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Biomedical subjects

A Berghaus

Publications and source records attributed to A Berghaus.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Adult multilocular rhabdomyoma as etiology of a space-occupying lesion in the area of the neck].

Real rhabdomyomas belong to the rarest tumors in the human body. The origin of these benign neoplasms is in the cardiac or skeletal muscle, in the beginning, there are no significant symptoms and the tumor grows very slowly. Extracardiac rhabdomyomas seldom occur and are mostly located in the head and neck region. A multilocular occurrence represents a rarity. We describe a 77-year-old female patient with a multilocular adult rhabdomyoma in the parapharyngeal and paratracheal space. The tumor was accidentally found; the patient had not complained of any specific symptoms. After histological examination, complete resection was carried out. On discharge the patient showed no functional deficits. Long-term follow-up is necessary because local recurrences have been described.

Aged↗

[Ames test as biomarker].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive tract has increased worldwide. The main risk factors are chronic tobacco and alcohol consumption. The detection of high-risk persons is important because early diagnosis of these tumors provides a good chance for permanent healing. Biomonitoring programs may help to give precise information about the individual cancer risk among smoking and drinking persons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Ames test as a biomarker to detect the genotoxicity of saliva. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Saliva specimens of 131 probands were investigated for their genotoxic effects using the Ames test. RESULTS: Our results showed an increased trend of genotoxic activity in the saliva of smokers. A highly significant additional increase of genotoxicity was measured in smoking and drinking individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the Ames test could be used to show genotoxic effects in saliva specimens. In combination with other biomarkers, this test may help to develop a valid concept for detecting cancer-endangered people.

Adult↗

[Electron microscopic studies of the rabbit nasal mucosa after short-term application of naphzoline nitrate].

BACKGROUND: Vasoconstricting nasal drops are applied frequently. Especially early ultrastructural alterations of the vessels were not examined up to now in animal models. Our goal was the systematic investigation of the submucosal vessels and the epithelium after topic application of naphazoline nitrate (Privin) in an animal model. METHODS: Three times daily over 6 days 3 ml of 0.1% naphazoline nitrate solution (Privin) were instilled into the right nasal cavity of 5 rabbits. At the 7th and 14th day an incisional biopsy of the lower nasal turbinate was carried out in ketamine/rompun anesthesia. RESULTS: In the naphazoline group the capillaries showed an edematous endothelium with narrowed lumina. Thrombosis of the arterioles were frequently observed. The more cubic epithelial cells had deciliated areas with microvilli. Venules, submucosal glands and the surrounding connective tissue was normally configurated. Analogous findings were also observed after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The disturbance of the microcirculation shows impressive endothelial alterations. These structural changes can result in nonreversible mucosal damages. A regeneration time of more than 1 week is assumable. Our results should be considered critically in order to prevent damages of the nasal mucosa.

Administration, Topical↗

[Sonographic imaging of upper eyelid tarsal radii when changing the direction of vision].

AIM: Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the upper eyelid attempts to restore aesthetic or functional deficits. Knowing of the anatomic relationships in these structures is very important. The aim of our study was to assess by ultrasound the upper eye lid tarsal curvature changes depending on movement of the bulbus. METHODS: In 50 people with healthy eyes we measured the diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate, the cornea, the bulbus and additionally the intraocular pressure. In measuring the upper eyelid tarsal plate we used transpalpebral ultrasound in a non contact mode with a 7.5 MHz linear array scanner, with the bulbus in median and in abduction position. RESULTS: In healthy eyes the diameter of the upper eye lid tarsal plate changes depend on movement of the bulbus. The mean diameter of the upper eye lid tarsal plate over the bulbus in medium position was 19.3 +/- 3.8 mm versus 30.1 +/- 6.3 mm in abduction position. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate, that using ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz linear array scanner is appropriate for objective evaluation of relative changings of the upper eye lid tarsal plate diameter. The obtained data showed significant differences and must be taken into account when considering cosmetic and functional surgery of the upper eye lid, f. e. lidloading in facial palsy with gold or platinum implants.

Exophthalmos↗

[Basic classical, peptidergic and nitrergic innervation pattern of human nasal glands--a histochemical and immunohistochemical study].

BACKGROUND: Seromucous glands are important components of the human nasal mucosa. The innervation patterns are relevant for understanding the control of the different physiological and pathophysiological glandular functions. Beside classic neurotransmitters some neuropeptides seem to influence the glandular secretion. METHODS: Tissue samples of 35 human inferior turbinates were taken during nasal surgery and preserved. Serial cryosections or paraffin sections were cut and incubated with antibodies either to Tyrosinhydroxilase or to Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and endothelial or brain Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS or bNOS). AChE- and NADPH-diaphorase-histochemistry were performed. RESULTS: Immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in the periglandular tissue around the acini, ducts and in the periglandular connective tissue. The density of positive immunoreactive structures depended on the different antibodies. VIP was found in contact to acinus cells, CGRP in the connective tissue around glandular cells. Particular immunoreactions to VIP and CGRP-antibodies could be detected near the glandular duct system. The eNOS-reactions were found in small capillaries near the acinus cells. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical and histochemical methods allow a detailed marking of nerval structures in nasal mucosa. The localization of neurons with different neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the periglandular tissue confirms the direct nerval control of the diverse glandular functions. The detection of bNOS- and NADPH-d-positive structures around glandular cells and eNOS in the endothelium of periglandular capillaries suggests that NO takes an additional part in the regulation of nasal glands.

Adult↗

[Lid retraction in endocrine orbitopathy. A new indication for "lid loading"].

Lid retraction in thyroid ophthalmopathy may lead to cosmetic and functional problems. Many surgical procedures are available to correct upper lid retraction. Only those procedures should be used that lead either to a limited lid lengthening or can be reversed in cases with complications. Upper lid gold weight implantation was first used to treat lagophthalmos in patients with facial palsy. Since 1995 only a few reports have appeared which discuss platinum as an implantation material. We report our experiences with a female patient who developed an upper lid retraction due to thyroid ophthalmopathy. Through implantation of a platinum weight which was adjusted exactly preoperatively, a symmetric palpebral fissure was achieved. Unilateral upper lid retraction with resultant eyelid asymmetry is a new indication for lid loading.

Blinking↗

[Micronuclei as biological markers for the detection of local cancer transformation in the upper aerodigestive tract].

A lot of different endogenous and exogenous factors are accused to promote squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive tract. Main risk factors are the chronic tobacco- and alcohol consumption. The fact, that many patients develop syn- or metachronic carcinomas in this area was first described by Slaughter et al. 1953 and explained with the phenomenon of field cancerisation. Concerning to this hypothesis the whole mucosa of the upper aerodigestive-tract is premalignant damaged. In our study the micronucleus-frequency was determined as a biomarker for the genetic injury to prove the fieldcancerisation on the cellular level at 159 people (control-group, abuser, patients with HNSCC). Our results confirm the hypothesis of fieldcancerisation of the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive-tract at strong tobacco- and alcohol consumers and patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore there is a highly statistically significant correlation between increasing micronucleus frequency and increasing tobacco abuse. As a final result of our study the micronucleus assay seems to be of good value to show a genotoxic damage in healthy mucosa at people with a high risk to develop HNSCC, but it's not usable to give any answer if and when such carcinomas arise.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Lymphepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

In this report a patient with a lymphoepithelioma (LE)-like carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is described for the first time in the literature. LE-like carcinomas outside the nasopharynx rarely occur in the major and minor lacrimal glands of natives of Greenland, Inuit or natives of southern China. The patient's tumor was extirpated using a Kronlein approach followed by total parotidectomy and modified radical neck dissection on the ipsilateral side after the detection of suspicious lymph nodes by ultrasound transmission. Adjuvant radiochemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil was then carried out. Three years later there is no sign of recurrence. As a result of this case we recommend careful examination of the orbit and lacrimal gland in cases of LE-like cancer with an unidentified primary tumor.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Exfoliative cytology of normal buccal mucosa to predict the relative risk of cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract using the MN-assay.

The high frequency of second or third primary tumors was first explained by Slaughter et al. with the concept of field cancerisation. Another theory postulates micrometastatic lesions as a reason for this phenomenon. The micronuclei (MN)-assay was evaluated to provide evidence for the concept of field cancerisation and to quantify the premalignant field change of normal mucosa in order to predict the individual cancer risk. MN-assay was carried out in 55 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, in 16 patients with a leucoplakia and in 99 healthy controls. A detailed questionnaire for population monitoring was completed. Buccal cytosmears of healthy mucosa of the study participants were examined for the MN count per 1000 cells. There was a direct correlation between tobacco abuse and increasing MN count as a sign of a cytogenetic damage of buccal mucosa cells. Alcohol did not influence the formation of MN. Both buccal sites were damaged in the same degree as proof of field cancerisation. The relative cancer risk (odds ratio) for smoking healthy controls with a definite MN frequency was estimated. Our study underscores the importance of the MN-assay as a biomarker to predict the relative cancer risk in the upper aerodigestive tract under suspicion of the individual susceptibility and the exposition to known carcinogenic agents such as tobacco and alcohol. The concept of field cancerisation was confirmed.

Biomarkers↗

Spiral computed tomography before and after cricothyroid approximation.

Cricothyroid approximation raises the vocal pitch by simulating the contraction of the cricothyroid muscle with sutures. The aim of this study was to determine the role of spiral computed tomography (CT) in patients scheduled for cricothyroid approximation. Twenty-nine transsexual patients were examined with spiral CT before and after laryngoplastic surgery. Computed tomography findings were correlated with phoniatric findings in all patients. The average reduction of the cricothyroid distance was 6 mm (range 2-10 mm). The vocal pitch elevation was more remarkable in the patient group with greater reduction of the cricothyroid distance. Computed tomography accurately determines the cricothyroid distance before and after surgery and is an ideal method for follow-up purposes, especially when there is a postoperative reversion towards a lower pitch. In addition, CT provides important data as to the most appropriate extent and site of intracordal intervention to be done for a desired pitch elevation.

Adult↗

[Electron microscopy studies of innervation of nasal mucosa glands in humans].

BACKGROUND: Seromucous glands are one of the main components of human nasal mucosa. The innervation pattern is important to understand the control of the different physiological glandular functions. In addition to light-microscopical findings electronmicroscopic investigations were performed to get more detailed information on the innervation of nasal glands. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissue samples of 16 human inferior turbinates were taken during nasal surgery and preserved in Unicryl or 3.5% phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde. After fixation ultrathin sections were cut. Electron microscopical structures were photodocumented by using a transmission-electron microscope (EM 902 A Zeiss). RESULTS: Few axons were found in the periglandular tissue. No myo- or glandular-neural tight junctions could be identified. Unmyelinated nerve fibers showed typical components such as neurofilaments, neurotubules and mitochondria in their cytoplasm. An additional control of the glandular secretion by the vascular tone of the fenestrated capillary vessels will be discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these ultramorphological findings further immunoelectron microscopical investigations will follow to demonstrate the various neurotransmitters and their distribution in periglandular axons.

Child↗

[Endoscopic treatment of iatrogenic esophageal perforation].

BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforations are the most frequent complications of endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Life-threatening consequences such as mediastinitis, septic disease, or multiple organ failure are possible. Traditional surgical and conservative methods of treatment should be distinguished. In serious cases, thoracotomy in particular is a high-risk operation. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: This case demonstrates the successful endoscopic treatment of an esophageal perforation with mediastinal empyema by fibrin gluing. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal perforations up to 20 cm aboral and a maximum diameter of 1.5 cm could be treated by rigid endoscopical fibrin gluing. High-risk patients could be managed effectively avoiding extensive surgery.

Aged↗

[Diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck region].

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare occurrence. It spreads rapidly along fascial planes causing extensive necrosis; it often results in gangrene of the overlying skin. Mostly involved are immunodeficient patients with banal infections of the upper aerodigestive tract, small traumas, but also after surgical procedures. The "Federal Health Agency" of the Federal Republic of Germany estimates a number of 40 cases a year in Germany for all regions of the body. The mortality is about 20%-50% dependent on the localisation of this soft tissue infection. PATIENTS: Four cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck region, which were treated at the ENT-Department of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 1995, were described. RESULTS: Despite aggressive surgical debridement and intensive care medicine two patients died because of streptococcus-associated-toxic-shock-syndrome. In all patients we found a diabetes mellitus as a known risk factor for this necrotizing soft tissue disease. In two of four patients with cervical involvement mediastinitis was diagnosed as a complication. The CT-scan showed this mediastinal spread only in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Only rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment with radical debridement can influence the disease positively. Thoracal CT-scan is necessary in all cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis because of the high risk of mediastinal involvement. A strong complication is a streptococcus-associated-toxic-shock-syndrome, which should be prevented because it is often associated with a lethal outcome. Penicillin G and clindamycin are advocated for antibiotic treatment.

Adult↗

Value of spiral CT in patients with cricothyroid approximation.

Cricothyroid approximation raises the vocal pitch by simulating contraction of the cricothyroid muscle with sutures. The aim of this study was to determine the role of spiral CT in patients scheduled for cricothyroid approximation. 29 transsexual patients were examined with spiral CT prior to and after laryngoplastic surgery. CT findings were correlated with phonographic findings in all patients. The average reduction of the cricothyroid distance was 6 mm (range 2-10 mm). Vocal pitch elevation was greatest in patients with the largest reduction of the cricothyroid distance. CT accurately determines the cricothyroid distance prior to and after surgery and is an ideal method for follow-up, especially in post-operative reversion towards a lower pitch. In addition, CT provides important data in determining the most appropriate extent and site of intracordal intervention to achieve a desired pitch elevation.

Adult↗

Vertigo after stapes surgery: the role of high resolution CT.

CT findings in patients with vertigo after stapes surgery include a prosthesis shaft entering the vestibule and compressing the saccule, a complete dislocation of the stapes prosthesis, air bubbles and fluid collections within the vestibule and outside the oval window indicating a perilymphatic fistula, and bony fragments leading to compression of the basal saccule. Although immediate post-operative vertigo is often transient, patients with persistent or recurrent vertigo should be imaged as high resolution CT will determine the underlying cause in the majority of cases.

Fistula↗

[Unusual intra-extracranial extension of meningioma of the lateral skull base].

Extracranial meningiomas are rare tumors of the lateral skull base. A 37-year-old woman presented with tinnitus und progressive hearing loss of her right ear. A painful mass lesion was also palpable in her mandibular angle. CT and MRI scans revealed an intracranial mass with extension to the lateral skull base. These findings suggested the occurrence of a paraganglioma or meningioma. In a two-stage surgical procedure tumor was extirpated without functional impairment to the patient. Histology of the excised lesion demonstrated an endotheliomatous meningioma. Since an extracranial meningioma can present as a mass lesion of the lateral skull base, CT and MRI scans are essential in preoperative surgical planning.

Adult↗