Novel Biodistribution of PSMA Radiotracer in the Uvula of Patients Undergoing PSMA PET/CT.

ABSTRACT: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is an imaging technique that detects primary and metastatic prostate cancer and evaluates treatment effectiveness. The radioligands for PSMA PET/CT are known to have physiological off-target uptake in various tissues. These include the well-known off-target major and minor salivary glands. We report that, in addition to this location, radioligand uptake can be seen in the uvula, which we suggest is from salivary tissue in this location. PSMA uptake in the uvula is not reported in the literature and is a rare, but normal location for tracer biodistribution in some patients.

The intraoral growth patterns of parapharyngeal tumors: A proposed classification system.

OBJECTIVE: Nearly half of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors present as an intraoral mass, which is diagnostically challenging. In this study, we studied whether preoperative growth patterns were associated with histopathological diagnosis for planning surgery. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in patients with PPS tumors. A simplified classification scheme based on intraoral tumor growth patterns (patterns 1 and 2) was then proposed. In pattern 1, tumors bulge submucosally to the oropharynx from the soft palate, with the center convexity above the uvula. In pattern 2, tumors bulge submucosally to the oropharynx from the lateral oropharynx wall, with the center convexity below the uvula. The association of this classification with postoperative histopathological diagnosis and surgical-related events was studied. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study (12 with pattern 1, 10 with pattern 2). Of these, 91.7% (11/12) of pattern 1 tumors were salivary gland tumors (P < .001), and 90% (9/10) of pattern 2 tumors were neurogenic (P < .001). Pattern 2 tumors had fewer bleeding complications or needed external approaches when a transoral approach was chosen. CONCLUSIONS: This new classification of PPS tumors facilitates the prediction of salivary gland and neurogenic tumors and can improve the accuracy of preoperative radiologic diagnosis. This system will be helpful for planning surgical interventions, such as implementing transoral approaches.

Renal cell carcinoma uvula metastasis leading to airway compromise: an unusual site.

We present a case report of a gentleman presenting with a globular lesion arising from his uvula. Although elective admission was planned, he presented with airway compromise, and emergency excision was required. The patient had a background of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma; histology confirmed the uvula lesion as a further secondary deposit. Renal cell carcinoma has a recognised metastatic propensity, but spread to the uvula is rare, with only two previously described cases in the literature. This case is notable for the unusual location of the metastasis, as well as the rapid progression of symptoms, which threatened the airway and necessitated urgent surgical intervention.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for nasal blockage 21 years after total rhinectomy.

BACKGROUND: Total rhinectomy is an invasive procedure that significantly impairs the intranasal turbulence, humidification and heating of inspired air. The use of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing disorders such as primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea has diminished over the past years because of the emergence of less invasive procedures and alternative therapeutic options. This clinical record presents the treatment of a long-term side effect of total rhinectomy using uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. CASE REPORT: In 1997, a 62-year-old male underwent total rhinectomy for a nasal schwannoma, followed by rehabilitation with a nasal prosthesis. Twenty-one years later, he presented with severe complaints of nasal blockage and breathing difficulties during both daytime and night-time. Clinical examination revealed no major anomalies besides significant velopharyngeal narrowing. Thus, in 2019, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was performed to re-establish velopharyngeal patency. Hereafter, the symptoms of nasal blockage disappeared, resulting in an improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may prove useful to treat selected patients with daytime breathing difficulties due to velopharyngeal narrowing.

Disruption of FOXF2 as a Likely Cause of Absent Uvula in an Egyptian Family.

This study investigated the genetic basis of an unusual autosomal dominant phenotype characterized by familial absent uvula, with a short posterior border of the soft palate, abnormal tonsillar pillars, and velopharyngeal insufficiency. Cytogenetic analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphism-based linkage analysis were investigated in a 4-generation family with 8 affected individuals. Whole exome sequencing data were overlaid, and segregation analysis identified a single missense variant, p.Q433P in the FOXF2 transcription factor, that fully segregated with the phenotype. This was found to be in linkage disequilibrium with a small 6p25.3 tandem duplication affecting FOXC1 and GMDS. Notably, the copy number imbalances of this region are commonly associated with pathologies that are not present in this family. Bioinformatic predictions with luciferase reporter studies of the FOXF2 missense variant indicated a negative impact, affecting both protein stability and transcriptional activation. Foxf 2 is expressed in the posterior mouse palate, and knockout animals develop an overt cleft palate. Since mice naturally lack the structural equivalent of the uvula, we demonstrated FOXF2 expression in the developing human uvula. Decipher also records 2 individuals with hypoplastic or bifid uvulae with copy number variants affecting FOXF2. Nevertheless, given cosegregation with the 6p25.3 duplications, we cannot rule out a combined effect of these gains and the missense variant on FOXF2 function, which may account for the rare palate phenotype observed.

Desmin and dystrophin abnormalities in upper airway muscles of snorers and patients with sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of obstruction and swallowing dysfunction in snores and sleep apnea patients remains unclear. Neuropathy and to some extent myopathy have been suggested as contributing causes. Recently we reported an absence and an abnormal isoform of two cytoskeletal proteins, desmin, and dystrophin, in upper airway muscles of healthy humans. These cytoskeletal proteins are considered vital for muscle function. We aimed to investigate for muscle cytoskeletal abnormalities in upper airways and its association with swallowing dysfunction and severity of sleep apnea. METHODS: Cytoskeletal proteins desmin and dystrophin were morphologically evaluated in the uvula muscle of 22 patients undergoing soft palate surgery due to snoring and sleep apnea and in 10 healthy controls. The muscles were analysed with immunohistochemical methods, and swallowing function was assessed using videoradiography. RESULTS: Desmin displayed a disorganized pattern in 21 ± 13% of the muscle fibres in patients, while these fibers were not present in controls. Muscle fibres lacking desmin were present in both patients and controls, but the proportion was higher in patients (25 ± 12% vs. 14 ± 7%, p = 0.009). The overall desmin abnormalities were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls (46 ± 18% vs. 14 ± 7%, p < 0.001). In patients, the C-terminus of the dystrophin molecule was absent in 19 ± 18% of the desmin-abnormal muscle fibres. Patients with swallowing dysfunction had 55 ± 10% desmin-abnormal muscle fibres vs. 22 ± 6% in patients without swallowing dysfunction, p = 0.002. CONCLUSION: Cytoskeletal abnormalities in soft palate muscles most likely contribute to pharyngeal dysfunction in snorers and sleep apnea patients. Plausible causes for the presence of these abnormalities is traumatic snoring vibrations, tissue stretch or muscle overload.

Heterogeneous Predisposing Factors and Etiology of Edema of the Uvula in a Spanish Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Edema of the uvula (EU) may appear in isolation or in association with clinical manifestations such as urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. EU may lead to upper airway obstruction, provoking obstructive respiratory distress and asphyxia. Objective: We sought to investigate the etiology of and predisposing factors for EU in a large population of patients referred to an outpatient clinic. METHODS: In this 3-year follow-up cohort study, 171 patients presenting with EU were identified and classified as having isolated EU or nonisolated EU. The etiology of each patient's condition was studied, and possible predisposing factors were recorded. An allergology work-up and a statistical study (bivariate/multivariate analyses) were performed. RESULTS: The predisposing factors for both groups of EU patients were found to be different. The etiology of the problem was identified for most patients; allergy to Anisakis simplex was the most common cause in both groups. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were also found to be triggers in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated EU was associated with snoring, an elongated uvula, and having experienced previous episodes of EU. We found no associations between groups of EU patients and gender, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, personal and family history of atopy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Allergy to A simplex was the most commonly recorded cause.

Heterogeneous predisposing factors and etiology of edema of the uvula in a Spanish population

BACKGROUND: Edema of the uvula (EU) may appear in isolation or in association with clinical manifestations such as urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. EU may lead to upper airway obstruction, provoking obstructive respiratory distress and asphyxia. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the etiology of and predisposing factors for EU in a large population of patients referred to an outpatient clinic. METHODS: In this 3-year follow-up cohort study, 171 patients presenting with EU were identified and classified as having isolated EU or nonisolated EU. The etiology of each patient's condition was studied, and possible predisposing factors were recorded. An allergology work-up and a statistical study (bivariate/multivariate analyses) were performed. RESULTS: The predisposing factors for both groups of EU patients were found to be different. The etiology of the problem was identified for most patients; allergy to Anisakis simplex was the most common cause in both groups. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were also found to be triggers in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated EU was associated with snoring, an elongated uvula, and having experienced previous episodes of EU. We found no associations between groups of EU patients and gender, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, personal and family history of atopy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Allergy to A simplex was the most commonly recorded cause

INTRODUCCIÓN: El edema de úvula (EU) puede aparecer aislado o en asociación con otras manifestaciones clínicas, tales como urticaria, angioedema o anafilaxia. En cualquier caso, puede provocar una obstrucción de la vía aérea superior que a veces puede ser grave. OBJETIVO: Intentamos investigar la etiología y los factores predisponentes del EU de una gran población de pacientes derivados a nuestras consultas. MÉTODOS: En este estudio de cohortes de 3 años de seguimiento, se valoraron 171 pacientes que presentaban EU, clasificándose como EU aislado o EU no aislado. Se estudió la etiología de la condición clínica de cada paciente y se registraron los posibles factores predisponentes en cada caso, a través de un estudio alergológico y estadístico, con el fin de comprobar una asociación significativa entre ellos. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que los factores predisponentes para ambos grupos de pacientes eran diferentes. Una etiología fue identificada para la mayoría de los casos, siendo la alergia a Anisakis simplex la causa más común para ambos grupos. Los fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y los antibióticos también fueron identificados como etiologías para ambos grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos que el EU aislado se asoció con roncopatía, úvula elongada y haber sufrido episodios previos de EU. No se demostró asociación entre ambos grupos de pacientes con el sexo, obesidad, tabaquismo, hábito enólico, atopia personal y familiar o apnea obstructiva del sueño. La alergia a A. simplex fue la causa más frecuentemente demostrada

Hiperplasia de la úvula: presentación de un caso clínico / Hyperplasia of the uvula: report of a clinical case

La hiperplasia de la úvula es una entidad poco frecuente. Puede tener diversas causas, tales como: surgir a partir de un proceso infeccioso; por reacciones alérgicas; angioedema hereditario (HANE) (14,16); inhalación de sustancias psicoactivas (7); traumatismos ocasionados por procedimientos como intubación o extubación endotraqueal, así como durante la aspiración de los líquidos de la cavidad oral en procedimientos quirúrgicos. (7,14,16) El alargamiento de la úvula, en algunos casos, se manifiesta asintomático. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo la descripción de esta entidad, la presentación de un caso clínico, y su manejo clínico-quirúrgico (AU)

The hyperplasia of the uvula is a rare entity, it can have diverse causes, such as: of an infectious process, allergic reactions, hereditary angioedema (HANE), (14 16) inhalation of psychoactive substances (7) traumatisms caused by procedures such as, intubation or endotracheal extubation, as well as during the aspiration of liquids from the oral cavity in surgical procedures (7,14,16). The lengthening of the uvula, in some cases, is asymptomatic. The aim of this work is the description of this entity, the presentation of a clinical case, and the clinical and surgical management (AU)

Causal Beliefs Affect Treatment Practices and Preferences for Neonatal Danger Signs in Northwest Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study.

This study was conducted to explore the experiences of community members, particularly mothers, concerning their beliefs about the causes, treatment practices, and preferences for World Health Organization-defined neonatal danger signs in northwest Ethiopia. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted in three districts of north Gondar Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, from March 10 to 28, 2016. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted involving 98 individuals. In-depth interviews were conducted with six health extension workers and 30 women who were either pregnant or who delivered in the past 6 months. Six subthemes emerged explaining the causes of neonatal danger signs. The causes varied from danger sign to danger sign and from person to person. Most of the perceived causes of danger signs in neonates do not align with the current biomedical science. Causal assumptions and perceived seriousness of danger signs influenced treatment practices and preferences. Four subthemes also emerged for treatment practices and preferences. In some cases, respondents indicated that non-biomedical sources of treatment were superior in outcome compared with biomedical treatment options. Unsatisfactory outcomes were mentioned as major reasons to opt for treatments from non-biomedical sources. Religious and cultural reasons were reported to be major impediments for treatment seeking for newborn danger signs. There is an urgent need to introduce or expand locally modified program interventions, such as community-based newborn care, to educate the community on the causes of neonatal danger signs and the need for prompt care seeking from qualified providers.

Uvula Abscess in a Newborn Infant.

Abscesses can be found in several places in the oral cavity, most commonly occurring in peritonsillar and periodontal regions. In this report, the authors described a uvula abscess in a 1-month-old term newborn who was brought to the pediatric outpatient clinic with the complaints of difficulty in sucking-swallowing and refusal to suck at the breast. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first report of a uvula abscess in the literature.