Le carcinome adénoïde kystique des glandes salivaires accessoires: Particularités cliniques et modalités thérapeutiques / Adenoid cystic carcinoma of accessory salivary glands: clinical features and therapeutic modalities

Objectif: Etudier les particularités cliniques des carcinomes adénoïdes kystiques des glandes salivaires accessoires et discuter les modalités thérapeutiques de ce type tumoral. Patients et méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive ayant colligé 11 patients présentant un carcinome adénoïde kystique (CAK) des glandes salivaires accessoires (GSA) pris en charge dans notre département sur une période de 20 ans. Résultats: L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 51 ans avec un sex ratio à 0,83. Le délai moyen de consultation était de 20 mois. Le site tumoral était: la cavité buccale dans 3 cas, le massif facial et le cavum dans 6 cas, la trachée et le larynx dans 2 cas. Les motifs de consultation étaient variables selon le site tumoral. L'extension péri neurale était objectivée dans 3 cas. Le traitement était chirurgical suivi de radiothérapie chez 5patients. Une radiothérapie exclusive a été indiquée chez 3 patients et une radio chimiothérapie concomitante dans 3 cas. Un recul moyen de 42 mois a pu être obtenu pour 10 patients. Une patiente a été perdue de vue. L'évolution était favorable avec absence de récidive locale chez 8 patients. Conclusion: Le traitement de référence reste une chirurgie d'exérèse large, suivie de radiothérapie adjuvante. L'imagerie est indispensable pour le bilan d'extension locorégional et à distance qui conditionne l'attitude thérapeutique

Anatomical study of jugular foramen in the neck / Estudo anatômico do forame jugular no pescoço

Abstract Introduction The anatomical complexity of the jugular foramen makes surgical procedures in this region delicate and difficult. Due to the advances in surgical techniques, approaches to the jugular foramen became more frequent, requiring improvement of the knowledge of this region anatomy. Objective To study the anatomy of the jugular foramen, internal jugular vein and glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves, and to identify the anatomical relationships among these structures in the jugular foramen region and lateral-pharyngeal space. Methods A total of 60 sides of 30 non-embalmed cadavers were examined few hours after death. The diameters of the jugular foramen and its anatomical relationships were analyzed. Results The diameters of the jugular foramen and internal jugular vein were greater on the right side in most studied specimens. The inferior petrosal sinus ended in the internal jugular vein up to 40 mm below the jugular foramen; in 5% of cases. The glossopharyngeal nerve exhibited an intimate anatomical relationship with the styloglossus muscle after exiting the skull, and the vagal nerve had a similar relationship with the hypoglossal nerve. The accessory nerve passed around the internal jugular vein via its anterior wall in 71.7% of cadavers. Conclusion Anatomical variations were found in the dimensions of the jugular foramen and the internal jugular vein, which were larger in size on the right side of most studied bodies; variations also occurred in the trajectory and anatomical relationships of the nerves. The petrosal sinus can join the internal jugular vein below the foramen.

Resumo Introdução A complexidade anatômica do forame jugular torna a realização de procedimentos cirúrgicos nessa região delicada e difícil. Devido aos avanços obtidos nas técnicas cirúrgicas, as abordagens do forame jugular têm sido feitas com maior frequência, o que requer uma melhoria correspondente no conhecimento de sua anatomia. Objetivo Estudar a anatomia do forame jugular, da veia jugular interna e dos nervos glossofaríngeo, vago e acessório, assim como as relações anatômicas entre estas estruturas na região do forame jugular e no espaço parafaríngeo. Método Foram examinados 60 lados de 30 cadáveres frescos algumas horas após a morte. Os diâmetros e suas relações anatômicas foram analisados. Resultados Os diâmetros do forame jugular e da veia jugular interna foram maiores no lado direito na maioria dos espécimes estudados. O seio petroso inferior terminava na veia jugular interna até 40 mm abaixo do forame jugular, em 5% dos casos. O nervo glossofaríngeo exibiu uma relação íntima anatômica com o músculo estiloglosso após a sua saída do crânio e o nervo vago exibiu uma relação semelhante com o nervo hipoglosso. O nervo acessório passou em torno da veia jugular interna via sua parede anterior em 71,7% dos cadáveres. Conclusão Foram encontradas variações anatômicas nas dimensões do forame jugular e da veia jugular interna, que apresentaram tamanhos maiores à direita na maioria dos espécimes estudados; variações também ocorreram na trajetória e nas relações anatômicas dos nervos. O seio petroso pode se unir à veia jugular interna abaixo do forame.

Spinal Accessory Neuropathy Secondary to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Spinal accessory neuropathy (SAN) is commonly caused by an iatrogenic procedure, and that caused by tumors is very rare. We present a case of a 49-year-old man suffering from weakness in the right trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle. An electrophysiology study confirmed proximal SAN. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma compressing the right spinal accessory nerve. Ultrasonography showed definite atrophy on the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. In addition, post-chemotherapy FDG-PET/CT showed increased FDG uptake in the right upper trapezius, suggestive of denervation. This is the first report of SAN caused by direct compression by a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, comprehensively assessed by an electrophysiology study, ultrasonography, and FDG-PET/CT.

Level V Clearance in Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Need for Homogeneous Studies

Abstract Introduction Papillary thyroid carcinoma has a very high rate of lateral neck node metastases, and there is almost unanimity concerning the fact that some sort of formal neck dissection must be performed to address the clinical neck disease in these cases. Although there is an agreement that levels II to IV need to be cleared in these patients, the clearance of level V is debatable. Objectives We herein have tried to analyze various papers that have documented a structured approach to neck dissection in these patients. Moreover, we have also tried to consider this issue through various aspects, like spinal accessory nerve injury and the impact of neck recurrence on survival. Data Synthesis The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), and Ovid databases were searched for studies written in English that focused on lateral neck dissection (levels II-IV or II-V) for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Case reports with 10 patients or less were excluded. Conclusions The current evidence is equivocal whether to clear level V or not, and the studies published on this issue are very heterogeneous. Level II-IV versus level II-V selective neck dissections in node-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma patients is far from categorical, with pros and cons for both approaches. Hence, we feel that there is a need for more robust homogeneous data in order to provide an answer to this question.

Apparent origin of glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves: an aspect to consider in human neuroanatomy teaching / El origen aparente de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio: un aspecto para considerar en la enseñanza de neuroanatomía humana

In various neuroanatomy texts and articles related to this area of knowledge, there is a conceptual vacuum associated with the precise sites where the roots of the cranial nerves emerge. The objective of the study was to establish the exact location of the apparent origin of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory cranial nerves in the medulla oblongata of the human being 120 human brainstems, previously fixed in formalin solution at 10 % were assessed, the location where such nerve roots emerge was identified by direct examination and once the piamater was removed at both right and left sides as it has been stated in the literature. It was found that in 100 % of the studied brainstems their nerve roots emerge on average at about 2.63 mm behind the retro-olivary groove, different to what has been stated in the literature. Glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory human nerves do not emerge directly from the retroolivary groove, as commonly reported; instead, they emerge behind the said groove, specifically in the retro-olivary groove area, where they form a continuous line of nerve roots.

En diversos textos de neuroanatomía y artículos relacionados con esta área del conocimiento, se evidencia un vacío conceptual asociado con los sitios precisos por donde emergen los pares craneales. El objetivo de este estudio fue stablecer la ubicación exacta del origen aparente de los nervios craneales glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio en el bulbo raquídeo de 120 tallos cerebrales humanos, previamente fijados en solución de formalina al 10 %. Fueron evaluados, el lugar donde surgen tales raíces nerviosas se identificó mediante examen directo y una vez que se retiró la piamadre tanto en el lado derecho como en el izquierdo como se ha dicho en la literatura. Se encontró que en el 100 % de los troncos cerebrales estudiados, sus raíces nerviosas emergen en promedio a unos 2,63 mm detrás del surco retroolivar, diferente a lo que se ha dicho en la literatura. Los nervios humanos glosofaríngeos, vago y accesorio no emergen directamente de la ranura retroolivar, como se informa comúnmente, sino que emergen detrás de dicha ranura, específicamente en el área de surco retroolivar, donde forman una línea continua de raíces nerviosas.

Parálisis del XI par craneal secundaria a enfisema subcutáneo por uso de pieza de mano de alta velocidad en cirugía de terceros molares / Paralysis of the XI cranial nerve following subcutaneous emphysema by use of high speed handpiece in third molar surgery

Introducción: La cirugía de los terceros molares es el procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuentemente realizado por los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales, que a pesar de contar con una vasta experiencia y entrenamiento en el área quirúrgica pueden presentarse complicaciones transoperatorias y postoperatorias. Cuando éste es realizado por un cirujano dentista de práctica general las complicaciones pueden aumentar. Presentación de caso clínico: Se trata de un paciente de 25 años de edad sometido a extracción quirúrgica de terceros molares por un dentista de práctica general, el cual realiza procedimiento quirúrgico con uso de pieza de mano de alta velocidad. Tres días posteriores al evento quirúrgico el paciente acude al Departamento de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado por presentar edema, infl amación y crepitación en región bucal, maseterina y submandibular derecha, así como limitación a la apertura bucal de 25 mm. En tomografía computarizada contrastada se obs erva desviación de la vía aérea hacia el lado izquierdo. Se decide manejó del proceso infeccioso y de enfi sema subcutáneo con farmacoterapia y drenaje del mismo. Una vez remitido el enfi sema subcutáneo, en la cuarta semana de evolución el paciente refi ere limitación a la abducción del hombro derecho, observándose atrofi a del músculo trapecio y esternocleidomastoideo ipsilateral, correspondiente a lesión del XI par craneal. Discusión: La lesión del nervio accesorio (XI par craneal) ocasiona parálisis del músculo trapecio, principal estabilizador de la escápula que contribuye en los movimientos de fl exión, rotación y abducción del hombro. El trayecto del XI par craneal es superfi cial en el triángulo posterior del cuello presentando susceptibilidad a ser lesionado de manera iatrogénica, en este caso la utilización de pieza de mano de alta velocidad durante la extracción quirúrgica de los terceros molares generó enfi sema subcutáneo que condicionó la posible compresión del nervio accesorio, lesionando al mismo (AU)

Introduction: The third molar surgery is the most frequent surgical procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who despite their vast experience and training in the surgical area can present transoperatory and postoperative complications. When the oral surgery is done by a general practice dentist the complications can be increased. Case presentation: A 25-year-old male patient undergoing third molar surgery by a general practice dentist who performs a surgical procedure using a high-speed handpiece. Three days after the surgical procedure patient comes to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers by present edema, swelling and crepitus in buccal space, masseteric and right submandibular region and limitation of mouth opening of 25 mm. Contrast computed tomography shows airway deviation to the left side. We decided to manage the infectious process and subcutaneous emphysema with antibiotic therapy and drainage. After subcutaneous emphysema was in remission, in the fourth week of evolution, the patient reported limitation of abduction of the right shoulder, with atrophy of the trapezius muscle and ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid, corresponding to a lesion of the XI cranial nerve. Discussion: Accessory nerve injury (XI cranial nerve) causes palsy of the trapezius muscle, the major stabilizer of the scapula that contributes to the fl exion, rotation and abduction movements of the shoulder. The trajectory of the XI cranial nerve is superfi cial in the posterior triangle of the neck presenting susceptibility to iatrogenic injury, in this case, the use of high-speed handpiece during the surgical extraction of the third molars, caused subcutaneous emphysema that conditioned the possible compression of the spinal nerve (AU)

Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury Induced by Manipulation Therapy: A Case Report

Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury mostly occurs during surgical procedures. SAN injury caused by manipulation therapy has been rarely reported. We present a rare case of SAN injury associated with manipulation therapy showing scapular winging and droopy shoulder. A 42-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic complaining of pain and limited active range of motion (ROM) in right shoulder and scapular winging after manipulation therapy. Needle electromyography and nerve conduction study suggested SAN injury. Physical therapy (PT) three times a week for 2 weeks were prescribed. After a total of 6 sessions of PT and modality, the patient reported that the pain was gradually relieved during shoulder flexion and abduction with improved active ROM of shoulder. Over the course of 2 months follow-up, the patient reported almost recovered shoulder ROM and strength as before. She did not complain of shoulder pain any more.

Bilateral sternocleidomastoid variant with six distinct insertions along the superior nuchal line / 대한해부학회지

Anatomical variations of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) have been observed to occupy multiple origins and insertion points and have supernumerary heads, sometimes varying in thickness. During routine dissection, a SCM was observed to have six distinct insertions that interface with the course of the superior nuchal line, ending at the midline, bilaterally. This variation was also seen to receive innervation from the accessory nerve as well as the great auricular nerve. To our knowledge, this variant of supernumerary insertions and nerve innervations has not yet been reported. These variants may pose as problematic during surgical approaches to the upper neck and occiput, and should thus be appreciated by the clinician. Herein we discuss the case report, possible embryological origins, and the clinical significance of the observed variant SCM.

High-resolution Imaging of Neural Anatomy and Pathology of the Neck

The neck has intricately connected neural structures, including cervical and brachial plexi, the sympathetic system, lower cranial nerves, and their branches. Except for brachial plexus, there has been little research regarding the normal imaging appearance or corresponding pathologies of neural structures in the neck. The development in imaging techniques with better spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio has made it possible to see many tiny nerves to predict complications related to image-guided procedures and to better assess treatment response, especially in the management of oncology patients. The purposes of this review is to present imaging-based anatomy of major nerves in the neck and explain their relevant clinical significance according to representative pathologies of regarded nerves in the neck.

A tribute to Wartenberg's refined neurological examination / Um tributo ao refinado exame neurológico de Wartenberg

ABSTRACT Robert Wartenberg was a renowned 20th century neurologist who contributed greatly to our understanding of the neurological examination. This article aims to illustrate his legacy by highlighting five seminal neurological signs.

RESUMO Robert Wartenberg foi um renomado neurologista do século XX que contribuíu enormemente para o entendimento do exame neurológico. Este artigo tem como objetivo principal ilustrar seu legado, ressaltando cinco sinais neurológicos seminais.

Parálisis obstétrica del plexo braquial: resultados preliminares de la transferencia del nervio espinal accesorio al nervio supraescapular en 10 casos / Accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: prelininary results in 10 cases

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados preliminares en 10 casos de transferencias del nervio espinal accesorio al nervio supraescapular en parálisis obstétricas del plexo braquial. Materiales y Métodos: Entre 2010 y 2012, se realizaron 16 transferencias del nervio espinal accesorio al nervio supraescapular en parálisis obstétricas del plexo braquial. Se incluyeron 10 casos con un seguimiento mínimo de 18 meses. Se evaluó la fuerza muscular del hombro según la escala de Gilbert y se usaron escalas funcionales de Mallet y de Gilbert. Se compararon valores preoperatorios y posoperatorios, así como las diferencias entre parálisis de tipo parcial y total. Se usó la prueba de Student para valorar la significancia estadística de los datos. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 20.9 meses. Se hallaron valores medios preoperatorios de fuerza de abducción de 0,48 M, y posoperatorios de 2,70 M; los valores de rotación externa preoperatorios fueron de 0 M y, al final del seguimiento, de 2,4 M. Todos los pacientes mostraban patrones preoperatorios de tipo 1 tanto de la escala de Mallet como la de Gilbert, con valores posoperatorios promedio de 3,2 y 3,5, respectivamente. Se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre estos valores. Conclusiones: Esta serie presenta valores preliminares con un seguimiento corto y su principal crítica es el bajo número de casos. Los resultados funcionales obtenidos coinciden con los de otros reportes, y avalan su uso en las reconstrucciones del plexo braquial que requieran aporte extraplexual.

Background: To evaluate the preliminary results of spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Methods: Between 2010 and 2012, 16 transfers of spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve were performed in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Ten patients with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were included. Values of muscle power were assessed according to the Gilbert scale, and functional scales of the shoulder (Mallet and Gilbert) were used. Preoperative and postoperative values, and the differences between partial and total paralysis results were compared. Student test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The average follow-up was 20.9 months. Preoperative shoulder abduction power was 0.48 M, preoperative external rotation power was 0 M, and those values at the end of the follow-up were 2.70 M and 2.4 M, respectively. All patients had type 1 patterns of the Gilbert and Mallet scales, with mean postoperative values of 3.2 and 3.5, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between these values. Conclusions: Limitations of this preliminary report are the short follow-up and the low number of cases. However, the functional results obtained are consistent with those from other reports, and they support the use of the spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer in brachial plexus reconstructions requiring an extra-plexual contribution.

Neuromuscular Ultrasound of Cranial Nerves

Ultrasound of cranial nerves is a novel subdomain of neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) which may provide additional value in the assessment of cranial nerves in different neuromuscular disorders. Whilst NMUS of peripheral nerves has been studied, NMUS of cranial nerves is considered in its initial stage of research, thus, there is a need to summarize the research results achieved to date. Detailed scanning protocols, which assist in mastery of the techniques, are briefly mentioned in the few reference textbooks available in the field. This review article focuses on ultrasound scanning techniques of the 4 accessible cranial nerves: optic, facial, vagus and spinal accessory nerves. The relevant literatures and potential future applications are discussed.

Trapezius muscle transfer for external shoulder rotation: anatomical study

Comparar a viabilidade da transferência da porção inferiore transversa do trapézio para o tubérculo maior através de três diferentestécnicas. Métodos: Doze ombros de seis cadáveres foramutilizados. O desfecho primário foi a avaliação da viabilidade da suturada transferência do músculo trapézio para a tuberosidade maior,na topografia da inserção do tendão do infraespinal, com a escápularetraída e o ombro em rotação interna no abdome. Foram realizadastrês diferentes transferências em cada ombro: inserção distal daporção inferior e transversa do trapézio (Grupo 1); porção inferiordo trapézio (Grupo 2); inserção e a origem da porção inferior dotrapézio (Grupo 3). A integridade do nervo acessório antes e depoisdas transferências foi avaliada. Resultados: A transferência foi viávelem 42% (5/12) e 58% (7/12) dos pacientes dos Grupos 1 e 3, respectivamente,sem diferença estatística (Teste de Fisher, p=0,558); NoGrupo 3, encontramos um alto índice de lesão neurológica (11/12).O Grupo 2 que não obteve viabilidade em nenhum caso, sendo atécnica de pior escolha para este tipo de procedimento. Conclusão:Os Grupos 1 e 3 apresentam os melhores resultados quanto à viabilidadede sutura no tubérculo maior, sem a utilização de enxertostendíneos, entretanto, o Grupo 3 apresentou alto índice de lesões donervo espinal acessório. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo Anatômico...

To compare the viability of transferring the lowerand transverse trapezius to the greater tuberosity using threedifferent techniques. Methods: Twelve shoulders from six cadaverswere used. The primary outcome was to assess thesuture viability of the trapezius muscle transfer to the greatertuberosity in the insertion topography of the infraspinatus, withthe arm adducted during internal rotation (hand on the abdomen)and maximum scapular retraction. Three transfers wereapplied to each shoulder: the lower and transverse trapeziusdistal insertion (Group 1); lower trapezius alone (Group 2); andlower trapezius insertion and origin (Group 3). Accessory nerveintegrity was assessed before and after transfers. Results:Sutures were viable in 42% (5/12) and 58% (7/12) on Groups1 and 3, respectively, with no statistically significant difference(Fisher’s test, p=0.558); Group 3 exhibited frequent neurologicinjury (11/12). Group 2 was the least successful; the tendon didnot reach the greater tuberosity, and no sutures were viable.Conclusion: Groups 1 and 3 exhibited the best nongraftingsuture viability to the greater tuberosity; however, Group 3 wasassociated to frequent spinal accessory nerve injury. Level ofEvidence IV, Anatomical Study...

Multiple Cervical Schwannomas Mimicking Metastatic Lymph Nodes from Papillary Thyroid Cancer / 대한갑상선학회지

We report a case of multiple cervical schwannomas mimicking cervical nodal metastasis in a 45-year-old female patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic lesion with irregular contour in the left isthmus of the thyroid gland. A contrast-enhanced CT of the neck showed two well-circumscribed, cystic masses in the left cervical level II. The preoperative results of ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration biopsy from both thyroid and lateral neck masses were papillary thyroid cancer and atypical cell, respectively. Considering clinical and imaging results, the lateral neck masses were suspected to be metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy. During surgery, however, we identified that two lateral neck masses were originated from spinal accessory nerve and cervical plexus. The pathologic examination confirmed that lateral neck masses were typical schwannomas. Before surgery, it is important to make every efforts to discriminate metastatic lymphadenopathy from the cystic neck mass in patients with papillary carcinoma.

Intracisternal Cranial Root Accessory Nerve Schwannoma Associated with Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy

Intracisternal accessory nerve schwannomas are very rare; only 18 cases have been reported in the literature. In the majority of cases, the tumor origin was the spinal root of the accessory nerve and the tumors usually presented with symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension, cerebellar ataxia, and myelopathy. Here, we report a unique case of an intracisternal schwannoma arising from the cranial root of the accessory nerve in a 58-year-old woman. The patient presented with the atypical symptom of hoarseness associated with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy which is noted by needle electromyography, and mild hypesthesia on the left side of her body. The tumor was completely removed with sacrifice of the originating nerve rootlet, but no additional neurological deficits. In this report, we describe the anatomical basis for the patient's unusual clinical symptoms and discuss the feasibility and safety of sacrificing the cranial rootlet of the accessory nerve in an effort to achieve total tumor resection. To our knowledge, this is the first case of schwannoma originating from the cranial root of the accessory nerve that has been associated with the symptoms of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy.

Variation of brachiocephalic muscle in a dog / 동물의과학연구지

The brachiocephalic muscle in domestic mammals is formed as a homology of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the clavicular part of the deltoid muscle since it results from reduction of the clavicle as a clavicular intersection. The cranial insertions of the brachiocephalic muscle vary among species in domestic mammals. In the dog, the brachiocephalic muscle comprises three parts, which arise from the clavicular intersection and insert at the humerus, the dorsal cervical raphe, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. These three parts are named the cleidobrachial muscle, the cervical part of the cleidocephalic muscle, and the mastoid part of the cleidocephalic muscle, respectively. This complexity could confuse veterinarians and complicate surgical procedures in this area. Information about the normal structure of this muscle, and any variation therein, would help to avoid such situations. During dissections of a male cross-breed dog, we found that the brachiocephalic muscle had two bellies located on the mastoid part of the cleidocephalic muscle that extended from the clavicular intersection to the wing of the atlas and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. They were innervated by the accessory nerve and the ventral branches of the second, third, and fifth cervical nerves, and they were supplied by the ascending branch of the superficial cervical artery. These bellies were considered to be a rare variation of the muscle. This is the second report of a brachiocephalic muscle variation in a dog, in which the mastoid part of the cleidocephalic muscle was made of two bellies inserted independently. Such variations should be considered during anatomical dissections and surgical procedures.

Traumatic Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation Presenting With Dysphagia as the Chief Complaint: A Case Report

We report a patient with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation who presented with dysphagia as the chief complaint. A 59-year-old man complained of swallowing difficulty for 2 months after trauma to the neck. On physical examination, there was atrophy of the right sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, and the tongue was deviated to the right. In a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, penetration and aspiration were not seen, food residue remained in the right vallecula and pyriform sinus, and there was decreased motion of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx. Electromyography confirmed a right spinal accessory nerve lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed atlanto-occipital dislocation. Dysphagia in atlanto-occipital dislocation is induced by medullary compression and lower cranial nerve injury. Therefore, in survivors who are diagnosed with atlanto-occipital dislocation, any neurological symptoms should be carefully evaluated.

Spinal Accessory Neuropathy Associated With the Tumor Located on the Jugular Foramen

Spinal accessory neuropathy is commonly caused by iatrogenic injury or secondary to trauma or infection. Nevertheless, the tumor related palsy is rare. We present a case of an 18-year-old male patient suffering from paralysis of his right trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle. An electrophysiologic diagnostic study confirmed the spinal accessory neuropathy of the proximal segment. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging showed the location of tumor on the jugular foramen. However, the type of the tumor was not confirmed through biopsy because the patient refused surgical procedure. Based on the study, it is hypothesized that the tumor located on the jugular foramen should be considered as a cause of the spinal accessory nerve of the proximal segment.

Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Spinal Accessory Nerve: A Unique Presentation of a Rare Tumor

BACKGROUND: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), sarcomas originating from tissues of mesenchymal origin, are rare in patients without a history of neurofibromatosis. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an MPNST of the spinal accessory nerve, unassociated with neurofibromatosis, which metastasized to the brain. The tumor, originating in the intrasternomastoid segment of the spinal accessory nerve, was removed. Two years later, the patient presented with focal neurological deficits. Radiographic findings revealed a well-defined 2.2x2.2x2.2 cm, homogeneously enhancing mass in the left parieto-occipital region of the brain surrounded by significant vasogenic edema and mass effect, culminating in a 1-cm midline shift to the right. The mass was surgically removed. The patient had nearly complete recovery of vision, speech, and memory. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of an MPNST arising from an extracranial segment of the spinal accessory nerve and metastasizing to the brain.

Anatomy and evolution of accessory nerve: cranial or spinal origins?: a review

The accessory nerve is traditionally described as having both spinal and cranial roots, with the spinal root originating from the upper cervical segments of the spinal cord and the cranial root originating from the dorsolateral surface of the medulla oblongata. The spinal and cranial rootlets converge before entering the jugular foramen or within it. This conventional view has been challenged by finding no cranial contribution to the accessory nerve. Clinical, anatomical, functional and evolutionary implications are discussed in the present study.