[A rare tumor in a newborn: congenital epulis]. / Yenidoganda nadir bir tümör: dogustan epulis.

A seven-day-old female newborn was examined for a mass protruding from the mouth. Physical examination showed a smooth and pedicled mass with normal mucosal tissue, 3x2 cm in size, originating from the maxillary alveolar edge on the upper incisor and canine teeth. The mass was excised under general anesthesia. Histopathologic diagnosis was congenital epulis. No recurrence was observed during postoperative six months. Congenital epulis is a benign tumor. It should be dealt with surgically if it significantly affects respiratory and alimentary functions.

The role of viruses in idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and cellular immune response.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of viruses on the idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and show the interaction of immune system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies against to varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV), and mumps virus in venous blood taken from patients in the amount of 10 mL have been investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were also examined. Of lymphocyte subpopulation, antibodies of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), and CD16(+) plus 56(+) were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten of the patients had HSV-1 IgG; 1 of the patients IgM, 5 of the patients EBV IgG, 6 of the patients VZV IgG, 1 of the patients IgM, 9 of the patients mumps IgG, 1 of the patients IgM, and finally in 7 of the patients CMV IgG antibodies were obtained. It was found that CD4(+) cell and ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) lower and the percentage of the CD8(+) and CD16(+) plus 56(+) cells higher compared with the control group (P < .05). The levels of TNF-alpha were lower, whereas IFN-gamma and TGF-beta1 were higher. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded from these results that VZV, HSV-1, CMV, EBV, and mumps virus play a significant role in the etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and activate the cellular immunity.

[An investigation of patients with acute peripheral facial palsy with regard to Lyme disease]. / Akut periferik fasyal paralizili olgularin Lyme hastaligi açisindan incelenmesi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of Borrelia burgdorferi in the etiology of idiopathic acute peripheral facial palsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (15 females, 4 males; mean age 38 years; range 14 to 61 years) with acute peripheral facial palsy were studied. Following routine otolaryngologic examination, all the patients underwent taste, Schirmer, and stapedial reflex tests to evaluate the level of the palsy. Laboratory examination included routine biochemistry analysis, serum C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi IgM and IgG antibodies were sought by ELISA in venous blood samples. RESULTS: Of the patient group, acute facial palsy was localized on the right in 12 patients (63.2%), and on the left in seven patients (36.8%). None of the patients had bilateral involvement. No IgM or IgG seropositivity for Borrelia burgdorferi was detected in the serum samples. CONCLUSION: In highly endemic areas, it may be helpful to detect or even to eliminate Lyme disease through screening of serum in patients with acute peripheral palsy.