Branchial cleft anomalies: hybrid "Branchial Inclusion" theory.

PURPOSE: Branchial cleft anomalies (BCAs) are developmental malformations of the head and neck region. Their histogenesis has been the subject of controversy and is not fully understood. This study aimed to test all present developmental theories ("branchial apparatus," "precervical sinus," "thymopharyngeal," and "inclusion" theories) on a sample of 48 BCAs from a single institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical-epidemiological and anatomical-pathological characteristics of BCAs treated over a 12-year period in our hospital. RESULTS: Overall, 46 patients (24 [52.17%] women and 22 men [47.83%]) underwent surgical excision of 48 BCAs. The mean patient age at presentation was 31.65 ± 19.40 years. Branchial cleft cysts were found in 42 (87.50%) cases, and branchial cleft sinuses were found in six (12.50%) cases. Eight (16.67%) BCAs were distributed in the preauricular region, 34 (70.83%) at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), three (6.25%) at the posterior border of the SCM, two (4.17%) in the suprasternal notch, and one (2.08%) in the retrosternal space. Histopathologically, 39 (81.25%) BCAs had a lymphoepithelial structure and nine (18.75%) BCAs had solitary epithelial cells. Inflammation and infection were observed in 24 (50%) and 12 (25%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: None of the hypothesized developmental theories fully explain the embryonic origin of BCA in our study sample. A possible explanation of BCA histogenesis is through the hybrid "branchial inclusion" theory.

Cranial polyneuropathy caused by herpes zoster infection: a retrospective single-center analysis.

PURPOSE: Cranial polyneuropathy (CP) is a rare complication of herpes zoster (HZ) infection. This entity often produces situations of a diagnostic dilemma, as can be seen in a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. The aim of this study was to report the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 11 patients from a single-institution experience. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients treated for HZ CP over a 12-year period was performed. RESULTS: The present study included 11 patients with CP caused by HZ infection-7 (63.63%) females, and 4 (36.36%) males. The mean age at presentation was 63 years (range, 38-85 years). Cranial nerve VII was affected in nine (81.82%) cases, CN VIII in six (54.55%) cases, CN V in five (45.45%) cases, CN III and IX in two (18.18%) cases, and CN VI and X in one (9.09%) case. The treatment of choice was acyclovir in all patients, while corticosteroids were administered in six (54.55%) patients. Complete CN recovery was observed in seven (63.63%) patients, while four (36.36%) patients suffered from permanent CN damage-two (18.18%) CN VII, one (9.09%) CN VII and VIII, and one (9.09%) CN VI. CONCLUSION: Herpes zoster CP presents an interesting diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Successful management of these patients depends on a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and topodiagnostic of CNs. Early administration of antiviral agents is crucial in terms of responsiveness to treatment and expedite recovery.

Non-functioning parathyroid gland carcinoma: case report.

Parathyroid gland carcinoma is a rare malignancy. The tumor is mostly functioning, causing severe hyperparathyroidism, with high serum calcium level and severe bone disease. Non-functioning parathyroid carcinomas are extremely rare. We report on a 60-year-old male patient admitted to ENT Department due to a large neck tumor mass compressing the thyroid and trachea. Preoperatively, thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium serum levels were normal. The following immunohistochemical markers (DAKO, Denmark) were used: bcl-2; CD-10; Chromogranin-A; Cyclin-D1; EMA; Ki-67; Mdm-2; p-53; PGP-9,5; RCC; Synaptophysin; Thyroglobulin; and TTF-1. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the diagnosis of a primary parathyroid gland carcinoma. Tumor cells showed diffusely positive immunohistochemical staining with chromogranin-A and PGP-9,5, positive staining of variable intensity with synaptophysin, and weakly positive reaction with EMA. Also, the cytoplasm of tumor cells was diffusely positively stained with bcl-2, while the nuclei showed positive reaction with p-53 oncogene and TTF-1. The remaining markers (CD-10, cyclin-D1, Ki-67, Mdm-2, RCC and thyroglobulin) were negative. Four years after the surgery, the patient died from renal carcinoma pulmonary metastases and liver cirrhosis complications. In conclusion, non-functioning parathyroid gland carcinoma is a very rare disease. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis is needed to distinguish it from other thyroid and parathyroid neoplasms and metastatic carcinoma. Surgical treatment is presently the best mode of therapy.