Parotid salivary duct carcinoma: a single institution's 20-year experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the treatment results of the parotid gland salivary duct carcinoma (SDC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective clinicopathological analysis of 40 patients treated for parotid SDC in 1996-2015 was performed. The impact of following factors on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was studied: age, sex, preoperative 7th nerve palsy, skin infiltration, pT, pN, surgical margin, type of parotidectomy and neck dissection, histology (SDC de novo vs. SDC ex pleomorphic adenoma, SDCexPA), intra/periparotid lymph nodes metastases, perineural invasion (PNI), extraparenchymal extension (EPE), and overexpression HER2. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 62 years (ranged from 39 to 81). Males predominated (57.5%). Patients with the clinical stage IV predominated (82.5%). In 1/3 of patients preoperative, 7th nerve palsy occurred. All patients were treated surgically, and all but one had supplementary radiotherapy. In 28 patients (70%), total radical parotidectomy was performed. A neck dissection was performed in all patients. In 19 cases (47.5%), SDCexPA was diagnosed. Negative microscopic surgical margin was obtained in 60% of patients. The follow-up for the whole analyzed group ranged from 2 to 22 years, average was 11.6 years. In 23 patients (57.5%), the disease recurred. Local recurrence was observed in 10 (25%) and distant metastases in 15 (37.5%) cases. 20 patients (50%) died of cancer. 5-year DSF and OS were 42.5% and 41%, respectively. Univariate analysis proved that the significant influence on the survival had 7th nerve palsy (p = 0.024 and p = 0.017, respectively), higher pT-stage (p < 0.001), radical parotidectomy (p = 0.024 and p = 0.022), radical treatment of the neck (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), EPE (p = 0.040 and p = 0.028), and histology SDCexPA and PNI (p = 0.036 and 0.048). Multivariate analysis showed that independent prognostic factors were the 7th nerve palsy and the histology SDCexPA, which worsened 5-year DFS, respectively, 3.61 and 3.94 times (p = 0.033 and p = 0.026). On the other hand, on 5-year OS, only 7th nerve palsy had an influence (3.86 times worse prognosis, p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: SDC is a clinically aggressive cancer with high risk of local recurrence and distant metastases, however, with a chance of curing of around 40%. In the majority of patients, a radical surgical treatment is necessary due to the high clinical stage of disease. Worse prognosis have patients with preoperative 7th nerve palsy and in whom SDC develops in pleomorphic adenoma.

Expression of TNF-α, OPG, IL-1ß and the presence of the measles virus RNA in the stapes of the patients with otosclerosis.

Persistent measles virus infections play a crucial role in the pathomechanism of otosclerosis. The study was undertaken to investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in otosclerotic bone remodeling and to assess the relation of TNF-α, OPG and IL-1ß expression levels in otosclerotic stape footplates to the occurrence of measles virus infection. 61 patients with otosclerosis were treated surgically. Thirty-one stapes obtained from cadavers of people, who had died from a sudden cause were used as a control group. The presence of measles virus RNA and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and OPG in otosclerotic foci were assessed using one-step RT-PCR. The presence of measles virus RNA was noted in 80.3 % of otosclerotic stapes (49 out of 61) and 9.7 % of normal tissues (3 out of 31). Transcript of TNF-α, IL-1ß and OPG was detected in 40, 46 and 18 virus-positive stapes, respectively. The transcript level of TNF-α and IL-1ß was significantly higher in otosclerotic tissues comparing to normal tissue. The OPG expression level was significantly lower in otosclerotic tissues comparing to controls. The presence of measles virus RNA in the stapes may indicate its role in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis. The presence of TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA in the virus-positive stapes could be the result of viral antigen stimulation and may be a marker of inflammation the otosclerotic focus. The lack of OPG mRNA and the presence of TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA in the majority of otosclerotic tissues reflect the bone remodeling process occurring in the stapes.

Morphological alterations in the tympanic membrane affected by tympanosclerosis: ultrastructural study.

The ultrastructure of tympanoslerotic tissue, surgically excised from patients, has been studied with particular reference to the morphological changes of the connective tissue components and mineralization. Detailed analysis revealed the combination of degenerative and fibroplastic alterations, especially in the circular fibrous layer of the thickened lamina propria. In the biological material in this study the authors recognized different stages of calcium plaque development with discrete, moderate, and severe degree of mineralization. Extracellular matrix vesicles, with or without calcareous deposits, released by degenerating fibroblasts were prominent. In these biopsies no distinct morphological features of an inflammatory reaction were seen.

Lateral petrosectomy with obliteration cavity for spontaneous cerebrospinal otorrhea in children.

PURPOSE: The most common causative factors of CSF otorrhea in children are injuries and congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone. Spontaneous CSF leak as a consequence of congenital temporal bone defects may result in recurrent meningitis. Diagnosis and management of such an entity are particularly difficult in early childhood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features and to discuss possible methods of treatment of spontaneous CSF otorrhea in children. RESULTS: Severe unilateral sensorineural hearing loss or total deafness was found in children with CSF otorrhea. CT and MRI of the temporal bones revealed dehiscences in the walls of the tympanic cavity and defects of the inner ear, which were confirmed intraoperatively. Lateral petrosectomy and closure of the fistula with muscle tissue and fat obliteration cavity were performed. The children remain free of otorrhea and recurrences of meningitis. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of spontaneous otorrhea in children is based on the severe unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and presence of CSF in the middle ear cavity. It may be successfully treated by means of lateral petrosectomy with obliteration of the vestibule with muscle tissue and tympanic cavity with fat tissue.

Jan Mikulicz-Radecki (1850-1905): a fundamental contributor to world surgery; surgeon of the head, neck, and esophagus.

We present some of many valuable and unique achievements of Jan Mikulicz-Radecki with special regard to his contribution to laryngology. He constructed esophagogastroscope, and was one of the first to perform endoscopy of esophagus and ventricle. He published several papers describing new approaches to maxillary sinus through inferior meatus, surgical management of tonsillar cancer via lateral pharyngotomy, correction of post-traumatic nasal deformations, and the use of iodophorm in healing wounds. Among Mikulicz's many celebrated scientific achievements, the most important remains the development of asepsis and creation of a surgical school, which was a modernized continuation of Langenbeck-Billroth achievements.

Bone Damage in Chronic Otitis Media.

The middle ear bone destruction in chronic otitis media is activated and regulated by inflammation. Chronic otitis media with granulation is a highly active inflammatory process in which many cytokines are released. The bone is degraded by osteoclasts but, at the same time, protected by cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules and osteotropic hormones. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and OPG/RANKL present in cholesteatoma and granulation accelerate bone lysis and increase the destructive effect on the middle ear.

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in chronic otitis media with bone osteolysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines in chronic otitis media. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-10 were determined by Western blot analysis of tissue samples obtained during ear surgery. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 in cholesteatoma tissues were substantially higher compared to those determined in the granulation tissue. The highest levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 proteins were observed in patients with bone destruction. There were no significant differences in the expression of IL-10 levels in cholesteatoma and normal skin, but in the granulation tissue its level was substantially higher. The level of IL-10 in cholesteatoma tissues inversely correlated with the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the degree of bone destruction and cholesteatoma invasion. Increased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 in chronic otitis media and a strong positive correlation between these cytokine levels and the degree of bone destruction indicate the destructive behavior of cholesteatoma or granulation tissue.

[Nonchromaffin paragangliomas (chemodectoma) of the middle ear in the material of the ENT Department Medical University of Gdansk]. / Przyzwojaki niechromochlonne (chemodectoma) ucha srodkowego w materiale Kliniki Gdanskiej.

INTRODUCTION: Nonchromaffin paraganglioma (chemodectoma) is the most common neoplasm of the middle ear. The diagnosis and treatment is one of the most challenging in otolaryngology. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: was clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients with nonchromaffin paraganglioma of the middle ear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material consisted of 13 patients (10 females, 3 males), age 19-62 years, treated for paraganglioma of the middle ear in the ENT Department Medical University of Gdansk between 1968 and 2009. We analyzed the symptoms and results of additional diagnostic tests necessary to establish the diagnosis. RESULTS: We have diagnosed 12 cases of benign chemodectoma (92.3%) and 1 case of chemodectoma malignum (7.7%). The surgical treatment was applied in 6 patients (46.1%), 4 patients (30.8%) received complementary radiotherapy and 3 patients (23.1%) were treated only with radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of paragangliomas of the ear is difficult and should be based on clinical data, audiometric tests, CT, MRI and histological examination. Surgical treatment of paragangliomas is limited to early stages of the disease. The results of the research show that the best therapeutic method in advanced cases is surgical treatment with complementary radiotherapy.

[Diagnosis and treatment preauricular fistulas in children]. / Rozpoznawanie i leczenie przetok przedusznych u dzieci.

INTRODUCTION: Preauricular fistulas are not uncommon congenital disorders in children. They are associated with imperfect auricle formation as a consequence of incomplete fusion of the auditory hillocks of the first and second branchial arches. AIM: The aim of this study was to present diagnostic methods with evaluation of treatment results of preauricular fistulas in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed retrospectively clinical and epidemiological features, diagnostic methods and treatment results of the patients with preauricular fistula attended in the Otolaryngology Department of Medical University in Gdansk. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2009 in the Department of Otolaryngology MGUed 23 children (13 girls and 10 boys) were treated for preauricular fistulas. The age of the children ranged between 2 to 16 years (median 7.7). The fistula was recognized on the left side in 14 children, in 6 on the right and bilaterally in 3 children. The diagnosis was based on the presence of a cutaneous fistula in the region of the helix's anterior crus with inflamed surrounding and purulent discharged in physical examination and in radiological imaging (MRI). Patients were treated surgically in the classical way and using Prasada's method including resection of the cutaneous fistula and cyst with a part of the helix. Squamous epithelium in the resected fistulas was found in 91.3% of the children. No recurrence was observed, good cosmetic outcome was achieved in all children. CONCLUSIONS: Each patient with bilateral preauricular fistula needs to be diagnosed for congenital disorders of the middle ear and kidneys. MRI may be useful in establishing the location of the fistula. Surgical treatment is not necessary in preauricular, blind-ended sinuses. In the postoperative material of the sinus squamous epithelium is found.

Expression of the receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in chronic otitis media.

BACKGROUND: The receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are the key factors controlling the osteoclast and osteoblast action in the bone. PURPOSE: The study objective was to investigate the expression level of RANKL and OPG in cholesteatoma and granulation tissue, and to assess the relationship between their expression levels and osteolysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (n = 28) and without cholesteatoma (n = 24) treated surgically at the Department of Otolaryngology of the Medical University of Gdansk were included in the study. RANKL and OPG expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: RANKL and OPG were expressed in all cholesteatoma and granulation tissues. RANKL expression was mainly observed in cholesteatoma subepithelial stroma, whereas OPG-positive cells originated from the epithelium. The number of OPG-positive cells in the normal skin was significantly higher than in cholesteatoma tissues. The RANKL protein level in cholesteatoma tissues was 1.8- and 1.5-fold higher than in the auditory canal skin and granulation tissues, respectively. The number of RANKL-positive cells in cholesteatoma tissues was significantly higher than in the normal skin. No substantial differences were found in average OPG protein levels between cholesteatoma tissues and the normal auditory canal skin. The ratio of RANKL/OPG was significantly higher in cholesteatoma tissues (2.93 ± 0.79) than in the skin samples (1.36 ± 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Altered ratio of RANKL/OPG protein level in cholesteatoma tissues suggests that these proteins might be somehow involved in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma. However, to resolve this issue a study on a larger group of patients should be conducted.

[Felix Semon's contribution to the research on motor innervation of the larynx]. / Udzial Felixa Semona w badaniach nad unerwieniem ruchowym krtani.

AIM: It remains of great interest of many scientists to establish the motor innervation of the larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors of this study analyzed available literature regarding progress in research in motor innervation of the larynx. RESULTS: Vocal folds paralysis may occur in central as well as in peripheral lesions. The movement of internal laryngeal muscles is controlled by efferent fibers of recurrent laryngeal nerves. For over 150 years intensive research has been conducted on efferent laryngeal innervation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have commented on its progress since the second half of the XIXth century until present day. Results of the scientific investigation on the nature of laryngeal nerve supply performed by Felix Semon has been discussed.

[Combined tumor of ceruminous gland origin in the external auditory canal--a histopathological and immunohistochemical study]. / Zlozony guz gruczolów woszczynowych przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego--analiza histopatologiczna oraz immunohistochemiczna.

OBJECTIVES: We present a case of a combined tumor consisting of solid tubular gland adenoma (TA) and syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) of the external auditory canal and review of the literature on this subject. METHODS: Tumour of the external auditory canal was removed by retroauricular approach with good clinical outcome. Histopathological and immunohistochemical study was performed. RESULTS: In the histopathological assessment tumour revealed an extraordinary combination of syringocystadenoma papilliferum and ceruminous tubular gland adenoma pattern. It was positive for epithelial markers with presence of basal type cytokeratins. The proliferative index was low within the neoplastic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Tubular gland adenoma and syringocystadenoma papilliferum are benign tumors originating from ceruminous glands of the skin, characterized by very rare occurrence especially in the skin of the external auditory canal. Their histogenesis is still controversial. Every tumor arising from the external auditory canal should be examined histologically and immunohistochemically in order to choose the best treatment option.

[Epidural abscess as a complication of acute mastoiditis in a 7-year-old child]. / Ropien nadtwardówkowy jako powiklanie ostrego zapalenia wyrostka sutkowatego u 7-letniego dziecka.

INTRODUCTION: Epidural abscess is the commonest intracranial complication of acute mastoiditis. In some cases this entity may pose a diagnostic problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a case of acute mastoiditis followed by an epidural abscess in the middle cranial fossa and a bone fistula to subtemporal fossa. Localization of the abscess was revealed by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head in early stage of the disease. RESULTS: The treatment of choice was mastoidectomy with epitymanotomy, myringostomy, revision of zygomatic area to ensure drainage of the epidural abscess and intravenous antibiotics. After two years of observation the child is in a good condition with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS: Osteolysis visualized on CT scan may suggest an intracranial complication occurrence. MRI should be performed to determine the precise localization of the abscess.