ABSTRACT
RESUMEN Los tumores del espacio parafaríngeo (EP) son poco frecuentes, representando el 0,5%-1% de las neoplasias de cabeza y cuello. La distribución de los tumores del EP constituye: 40% tumores de glándulas salivales, seguidos de tumores neurogénicos y adenopatías. Presentamos un caso de una paciente de 52 años que acude por presentar sensación de taponamiento ótico izquierdo y molestias faríngeas de 3 meses de evolución. Tras una exploración otorrinolaringológica completa se sospecha patología del espacio parafaríngeo, que se confirma con las pruebas de imagen. Se realiza exéresis quirúrgica mediante abordaje transcervical-transparotídeo, con buena evolución posoperatoria y sin recidiva tras 1 año de seguimiento. El estudio anatomopatológico informa adenoma pleomorfo de parótida. En este trabajo se ha realizado una revisión de la etiopatogenia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de estas lesiones. Consideramos crucial realizar una exploración física otorrinolaringológica completa ante la presencia de un paciente con sintomatología inespecífica ya que el EP constituye un área anatómica difícil de explorar y que a menudo pasa desapercibida, por lo que la patología del EP representa un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico.
ABSTRACT Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are infrequent and account for 0.5%-1% of head and neck neoplasms. Therefore, they represent a diagnostic challenge. The distribution of PPS tumors is as follows: 40% salivary tumors, followed by neurogenic tumors and adenopathies. We report a case of a 50 year old woman that presented with a 3-month history of otic fullness and pharyngeal disturbances. The otolaryngological examination showed PPS pathology that was confirmed by radiological images. Surgical excision by transcervical-transparotid approach was performed followed by uncomplicated healing with no recurrence in one year. The histological examination reported a pleomorphic parotid adenoma. The authors provide a discussion of the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this type of lesions. This clinical manuscript may shed light on the importance of a complete otolaryngological examination in a patient with unspecific symptoms considering that the PPS is a complex anatomic region and its pathology can easily go unnoticed.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/surgery , Parapharyngeal Space/surgery , Pharyngeal Neoplasms , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgeryABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Chiari malformation is an alteration of the base of the skull with herniation through the foramen magnum of the brain stem and cerebellum. Although the most common presentation is occipital headache, the association of audio-vestibular symptoms is not rare. The aim of our study was to describe audio-vestibular signs and symptoms in Chiari malformation type i (CM-I). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients referred to our unit during the last 5 years. We also carried out a literature review of audio-vestibular signs and symptoms in this disease. RESULTS: There were 9 patients (2 males and 7 females), with an average age of 42.8 years. Five patients presented a Ménière-like syndrome; 2 cases, a recurrent vertigo with peripheral features; one patient showed a sudden hearing loss; and one case suffered a sensorineural hearing loss with early childhood onset. The most common audio-vestibular symptom indicated in the literature in patients with CM-I is unsteadiness (49%), followed by dizziness (18%), nystagmus (15%) and hearing loss (15%). Nystagmus is frequently horizontal (74%) or down-beating (18%). Other audio-vestibular signs and symptoms are tinnitus (11%), aural fullness (10%) and hyperacusis (1%). Occipital headache that increases with Valsalva manoeuvres and hand paresthesias are very suggestive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of audio-vestibular manifestations in CM-I makes it common to refer these patients to neurotologists. Unsteadiness, vertiginous syndromes and sensorineural hearing loss are frequent. Nystagmus, especially horizontal and down-beating, is not rare. It is important for neurotologists to familiarise themselves with CM-I symptoms to be able to consider it in differential diagnosis.
