[Teratomas of the nasopharynx. A report of three cases]. / Teratomas de nasofaringe. A propósito de tres casos.

Teratomas are the most common congenital tumors, but neoplasms of the nasopharynx are rare in neonates. The exact origin of teratomas is unknown and debated. Several theories of embryogenesis are possible. These neoplasms include elements from all three germinal layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). Four histological types of nasopharyngeal teratoma occur. We report three cases of dermoid teratoma. All the patients were siblings and two were twins. A review of several large series of pediatric teratomas confirmed the rarity of this site. The classification, clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.

[Morphological and functional correlations of the protective action of pantothenic acid in cisplatin ototoxicity (I)]. / Correlaciones morfofuncionales de la acción protectora del ácido pantoténico en la ototoxia por cisplatino (I).

The protective effect of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs has been demonstrated. We studied the possible correspondence between functional disturbances studied by electrocochleography, specifically the latency of the N1 wave and morphological abnormalities on scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis showed no correspondence.

[AIDS manifestations in otorhinolaryngology]. / Manifestaciones del SIDA en otorrinolaringología.

The otorhinolaryngological signs of AIDS are reviewed (both analysis and synthesis) following the chronological order of the literature. The earliest clinical pictures, their frequency and time of onset, are described by the authors studied. In 1986 the ENT signs of this disease were well known, and in our region the same multiple, polyfacetic aspects are seen. Personal experience of this is described, emphasizing how seldom the diagnosis has been made, except early on. Usually the cases seen and diagnosed by the Department of Infectious Diseases were referred for specialist opinion. The commonest findings were, amongst the opportunist infections: oropharyngeal and oesophageal candidiasis, and tuberculous adenopathies. Classical ENT pathology was represented by sinusitis and to a lesser extent by otitis and tonsillitis. The tumours seen were non-Hodgkin lymphomas, but no Hodgkin's or Burkitt's lymphomas. There was an unusual case of 'high grade centroblastic lymphoma', localized to the tonsil and presenting as necrotic tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. Recently a patient with a large pharyngeal tumour (still being investigated) has been provisionally diagnosed as having a cavernous angioma. Both these patients were diagnosed by us, since we saw the first sign of the disease. We have seen few Kaposi's sarcomas, since cutaneous and oral lesions are not usually referred to us.

Pantothenic acid and coenzyme A in experimental cisplatin-induced ototoxia.

We have observed that pantothenic acid (PA) prevents deafness induced by cisplatin (CP) in the guinea pig if both drugs are administered jointly. When deafness was previously produced, recovery was sometimes obtained after the administration of PA; so, we studied the effects of PA on cisplatian-induced ototoxia in guinea pigs, both as a prophylactic agent in healthy animals, and as a therapeutic agent in animals previously made deaf by the drug. To elucidate why PA protects the ear from the toxic effects of CP, we used coenzyme A (CoA) instead of PA-since PA is a component of CoA-to test the hypothesis that the action of PA is due to CoA. The results were practically the same in both experiences, the compound action potential of the auditory nerve (CAP) was tested and cochleas were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results suggest that the protective effect of PA takes place through CoA. Both substances had the same effect on CP ototoxicity, but CoA appears to be much more active, since the dose tested here was much lower than that of PA.

Early morphofunctional alterations induced by cisplatin in the cochlea. A quantitative and electrocochleographic study.

The early morphological and functional alterations of the cochlea were studied in guinea pigs treated with cisplatin, administered to two groups of animals as a single dose of 4 or 10 mg/kg body weight. Morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and functional alterations were investigated by electrocochleography to record compound action potentials. Statistically significant alterations in neurosensory stereocilia, consisting of partial or total denudation, were observed only after the experimental administration of the higher dose of cisplatin; these changes were consistently associated with distortions in the compound action potential.