Paraganglioma of the carotid body: treatment strategy and SDH-gene mutations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to review treatment results in patients with paraganglioma (PGL) of the neck presenting as carotid body tumour, long-term follow-up and relevance of genetic testing for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-gene mutations. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data and prospective genetic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 25-year period (1987-2011) 50 patients were operated for 63 PGLs of the neck. Pre-, intra- and postoperative findings were analysed. Sanger sequencing was performed for genetic testing of SDH-gene mutations (SDH B, SDHC and SDHD). RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent resection of 63 PGLs (62 benign, one malignant) without mortality. Eight patients underwent preoperative embolisation. Vascular surgical procedures were required in 15 operations (15/63 = 23.8%). Nerve lesions occurred after 13 operations (13/63 = 20.6%) and were associated with large tumours. A total of 44 patients are alive after a mean follow-up of 9.8 years. In 40 patients 17 SDH-gene mutations were detected (17/40 = 42.5%): 14 SDHD mutations, two SDHB mutations and one rare SDHC mutation. CONCLUSION: Surgery for PGL is recommended. All PGL patients should be screened for SDH mutations because it impacts the individual follow-up strategy. Whereas all PGL patients require annual ultrasound control, mutation carriers and family members with proven mutations should in addition be regularly examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of head, neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis.

Intramedullary nailing for the treatment of dislocated pediatric radial neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric radial neck fractures represent 5-10% of all elbow fractures. Open reduction allows anatomic fracture fixation but compromises the vulnerable blood supply of the radial head. Intramedullary nailing combines the advantages of closed reduction and stable internal fracture fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a 6-year-period the medical records of all children sustaining a radial neck fracture treated operatively at our institution were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with dislocated fractures of the radial neck were treated with intramedullary nailing. The average age of the patients was 8 years. Thirty-eight patients (90%) could be treated with closed fracture reduction and retrograde nailing. Open fracture reduction was required in 4 (10%) patients, and in 2 patients necrosis of the radial head occurred. Loss of reduction was seen in 7 (17%) patients. Excellent results were found in 38 patients, good results in 2 patients, and poor results in another 2. CONCLUSION: The retrograde nailing technique for the treatment of dislocated fractures of the radial neck in pediatric patients is a simple, short and safe procedure.

[Treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures: consideration of patient age and fracture dislocation]. / Behandlung kindlicher Radiushalsfrakturen: Berücksichtigung von Patientenalter und Frakturdislokation.

Fractures of the radial neck represent approximately 5-10% of all injuries of the elbow in children. Depending on the degree of radial head displacement, either an operative intervention or conservative treatment is recommended. The medical records of 168 children treated between 1999 and 2008 were analyzed and fractures were classified according to the Judet classification system. The fractures were treated according to an algorithm depending on age and fracture dislocation and 103 type I, 21 type II, 30 type III and 14 type VI fractures were found. Conservative treatment was possible in 124 patients and 44 were treated operatively. The overall outcome was good.