Reconstrução facial forense: estudo antropométrico e antropomórfico da orelha / Forensic facial reconstruction: anthropometric and anthropomorphic study of the ear

O reconhecimento por meio da reconstrução facial forense é possível graças às pesquisas sobre as espessuras dos tecidos moles e características dos anexos faciais (olhos, boca, nariz e orelhas) e, a fidelidade dessas características são essenciais no processo do reconhecimento e posterior identificação. Na literatura científica, poucos trabalhos relacionam as orelhas à reconstrução facial forense. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as particularidades das orelhas, avaliando formato, tamanho, inclinação e posição, propor uma metodologia de classificação com vistas a uma maior reprodutibilidade que a forma atual existente e estabelecer relação com o biotipo facial. Diante da já referida dificuldade em se avaliar o formato da orelha foi elaborada uma abordagem mais objetiva que se mostrou eficaz quando da comparação entre o Índice Kappa (Cohen) realizado entre a forma atual e a forma proposta (de 0,63 para 0,83 intraexaminador e de 0,19 para 0,61 interexaminador). Foi também observada a predominância da orelha do tipo oval da população estudada. Foram avaliadas 99 fotografias de uma amostra de conveniência obtidas em um Pronto Socorro Odontológico particular da zona sul da cidade de São Paulo, composta por indivíduos de ambos os sexos com idade superior a 18 anos. Quanto às mensurações, o ICC intra e interexaminador obtiveram o mesmo resultado de 0,99. A análise comparativa entre os sexos revelou que o sexo masculino possui orelhas maiores quando comparado ao feminino. O estudo da inclinação da orelha em relação ao crânio mostrou um ângulo médio formado entre seu longo eixo e o Plano de Frankfurt de 73º para 76% dos homens e 69,76% das mulheres. Quanto à relação da orelha com outras estruturas, em 81,6% dos casos, o ponto mais superior da orelha coincide com a sobrancelha.

Summary and analysis of total auricle reconstruction in adult microtia patients / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of auricle reconstruction in adult patients with microtia and summarize the experience. Methods: Clinical data of adult patients with microtia who underwent total auricle reconstruction using the modified Nagata's two stage for microtia reconstruction from June 2016 to June 2021 were analyzed. A total of 41 adult patients (42 ears) with microtia were enrolled, including 30 males and 11 females, with the median age at the time of surgery of 37 years. Autogenous costal cartilage was used as the auricular framework for all patients in this group. The first stage surgery was performed according to the modified Nagata's two stage for microtia reconstruction procedure,cartilage auricular framework carving was performed by different methods according to the ossification state of adult costal cartilage. Six months following the primary operation, ear elevation and cranioauricular angle formation, retroauricular facial flap transfer and medium-thick skin grafting were performed in the second stage. Results: All patients successfully completed two stage operation. During the follow-up of 3 months and 24 months, all the 41 patients were satisfied with the morphology of reconstructed auricle. Conclusion: According to the costal cartilage status of adult patients, different costal cartilage carving techniques can be used for total auricle reconstruction to obtain ideal surgical results.

Fístula retroauricular complicada asociada a disgenesia mayor del oído externo. Reporte de un caso / Complicated retroauricular fistula with external ear major dysgenesis. A case report

Las anomalías de las hendiduras y arcos branquiales son la segunda causa más común de lesiones congénitas de cabeza y cuello en niños. Representan el 8% de todas las malformaciones congénitas y el 30% de las de cabeza y cuello. Pueden permanecer asintomáticas o manifestarse como una tumefacción y asociarse a infecciones recurrentes supuradas en la región preauricular, subauricular o retroauricular, en las regiones de la parótida y/o del cuello. Fueron reportados casos asociados a malformaciones óticas.La tomografía computada de alta resolución y la resonancia magnética con gadolinio pueden ayudar al diagnóstico. El tratamiento médico antibiótico está indicado ante una infección aguda, además de incisión y drenaje en los procesos abscedados. El tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico con la extirpación completa de la lesión. Se presenta a un niño de 6 años de edad con infección aguda en la región retroauricular derecha en el oído disgenésico

Branchial cleft anomalies are the second most common congenital head and neck lesions in children. The first congenital head and neck lesion is thyroglossal duct cysts. First branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital head and neck malformations (8% of branchial cleft anomalies).The initial clinical manifestation was recurrent infections and/or discharge in auricular, periauricular, parotid or upper neck regions. These anomalies are extremely rare and other associated facial malformations were described.The computed tomography and magnetic resonance can help the diagnosis. The antibiotic treatment is indicated in acute infection. Also, incision and drainage are recommended in abscessed processes.In this report, we present a case of retroauricular sinus infection in a 6-year-old child with congenital ear anomalies

Ear melanoma: a four-case series

Abstract External ear melanoma is rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are paramount for the patient's survival. Four clinical cases are reported, emphasizing the importance of the routine clinical examination of the ears in the dermatological consultation. The study included male and female patients, aged 60 to 81 years old, with melanocytic lesions in the outer ear, evaluated with detailed physical and dermoscopic examination, leading to the identification of lesions suggestive of melanoma. The cases were treated surgically with excision of the lesion, and the diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological study. The therapeutic approach was instituted early as most cases were diagnosed at an early stage, which directly impacted global survival.

Treatment effect of hemifacial dysplasia by injecting transplantation of autologous tissue in the second stage surgery for total auricle reconstruction / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To observe the treatment effect of hemifacial dysplasia by injecting transplantation of autologous dermis and fat granules in the second stage surgery for total auricle reconstruction. Methods: From March 2013 to March 2018, 57 patients with unilateral microtia and mild-to-moderate hemifacial dysplasia were divided into concurrent treatment group (32 cases, including 13 females and 19 males and aged 6-33 years old with an average age of 12.5 years) and traditional treatment group (25 cases, including 10 females and 15 males and aged 6-21 years old with an average age of 11.3 years) according to the different surgical methods. Modified Nagata method of auricular reconstruction was chosen, in the second stage surgery (cranial ear angle plasty), patients in concurrent treatment group received the treatment of hemifacial dysplasia with autologous dermal and fat injection transplantation at the same time; Patients in traditional treatment group only received cranial ear angle plasty. Statistical analysis of the two groups of patients was carried out for the average operation time, the average length of hospital stay, the incidence of common complications and postoperative satisfaction rate. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean operation time of the concurrent treatment group (282.0±3.4)min was longer than that of the traditional treatment group (243.0±3.1)min, and the difference was statistically significant (t=9.884, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the average length of stay between the the concurrent treatment group (9.4±0.3)d and the traditional treatment group(9.5±0.2)d, t=0.256, P>0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of common surgical complications between the concurrent treatment group (12.5%, 4/32) and the traditional treatment group(12.0%, 3/25), χ2=0, P>0.05. Postoperative satisfaction rate of the concurrent treatment group(90.6%, 29/32) was significantly higher than that of the traditional treatment group(56.0%, 14/25), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=9.081, P<0.05). Conclusions: Auricular reconstruction with treatment of hemifacial dysplasia should not significantly increase the average length of stay and the incidence of common complications compared with auricular reconstruction alone. Although the operation time is slightly extended, the scheme of concurrent treatment can reduce the times of operations, save medical resources and increase the satisfaction rate of patients.

Evaluation of unilateral and bilateral bimodal bone conduction hearing intervention in patients with bilateral microtia-atresia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of unilateral/bilateral bone conduction hearing rehabilitation in patients with bilateral microtia accompanied with severe conductive hearing loss following staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation. Methods: Thirty-two patients, including 20 males and 12 females, with an average age of 11.8, who received surgical treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from March, 2016 to January, 2020 with bilateral microtia-atresia were included. Hearing thresholds, speech perception and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone were evaluated prior to surgery and individualized surgery plans (staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation) were made. Hearing thresholds and speech perception in quiet and noise (SNR = 5 dB) using unilateral Bonebridge were tested two weeks after the implantation surgery when the Bonebridge was activated and at 3th, 6th, 12th month after activation. Hearing thresholds and speech perception were also tested at least three months after the activation of the Bonebridge under three conditions: unaided, unilateral Bonebridge, and bilateral bone conduction hearing devices (Bonebridge plus contralateral ADHEAR). The international hearing aid assessment questionnaire (IOI-HA) and Glasgow children's benefit questionnaire were used to evaluate the subjective benefits of the patients. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among these 32 patients, nine were conducted Bonebridge implantation surgery before auricle reconstruction, six were simultaneously with auricle reconstruction and 17 were implanted after auricle reconstruction surgery. Compared with unaided, the mean hearing thresholds (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and speech perception following unilateral BCHD and bilateral BCHD attachment were improved significantly (P<0.05 each). The speech perceptin in noise of bilateral BCHD was better than unilateral (P<0.05 each). The modified questionnaire revealed high levels of patient satisfaction following use of both unilateral and bilateral devices. Conclusions: Individulized surgical procedures involving auricle reconstruction and Bonebridge implantation are safe and effective for patients with bilateral microtia-atresia, solving both appearance and hearing problems. Speech perception in noise is better following bilateral BCHD than unilateral BCHD attachment.

Bonebridge implantation combined with simultaneous bilateral auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Bonebridge implantations were performed during the second stage of auricle reconstruction. Results: All 36 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharged. The preoperative average bone conduction threshold of the patients was(8.5±5.8) dB HL and postoperative bone conduction threshold was (8.4±5.2) dB HL. There was no significant change after the implantation (P=0.724). The preoperative average air conduction threshold of was(64.9±7.4)dB HL and postoperative air conduction threshold was (24.0±5.3) dB HL, which had a significant change after the implantation (P<0.001). The hearing threshold with Bonebridge significantly decreased by 40.9 dB HL compared with the preoperative air conduction threshold(P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased by 62.5%, 63.5% and 72.2% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words and short sentences in noise environment were significantly increased by 55.9%, 58.9% and 69.9% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 18.3 months in average, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. One patient had implant rupture and healed after revision surgery. Conclusions: With an integrated surgical procedure, patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia can complete bilateral auricle reconstruction and hearing implantation within six months. This integrated surgical procedure is safe and efficient, with a stable hearing improvement and good appearance.

Rib cartilage framework supporting combined with local flap grafting for correction of cryptotia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of rib cartilage framework supporting combined with local flap grafting for correction of cryptotia. Methods: Fourteen cases (nineteen ears) were corrected by rib cartilage framework supporting combined with local flap grafting method from January 2017 to March 2019. Part of the 7th rib cartilage was carved into a scalloped cartilage piece, which was implanted on the retroauricular cartilage to release and expand the deformed cartilage. A "M" incision was designed on the retroauricular skin to make the local flap grafting. Results: All corrected auricles were followed up for four months to three year and abtained satisfactory and stable appearance. In one case, the edge of the helix was broken two weeks after the operation, and well healed after repairing. Conclusions: The rib cartilage framework supporting combined with local flap grafting method can fully correct the deformity of cryptotia, and the long-term effect is satisfied. It can be an important complement to the classic methods.

Correction of severe cup ears using postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascial suspension / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect and satisfaction of using the postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascia suspension in correcting severe cup ear malformation. Methods: Between August 2018 and November 2019, nine cases (10 ears) of Tanzer type Ⅲ severe cup ear malformation were treated with postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascia suspension in this study. Results: Nine cases primary healed without hematoma, infection or skin necrosis, except one case with postoperative incision dehiscence. The cup ear deformity was significantly improved after the operation, the helix was intact, and the anti-helix was visible. The length, width, and circumference of the auricle were significantly enlarged three months following surgeries. There were no other complications except 1 patient recurrence 12 months after surgery. The patients were highly satisfied with the results of the surgery. Conclusions: Although the aesthctic of the reconstructed auricle is insufficient, this new technology makes full use of the autologous auricle tissue to correct severe cup ear malformation with good results.

Recidiva de cicatriz queloide en pacientes tratados con resección quirúrgica más radioterapia / Keloid scar recurrence in patients treated with surgical resection plus radiotherapy

INTRODUCCIÓN. El proceso de cicatrización puede derivar en anomalías, que afectan el aspecto estético y funcional de la zona afectada; la combinación de tratamientos ha permi-tido resultados favorables. OBJETIVOS. Describir los factores que se dan en las recidivas de cicatriz queloide en pacientes tratados con resección quirúrgica más radioterapia. MA-TERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Población de 2 960 Historias Clínicas, se tomó muestra de 100. Criterios de inclusión: diagnóstico de cicatriz queloide, edad de 12 a 75 años, combinación de tratamiento quirúrgico y radiotera-pia. Criterios de exclusión: edades fuera del rango, tratamiento diferente, en la Unidad de Plástica y Reconstructiva del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín durante el período enero 2013 a diciembre 2019. Los datos fueron tomados del sistema AS400, el análisis se realizó en el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versión 22. RESULTADOS. La localización frecuente fue en el pabellón auricular con 83% (83; 100), de estos el 57% (57; 100) fueron poste-rior a perforación; la recidiva se presentó en el 24% (24; 100) y la principal complicación en los pacientes fue Radiodermitis. DISCUSIÓN. La evidencia científica guardó relación con el estudio referente a técnica, sexo, localización del queloide, causa y complicación. CONCLUSIÓN. Se pudo describir los factores que se dieron en las recidivas de cicatriz queloide en pacientes tratados con resección quirúrgica más radioterapia.

INTRODUCTION. The healing process can lead to anomalies, which affect the aesthe-tic and functional appearance of the affected area; the combination of treatments have allowed favorable results. OBJECTIVES. Describe the factors that occur in keloid scar recurrences in patients treated with surgical resection plus radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. Population of 2 960 Clini-cal Histories, a sample of 100 was taken. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of keloid scar, age 12 to 75 years, combination of surgical treatment and radiotherapy. Exclusion criteria: ages outside the range, different treatment, in the Plastic and Reconstructive Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialty Hospital during the period January 2013 to December 2019. The data were taken from the AS400 system, the analysis was carried out in the program Sta-tistical International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, ver-sion 22. RESULTS. The frequent location was in the auricle with 83% (83; 100), of these 57% (57; 100) were after perforation; recurrence occurred in 24% (24; 100) and the main complication in patients was Radiodermatitis. DISCUSSION. The scientific evidence was related to the study referring to technique, sex, location of the keloid, cause and compli-cation. CONCLUSION. It was possible to describe the factors that occurred in keloid scar recurrences in patients treated with surgical resection plus radiotherapy.

Colgajo giratorio retroauricular / Retroauricular flip-flop flap

Resumen El colgajo retroauricular en isla (flip-flop flap) fue descrito por Masson en 1972 y consiste en tejido dermoepidérmico irrigado por un pedículo de patrón aleatorio subcutáneo de ramas de la arteria auricular posterior. Proviene de la región mastoidea y retroauricular y aporta buena cobertura para la región anteromedial del pabellón auricular. Se describen dos casos, en que se realizó cobertura inmediata secundario a un defecto de la concha auricular posterior a resección neoplásica, obteniendo resultados satisfactorios y sin complicaciones.

Abstract The retroauricular island flap (flip-flop flap), was described by Masson in 1972 and consists on dermoepidermal tissue irrigated by a random subcutaneous pedicle of branches of the posterior auricular artery. It comes from the mastoid and retroauricular region and provides a good coverage for the anteromedial region of the pinna. Two cases are described, in which immediate coverage was performed secondary to a defect in the auricular concha after a neoplastic resection, obtaining satisfactory results without complications.

Case for diagnosis. Pruritic erythematosquamous lesion in the auricle

Abstract Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with chronic evolution that mainly affects the lower limbs and, less frequently, the auricles. Clinically, it presents with papillary verrucous, nodular, and/or tumoral lesions, whether isolated or infiltrated, forming plaques and, sometimes, atrophic in some areas. Histopathologically, it is characterized by a dermal granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by the presence of fumagoid bodies in anatomopathological or direct mycological exams. The treatment to be indicated will depend on the extent and location of the lesions, using systemic antifungals, surgical removal, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and immunoadjuvants. The present study reports an atypical presentation of chromoblastomycosis on the auricle.

Endoscopic evaluation of middle ear anatomic variations in autopsy series: analyses of 204 ears / Avaliação endoscópica das variações anatômicas da orelha média em uma série de autópsias: análise de 204 orelhas

Abstract Introduction Microsurgery of the ear requires complete evaluation of middle ear surgical anatomy, especially the posterior tympanic cavity anatomy. Preoperative assessment of the middle ear cavity is limited by the permeability of eardrum and temporal bone density. Therefore, middle ear exploration is an extremely useful method to identify structural abnormalities and anatomical variations. Objective The aim of this study is to determine anatomic variations of the middle ear in an autopsy series. Methods All evaluations were performed in the Forensic Medicine Institute Morgue Department. The cases over 18 years of age, with no temporal bone trauma and history of otologic surgery included in this study. Results One hundred and two cadavers were included in the study. The mean age was 49.08 ± 17.76 years. Anterior wall prominence of the external auditory canal was present in 27 of all cadavers (26.4%). The tympanic membrane was normal in 192 ears (94%) while several eardrum pathologies were detected in 12 ears (6%). Agenesis of the pyramidal eminence and stapedial tendon was found in 3 ears. While the ponticulus was bony ridge-shaped in 156 of 204 ears (76.4%), it was bridge-shaped in 25 ears (12.3%). The ponticulus was absent in 23 ears (11.3%). While complete subiculum was present in 136 of all ears (66.7%), incomplete subiculum was present in 21 ears (10.3%). Subiculum was absent in 47 ears (23%). Facial dehiscence was found in 32 ears and the round window niche was covered by a pseudomembrane in 85 ears (41.6%). A fixed footplate was present in 7.4% of all ears, and no persistent stapedial artery was seen in any cases. Conclusion The pseudomembrane frequency covering the round window niche was found different from reports in the literature. In addition, the frequency of the external auditory canal wall prominence has been reported for the first time.

Resumo Introdução A otomicrocirurgia requer avaliação completa da anatomia cirúrgica da orelha média, especialmente da anatomia da cavidade timpânica posterior. A avaliação pré-operatória da cavidade timpânica é limitada pela permeabilidade do tímpano e densidade do osso temporal. Portanto, a exploração da orelha média é um método extremamente útil para identificar anormalidades estruturais e variações anatômicas. Objetivo Determinar as variações anatômicas da orelha média em uma série de autópsias. Método Todas as avaliações foram realizadas no necrotério do Instituto Médico-Legal. Os casos com mais de 18 anos, sem trauma do osso temporal e história de cirurgia otológica foram incluídos neste estudo. Resultados Cento e dois cadáveres foram incluídos no estudo. A média de idade foi de 49,08 ± 17,76 anos. A proeminência da parede anterior do conduto auditivo externo estava presente em 27 de todos os cadáveres (26,4%). A membrana timpânica era normal em 192 orelhas (94%), enquanto várias alterações do tímpano foram detectadas em 12 orelhas (6%). Agenesia da eminência piramidal e do tendão do estapédio foi encontrada em 3 orelhas. Enquanto o pontículo tinha formato de crista óssea em 156 das 204 orelhas (76,4%), tinha o formato de ponte em 25 orelhas (12,3%). O pontículo estava ausente em 23 orelhas (11,3%). Enquanto o subículo completo estava presente em 136 de todas as orelhas (66,7%), encontrava-se incompleto em 21 orelhas (10,3%). O subículo estava ausente em 47 orelhas (23%). Deiscência facial foi encontrada em 32 orelhas e o nicho da janela redonda estava coberto por uma pseudomembrana em 85 orelhas (41,6%). A platina fixa foi observada em 7,4% de todas as orelhas e a artéria estapediana persistente não foi vista. Conclusão A frequência da pseudomembrana que cobre o nicho da janela redonda foi diferente daquela encontrada na literatura. Além disso, a frequência da proeminência da parede do canal auditivo externo foi relatada pela primeira vez.

Sex Characteristics and Distribution of External Ear in Uygur Population of Xinjiang / 法医学杂志

Objective To analyze the characteristics of the bilateral external ears of Uygur adults by directly observing the morphological characteristics of the external ears of Uygur adults and classifying each feature. The frequency distribution of the characteristics was calculated to provide reference for forensic identification. Methods The 210 cases （75 males and 135 females） of bilateral external ear photos of Uygur adults in Xinjiang that met the inclusion criteria were collected. The frequencies of the features of the external ear were recorded and distinguished between the two sexes and the different sides. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21.0 statistical software. Results The shapes of the external ears of males and females were commonly oblique or rectangular （34.67% of the left external ear of males and 41.33% of the right were oblique; 30.37% of the left and right external ear of females were rectangular）, while triangular ears were the rare variants and the least common. Sex and bilateral differences were observed as regards the form of the helix in the subjects. Normally rolled helix was the most common （58.67% males and 61.48% females for the left ear; 60.00% males and 72.59% females for the right ear）. Wide covering scapha helix was the most rare for the male left ear and flat helix was the most rare for the female right ear. Square and free earlobes were the most common （49.33% males and 62.96% females for the left ear; 40.00% males and 54.81% females for the right ear）, whereas triangular earlobes were rarely seen. Single knob tragus （40.00% males and 37.78% females for the left ear; 37.33% males and 33.33% females for the right ear） and projection type of Darwin's tubercle （50.67% males and 40.00% females for the left ear; 48.00% males and 39.26% females for the right ear） were found to be common. Conclusion The characteristics of the bilateral external ears of male and female Uygur adults have differences, which can be used for forensic identification.

Criptotia em paciente ocidental adulto: relato de caso / Cryptotia in a Western adult patient: a case report

Criptotia é uma deformidade auricular congênita comum em orientais e rara em ocidentais, sendo a grande maioria dos estudos de técnicas cirúrgicas orientais e aplicados em crianças. Nesta patologia, a cartilagem do polo superior da orelha encontra-se alojada embaixo da pele na região temporal, o que impossibilita o uso de óculos, devido à falta de apoio e torna o polo superior sem definição estética. O presente estudo tem por objetivo relatar o caso de um paciente adulto com criptotia, submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico com retalho de pedículo subcutâneo mastóideo, revisando as principais técnicas descritas para o tratamento deste acometimento. O retalho de pedículo subcutâneo descrito por Yoshimura, mostrou-se adequado para a correção da criptotia em paciente ocidental e adulto.

Cryptotia is a congenital ear deformity common in Easterners and rare in Westerners, with most studies addressing Eastern surgical techniques applied to children. In this pathology, the cartilage of the upper pole of the ear is lodged subcutaneously in the temporal region, which prevents individuals from using glasses due to lack of support and prevents esthetic definition of the upper pole. The present study aimed to report the case of an adult patient with cryptotia undergoing surgical treatment using a mastoid subcutaneous pedicle flap and review the main techniques described for the treatment of this involvement. The subcutaneous pedicle flap described by Yoshimura proved to be adequate for correcting cryptotia in a Western adult patient.

Retalho retroauricular ilhado para reconstrução parcial de orelha: relato de casos / Retroauricular island flap for partial ear reconstruction: case reports

Defeitos parciais de orelha podem ser tratados de diversas formas, dentre elas o fechamento primário, cicatrização por segunda intenção ou retalhos. Diversas opções técnicas foram descritas para a sua reconstrução de modo a manter o contorno natural da orelha, sem sacrificar tecido sadio ou alterar sua estética e função. Apresentamos neste artigo dois casos atendidos no Instituto do Câncer do Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto de reconstrução de defeitos condrocutâneos de orelha após ressecção de carcinoma basocelular em região central da orelha, com a confecção de retalho retroauricular ilhado transposto através de uma janela cartilaginosa e com o pedículo desepidermizado. Área doadora com fechamento primário. Tal procedimento constitui técnica segura, pois a região retroauricular é ricamente vascularizada, é de fácil execução, em único estágio e com resultado estético e funcional satisfatório.

Partial ear defects can be treated in several ways, including primary closure, healing by secondary intention, or flaps. Several surgical options have been described for reconstruction in order to maintain the natural contour of the ear, without sacrificing healthy tissues or changing the aesthetics and function. In this article, we present two cases of reconstruction of chondrocutaneous defects of the ear after resection of basal cell carcinoma in the central region of the ear, with the production of a retroauricular island flap transposed through a cartilaginous window with the de-epidermized pedicle. The donor area healed following a primary closure. This procedure can be performed in a single stage, yields satisfactory aesthetic and functional results, and is safe because the retroauricular region is richly vascularized.

Surveillance of phlebotomine fauna and Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) infection in an area highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia / Vigilancia de la fauna flebotomínea e infección de Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) en un área de alta endemia de leishmaniasis visceral en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: The study of the interaction between the parasite, the vector and the mammalian hosts, including man, allows to understand the behavior of the leishmaniases. Objective: To determine the presence of Lutzomyia species and to detect the Leishmania infection in Didelphis marsupialis in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: Phlebotomine fauna and individuals of D. marsupialis were collected with CDC and Tomahawk™ traps, respectively. The species of Lutzomyia were identified using the Young and Duncan key (1994). Ear and tail biopsies and blood samples from D. marsupialis were taken to identify the Leishmania species by amplifying a fragment of the gene associated with the 70 kD heat shock protein. Results: Seven Lutzomyia species were identified: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana and Lu. trinidadensis. The first three species have epidemiological importance in Colombia because of their implications in the transmission of the Leishmania parasite. Sixty-five tissue samples from 19 D. marsupialis individuals were negative for Leishmania spp. Conclusions: The presence of the Lutzomyia species that have been identified as vectors for Leishmania inside and around houses in the village of El Bledo, in El Carmen de Bolívar represents a risk of infection. Furthermore, the presence of Lu. panamensis is reported for first time in El Carmen de Bolívar in Colombia. Although the lack of detection of Leishmania spp. in D. marsupialis samples may suggest that D. marsupialis does not play an important role in the transmission cycle of Leishmania in this region, it is necessary to carry out further longitudinal studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Resumen Introducción. El estudio de la interacción entre el parásito, el vector y los huéspedes mamíferos, incluido el hombre, permite entender el comportamiento de la leishmaniasis. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de especies del género Lutzomyia y detectar la infección por Leishmania spp. en Didelphis marsupialis en un área endémica de leishmaniasis visceral. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron flebotomíneos y D. marsupialis con trampas CDC y Tomahawk™, respectivamente. Las especies de Lutzomyia se identificaron usando la clave de Young y Duncan, 1994. Se tomaron biopsias de oreja, cola y muestras de sangre de D. marsupialis para diagnosticar Leishmania spp. mediante la amplificación de un fragmento del gen de la proteína de choque térmico de 70 kD. Resultados. Se identificaron siete especies de Lutzomyia: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana y Lu. trinidadensis. Las tres primeras especies son reconocidas como vectores en el país por estar implicadas en la transmisión de Leishmania spp. En total, 65 muestras de tejidos de oreja, cola y de sangre provenientes de 19 D. marsupialis fueron negativas para Leishmania spp. en la PCR-HSP70. Conclusiones. La presencia de flebotomíneos con importancia epidemiológica en la zona evaluada representa un riesgo de transmisión. Asimismo, Lu. panamensis es reportada por primera vez en El Bledo (Carmen de Bolívar). La ausencia de Leishmania spp. en D. marsupialis podría sugerir que esta especie no tiene un papel importante en el ciclo de transmisión de Leishmania en la vereda El Bledo, por lo que es necesario profundizar en estudios longitudinales para corroborar esta hipótesis.

Evaluation of the use of tacrolimus ointment for the prevention of hypertrophic scars in experimental model

Abstract BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus, for its activity on modulation of collagen production and fibroblast activity, may have a role in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate macroscopic, microscopic, metabolic, laboratory effects and side effects of the use of topical tacrolimus ointment, in different concentrations, in the prevention of hypertrophic scars. METHODS: Twenty-two rabbits were submitted to the excision of 2 fragments of 1 cm of each ear, 4 cm apart, down to cartilage. The left ear of the animals was standardized as control and Vaseline applied twice a day. The right ear received tacrolimus ointment, at concentrations of 0.1% on the upper wound and 0.03% on the lower wound, also applied twice a day. Macroscopic, microscopic, laboratory criteria and the animals' weight were evaluated after 30 days of the experiment. RESULTS: Wounds treated with tacrolimus, at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.03%, when compared to control, showed a lower average degree of thickening (p = 0.048 and p <0.001, respectively). The average of scar thickness and lymphocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil concentrations are lower in the treated wounds compared to the control (p <0.001, p=0.022, p=0.007, p=0.044, respectively). The mean concentration of lymphocytes is lower in wounds treated with a higher concentration of the drug (p=0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: experiment lasted only 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus at the 2 concentrations evaluated reduced the severity of inflammatory changes and positively altered the macroscopic aspect of the scar in the short term. Its use was shown to be safe, with no evidence of systemic or local adverse effects.

Chondrocutaneous transposition flap for congenital tragal malformation with dystopic cartilage

Due to the variety in the shape of dysmorphic cartilage, tragus reconstruction is one of the most challenging goals in otoplasty. The authors describe a method to reconstruct a prominent tragus in a simple way suitable for accounting for the size, shape, and location of the remaining ear. We present a case of tragus deformity in an 11-year-old female patient after a previous excision of pretragal skin tags. There was a small remnant of the deeply located dystopic cartilage in a horizontal orientation. The dystopic cartilage was used to reconstruct the tragus using a chondrocutaneous transposition flap. Only a small portion of the pre-existing cartilage was used to create a chondrocutaneous transposition flap that supplemented the portion of cartilage during tragus reconstruction. The result was a new tragus that showed acceptable improvement in shape, location, and projection. Patients with a small portion of pre-existing cartilage near the tragal wall may benefit from the use of this method for tragus reconstruction.