The Predictability Precision of Superior Semicircular Canal Through Radiological Assessment and Microanatomical Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: There is still ongoing research on the relationship of arcuate eminence (AE) and superior semicircular canal (SSC). We aimed to evaluate the precision of predictability of SSC through the morphology of AE via radiological means. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation is performed on 12 dry skulls belonging to Mersin University Medical Faculty department of anatomy. Computed tomography (CT) assessment is performed with 0.5-mm-thin sections temporal bone algorithm on dry skulls which were marked with fixated copper wire by scotch tapes on the most prominent part of the middle fossa floor assuming the location of AE. The data are reformatted on the workstation with vitrea 2.0. The distances of the determined three points including lateral (A), apical (B), and medial (C) of the SSC and the copper wire are measured radiologically. Also, the height between the most apical part of the SSC to the floor of the skullbase (H) is measured. The angles between the placed copper wires and the SSC (E) are calculated. The angle between SSC and the midpoint of the IAC (F) and SSC to the sulcus of the greater GSPN (G) were measured. The nearest distance was measured between the most posterior part of the SSC and the point marked by the perpendicular line drawn from the medial border of the petrous bone to the most posterior part of the internal auditory canal (IAC) (D). RESULTS: The right and left A, B, and C distances are 2.54+/- 2.75, 3.67+/-3.16, 5.85+/-3.77; 2.92+/-2.24, 3.68+/-2.93, 6.09+/-3.40, respectively. We could not find any statistical significance when the right A, B, and C distances were compared with the left values. Examination of the values revealed that C distance is greater than the A distance of the same side both for right (p=0.040) and left (p=0.022) measurements. The calculated left and right E angles are 30.313+/-12.838, and 35.558+/-18.437 degrees, respectively. Statistical significance was not found between the right and left angles. The right and left F, G angles were 53.17, 47.25; 93.58, 100.92 degrees; and D distances are 8.01, 8.13 millimeters, respectively. Statistical significance was not found when right and left E, F, G angles and D distances were compared. Among 12 left and 12 right sides, the copper wire was found to be nearly overlapping to SSC in two in the right and only one in the left. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is a great variability predicting the exact location of SSC through the prominence of AE. Complementary studies are needed with greater number of dry skulls and cadavers. Comparison of different hypothesis including the effect of temporal lobe sulcus is to be discussed to better enlighten the exact relationship of the aforementioned anatomical structures.

TNF-α and IL-1 ß Cytokine Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Nasal Polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal Polyp (NP) is a benign mass of the paranasal sinuses that protrudes into the nasal cavity. The exact underlying pathogenesis is not known. In this study we aimed to determine the genetic susceptibility of NP formation in relation to TNF-α-308 and IL-1ß-511 promoter region gene polymorphisms. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with NP with asthma (n=21) or without asthma (n=50) were taken as the study group, and 91 healthy volunteers were taken as the control group. Blood was gathered into EDTA-containing tubes, and patient DNA was extracted. The polymorphisms of the IL-ß and TNF-α cytokine genes were analyzed using real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The GG genotype in the TNF-α-308 region and the CC genotype in the IL-1ß-511 region were found to be risk factors for NP formation (OR: 9.2, p=0.007 and OR: 33.3, p=0.001, respectively). Regarding allelic frequencies, the G allele at the TNF-α-308 promoter region was a risk factor for NP formation (OR: 6.06, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: TNF-α GG genotype in the -308 promoter region and the IL-1ß CC genotype in the -511 region are genetic risk factors for NP formation.

Leiomyosarcoma of Larynx as a Metachronous Tumor of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Case.

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are malignant tumors of smooth muscles accounting for 5-6% of all soft tissue sarcomas. They are mostly seen in the gastrointestinal tractus, the uterus, and the retroperitoneum. Soft tissue sarcomas comprise <1% of all laryngeal malignancies, most of which are chondrosarcomas. Laryngeal LMSs are rarely seen malignancies, which are published as case reports. We presented a case of laryngeal LMS, which was seen 4 years later in a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patient who underwent laryngeal laser microsurgery. We discussed the diagnosis and treatment algorithm in the light of the present literature.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma originating from ectopic salivary gland in the neck region: case report.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA) is the malignant salivary gland tumor originating from primary (de novo) or recurrent pleomorphic adenoma. Although parotid gland is the most common site, it can also be seen in submandibular gland or minor salivary glands. It can be seen rarely in head and neck region, such as oral cavity, trachea, nasal cavity and lacrimal gland. Although pleomorphic adenoma cases originating from ectopic salivary gland tissue in the neck region are present in the English literature, there is no published pleomorphic adenoma ex carcinoma case. In this case report we presented a CEPA as a 7.5 cm long neck mass in a 72-year-old woman originating from the submandibular region apart from submandibular gland. Difficulties in diagnosis and way to appropriate treatment are discussed with current literature.