Myocardial Injury Progression after Radiofrequency Ablation in School-Age Children. / Progressão da Lesão Miocárdica após Ablação por Radiofrequência em Crianças em Idade Escolar.

BACKGROUND: The past decades have seen the rapid development of the invasive treatment of arrhythmias by catheter ablation procedures. Despite its safety and efficacy being well-established in adults, to date there has been little data in pediatric scenarios. One of the main concerns is the possible expansion of the ablation procedure scar in this population and its consequences over the years. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the risk of myocardial injury progression after radiofrequency catheter ablation in pediatric patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 20 pediatric patients with previous ablation for treatment of supraventricular arrhythmia that underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and coronary angiography for evaluation of myocardial fibrosis and the integrity of the coronary arteries during follow-up. RESULTS: The median age at ablation procedure was 15.1 years (Q1 12.9, Q3 16.6) and 21 years (Q1 20, Q3 23) when the cardiac magnetic resonance was performed. Fourteen of them were women. Nodal reentry tachycardia and Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome were the main diagnosis (19 patients), with one patient with atrial tachycardia. Three patients had ventricular myocardial fibrosis, but with a volume < 0.6 cm 3 . None of them developed ventricular dysfunction and no patient had coronary lesions on angiography. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter ablation did not show to increase the risk of myocardial injury progression or coronary artery lesions.

FUNDAMENTO: As últimas décadas têm assistido ao rápido desenvolvimento do tratamento invasivo de arritmias por procedimentos de ablação por cateter. Apesar da sua segurança e eficácia bem estabelecida em adultos, até o momento, há poucos dados nos cenários pediátricos. Uma das principais preocupações é a possível expansão da cicatriz do procedimento de ablação nessa população e suas consequências ao longo dos anos. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o risco da progressão da lesão miocárdica após ablação por cateter de radiofrequência em pacientes pediátricos. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes pediátricos com tratamento prévio de arritmia supraventricular com ablação, submetidos à ressonância magnética cardíaca e angiografia coronária para avaliação de fibrose miocárdica e da integridade das artérias coronárias durante o acompanhamento. RESULTADOS: A idade mediana no procedimento de ablação foi 15,1 anos (Q1 12,9, Q3 16,6) e 21 anos (Q1 20, Q3 23) quando a ressonância magnética cardíaca foi realizada. Quatorze dos pacientes eram mulheres. Taquicardia por reentrada nodal e síndrome de Wolf-Parkinson-White foram os principais diagnósticos (19 pacientes), com um paciente com taquicardia atrial. Três pacientes apresentaram fibrose miocárdica ventricular, mas com um volume inferior a 0,6 cm 3 . Nenhum deles desenvolveu disfunção ventricular e nenhum paciente apresentou lesões coronarianos na angiografia. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação por cateter de radiofrequência não mostrou aumentar o risco de progressão de lesão miocárdica ou de lesões na artéria coronária.

Progressão da Lesão Miocárdica após Ablação por Radiofrequência em Crianças em Idade Escolar / Myocardial Injury Progression after Radiofrequency Ablation in School-Age Children

Resumo Fundamento As últimas décadas têm assistido ao rápido desenvolvimento do tratamento invasivo de arritmias por procedimentos de ablação por cateter. Apesar da sua segurança e eficácia bem estabelecida em adultos, até o momento, há poucos dados nos cenários pediátricos. Uma das principais preocupações é a possível expansão da cicatriz do procedimento de ablação nessa população e suas consequências ao longo dos anos. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o risco da progressão da lesão miocárdica após ablação por cateter de radiofrequência em pacientes pediátricos. Métodos Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes pediátricos com tratamento prévio de arritmia supraventricular com ablação, submetidos à ressonância magnética cardíaca e angiografia coronária para avaliação de fibrose miocárdica e da integridade das artérias coronárias durante o acompanhamento. Resultados A idade mediana no procedimento de ablação foi 15,1 anos (Q1 12,9, Q3 16,6) e 21 anos (Q1 20, Q3 23) quando a ressonância magnética cardíaca foi realizada. Quatorze dos pacientes eram mulheres. Taquicardia por reentrada nodal e síndrome de Wolf-Parkinson-White foram os principais diagnósticos (19 pacientes), com um paciente com taquicardia atrial. Três pacientes apresentaram fibrose miocárdica ventricular, mas com um volume inferior a 0,6 cm 3 . Nenhum deles desenvolveu disfunção ventricular e nenhum paciente apresentou lesões coronarianos na angiografia. Conclusão A ablação por cateter de radiofrequência não mostrou aumentar o risco de progressão de lesão miocárdica ou de lesões na artéria coronária.

Abstract Background The past decades have seen the rapid development of the invasive treatment of arrhythmias by catheter ablation procedures. Despite its safety and efficacy being well-established in adults, to date there has been little data in pediatric scenarios. One of the main concerns is the possible expansion of the ablation procedure scar in this population and its consequences over the years. Objectives This study aimed to analyze the risk of myocardial injury progression after radiofrequency catheter ablation in pediatric patients. Methods This is a retrospective study of 20 pediatric patients with previous ablation for treatment of supraventricular arrhythmia that underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and coronary angiography for evaluation of myocardial fibrosis and the integrity of the coronary arteries during follow-up. Results The median age at ablation procedure was 15.1 years (Q1 12.9, Q3 16.6) and 21 years (Q1 20, Q3 23) when the cardiac magnetic resonance was performed. Fourteen of them were women. Nodal reentry tachycardia and Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome were the main diagnosis (19 patients), with one patient with atrial tachycardia. Three patients had ventricular myocardial fibrosis, but with a volume < 0.6 cm 3 . None of them developed ventricular dysfunction and no patient had coronary lesions on angiography. Conclusion Radiofrequency catheter ablation did not show to increase the risk of myocardial injury progression or coronary artery lesions.

Bipolar radiofrequency ablation of septal ventricular tachycardia in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy using two 8-mm tip catheters-case report.

Septal ventricular tachycardias exhibit high recurrence rates after radiofrequency ablation, which is mainly attributed to the deep intramyocardial circuits and the inability to create transmural lesions with the conventional unipolar ablation. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation is feasible and it has been reported as a valid technique in these cases, leading to deeper lesion formation, high non-inducibility rates, and acceptable recurrence rates during follow-up. Our goal is to report a successful case of bipolar ablation of a septal ventricular tachycardia using a simple bipolar ablation configuration with two 8-mm tip catheters.

The Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey: Design and Methods.

PURPOSE: To describe the study design, operational strategies, procedures, and baseline characteristics of the Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey (BARES), a population-based survey of the prevalence and causes of distance and near visual impairment and blindness in older adults residing in the city of Parintins. METHODS: Cluster sampling, based on geographically defined census sectors, was used for cross-sectional random sampling of persons 45 years and older from urban and rural areas. Subjects were enumerated through a door-to-door survey and invited for measurement of uncorrected, presenting and best-corrected visual acuity and an ocular examination. RESULTS: Of 9931 residents (5878 urban and 4053 rural), 2384 individuals (1410 urban and 974 rural) were eligible and 2041 (1180 urban and 861 rural) had a clinical examination (response rate 85.6%). The majority of participants were female (1041, 51.0%); the average age was 59.9 ± 11.1 years (60.2 ± 11.2 years for urban and 59.4 ± 11.1 years for rural); 1360 (66.6%) had primary schooling or less (58.1% in urban and 78.4% in rural) and 57.8% were resident in urban areas. The age distribution between sexes was similar (p = 0.178). Both sex and age distributions of the sample were comparable to that of the Brazilian Amazon Region population. CONCLUSIONS: The BARES cohort will provide information about the prevalence and causes of near and distance vision in this underprivileged and remote population in Brazil.

Videoendoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing After Thyroidectomy: 7 and 60 Days.

Deglutition complaints are frequent after thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to follow-up on patients with thyroidectomy indication to compare the videoendoscopic evaluation of swallowing on the seventh day (early postoperative, EPO) and on the 60th day after thyroidectomy, (late postoperative, LPO) and to compare patients that evolved with normal laryngeal mobility (NLM) and abnormal laryngeal mobility (ALM). Nasofibroscopic evaluation was performed preoperatively (PRE), on the EPO and LPO. Two groups were compared: ALM and NLM. The majority of people were women, age bracket 46-65, who underwent total thyroidectomy and with high frequency of carcinoma. 30 out of the 54 patients in the study had change in swallowing (55 %). Dysphagia occurred in 87 % (13/15) of patients with ALM in the EPO and remained in 67 % of them in the LPO. In the NLM group, dysphagia occurred in 44 % (17/39) in EPO and 25 % in LPO. There was a statistical difference between PRE and EPO, and PRE and LPO (P < 0,001). In the ALM group, liquid penetration and aspiration were identified in 33 % of the cases during EPO (P = 0,014); retention of food occurred in 87 % in EPO and in 60 % in LPO (P < 0,001). Dysphagia occurs in patients after thyroid surgery (regardless of larynx mobility alteration) and characterized by stasis of food in the oro and hypopharynx, which is also noticed in LPO, though more frequently in EPO.

Hemothorax due to warfarin overdose / Hemotórax secundário a intoxicação varfarínica

The vitamin K antagonists are the most widely used oral anticoagulant. Although bleedings are common side effect, development of hemothorax is rare. Most cases are associated with impairment in pleura or parenchyma structural alteration in the presence of INR values outside therapeutic range. We report the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with massive hemothorax under anticoagulation with warfarin and present an overview of the main aspects related to warfarin overdose. A 58-year-old woman was evaluated due to transvaginal bleeding and dry cough. In her past medical history, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking and deep venous thrombosis was reported. She had clinical signs of anemia and pulmonary auscultation revealed no lung sounds in the lower third of the right hemithorax. The hemoglobin was 7,2g/dL and the international normalized ratio (INR) was greater than 9. The tomographic study showed pleural effusion and pulmonary embolism in the left pulmonary artery with chronic characteristics, but was negative for pulmonary infarct. The patient received crystalloids, vitamin K and transfusions of blood products. Thoracentesis demonstrated presence of hemothorax. After recovery and hospital discharge, an elective pleural biopsy reveals pleural tissue without histological changes and no signs of malignancy. Despite the fact that hemothorax is a rare complication in patients on oral anticoagulants, this occurrence can be life threatening. The evidence of pleural effusion in these patients should always raise the suspicion of hemothorax. Comorbidities that may affect the lung may be predisposing factors for the occurrence of hemothorax, but the roll of pleural and parenchymal diseases of the lung is not fully clarified and investigation of such conditions should be encouraged.

Os antagonistas da vitamina K são os anticoagulantes orais mais utilizados. Embora sangramentos sejam efeitos colaterais comuns, o desenvolvimento de hemotórax é raro. A maioria dos casos está associada ao comprometimento da pleura ou alteração estrutural do parênquima na presença de valores de INR fora da faixa terapêutica. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com artrite reumatóide e em anticoagulação com varfarina que apresentou-se com hemotórax maciço. Apresentamos também uma visão geral sobre os principais aspectos relacionados à intoxicação varfarínica. Uma mulher de 58 anos de idade foi avaliada devido a sangramento transvaginal e tosse seca. Em seu histórico médico, artrite reumatóide, tabagismo e trombose venosa profunda foram relatados. Ela tinha sinais clínicos de anemia e a ausculta pulmonar revelou ruídos abolidos no terço inferior do hemitórax direito. A hemoglobina era de 7,2g/dL e a relação normatizada internacional (RNI) maior do que 9. O estudo tomográfico mostrou derrame pleural e embolia na artéria pulmonar esquerda com características crônicas, mas foi negativo para infarto pulmonar. O paciente recebeu cristalóides, vitamina K e transfusões de hemocomponentes. A toracocentese demonstrou presença de hemotórax. Após a recuperação e alta hospitalar, uma biópsia pleural eletiva revelou tecido pleural sem alterações histológicas e sem sinais de malignidade. Apesar do fato de que hemotórax é uma complicação rara em pacientes que tomam anticoagulantes orais, esta ocorrência pode ser fatal. A evidência de derrame pleural nesses pacientes deve sempre levantara suspeita de hemotórax. Co-morbidades que podem afetar o pulmão podem ser fatores predisponentes para a ocorrência de hemotórax, mas o papel de doenças pleurais e parenquimatosas do pulmão não está totalmente esclarecido e a investigação de tais condições deve ser incentivada.

Análise videofluoroscópica da deglutição após laringectomia total / Videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing after total laryngectomy

Introdução: As queixas de deglutição dos pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total são pouco valorizadas, devido ao impacto da perda da voz laríngea. Além disso, quando se refere à disfagia, a relevância é dada à fase esofágica. Objetivo: Descrever os resultados da análise videofluoroscópica da deglutição de pacientes laringectomizados totais. Método: estudo descritivo/retrospectivo da análise dos exames de 22 laringectomizados totais e dos prontuários com informações de deglutição. O protocolo de análise da imagem videofluoroscópica envolveu dados de mobilidade da base de língua, mobilidade do véu palatino, trânsito esofágico e estases nas consistências líquida, pastosa e, quando possível, na sólida. Resultados: Dentre os disfágicos (95%), 48% apresentou movimento de posteriorização da base de língua reduzido (PBL); 24%, redução no fechamento de véu palatino (VP); 76%, estase em base de língua (BL); 71%, em topografia de valécula (TV); 81%, em transição faringo-esofágica (TFE); 71%, em segmento faringoesofágico (SFE); 52%, em área de armazenamento de ar (AA); 86%, trânsito esofágico lento (TEL); 9%, estenose esofágica (EE). Quanto às informações de deglutição, 73% apresentou queixa para sólidos. Conclusão: a ausência de queixa na deglutição não significa normalidade do exame. A disfagia não ocorre somente na fase esofágica e sim também nas fases oral e faríngea, caracterizada por trânsito lento e estase.

Introduction: The self-reported dysphagia following total laryngectomy is underestimated and the deglutition disorders have been associated with esophageal phase. Objective: To describe features of deglutition in a population of patients submitted to total laryngectomy. Methods: Retrospective study of videofluoroscopic examination with 22 patients and analysis of swallowing’s information. The protocol of videofluoroscopic examination involved: mobility of base-of-tongue; mobility of soft palate; esophageal transit and residue with liquid; pureed and, when possible, solid food. Results: 96% had dysphagia. Of these patients, 48% had reduction in base-of-tongue movement posteriorization (BTM); 24% showed reduction in soft palate movement (SPM); 76% had residue in base-of-tongue (RBT); 71% had residue in pseudovallecula (PV); 81% had residue in pharyngoesophageal transition (PT); 71% had residue in pharyngoesophageal segment (PS); 52% showed an area of air reservation (AAR); 86% had prolonged esophageal transit times (ETTP); 9% suffered esophageal stenosis (ES). Regarding selfreported deglutition, 73% had some difficulty to swallow solid food. Conclusion: The absence of self-report dysphagia following total laryngectomy was not always associated with normal findings at videofluoroscopic examination. Swallowing disorders were detected in all phases of deglutition, not only in esophageal phase.

Robotic surgery in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery: a review.

Recent advancements in robotics technology have allowed more complex surgical procedures to be performed using minimally invasive approaches. In this article, we reviewed the role of robotic assistance in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. We highlight the advantages of robot-assisted surgery and its clinical application in this field.

A história do estetoscópio e da ausculta cardíaca / The history of the stethoscope and cardiac auscultation

Este trabalho apresenta os principais fatos e acontecimentos relacionados ao desenvolvimento do estetoscópio e à história da ausculta cardíaca. Destaca o papel e contribuição de diversas personalidades do campo científico, apresenta o estetoscópio em seus variados modelos históricos e sumariza as descobertas realizadas pelo método antes e depois da invenção desse instrumento. Aborda, ainda, a ausculta e o estetoscópio no contexto do exame físico e da construção da relação médico-paciente.

This paper reports the major facts and events related to the stethoscope development and the history of cardiac auscultation. It describes the role and contribution of several scientists, presents the several historical models of stethoscopes, and summarizes the discoveries relying on the auscultation method both before and after the invention of the stethoscope. It also approaches auscultation and stethoscope within the context of physical examination and physician-patient relationship

In situ hybridization detection of homeobox genes reveals distinct expression patterns in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

AIMS: To analyse the expression of three homeobox genes (HOXA7, PITX1 and PRRX1) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and the relationship of such expression to certain distinct histopathological features of OSCC and in comparison to adjacent non-neoplastic epithelium (NT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Digoxigenin-labelled riboprobes that are specific for each homeobox gene were generated and in situ hybridization was carried out on frozen sections. In NT samples, HOXA7 and PITX1 transcripts were found more frequently in all epithelial layers, while PRRX1 was expressed in the basal layer. With OSCC samples, expression of the three genes was associated with all histological features. However, the HOXA7 and PITX1 signals were more intense in sheets and nests and PRRX1 in small nests and isolated cells. CONCLUSION: HOXA7, PIXT1 and PRRX1 homeobox genes have different patterns of expression in OSCC depending on its histological features.

ERCC1 protein, mRNA expression and T19007C polymorphism as prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with surgery and adjuvant cisplatin-based chemoradiation.

Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemoradiation improves survival in HNSCC patients presenting with risk features. ERCC1 (excision repair cross-complementation group 1) is associated with resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy and may have a prognostic value in HNSCC patients. Here we studied ERCC1 expression and the polymorphism T19007C as prognostic markers in these patients. This is a retrospective and translational analysis, where ERCC1 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, using an H-score, and mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. T19007C genotypes were detected by PCR-RFLP carried out using DNA template extracted from normal lymph nodes. A high H-score was seen in 32 patients (54%), who presented better 5-year overall survival (5-y OS: 50% vs. 18%, HR 0.43, p=0.026). Fifteen out of 45 patients (33%), with high mRNA expression, presented better 5-year overall survival (OS) (86% vs. 30%, HR 0.26, p=0.052). No OS difference was detected among T19007C genotypes. High H-score and mRNA expression remained significant as favorable prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis. Collectively, our results suggest that high ERCC1 expression seems to be associated with better OS rates in HNSCC patients submitted to adjuvant cisplatin-based chemoradiation.

Hiperparatireoidismo secundário: fatores prognósticos de recidiva atribuída ao implante após paratireoidectomia total e auto-implante / Secondary hyperparathyroidism: prognostic factors of graft-dependent recurrence after total parathyroidectomy adn parathyroid autotransplantation

Introdução: Quando o tratamento clínico do hiperparatireoidismo secundário falha, é recomendada a paratireoidectomia. Na DCCP HCFMUSP, a cirurgia de escolha é a paratireoidectomia total com auto-implante imediato de fragmentos de paratireoide em membro superior. Nestes casos, caso haja recidiva do hiperparatireoidismo, pode ser causada pelo tecido implantado e, em alguns casos, há necessidade de ressecção dos implantes. Objetivo: O estudo atual tem como objetivo avaliar os pacientes submetidos a este tratamento e identificar fatores clínicos que podem prever recidiva atribuída ao implante. Método: Analisamos retrospectivamente dados de 57 doentes e identificamos nove recidivas do hiperparatireoidismo atribuídas ao implante, que foram submetidos a 14 procedimentos de retirada. Escolhemos um grupo controle (pareado por sexo e idade) de pacientes submetidos a paratireoidectomia total com auto-implante, sem recidiva por pelo menos dois anos. Resultados: Analisamos dados clínicos e laboratoriais, assim como pesos e padrões histológicos das paratireoides operadas. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a dosagem pré-operatória de PTH (p=0,0091), tamanho da paratireoide ressecada durante a primeira cirurgia (p=0,0052) e padrão nodular na paratireoide selecionada para implante (p=0,0152) e recidiva no implante. Oito dos nove pacientes diagnosticados com recidiva tiveram controle da doença após os procedimentos. Todos os dados estatisticamente significativos foram pré ou peri-operatórios, e podem ajudar em decisões intra-operatórias. Conclusões: Baseado no estudo, sugerimos que a quantidade de tecido paratireoideo necessário a ser implantado pode variar conforme a dosagem sérica de PTH, o tamanho das glândulas e a presença de hiperplasia nodular no intra-operatório. As glândulas maiores e com hiperplasia nodular devem ser evitadas para implante.

Introduction: When clinical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism fails, parathyroidectomy is mandatory. Total parathyroidectomy and immediate parathyroid autotransplantation in the forearm is the standard treatment at the DCCP HCFMUSP. In these cases, if hyperparathyroidism reccurs, it may be caused by hyperplastic graft tissue and, sometimes, reintervention is needed to resect hyperplasic implants. Objective: The present study seeks to evaluate patients submitted to this treatment and try to clarify clinical factors that could predict hyperparathyroidism recurrence due to graft hyperplasia. Method: We could retrospectively analyse data from 57 patients, and identify nine recurrences of hyperparathyroidism caused by graft hyperplasia, submitted to 14 implant resections. We choose a control group: autotransplantation without recurrence for at least two years (matched by age and sex). Results: We analyzed pre-operative clinical and laboratorial data, parathyroid weight and histological patterns. There were statistically significant differences among preoperative serum PTH (p=0,0091), parathyroid gland size resected during first surgery (p=0,0052) and nodular pattern at parathyroid chosen for transplantation (p=0,0152) and recurrence caused by graft tissue. In all patients, but one, the disease is controlled. All statistically significant identified risk factors were pre or perioperative and may help intra operative decisions. Conclusion: Based on this study, we suggest that the amount of graft tissue may be influenced by pre-op PTH levels, size of glands and presence of nodular hyperplasia. A large and/or nodular glands should be avoided for implants.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in invasive papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major promoter of endothelial growth and migration. Some studies have shown a correlation between expression of this growth factor and prognosis in several cancers, including well-differentiated thyroid cancer. AIM: We studied VEGF expression, local invasiveness, and other prognostic factors in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to test the hypothesis that the expression of VEGF is correlated with the degree of invasion of PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical and pathological data of 76 patients with PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Group 1 consisted of patients with gross locally invasive tumors, group 2 consisted of patients with only invasion of the thyroid capsule, and group 3 consisted of patients with noninvasive PTC. RESULTS: VEGF expression was noted within the tumor in all groups of PTC patients but was absent in the surrounding normal tissue. Older patients had higher expression of VEGF than younger patients. The age of patients with strong reaction to VEGF was 46 +/- 14 (mean +/- standard deviation), and that in patients with a weaker reaction was 39 +/- 16 (p < 0.05). Only 20% of patients with a follicular variant of PTC had a strong reaction to VEGF compared with 68% of patients with classical PTC (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: VEGF expression appears to be an early event in the development of PTC. Whether VEGF expression promotes the progression of PTC is not known, but the answer to this question may be important in view of its greater expression in older patients, a group whose prognosis in PTC is worse.

Paratireóides supra-numerárias em hiperparatireoidismo secundário / Supernumerary parathyroid glands in secondary hyperparathyroidism

Introdução: No tratamento cirúrgico do hiperparatireoidismo secundário, a identificação de todo o tecido paratireóideo hiperfuncional é importante para a melhora metabólica do paciente. A possibilidade de uma glândula paratireóide supra-numerária é uma causa de persistência ou recidiva. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de glândulas paratireóides supra-numerárias em pacientes operados por hiperparatireoidismo secundário. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de doentes renais crônicos dialíticos submetidos à paratireoidectomia. A pesquisa de glândulas supra-numerárias foi realizada no achado intra-operatório e no resultado anatomopatológico definitivo. Resultados: Em 39 casos operados analisados houve a detecção de três glândulas em um caso (2,6%), quatro glândulas em 33 pacientes (84,6%) e cinco glândulas paratireóides em cinco casos (12,8%). Em nenhum caso demonstrou-se mais do que cinco glândulas. Em três casos, a glândula supra-numerária foi detectada pelo cirurgião no intra-operatório (uma no timo, uma na bifurcação carotídea e outra junto à paratireóide inferior esquerda). Em dois casos, as paratireóides supra-numerárias foram identificadas na análise anatomopatológica do timo. Conclusões: O ocorrência de glândulas paratireóides supra-numerárias em doentes operados por hiperparatireoidismo secundário não é infrequente. Na maior parte dos casos, a glândula supra-numerária está localizada no timo, mas há outros locais possíveis. Em boa parte dos casos, as glândulas supra-numerárias podem ser detectadas durante a operação inicial.

Introduction: The identification of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue is necessary during the parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in order to achieve a metabolic improvement for the patient. A supernumerary parathyroid gland is a cause of persistent or recurrent disease. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of supernumerary parathyroid glands in patients operated on for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: Prospective study of patients on regular dialysis submitted to parathyroidectomy. Supernumerary glands were identified at the operation or in the pathology report. Results: In 39 cases operated on, only three parathyroid glands were found in one single person (2.6%), four glands in 33 cases (84.6%) and five glands in five patients (12.8%). More than five parathyroid glands were not observed. In three cases the supernumerary gland was found by the surgeon during the procedure (one in the thymus, one at the carotid artery bifurcation and the other was close to the left inferior parathyroid). In two cases the supernumerary glands were identified by the pathologist during microscopic analysis of the excised thymus. Conclusions: Supernumerary parathyroid glands were not infrequent in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. In most cases, the supernumerary gland was localized in the thymus, but other locations were also possible. In many cases, the supernumerary parathyroid can be detected during the initial operation.

Avaliação funcional das pregas vocais por meio da estimulação do nervo laríngeo inferior durante tireoidectomias e pela ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido no pré e pós-operatório / Functional evaluation of vocal folds through stimulation of inferior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomies and by color Doppler ultrasonography within pre and postoperative

Introdução: Pacientes de procedimentos cirúrgicos sobre a glândula tireóide apresentam paralisia ou paresia de prega vocal em conseqüência da injúria do nervo laríngeo inferior com frequência de 0% a 15%. A metodologia empregada para estudar a paralisia da prega vocal praticamente se restringe à laringoscopia, com a qual se obtêm imagens diretas da glote. Outro método utilizado para esse fim, mas pouco referido na literatura é a ultra-sonografia feita para estudar a mobilidade das pregas vocais e ainda na prevenção da lesão do nervo laríngeo inferior, como reforço da técnica cirúrgica padronizada para identificar o nervo, pode-se usar a neuroestimulação com a observação, de maneira direta ou indireta, da movimentação das pregas vocais. Objetivo: Estudo funcional das pregas vocais por meio da ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido no pré e pós-operatório das tireoidectomias, comparando-se seus resultados com os da vídeo-laringoscopia, enquanto que no período intra-operatório, utilizou-se a neuroestimulação associada a laringoscopia. Métodos: O estudo, feito de modo prospectivo em 45 pacientes com indicação de tireoidectomia no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Hospital Beneficente São Caetano, no período de junho de 1995 a dezembro de 1996. A avaliação pré e pós-operatória das pregas vocais foi realizada com a nasofibrolaringoscopia e de maneira independente a ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido; no intra-operatório, a avaliação das pregas vocais foi feita pela associação da neuroestimulação com videolaringoscopia. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o modelo linear multinomial de Agresti. Resultados: O estudo demonstrou concordância entre os achados da ultra-sonografia e da vídeo-laringoscopia em torno de 95% e entre neuroestimulação e vídeo-laringoscopia em 87% e a discordância como hipótese nula não apresentou significância estatística. Conclusão: A análise dos dois métodos demonstra: a) a excelente capacidade de estudo da motilidade das pregas vocais pela ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido; e b) boa validade da neuroestimulação para identificar o nervo laríngeo inferior com a vídeo-laringoscopia e avaliar a sua funcionalidade, tendo ainda a vantagem de ser um método acessível e seguro.

Introduction: Patients submitted to thyroidectomies present vocal fold paralysis or paresis as a consequence of inferior laryngeal nerve injury in 0-15% of the cases. The studies of vocal fold paralysis are almost restricted to laryngoscopy. Another method to study vocal fold motility, not so referred to in the literature, is the ultrasonography. Objectives: Functional study of vocal folds through color Doppler ultrasonography before, during and after thyroidectomies by comparing its results to the ones of videolaryngoscopy, whereas in the intraoperative period, neurostimulation was used associated with laryngoscopy. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 45 patients with indication of thyroidectomy at the Service of Head and Neck surgery at Hospital Beneficente São Caetano, from June, 1995 to December, 1996. Pre and postoperative evaluation of the vocal folds was done with nasofibrolaryngoscopy, and, independently, color Doppler ultrasonography. The vocal fold evaluation was carried out in the intraoperative with the association of neurostimulation and videolaryngoscopy. Linear multinomial model by Agresti was applied for the statistical analysis. Results: The study showed 95% concordance between the findings of ultrasonography and videolaryngoscopy and 87% between neurostimulation and videolaryngoscopy and discordance as null hypothesis was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The analysis of both methods shows: a) the neurostimulation associated with the videolaryngoscopy during the thyroidectomies is useful and safe to identify and verify the integrity of the inferior laryngeal nerve; and b) color Doppler ultrasonography has excellent capacity to evaluate the motility of vocal folds.

Anatomic landmarks for localization of the spinal accessory nerve.

This anatomical study examines the anatomic topography and landmarks for localization of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) during surgical dissections in 40 fresh human cadavers (2 females and 38 males; ages from 22 to 89 years with a mean of 60 years). In the submandibular region, the SAN was found anteriorly to the transverse process of the atlas in 77.5% of the dissections. When the SAN crossed the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, the mean distance from the point of crossing to the tendon of the muscle was 1.75 +/- 0.54 cm. Distally, the SAN crossed between the two heads of the SCM muscle in 45% of the dissections and deep to the muscle in 55%. The SAN exited the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a point superior to the nerve point with a mean distance between these two anatomic parameters of 0.97 +/- 0.46 cm. The mean overall extracranial length of the SAN was 12.02 +/- 2.32 cm, whereas the mean length of the SAN in the posterior triangle was 5.27 +/- 1.52 cm. There were 2-10 lymph nodes in the SAN chain. In conclusion, the nerve point is one of the most reliable anatomic landmarks for localization of the SAN in surgical neck dissections. Although other anatomic parameters including the transverse process of the atlas and the digastric muscle can also be used to localize the SAN, the surgeon should be aware of the possibility of anatomic variations of those parameters. Similar to previous investigations, our results suggest that the number of lymph nodes of the SAN chain greatly varies.

Paratireoidectomia como modelo de avaliação do aprendizado de médicos residentes em cirurgia: resultados iniciais de estudo prospectivo / Parathyroidectomy as a model of learning evaluation of surgery residents: initial results of a prospective study

Introdução: O hiperparatireoidismo foi considerado uma doença rara no Brasil, mas o incremento no diagnóstico tem ocasionado aumento na demanda de tratamento. Apesar do desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos, o tratamento cirúrgico ainda é considerado importante. Mesmo com os avanços tecnológicos de localização, a experiência do cirurgião prevalece como fator determinante dos resultados da operação. Desse modo, a avaliação da aquisição de competência do médico residente nesse tipo de operação é uma obrigação da instituição de ensino. Ela deve criar instrumentos para essa avaliação. Objetivo: Descrever o instrumento de avaliação do ensino de operações de paratireóide desenvolvido em uma instituição universitária e seus resultados preliminares. Métodos: Analisaram-se os resultados dos instrumentos aplicados aos médicos residentes no ano de 2007. Os formulários foram preenchidos por diferentes supervisores com a análise de aspectos psicomotores, cognitivos e afetivos. Durante o período analisado, houve a aplicação de dois instrumentos diferentes, em etapas seqüenciais. Resultados: Houve nove avaliações em cada instrumento. No formulário com três conceitos (fraco, regular e bom), quanto aos aspectos psicomotores houve 82,5% de regular e 17,5% de bom. Nos aspectos afetivos, 29,6% de regular e 70,4% de bom. No protocolo com cinco conceitos (muito fraco, fraco, regular, bom, muito bom), nos aspectos psicomotores observaram-se 22,2% de regular, 58,7% de bom e 19,1% de muito bom. Em relação aos aspectos afetivos, houve 1,6% de muito fraco, 4,8% de fraco, 14,3% de regular, 47,6% de bom e 31,7% de muito bom. Conclusões: A mudança no protocolo de avaliação aparentemente permitiu discriminação melhor dos aspectos afetivos.

Introduction: Hyperparathyroidism was considered a rare disease in Brazil, but the increment in diagnosis has increased the need for treatment. Although new drugs have been developed, surgery is still considered an important therapy. Albeit the improvement in parathyroid localizing imaging studies, results of the operation are still affected by the experience of the surgeon. Thus, evaluation of residents' skills in this of operation is mandatory to teaching institutions. The institution should develop instruments for this evaluation. Objective: To report the initial experience with a rating system for evaluating parathyroid surgery teaching. Methods: The results of evaluation forms applied to head and neck surgery residents in the year of 2007 were analyzed. The evaluation was performed by different supervising surgeons and it included cognitive, operative skills and behavioral aspects. There were two different forms, developed consecutively. Results: Nine forms were filled for each type of chart. Regarding the chart with three possible options (poor, regular and good) the results for operative skills were 82.5% of regular and 17.5% of good. In behavioral aspects there were 29.6% of regular and 70.4% of good. In the forms with five possibilities (very poor, poor, regular, good, very good) there were 22.2% of regular, 58.7% of good and 19.1% of very good for technical skills aspects. In behavioral aspects, there were 1.6% of very poor, 4.8% of poor, 14.3% of regular, 47.6% of good and 31.7% of very good. Conclusion: The modification of the evaluation chart apparently improved the analysis of the behavioral aspects.

Perineural invasion in aggressive skin carcinomas of the head and neck. Potentially dangerous but frequently overlooked.

INTRODUCTION: Perineural invasion is a well-recognized form of cancer dissemination. However, it has been reported only in few papers concerning cutaneous carcinomas (basal cell, BCC, and squamous cell, SCC). Moreover, the incidence is considered to be very low. Niazi and Lambert [Br J Plast Surg 1993;46:156-157] reported only 0.18% of perineural invasion among 3,355 BCCs. It is associated with high-risk subtypes, as morphea-like, as well as with an increased risk of local recurrence. No paper was found in the literature looking for perineural invasion in very aggressive skin cancers with skull base extension, with immunohistochemical analysis. METHODS: This is a retrospective review, including 35 very advanced skin carcinomas with skull base invasion (24 BCCs and 11 SCCs, operated on at a single institution from 1982 to 2000). Representative slides were immunohistochemically evaluated with antiprotein S-100, in order to enhance nerve fibers and to detect perineural invasion. The results were compared to 34 controls with tumors with a good outcome, treated in the same time frame at the same Institution. RESULTS: Twelve (50.0%) of the BCCs with skull base invasion had proven perineural invasion, as opposed to only 1 (4.6%) of the controls, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding SCCs, 7 aggressive tumors (63.6%) showed perineural invasion compared to only 1 (10.0%) of the controls, but this difference did not reach significance (p = 0.08), due to the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, it was demonstrated that immunohistochemically detected perineural invasion was very prevalent in advanced skin carcinomas. In addition, it was statistically associated with extremely aggressive BCCs with skull base invasion.