Current understanding of angiosarcoma: disease biology and evolving treatment

Angiosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma that originates from endothelial cells and typically has a poor prognosis. It is most commonly found in elderly white men and can occur anywhere in the body, particularly in the head, neck, and scalp. Patients who have undergone previous radiation treatment or who have chronic lymphedema also face an elevated risk of this condition. Various genetic changes are suspected to contribute to the development of angiosarcoma, and these changes have been identified as potential targets for treatment. For localized disease, wide surgical resection is often the prudent course of action. A multidisciplinary approach, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, is typically the most effective way to achieve favorable outcomes. In this review, we discuss the general understanding of angiosarcoma and its management, with a particular focus on the current evolving treatments for the disease.

Facial injury patterns associated with stand-up electric scooters in unhelmeted riders

Background@#In recent years, the number of people riding stand-up electric scooters in South Korea has increased rapidly. This study analyzed the facial injury patterns associated with stand-up electric scooter-related trauma in patients who visited our emergency center. @*Methods@#In this retrospective review, we collected data from patients who had visited our emergency center for stand-up electric scooter-related trauma between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. @*Results@#The average age of the patients was 26.7 years. Of the 73 patients, 47 were male and 26 were female, highlighting a male predominance. Seven patients were injured after alcohol consumption. None of the patients had worn helmets. Additionally, upon comparing the frequency of facial injuries according to the quarter of the year, the facial injury rate was higher in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters. Facial soft tissue injuries were classified into facial cosmetic subunits and analyzed according to their location. The highest number of injuries was on the chin (n=18, 20.9%). Of the 73 patients with stand-up electric scooter-related facial injuries, 16 had acute facial osseous fractures. The commonest acute facial osseous fractures were those of the orbit (n=7, 26.9%). @*Conclusions@#The patterns of facial trauma reported here can be helpful for quickly evaluating and treating patients with facial trauma related to stand-up electric scooters. Additionally, people riding stand-up electric scooters should be aware of the risks associated with facial trauma and the importance of wearing protective devices, such as helmets and masks.

Current concepts of Kimura disease: pathophysiology and evolution of treatment

Kimura disease (KD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that frequently involves the subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck regions. It often manifests as regional lymphadenopathy or salivary gland enlargement in the affected area. The histologic architecture of the lymph nodes in KD patients is preserved, while the affected tissues show follicular hyperplasia and eosinophilic infiltration. No single modality has been adopted as an optimal treatment for KD. This article concentrates on the fundamental features of KD and reviews current approaches to its treatment.

Removal of intraosseous hemangioma in frontal bone under direct vision through a small incision

Complete surgical excision within a margin of normal healthy bone is the treatment of choice for intraosseous hemangioma. A 56-year-old man visited with complaints of a firm, mildly tender, immovable, and palpable mass on the right forehead (size: 1.5× 1.5 cm). Non-contrast brain computed tomography performed preoperatively revealed a 1.5 cm heterogenous osteolytic lesion with suspected internal trabeculation in the right frontal bone. Under general anesthesia, a 2 cm transverse incision was made on the forehead skin rather than bicoronal incision. Full-thickness en bloc resection of the frontal bone including the mass was performed. The frontal bone was removed with care taken not to damage the frontal sinus mucosa. The frontal sinus was sealed with a collagen patch (Tachocomb) and a cranioplasty was performed using bone cement. At 6 months postoperative, a clean wound was confirmed without any complications, and there was no local recurrence. Surgical excision of intraosseous hemangioma in the frontal sinus bone can be performed via direct incision or the bicoronal approach. In this case, the direct incision approach was used to achieve smaller scars and faster recovery than the bicoronal approach.

A forehead hematoma as the initial clinical sign of lung cancer

Primary lung cancer commonly metastasizes to the brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands. In some cases, bone metastasis serves as the first presenting sign of lung cancer with bone pain and headache, but it is not common. The incidence of skull metastasis in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is low, and there have been only a few cases of skull metastases serving as the first sign of malignancy with skull mass and epidural bleeding; however, no similar cases have been reported regarding that of hematoma. We report a case of an 84-year-old man who first presented with a simple forehead hematoma and was eventually diagnosed with SCC of the lung.

Extensive and aggressive growth of adenoid cysticcarcinoma in the lacrimal gland

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the lacrimal gland is a very rare disease with poor overall prognosis.Its primary treatment is surgical excision, including orbital exenteration and radical orbitectomy,which is combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Age, histopathologic type, boneinvasion, and tumor extent are known factors that affect the prognosis of ACC. Furthermore, perineuralinvasion is highly associated with local tumor recurrence and tumor base invasion. Here,we report a rare case of ACC in the lacrimal gland with superior sagittal sinus invasion that repeatedlyrecurred after the surgical excision.

Intracranial abscess from facial cellulitis

Cellulitis, one of most common diseases of everyday life, is often overlooked for its significance. Although cellulitis does not cause or lead to serious problems usually, its possibility to cause life-threatening problem should be known. In present case, a patient who had received acupuncture treatment a week earlier presented to the clinic with symptoms of facial cellulitis. The disease resolved within few weeks under empirical antibiotic treatment but recurred after 3 months. Under close history review of the patient, we found out that the patient had received craniectomy 20 years ago. The patient had blunt headache with no other neurological symptoms that could suspect cranial infection, but considering the risk originating from the patient’s surgical history, brain computed tomography (CT) was taken. CT images revealed abscess formation in the subgaleal and epidural spaces. Craniotomy with abscess evacuation was done promptly. With additional antibiotic treatment postoperatively, the disease resolved, and the 1-month postoperative follow-up brain CT showed no signs of abscess formation.

Analysis of subbrow upper blepharoplasty by measuring the lid-to-brow distance

BACKGROUND: Conventional upper blepharoplasty through a supratarsal incision is commonly performed for periorbital rejuvenation. However, the drawbacks of this technique include insufficient removal of lateral hooding and an unnatural postoperative appearance. Subbrow upper blepharoplasty with submuscular fascia fixation was developed to avoid these shortcomings. Herein, we report our experiences with this technique and present an objective analysis of the results. METHODS: Subbrow upper blepharoplasty was performed in 30 patients between June 2016 and October 2017. All patients had preoperative frontal view photographs, and the distance from the upper lid margin to the lower edge of the eyebrow was measured at the lateral limbus (LBD-L). RESULTS: Between preoperative and postoperative measurements, the LBD-L was shortened by an average of 0.800 and 0.833 mm on the right and left, respectively (P=0.047 and P=0.070). Most patients were satisfied with their aesthetic appearance and the improvement of their visual field. CONCLUSIONS: The lid-to-brow distance was minimally changed by the procedure, but the results were aesthetically favorable. This seemingly paradoxical finding is explained by the characteristics of the surgical procedure and the related anatomy. Among the various possible blepharoplasty techniques, subbrow upper blepharoplasty with submuscular fascia fixation has definite value for Asians.

Correction of Cicatricial Upper Eyelid Ectropion Using a Dermofat Graft and an Anti-Adhesive Agent

Ectropion is characterized by eversion of the eyelid margin and exposure of the cornea and conjunctiva. This leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation, and in severe cases, poor eye closure. Ectropion can occur for several reasons including congenital malformations, trauma, burns, anti-cancer medications, allergies, and inappropriate eyelid surgery. Surgical treatments usually include local flaps or skin grafts, depending on the severity of the defect. We present a case of successful cicatricial upper eyelid ectropion correction using a dermofat graft and an anti-adhesive agent (Guardix-Sol) after the wide release of tethering scar tissue.

Multiple foreign bodies causing an orocutaneous fistula of the cheek

Foreign bodies impacted in the maxillofacial region are often a diagnostic challenge. They can be a source of chronic inflammatory reactions and infections leading to the formation of an orocutaneous fistula. Such orocutaneous fistulas cause significant morbidity in most patients, eventually requiring surgery. Recently, we encountered a very rare case of an orocutaneous fistula caused by multiple foreign bodies in the cheek. Precise removal of the foreign bodies was required, and a double-sided anterolateral thigh free flap was used to reconstruct the defect. Surgeons should be aware of the complications of multiple foreign bodies and should be able to diagnose these on careful clinical examination.

Silicone Implant Sandwiched between Intact Nasal Bones with Fractured Nasal Bone Segments

As the number of people who have undergone augmentation rhinoplasty has increased recently, nasal fractures are becoming more common after rhinoplasty. A silicone implant can affect the nasal fracture pattern, but there is no significant difference in treatment methods commonly. A 28-year-old female who had undergone augmentation visited our clinic with a nasal fracture. Computed tomography revealed that the silicone implant was sandwiched between the intact nasal bones with fractured bone fragments. In this case, open reduction was inevitable and a new silicone implant was inserted after reduction. Migration of the silicone implant beneath the nasal bone is a very rare phenomenon, but its accurate prevention and diagnosis is important because a closed reduction is impossible.

A Rare Case of Kimura Disease with Bilateral Parotid Involvement

Kimura disease is a rare idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder. It typically presents in the head and neck area, whereas bilateral involvement is unusual. Its diagnosis requires it to be differentiated from other inflammatory diseases and from head and neck tumors. Treatment methods include conservative management, steroid administration, radiotherapy, and surgery; however, no single treatment of choice has been established. Herein, we report an unusual presentation of Kimura disease with bilateral parotid involvement. This case was treated by surgical excision.

A Rare Case of Kimura Disease with Bilateral Parotid Involvement

Kimura disease is a rare idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder. It typically presents in the head and neck area, whereas bilateral involvement is unusual. Its diagnosis requires it to be differentiated from other inflammatory diseases and from head and neck tumors. Treatment methods include conservative management, steroid administration, radiotherapy, and surgery; however, no single treatment of choice has been established. Herein, we report an unusual presentation of Kimura disease with bilateral parotid involvement. This case was treated by surgical excision.

Obituary: Dae Hong Min, M.D., Ph.D., 1934 to 2015

No abstract available.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Bevacizumab) Therapy Reduces Hypertrophic Scar Formation in a Rabbit Ear Wounding Model

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scarring is a pathological condition that occurs after trauma or surgery. Angiogenesis occurs more often with hypertrophic scarring than with normotrophic scarring. The regulation of angiogenesis is one of the key factors in hypertrophic scar management. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential factor in the angiogenetic response. This study investigated whether decreasing the level of VEGF is effective for treating hypertrophic scarring. METHODS: Ten 8-week-old female New Zealand white rabbits were included. Four defects were created on each ear by using a 6-mm punch. Bevacizumab (Avastin, Roche Pharma, Basel, Switzerland) was administered in one ear and normal saline was administered in the other ear. Treatment was administered starting on day 2, every 2 days, until day 14. The levels of VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 10 and histologic results were analyzed on day 40. RESULTS: Bevacizumab induced-defects showed less hypertrophic scarring when compared with the control group as measured by the scar elevation index (SEI) and loose collagen arrangement. The SEI in the experimental group was 1.89±0.13, compared to 1.99±0.13 in the control group (n=30, P=0.005). Additionally, the VEGF level was lower (38.72±11.03 pg vs. 82.50±21.64 pg, n=10, P=0.001) and fewer vessels existed (8.58±0.76 vs. 7.2±1.20, n=10, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Preventing excessive angiogenesis is effective for preventing scar formation, especially with hypertrophic scarring. Although it is not an approach that is sufficient alone for the management of scarring, it may be one of several important strategies for scar treatment.

A Band-Like Neck Scar Contracture after Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach Robotic Thyroidectomy

No abstract available.

The Preventive Effect of Topical Zafirlukast Instillation for Peri-Implant Capsule Formation in Rabbits

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is the most troublesome complication in breast implant surgery. Although capsule formation can be seen as a normal reaction to a foreign body, it can induce pain, hardness, deformity, and other pathologic problems. Surgical intervention is required in severe cases, but even surgery cannot guarantee a successful outcome without recurrence. This experimental study confirms that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast (Accolate, Astrazeneca) reduces peri-implant capsule formation and prevents capsular contracture. METHODS: Twelve smooth-surfaced cohesive gel implants were implanted in New Zealand White rabbits. These miniature implants were designed to be identical to currently used products for breast augmentation. The rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group (n=6), the implant and normal saline with zafirlukast were inserted in the submuscular pocket. In the control group (n=6), the implant and normal saline alone were used. Two months later, the implants with peri-implant capsule were excised. We evaluated capsule thickness and collagen pattern and performed immunohistochemical staining of myofibroblasts, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, 2. RESULTS: The thickness of the capsules in the experimental group was reduced in both dorsal and ventral directions. The collagen pattern showed parallel alignment with low density, and the number of myofibroblasts as well as the amounts of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were reduced in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast can be helpful in reducing capsule formation and preventing capsular contracture via myofibroblast suppression, modulation of fibroblastic cytokines, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Comparison of Absorbable Mesh Plate versus Titanium-Dynamic Mesh Plate in Reconstruction of Blow-Out Fracture: An Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND: A blow-out fracture is one of the most common facial injuries in midface trauma. Orbital wall reconstruction is extremely important because it can cause various functional and aesthetic sequelae. Although many materials are available, there are no uniformly accepted guidelines regarding material selection for orbital wall reconstruction. METHODS: From January 2007 to August 2012, a total of 78 patients with blow-out fractures were analyzed. 36 patients received absorbable mesh plates, and 42 patients received titanium-dynamic mesh plates. Both groups were retrospectively evaluated for therapeutic efficacy and safety according to the incidence of three different complications: enophthalmos, extraocular movement impairment, and diplopia. RESULTS: For all groups (inferior wall fracture group, medial wall fractrue group, and combined inferomedial wall fracture group), there were improvements in the incidence of each complication regardless of implant types. Moreover, a significant improvement of enophthalmos occurred for both types of implants in group 1 (inferior wall fracture group). However, we found no statistically significant differences of efficacy or complication rate in every groups between both implant types. CONCLUSIONS: Both types of implants showed good results without significant differences in long-term follow up, even though we expected the higher recurrent enophthalmos rate in patients with absorbable plate. In conclusion, both types seem to be equally effective and safe for orbital wall reconstruction. In particular, both implant types significantly improve the incidence of enophthalmos in cases of inferior orbital wall fractures.

The Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide on the Survival of Random Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats

BACKGROUND: Partial or complete necrosis of a skin flap is a common problem. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) can be extracted from trout sperm and used as a tissue repair agent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDRN could improve the survival of random pattern skin flaps in rats. METHODS: Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: the PDRN treatment group (n=11) and the control group (n=11). Caudally pedicled random pattern skin flaps were elevated on their dorsal skin and resutured. The treatment group received daily intraperitoneal administration of PDRN (8 mg/kg/day), and the control group received fluid vehicle (NaCl 0.9%, 8 mg/kg/day) from day 0 to day 6. On day 7, the flap survival was evaluated and the harvested tissue surrounding the demarcation line of the necrotic area was stained with H&E, anti-rat vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) antibody, and PECAM-1/CD31 antibody. RESULTS: The average necrotic area of the flap in the PDRN group was significantly smaller when compared with that of the control group. Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation showed that granulation thickness score and VEGF-positive staining cells were marked higher in the PDRN group than in the control group. PECAM-1/CD31-positive microvascular densities were significantly higher in the PDRN group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that PDRN improves the survival of random pattern skin flaps in rats. These results may represent a new therapeutic approach to enhancing flap viability and achieving faster wound repair.

One-Stage Reconstruction for Midfacial Defect after Radical Tumor Resection

A serious midface defect involving resection of squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hard palate was treated by an unusual reconstructive strategy. After tumor resection, surgical reconstruction was accomplished in one stage using one free flap with one distant and local flap: a radial forearm flap to reconstruct the upper lip, a forehead flap to reconstruct the external nose, a cantilever calvarial bone graft to replace the nasal skeleton and a nasolabial flap and split thickness skin graft to cover the internal nasal lining. The rationale for this one-stage reconstruction and the problems associated with midfacial reconstruction after wide tumor excision are discussed.