Ulnar forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: systematic review of the literature and a case report.

OBJECTIVE: Under the assumption that the ulnar artery is the predominant blood supply to the hand, radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) generally have been preferred over ulnar forearm free flaps (UFFF) in head and neck reconstruction. The objective of this study is to create the first and only systematic review of the literature regarding UFFF in head and neck reconstruction, assessing the usage, morbidity, complications, and rationale of its use. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, including Mesh terms and manual searches. Articles not in English were excluded. RESULTS: Seventeen articles of the 80 articles identified by our search criteria met inclusion criteria; a total of 682 cases of UFFF were identified, including our patient case. Fifty-five percent of the cases involved use of the Allen's test. Mean flap size was 6.1 × 10.5 cm. Of the 432 cases reporting flap survival, 14 (3.2%) flap losses were reported, 13 total (3.0%), and one partial (0.2%). The UFFF was preferred to the RFFF due to decreased hirsutism (61%), better cosmetic outcomes (91%), and better post-operative hand function with reduced donor site morbidity (73%). For the case report, an UFFF was used successfully for lid reconstruction and resurfacing in a 72-year-old man who presented with late ectropion and exposure keratopathy following maxillary resection for leiomyosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first and only systematic review of the literature to date of UFFF in head and neck reconstruction. Our review demonstrates that the UFFF rarely results in flap loss, donor site morbidity, or hand ischemia, instead providing enhanced outcomes. With its many surgeon-perceived advantages and minimal morbidity, the UFFF may become a preferred forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction.

Pompholyx and eczematous reactions associated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and although generally well tolerated, cutaneous side effects occur. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed reports of pompholyx and eczematous reactions associated with IVIG. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases with the search terms "intravenous immunoglobulin pompholyx," "intravenous immunoglobulin eczema," "intravenous immunoglobulin cutaneous adverse effects," "intravenous immunoglobulin cutaneous effects," "intravenous immunoglobulin skin effects," and "intravenous immunoglobulin adverse effects." Relevant English-language articles or articles in other languages cited in English-language articles were included. RESULTS: We identified 64 cases of eczematous reactions associated with IVIG therapy, including a patient treated on our inpatient consult service. In reported cases, the majority of patients (62.5%) had pompholyx alone or a combination of pompholyx on the hands or feet and two or fewer additional body surfaces involved. The majority of reported cases (75%) experienced the eczematous reaction after their first IVIG treatment. Neurologic conditions were the most common (85.9%) diseases for which IVIG was used. Most patients responded well to topical steroids or did not require treatment. LIMITATIONS: Some reported cases had insufficient descriptions to be included in this review. A literature review may underestimate the frequency of eczematous reactions to IVIG because these reactions are often limited and may not be reported. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of IVIG increasing, it is important for dermatologists to recognize this cutaneous side effect of IVIG.