[Unilateral diseases of the maxillary sinus]. / Einseitige Erkrankungen der Kieferhöhle.

Unilateral diseases of the maxillary sinus are among the most common rhinologic diagnoses. The diversity of these diseases can represent a challenge for the treating physician. The spectrum ranges from harmless maxillary sinus cysts that seldom require treatment, to highly aggressive malignant tumors. Special attention should be given to the management of inverted papilloma. These benign tumors are characterized by high recurrence rates and the potential for malignant transformation. The key to minimizing recurrence is precise surgical intervention. Other unilateral maxillary sinus diseases such as the antrochoanal polyp and the fungus ball (aspergilloma) are also discussed in depth.

Cetuximab, fluorouracil and cisplatin with or without docetaxel for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CeFCiD): an open-label phase II randomised trial (AIO/IAG-KHT trial 1108).

BACKGROUND: The combination of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cetuximab (PFC) is the reference first-line treatment for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We analysed whether treatment intensification by the addition of docetaxel to PFC improved efficacy in R/M SCCHN. METHODS: A total of 180 patients with R/M SCCHN (1:1) were assigned to receive either cisplatin (40 mg/m2), docetaxel (40 mg/m2) and 5-FU (2000 mg/m2) at days 1 and 8 and cetuximab (400/250 mg/m2) at days 1, 8 and 15 (DPFC) or standard cisplatin (100 mg/m2) at day 1, 5-FU (1000 mg/m2) at days 1-4 and cetuximab (400/250 mg/m2) at days 1, 8 and 15 (PFC). Chemotherapy was repeated every 21 days and continued for a maximum of 6 cycles in absence of disease progression or limiting toxicity, followed by cetuximab maintenance (500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks). The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: A preplanned interim analysis for toxicity after 20 patients/arm revealed excessive grade 3 and 4 gastrointestinal (65%) and infectious toxicities (35%) in arm A, which led to dose reduction of cisplatin to 30 mg/m2 and 5-FU to 1000 mg/m2 for subsequent patients. With a median follow-up of 2 years, grade 4 toxicities were 21.3% vs. 30.8% for DPFC and PFC, respectively. More treatment-related deaths occurred with DPFC vs. PFC, with 11.2% and 6.6%, respectively. For DPFC and PFC, the median PFS was 6.3 vs. 6.4 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97, p = 0.87), the median overall survival was 8.9 vs. 10.6 months (HR = 1.29 p = 0.1) and response rates were 38.2% vs. 31.9% (p = 0.9), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DPFC failed to improve efficacy in R/M SCCHN. On the contrary, a high toxicity and mortality rate was detected in both arms, which underscores the vulnerability of patients with R/M SCCHN, and research on the need for further optimisation of the front-line chemotherapy backbone is ongoing.

[Clinical management of epistaxis]. / Klinisches Management bei Epistaxis.

BACKGROUND: Epistaxis is a symptom with many causes, often multifactorial and a frequent cause of consultation in acute medicine. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to analyse the diagnostics used for and therapy of epistaxis, complications and the predictive benefit of laboratory tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective clinical analysis reports of 720 patients with epistaxis in the period from January 2005 to December 2015 were evaluated. The causes and the therapy of the epistaxis relapses were analysed. RESULTS: Male patients were predominant. Patients with relapses of epistaxis were significantly more likely to be older than 70 years, with higher multimorbidity and more often had used a combination of blood thinning medications. Posterior bleeding was the most found location and was associated with a longer hospitalization. In laboratory tests most patients with coumarins were shown to have inadequate INR (international normalized ratio) control. The prevalence of nicotine consumption was clearly increased compared to the total population. The most used therapy was nasal tamponade. The most complication was anemia with need of blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: High age and posterior bleeding source seem to raise the necessity of inpatient therapy. In most cases tamponade is sufficient for treatment. Initial laboratory tests are of limited use to estimate risk of recurrence, but is necessary for patients taking coumarins to determine INR control.

[Dilatational Tracheotomy in Head and Neck Surgery]. / Der Einsatz der perkutanen Dilatationstracheotomie im Rahmen der Kopf-Hals-Tumorchirurgie.

OBJECTIVE: The pre- and postoperative airway management during surgery of head and neck cancer is a clinically relevant and challenging task. Usually an epithelialised tracheostomy is used. The significance of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in combination with tumour surgery of the head neck area has not yet been fully considered. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within a surgical therapy of head neck tumours, 58 patients were treated with a PDT by Ciaglia or Fantoni at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle during the period from December 2002 to October 2007. The patient data were retrospective analyzed in a pseudonymous way. In a follow-up examination the resulting conditions of the PDT were reviewed. RESULTS: The median of the length of time till decannulation was 12 days. There were no documented disorders or complications after PDT at 25 patients (43%). As serious complications pneumothorax in 2 patients (3,4%), 9 bleedings (15,5%) and 1 infection (1,7%) were recorded. After occurrence of tracheostomy metastases in 2 patients with tracheostomy by Fantoni, this method was no longer used. For the subsequent follow-up examination 33 patients were included. No tracheal stenosis or serious long term complications were determined. CONCLUSIONS: Under consideration of the indications and contraindications, the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy by Ciaglia with associated bronchoscopy is a safe method with low complication rate for the airway management of patients with head neck cancer. Long term complications and disorders after PDT are not to be expected. Tracheotomy according to Fantoni cannot be recommended for this treatment.

[Management of Orbital Complications]. / Diagnostik und Therapie bei orbitalen Komplikationen.

OBJECTIVE: Orbital complications of sinusitis represent serious diseases. In clinical practice, the term "orbital phlegmon" is often used, although this most serious expression of orbital infection is very rarely seen. However, a correct classification in each stage of orbital complications and resulting treatment recommendations are crucial for the prognosis of the patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 49 patients who underwent treatment for orbital complications from 01/01/2000 until 31/12/2010 were retrospectively analysed. In particular, data on the epidemiology, diagnostic procedures and treatment methods were analyzed. RESULTS: From the observation period 109 patient records with the diagnosis "orbital affections" (ICD-10 H05) could be identified. Overall, data from 49 patients (36 male and 13 female) with orbital complications of sinusitis could be analyzed. 53.1% of the patient population were children and adolescents aged 1-20 years. Orbital complications were classified using the classification according to Chandler. The group I and II according to Chandler emerged most frequently. 26 patients (53.1%) showed a preseptal cellulitis (group I) and 11 patients (22.4%) had an orbital cellulitis (group II). Patients from group III or higher according to Chandler received a combined medical and surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital complications of sinusitis mostly seem to arise in infancy and adolescence. With prompt identification of the orbital complications in stage I and II of Chandler, conservative therapy only could be successful. From the third stage up, sinus surgery needs to be considered. The classification of Chandler allows a correct recommendation of therapy.

[Epithelioid sarcoma of the orbit]. / Epitheloides Sarkom der Orbita.

BACKGROUND: Sarcomas count among the very rare malignancies of the orbit. Epithelioid sarcomas typically occur in the subcutaneous tissue of younger patients; an affected orbit constitutes a rarity. OBJECTIVES: Only three cases of this extremely rare disease of the orbit, which is associated with marked aggressiveness and a very poor prognosis, have been analysed in the worldwide current literature. PATIENT AND METHODS: We present a case report together with a literature review. A rapidly progressing painful proptosis with visual loss occurred in a 30-year-old patient. Imaging and invasive diagnostic procedures were initiated as a consequence of this. RESULTS: Diagnostic imaging revealed an infiltrative process of the right orbit. Following endonasal decompression of the orbit and probe acquisition, histological and immunohistochemical tests showed the presence of a proximal type epithelioid sarcoma. Therapy consisted of orbit exenteration together with implantation of titanium miniplates for orbital prosthesis. During the course of disease, osseous metastases developed. The patient died during palliative chemotherapy, 14 months after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Epithelioid sarcomas are extremely rare, difficult to treat tumours in the head and neck region. The associated mortality rates are high. Aggressive surgical therapy with intensive follow-up is recommended. The prognosis depends upon the resection status.

[Dermatomyositis with tonsillar carcinoma. Rare presentation as paraneoplastic syndrome]. / Dermatomyositis bei Tonsillenkarzinom. Seltener Zusammenhang als paraneoplastisches Syndrom.

BACKGROUND: Malignant tumors occur in up to 15 % of patients with paraneoplastic syndromes. The temporal association between malignancy and paraneoplasia is variable. Dermatomyositis belongs to the facultative cutaneous paraneoplasia. CASE REPORT: A patient presented with a cervical swelling and preexisting dermatomyositis. Staging revealed a tonsillar carcinoma with cervical, mediastinal and bone metastasis, and meningeal carcinomatosis. Systemic intrathecal chemotherapy was initiated. CONCLUSION: Dermatomyositis has only been described four times worldwide as a paraneoplastic disease with tonsillar carcinoma. Upon occurrence of a paraneoplastic syndrome, an intensive search for tumours is required at regular intervals until the primary tumor is diagnosed.

[Peritonsillar abscess - smoking habits, preoperative coagulation screening and therapy]. / Peritonsillarabszess - Analyse zu Rauchverhalten, präoperativer Gerinnungsdiagnostik und Therapie.

OBJECTIVE: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common problem in otorhinolaryngology. The pathogenesis, supporting factors and optimal therapy are matter of numerous investigations. We studied retrospectively smoking habits, preoperative coagulation screening and the applied therapy of PTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 460 patients who underwent treatment for PTA between 2000 and 2009 at Dessau Medical Center were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The highest incidence of PTA was found in young men, the prevalence of nicotine consumption was clearly increased in relation to the general population. The therapy of first choice was abscess tonsillectomy. Even with preoperative pathological coagulation-parameters no increased risk of secondary bleeding was shown. CONCLUSIONS: The part of smokers of patients with PTA is increased in comparison to the correspondent population of same age. A routine preoperative coagulation screening has a low benefit relating to the prediction of the risk of secondary bleeding. Abscess tonsillectomy is a safe method and has proved itself in clinical daily routine.

[Venous malformation of the cheek]. / Venöse Malformation der Wange.

Venous malformations as a cause of space-occupying lesions in the head and neck region are rare, especially at an advanced age. We report on a 74-year-old female patient with a venous malformation of the cheek and its successful surgical treatment.

[Necrotizing fasciitis due to a peritonsillar abscess]. / Nekrotisierende Fasziitis bei Peritonsillarabszess.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially life-threatening complication of severe cervical soft tissue inflammation. The characteristic feature is the rapid spread of the infection, which descends and potentially leads to mediastinitis and sepsis. METHODS: Within a year, 4 patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and necrotizing fasciitis were treated at Dessau Medical Center. Therapy consisted of abscess tonsillectomy, immediate surgical debridement, extensive wound drainage, early tracheostomy, and systemic antibiotics. RESULTS: Symptoms decreased after intensive care and surgical removal. All patients were discharged after wound healing. The death of the oldest, multimorbid patient several weeks later was ascribed to the accompanying diseases. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement in association with tracheostomy and intravenous antibiotic therapy may reduce mortality significantly.

[Medical honey in the treatment of wound-healing disorders in the head and neck area]. / Erste Erfahrungen mit medizinischem Honig in der Wundbehandlung im Kopf-Hals-Bereich.

BACKGROUND: Already in ancient times honey was used as a drug and for the treatment of wounds. In recent years the different effects of honey on wound-healing processes have been reexamined. Based on this, the antibacterial and fungicidal qualities of honey could be confirmed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and July 2011 medical honey was used on 36 patients suffering from different wound-healing disorders in the head and neck area after unsuccessful conventional treatment. The healing process was registered by microbiological investigations, measurements of the wound edges and adequate photo documentation. RESULTS: Medical honey can be used without problems or detectable side effects on problematic wounds of the head and neck area. Constant treatment leads to fast wound lavation, granulation, reduction of putrid smells and a decrease in inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of poorly healing and infected wounds within the head and neck area, medical honey can be used successfully without problems as an effective alternative to conventional treatment options.

[Vestibular disorders. Effects of sensorimotor training on postural regulation and on recovery process]. / Schwindelerkrankungen. Auswirkungen eines sensomotorischen Trainings auf Haltungsregulation und Kompensationsverlauf.

Complex sensorimotor training can improve the postural stability of patients with vestibular neuropathy. Particularly the efficiency of the cerebellar system was significantly improved. In addition, the results show that the affected peripheral vestibular system cannot be influenced directly, regardless of the kind of rehabilitation measure used.

[Castleman's disease : a rare differential diagnosis for Heerfordt's syndrome]. / M. Castleman : Eine seltene Differenzialdiagnose zum Heerfordt-Syndrom.

A 50-year-old male patient demonstrated an existing left proptosis for several weeks. The patient was suffering from physical exhaustion and had lost considerable weight. Furthermore, we observed greatly enlarged parotid and submandibular glands on both sides. MRI of the neck showed multiple, sharply circumscribed lesions in the major salivary glands and both lacrimal glands as well as in the orbit. Initially we suspected Heerfordt's syndrome, a manifestation of sarcoidosis, but laboratory diagnosis could not reveal a pathological erythrocyte sedimentation rate or an increased ACE titer. After exploratory excision from the right submandibular gland, histological examination revealed Castleman's disease. Therefore, we initiated an immunomodulatory therapy with interleukin-6 receptor antagonists.Castleman's disease is one of the very rare, benign, lymphoproliferative processes that have a tendency to turn malignant. Isolated findings of Castleman's disease should be completely resected. There are no clear treatment strategies for multiple localizations of Castleman's disease. The approaches range from systemic glucocorticoid therapy with chemotherapy to immunomodulatory treatment. In contrast to isolated findings, the prognosis for multicentric occurrence is unfavorable.

[Lymphatic malformations in the head and neck: experiences with sclerotherapy]. / Lymphatische Malformationen im Kopf-Hals-Bereich : Erfahrungen mit Sklerosierungstherapie.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic malformations are rare tumors of the head and neck region. Complete resection is the mainstay of treatment in these cases. Surgery of lymphatic malformations is accompanied by various complications because of the adjacency to neurovascular structures and the infiltrative nature of these masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2008 and April 2010 three patients with lymphatic malformations of the head and neck region were treated by sclerotherapy with OK-432 (Picibanil). Two young children and a male adult with a late relapse were enrolled. The children were treated under general anesthesia. RESULTS: A complete remission of lymphangiomas of the external nose as well of the lateral neck could be observed after a single sclerotherapy with OK-432. No response was seen after multiple injections of OK-432 into the orbital lymphangioma and treatment was finally successful after resection. CONCLUSIONS: Today sclerotherapy has to be considered in the planning of the treatment of lymphatic malformations. Intralesional treatment of lymphangiomas in the head and neck with OK-432 shows good clinical response. Sclerotherapy with OK-432 is safe, effective and associated with few side-effects. After sclerotherapy a surgical resection can be carried out without any problems.

[Otogenic meningitis and bilateral spontaneous dehiscences of the lateral skull base. Two case reports]. / Otogene Meningitis bei bilateralen knöchernen Dehiszenzen der Laterobasis. Zwei Fallberichte.

Meningitis in the case of spontaneous dehiscences of the lateral skull base is rare. We report on two patients with otogenic meningitis. High-resolution CT (HR-CT) showed bilateral dehiscences at the lateral skull base in both cases. Infection along the skull base was assumed. In the first case sufficient repair was achieved using a multilayered technique, while in the second case conservative treatment on an intensive care unit was successful. Conservative therapy can prove successful in exceptional cases.