The Authors discuss the importance of surgical treatment in ethmoid cancer basing their discussion upon observation of three cases involving the anterior skull base which followed an overview of the epidemiology, histology and evaluation of this kind of pathology. After reviewing Literature they stress the validity of anterior craniofacial resection which allows a wide exposure of the complex anatomic structures at the base of the skull and a monoblock resection of malignant tumors as well as a satisfactory reconstruction of the resulting defect at the skull base. Furthermore, they emphasize the still existing differences among many Authors as far as surgical technique is concerned and the extreme variability of the survival rate. The Authors conclude that in order to make a comparison between the results of different Authors, data concerning the site of origin, the extension and the histology of the tumors and the length of the follow-up should be more homogeneous.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve].

The Authors describe a case of non recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve located on the right side observed during anatomical studies of the innervation of the larynx. The description is accompanied by photographic documentation which shows the anomalous course of the nerve and its abnormal relationship with the right subclavian artery, also anomalous. The embryological nature of such anatomical variations is discussed followed by considerations concerning possible consequences with regard to clinical aspects and thyroid surgery. Furthermore, the Authors indicate clinical signs that may suggest the presence of such anomaly so as to avoid anatomical or functional damage of the nerve which, although anomalous, plays an important role in coordinating breathing and phonation.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Otolaryngological aspects of Camurati-Engelmann disease (progressive diaphyseal dysplasia): review of literature and report of one case].

Camurati-Engelmann's disease (progressive diaphyseal dysplasia) is a rare hereditary condition characterized by symmetrical hyperostosis of the long bones and the skull-base, myopathies and neurological disturbances. So far, little more than one hundred cases have been reported. The diagnosis is based on radiological imaging (traditional X rays and CT scan) and family history. Our patient (a 15-year-old male) had high-grade skull-base hyperostosis producing audiological signs, such as progressive deafness, persistent otorrhea and otalgia with progressive stenosis of the external acoustic meatus.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The anastomotic loop between recurrent laryngeal nerves: an anatomic reality].

The authors present the result of an anatomical study carried out on human laryngeal nerves. During the study, stressed not only were classic anatomical data relating to the morphology of the nervous system of the larynx, evidentiated and photographically documented, but the constant presence of an anastomotic nervous loop between the two recurrent nerves was revealed as well. This loop has been mentioned only in the most recent specialized Literature. Analysis was carried out on thirteen fresh anatomical models, taken from 13 corpses (7 men and 6 women aged from 48 to 84) during autopsy. The first phase dissection carefully eliminated those tissues not directly related to the nervous formations which were, however, subsequently analysed in detail. The superior laryngeal nerves, the recurrent nerves and the collateral ramification were then totally isolated. The anastomotic loop in question links the two recurrent nerves at the crossing of the oesophagus-tracheal virtual space. It appears to originate on the right as well as on the left side, respectively at the cervicodiastinal junction level and in the thorax. The anastomosis was isolated in each specimen. Its constant presence and its morphology should be proof enough of its being an anatomical and surgical reality. Only in one case did the loop pass in front of trachea instead of crossing the oesophagus-tracheal space, while maintaining, however, the same inclination and morphology. A future, wider study should focus on the understanding of the loop's function, as well as of its possible utilization in surgical therapy of laryngeal paralysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Total laryngectomy with reconstruction of the vocal glottis].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗