[The video head impulse test: first clinical experiences]

BACKGROUND

Side-specific test procedures are mandatory in order to assess the function of peripheral vestibular receptors. Semicircular canals (SCC) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) can be tested by the Halmagyi and Curthoy head impulse test (HIT) and recently by means of the video head impulse test (vHIT). The vHIT procedure is a new method to measure eye and head velocity during brief and rapid head impulses. This method provides objective information of VOR and detects both overt and covert catch-up saccades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As clinical experiences with vHIT are limited, in this study the horizontal VOR (hVOR) was examined by means of the vHIT in 142 consecutive patients with acute or chronic vestibular syndrome.

RESULTS

A total of 20 healthy volunteers served as a control group and exhibited a normal average VOR gain of 0.97 ± 0.09 without re-fixation saccades. In patients, 47.6% showed a pathological vHIT whereas 52.4% revealed a normal test result. Covert catch-up saccades could be revealed in 13.7% by means of vHIT whereas in 86.3% overt catch-up saccades alone or in combination with covert catch-up saccades were found in the majority of catch-up saccades in peripheral vestibular disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

By means of the vHIT it is possible to obtain a side-specific and quantitative assessment of hVOR. Video-head impulse test is a reliable tool for vestibular testing even in bedside examinations of patients suffering from dizziness.

[Isolated functional loss of the lateral semicircular canal in vestibular neuritis]

Today, modern tools in vestibular testing are feasible to provide information about functional status of all five peripheral vestibular receptors. Isolated or combined loss of crista and macula receptor function can be determined in the diagnostic process. We describe a seldom case of isolated functional loss of lateral semicircular canal receptor function in a 55-year-old patient. Whereas there was no ispilateral caloric response and video head impulse test revealed a catch-up saccade, air-conducted (AC) cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP, oVEMP), subjective visual vertical and MRI were normal.

[Receptor function of the semicircular canals. Part 2: pathophysiology, diseases, clinical findings and treatment aspects]

Perturbation of semicircular canal function may result in a pathological angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR). The resulting impairment in gaze stabilization is perceived as "vertigo" or "dizziness" and may occur following receptor function impairment of all three semicircular canals. The head impulse test reveals hidden (covert-catchup) or visible (overt-catchup) saccades in disturbances of semicircular function. Most peripheral vestibular disorders can be treated conservatively. There are surgical treatment options for some diseases, such as intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Vestibular training promotes central reorganization of the VOR. Impaired semicircular receptor function, in particular bilateral vestibulopathy, may affect spatial orientation and cognitive processes. Balance prostheses could serve as a replacement for receptors in the future.

Papilläres Schilddrüsenkarzinom in einer medianen Halszyste

Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common anomaly in thyroid development. The occurrence of carcinoma in a cyst is reported to be about 1% of cases. Histopathological examinations reveal a papillary thyroid carcinoma in about 94% of these. We report the case of 38-year-old female having a massive, cervical cystic mass over a period of 18 months. An ectopic papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed. A total thyoidectomy and bilateral neck dissection were performed. This revealed a small thyroid carcinoma and three positive lymphatic nodes. Whether the cystic carcinoma is the primary or a metastasis of the thyroid carcinomais discussed.

[Risk of nanoparticles?]

Nanotechnology is an "emerging industry" and becomes more widely used. As a result human exposure to nanoparticles is inevitable. Exposure to nanoparticles can affect the upper aerodigestive tract, before particles reach lung, stomach and intestine. The effects of this passage depend on particle size, particle concentration, the kind of the particle and the duration of contact. Only few in-vitro-investigations about effects of the exposition of nanoparticles on the mucous cells of oral cavity, nose and nasal sinuses exist. In-vitro-analysis with cells of nasal mucous membrane exposed to nanoparticles showed a release of mediators involved in inflammation and allergy development. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects could be found for several nanoparticles (e.g. carbon nanotubes) in vitro. Due to different size, structure, chemical and physical properties nanoparticles can not be summarized in a homogenous group; quite the contrary risk evaluation of nanoparticles must be carried out case-related. Today toxicological risks can not be evaluated sufficiently. Biological interactions and tissue permeability of manufactured nanoparticles is a major issue for further investigations. In this report the use and health effects of nanoparticles are overviewed.

[Invasive aspergillosis of the skull base with orbit infiltration]

BACKGROUND

[corrected] Aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses is subdivided into noninvasive and invasive types, depending on invasion of the tissue. The invasive form often occurs in immunodeficient patients and can be divided further into granulomatous, chronic invasive, and acute fulminating forms.

CASE REPORT

We report the clinical course of an immunosuppressed 64-year-old male with invasive aspergillosis originating from the sphenoid sinus with infiltration of the orbit and intracranial extension into the cavernous sinus. The patient was referred to our hospital with loss of vision, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia of 3-month duration. Additionally he suffered from diabetes mellitus II and kidney failure after kidney transplantation. After CT scanning, endonasal sinus debridement and decompression of the orbit were carried out immediately. Histology revealed invasive aspergillosis. Postoperatively, both systemic and local antimycotic therapy and antibiotic treatment were performed. According to recommendations of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, cerebral abscess is a certain indication of hyperbaric oxygenation. We decided to attempt therapy for that as well. The patient died 3 weeks after surgical intervention due to carotid dissection.

CONCLUSION

Invasive aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses and the skull base of immunsuppressed patients is usually lethal because of intracranial complications. Therefore, fast diagnosis using CT and MRI and surgical and antimycotic therapy are necessary.

[Stomal metastases after translaryngeal tracheotomy (TLT) according to Fantoni: a rare complication]

The translaryngeal tracheotomy (TLT) according to Fantoni with rigid endoscopy is well known and easy to execute. In our department we have used this method since 2002. In 17 patients suffering from carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, we performed a TLT. Peri- and postoperative complications were examined. In 17 patients there were no intraoperative complications. As an early complication we found in one case a dislocation of the tracheostomy tube postoperatively. In one patient we observed metastases in the prior TLT stoma as a major late complication. Another patient also probably suffered from metastases in the prior TLT stoma. We did not find tracheoesophageal fistulas or stenosis of the trachea. Iatrogenic neoplastic seeding of squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract is a serious complication. Our experience with these two cases and a review of the literature indicates that in patients with head and neck cancer, pull procedures for placement of TLT tubes may induce metastases by direct implantation of tumor cells because of contact between the TLT tube and the primary tumor cells. TLT according to Fantoni cannot be recommended for the treatment of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods of tube insertion that avoid such contact, e.g., Ciaglia, surgical tracheostomy, should be preferred.

[Tuberculosis of the parotid gland]

The different tumours of the parotid gland can be divided in benign or malignant tumours, regional inflammations and enlarged lymph nodes. We report on a 26-year-old male from Uganda with a slowly growing tumour of the right parotid gland for several months. The CT scan showed a poorly defined intraparotideal tumour. Ultrasonography revealed multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Suspecting a neoplasm of the parotid gland we decided to perform a superficial parotidectomy for histological examination. The pathological analysis revealed a caseous necrosis and epitheloid granulomata containing Langhans giant cells. The polymerase chain reaction could not confirm our suspicion of tuberculosis. The Ziehl-Neelsen staining did not show any acid-proof rods. Only the breeding of the suspicious probes generated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Initially denying any infections the patient admitted to having had tuberculosis that had been treated with antibiotics 2 years previously. Tuberculosis is a rare finding in parotid tumours. It must be considered as a differential diagnosis of parotid enlargements.

[Screening of modified polyethylene surfaces for tissue engineering of chondrocytes]

BACKGROUND

Reconstructive surgery needs high requirements of substitutes for cartilages. The availability of autologous material is limited. The use of implants can cause inflammatory reactions. Therefore the biocompatibility of porous polyethylene should be improved by masking the synthetic surface with autologous cells. The polyethylene surface was functionalized by collagen, in order to enhance the contact between polyethylene and the surrounding cells.

METHODS

The modified surfaces were characterized and tested by an in vitro screening with primary human chondrocytes.

RESULTS

The modification of polyethylene surfaces by collagen coating increased the life time of chondrocytes growing at this surface. The effect was independent of the former functionalization.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to cultivate chondrocytes on polyethylene surfaces. The results have to be proven in a long-term animal experimental study.

Fremdkörperreaktion nach Implantation eines biokompatiblen Osteosynthesesystems

After implantation of resorbable materials for internal fixation, foreign body reactions are described in 0-47% of cases. Copolymers of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) seem to offer better biocompatibility than other materials. One of our patients had a midfacial fracture, which we fixed using a resorbable system based on PLLA-PGA (82%-18%); a foreign body reaction developed after 22 months. When resorbable materials are used it is essential to be aware specifically of the risk of foreign body reactions, especially when the facial area is involved. This risk must be discussed with the patient in some detail during the preoperative period.

Ultrastrukturelle Veränderungen der Nasenschleimhaut des Menschen nach Abusus von topischen α-Sympathomimetika

BACKGROUND

Long-term abuse of decongestive nasal drops causes rhinitis medicamentosa due to cytotoxic and ciliary-toxic effects. Nasal obstruction is caused by rebound swelling when the decongestive effect has disappeared. The patient starts using nasal drops more frequently as a result of tachyphylaxis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tissue samples from human inferior turbinates from 22 patients who had overused decongestive nose drops were taken during nasal surgery and preserved in phosphate-buffered paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. Ultrathin sections were cut. The samples were dehydrated and embedded in Araldit. The findings were photo-documented using a light- and transmission electron microscope. Biopsies from ten patients without chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa were used as controls.

RESULTS

The electron microscopic investigations revealed epithelium showing severe damage corresponding to regions with hyperplastic and metaplastic changes. Loss of ciliated cells was observed. Under a thick basal membrane, ultrastructural changes to the endothelial lining, such as openings and rupture of the basal lamina, were detected. Prominent endothelial cells were conspicuous.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhinitis medicamentosa is a drug-induced injury to human nasal mucosa associated with the prolonged abuse of topical nasal decongestants. Loss and destruction of ciliated epithelial cells are the morphological correlation to the disturbance of mucociliary clearance. Endothelial cells of capillaries, in particular, revealed ultrastructural changes indicative of increased permeability with consecutive interstitial edema.

Counselling versus Selbsthilfemanual bei ambulanten Tinnituspatienten

BACKGROUND

Counselling is a basic psychological intervention for chronic tinnitus the effectiveness of which has not yet been evaluated.

SCIENTIFIC QUESTION

The therapeutic effect of counselling was compared to that of a self-help manual. Outcome was analysed for tinnitus disability, tendency to become chronic, and accompanying psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

A total of 75 tinnitus outpatients were randomly assigned to group counselling (n=35) and self-help (n=40). Tinnitus disability, general psychological disturbances, depression, anxiety, coping and illness beliefs were measured using questionnaires (TQ, SCL-90-R, BDI, BAI, FKV, KKG) administered before and after treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. Psychiatric disorders (DSM-IV) were assessed using the CIDI.

RESULTS

Counselling and the self-help manual had a significant effect on tinnitus disability, showing most profit for participants with a high level of tinnitus distress. The significant reduction in tinnitus distress was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. There was, however, no difference between the two treatment-groups. Effect-sizes for patients with DSM-IV-diagnoses were smaller.

CONCLUSION

For tinnitus outpatients without psychiatric comorbidity, self-help manuals can be an effective first treatment.

Intrakochleäres Schwannom als Ursache für eine Surditas

Inner ear extension caused by schwannomas, which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo, is an extremely rare finding. We report a male patient who presented with progressive hearing loss as well as tinnitus in the right ear. Despite rheologic infusion therapy with glucocorticosteroids at another hospital, the patient showed an explicit hearing loss and vertigo related to the right ear. In the pure tone audiogram, we found complete deafness of the right ear, the equilibriometry with caloric testing showed complete loss of the labyrinth. In the HR-MRI, a structure appeared in ranges of the basal and middle cochlea with enhancement of the contrast medium. From the MRI aspect, this appeared to be a small intracochlear schwannoma. As a differential diagnosis, a chronic granulation is also possible. In agreement with the patient, we decided to control the structure clinically every 6 months using MRI; no further growth of the structure appeared. A precise imaging via HR-MRI is required to detect intracochlear schwannomas. Observation is an appropriate option for patients who have serviceable hearing. Surgical exploration can be recommended in cases of progressive diseases and growth into the inner ear with recurrent vertigo attacks. The option of radiotherapy for the treatment of intrameatal acoustic neurinomas should be considered.

[Idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (orbital pseudotumors): diagnosis and therapy]

BACKGROUND

Pseudotumors of the orbit comprise a group of idiopathic inflammatory processes and are, except for endocrine orbitopathy, the most common reason for exophthalmos in adults. Orbital pseudotumors, also called idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS), can be determined from orbital involvement in systemic fibrosing diseases. Finding the correct diagnosis can be challenging. Due to the topographic relations of the orbit to neighbouring structures, a multidisciplinary cooperation is highly recommended.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a 42-year-old woman with unilateral exophthalmos. Additionally we found impaired motility of the affected bulbus, ptosis and reduction of visual acuity. Orbital MR imaging demonstrated dense fibrotic masses filling the whole orbita including the extraocular muscles as well as the optic nerve. Tissue specimens were extracted while performing orbital decompression via a lateral orbitotomy. Histological examination revealed a lymphatic infiltration and fibrotically destroyed tissue containing the lacrimal gland. After surgical decompression, oral steroid therapy and immunotherapy, a recovery of the visual loss could be seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraorbital fibrosclerosing pseudotumors often require a difficult long-term treatment. Therapeutic options are steroid therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The diagnostic steps include blood tests, ultrasound, CT and/or MRI as well as histological differentiation. Solid tumors and orbital involvement in diseases of the hematopoetic system have to be excluded. Since intraorbital fibrosis can be accompanied by manifestations in various other organs, a complete investigation of the body and thorough follow up are crucial.

Das familiäre Nebenschilddrüsenkarzinom

In contrast to primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease. In patients with hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome, caused by germline mutations in HRPT2, the development of parathyroid carcinoma is estimated to be 10-15%. This review summarizes the clinical and molecular genetic data of about 100 patients in the literature and three of our own cases. Unfortunately, osteofibromas, which might enable timely diagnosis of HPT-JT syndrome, occur in only about 30% of patients; about 80% have uniglandular disease. Based on the current data, a general recommendation to perform prophylactic parathyroidectomy cannot be given. However, thorough screening of patients at risk is mandatory. Of note in patients thought to have sporadic parathyroid carcinoma, germline HRPT2 mutations are found in up to 20%. Hence, any patient with parathyroid carcinoma should undergo HRPT2 mutation analysis.

Gradenigo-Syndrom

Intracranial complications of acute otitis media are rare in the time of a specific antibiotic therapy. We report about the case of a 13-year-old female patient with an incompletely cured otitis media which was followed by a petrous apicitis presenting abducens nerve palsy. She was successfully treated by a combination of surgical intervention, high dose intravenous antibiotics, systemic corticoid-therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

[Orbital foreign bodies -- diagnostics, therapy and management]

BACKGROUND

Orbital foreign bodies constitute an interdisciplinary challenge, diagnosis being especially difficult because of inconspicuous entrance orifices. Indication for the removal of an orbital foreign body has always to be decided upon individually taking into account the benefits and risks resulting from an operation. The latter is particularly indicated if there are acute and chronic functional restrictions or inflammatory reactions either present or to be expected. The objective of our study was to produce systematic guidelines concerning the therapeutic procedure of dealing with orbital foreign bodies with a view to a benefit-risk assessment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over the last ten years ten patients with an orbital foreign body were treated in our Department, four of them requiring acute attention. CTs were taken of all patients. Only in one case additional MRTs were produced. Eight out of ten patients underwent operation, of which seven resulted in a complete removal of the foreign body. In the case of two patients we decided against an operation after interdisciplinary consultation.

RESULTS

In our view the imaging--providing diagnostics by means of computer tomography is the most promising method for determining a foreign body in the orbit. Decision for an operative removal of a foreign body was invariably taken interdisciplinary in cooperation with an ophthalmologist. Surgical approach was chosen in accordance with the localisation of the foreign bodies. None of the patients suffered from a loss of vision or a restriction of functions as a result of the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

In the indication the foreign material is of essential importance. Orbital foreign bodies that have been present in the tissue for a longer time can be allowed to stay, unless loss of functions are progressive. Loss of vision always being a consequence of the initial trauma.

Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus

PURPOSE

Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus represent 1-2% of all paranasal sinus mucoceles. The aim of this paper is to report our experiences in patients with mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In a period of 4 years, we observed six patients in whom a mucocele of the sphenoid sinus was suggested pre- or intraoperatively. Symptoms and signs included headache, visual loss and palsies of the III and VI cranial nerve. All patients were investigated by MRI and/or CT. Imaging findings were compared with operative and/or histological findings.

RESULTS

In three cases there were simple mucoceles, in one case we found a tumour (nasopharyngeal carcinoma) associated mucocele and in two cases, malignant tumours (carcinoma, chordoma) imitated a mucocele. The diagnosis of simple mucoceles was no problem at all by imaging. Difficulties made the two malignant tumours and the tumour associated mucocele. In the first two cases, repeated histological samples were necessary to make the final diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus should be investigated and handled very carefully with regard to differential diagnoses and tumour associated cases.

[Materials used in reconstructive surgery of the orbit]

Orbital traumas and tumour operations may cause defects the operative management of which sets high requirements on the surgeon. For covering defects, transplants or implants are available. There is a risk of inflammation due to the free contact of the implants to the cavity of the inner nose or the sinus. Today, implants made from titanium, porous polyethylene, PDS (poly-p-dioxanon) foils, and ceramic materials are preferred. Alternatively, autogenous transplants can be used. These are immunologically harmless but they are of only limited availability. Moreover, a second operation for taking the transplants with creation of a donor defect is necessary.

[Indications and surgical technique of the endonasal decompression of the optic nerve from an HNO medical viewpoint]

BACKGROUND

Acute and chronic progressive compression of the optic nerve is mostly caused by tumors and trauma. Special knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of the nerve injury is necessary in all clinical disciplines managing optic nerve neuropathy. Hence, the technique, the indications and limitations of the endonasal endoscopic decompression procedure of the optic nerve will be described from an otolaryngological point of view.

METHODS

On the basis of our own experience and the international literature, the indications and limitations of the endonasal-endoscopic approach for optic nerve decompression are described and critically reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of optic nerve neuropathy, especially in cases of severe trauma, remains controversial. Because the data of the present clinical trials are mostly not evidence based, an efficient transfer of relevant guidelines or recommendations into the clinical practice is difficult. Therefore, the indication for optic nerve decompression surgery, especially in traumatic optic nerve neuropathy, must be individualized.

[Management of periorbital and orbital infections]

BACKGROUND

Infections of the orbit and of the periorbital region are not uncommon. Even today they constitute a serious problem, in spite of modern antibiotic treatment, with a potential risk of lethal complications. Orbital infections are most prevalent in children and adolescents. The acute orbit has many causes, but the most frequent is an occurrence secondary to acute rhinosinusitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on clinical cases, different causes and the present state of diagnosis are presented. The discussion deals with therapeutic strategies depending on the stage according to the current classification of orbital inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital and periorbital inflammations represent a demanding challenge for interdisciplinary cooperation between ophthalmologists, ENT specialists and radiologists. In some cases maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons have to be included as well. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may lead to the resolution of the infection and avoid ocular sequel or endocranial complications as well as a fatal outcome.

[Erdheim-Chester disease as differential diagnosis in bilateral exophthalmos]

This report describes the case of a patient who had symmetrical exophthalmos, periorbital xanthelasmas and reduced vision. Next to Wegener's granulomatosis the differential diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease is discussed. It concerns a rare systemic histiocytosis of unknown etiology. Above all, the skeleton system with symmetrical long bone osteosclerosis is affected. Manifestations in the area of the orbit have seldom been reported with bilateral retrobulbar infiltrations, exophthalmos, diplopia, compression of the optic nerve and periorbital xanthelasmas.

Erfahrungen mit einem subperiostalen Plattensystem aus Titan („Ti-Epiplating-System”) zur epithetischen Rehabilitation von Mittelgesichts- und Orbitadefekten

BACKGROUND

Since Tjellstrom introduced in 1977 percutaneous osseointegration, the importance of osseointegrated implants has increased in the head and neck region. Implants and craniofacial surgery technology have been permanently improved and the use of extraoral osseointegration has expanded considerably. The surgical reconstruction of the exenterated orbit provides often only poor aesthetic results. Therefore the rehabilitation of complex midfacial structures is an indication for osseointegrated retained facial prostheses.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

The international literature has been reviewed concerning the topic of osseointegration for the retention of orbital and midfacial prostheses. A new plate-like implant system is introduced. We report about our experiences with the "Ti-Epiplating System".

DISCUSSION

The "Ti-Epiplating System" is available since 2001. For every location in the head and neck there exists a specially shaped plate. The "Ti-Epiplating System" is fixed subperiostally with normal bone screws, the same as used in traumatology. In cases of extended resections with less bone substance left, the application is simplified. The osseointegration time is reduced to a minimum of 6 weeks. Postoperative radiation is possible.

CONCLUSION

The improved application of the "Ti-Epiplating System" is beneficial in the reconstruction of extended craniofacial defects with osseointegrated implants.

[Indications of HR-CT in the early postoperative phase of stapedotomy]

PURPOSE

This is an analysis of high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) performed in patients with and without symptoms after stapes surgery during the early postoperative phase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 37 patients who underwent stapes surgery between January 1995 and December 2000. HR-CT of the temporal bone was performed in axial and coronal planes with 1-mm-slice thickness and table feed. A reoperation was performed in 7 patients. CT findings were compared with clinical follow up and surgical findings.

RESULTS

All patients showed postoperative opacification of the tympanic cavity and external auditory canal as well as partial opacification of the mastoid on CT scans. A dislocation of the prosthesis was found in 11 cases and air bubbles were seen in the vestibule of 5 patients. In one case, small bone fragments were detected in the vestibule. In 6 of 7 cases, CT results were confirmed by retympanotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to overlapping of normal and pathological findings in the early postoperative period, indications for HR-CT are limited in this period.

[The ring-pin anastomosis technique. Long-term clinical experiences with the mechanical ring-pin system for microvascular anastomoses in reconstructive head and neck surgery ]

BACKGROUND

Microvascular anastomosis remains one of the most critical aspects of free tissue transfer. Since microsurgical suture techniques are complicated and time-consuming, other techniques of anastomosis have been created. One of these is the ring-pin system.

METHODS

Between January 1996 and October 2001, 48 patients underwent reconstruction with a free radial forearm flap. In 20 patients the venous anastomosis was carried out using a ring-pin system with end-to-end technique. The clinical results were compared to the other 28 patients in whom the anastomosis was sutured with 9-0 prolene.

RESULTS

In the group using ring-pin anastomosis ( n=20), two flaps showed venous congestion within 24 h postoperatively. After revision the flaps were well perfused. In the other group with sutured vessels ( n=28), a transplant became ischemic in one patient due to venous thrombosis and had to be partly removed. The time of anastomosis was considerably shortened by the use of the ring-pin system.

CONCLUSIONS

The venous end-to-end-anastomosis using the ring-pin system can be carried out relatively easily and rapidly after a comparatively short period of training. Long-term results have shown good tissue tolerance of the material and sufficient blood circulation of the grafts.

Rehabilitation des Schluckverm�gens nach Tumorresektion

BACKGROUND

Patients with supraglottic laryngectomy often complain about persisting dysphagia because the resection includes the most important protective mechanisms of the airway. The additional resection of parts of the tongue base or the lateral hypopharyngeal wall leads to increasing aspiration problems.

PATIENTS AND RESULTS

Reconstruction of the supraglottic region with a free radial forearm flap and septal cartilage in extended oro-hypopharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas was carried out in seven patients from 1997 to 2002. In one patient, the reconstruction was performed in a second stage procedure after extended endoscopic laser resection. In four patients, the temporary tracheostomy was closed, and in five total oral feeding was possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results show that a functional reconstruction of the supraglottic region with a free radial forearm flap and septal cartilage to reconstruct the epiglottis helps to avoid chronic aspiration and to preserve the larynx.

[Sclerotherapy with OK-432 for cystic tumors in the neck region]

BACKGROUND

The intralesional injection of OK-432 has been proposed as an effective treatment of lymphangiomas and ranulas. The aim of this study was to review our experience with sclerotherapy of benign cervical cysts as an alternative method to surgical extirpation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a case note review of six patients who received OK-432 injections in a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml between March 2002 and December 2003.

RESULTS

Disappearance of the lesions was achieved after one to three injections in all patients. We found a complete remission in two of six patients and a marked reduction in four of six patients. There were no significant complications observed.

CONCLUSION

OK-432 is an effective alternative in the treatment of benign cervical cysts, but it is very important to exclude malignancy-associated diseases before instillation of OK-432. Long-term results will be awaited.

Stellenwert der MRT bei Verdacht auf Innenohrmissbildung

PURPOSE

This is a prospective analysis of the value of MRI in suspected inner ear malformations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 50 patients (43 children and young adults, 7 adults) with suspected inner ear malformation MRI (1.5 T) was performed. In addition, 42 of these patients underwent CT. For the analysis of the inner ear structures, the constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence with 0.7 mm slice thickness was used. Functional tests revealed a sensorineural hearing loss or deafness in 82 temporal bones (TB) and a combined hearing loss in 4 TB. The hearing loss was unilateral in 14 patients. MRI and CT findings were compared.

RESULTS

Imaging findings were normal in 58 TB. The pathological findings included inner ear malformations (35 TB), inflammatory changes (4 TB), partial obliteration of labyrinth (2 TB) and congenital aural atresia (1 TB). An isolated absence of the cochlear nerve (1 TB) could only be found by MRI. In the remaining cases, an inner ear malformation was diagnosed by MRI and CT with the same confidence but MRI was superior in displaying the fine details.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI will become the method of choice in the diagnosis of inner ear malformations.

[Pyoderma gangrenosum and orbital pseudotumor]

Pyoderma gangrenosum belongs to the chronic, neutrophilic and necrotic dermatoses. These very painful, inflammable and purulent skin-ulcers often arise after injury or surgical intervention. About half of the patients suffer from systemic disease, for example hematological, gastrointestinal or rheumatic diseases. Our report includes a 77-year-old female with a multilocular emergence of pyoderma gangrenosum following surgery for an orbital pseudotumor. An additional lesion was detected on her anterior neck. Because the possibility of wound-infection was suspected, the lesion was treated locally and with a systemic antibiotic therapy. After this treatment the condition of the wound deteriorated. Upon dermatological examination, pyoderma gangrenosum was identified and a immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and cyclosporin was initiated. As a result of this treatment the lesion healed slowly--with the formation of typical, atrophic and reticular scars. A connection between the pyoderma gangrenosum and the orbital pseudotumor can, on the basis of similar clinical and structural characteristics, not be excluded. A related disease was not diagnosed in this patient. Recurrence can be predicted in patients who have had skin injuries, therefore strict observation is required.