Anatomic and histologic analysis of paca larynx (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) / [Análise anatômica e histológica da laringe da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766)]

Paca (Cuniculus paca) has encouraged research as an experimental model both in the human medicine and veterinary, as well as the economic exploitation of its meat cuts, which favored its zootechnical use. There are no anatomical, microscopic descriptions and measurements of the larynx in this rodent. Eight pacas were dissected from the wild animal's sector of the Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of the University of the State of São Paulo. The larynx was observed located in the ventral region of the neck, ventral to the esophagus, connecting the pharynx to the trachea, with cylindrical and irregular shape. Laryngeal cartilages (epiglottic, thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid) are interconnected and have different shapes. Thyroid showed greater length and width, compared to the others. Laryngeal cartilages were submitted to histological processing and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The epiglottic cartilage was stained with toluidine blue. Laryngeal cartilages thyroid, cricoid and the lower portion of the arytenoids are of hyaline origin and, in contrast, the epiglottis and the upper portion of the arytenoids are elastic. This latter cartilage demonstrated taste buds. The results will be able to auxiliate in veterinary care and as well as the conservation programs for this rodent.(AU)

A paca (Cuniculus paca) tem encorajado inúmeras pesquisas, tornando-a modelo experimental tanto em humanos como na veterinária, além da exploração econômica de seus cortes cárneos, que favoreceu diretamente sua importância zootécnica. Não há descrições anatômicas, microscópicas e mensurações da laringe desse roedor. Foram dissecadas oito laringes de pacas, provenientes do setor de Animais Silvestres da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Universidade Estadual Paulista. Observou-se que a laringe localiza-se na região ventral do pescoço, ventral ao esôfago, conectando a faringe à traqueia, possuindo formato cilíndrico e irregular. As cartilagens laríngeas (epiglote, tireóide, cricóide e aritenóidea) são interligadas e possuem formatos variados. A cartilagem tireóide demonstrou-se maior em comprimento e largura, comparativamente às demais. As cartilagens laríngeas foram submetidas a processamento histológico e coradas em hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômio de Masson. A cartilagem epiglote foi corada em azul de toluidina. As cartilagens laríngeas tireóide, cricóide e a porção inferior das aritenóides são de origem hialina; em contrapartida, a epiglote e a porção superior das aritenóides, de origem elástica. Esta última cartilagem demonstrou corpúsculos gustativos. Os resultados poderão auxiliar tanto nos atendimentos veterinários quanto nos programas de conservação desse roedor.(AU)

Adult Age Estimation of CT Image Reconstruction of the Laryngeal Cartilages and Hyoid Bone Based on Data Mining / 法医学杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of the CT image reconstruction of laryngeal cartilage and hyoid bone in adult age estimation using data mining methods. Methods The neck thin slice CT scans of 413 individuals aged 18 to <80 years were collected and divided into test set and train set, randomly. According to grading methods such as TURK et al., all samples were graded comprehensively. The process of thyroid cartilage ossification was divided into 6 stages, the process of cricoid cartilage ossification was divided into 5 stages, and the synosteosis between the greater horn of hyoid and hyoid body was divided into 3 stages. Multiple linear regression model, support vector regression model, and Bayesian ridge regression model were developed for adult age estimation by scikit-learn 0.17 machine learning kit （Python language）. Leave-one-out cross-validation and the test set were used to further evaluate performance of the models. Results All indicators were moderately or poorly associated with age. The model with the highest accuracy in male age estimation was the support vector regression model, with a mean absolute error of 8.67 years, much higher than the other two models. The model with the highest accuracy in female adult age estimation was the support vector regression model, with a mean absolute error of 12.69 years, but its accuracy differences with the other two models had no statistical significance. Conclusion Data mining technology can improve the accuracy of adult age estimation, but the accuracy of adult age estimation based on laryngeal cartilage and hyoid bone is still not satisfactory, so it should be combined with other indicators in practice.

A Complex Suicide by Ligature Strangulation and Hanging Using Two Different Ligatures / 대한법의학회지

Hanging is the most common method of suicide in Malaysia. However, hanging in combination with suicidal ligature strangulation is uncommon. The victim is a 31-year-old man, with no previous medical or psychiatric disorders. He accomplished self-strangulation using a shoelace and hanging himself with a High-Definition Multimedia Interface cable. Three loops of a shoelace ligature were present around the neck. A single knot was present on the front, and a double knot at the back of the neck. Internal examination of the neck revealed small bilateral hemorrhages of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. No laryngeal cartilage or hyoid bone fractures were observed. No other evidence of injury was noted other than moderate pulmonary edema. The post-mortem toxicology results were negative. The cause of death was ascertained as neck compression due to ligatures. Scene assessment and post-mortem findings concur with suicide. This report describes an unusual case of suicidal ligature strangulation, in combination with hanging using two different ligatures.

More frequent detection of calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques and mineralized laryngeal cartilages on digital than on film-based panoramic radiographs

PURPOSE: To determine whether calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques (CCAPs) and mineralized laryngeal cartilages (MLCs) were more frequently detected on digital or film-based panoramic radiographs. The clinical relevance of this question is that some radiopacities seen on digital radiographs may correspond to medium-density tissues that are not necessarily mineralized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from panoramic radiographs and the respective reports issued by 2 private oral radiology centers. A total of 388 radiographs and reports were divided into film-based (group A) and digital (group D) radiographs. The frequencies of CCAPs and MLCs were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, and odds ratios were also calculated (α=1%). RESULTS: The mean age of patients whose reports and radiographs showed CCAPs and/or MLCs ranged from 50.1 to 54.1 years. There was a predominance of females. A higher frequency of CCAPs and MLCs was observed in group D than in group A at both centers (P<0.01). CCAPs and MLCs were detected 4 times more frequently in group D than in group A at one of the centers. CONCLUSION: CCAPs and MLCs were more frequently detected on digital than on film-based panoramic radiographs. Further studies are needed to determine whether such radiopacities do indeed correspond to mineralized, rather than medium-density, tissues.

Is the diagnosis of calcified laryngeal cartilages on panoramic radiographs possible?

PURPOSE: Detecting laryngeal cartilages (triticeous and thyroid cartilages) on panoramic radiographs is important because they may be confused with carotid artery calcifications in the bifurcation region, which are a risk factor for stroke. This study assessed the efficiency of panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of calcified laryngeal cartilages using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 312 regions (142 bilateral, 10 left, 18 right) in 170 patients (140 males, 30 females) were examined. Panoramic radiographs were examined by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist with 11 years of experience. CBCT scans were reviewed by 2 other oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The kappa coefficient (κ) was calculated to determine the level of intra-observer agreement and to determine the level of agreement between the 2 methods. Diagnostic indicators (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and false positive and false negative rates) were also calculated. P values < .05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Eighty-two images were re-examined to determine the intra-observer agreement level, and the kappa coefficient was calculated as 0.709 (P < .05). Statistically significant and acceptable agreement was found between the panoramic and CBCT images (κ=0.684 and P < .05). The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy rate, the false positive rate, and the false negative rate of the panoramic radiographs were 85.4%, 83.5%, 84.6%, 16.5%, and 14.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In most cases, calcified laryngeal cartilages could be diagnosed on panoramic radiographs. However, due to variation in the calcifications, diagnosis may be difficult.

Practical Approach of Laryngeal Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography has increasingly moved from being a modality confined to the radiology department to an active diagnostic and therapeutic aid available to the head and neck at the point of patient care. However, the application of ultrasonography to the laryngeal disorder is very rare due to progressive age-related ossification of laryngeal cartilage and the presence of air in the lumen, which contribute to difficult conditions for transmission of the ultrasonic waves. The observation about the movements of larynx or surrounding structures is important to understand the physiology of phonation or swallowing and to diagnose the disease. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive and safe imaging technique that can be used to investigate the anatomic structures of the head and neck. Recently, the development of high-frequency ultrasonography makes it possible to apply the ultrasound in the evaluation of larynx.

Condroradionecrose de laringe após radioterapia / Laryngeal chondroradionecrosis following radiotherapy

RESUMO Objetivo: estudar a condroradionecrose de laringe por complicação de radio-quimioterapia para tratamento do câncer de laringe e propor um fluxograma de tratamento com a utilização de câmara hiperbárica. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de laringe admitidos em dois hospitais terciários num período de cinco anos. Resultados: de 131 pacientes portadores de câncer de laringe, 28 foram submetidos à radio e quimioterapia exclusiva e destes, três evoluíram com condroradionecrose. O tratamento destes pacientes foi realizado com câmara hiperbárica e com desbridamento cirúrgico, conforme proposição do fluxograma. Todos os pacientes tiveram a laringe preservada. Conclusão: a incidência de condroradionecrose de laringe por complicação de radioterapia e quimioterapia em nossa casuística foi de 10,7% e o tratamento com oxigenoterapia hiperbárica, com base no nosso fluxograma, foi efetivo no controle desta complicação.

ABSTRACT Objective: to study larynx chondroradionecrosis related to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment and provide a treatment flowchart. Methods: retrospective study with clinical data analysis of all larynx cancer patients admitted in a two tertiary hospital in a five years period. Results: from 131 patients treated for larynx cancer, 28 underwent chemoradiotherapy with curative intent and three of them presented chondroradionecrosis. They were treated with hiperbaric oxigen therapy and surgical debridment following our flowchart, preserving the larynx in all. Conclusions: the incidence of chondroradionecrosis as a complication of chemoradiotherapy in our series was 10,7% and the treatment with hiperbaric oxigen therapy, based in our flowchart, was effective to control this complication.

Morfologia da laringe em Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) / Laryngeal morphology in Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766)

Cerdocyon thous (cachorro-do-mato) é o canídeo silvestre mais comum em território sul-americano. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho descrever a morfologia macroscópica, microscópica e comparada da laringe nesta espécie. Para tal, as laringes de dezesseis espécimes (quatro machos e doze fêmeas) foram analisadas quanto à topografia, forma, morfometria, musculatura intrínseca e histologia. A laringe dispôs-se ventralmente ao áxis e foi constituída por uma cartilagem tireoide e outra cricoide (hialinas), uma epiglótica (elástica) e um par de ariteoides (mistas). Um par de cartilagens sesamoides foi identificado entre os processos corniculados e a lâmina da cricoide. A morfometria revelou que a tireoide é a maior cartilagem. Não houve sinais definitivos de dimorfismo sexual na laringe de C. thous. O epitélio predominante foi do tipo pavimentoso estratificado o qual sofreu transição para pseudoestratificado cilíndrico ciliado ao nível do terço caudal da tireoide e rostral da cricoide. A laringe de C. thous mostrou semelhança com a do cão doméstico, ainda que o formato das cartilagens tenha apresentado diferenças.

Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox) is the most common wild canid in South American territory. The aim of this paper was to describe macroscopic, microscopic and comparative morphology of the larynx of this species. Analyses of larynges of sixteen specimens (four males and twelve females) revealed the topography, conformation, morphometrics, intrinsic muscles and histological characteristics. The larynx was positioned ventral to the axis and comprised one cricoid and one thyroid cartilage (hyaline), one epiglottis (elastic) and a pair of arytenoids (mixed). A pair of sesamoid cartilages was identified between the corniculate processes and the cricoid lamina. Morphometry revealed that thyroid cartilage was the largest. There were no conclusive signs of sexual dimorphism in the larynx of this species. Squamous stratified epithelium predominated and underwent transition to ciliated pseudo-stratified at the level of caudal thyroid and rostral cricoid portions. By comparison, larynx of C. thous showed similarity with the domestic dog, although the shape of cartilages has shown some variation.

Relapsing Polychondritis: A Case Report.

Relapsing polychondritis is a chronic, recurrent, episodic, inflammatory disease of unknown cause affecting predominantly the cartilaginous tissues of the body. Episodes last few days to weeks. All types of cartilages may be involved. The most common presentation is the involvement of pinnae cartilages. The term was coined by Pearson and was first described by Jacksch-Wartenhorst in 1923, who called it polychondropathies. Annual incidence is about 3.5/million with the peak age at onset ranging from 40 to 50 years. Autoimmune etiology is suspected. Diagnosis is based on McAdam et al., criterion. Corticosteroid remains the mainstay of treatment along with the anti-inflammatory drugs. Here we present a case of 18-year-old male who presented with the involvement of the laryngeal cartilages, which is a rare presentation and later there was an involvement of other cartilages too. Our patient had four of McAdams criteria and also responded to steroids.

A Case of Horizontal Partial Laryngectomy for Laryngeal Trauma / 대한이비인후과학회지

Laryngeal trauma is rare compared to other head and neck traumas, but it occurs, it can be life threatening. As for treatment, a laryngeal fracture that involves displacement of cartilage or extensive injury requires appropriate surgical treatments. For severe laryngeal fractures, conservative management is usually preferred with placing a stent to prevent laryngeal stenosis. But the downside of placing stents in the larynx includes the risk of granulation and infection. In this report, the authors describe a 35-year-old patient, who was diagnosed with blunt laryngeal trauma and treated by Horizontal partial laryngectomy. The patient's post-operative breathing and voice were fair, and airway stenosis did not occur afterwards.

Laringoplastía con interposición de cartílago del ala del tiroides en pacientes adultos / Laryngoplasty with interposition of cartilage thyroid wing in adult patients

Establecer la estabilidad y resistencia del cartílago tiroideo para la ampliación de la subglotis en pacientes estenosados, y comparar los resultados funcionales entre laringoplastías con cartílago de ala tiroidea y cartílago costal. Diseño: estudio comparativo retrospectivo. Método: desde 2003 al 2010, se realizaron laringoplastías con interposición de cartílago a 17 pacientes con estenosis subglótica. Los mismos se distribuyeron en dos grupos: grupo A: 7 pacientes operados con laringoplastía e interposición de cartílago del ala del tiroides; grupo B: grupo control de 10 pacientes con laringoplastía e interposición de cartilago costal. Los puntos de análisis fueron las complicaciones intra y post quirúrgicas, y el éxito de la técnica quirúrgica logrado al decanular al paciente. Resultado: en el grupo A (ala tiroidea) la complicación más frecuente fue la disnea, ya sea temprana, la cual se presentó en el 42% de los pacientes por obstrucción del stent con tapón mucoso; o bien tardías en el 57% de los casos debido a el desarrollo de granulomas. En ambos casos se realizó abordaje endoscópico y corticoides sistémico. En el grupo B (cartilago costal) la disnea temprana se presento en el 10% de los pacientes, mientras que la tardía por granulomas se hizo presente en el 20% de los casos. Así también se presento un caso de neumotórax intraoperatorio el cual se resolvió inmediatamente de forma quirúrgica. Conclusión: el uso del cartílago del ala tiroidea en las laringoplastías por estenosis, permite una ampliación del diámetro subglótico tan segura como la que se ha comprobado con el cartílago costal. El cartílago del ala tiroidea es un injerto con un grosor suficiente, capaz de mantener la estructura de la vía aérea sin alterar la función laríngea y acortando los tiempos quirúrgicos con respecto a la obtención e interposición del cartílago costal...

To establish the stability and resistance of the thyroid ala cartilage to expand adult's subglottis stenosis, and to compare the functional results between laringoplastias with thyroid ala cartilage (TAC) and costal cartilage (CC) graft. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Method: 17 patients with subglottic stenosis were operated using cartilage interposition graft from 2003 to 2010. They were divided into two groups: group A: 7 patients with anterior laryngoplasty using thyroid ala cartilage - group B: control group of 10 patients with laryngoplasty and interposition of costal cartilage. The analysis points were intra and post surgical complications, and the success of the surgical procedure following the patient's decannulation. Results: Group A (TAC) the most frequent complication was dyspnea which appeared at an early stage in 42% of patients with mucus plug stent obstruction, or dyspnea either appeared at a later stage in 57% of the cases due to the development of granulation tissue. In both cases endoscopic approach and systemic corticosteroids were performed. Group B (costal cartilage) complications: early dyspnea appeared in 10% of patients, while dyspnea at a later stage due to granulomas appeared in 20% of cases. An intraoperative pneumothorax complication occurred and was resolved immediately. Conclusion: The use of thyroid ala cartilage graft in laryngeal stenosis allows an expansion of subglottic diameter as sale as it has been verified with the use of costal cartilage. The thyroid ala cartilage graft is thick enough to keep the airway structure preserving laryngeal function and shortening surgical time in comparison to the costal cartilage technique...

Incisão em abordagem única por meio de técnica de retalho deltopeitoral para reconstrução de traqueostomia em paciente submetido à radioterapia após laringectomia / One stage "slit" deltopectoral flap technique for end tracheostomy reconstruction in irradiated postlaryngectomy patient

Reconstruir lesão do estoma traqueal em pacientes submetidos a laringectómica total é um desafio, especialmente, quando a pele do perístoma está lesionada devido à radioterapia. A reconstrução é complexa e geralmente requer mais de uma abordagem. Apresenta-se técnica simples utilizada com sucesso em paciente de 80 anos com deiscência de lesão do estoma traqueal e retração da traqueia.

Reconstruction of tracheal stoma wound in patients who undergone total laryngectomy is challenging especially when the peristomal skin is unhealthy due to radi therapy. The reconstruction is complex and usually requires more than one stage. We present a simple techniqued successfully used in an 80-year-old patient with dehisced tracheal stoma wound and retraction of trachea.

Distribution of elastic fibers in the head and neck: a histological study using late-stage human fetuses / 대한해부학회지

There is little or no information about the distribution of elastic fibers in the human fetal head. We examined this issue in 15 late-stage fetuses (crown-rump length, 220-320 mm) using aldehyde-fuchsin and elastica-Masson staining, and we used the arterial wall elastic laminae and external ear cartilages as positive staining controls. The posterior pharyngeal wall, as well as the ligaments connecting the laryngeal cartilages, contained abundant elastic fibers. In contrast with the sphenomandibular ligament and the temporomandibular joint disk, in which elastic fibers were partly present, the discomalleolar ligament and the fascial structures around the pterygoid muscles did not have any elastic fibers. In addition, the posterior marginal fascia of the prestyloid space did contain such fibers. Notably, in the middle ear, elastic fibers accumulated along the tendons of the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles and in the joint capsules of the ear ossicle articulations. Elastic fibers were not seen in any other muscle tendons or vertebral facet capsules in the head and neck. Despite being composed of smooth muscle, the orbitalis muscle did not contain any elastic fibers. The elastic fibers in the sphenomandibular ligament seemed to correspond to an intermediate step of development between Meckel's cartilage and the final ligament. Overall, there seemed to be a mini-version of elastic fiber distribution compared to that in adults and a different specific developmental pattern of connective tissues. The latter morphology might be a result of an adaptation to hypoxic conditions during development.

The incidence of the foramen thyroideum in the South African population / Incidencia del foramen tiroideo en la población de sudáfrica

The foramen thyroideum is described as an occasional opening existing in one or both laminae of the thyroid cartilage which may or may not contain a neurovascular component. Foramen thryoideum was first described in the literature by Segond in 1847. Some authors consider its existence a structural variation rather than an anomaly, with classical texts of anatomy providing little detail when describing this foramen. This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and characteristics of the foramen thyroideum in the South African population. A total of 80 formalin fixed cadaveric laryngeal specimens (obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) were dissected. Larynges were dissected with the aid of a Stemi DV 4 light microscope. The incidence, location, dimensions and contents of the foramen thyroideum were recorded. The horizontal and vertical extent of each foramen was measured with a digital caliper. Six of the 80 (7.5 percent) specimens examined had distinctly identifiable foramina. Five of the six cases (4 male, 1 female) displayed bilateral foramina (6.3 percent), with one case (1 female) of a unilateral foramen (1.3 percent). Of the larynges that had bilateral foramina, a single case presented with two foramina on the same (right) thyroid lamina. A total of twelve foramina were observed. Gender distribution of foramen thyroideum was: male: right 5, left 4; female: right 2, left 1. Preceding investigators of the foramen thyroideum have rightly indicated that awareness of its presence is of paramount importance in order to preserve the structures that traverse it and also to comprehensively treat or contain laryngeal cancer.

El foramen tiroideo se describe como una apertura ocasional existente en una o ambas láminas del cartílago tiroides, la cual puede o no contener un componente neurovascular. El foramen tiroideo fue descrito por primera vez en la literatura por Segond en 1847. Algunos autores consideran su existencia como una variación estructural y no una anomalía, los textos clásicos de anatomía proporcionan pocos detalles al describir este foramen. Este estudio se realizó para investigar la incidencia y características del foramen tiroideo en la población Sudafricana. Fueron disecados 80 especímenes cadavéricos de larínge fijados con formalina (obtenidos del Departamento de Anatomía Clínica de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal, Sudáfrica). Las laringes fueron disecadas con la ayuda de un microscopio de luz Stemi DV 4. La incidencia, localización, dimensiones y contenido del foramen tiroideo fueron registradas. La extensión horizontal y vertical de cada foramen se midieron con un caliper digital. Seis de los 80 (7,5 por ciento) especímenes examinados tenían foramen tiroideos claramente identificables. Cinco de los seis casos (cuatro hombres y una mujer) mostraron forámenes bilaterales (6,3 por ciento), y un caso (una mujer) foramen unilateral (1,3 por ciento). De las laringes que presentaron forámenes bilaterales, un solo caso presentó dos forámenes en la misma lámina del cartílago tiroides (derecha). La distribución por sexo del foramen tiroídeo en hombres fue 5 derechos y 4 izquierdos, mientras que en mujeres 2 derechos y 1 izquierdo. Los resultados indican que el conocimiento de la presencia del foramen tiroideo es de vital importancia para preservar las estructuras que lo atraviesan y también para el tratamiento de integral o contención del cáncer de laringe.

Surgical treatment of post-intubation tracheal stenosis

Incidence of post-intubation tracheal stenoses is relatively high in Iran and the majority of tracheal surgeries are performed to treat these strictures. Therefore, it is important to become familiar with the nature of tracheal stenoses and know their treatment methods. Most surgeons learn different methods of tracheal surgery through operating on cases of post-intubation tracheal stenoses and apply these methods for surgical operation of tracheal tumors. We mainly focused on the technique of tracheal surgery, patient selection, and pre-op and post-op equipments required. Other related fields such as anatomy of the trachea, bronchoscopy, imaging, laser therapy and stenting are mentioned when necessary

[Evaluation of different Sellick's maneuvers on laryngoscopic view in cesarean section]

Cricoid pressure [Sellick's maneuver] may alter the laryngoscopic view during tracheal intubation in parturients. This study was performed to compare the different techniques of Sellick's maneuver on laryngoscopic view in cesarean section. This was a clinical-trial performed on 142 parturients, aged 18-45 years of ASA I, and II undergoing elective cesarean section. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups based on type of CP.1] In this group the cricoid pressure was performed using the index finger over the cricoid cartilage while the thumb and middle finger either side, in group 2] with the index and middle fingers over the cricoid cartilage while the palm of hand over sternum, in group3] with one hand behind the neck while the index finger over the cricoid cartilage and the thumb and middle fingers either side, and in group4] similar to the technique used for group C as well as using a pillow behind the head. Laryngoscopic view was determined following induction, laryngoscopy and CP. Data was analysed with spirmann, ANOVA, krusskal wallis, and X2 tests. A better laryngoscopic view was found in group 1 followed by 3, 4, and 2, respectively. There was significant differences between 4 groups based on laryngoscopic view changes [p=0.02]. No intubation failure in patients was observed during Sellicks's maneuver. The view at laryngoscopy during cricoid pressure was better than the view without cricoid pressure. The Sellick's maneuver in which downward pressure was applied with the left index finger over the cricoid cartilage and the thumb and middle fingers either side could produce the best laryngoscopic view in parturients undergoing cesarean section

Window partial laryngectomy for the treatment of stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the operative effect and value of window partial laryngectomy for the treatment of stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Oct. 2000 to Dec. 2006, the stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma of 48 patients by properly selected were performed with window partial laryngectomy and laryngeal reconstruction. Twenty nine males and 19 females were included. Their ages ranged from 43 to 78 years (median 57.0 years). Before operation and in the 6 months after operation, these targets including auditory mental evaluation of hoarse degree, active degree and symmetry of vocal cord, glottic width in the time of quiet breathing, glottic closing degree in the time of phonating, respiratory function and swallowing function were surveyed. In addition, the things of recurrence and metastasis of tumors together with survival time of patients were following investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were decannulated successfully and incisions were healed smoothly. No operative complication occurred. Except active degree of vocal cord (P = 0.343), there were respectively significant difference between two group targets of auditory mental evaluation of hoarse degree (all P <0.01), symmetry of vocal cord (P = 0.000), glottic width in the time of quiet breathing (P = 0. 001), glottic closing degree in the time of phonating (P = 0.001) and respiratory function (P=0.001) those were investigated before operation and after operation. The swallowing function wasn't influenced (P= 0.310). There were laryngostenosis in 1 case, recurrence in 1 case (2.1%), cervical lymph node metastasis in 1 case and hepatic metastasis in 1 case. Two cases died. 3-year and 5-year overall survival rate were respectively 96.9% and 88.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The study showed that window partial laryngectomy was successful for treating stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma by properly selected. This operation was effective for reducing surgical invasion and beneficial to resume respiratory and vocal function.</p>

diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography in neoplastic invasion of the laryngeal cartilage

Cartilage invasion is important in the management plan of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal neoplasms. This study was conducted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography [CT] to detect the neoplastic invasion of the laryngeal cartilages. 37 patients with proved laryngeal or hypopharyngeal neoplasm that were candidates for total laryngectomy were included in this study. For all patients, standard contrast-enhanced laryngeal CT was performed. Two imaging findings were considered as neoplastic invasion of the laryngeal cartilage increased density and chondrolysis. These findings were evaluated in thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages. Then, all patients underwent total laryngectomy and the cartilages were sent for histopathologic evaluation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and positive and negative likelihood ratios of CT findings were evaluated for the diagnosis of neoplastic invasion of these cartilages. The mean [ +/- SD] age of patients was 61.4 +/- 8.8 [range: 39-76] years. Thirty-four patients were male; 25 had laryngeal tumor and 12 had hypopharyngeal tumor. Totally, 139 cartilages were evaluated [37 thyroid, 37 cricoid and 65 arytenoid cartilages]. Among these cartilages, 49 [16 thyroid, 11 cricoid and 22 arytenoid cartilages] had neoplastic invasion. In thyroid cartilage, the sensitivity of increased density was 0.81 and the specificity of chondrolysis was 0.91; the specificity of both findings together was 0.95. In cricoid cartilage, the sensitivity of increased density was 0.73; the specificity was 0.73; the specificity of chondrolysis was 0.96 and specificity of both findings was 1. In arytenoid cartilage, the specificity of increased density was 0.67; the specificity of chondrolysis was 0.98; and the specificity of both findings together was 1. Considering all 139 cartilages together, the sensitivity of increased density was 0.69 and the specificity of chondrolysis was 0.96. Setting all cartilages in a single group and considering both of these CT findings, the sensitivity was 0.89 and the specificity was 0.76. Chondrolysis is a specific and increased density is a relatively sensitive CT finding for the diagnosis of laryngeal cartilage neoplastic invasion; considering both findings together makes a very specific imaging finding for the diagnosis

Relapsing polychondritis: a case report

Relapsing Polychondritis [RP] is an uncommon inflammatory disorder of unknown cause characterized by an episodic and progressive course affecting predominantly the cartilage of the ears, nose and laryngotracheobronchial tree. It has seldom been described in children. We report on a 2-year old girl with a preliminary diagnosis of Juvenile Chronic Arthritis [JCA], when she was 1 year old. She was treated with Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs [NSAIDs] and oral steroids. Six months later her polyarthritis relapsed and she had additional bilateral auricular chondritis; at this time RP was diagnosed due to the appearance of criteria of McAdam-Michet et al. RP should be considered in differential diagnosis of JCA. Steroids and systemic immunosuppressants can be used to treat the RP

Laryngeal chondrometaplasia: a great mimic of chondrosarcoma.

Chondrometaplasia of larynx is a rare entity with an unknown etiopathogenesis. The lesion remains asymptomatic unless it reaches a large size and a history of trauma is usually elicited. It is a known pitfall in diagnostic evaluation and a clinically significant differential considered in evaluation of cartilaginous tumors of the larynx. A 66-year-old man presented with a nodular mass of right side of neck, progressive hoarseness of voice and pain, and a suspicious growth in the right glottic region. A CT followed by an MRI one month later revealed a slow growing ill defined thickening and enhancement of the supraglottic soft tissues, predominantly involving the submucosa, along the greater cornu on the left side of the thyroid cartilage, with extra-chondral enhancement and was suggested to be of infectious etiology. On neck exploration a lesion clinically suspected to be a chondrosarcoma was excised along with the right ala of the thyroid cartilage. The tissue processed entirely, revealed features consistent with chondrometaplasia of larynx. The importance of distinguishing this lesion from cartilaginous tumors is emphasized.