerning endoscopic surgical approaches / Análise tomográfica das variações da lâmina papirácea e da morfologia orbital em abordagens cirúrgicas endoscópicas

Abstract Introduction: Radiologic evaluation is mandatory to assess the type of endoscopic approach concerning sinonasal pathology and reconstruction of fractured defects before any treatment modalities are instituted related to medial wall of the orbit. Objective: The goal was to provide improved understanding of the lamina papyracea variations and the relationship with the orbital morphometry. Methods: This retrospective study was performed using computed tomography scans of 200 orbits and results were compared with respect to age, sex, laterality and LP variations. Results: Lamina papyracea variations were categorized as type A, 80.5% (161/200); type B, 16% (32/200); type C, 3.5% (7/200). For medial wall the anterior and posterior lamina papyracea heights and angles were found as 17.14 mm, 147.88º and 9.6 mm, 152.72º, respectively. Also, the length of the lamina papyracea, the mean area of the orbital floor, medial wall, lamina papyracea and orbital entrance were 33.3 mm, 7.2 cm2, 6.89 cm2, 4.51 cm2 and 12.46 cm2 respectively. The orbital height and width were measured as 35.9 mm and 39.2 mm respectively. The mean orbital cavity depth was 46.3 mm from optic foramen to the orbital entrance and the orbital volume was 19.29 cm3. We analyzed the morphometric measurements tending to increase with aging and greater in men and the relationship of them with lamina papyracea types. Conclusion: Precise knowledge of the lamina papyracea anatomy using computed tomography is essential for safer and more effective surgery and preforming the dimensions of an implant. In this way, the postoperative complications can be decreased and the best outcome can be provided.

Resumo Introdução: A avaliação radiológica é mandatória para avaliar o tipo de abordagem endoscópica no tratamento cirúrgico de doença nasossinusal e na reconstrução de fraturas antes de quaisquer modalidades de tratamento relacionadas à parede medial orbital. Objetivo: O objetivo foi proporcionar uma melhor compreensão das variações da lâmina papirácea e a relação com a morfometria orbital. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado por meio de tomografia computadorizada de 200 órbitas, e os resultados foram comparados em relação à idade, sexo, lateralidade e variações da lâmina pairácea. Resultados: As variações da lâmina papirácea foram categorizadas como tipo A, 80,5% (161/200); tipo B, 16% (32/200); tipo C, 3,5% (7/200). Para a parede medial, as medidas das alturas anteriores e posteriores da lâmina papirácea e ângulos foram de 17,14 mm, 147,88º e 9,6 mm, 152,72º, respectivamente. Além disso, as medidas do seu comprimento da, da área média do assoalho orbital, e da parede medial, lâmina papyracea e entrada orbital foram: 33,3 mm, 7,2 cm2, 6,89 cm2, 4,51 cm2 e 12,46 cm2, respectivamente. As medidas da altura e da largura orbitais foram 35,9 mm e 39,2 mm, respectivamente. A profundidade média da cavidade orbital foi de 46,3 mm, do forame óptico até a entrada orbital, e o volume orbital foi de 19,29 cm3. Analisamos as medidas morfométricas com tendência a aumentar com o envelhecimento e nos indivíduos do sexo masculino, e a relação das mesmas com os tipos de lâmina. Conclusões: O conhecimento preciso da anatomia da lâmina papirácea por meio de tomografia computadorizada é essencial para uma cirurgia mais segura e eficaz, além de permitir pré-moldar as dimensões do implante. Assim, as complicações pós-operatórias podem ser minimizadas, obtendo-se melhores resultados.

Patterns of Nasoorbitalethmoid Fractures in the Pediatric Population.

There is an absence of literature regarding nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) facial fractures. Although NOE fractures are uncommon, there are a significant number in the pediatric population. These fractures also often occur in conjunction with other facial fractures because the NOE region adjoins the nose, orbit, maxilla, and cranium. They can also be a harbinger for more serious concerns such as traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. For this reason, NOE fractures can be highly complicated and a challenge to manage. We aim to define the etiologies and patterns of NOE fractures to guide hospital and surgical management strategies. From 2001 to 2014, 15 pediatric patients were identified as having sustained an NOE fracture. Four (26.7%) of the patients were female and 11 (68.8%) were male. Average age was 11.40. The most common etiologies recorded were motor vehicle accident (n = 8), pedestrian struck (n = 3), and assault (n = 2). Orbital fracture (n = 13), nasal fracture (n = 13), and frontal sinus fracture (n = 10) were the most commonly associated facial fractures sustained alongside NOE fracture. Several patients sustained traumatic brain injury (n = 11) and loss of consciousness (n = 13). The mean Glasgow Coma Score was 10.5. In addition, eight required intubation and five required a surgical airway. Thirteen of the patients were admitted to the ICU and eight required surgical management for their fractures. Titanium plates were most commonly used (n = 4) for surgical management. Alternatively, resorbable implants were used for two patients. The remaining two were treated with closed reduction.

Olfactory Fossa and New Angle Measurements: Lateral Lamella-Cribriform Plate Angle.

OBJECTIVES: The authors investigated the olfactory fossa (OF) in patients with unilateral nasal septal deviation (NSD) and presented the lateral lamella-cribriform plate angle (LLCPA). METHODS: Paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 300 adult subjects with unilateral NSD (111 males, 189 females) were evaluated retrospectively. Septal deviation angle (SDA), Keros Classification, OF depth and width, LLCPA; and orbital plate and cribriform plate (OPCP) distance were measured. RESULTS: The OF depth values (ipsilateral, contralateral) were found as Keros III >Keros II >Keros I (Padjusted <0.0175). The OF width values (ipsilateral) were detected as Keros I >Keros II and Keros I >Keros III (Padjusted <0.0175). In patients with higher SDA values, ipsilateral OF depth values decreased (P <0.05). The LLCPA and OPCP values were higher in Keros I and lower in Keros III (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with lower LLCPA and OPCP, endoscopic sinus surgery will be more dangerous for trauma to lateral lamella and intracranial penetration.

Death Related to Elective Nasal Polypectomy: Case Report.

The investigation of deaths that are suspected to be related to medical therapy present several challenges for a forensic pathologist. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 58-year-old woman with multiple nasal polyps who underwent nasal polypectomy. The operation was initially considered successful. However, the patient had never recovered from general anesthesia and was declared deceased 24 hours after the surgery.The autopsy revealed a basilar subarachnoid hemorrhage. The examination of the basilar skull showed a perforation of approximately 15 by 7 mm in the right cribriform plate. Above the bone perforation, there was a disruption of the dura and a 20-mm-long penetrating wound within the right frontal lobe parenchyma of the brain, with associated intraventricular hemorrhage. The subsequent sectioning of the formalin-fixed brain revealed extensive parenchymal destruction. The cause of death was certified as complications of nasal/sinus surgery, with a perforation of the skull base with hemorrhagic tissue destruction, whereas the manner of death was considered accidental.Common nasal surgical procedures and known complications are discussed.

Non-traumatic pneumocephalus caused by increased depth of olfactory fossa.

We report a case of unilateral Keros type III variant of the cribriform plate (olfactory fossa >7 mm deep) that caused non-traumatic pneumocephalus. A 61-year-old male patient presented to the emergency room complaining of acute-onset headache after blowing his nose. Computed tomographic (CT) examination showed a massive pneumocephalus; a CT scan from three months before showed a Keros type III variant. The defect was repaired endoscopically with mucoperichondrial and mucoperiostal grafts. Pneumocephalus that has developed in a Keros type III variant has been theorised about, but never reported to our knowledge. Radiologists should be familiar with the Keros classification so that they can identify patients who are at increased risk of fractures of the cribriform plate.

Iatrogenic meningoencephalocele after traumatic perforation of the cribriform plate during nasal intubation of a preterm infant.

Traumatic iatrogenic meningoencephaloceles infants are rare and there is no consensus on management in the literature. This article presents a case of a meningoencephalocele diagnosed 15 months after a traumatic perforation of the cribriform plate due to a difficult intubation of a preterm infant that was treated by an endoscopic endonasal surgery. A close collaboration between pediatricians and ENT surgeons appears essential for early diagnosis and management. Endoscopic endonasal approach for meningoencephalocele management has several advantages and is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Computed tomography based analysis of the lamina papyracea variations and morphology of the orbit concerning endoscopic surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Radiologic evaluation is mandatory to assess the type of endoscopic approach concerning sinonasal pathology and reconstruction of fractured defects before any treatment modalities are instituted related to medial wall of the orbit. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to provide improved understanding of the lamina papyracea variations and the relationship with the orbital morphometry. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed using computed tomography scans of 200 orbits and results were compared with respect to age, sex, laterality and LP variations. RESULTS: Lamina papyracea variations were categorized as type A, 80.5% (161/200); type B, 16% (32/200); type C, 3.5% (7/200). For medial wall the anterior and posterior lamina papyracea heights and angles were found as 17.14mm, 147.88° and 9.6mm, 152.72°, respectively. Also, the length of the lamina papyracea, the mean area of the orbital floor, medial wall, lamina papyracea and orbital entrance were 33.3mm, 7.2cm2, 6.89cm2, 4.51cm2 and 12.46cm2 respectively. The orbital height and width were measured as 35.9mm and 39.2mm respectively. The mean orbital cavity depth was 46.3mm from optic foramen to the orbital entrance and the orbital volume was 19.29cm3. We analyzed the morphometric measurements tending to increase with aging and greater in men and the relationship of them with lamina papyracea types. CONCLUSION: Precise knowledge of the lamina papyracea anatomy using computed tomography is essential for safer and more effective surgery and preforming the dimensions of an implant. In this way, the postoperative complications can be decreased and the best outcome can be provided.

Pediatric Nasoorbitoethmoid Fractures: Cause, Classification, and Management.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a paucity of information on the presentation and proper management of pediatric nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence, cause, associated injuries, and management of these fractures. Furthermore, the authors sought to assess outcomes after transnasal wiring or suture canthopexy for type III nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review was performed of all patients with nasoorbitoethmoid fractures who presented to a Level I trauma center from 1990 to 2010. Charts and computed tomographic imaging were reviewed, and nasoorbitoethmoid fractures were labeled based on the Markowitz-Manson classification system. Patient fracture patterns, demographics, characteristics, and outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to compare groups. RESULTS: A total of 63 pediatric patients were identified in the study period. The sample's mean age was 8.78 ± 4.08 years, and 28.6 percent were girls. The sample included 18 type I injuries, 28 type II injuries, and 17 type III injuries. No significant demographic differences were found between patients with type I, II, and III fractures (p > 0.05). Operative intervention was pursued in 16.7, 46.4, and 82.4 percent of type I, II, and III nasoorbitoethmoid fractures, respectively. In patients with type III nasoorbitoethmoid fractures, no patients with transnasal wiring developed telecanthus. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric nasoorbitoethmoid fractures are uncommon injuries. Type I fracture can often be treated with close observation. However, type II and III injury patterns should be evaluated for operative intervention. Transnasal wiring is an effective method to prevent traumatic telecanthus deformity in type III fracture patterns.

Horizontal lateral lamella as a risk factor for iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak. Clinical retrospective evaluation of 24 cases.

BACKGROUND: Several authors highlighted the limitations of the Keros classification system in predicting intracranial entry risk. Recently, our group proposed a new classification system based on the angle formed between the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate (LLCP) and the continuation of an horizontal plane passing through the cribriform plate (Gera classification). The aim of this study was to analyze whether the risk of iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF-L) was better predicted by Keros or Gera classification. METHODOLOGY: The pre-operative CT scans of 24 patients (CSF-L group) who suffered from iatrogenic CSF-L during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were compared to those obtained from a group of 100 patients who underwent uneventful ESS (control group). The skull base measurements as well as the distribution of Keros and Gera classes in the 2 groups were analyzed. RESULTS: No difference in the distribution of Keros classes or in the depth of the cribriform plate between CSF-L and control group were demonstrated. On the contrary, significant differences in the distribution of Gera classes and in the degree of the angle formed by the LLCP and the continuation of the horizontal plane passing through the cribriform plate were found. In particular, according to Gera classification system, 19 out of 24 patients in the CSF-L group were considered at risk for iatrogenic CSF-L. CONCLUSIONS: Gera classification system might be more sensitive to anatomical variations associated with CSF-L than the Keros one, further suggesting the application of the former during the preoperative CT scan evaluation.

A Fire Extinguisher Death: The Macklin Effect.

We present the case of an adult white man found dead in a psychiatric institution with fine white powder (monoammonium phosphate) deposited over the entire face after he insufflated the contents of a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Fine white powder was present within the mouth and sinuses and lined the upper airways. On opening the thoracic cavity, approximately 500 g of fine white powder was present within the right thoracic cavity. The esophagus was ruptured. Traumatic emphysema of the posterior sternum wall was present (pneumomediastinum). The ethmoid bones were fractured by the barotrauma. On polarization of the lung tissue, birefringent material was noted deposited along the bronchovascular sheaths and in a subpleural distribution. Death was probably due to a combination of barotrauma and asphyxia.This case study provides strong evidence in support of the etiology and pathophysiology of the Macklin effect. It also provides for the first visual evidence of the phenomenon.