Results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural tumors of the larynx in children

The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of partial laryngectomy for benign neural tumors of the larynx. We reviewed 8 patients with laryngeal involvement -- 7 with neurofibromatosis and 1 without -- treated between 1980 and 1994. The mean age was 6.5 years. A partial laryngectomy was performed in 7 cases. All the tumors were located in the aryepiglottic folds. Clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic follow-ups were used for evaluating recurrence. A good laryngeal airway, swallowing without aspiration, and voice quality were sought in assessing the functional results. Five patients had good functional results with no recurrences. One patient died of malignant transformation and metastatic dissemination of his disease. To summarize, partial laryngectomy is a relatively safe and effective procedure, even in childhood, for treating this rare localization of neurofibromatosis. A malignant transformation of the tumor is possible and carries a poor prognosis.

Vagus nerve imaging with ultrasound: anatomic and in vivo validation

To provide the anatomic basis and demonstrate the reproducibility of ultrasound studies for the identification of the vagus nerve within its course in the carotid sheath in the neck, cadaveric and in vivo imaging studies were conducted. On transverse B-mode images of the neck, there is a centrally hypoechoic and peripherally hyperechoic structure between the common carotid artery and the jugular vein inside the carotid sheath. This structure was also identified in a fresh, nonpreserved cadaver and was marked with a hypodermic needle by means of a transdermal approach. Neck dissection was performed leaving the carotid sheath intact. B-mode imaging yielded detailed anatomic information about the structures in the carotid sheath. Further dissection showed the vagus nerve as the target of the needle. One hundred consecutive transverse carotid scans were reviewed, and the characteristic echo patterns of the vagus nerve were identified in 97 instances. A distinct and reproducible, round, hypoechoic structure was defined adjacent to the common carotid artery and jugular vein as the vagus nerve. On the basis of this study, a new, noninvasive, and highly reproducible method to locate the vagus nerve in the carotid sheath is introduced. This may lead to further clinical application such as presurgical localization or ultrasound-guided needle studies. Stimulation of the vagus nerve has been proposed for seizure therapy. The diagnosis of vagus nerve tumors may be improved.