Masses of developmental and genetic origin affecting the paediatric craniofacial skeleton

[Our experience in the treatment of congenital nasal median heterotopias in children and an overview of various treatment tactics]

Dermoid nasal cysts (congenital nasal median heterotopias) are a rare congenital pathology in children.

OBJECTIVE

Yo consider the clinical picture, methods of radiation diagnosis and to study the surgical results of a dermoid cyst of the nose according to the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of medical histories with the diagnosis of "Dermoid cyst of the back of the nose and nasal cavity, epidermal cyst of the back of the nose, glioma, encephalocele" was conducted from 2017 to 2022 in the Pediatric Otorhinolaryngological Department of the National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia. The case histories were analyzed by the nature of the lesion, the imaging techniques performed, the course of the operation and the results obtained.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 16 medical histories were analyzed, the average age was 4.5 years (range 10 months - 15 years), over the past 5 years with a diagnosis of "Dermoid cyst of the nasal dorsum and nasal cavity, glioma, epidermal cyst of the nasal dorsum, encephalocele". All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative period, 14 patients also underwent computed tomography (CT).

RESULT

Of these, 7 had a confirmed dermoid cyst with a fistula, 3 patients without a fistula, 3 patients had glioma, and 1 had encephalocele, 2 patients had an epidermoid cyst. A fistulous opening of the dermoid cyst of the nasal dorsum and nasal cavity was observed in the upper third of the nasal dorsum in 3 children, in the middle third in 2 patients and in the lower third in 2 children. The article presents a scheme for the characteristics of the lesion and the tactics of surgical treatment in comparison with the data of foreign authors. Intraoperatively, intracranial spread occurred in 6 patients. Various surgical approaches for intracranial proliferation and a corresponding literature review are also presented. Catamnestic follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years (on average, 3.5 years), no relapses or postoperative complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Nasal median heterotopias are a rare congenital anomaly. Preoperative preparation should include CT and MRI to assess the lesion and exclude intracranial spread. The surgical approach depended directly on the localization of heterotopia and its spread. All patients had a good cosmetic result after the surgical treatment performed by us according to the author's method.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Calcitonin Treatment in Children with Cherubism: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Cherubism is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by expansile osteolytic jawbone lesions. The effect and safety of off-label calcitonin treatment during the progressive phase of the disease are not well described. In this retrospective study, we present data on the radiological response and adverse effects of subcutaneously administered calcitonin in a cohort of nine cherubism children (three female, six male). Two of the nine patients underwent two separate treatment courses with a significant off-treatment interval in between; therefore, a total of 11 treatment courses with a mean duration of 17.9 months (range <1 to 35, SD 10.8) were studied. To measure the response, the cumulative volume of cherubism lesions was calculated from available three-dimensional imaging. The primary outcome was the change in the volume of lesions during calcitonin treatment and only assessed for the eight treatment courses with a minimal duration of 6 months. A statistically significant reduction in the mean cumulative volume of lesions was seen regardless of treatment duration. Average volume reduction was highest in the first half year of treatment, with a gradual, ongoing reduction thereafter. For the secondary outcome, the change in the cumulative volume of lesions after treatment cessation was assessed for the seven treatment courses with follow-up imaging available. After six of these seven treatment courses, the cumulative volume increased again but remained undoubtedly smaller than the initial volume at the start of therapy. Adverse effects were assessed for all 11 treatment courses and occurred in 73% of them. Most adverse effects were mild and low grade, with the most severe being one grade 3 symptomatic hypocalcemia requiring hospitalization and early treatment termination. Calcitonin treatment seems effective and tolerable in treating actively progressing cherubism in children. However, further research is required to better understand the pharmacological treatment of cherubism, including also other drugs, dosing, and protocols. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

The Impact of Benign Jawbone Tumors on the Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion in Children: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study

This study aimed to provide a complex analysis of the modifications in craniofacial skeleton development that may arise following the diagnosis of pediatric benign jaw tumors. A prospective study was undertaken involving 53 patients younger than 18 years of age, who presented for treatment at the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, with a primary benign jaw lesion between 2012 and 2022. A total of 28 odontogenic cysts (OCs), 14 odontogenic tumors (OTs), and 11 non-OTs were identified. At follow-up, dental anomalies were identified in 26 patients, and overjet changes were found in 33 children; lateral crossbite, midline shift, and edge-to-edge bite were found in 49 cases; deep or open bite were found in 23 patients. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were found in 51 children, with unilateral TMJ changes identified in 7 cases and bilateral modifications found in 44 patients. Degenerative changes in the TMJ were also diagnosed in 22 pediatric patients. Although benign lesions could be associated with dental malocclusions, a direct etiological factor could be not identified. The presence of jaw tumors or their surgical treatment could, however, be linked to a change of the occlusal relationships or the onset of a TMD.

Acquired Facial, Maxillofacial, and Oral Asymmetries—A Review Highlighting Diagnosis and Management

Facial asymmetry refers to the absence of, or the deviation from the regular mirror image of facial structures, relative to a referenced midline axis. It can be attributed to a wide spectrum of deformities, including congenital, developmental, or acquired conditions, which can originate either prenatally or postnatally. Though highly prevalent, asymmetry commonly goes undiagnosed due to its subtle or relative nature. Among the spectrum of conditions, acquired cases are triggered postnatally, in previously normal individuals, thus subjecting them to sudden, eventful psychological and psychosocial disharmony. When detected early, timely management may help intervene progressive growth of these conditions. This, therefore, emphasizes the need for a thorough diagnostic workup including medical/dental history, clinical examinations, study models, photographic and radiographic records for a case-by-case basis to prevent severe functional and aesthetic complications. Recently, advanced diagnostic procedures, such as stereophotogrammetry, 3D stereolithographic models, skeletal scintigraphy (radionucleotide scans), 3D computed tomographic scans, cone-beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, have provided innovative diagnostic instruments for numerous craniofacial defects. This descriptive review aims at focusing on the factors leading to frequently encountered conditions of acquired facial asymmetry and highlights their clinical evaluation, conservative and surgical interventions by a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians.