De Novo Skull Base Atypical Meningioma: Incidence and Outcome.

Objective Atypical meningiomas are uncommon in skull base practice and present a management challenge. We aimed to review all de novo atypical skull base meningioma cases within a single unit to analyze presentation and outcome. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing surgery for intracranial meningioma identified consecutive cases of de novo atypical skull base meningioma. Electronic case records were analyzed for patient demographics, tumor location and size, extent of resection, and outcome. Tumor grading is based on the 2016 WHO criteria. Results Eighteen patients with de novo atypical skull base meningiomas were identified. The most common tumor location was the sphenoid wing in 10 patients (56%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 13 patients (72%) and subtotal resection (STR) in 5 patients (28%). There was no tumor recurrence recorded in patients who had undergone GTR. Patients with tumors >6 cm were more likely to undergo a STR as opposed to a GTR ( p < 0.01). Patients who had undergone a STR were more likely to have postoperative tumor progression and be referred for radiotherapy ( p = 0.02 and <0.01, respectively). On multiple regression analysis, tumor size is the only significant factor correlating with overall survival ( p = 0.048). Conclusion The incidence of de novo atypical skull base meningioma is higher in our series than currently published data. Tumor size was a significant indicator for patient outcome and extent of resection. Those undergoing a STR were more likely to have tumor recurrence. Multicenter studies of skull base meningiomas with associated molecular genetics are needed to guide management.

Prevalence of calcifications in soft tissues visible on a dental pantomogram: A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and spectrum of soft tissues calcifications identified on Dental Pantomograms (DPT) at a University Dental Clinic in the northern region of Portugal and to compare the data obtained with those published in the literature. METHODS: We conducted a 3-year descriptive analysis (2012-2014) of DPT calcifications within soft tissues at the University Clinic (CESPU), in Oporto, Portugal. Information on gender, age, location of the lesions and the radiographic diagnosis were analysed. DPTs were interpreted by two examiners (Kappa test 0.8). Data were entered into a database and analysed with Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk test. RESULTS: 2375 DPTs were analysed, with 468 calcifications observed in the radiographs of 420 individuals. Calcifications of the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligament were most common, with atheroma, sialoliths, tonsilloliths rhinoliths and antroliths also identified. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the presence of calcifications of the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments, atheromatous calcifications in the carotid artery and tonsilloliths in individuals older than 40. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest sample analysis ever done in Portugal, providing useful information about the incidence and distribution of soft tissue calcifications identifiable on DPTs, allowing valuable comparison with other countries. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Despite mostly being incidental findings, panoramic radiography can be the first relevant test that aids dental practitioners in the process of requesting other imaging techniques or forwarding to the correct specialty.

The management of Paget's disease of the vulva.

Paget's disease of the vulva is an uncommon lesion, and gynaecologists and dermatologists generally have limited experience in its management. The British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease has established a register of cases, and we present a review of 76 cases registered to date. The majority of patients were treated by surgical excision and reconstruction, but non-surgical therapies are an option. Recent literature is reviewed to allow comparison.