Artifactual thickening of the sinus walls on computed tomography: a phantom model and clinical study.

Measuring sinus wall thickness on computed tomography may be important for distinguishing between acute and chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or in cases of a suspected neoplasm. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of opacified and aerated sinuses on the appearance of sinus wall thickness. A phantom model consisting of a skull half-immersed in water was scanned, and various slice thicknesses and different windows were used. The sinus walls of the water-immersed side appeared to be thicker than those of the aerated side. Bone windows did not completely eliminate this partial volume effect. It was concluded that comparison between a fluid- or tissue-filled sinus and an air-filled counterpart is not accurate enough for evaluating sinus wall thickness. Bone windows do not completely eliminate the artifactual thickening of the bony wall of a filled sinus.

Management of congenital laryngeal malformations.

Congenital malformations of the larynx are relatively rare but may be life-threatening. The most common causes include laryngomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and subglottic stenosis. The last 20 years has seen major advances in the field of surgical correction of such anomalies also serving to reduce the number of tracheotomies in children and the inherent dangers they pose. Success rates for the most popular surgical procedures have been favorable. These include supraglottoplasty for cases of severe laryngomalacia, in which relief of respiratory symptoms has been shown to occur in excess of 80% of cases. Complication rate is low, although postoperative death has been reported. Failure usually occurs in patients with concomitant airway abnormalities including pharyngomalacia. Vocal cord lateralization for vocal cord paralysis with airway compromise is achieved by means of arytenoidopexy or arytenoidectomy, using the lateral approach. Arytenoidectomy also can be performed using laryngofissure or endoscopic laser excision. Subglottic stenosis is the 3rd most common congenital anomaly. Anterior or multiple cricoid splitting with cartilage graft interpositioning is usually performed. The success rates for these procedures has been shown to be approximately 90%.

Computed tomography diagnosis of esophageal bone impaction: a prospective study.

A prospective study was performed on 45 patients for an assessment of the use of computed tomography (CT) in the management of a suspected esophageal fish bone or chicken bone. All patients had negative findings on laryngoscopy; therefore, pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal foreign bodies were excluded from further consideration. The patients underwent radiographic examination with plain films and a cervical CT scan without contrast material. Patients with positive findings were taken to the operating room, where they underwent rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia, while those with negative findings remained for observation for 24 hours. Thirty CT scans were positive for an esophageal foreign body, and in all cases but 1, a foreign body was found during the operation. Fourteen of 15 patients with normal CT scan findings managed well with no further intervention. One patient with persistent complaints underwent esophagoscopy, but no foreign body was found. Our conclusion is therefore that CT is a simple and reliable method for diagnosing esophageal bone impaction and may reduce the rate of unnecessary esophagoscopies.

Experimental surgical treatment for recurrent epistaxis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new technique of submucosal supraperichondrial (SMSP) dissection of the nasal septum and its subsequent effect on the vascularity of the mucosa. A reduction may decrease the rate of recurrent anterior epistaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure was performed on one side of the nasal septum of 16 laboratory rabbits. After healing occurred 3 months later, the animals' septa were excised and stained. Both sides were then compared by using standardized microscopic field analysis. RESULTS: The reduction in both the number of blood vessels on the operated side of the septum and the proportion of area occupied by these vessels was statistically significant (P < .004). CONCLUSION: This technique led to a reduction in the vascularity of the nasal septal mucosa, 3 months after dissection was performed. Healing, which occurs by a process of fibrosis, yielded a less vascularized tissue. Although further laboratory and clinical assessment is recommended, this technique may prove valuable in reducing the rate of recurrent anterior epistaxis.

Clinical update on type II first branchial cleft cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and radiological signs of type II first branchial cleft cyst in order to facilitate diagnosis. METHOD: Report of three cases of first branchial cleft cyst type II (one of them in association with ipsilateral agenesis of the parotid gland) and review of the literature. RESULTS: Two clinical signs are described: the location of the sinus opening in the neck, which is situated in a triangle limited by the external auditory canal above, the mental region anteriorly, and the hyoid bone inferiorly, and the presence in some cases of a myringeal web that runs from the floor of the external auditory canal to the umbo. In addition, imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance of the parotid area may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.