Biomedical subjects

B J Folz

Publications and source records attributed to B J Folz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Contact endoscopy of the nose in patients with Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Teleangiectases are the source of hemorrhage in many HHT patients. Most frequent site of bleeding is the nose and more than 90% of all individuals with HHT suffer from recurrent epistaxis. Despite all efforts, treatment of epistaxis in HHT continues to be a problem for many otorhinolaryngologists, who can alleviate recurrent nosebleeds by Septodermoplasty or laser therapy, but rarely can stop nasal hemorrhages permanently. Recurrence is almost inevitable, but the mechanisms of recurrence are not fully understood. METHODS: Prior to routine Nd:YAG laser therapy of nasal telangiectases the nasal mucosa of 17 patients with HHT according to the clinical diagnostic criteria of the HHT Foundation International was examined with a 0 degrees contact rhinoscope in areas with clinically visible telangiectases as well as in clinically normal mucosa. The digitally recorded images were compared to findings of a group of five healthy volunteers and the findings of five patients with polypoid sinusitis. RESULTS: Visualization of subepithelial vessels was feasible in all individuals of the study group as well as the control groups. Dilated vascular loops and tortuous vessels could be found in the study groups as well as in the control group, but the overall density of telangiectatic vessels was on an average higher in the HHT group. The process of vessel dilatation and tortuous configuration seemed to progress with age. CONCLUSION: Contact endoscopy allows the investigation of the angioarchitecture of capillaries of the nasal mucosa in vivo. This observation may be of significance for studies of nasal diseases, which are accompanied by epistaxis. With this regard it seems to be of special interest for studies of HHT.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

A historical review of head and neck cancer in celebrities.

INTRODUCTION: The illnesses of celebrity patients always receive more attention from the general public than those of ordinary patients. With regard to cancer, this fact has helped to spread information about the four major malignancies: breast cancer, prostatic cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Head and neck cancer, on the other hand, is still not well recognised by the lay public, although the risk factors are similar to those of lung cancer. It was the objective of this analysis to identify cases of celebrity patients, the description of which could help to increase awareness of head and neck cancer, its symptoms and risk factors. METHODS: The Internet and medical literature databases were searched for celebrity patients who had suffered from head and neck cancer. RESULTS: The search revealed numerous famous head and neck cancer patients. However, only seven cases were documented well in the medical literature. Among the identified persons were one emperor, two United States presidents, a legendary composer, a world-renowned medical doctor, an outstanding athlete and an extraordinary entertainer. In spite of their exclusive position in society, these patients did not have a better prognosis compared with ordinary patients of their time. Only two of the group experienced long term survival and only one was cured. None of these influential figures used their influence to fund research or to promote knowledge about their respective diseases. CONCLUSION: The identified cases could help increase public awareness of head and neck cancer. Similar to activities in other oncologic fields, current celebrity head and neck cancer patients should be encouraged to discuss their diseases openly, which could have a positive effect on public health.

Famous Persons↗

PubMed2006

Teaching and assessment in otolaryngology and neurology: Does the timing of clinical courses matter?

Little is known about the effectiveness of clinical courses as a learning environment. To accurately assess performance in these courses, equal conditions for all candidates are required. We investigated the influence of the proximity of the course to the students test taking, the students' learning styles, and their self-motivation for learning in relation to performance success. One hundred and eleven students were randomized into eight groups, each attending a 2 week course in otolaryngology with a high proportion of patient-related teaching, and a 2 week long course in neurology with a low level of patient-related teaching. All students took multiple-choice end-of-term exams to assess their knowledge in both subjects. There was a different time interval between the course participation and the test taking for each of the groups. Performance success was correlated with the different groups, as well as with the type of learning style (LIST questionnaire) and with motivation for learning (study interest questionnaire). Explorative rank variance analysis showed a significant correlation between students' performance on the written exam and the time interval between completion of the neurology course and test-taking, with the shortest interval corresponding to highest scores (P = 0.002). There was no such effect on the success rate in otolaryngology (P = 0.28). Study motivation was not the major component for performance success, but a strong correlation between the use of strategic and deep learning styles and success in the exam was observed (R = 0.62; P < 0.001). The duration of time between a clinical course with little practical teaching and the students' taking of the exam plays a significant role on performance success; this effect does not occur in a course with a high proportion of practical patient-related teaching. More studies on clinical courses are needed to establish how students can be given adequate opportunities to develop necessary skills for patient care and for objective success on assessment. With such further information, the effectiveness of clinical courses as a learning experience might be enhanced.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2006

[Recurrent nosebleeds in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited autosomal dominant vascular disease, which can cause multiple symptoms, the cardinal one being chronic recurrent nosebleeds. The aim of this study was to determine, whether these chronic recurrent episodes are felt by the patients to be merely isolated episodes or affect their quality of life (QoL). Also assessed was the extent to which QoL is more impaired in patients with HHT than in those with other chronic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was based on a German questionnaire, "Profile of Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients"(PLC) together with a newly formulated questionnaire dealing with HHT-specific symptoms. Comparisons were made with German normative reference data, as well as with data from randomly selected patients with various chronic diseases. RESULTS: 90% of patients with HHT considered their recurrent nosebleeds to be the most disturbing symptom, interfering with hobbies and leisure time in 63% of them. Those with HHT had worse results in 5 of 6 PLC scales than those with other chronic diseases such as cardiomyopathy or rheumatic disease. 73% of the patients stated that they would appreciate new ways of treating these nosebleeds. CONCLUSION: There is a great need for optimizing the treatment of chronic recurrent nosebleeds. Lasting reduction of such bleeds by new therapeutic methods seems unlikely to happen in the near future. For this reason multimodal treatment options, including psychological and relaxation techniques, should be considered. Such an approach may reduce the stress on patients (and subsequent nosebleeds) and result in a direct improvement of their quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Dysphagia caused by neurogenic deglutition disorders and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)].

BACKGROUND: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) may lead to dysphagia caused by osteophytes of the cervical spine. Osteophytes can be resected transorally or transcervically, but operative ablation should not be indicated generously because of the threat of severe complications. PATIENT: A fifty-year-old man with dysphagia and loss of weight of 15 kg in the last three months is presented. He also suffered from a brain damage during infancy which caused grand-mal-seizures. One seizure lead to cardiac arrest which required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and subsequent tracheostomy. A spheric tumor of the posterior pharyngeal wall could be seen endoscopically, it appeared radiologically as an osteophytic formation of the segments C (3) - C (5). Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament was also seen. Diagnosis of DISH was made on the basis of these results. Contrast imaging of the esophagus and videofluoroscopy showed aspiration in terms of neurogenic disorders. The patient received a percutaneous gastrostomy after his case was discussed with neurologic and orthopaedic colleagues, because a causal therapy of the combined disease seemed to be impossible. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia in the presented case was caused by a combination of neurogenic deglutition disorders and oropharyngeal obstruction through osteophytes. Surgical removal of the osteophytes was not indicated because it would have put the patient at a certain risk, but only a part of the underlying problem would have been removed. Symptomatic therapy with a gastrostomy secures normocaloric diet. The patient's weight remained stable and he can follow his habitual daily routine.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

PubMed2006

[State of the art of classification, diagnostics and therapy for cervicofacial hemangiomas and vascular malformations].

The successful treatment of vascular anomalies depends on profound knowledge of the biologic behavior of vascular lesions and their correct classification. On the base of the clinical course Mulliken and Glowacki developed a biologic classification that was accepted as official classification by the ISSVA (International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies). Based on an extended literature research, this manuscript will give an overview of different internationally accepted treatment concepts. Even if a wait-and-see strategy can be recommended in many cases of uneventful hemangiomas in infants the proliferative growth of such lesions requires an adequate treatment indication. Vascular malformations that persist lifelong require treatment in the majority of the cases, especially when clinical symptoms occur. Based on individual parameters such as the diameter, location or growth behavior, different therapeutic options as cryotherapy, corticosteroids, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, surgical intervention and/or embolisation can be performed successfully. None of those treatment concepts, however, represents the only treatment method of choice.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2006

Mutation analysis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia in Germany reveals 11 novel ENG and 12 novel ACVRL1/ALK1 mutations.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal-dominant disease characterized by recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasias and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Mutations in endoglin (ENG) and activin A receptor type II-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1 or ALK1) have been found in patients with HHT. We have screened a total of 51 unselected German index cases with the suspected diagnosis of HHT. We identified 30 different mutations in 32 cases (62.7%) by direct sequencing. Among these mutations, 11 of 13 ENG mutations and 12 of 17 ACVRL1 mutations were not previously reported in the literature. Two of the ACVRL1 mutations were each shared by two families. An analysis of the genotype-phenotype correlation is consistent with a more common frequency of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in patients with ENG mutations than in patients with ACVRL1 mutations in our collective.

Activin Receptors, Type II↗

PubMed2004

Endoscopic sentinel lymphadenectomy as a new diagnostic approach in the N0 neck.

Sentinel lymphadenectomy was developed to reduce the extent of surgical interventions in cancer patients. The sentinel node (SN) concept was first established for melanoma and breast cancer; within some years, it also became increasingly popular for head and neck cancer. As soon as the required sensitivity of the method proves to be feasible in the daily clinical routine, the discussion about the best surgical approach to single or multiple SN(s) will arise. Different objectives may here compete with each other. The incision should render the best exposure of the operation site and should be expandable in case further lymph node regions have to be dissected. Finally, a good functional as well as a good cosmetic result is desirable. Endoscopic lymph node excisions were performed in patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract located in different sites (1x uvula, 2x epiglottis, 1x glottis). In preoperatively performed ultrasonic imaging (B-mode-ultrasonography), N0 necks were assessed. In contrast to previously reported endoscopic techniques in humans, the presented method requires no insufflation of carbon dioxide or external retraction of the skin. Following laser surgical resection of the primary tumor, the SN and further lymph node(s) with accumulation of tracer substance were identified and resected endoscopically via an incision that was afterwards extended to a normal neck dissection incision. Reports of histopathologic examination of the sentinel node(s) were compared to the respective neck dissection specimens. The presented method may help to reduce the degree of invasiveness frequently attributed to sentinel lymphadenectomy once the method has been established for head and neck cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Photodynamic effects of anthracyclin derivatives on squamous cell carcinoma cell lines of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the last years, photodynamic therapy, performed with hematoporphyrin derivatives, gained in importance for the treatment of superficially situated malignomas. The use of hematoporphyrin as photosensitizer is limited especially by the low depth of penetration and its side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with anthracyclin derivates in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The photodynamic effects of the anthracyclin derivates adriamycin and epirubicin as well as the effects of the hematoporphyrin derivatives photofrin-II and photosan-3 were examined and compared in 10 squamous cell carcinoma cell lines derived from head and neck tumors. RESULTS: Beside their cytostatic effect, the applied cytostatics revealed a marked photodynamic effect. A statistically significant difference for photodynamic effects of both cytostatic agents and the hematoporphyrin derivates could not be shown. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that the above mentioned cytostatics could be considered as possible alternative photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2004

[Embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations with electrolytically detachable coils in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia].

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) can be found in approximately 20 % to 35 % of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). PAVM should be treated since they are a source of paradoxical embolization, potentially resulting in severe neurologic complications. The treatment of choice is the endovascular embolization with coils. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with HHT underwent superselective embolization of PAVM detected during screening for PAVM. Four patients had a single PAVM and one patient 3, 4 and 5 PAVMs, respectively. Electrolytically detachable coils were used for embolization. In addition, coils with synthetic fibers were used during 6 embolizations for completion of embolization. RESULTS: Embolization was technically successful in all patients. Complete primary occlusion was achieved in all PAVM. No coil migration or occlusion of unaffected pulmonary arteries was observed. After embolization, one patient developed a small pleural effusion, which was treated symptomatically. CONCLUSION: As a minimally invasive procedure, superselective embolization is the treatment of choice in treating PAVM in patients with HHT. With the use of electrolytically detachable coils, the ideal coil size can be chosen and exact placement achieved without the risk of coil migration or occlusion of unaffected pulmonary arteries.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Extent of surgical intervention in case of N0 neck in head and neck cancer patients: an analysis of data collection of 39 hospitals.

In the discussion on the treatment of the clinical N0 neck in head and neck cancer, the sentinel lymphonodectomy is gaining more and more in significance. Prior to a multicentre study on the value of sentinel lymphonodectomy, it seemed to be desirable to collect data on the current practice of neck dissection in German ENT departments. First a standardised questionnaire was sent to 50 hospitals in Germany. It contained questions on the respective therapeutic concepts (uni- or bilateral modified radical neck dissection versus selective neck dissection, wait-and-see policy) in histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma (G2) and defined localisation of the primary tumour (T1-T2 carcinoma of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and hypopharynx as well as larynx). Summing up the evaluation of 39 anonymously answered questionnaires, it can be stated that no uniform therapeutic concept for the treatment of the cervical lymph nodes in carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract based on the stage of lymphatic metastatic disease exists. It seems to be essential to elaborate such a concept in order to be able to compete in the international context. Likewise, a widespread uniform therapeutic strategy would be the basic prerequisite for the initiation and realisation of multicentric therapy studies.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Wound healing after laser treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

The wound healing after laser surgery is delayed in contrast to conventional scalpel surgery. There are some animal studies, which investigated the effects of laser surgery upon wound healing, whereas clinical investigations on wound healing of human mucous membrane after laser surgery is missing. A histological study on the laryngeal mucosa of 11 patients after laser incisions who underwent emergent laser debulking surgery for acute airway obstruction and a clinical study of 24 patients with oral or oropharynx cancer who were treated by laser surgery were performed to investigate the course of wound healing. The histological findings showed that the beginning of wound healing was delayed after laser surgery. The duration of wound healing after laser surgical tumour resection revealed a clear dependence on the size of the initial defect. The average duration of wound healing after CO(2) laser surgery (32.8 +/- 9.2 days) was significantly shorter than after Nd:YAG laser surgery (40.4 +/- 9.2). Due to the more pronounced zone of necrosis at the base of the wound ground this effect is more evident using the Nd:YAG laser. However, the different course of wound healing with both laser systems does not seem to have a negative influence on functional results.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Coagulation and temperature distribution in Nd: YAG interstitial laser thermotherapy: an in vitro animal study.

Interstitial laser thermotherapy (ILTT) was performed increasingly for local destruction of different tumours. The proposal of the present study was the optimisation of the therapy-relevant ILTT parameters and laser application forms which are a prerequisite for the development of an optimal tumour treatment strategy. Laser-induced temperature changes and coagulation patterns with different laser light applicators (bare fibre, ring mode fibre, side fibre, diffuser fibre) were investigated on liver, spleen and tongue tissues of 26 adult pigs after interstitial thermotherapy with Nd: YAG laser. Analysis of experimental results on ILTT and tissue necrosis showed a dependence on laser exposure time, type of laser fibre and applied laser energy. The most homogeneous and extensive coagulation zone was seen after laser treatment with rather low energy over a longer time period.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Peritonsillar abscess--critical analysis of abscess tonsillectomy.

The risk of secondary haemorrhage following abscess tonsillectomy is reported in the literature with differing rates. A retro- and prospective analysis of complication rates following abscess tonsillectomy was conducted in 142 patients (54 females, 88 males; mean age: 35 years). In 22% of patients, a secondary haemorrhage occurred. In half of these (11% of total), the haemorrhage had to be treated surgically. Secondary haemorrhage occurred most commonly on the 6th and 8th postoperative days. Reports in the literature are not in unison about the risk of secondary haemorrhage following abscess tonsillectomy and therefore allow no final judgement about an objective risk of this complication. This report strengthens the results of the 'Comparative Audit Service' analysis from 1997, which did show a high risk of secondary haemorrhage following tonsillectomy, as well as following abscess tonsillectomy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Sentinel node detection in N0 cancer of the pharynx and larynx.

Neck lymph node status is the most important factor for prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sentinel node detection reliably predicts the lymph node status in melanoma and breast cancer patients. This study evaluates the predictive value of sentinel node detection in 50 patients suffering from pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas with a N0 neck as assessed by ultrasound imaging. Following 99m-Technetium nanocolloid injection in the perimeter of the tumour intraoperative sentinel node detection was performed during lymph node dissection. Postoperatively the histological results of the sentinel nodes were compared with the excised neck dissection specimen. Identification of sentinel nodes was successful in all 50 patients with a sensitivity of 89%. In eight cases the sentinel node showed nodal disease (pN1). In 41 patients the sentinel node was tumour negative reflecting the correct neck lymph node status (pN0). We observed one false-negative result. In this case the sentinel node was free of tumour, whereas a neighbouring lymph node contained a lymph node metastasis (pN1). Although we have shown, that skipping of nodal basins can occur, this technique still reliably identifies the sentinel nodes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx. Future studies must show, if sentinel node detection is suitable to limit the extent of lymph node dissection in clinically N0 necks of patients suffering from pharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Epiglottopexy for the treatment of severe laryngomalacia.

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in newborns and infants. Up until now, different surgical techniques for the treatment of this disease have been described. We report on a modified technique, the so called epiglottopexy, which is a laser-surgical treatment strategy in severe laryngomalacia. A total number of six children (ages: 6 weeks-10.4 years) were treated for life-threatening stridor, which was due to an isolated posterior displacement of the epiglottis during inspiration. In two patients, shortened aryepiglottic folds contributed to the stridor. In all of the children, a modified technique of epiglottopexy was performed transorally; in two cases, this was followed by laser surgical transection of the aryepiglottic folds. Epiglottopexy on the base of the tongue was performed using single suture stitches following laser-surgical vaporization of the corresponding mucosal areas of the epiglottis and the base of the tongue. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. All six children demonstrated significant airway improvement without any further stridor. Deglutation was not impaired. The presented laser-surgical technique seems to be an appropriate therapy for treatment of severe forms of laryngomalacia characterized by an isolated posterior displacement of the epiglottis during inspiration.

Child↗

PubMed2002

Number and location of radiolabeled, intraoperatively identified sentinel nodes in 48 head and neck cancer patients with clinically staged N0 and N1 neck.

The value of sentinel node (SN) biopsy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) has not been determined yet. A critical evaluation of this concept seems to be mandatory with regard to the increasing acceptance of SN biopsy in other tumor entities. Against the background of the results of 48 previously untreated patients, a reproducible technique for SN biopsy in the head and neck level, which has been adjusted to the special topographic conditions of this anatomic region, is presented. Methods included intraoperative SN biopsy, which was performed in 48 previously untreated patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma (2x lower lip, 8x oral cavity, 20x oropharynx, 15x larynx, 3x hypopharynx). Using ultrasound imaging, 43 patients were staged as N0 necks, and 5 patients were staged as N1 necks. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed in cases of doubt. Surgery on the neck was carried out according to the suspected stage of lymphogenic spread once the SN1 as well as one or two further hot nodes (SN2, SN3) had been identified. Numbers and distribution of the intraoperatively excised nodes SN1-3 were documented according to their relation to the tumor location. Post-operatively, the histologic results of the intraoperatively excised nodes SN1-3 were compared to the histologies of the neck dissection specimen. Results showed that in all 48 patients, a SN1 could be identified intraoperatively. In 20 cases an additional SN2 and in 6 cases a SN3 was diagnosed. In carcinomas of the lower lip and oral cavity, the SN1 was found in 4 cases in level I (2x lower lip, 2x floor of the mouth) and in 6 cases in level II (6x lateral tongue). In carcinomas of the oropharynx, the respective nodes were found in 17 of 20 cases in level II (carcinomas of the tonsil) and in 3 cases in level III (carcinomas of the base of the tongue). In supraglottic carcinomas the SN1 was identified in 8 of 10 cases in level II and in 2/5 patients with glottic carcinomas, while in 3/5 glottic carcinomas as well as in all hypopharyngeal carcinomas, the SN1 was found in level III. In relation to the predictiveness of the detected SN, it has to be remarked that in 38 patients a SN1 free of tumor was representative for the regional lymph node status (pN0). An isolated metastasis (pN1) was diagnosed in the SN (9x SN1, 1x SN2) in 10 patients. In conclusion, the results of a SN biopsy modified to a strictly intraoperative method of detection are encouraging. Critical indications showed that a thorough and standardized technical performance of the injection as well as a mandatory, so far unchanged, neck dissection form the basis for the development of a SN concept for SCCs of the upper aerodigestive tract. The value of the SN concept, however, currently remains unclear for patients suffering from HNSCC.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[The sentinel node concept in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma--a critical analysis in 100 patients].

BACKGROUND: The value of Sentinel Node (SN) concept is a current issue in clinical oncology. Few investigations deal with SN biopsy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). For this reason the SN concept was investigated based on the results of the so far largest group of 100 patients. METHOD: Three groups of patients were investigated. Group 1: In 30 patients (6 x oral cavity, 24 x oropharynx) a dynamic lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Group 2: 60 previously untreated patients (12 x oral cavity, 23 x oropharynx, 16 x larynx, 9 x hypopharynx); neck lymph node status on ultrasound imaging: 39 x N0, 5 x N1, 16 x N2, intraoperative identification of the SN during neck dissection (ND) accomplished according to the extent of assumed lymphogenic metastatic spread; postoperative comparison of the histological result of the SN with the neck dissection specimen. Group 3: 10 previously treated patients (1 x oral cavity, 5 x oropharynx, 1 x larynx, 3 x hypopharynx) in whom an intraoperative SN biopsy was performed. RESULTS: Group 1: In 20/30 patients a cervical lymph drainage could be visualized on dynamic lymphscintigraphy and an activity enrichment above the mean metastatic region could be identified transcutaneously. Group 2: In 34 patients the tumorfree SN1 reflected the regional lymph node status. In 9 patients an isolated tumor metastasis (pN1) was found in the intraoperatively identified SN1 and in a further patient in the SN2 (pN1). CONCLUSION: The results of SN biopsy are encouraging in cases of clinical N0-necks. Nevertheless the data demonstrates that extensive investigations followed by a critical analysis of the results are required. The presented results suggest that the value of the SN concept seems to be of minor importance in cases of advanced lymphogenic metastatic spread.

Adult↗