Intra-parotid facial nerve path by MRI tractography: radio-clinical comparison in parotid tumors

PURPOSE

The objective of our study was to evaluate the ability of preoperative MRI tractography to visualize and predict the path of the facial nerve with respect to an intra-parotid mass.

METHODS

We performed an observational bicentric study from June 2019 to August 2020. All patients older than 18 years old, treated for a parotid mass with surgical indication, without MRI contraindication and who agreed to participate in the study were enrolled prospectively. All patients underwent a cervico-facial MRI with tractographic analysis. Postprocessed tractography images of the intra-parotid facial nerve were analyzed by two expert radiologists in head and neck imaging. The intraoperative anatomical description of the facial nerve path and its relationship to the mass was performed by the surgeon during the operation, with no visibility on MRI examination results. A statistical study allowed for the description of the data collected as well as the measurement of inter-observer agreement and agreement between tractography and surgery using kappa coefficients.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were included. The facial nerve trunk and its first two divisional branches were visualized via tractography in 93.5% of cases (n = 43). The upper distal branches were visualized in 51.1% of cases (n = 23), and the lower branches were visualized in 73.3% of cases (n = 33). Agreement with the location described per-operatively was on average 82.9% for the trunk, 74.15% for the temporal branch, and 75.21% for the cervico-facial branch.

CONCLUSION

Fiber tractography analysis by MRI of the intra-parotid facial nerve appears to be a good test for predicting the path of the nerve over the parotid mass and could be an additional tool to guide the surgeon in the operative procedure.

Assessment of peak inspiratory flow in the management of acute inspiratory dyspnoea

PURPOSE

Assessment of inspiratory dyspnoea associated with upper airway obstruction is based on subjective clinical and nasal fibreoptic laryngoscopy (NFL) signs. The aim of this study was to determine whether peak inspiratory flow (PIF) measurement could indicate the need for upper airway release surgery in patients with acute inspiratory dyspnoea during emergency.

METHODS

A retrospective single-institution study (February 2018-March 2020) of 48 patients with acute inspiratory dyspnoea and PIF measurement (Peak Flow In-Check Dial G16^®-Harlow-England) was conducted. The surgical decision was based on the clinical evaluation of the patient's respiratory tolerance and NFL.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in this study. Thirty-five patients underwent surgery (PIF: 36 L/min), and 13 patients did not (PIF: 58 L/min) (p = 0.0009). Three of these 13 patients underwent an operation later (PIF value: 42 L/min versus 63 L/min for the 10 others [p = 0.25]).

CONCLUSION

PIF measurement is a quantitative, objective, inexpensive, non-invasive, and quick test that is potentially useful for general practitioners, mobile medical teams, or for ear-nose-and-throat specialists. A threshold of 42 L/min can help doctors in emergency decision making to refer patients to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist to release the upper airway and perform surgery or to choose medical monitoring for patients with emergency inspiratory dyspnoea.

Influence of postoperative radiotherapy target volumes in unilateral head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary: A multicentric study using propensity score

OBJECTIVE

To compare the impact of two radiation modalities on loco-regional control, survival and tumour emergence, after node dissection for an unilateral head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (HNCUP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a multicentric retrospective study of 138 patients with unilateral HNCUP treated between 2002 and 2017. The absence of primary tumour was assessed by a systematic panendoscopy and positron emission tomography. Neck dissection was initially performed for all patients. Radiation Therapy was delivered on ipsilateral lymph node areas in 62 cases (44%: UL-RT group) and on bilateral lymph node areas and the entire pharyngeal mucosa in 77 cases (56%: COMP-RT group). Impact of radiation modalities on locoregional control and overall survival was assessed using propensity score matching method in order to balance baseline characteristics between the two groups.

RESULTS

The population included 80.4% men, 80.4% smokers, 32.6% P16 positive tumours and 71.0% extracapsular extension. After a median follow-up of 5 years, the locoregional control rate was 80.3% in the UL-RT group and 75.3% in the COMP-RT group (p = 0.688). The corresponding rate of contralateral lymph node recurrence was 0% versus 2.6% (p = 0.503) and the rate of tumour emergence was 11.5% versus 9.1% (p = 0.778). No significant difference was observed between the UL-RT and the COMP-RT groups for overall survival (p = 0.9516), specific survival (p = 0.4837) or tumour emergence (p = 0.9034).

CONCLUSION

UL-RT seems to provide similar outcomes as COMP-RT in unilateral HNCUP post-operative management.

Predictive Value of Early Post-Treatment Diffusion-Weighted MRI for Recurrence or Tumor Progression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Chemo-Radiotherapy

Aims: To investigate the predictive capacity of early post-treatment diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for recurrence or tumor progression in patients with no tumor residue after chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and, to assess the predictive capacity of pre-treatment diffusion-weighted MRI for persistent tumor residue post-CRT. Materials and Method: A single center cohort study was performed in one French hospital. All patients with squamous cell carcinoma receiving CRT (no surgical indication) were included. Two diffusion-weighted MRI were performed: one within 8 days before CRT and one 3 months after completing CRT with determination of median tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Main outcome: The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Results: 59 patients were included prior to CRT and 46 (78.0%) completed CRT. A post-CRT tumor residue was found in 19/46 (41.3%) patients. In univariate analysis, initial ADC was significantly lower in patients with residue post CRT (0.56 ± 0.11 versus 0.79 ± 0.13; p < 0.001). When initial ADC was dichotomized at the median, initial ADC lower than 0.7 was significantly more frequent in patients with residue post CRT (73.7% versus 11.1%, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, only initial ADC lower than 0.7 was significantly associated with tumor residue (OR = 22.6; IC [4.9–103.6], p < 0.0001). Among 26 patients without tumor residue after CRT and followed up until 12 months, 6 (23.1%) presented recurrence or progression. Only univariate analysis was performed due to a small number of events. The only factor significantly associated with disease progression or early recurrence was the delta ADC (p = 0.0009). When ADC variation was dichotomized at the median, patients with ADC variation greater than 0.7 had time of disease-free survival significantly longer than patients with ADC variation lower than 0.7 (377.5 [286–402] days versus 253 [198–370], p < 0.0001). Conclusion and relevance: Diffusion-weighted MRI could be a technique that enables differentiation of patients with high potential for early recurrence for whom intensive post-CRT monitoring is mandatory. Prospective studies with more inclusions would be necessary to validate our results.

Head and neck cancer during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cancer during pregnancy is low but is slightly increasing. Data on incidence and etiology of head and neck (HN) cancers in pregnant women are rare. We evaluated the frequency, tumor type, associated factors, and specific biomarkers in HN cancers occurring in pregnant (and peripartum) women.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, for any HN tumor site occurring in pregnant women.

RESULTS

Sixty cases of HN cancers occurring during pregnancy were identified. Most of them were oral cavity cancers. Relationships with oncogenic viruses, hormonal disturbance, and shift in maternal immunity profile were identified.

CONCLUSION

Carcinogenesis of HN cancers in pregnant women may be led by different cancer type-specific hallmarks. Relevance of these etiological factors with respect to treatments and birth control recommendations is being investigated by the REFCOR in an ambispective study.

Long-term quality of life and psycho-social outcomes after oropharyngeal cancer surgery and radial forearm free-flap reconstruction: A GETTEC prospective multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term quality of life (QoL) and psycho-social outcomes, and to determine their predictive factors after oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) surgery and radial forearm free-flap (RFFF) reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone OPC surgery and RFFF reconstruction who were still alive and disease-free at least 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this prospective multicentric study. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core (QLQ-C30) and Head and Neck Cancer (QLQ-H&N35) QoL questionnaires, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The level of dysphagia was evaluated using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) and the Dysphagia Outcomes and Severity Scale (DOSS). Predictive factors of these clinical outcomes were determined in univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients were included in this study. Long-term QoL and functioning scales scores were well-preserved (all superior to 70%). Main persistent symptoms were fatigue, reduced sexuality and oral function-related disorders (swallowing, teeth, salivary and mouth-opening problems). HADS anxiety and depression scores were 7.2 and 5.4, respectively. Twenty-one (36%) patients presented an anxiodepressive disorder (HADS global score ≥ 15). Among the 21 patients who were still working before surgery, 11 (52%) had returned to work at the time of our study. The HADS global score (p < 0.001) was the main predictor of QoL, VHI-10 and DOSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological distress is the main determinant of long-term QoL and is therefore of critical importance in the multidisciplinary management of OPC patients.

[Adult orbital tumors]

Orbital tumors are a rather frequent pathology. Their diagnosis and treatment may be difficult. They can be benign or malignant. All the tissues of the orbit can give rise to a tumor, resulting in their large number. Among the benign tumors, we have meningiomas and cavernous hemangiomas, and for the malignant tumors, lymphomas, metastasis, ENT tumors and lacrimal gland tumors in the adult. Usually the signs are nonspecific, with proptosis, oculomotor disturbance, inflammatory signs, pain and sometimes a mass. Imaging (CT, MRI and color Doppler ultrasound) shows the tumor, its location, extent and possible metastases. Biopsy and anatomic and cytopathologic examination confirm the type of benign or malignant tumor. Based on these three elements: clinical appearance, imaging and histology, the tumor will be treated, usually by a surgical approach according to the recommendations of a multidisciplinary tumor conference. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may supplement the treatment.

Prophylactic neck dissection for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers: Risk-benefit analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefit of neck dissection is the subject of debate in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We analyze the risk-benefit of neck dissection for low-risk DTC without detectable lymph nodes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study from 1983 to 2003; which included 295 patients without detectable lymph nodes who were treated by thyroidectomy with (C+) or without (C-) neck dissection. All patients had iodine131 therapy. We compared the frequency of remission, disease progression, and permanent complications between groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred twelve patients comprised the C+ group, and 83 patients the C- group. Respectively for C+ versus C-, remission rates were 92% versus 89.2% (p = .40), and progressive disease observed was 3.3% versus 7.2% (p = .10). Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 15.1% in C+ versus 3.6% in C- (p = .006).

CONCLUSION

The risk-benefit analysis of neck dissection in patients with low-risk DTC shows no benefit in terms of complete remission or occurrence of progression. However, risk of complications seems to be higher in patients with neck dissection. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1091-1096, 2016.

Endoscopic management of idiopathic tracheal stenosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis (ITS) is a rare condition representing a difficult therapeutic challenge. Endoscopic management is a therapeutic option but long-term results are not established. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to analyze long-term outcome after endoscopic management of ITS.

METHODS

Nine institutions involved in interventional bronchoscopy were contacted and asked to identify ITS endoscopically treated. A standard form was used to report the main characteristics and long-term outcome after endoscopic management.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients, 96% women, aged 45±16 years, were endoscopically treated for ITS. Time between first symptoms and diagnosis was 19±18 months. Bronchoscopy showed a weblike (61%) or complex (39%) stenosis, located in the upper part of the trachea, mainly in the cricoid area. Endoscopic treatment included mechanical dilation only (52%) or associated with laser or electrocoagulation (30%) and stent placement (18%). All procedures were efficient. The follow-up after endoscopic management was 41±34 months. The ITS recurrence occurred in 30% at 6 months, 59% at 2 years, and 87% at 5 years, with a delay of 14±16 months. The treatment of recurrence (n=13) included endoscopic management in 12 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic management of ITS provides a safe and efficient therapeutic option but late recurrences are frequent and require long-term follow-up.

Radiothérapie postopératoire des cancers laryngés classés N0

PURPOSE

A retrospective study to re-assess the indications for postoperative radiation therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx staged N0 after gross resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1975 and December 2000, 166 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx were treated by total laryngectomy with or without neck dissection. Surgery was completed by external radiotherapy delivering 45 to 65 Gy to the tumour bed and 45 to 50 Gy to cervical lymphatic chains. Minimal follow-up was 36 months and median follow-up was 98 months.

RESULTS

The rate of nodal recurrence was 6% (median time for relapse was 9 months). The survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years were 93.5, 84, 80 and 69% respectively, with a 8 year 3 month median survival. The univariate analysis showed 4 parameters, which significantly increased the risk of local recurrence: the medical necessity for immediate tracheotomy, the subglottic involvement, the involvement of the whole larynx and the presence of lymphatic embols in the neck dissection. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with or without a neck dissection. Fifty-nine secondary cancers were observed, 15 of them occurring in the head and neck area. The late complications consisted of cervical subcutaneous fibrosis (7%), oesophageal stricture (4%), oeso-tracheal fistula (l%), hypothyroidism (3%), bone necrosis (1%).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic cervical radiotherapy in laryngeal cancers resulted in 6% cervical node recurrence rate. This value may represent the maximal rate to accept if one would favour new therapeutic strategies based on restricted indications for radiotherapy.

Prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

On the basis of epidemiological data, an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) infection and head and neck cancer might be suggested. The aim of the present study was to detect Cp-DNA within tumour tissue specimens by a two-step polymerase chain reaction. Investigation was planned on the Fleming's procedure for early termination when initial results were extreme. So, after ten consecutive patients, only one tumour contained Cp-DNA. Hence the prevalence could be regarded as inferior to 60% (2a=b=0.08), the threshold under which a direct role of Cp in head and neck cancer development does not seem to be likely.

New approach to pre-therapeutic prognosis in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The Bleomycin (BLM)-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), from patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), cultured in vitro with PHA, was tested as a predictive indicator of the survival time. The rates of the PBMC BLM-induced apoptosis and of the cycling-PBMCs, measured respectively after Giemsa- and Feulgen-staining were determined in 25 patients before induction chemotherapy. By using the Cox model, the survival probability was significantly and independently increased for a high percentage of PBMC BLM-induced apoptosis and a high rate of cycling PBMCs. (Chi-2(2): 10; p=0.007). Six patients, in whom both PBMC variables were simultaneouly greater than the median values, showed a median survival time as long as 60 months versus 10 months for the other 19. Conclusively, the PBMC susceptibility to BLM-induced apoptosis as well as the PBMC capability for cycling may be regarded as independent pretherapeutic prognosis factors for patients with advanced SCCHN.

Early death during initial chemotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the oro- or hypopharynx

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy produces high response rates in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck without increasing the survival time. Furthermore authors have observed a death rate of about 5% (up to 10%) during chemotherapy. A series of patients with an oro- or hypo-pharynx cancer, were retrospectively divided into two groups on the basis of a short (< or = 2 months) or long (> or = 2 years) survival time. Clinical, tumoral and usual biological data from either group were compared. By univariate analysis, obesity index, hemoglobin, albumin concentrations and mononuclear cell counts were lower in patients with a short survival time compared with those in the other group. On the contrary, polymorphonuclear cell and platelet counts were higher. Infection appeared to be more frequent for patients with a poor prognosis without being entirely responsible for early death. By multivariate analysis, obesity index and platelet count were both independent variables associated with prognosis. These results call for further investigation of cardiac function, inflammatory, nutritional and immunological status of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who were given initial chemotherapy, particularly Cisplatin and Fluorouracil.

Prognostic significance of routine clinical and laboratory data in advanced head and neck cancers

Predictive factors for toxicity and response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced head and neck cancer are seldom reported. Therefore, from a short series of patients with a histologically proven cancer, who were treated by a neo-adjuvant protocol with cisplatin and fluorouracil, routine clinical and laboratory data were investigated. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and Hb (hemoglobin) appeared to be predictive for efficacy. By multivariate analysis (principal component analysis), these laboratory data were involved in two independent axes: one which was considered as "inflammatory" and the other as "hepatic". Initial obesity indices were associated with the former. The predictive variables for toxicity (i.e. age, serum creatinine level, weight loss and plasma cisplatin) were probably biased in this series. Nevertheless cisplatin concentration regularly increased in each cycle. Hence it was dependent on the rank of the course. According to this preliminary study, it would be of interest to conduct future investigations on acquired protein-energy malnutrition, as well as on selected soluble mediators of cellular and humoral immune response.