Embolization of vascular malformations in head and neck regions. A single center experience.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of embolization of each type of vascular malformation. Thirty three patients with a diagnosis of vascular malformations in head and neck regions who were treated by embolization at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, between 1997-2002 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 19 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), two arteriolar-capillary types, ten venous malformations, one veno-lymphatic malformation and one mixed capillary and venous types. The goal of treatment is to restore function and to prevent bleeding complications with particularly good cosmetic results. The technique and therapeutic agents depended on the types and flow characteristics of each malformation. Transarterial embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate were used in AVMs, unless no arterial route approach, then direct puncture was tried. This was carried out in five patients with AVMs. Polyvinyl alcohol was used in two capillary lesions. All venous malformations were treated by absolute alcohol injection, percutaneously. All had good outcome without serious complications. Two patients had further plastic surgery, one was AVM of eyelid and the other was facial venolymphatic malformation. Embolization is considered to be the primary treatment by eradication of those abnormal vessels directly at the target, whereas delayed plastic surgery may be needed later.

Bilateral high radial nerve compressions: a case report.

A 40-year-old woman with bilateral high radial nerve compressions by non-traumatic cause was reported. It occurred first at the right radial nerve which was explored after a period of investigation and conservative treatment. Two constricted sites 2.0 cm apart of the right radial nerve crossed by branches of the radial collateral artery beneath the lateral head of the triceps were found. The constricted sites including tissue in between was resected and replaced with a sural nerve graft. One year later the patient had the same episode on the left side. The operative finding was the same as the previous one. Sural nerve graft was performed after neurolysis had failed. The patient's normal radial nerve function returned in one year. This is the first reported case in the literature of bilateral high radial nerve compressions by branches of the radial collateral artery.

Self-adhesive silicone gel sheet: a treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids.

An open clinical trial was conducted to assess the effect of self-adhesive silicone gel sheet (SASGS) for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids in Thai people. Patients were instructed to apply the SASGS to the scars as long as possible, but not less than 12 hours per day for at least 8 weeks. The subjective results of the treatment were evaluated by the patients. The scars were evaluated for color, height, weight before and after treatment at 4 and 8 weeks. Eighteen patients with 18 hypertrophic scars or keloids were recruited into the study. Their ages ranged from 6 to 33 years (mean 21 years). The average duration of the scars was 5.7 years. Twelve patients (66.67%) stated good results. All of the 18 patients wanted to continue the treatment with SASGS. Heights of the scars were reduced in 12 lesions (66.67%) after treatment for 8 weeks (P = 0.058). Weights of the lesions were decreased in 10 lesions (55.55%) but were not statistically different (P = 0.090). Seven lesions (36.84%) were improved in color. Two patients (11.11%) developed erythematous rash around the lesions which subsided after withdrawal of the treatment. The long term follow-up for the recurrence and the mechanism of action of this treatment should be studied further.

Epidemiology of cleft lip and palate in Thailand.

During the years 1989 to 1991, a survey for the epidemiology of cleft lip and palate was carried out in Thailand using detailed forms. One thousand ninety-six patients were recorded and 593 patients were operated during that period. All records were analyzed. Six hundred forty-seven patients (59%) lived in northeastern Thailand. Of the 593 operated patients, 26% had cleft lip only, 48% had cleft lip and palate, and 25% had cleft palate only. Men predominated all groups except for the cleft palate-only group. Twenty-six of 593 patients had associated congenital anomalies. Two hundred thirty-seven of 1,096 patients had a history of cleft lip and palate in their first- and second-degree relatives (21.62%). Five hundred seventy-eight of 1,096 mothers (52.74%) had a history of taking drugs. Analgesics were among the drugs taken most often.