A Case of Atypical Cavernous Hemangioma Arising from the Parotid Gland

Cavernous hemangioma is about one-tenth as common as capillary hemangioma, although congenital, is often not apparent at birth and may undergo a rapid growth phase during the 6 months of life. It arises from skin layers to muscles, bones or central nervous system. Cavernous hemangioma is much less likely to undergo spontaneous involution and tends to have a more aggressive course, and may result in complications related to its location. The authors experienced a case of atypical cavernous hemangioma which arose from the left parotid gland at adult onset, its size was wax and wane without any symptoms or complications and its shape was characteristically dumbbell-like, so report this case with a review of literatures.

Efficacy of AlloDerm(R) and Chitosan for Generating Cartilage in Free Perichondrial Graft

Many qualitative studies examining the chondrogenic potential of perichondrium have suggested that it may be useful for correction of microtia or for reconstruction of trachea, nasal septum, ala and eyelids, as well as to resurface the temporomandibular joint and small joints in the hand. This study was designed to evaluate cartilage formation by free rabbit auricular perichondrium placed on the muscle fascia of the back of the rabbit for 8 weeks. In addition to free perichondrial graft, AlloDerm(R) and Chitosan, as a scaffold wrapped with perichondrium, were transplanted to the same site respectively. In each case, the chondrogenic potential of perichondrium was examined. The new cartilage was morphologically indistinguishable from normal cartilage. Histologic differences were observed and measured under the light microscope. The mean cartilage thickness for free perichondrium was 0.38 +/- 0.01 mm, 0.64 +/- 0.04 mm for AlloDerm(R) , and 0.55 +/- 0.03 mm for Chitosan after 8 weeks. AlloDerm(R) and Chitosan contributed to produce significantly more neocartilage formation compared with perichondrial graft alone(p < 0.05). No statistic significance was found between AlloDerm(R) and Chitosan grafts. The above result shows AlloDerm(R) and Chitosan could act as a scaffold for generating cartilage and promote the effect on the chondrogenesis of perichondrium.