Rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma: a morphometric comparative study

Introduction Nasal obstruction is one of the main rhinologic complaints, and two diseases must be investigated as differential diagnosis: rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma. Using traditionalmethods, the differential diagnosis between these diseases may be difficult. The morphometric study may be a useful tool for differential diagnosis and to define prognosis. Objective Calculate the morphometric values of rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma and compare the average of variables obtained between the groups. Methods The nasal mucus of 10 patients who had surgery in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Surgery of Head and Neck was studied; 5 had rhinosinusal polyposis and 5 had inverted papilloma. After the capture and print of corresponding data of each slide, the largest and smallest diameters of the nuclei were measured and the morphometric variables were calculated: average diameter, perimeter, ratio between largest and smallest diameter, volume, area, ratio of volume to area, form coefficient, contour index, and eccentricity. Results We found a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups in the following morphometric variables: largest diameter, smallest diameter, average diameter, volume, area, perimeter, and ratio of volume to area, indicating that these parameters can be useful in diagnostic differentiation between these diseases. Conclusion We founded morphometric variables higher in patients with inverted papilloma, which can be related to the neoplastic origin of the inverted papilloma. The analysis of nuclear parameters is an instrument of great value in the differential diagnosis between rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma.

Rhinosinusal Polyposis and Inverted Papilloma: A Morphometric Comparative Study.

Introduction Nasal obstruction is one of the main rhinologic complaints, and two diseases must be investigated as differential diagnosis: rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma. Using traditional methods, the differential diagnosis between these diseases may be difficult. The morphometric study may be a useful tool for differential diagnosis and to define prognosis. Objective Calculate the morphometric values of rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma and compare the average of variables obtained between the groups. Methods The nasal mucus of 10 patients who had surgery in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Surgery of Head and Neck was studied; 5 had rhinosinusal polyposis and 5 had inverted papilloma. After the capture and print of corresponding data of each slide, the largest and smallest diameters of the nuclei were measured and the morphometric variables were calculated: average diameter, perimeter, ratio between largest and smallest diameter, volume, area, ratio of volume to area, form coefficient, contour index, and eccentricity. Results We found a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups in the following morphometric variables: largest diameter, smallest diameter, average diameter, volume, area, perimeter, and ratio of volume to area, indicating that these parameters can be useful in diagnostic differentiation between these diseases. Conclusion We founded morphometric variables higher in patients with inverted papilloma, which can be related to the neoplastic origin of the inverted papilloma. The analysis of nuclear parameters is an instrument of great value in the differential diagnosis between rhinosinusal polyposis and inverted papilloma.

Angioleiomyoma of the nasal cavity.

Introduction Vascular leiomyoma of the nasal cavity is an extremely rare tumor that represents less than 1% of all vascular leiomyomas. It is more prevalent in women between the fourth and sixth decades, reaching primarily the inferior nasal turbinates. Objectives Reporting and assisting the systematization of more accurate diagnostic methods in clinical and complementary investigation of vascular leiomyoma in the nasal cavity. Resumed Report We present the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with vascular leiomyoma in the nasal cavity, which manifested mainly with nasal obstruction. During investigation, computer tomography was not diagnostic, the cytologic study was not conclusive, and according to the biopsy, it was a squamous papilloma. Conclusion We suggest that the technical difficulty in obtaining an adequate amount of material for preoperative biopsy, associated with the topography of the lesion in the vestibular nasal region, may have contributed to changing the postoperative diagnosis. Thus, pathologic study of the surgical fragment is the more accurate method for diagnosis.

Angioleiomyoma of the Nasal Cavity

Introduction Vascular leiomyoma of the nasal cavity is an extremely rare tumor that represents less than 1% of all vascular leiomyomas. It is more prevalent in women between the fourth and sixth decades, reaching primarily the inferior nasal turbinates. Objectives Reporting and assisting the systematization of more accurate diagnostic methods in clinical and complementary investigation of vascular leiomyoma in the nasal cavity. Resumed Report We present the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with vascular leiomyoma in the nasal cavity, which manifested mainly with nasal obstruction. During investigation, computer tomography was not diagnostic, the cytologic study was not conclusive, and according to the biopsy, it was a squamous papilloma. Conclusion We suggest that the technical difficulty in obtaining an adequate amount of material for preoperative biopsy, associated with the topography of the lesion in the vestibular nasal region, may have contributed to changing the postoperative diagnosis. Thus, pathologic study of the surgical fragment is the more accurate method for diagnosis...

Abscesso de língua: relato de caso / Tongue abscess: case Report

INTRODUÇÃO: Os abscessos na língua são raros mesmo estando frequentemente em contato com traumas, mordeduras, e corpos estranhos. Isto decorre devido às características imunológicas da saliva e algumas características histológicas e anatômicas da língua. Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de abscesso de língua ocorrido em nosso serviço, e fazer uma revisão da literatura. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente 76 anos, sexo masculino, atendido com queixa de dor a deglutição de evolução progressiva há uma semana, com piora importante há 3 dias. Relata história de cirurgia para implante dentário no início do período. Na admissão durante o exame da cavidade oral foi evidenciado abaulamento de aproximadamente 2X2 cm no terço médio posterior de língua à direita, doloroso a palpação. Optou-se pela internação do paciente. Solicitou-se uma ressonância nuclear magnética que evidenciou lesão sugestiva de abscesso na base da língua à direita. Foi submetido a tratamento clínico com antibioticoterapia drenagem cirúrgica. O paciente evoluiu satisfatoriamente. DISCUSSÃO: A manifestação clínica do abscesso de língua pode ser variada. O diagnóstico deve ser feito pela história clínica, correlacionando os fatores de risco associados, exame físico e aos exames de imagem confirmatórios. A etiologia e os diagnósticos diferenciais devem ser considerados dependendo do local da manifestação clínica. A abordagem deve incluir a permeabilidade da via aérea, suporte clínico, antibioticoterapia sistêmica e drenagem do abscesso. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O abscesso de língua deve entrar no diagnóstico diferencial dos abaulamentos de língua devendo ser conduzido com antibioticoterapia e drenagem cirúrgica de maneira rotineira.

INTRODUCTION: The tongue abscesses are rare even being frequently in touch with trauma, bites, and foreign bodies. It occurs because of the immunological features of the saliva and some histological and anatomical characteristics of the tongue. This work has as objective report a case of tongue abscess occurred in our job, and do a literature review. CASE REPORT: Patient of 76 years, male, assisted with complaint of pain when swallowing with progressive evolution for a week, with a significant deterioration over three days. Report history of the surgery, for dental implant in the beginning of the period. In the admission during the oral cavity examination was evident bulging of nearly 2x2 cm in the middle third posterior of the right tongue, painful to palpation. Was opted the hospitalization of the patient. Was required a MRI that showed suggestive lesions of abscess in the base of the tongue in the right side. Was submitted to a clinical treatment with antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. The patient recovered uneventfully. DISCUSSION: The clinical manifestation from the tongue abscess can be varied. The diagnosis must be done by clinic history, correlating risk factors associated, physical exam and the confirmatory imaging exams. The etiology and the differential diagnosis must be considered depending of the place of the clinical manifestation. The approach must include the permeability of airway, clinical support, and systemic antibiotic therapy and abscess drainage. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The abscess of the tongue must go in the differential diagnosis of bulging of the tongue being conducted with the antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage in a daily basis.

Análise retrospectiva de cirurgias rinossinusais em um hospital escola / Sinus retrospective analysis of surgeries in a hospital school

Introdução: A otorrinolaringologia é uma especialidade médica que abrange 4,4% do total de médicos paulistas, tendo uma variedade de procedimentos cirúrgicos distribuídos entre faringe, nariz, ouvido e laringe. O conhecimento do perfil de um serviço de referência em otorrinolaringologia permite a sua melhor organização, dimensionamento do volume do atendimento e das cirurgias realizadas, proporcionando uma melhor formação ao aluno e ao médico residente. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil das cirurgias nasossinusais e dos pacientes submetidos a elas no departamento de otorrinolaringologia e cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço de um hospital escola. Método: Foi realizado estudo de coorte histórico com corte transversal retrospectivo, com revisão de 872 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias rinossinusais entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2008. Utilizado questionário próprio, buscando sexo, idade, diagnóstico cirúrgico e cirurgia realizada. Resultados: Do total de 872 pacientes analisados, 45,4% eram sexo feminino e 54,6% sexo masculino, variando em uma faixa etária 4 a 80 anos (média de 29,8 anos). Os principais diagnósticos cirúrgicos foram: desvio septo nasal(n=457), deformidade nasal pós-trauma (n=287), hipertrofia de conchas nasais (n=153), polipose rinossinusal(n=73), rinossinusite crônica(n=32). Entre os procedimentos cirúrgicos mais frequentemente realizadas, estão: septoplastia (n=388), rinosseptoplastia (n=215), FESS (n=131), cauterização intra-turbinal(n=114), rinoplastia reparadora(n=73), turbinectomia(n=43), turbinoplastia (n=55). Ressalta-se que os pacientes podem ter recebido mais de um diagnóstico cirúrgico e realizado mais de uma cirurgia, dependendo da indicação. Conclusão: Apresenta-se o volume e a diversidade de cirurgias rinossinusais realizadas em nosso serviço, contribuindo com a escassa produção científica sobre esse tipo de casuística...

Introduction: The ENT is a medical specialty that covers 4.4% of all doctors in São Paulo, with a variety of surgical procedures distributed between pharynx, nose, ear and larynx. Knowing the profile of a reference service in otolaryngology allows for a better organization, scaling the volume of care and surgeries, providing better training to the student and resident physician. Objective: To describe the profile of sinonasal surgery and patients to them in the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at a teaching hospital. Method: We conducted a cohort study of cross-sectional retrospective study with review of 872 charts of patients undergoing surgery Sinus between January 2006 and December 2008. Used questionnaires, seeking sex, age, surgical diagnosis and surgery. Results: Of 872 patients studied, 45.4% were female and 54.6% male, ranging in an age group 40-80 years (mean 29.8 years). The main surgical diagnoses were: nasal septum deviation (n=457), nasal deformity after trauma (n=287), enlarged turbinates (n=153), rhinosinusal polyposis (n=73), chronic sinusitis (n=32). Among the most frequently performed surgical procedures include: septoplasty (n=388), rhinoplasty (n=215), FESS (n=131), intra-turbinal cauterization (n=114), reconstructive rhinoplasty (n=73), turbinectomy (n=43), turbinoplasty (n=55). It is emphasized that patients may have received more than one surgical diagnosis and realized more than one surgery, depending on the alert. Conclusion: We present the volume and diversity of Sinus surgeries performed in our department, contributing to the scarce scientific literature on this type of case...

Expression of genes that encode the annexin-1 and galectin-1 proteins in nasal polyposis and their modulation by glucocorticoid.

UNLABELLED: Rhinosinusal polyps physiopathology is not fully understand, despite numerous hypotheses regarding its inflammatory process. AIMS: A prospective study regarding the gene expression of proteins: anexin-1 and galectin-1, which has an anti-inflammatory action and is modulated by steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with rhinosinusal polyps suffered a biopsy of their polyps at two moments: in the absence of systemic steroids and during its use. In the two samples we assessed the expression of these genes and compared it to the normal nasal mucosa in the middle meatus. RESULTS: We noticed that the mean expression of the genes which code anexin-1 and galectin-1 was predominantly increased, regardless of the use of steroids in relation to the control nasal mucosa. Notwithstanding, in polyps without the use of steroids, the mean gene expression of anexin-1 was significantly higher than in the polyps which were under the use of steroids. Regarding galectin-1, there was no significant difference between the expression mean values before and after the use of systemic steroids. CONCLUSION: The genes present an expression increase in the polyp mucosa, regardless of the use of steroids; nonetheless, the relationship of these two genes of anti-inflammatory proteins with steroids did not happen the same way.

Expressão dos genes que codificam as proteínas anexina-1 e galectina-1 nos pólipos rinossinusais e sua modulação pelo glicocorticoide / Expression of genes that encode the annexin-1 and galectin-1 proteins in nasal polyposis and their modulation by glucocorticoid

A fisiopatologia da polipose rinossinusal não é totalmente compreendida, apesar de várias hipóteses em relação ao seu processo inflamatório. OBJETIVOS: Estudo prospectivo da expressão dos genes das proteínas, anexina-1 e a galectina-1, que têm ação anti-inflamatória, e sua modulação pelo glicocorticoide. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Onze pacientes portadores de polipose rinossinusal tiveram biopsiados seus pólipos em dois momentos: na ausência de glicocorticoide sistêmico, e na sua presença. Nas duas amostras, foi avaliada a expressão desses genes e comparada com a expressão na mucosa nasal normal do meato médio. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a média de expressão dos genes que codifica a anexina-1 e galectina-1 estava predominantemente aumentada, independente do uso do glicocorticoide em relação à mucosa nasal controle. Entretanto, nos pólipos sem uso de corticoide, a média de expressão do gene da anexina-1 foi significativamente maior do que nos pólipos que estavam sob uso de glicocorticoide. Com relação à galectina-1 não houve diferença significativa entre as médias de expressão antes e após o uso de glicocorticoide sistêmico. CONCLUSÃO: Os genes apresentaram um aumento da expressão na mucosa nasal polipoide, independente do uso do glicocorticoide, porém a relação destes dois genes das proteínas anti-inflamatórias com o glicocorticoide não ocorreu da mesma maneira.

Rhinosinusal polyps physiopathology is not fully understand, despite numerous hypotheses regarding its inflammatory process. AIMS: a prospective study regarding the gene expression of proteins: anexin-1 and galectin-1, which has an anti-inflammatory action and is modulated by steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: eleven patients with rhinosinusal polyps suffered a biopsy of their polyps at two moments: in the absence of systemic steroids and during its use. In the two samples we assessed the expression of these genes and compared it to the normal nasal mucosa in the middle meatus. RESULTS: We noticed that the mean expression of the genes which code anexin-1 and galectin-1 was predominantly increased, regardless of the use of steroids in relation to the control nasal mucosa. Notwithstanding, in polyps without the use of steroids, the mean gene expression of anexin-1 was significantly higher than in the polyps which were under the use of steroids. Regarding galectin-1, there was no significant difference between the expression mean values before and after the use of systemic steroids. CONCLUSION: The genes present an expression increase in the polyp mucosa, regardless of the use of steroids; nonetheless, the relationship of these two genes of anti-inflammatory proteins with steroids did not happen the same way.

Gene expression analysis reveals novel altered genes in nasal polyps.

Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils. Although nasal polyposis occurs in 4% of the population, its physiopathology remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize differentially expressed genes that can be used in the prognosis, treatment and elucidation of this physiopathology. To identify novel genes differentially expressed in NP, we applied real-time quantitative PCR to 11 NP samples and to a pool of total RNA from a subset of 13 normal nasal mucosa samples from human autopsies. For selecting genes, the methylated CpG island amplification technique was used. Five differentially methylated clones (ATP2A1, NOVA1, PLCD3, SOLH and TGFßI) were identified. However, these genes presented methylated CpG islands between exons, i.e., not in the promoter regions of the genes. Thus, as shown by real-time PCR, the ATP2A1, SOLH, PLDC3 and TGFßI genes were overexpressed in NP. The genes identified in this study are probably involved in some stage of the process of formation and development of nasal polyposis, as they were highly expressed in the nasal polyp samples.

Mucormicose rino-órbito-cerebral associada com trombose do seio cavernoso: relato de caso / Rhino-orbitocerebral mucormycosis associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis: case report

Introdução: A Mucormicose é uma infecção oportunista rara causada por fungos da ordem dos Mucorales, sendo o Rhizopus o gênero mais comum (70% dos casos). Esta é uma infecção fúngica invasiva aguda que pode apresentar-se na forma disseminada, cutânea, pulmonar, gastrointestinal e rino-órbito-cerebral (forma mais comum). Nesta última, as queixas mais comuns são de rinorréia unilateral, febre e cefaléia. Quando há envolvimento orbitário as queixas podem ser de quemose, diplopia e diminuição da acuidade visual. A infecção pode disseminar-se para o Sistema Nervoso Central através do ápice orbitário, da placa cribiforme ou causar trombose em artérias que irrigam o Sistema Nervoso Central. A Mucormicose é uma emergência médica e o tratamento consiste na cirurgia para debridamento agressivo e no uso de antifúngicos sistêmicos. Mesmo com a terapêutica adequada à taxa de mortalidade chega a até 40% dos casos. Uma possível complicação intracraniana da Mucormicose é a Trombose de Seio Cavernoso que é uma infecção rara e com alta taxa de mortalidade. Na Trombose de Seio Cavernoso as queixas iniciais são de cefaléia, dor retro-orbital, edema periorbitário, proptose, diplopia e diminuição da acuidade visual. Relato do Caso: Nós relatamos o caso de uma paciente com 43 anos de idade com antecedentes de diabetes mellitus e uso drogas imunossupressoras para transplante renal, que desenvolveu quadro de Rinossinusite Bacteriana Aguda e Rinossinusite Fúngica Invasiva Aguda associada à Trombose de Seio Cavernoso.

Introduction: Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by Mucorales fungi, and the Rhizopus is the most common one (70% of the cases). It is an acute invasive fungal disease whose form is disseminated, cutaneous, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and rhino-orbitocerebral. The latter is the most common form and its symptoms comprise of unilateral sinusitis, fever and headache. Once established in the orbit the symptoms can be chemosis, diplopia and reduced vision. The infection can spread to the brain via the orbital apex, orbital arteries or via the cribriform plate. Mucormycosis is a medical emergency and the treatment consists of a surgery to an aggressive debridement and in the use of antifungal therapy. Despite the appropriate management, the mortality rate can reach 40% of the cases. One possible intracranial complication of Mucormycosis is the Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis which is a rare and fatal infective disease. The initial symptoms of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis are headache, retro-orbital pain, periorbital edema, proptosis, diplopia and reduced vision. Case Report: We describe the case of 43-year-old woman with medical history of diabetes mellitus and use of immunosuppressant drugs after kidney transplantation. The patient developed Acute Bacterial Sinusitis and Rhino-orbitocerebral Mucormycosis associated with Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

Mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in nasal polyposis.

UNLABELLED: Glucocorticoids (GC) are the drugs of choice for the clinical treatment of nasal polyposis, according to the medical literature. Its mechanism of action in the regression of clinical symptoms and polyps, however, is not fully understood. The topical and/or systemic use of glucocorticoids lead to variable expression of cytokines, chemokines and lymphokines, as well as changes in cells. It is known that GC suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and E-selectin; GC also stimulate the transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-b. GC suppress pro-fibrotic cytokines related to polyp growth, such as IL-11, the basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), and the vascular endotelial growth factor (VEGF). The action of GC depends fundamentally on their interaction with receptors (GR); certain subjects have a degree of resistance to its effect, which appears to be related with the presence of a b isoform of GR. GC also act variably on the genes involved in immunoglobulin production, presentation, and antigen processing. AIM: We present a review of the literature on the mechanisms of GC action in nasal polyosis. CONCLUSION: Understanding the mechanism of action of GC in nasal polyposis will aid in the development of new, more efficient, drugs.

Mecanismos de ação dos corticosteróides na polipose rinossinusal: [revisão] / Mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in nasal polyposis: [review]

Os glicocorticóides (GC) são drogas de escolha no tratamento clínico da polipose nasossinusal conforme recomendação da literatura. Entretanto, seus mecanismos de ação nas regressões dos sintomas clínicos e dos pólipos não são totalmente compreendidos. Sabe-se que a administração tópica e ou sistêmica dos glicocorticóides leva a variações na expressão de citocinas, quimiocinas e linfocinas, além das alterações celulares. Assim, os GC suprimem a expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, de quimiocinas, de moléculas de adesão, além de estimular a transcrição de citocinas antiinflamatórias. Citocinas pró-fibróticas como a IL-11, fator básico de crescimento do fibroblasto (b-FGF) e fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF), relacionados com o crescimento do pólipo, também são suprimidos pela ação do GC. Tal ação depende fundamentalmente da interação com os seus receptores (GR), pois alguns indivíduos apresentam algum grau de resistência celular ao seu efeito, que parece estar relacionada com a presença da isoforma b do GR. Genes envolvidos nas fases de produção de imunoglobulinas, apresentação e processamento do antígeno também sofrem ação dos GC de forma variada. OBJETIVOS: Fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre os mecanismos de ação do GC na PNS. CONCLUSÃO: A compreensão desses mecanismos implicará no desenvolvimento de drogas mais eficazes na sua terapêutica.

Glucocorticoids (GC) are the drugs of choice for the clinical treatment of nasal polyposis, according to the medical literature. Its mechanism of action in the regression of clinical symptoms and polyps, however, is not fully understood. The topical and/or systemic use of glucocorticoids lead to variable expression of cytokines, chemokines and lymphokines, as well as changes in cells. It is known that GC suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and E-selectin; GC also stimulate the transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-b. GC suppress pro-fibrotic cytokines related to polyp growth, such as IL-11, the basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), and the vascular endotelial growth factor (VEGF). The action of GC depends fundamentally on their interaction with receptors (GR); certain subjects have a degree of resistance to its effect, which appears to be related with the presence of a b isoform of GR. GC also act variably on the genes involved in immunoglobulin production, presentation, and antigen processing. AIM: We present a review of the literature on the mechanisms of GC action in nasal polyosis. CONCLUSION: Understanding the mechanism of action of GC in nasal polyposis will aid in the development of new, more efficient, drugs.

The prevalence of human papillomavirus in the oropharynx in healthy individuals in a Brazilian population.

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), a causative agent of uterine cervical cancer, has also been detected in head and neck squamous cell cancers, especially in squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsils. However, the true HPV prevalence in normal and neoplasic oropharyngeal mucosa remains uncertain. To determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in normal oropharyngeal mucosa of cancer-free individuals, a study was carried out on 50 Brazilian subjects. PCR was performed to identify HPV DNA in samples from four sites in the oropharynx (tonsils, soft palate, base of the tongue, and back wall of the pharynx). For amplification of the HPV DNA, MY09/11 consensus primers were used, and specific genotypes were identified by dot-blot hybridization or cloning and sequencing. HPV DNA was present in 14.0% of the individuals, and the identified genotypes were 16, 18, 52, and 61. All these types are considered high-risk (HR) HPV. The tonsils and the soft palate were the sites with the highest HPV prevalence. This study shows the prevalence of HR HPV in the oropharynx of normal individuals. However, the prevalence of HPV is still unclear, and if HPV infection in a healthy it is not known individual predisposes to HPV-associated disease such as oropharyngeal cancer. Thus, it is important to assess the prevalence of HPV in cancer-free individuals, in order to compare it with the HPV prevalence in oropharyngeal carcinomas and to attempt to determine the true role of HPV in the development of head and neck squamous cell cancers.

Comparative karyometric study of the glandular epithelium of normal nasal mucosa and rhinosinus polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Rhinosinus polyposis, characterized by a degeneration of the nasal mucosa of the middle meatus, is poorly understood but probably is correlated with several clinical and etiopathogenic entities. Although not definitely characterized, infectious, atopic, inflammatory, genetic, and other factors are involved. The occurrence of malignant degeneration also has been suggested. METHODS: To contribute to the elucidation of the etiopathogenicity of rhinosinus polyps, we performed a karyometric analysis of their glandular mucosa compared with the normal mucosa. RESULTS: A significant increase in nuclear volume was observed, which was not accompanied by changes in shape. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that nuclear alterations may contribute to the pathogenicity of this condition.

Mucormicose rino-órbito-cerebral: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Rhino-orbitocerebral mucormicosis: case report and review of literature

A mucormicose é uma infecção fúngica grave, de evolução freqüentemente fatal, causada por fungos da classe Mucorales, sendo que a espécie Rhizopus é responsável por 70% dos casos de mucormicose rino-órbito-cerebral, sua forma de apresentação mais comum. Esta evolução desfavorável se justifica, em parte, por uma característica específica deste fungo: a angioinvasão, com conseqüente trombose e infarto isquêmico do tecido envolvido. O tratamento deve ser agressivo, com Anfotericina B endovenosa, debridamento cirúrgico de tecidos necróticos, oxigenoterapia hiperbárica e utilização de fatores estimuladores de crescimento de colônias granulocíticas.

Proptose: diagnóstico diferencial / Proptosis: differential diagnostic

Os autores relatam quatro casos de proptose ocorridos na disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia e serviços de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço e Fonoaudiologia da Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto - SP, no período de janeiro de 1994 a setembro de 1995, dando ênfase à investigação diagnóstica. A proptose é um sinal clínico não freqüente em nossa clínica, porém que implica em patologias que devem ser investigadas com rapidez, devido à possibilidade de neoplasia e comprometimento de estruturas nobres

Intoxicaçöes por drogas psicoativas: levantamento e análise crítica de 757 episódios / Psychotropic drugs intoxications: surveys and critical analysis of 757 cases

Os autores analisam 757 episódios de intoxicaçao por drogas psicoativas, atendidos no Centro de Assistência Toxicológica -Ceatox-78, no período de três anos. Devido ao fato de esse tipo de intoxicaçao ser importante e freqüente problema de saúde pública, foram levantados dados relativos a episódios de intoxicaçao por drogas psicoativas mais utilizadas, causas, incidência em relaçao ao sexo, idade e procedência.