Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R Ruf.
Several cases are reported of cervico-facial suppuration of buccodental origin, the infection being due to Eikenella corrodens, a facultative anaerobic germ that is difficult to culture. Conditions appropriate to the growth of these germs are discussed with respect to etiological, bacteriological and clinical factors. Therapy is outlined and a selective bibliography proposed.
A session of the "Société de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie maxillo-faciale de France" was devoted to a discussion of diagnostic difficulties in cases of mandibular bone tumors. Several case-reports were presented as a basis for comments on clinical and radiologic criteria of the benign or malignant nature of bone tumors, these being the foundation on which to establish the most effective surgical approach to adopt. Pre-operative biopsy is not considered essential when confirmation of diagnostic has been obtained.
Rapid regression of all symptoms was obtained after moderate chemotherapy in two women aged 69 and 77 years respectively with malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Cervico-facial locations of these tumors are discussed in relation to definition, etiology, geographic factors, genetic markers, and associated immunologic disorders. Diagnosis requires a series of explorations including, obviously as a last resort, exploratory cervicotomy. Other regions may be involved and must be investigated, but lesions not affecting lymph nodes occur in only approximately 2 p. cent of patients with cervico-facial malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (approximately 10 p. cent of all malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). Other localizations include the hard palate, gums, sinuses, and salivary glands. Burkitt's lymphoma represents, on the contrary, 30 p. cent of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma seen in European children. The different therapeutic modalities available are discussed.
Possible relationships between Moschcowitz's disease and acute systemic lupus erythematosus are analyzed based on findings in one case. Initial exclusively buccal symptoms suggested a diagnosis of lupus, and then of Moschcowitz's disease leading to a fatal outcome. The main points discussed relate to diagnostic difficulties to enable distinction between the two diseases. A thrombotic thrombopenic purpura during the second phase of the disease showed a characteristic microangiopathy associated with a non-autoimmune hemolytic anemia and a schizocytosis: two forms of the affection are recognized, one with a chronic and one with an acute course. The latter, which has a fulminating progression leading to death, was that described in the case reported.
Three cases treated by medical means are reported, and reports in the published literature briefly reviewed. --Anatomically the temporal styloid process is related to four main structures : the carotid artery and vein, and the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves. --Hypotheses as to the pathogenesis of these lesions are based on clinical findings. The anomalies may be discovered : 1) On radiological examination. 2) Present as pain in the tonsillar region radiating to the neck. 3) Fronto-orbital or temporo-occipital headaches. 4) Sudden repetitive bouts of syncope. --Therapy includes psychotherapy, local infiltration of an anesthetic, or removal of a fragment of the calcified styloid process by a cervical or pharyngeal approach.