Early and Late Complications of Mandibulectomy Free Flap Reconstruction: Does the Selective Use of Soft Tissue Only Flaps Reduce Complications?

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the factors most associated with early and late complications following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) after mandibulectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing MVFTT after segmental mandibulectomy from September 2016 to February 2021 was performed across a single academic institution. Surgical variables were collected, including the location of the resultant mandibular defect (anterior vs posterior) and flap type (osseous or non-osseous). The primary outcome variables included postoperative complications (early, <90 days; and late, >90 days) and the patients' functional status (return to oral intake). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fischer's exact test, and 2-sample t tests were used to analyze differences among variables. RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 114 consecutive patients with mandibular defects, comprising 57 anterior and 57 posterior defects. Bony free flaps with hardware were used to reconstruct 98% of anterior defects compared to 58% of posterior defects (P < .001). All soft tissue only flaps did not utilize any hardware during the reconstruction. Anterior defects demonstrated more late complications requiring additional surgery (30% vs 9%, P = .04). A secondary analysis of posterior mandibular reconstructions compared soft tissue only flaps and bony free flaps with hardware and showed equivalent rates of early (12% vs 13%, P > .99) and late (9% vs 8%, P > .99) complications requiring additional surgery while demonstrating a similar return to full oral competence (55% vs 46%, P = .52) and recovery of a 100% oral diet (67% vs 54%, P = .53). CONCLUSION: Osseous free tissue transfer for segmental mandibular defects remains the gold standard in reconstruction. In our patient cohort, anterior mandibular defects are associated with greater late (>90 day) complications requiring additional surgery. Comparable outcomes may be achieved with soft tissue only versus osseous free flap reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects.

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Hand: An Unusual Presentation in a Young Hispanic Male.

Ewing's sarcoma is a neuroectodermal malignancy classically associated with innocuous and chronic symptomatology. Although tumors typically involve the axial skeleton, some malignancies may be confined to extraosseous tissue only. This report presents the case of a 15-year-old Hispanic male with a tender, slow-growing mass of seven months in the subcutaneous tissue of the right hand. Core needle biopsy and fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of high-grade extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma and the patient was treated via surgical resection and chemotherapy. Nonspecific findings of Ewing's sarcoma may mimic infection or trauma and contribute to a delay in diagnosis. However, social and economic influences including limited English proficiency and insurance status also critically affect the timing of presentation.

Optic Neuropathy Following Acute Decompensated Hypothyroidism (Myxedema Crisis).

Myxedema crisis (MC) refers to an unusual state of regulatory dysfunction precipitated by uncontrolled hypothyroidism. The pathogenic consequences of MC are broad and may contribute to significant bodily decompensation across multiple organ systems. However, shock-induced ischemic optic neuropathy (SION) in this setting has not been reported previously. Here, we present the case of a 76-year-old female with presumed bilateral optic neuropathy following abdominal surgery. The patient experienced a prolonged and complicated postoperative course in which she remained off supplemental levothyroxine. Subsequently, her clinical status deteriorated until she met diagnostic criteria for acute decompensated hypothyroidism (MC). Upon awakening from a comatose state, she reported significant vision loss. A neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation later confirmed significant constriction of her visual fields, optic disc pallor, and global retinal nerve fiber layer loss consistent with nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.

A Case of Severe, Difficult-to-Diagnose Legionnaires' Disease in a Young Welder.

Legionellosis among welders and other metalworkers is a rare but potentially underappreciated occupational hazard. The same mechanisms that predispose welders to severe pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus may similarly predispose them to Legionella pneumophila infection. We present a case of a previously healthy, immunocompetent 31-year-old male welder presenting with three days of shortness of breath, hypoxia, high-grade fever, and blood-tinged sputum. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a lobar consolidation of the right middle and lower lobes. Laboratory evaluation showed borderline hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated liver enzymes. The patient was ultimately intubated and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Multiple respiratory cultures were negative and Legionella urine antigen testing was also negative. Eventually, bronchial Legionella culture was positive for Legionella pneumophila, and a blood next-generation sequencing test also confirmed the diagnosis. He was extubated six days following admission and subsequently discharged.

Biologic Therapies for the Management of Cutaneous Findings in Genodermatoses: A Review.

Genodermatoses are genetically inherited dermatologic conditions. The management of cutaneous findings in genodermatoses is challenging, and first-line therapies, such as steroids and/or retinoids, are often inadequate. In recent years, research on the molecular basis of genodermatoses has led to the use of biologic therapies for intractable disease. Here, we review the evidence regarding the use of available biologic therapies for the management of dermatologic findings in genodermatoses. Biologic therapies appear to be promising therapeutic options for several recalcitrant genodermatoses, especially those with underlying immune dysregulation. However, not all genodermatoses are amenable to biologic therapies, and some have been shown to paradoxically worsen under treatment. Biologic therapies offer a novel avenue to target refractory genodermatoses. However, evidence supporting the use of biologic therapies in the management of genodermatoses is mostly limited to case reports and case series. Further studies are warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of biologic therapies for the management of cutaneous findings in genodermatoses.