Inga edulis fruits: a new source of bioactive anthocyanins.

The extraction conditions and chromatographic analysis from seeds of Inga edulis were optimized and provided one anthocyanin from aqueous fraction and a mixture of three anthocyanins from methanolic fraction. The pure anthocyanin obtained was subjected to structural modifications and the products obtained were subjected to chemical and pharmacological assays, as well as quantum chemical calculations based on DFT and TD-DFT methods. Hence, the anthocyanin fractions were evaluated for their chemical-pharmacological potential through chemical and biological assays: antioxidant activity by the DPPH, determination of the Solar Protection Factor (SPF) and cytotoxic activity (hepatocellular carcinoma infected with hepatitis C virus). The results indicated that even the anthocyanin and derivatized compounds having high antioxidant potential showed an SPF lower than six, which is lower than the minimum accepted by current Brazilian legislation. In addition, none of compounds presented significant cytotoxic activity against the tumour cell line studied.

Relating mechanical properties of vertebral trabecular bones to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is an osteometabolic disease, which promotes structural degradation of bone tissue and reduction of mineral density. We reported here a mechanical resistance assay from normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic trabecular vertebral bones of human cadavers. We performed a compressed test on ninety samples, evaluating Young's modulus and X-ray microtomography to measure bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness. This experimental data are employed for computing the orthotropic macroscopic behavior of vertebral trabecular bones using known analytical formulae that were obtained by Galka et al. (Arch Mech 51: 335-355, 1999) via an asymptotic homogenization model. A geometrical model with a periodic orthogonal plate-like structure is applied. The properties of the bone-trabecular mass are considered linear, homogeneous and orthotropic. Average values for all technical or engineering elastic properties are computed for three important regions of the trabecular bones corresponding to thirty individuals classified as normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic by calcaneus ultrassometry. This study could be useful for a better understanding of the elastic behavior of trabecular bones in human vertebral bodies, allowing an estimation of bone answer under stress in different directions and the risk of fracture associated with osteoporosis.HighlightsDescribing the elastic behavior of trabecular bones in human vertebral bodies at the micro and macroscopic.Allow a better estimation of the stress in different directions and risk of fracture associated with osteoporosis.Model request a very low computational cost.Offer a better understand the global effective coefficients of samples of trabecular bone, from the model of a periodic unit cell, in the format orthogonal plate-like structure with homogeneous bone mass.

A New Subspecies of Heliconius hermathena (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) from Southern Amazonia.

The present paper describes Heliconius hermathena curua Freitas & Ramos ssp. nov. This subspecies exhibits a non-mimetic phenotype typical of H. hermathena, but is characterized by the merging of the yellow streak over the forewing cubitus with the red postmedian band in the dorsal forewing. The subspecies is known from two localities in the south of Altamira, Pará State, Brazil, where it inhabits an isolated patch of "campina" vegetation more than 600 km from the nearest known H. hermathena populations. Geographic isolation of the population is supported by molecular data; based on the mitochondrial gene COI, all individuals of H. hermathena curuassp. nov. form a monophyletic group and all haplotypes found in it are unique, suggesting that gene flow is not currently on-going. Given the fragile situation of Amazonian white sand forests and the proximity of the population to areas of intensive agriculture, this new subspecies and its habitat deserve attention.

The impact of anthropogenic food supply on fruit consumption by dusky-legged guan (Penelope obscura Temminck, 1815): potential effects on seed dispersal in an Atlantic forest area.

Frugivorous birds are important seed dispersers and influence the recruitment of many plant species in the rainforest. The efficiency of this dispersal generally depends on environment quality, bird species, richness and diversity of resources, and low levels of anthropogenic disturbance. In this study, we compared the sighting number of dusky-legged guans (Penelope obscura) by km and their movement in two areas of Serra do Japi, one around the administrative base (Base) where birds received anthropogenic food and a pristine area (DAE) with no anthropogenic resource. We also compared the richness of native seeds in feces of birds living in these two areas. Although the abundance of P. obscura was higher in the Base, these individuals moved less, dispersed 80% fewer species of plants and consumed 30% fewer seeds than individuals from DAE. The rarefaction indicated a low richness in the frugivorous diet of birds from the Base when compared to the populations from DAE. We conclude that human food supply can interfere in the behavior of these birds and in the richness of native seeds dispersed.

The impact of anthropogenic food supply on fruit consumption by dusky-legged guan (Penelope obscura Temminck, 1815): potential effects on seed dispersal in an Atlantic forest area / O impacto do fornecimento de alimentos humanos no consumo de frutos por jacuguaçus (Penelope obscura Temminck, 1815): potenciais efeitos na dispersão de sementes em uma área de Mata-Atlântica

Abstract Frugivorous birds are important seed dispersers and influence the recruitment of many plant species in the rainforest. The efficiency of this dispersal generally depends on environment quality, bird species, richness and diversity of resources, and low levels of anthropogenic disturbance. In this study, we compared the sighting number of dusky-legged guans (Penelope obscura) by km and their movement in two areas of Serra do Japi, one around the administrative base (Base) where birds received anthropogenic food and a pristine area (DAE) with no anthropogenic resource. We also compared the richness of native seeds in feces of birds living in these two areas. Although the abundance of P. obscura was higher in the Base, these individuals moved less, dispersed 80% fewer species of plants and consumed 30% fewer seeds than individuals from DAE. The rarefaction indicated a low richness in the frugivorous diet of birds from the Base when compared to the populations from DAE. We conclude that human food supply can interfere in the behavior of these birds and in the richness of native seeds dispersed.

Resumo Aves frugívoras são importantes dispersoras de sementes e influenciam no recrutamento de muitas espécies na floresta tropical. A eficiência dessa dispersão geralmente depende da qualidade do meio ambiente, das espécies de aves envolvidas, da riqueza e diversidade de recursos e de baixos níveis de impactos antrópicos. Neste estudo nós comparamos o número de avistamentos de jacuguaçus (Penelope obscura) por Km e seus movimentos em duas áreas na Serra do Japí, uma no entorno da base administrativa (Base) onde as aves receberam alimentos antropogênicos e outra em área pristina (DAE) sem fornecimento de alimentos humanos. Também comparamos a riqueza de sementes nativas nas fezes das aves que vivem nestas duas áreas. Embora a abundância de P. obscura tenha sido maior na Base, esses indivíduos deslocaram-se menos, dispersaram 80% menos espécies de plantas e consumiram 30% menos sementes do que os indivíduos do DAE. A rarefação indicou uma baixa riqueza na dieta frugívora das aves da Base quando comparada às populações do DAE. Concluímos que o fornecimento de alimentos humanos pode interferir no comportamento dessas aves e na riqueza de espécies de sementes nativas dispersadas.

Population biology of Parides anchises nephalion (Papilionidae) in a coastal site in Southeast Brazil

A population of Parides anchises nephalion was studied during seven months in SE Brazil. The population size was about 10-20 individuals (with theoretic maximum near 60 individuals), with small variations in some months. Sex ratio was male biased, with males dominating in all months. The age structure was not stable, with an increase in new individuals before the population peak in December. The residence time was 14.1 8.2 days for males and 9.0 3.6 to females, with the maximum registered of 30 days. Males can travel distances of up to 400 m, but most individuals were always recaptured in the same site. The mean forewing length was greater in females. The population features agree with those found in other species of Parides in other neotropical sites

Population biology of Parides anchises nephalion (Papilionidae) in a coastal site in Southeast Brazil.

A population of Parides anchises nephalion was studied during seven months in SE Brazil. The population size was about 10-20 individuals (with theoretical maximum near 60 individuals), with small variations in some months. Sex ratio was male biased, with males dominating in all months. The age structure was not stable, with an increase in new individuals before the population peak in December. The residence time was 14.1 +/- 8.2 days for males and 9.0 +/- 3.6 for females, with maximum registered of 30 days. Males can travel distances of up to 400 m, but most individuals were always recaptured in the same site. The mean forewing length was greater in females. The population features agree with those found in other species of Parities in other neotropical sites.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolemia causes alterations in platelet function. Platelet hyperaggregation is considered a predisposing factor for atherosclerosis. In this paper, the antiaggregating effect of the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine was studied on platelets of normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet for 10 weeks. Lipids and glucose were determined in serum. The assays of platelet aggregation were carried out using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from both control and cholesterol-fed rabbits. We used 2.5 micromol /mL ADP and 2 microg/mL collagen as inductors of platelet aggregation. In addition, arginase activity and L-arginine content were determined in PRP. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were increased from 26.3 +/- 8.1 to 1,485.0 +/- 26.8 mg/dL and from 15.9 +/- 5.9 to 1,383.8 +/- 58.9 mg/dL, respectively, whereas triglyceride concentration increased from 88.3 +/- 35.6 to 411.0 +/- 154.5 mg/dL upon cholesterol feeding. Seventy-five percent of platelet aggregation inhibition was observed with 10 microM of polyamines in PRP of normal rabbits. Spermine inhibited platelet aggregation by 54% in PRP of hypercholesterolemic rabbits when ADP was used as agonist. The order of polyamine action was spermine > spermidine > putrescine. In addition, we found that platelet arginase activity and L-arginine content were unaltered upon hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine have antagonist action in platelet aggregation and suggest a key role of polyamines in platelet aggregation under normal and hypercholesterolemic conditions.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of penile tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Penile tumors are unusual and can represent neoplastic or inflammatory processes. We report a series of penile tumors diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. STUDY DESIGN: Files from the Division of Clinical Cytology, Karolinska Hospital, were searched, and cases of FNA cytology of the penis selected. Clinical information and cytologic diagnoses were recorded and observations from aspiration smears made. RESULTS: Eleven patients had presented to Karolinska Hospital for FNA cytology of the penis. They ranged from 46 to 89 years of age; all were uncircumcised. Tumors were present in various locations, including the glans and shaft. Five patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the penis; three were primary, one locally recurrent and one metastatic from primary lung SCCA. There were three carcinomas metastatic from primary colon, prostate and bladder tumors. There was one each of locally recurrent malignant melanoma, locally metastatic testicular mesothelioma and Peyronie's disease. Discomfort associated with the procedure was tolerable, there were no complications, and each biopsy provided sufficient material for a cytologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: FNA cytology of penile tumors is a successful, well-tolerated procedure capable of providing a cytologic diagnosis and useful information for patient management.

Combined fine needle aspiration biopsy, and immunophenotypic and genotypic approach to posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with a combined approach to posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PT-LPDs) that utilizes fine needle aspiration biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: A review of the files in the Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center; from 1988 to 1996 identified six patients with a diagnosis of PT-LPD who underwent either percutaneous or radiologically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). In all cases, material was collected for cytomorphology, flow cytometric analysis and, in selected cases, DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequent evaluations and clinical outcomes were obtained from the medical record. RESULTS: The six transplant recipients (4 men and 2 women; 3 cardiac, 2 renal and 1 hepatic transplant) had an age range of 16-65 years. The aspirate material on these six patients had a polymorphic pattern of lymphoid cells with varying sizes. By flow cytometry, two were monoclonal, while four had a polyclonal pattern. DNA PCR analysis on two FNABs demonstrated a monoclonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. CONCLUSION: FNAB provides cytomorphologic characterization of PT-LPDs in transplantation patients and sufficient material for successful use of flow cytometry immunophenotyping and DNA PCR analysis. FNAB, therefore, has an important role in the evaluation of organ transplantation patients and is a valuable tool for assessing and diagnosing PT-LPD.

Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's disease: diagnostic challenges by fine-needle aspiration.

The diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can be problematic. A case of Hodgkin's disease, lymphocyte depleted subtype, sample by FNA biopsy is presented. We describe the cytomorphologic features present in this unusual subtype of Hodgkin's disease and discuss the differential diagnosis. Immunohistochemical and morphologic findings of a subsequent biopsy specimen supported the diagnosis. Although FNA is an increasingly used diagnostic modality to evaluate tumors including malignant lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease remains, as in this case, a difficult diagnosis by FNA.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of recurrent and metastatic osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in evaluating local recurrence or disseminated metastases in patients with osteosarcoma. STUDY DESIGN: Cytology files from Saint Louis University Hospital and Indiana University Medical Center were searched for patients with osteosarcoma who had undergone FNA biopsy for evaluation of local recurrence or disseminated metastases. Clinical information was collected and all aspirate smears reviewed. RESULTS: Six FNA biopsies in five patients were procured by either the percutaneous or radiologically guided method. All six aspirates were diagnostic. Cytologic features showed a discohesive, cellular neoplasm with intermediate to large cells and oval to spindle nuclei. Chromatin was coarsely granular, with single or multiple nucleoli. Aspirate material included multinucleated giant cells and a variable amount of "osteoidlike" extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION: FNA biopsy is accurate, and these results reflect its ability to diagnose osteosarcoma when there is local recurrence or widely disseminated metastases.

Fine-needle aspiration of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin with cytomorphology and immunocytochemical correlation.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is a rare, primary malignant skin neoplasm which can present as a cutaneous nodule. These neoplasms are seen primarily in the elderly and located in the head and neck area or extremities. Twenty-nine aspirates from primary and metastatic lesions obtained by percutaneous fine-needle aspiration in 19 patients have been studied. The cytomorphologic features, clinical information, and immunocytochemical (ICC) findings are detailed. Aspirate smears demonstrated small-to-intermediate-sized cells with a loosely cohesive pattern. Nuclei were round with finely granular chromatin and multiple, small nucleoli. Cells possessed a thin rim of cytoplasm, and infrequent pseudorosette formations were noted in cell groups. ICC results were universally positive for cytokeratin, which showed a paranuclear "dot-like" pattern. Neuron-specific enolase, epithelial membrane antigen, and S-100 protein were positive in varying degrees. Leukocyte common antigen was universally negative. The diagnosis of MCC of the skin by FNA can be made by applying cytologic features in addition to ancillary studies and clinical information.

Mixed (neutrophil-rich) interstitial pneumonitis in biopsy specimens of lung allografts: a clinicopathologic evaluation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Mixed interstitial pneumonitis (MIP), defined herein as a diffuse neutrophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate within the interstitial tissues, is an uncommon finding that is not a standard manifestation of acute or chronic rejection. This study examines the clinical significance of MIP in lung allograft recipients at St. Louis University Hospital. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed surgical pathology reports from a selected 50-month period, and identified MIP reported in 13 transbronchial biopsy specimens in lung transplant recipients, representing 4.7% of all lung allograft biopsy specimens seen during this 4-year period. Biopsy specimens with MIP were examined to confirm the presence of a neutrophil-rich interstitial infiltrate and other associated histopathologic findings. The culture results, cytopathologic findings, and clinical charts of the affected patients were also reviewed. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The detection of MIP at some point in a patient's posttransplant course was found to be associated with a significantly shorter (p < 0.01) survival, when compared to lung allograft recipients who did not show this finding. A total of seven lung allograft recipients (23% of total) showed MIP at some point in their posttransplant course. Four of the seven (57%) were actively smoking following lung transplantation, compared to 0 of 22 patients who did not show MIP. Six of the 13 MIP biopsy specimens were associated with positive cultures. In no case did MIP coexist with the conventional histologic patterns of acute or chronic rejection. MIP also did not correlate with levels of immunosuppressive therapy or with the incidence of rejection at other times in the patients' posttransplant courses. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that MIP represents an unusual form of acute or chronic rejection. Instead, it appears to represent a response to acute injury, similar to other injury patterns (hyaline membranes, organizing pneumonia) in transplant recipients. Exposure to tobacco smoke is likely to have played a role in the development of MIP in at least some cases. Because patients with MIP had a significantly shorter posttransplant survival, MIP may usefully identify lung allograft recipients at risk for an adverse outcome.

Histopathologic diagnosis made in lung tissue resected from patients with severe emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study reports histopathologic findings in a group of emphysema patients who underwent thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (75) or sternotomy (five) with the purpose to induce functional improvement and relief of dyspnea. Immediate outcome and complications were correlated to histologic patterns. DESIGN: Histopathologic material obtained in lung volume reduction surgery in 80 consecutive patients was analyzed. Thirty patients who had other histopathologic diagnoses in addition to emphysema were grouped and compared with 50 patients found to have emphysema exclusively. Postoperative outcome and preoperative lung function variables were compared. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All patients had severe obstructive lung disease and significant air trapping preoperatively documented by pulmonary function testing. All had severe exertional dyspnea. All had chest radiographs, CT, and nuclear medicine lung scans consistent only with emphysema. All portions of resected lung tissue were weighed, lung volume was estimated, and routine histopathologic studies were made. Thirty patients (37.5%) had unsuspected findings such as interstitial fibrosis, noncaseating granulomatosis, chronic inflammation, and unsuspected neoplasia (three carcinomas, one carcinoid). Retrospective review of imaging studies in these patients failed to show infiltrative processes. The average lung weight resected in this group was significantly heavier (65+/-18 g) compared with the other group (56+/-13 g), although both had the same estimated lung volume. Average number of days requiring chest tubes and length of hospitalization was also significantly higher (12.8+/-19 vs 6.4+/-5 days with chest tubes and 17.4+/-22 vs 8.5+/-6 days of hospitalization, respectively). None of the preoperative pulmonary function tests variables were different between the two groups. Serious postoperative complications were more frequent in these patients compared with those who showed only emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: A significant portion of patients diagnosed as having severe emphysema will have other unsuspected histologic findings. When subjected to lung volume reduction surgery, this subgroup will have more serious complications and longer periods of air leaks, requiring longer hospitalization time. Retrospective review of imaging studies and preoperative pulmonary function tests used to select patients for lung volume reduction failed to identify this subgroup.

Small noncleaved cell lymphoma presenting as a massive pericardial effusion. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is commonly associated with cardiac involvement, especially in cases of advanced stages with mediastinal involvement. Much rarer is the initial presentation of NHL as a pericardial effusion; there are only 12 cases reported. In addition, only 5 of these 12 cases were correctly diagnosed based on examination of pericardial fluid prior to death: 3 were based on routine cytology; 1 on immunoperoxidase staining and 1 on an immunofluorescent slide method. CASE: A 71-year-old, white female presented with a massive pericardial effusion. Small noncleaved cell lymphoma was expeditiously diagnosed by cytologic examination combined with flow cytometric immunophenotyping. No further diagnostic tissue was obtained; the patient was staged and offered treatment with a protocol for high grade lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Combining cytomorphology and flow cytometric immunophenotyping in such cases results in an expeditious, nonsurgical diagnosis, upon which therapeutic decision making may be based.

Expansäo de tecido no membro superior / Tissue expansion of the superior limb

Lesoes no membro superior sao de difícil reparaçao e com a finalidade de se obter melhores resultados utilizamos a expansao de tecidos. OBJETIVOS. Estudar a utilizaçao dos expansores de tecido para reparar perdas de substâncias no membro superior conseqüentes de retiradas de cicatrizes ou tatuagens. MÉTODOS. Foram estudados seis pacientes com sete áreas a serem reparadas no membro superior nos quais foram utilizados oito expansores de tecido. As lesoes eram conseqüentes de retirada de tatuagens em três pacientes (4 lesoes), de retirada de cicatrizes de queimaduras em dois pacientes e em um paciente era conseqüente de exérese de cicatriz por acidente na infância. RESULTADOS. Como complicaçao observamos em um paciente necrose de área vizinha à expansao, nao sendo conseqüente da expansao. Nao foram observadas outras complicaçoes. Quanto à efetividade da expansao, observamos que em 5 dos 6 pacientes a expansao possibilitou a reparaçao total da lesao. Quanto ao resultado estético, foram observados, em um paciente, resultado nao satisfatório, em outro, a formaçao de cicatriz hipertrófica, em outro, a formaçao de cicatriz hipertrófica, em outros quatro, o resultado estético foi bom. CONCLUSOES. A utilizaçao dos expansores de tecido no membro superior tem boa indicaçao, apresentando os tecidos do membro superior boa capacidade de expansao e com resultados estéticos bons. Nao foram observadas complicaçoes graves resultantes da expansao de tecidos no membro superior.

[Tissue expansion of the superior limb]. / Expansão de tecido no membro superior.

UNLABELLED: In order to get better results in the treatment of the superior limbs defects we have attempted to take profit of the expansion tissue techniqu. PURPOSE: With the objective of studying the utilization of expansion tissue technique to repair defects in the superior limbs caused by scars or tattoos removal. METHODS: 6 patients with 7 superior limbs defects to be repaired were treated by the technique of tissue expansion with 8 tissue expanders. In 3 patients the lesions were caused by tattoos removal (4 lesions), 2 patients presented lesions caused by burn scars removal nd 1 patient showed lesion caused by removal of a childhood scar. RESULTS: The result of this procedure was excellent in 5 cases and provided total repair of the lesion. However hazards have occurred in one patient who showed a necrosis of the expansion neighbouring area (not a consequence of the expansion) and in other patient the aesthetic result was not satisfactory because he developed a hypertrophic scar. Good aesthetic results were obtained in the other 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We have had good results with the utilization of tissue expanders in the superior extremities. The superior limbs have good capacity of expansion and lead to good aesthetic results. Any significant hazards were observed as being a consequence of superior limb tissue expansion.

Indicaçäo de exploraçäo e reparaçäo do assoalho da órbita nas fraturas do complexo zigomático-maxilar / Indications of exploration and repair of the orbital floor in fractures of the maxillozygomatic complex

Pacientes com fraturas dos ossos da face que comprometem a regiäo orbital podem apresentar complicaçöes tardias, como distropia ocular, enoftalmo ou diplopia, decorrentes de lesöes do assoalho da órbita com herniaçäo de conteúdo orbital para o seio maxilar. Os dados clínicos e radiológicos na fase aguda do trauma säo, muitas vezes, insuficientes para indicar ou näo a reparaçäo da lesäo. OBJETIVO. Analisar a indicaçäo de reparaçäo do assoalho orbital mediante exploraçäo sistemática desta regiäo, por ocasiäo do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas, comparando o achado cirúrgico com os dados clínicos pré-operatórios, assim como avaliar as complicaçöes da técnica utilizada. MÉTODO. Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 112 pacientes portadores de fratura unilateral do complexo zigomático-maxilar, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, quando se realizou a reduçäo e fixaçäo das fraturas sob visäo direta, exploraçäo sistemática do assoalho orbital e sua reparaçäo, quando indicada, com enxerto autógeno de cartilagem auricular. RESULTADOS. A reparaçäo do assoalho orbital foi indicada em 46,4 por cento dos casos, mediante exploraçäo cirúrgica. A diplopia pré-operatória estava presente em 26,6 por cento dos pacientes e o enoftalmo foi observado em 3,3 por cento dos casos, na fase aguda do trauma. Dentre os pacientes portadores de diplopia pré-operatória, 60 por cento apresentavam indicaçäo de reparaçäo e 40 por cento näo necessitaram de reparaçäo, mediante avaliaçäo cirúrgica. Dentre os pacientes que näo aprsentavam diplopia pré-operatória, 36,2 por cento tiveram indicaçäo de reparaçäo do assoalho orbital. Näo foram observadas complicaçöes graves com a técnica utilizada. CONCLUSAO. A exploraçäo do assoalho da órbita representa uma manobra complementar ao tratamento das fraturas do complexo zigomático-maxilar e permite o diagnóstico preciso de lesöes com indicaçäo de reparaçäo. A alta incidência de lesöes com indicaçäo de reparaçäo (46,4 por cento) e a ausência de complicaçöes graves da técnica empregada permitem a proposiçäo de sua utilizaçäo em todos os casos de fratura do complexo zigomático-maxilar

[Indications of exploration and repair of the orbital floor in fractures of the maxillozygomatic complex]. / Indicaçäo de exploraçäo e reparaçäo do assoalho da órbita nas fraturas do complexo zigomático-maxilar.

UNLABELLED: Patients with orbital fractures may develop late complications like enophthalmos, orbital dystopia or diplopia, as a result of untreated orbital floor lesions, with herniation of orbital fat. Clinical and radiological findings are not enough for diagnostic and indication of orbital floor repair. PURPOSE: To evaluate the indication of repair of the orbital floor, during the surgical treatment of maxillozygomatic or zygomatic-maxillary compound fractures, by means of systemic exploration and to compare clinical with surgical findings. METHODS: 112 patients with unilateral zygomatic-maxillary compound fracture were submitted to exploration of the orbital floor, during the surgical treatment of the fracture. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation was performed with steel wire or miniplates. An autogenous conchal cartilage graft was used to repair the floor lesion, when there was bone loss of the inferior orbital wall and periorbita discontinuity, with fat herniation. RESULTS: The repair of the orbital floor was indicated in 46.4% of the patients. Early diplopia (before surgery) was observed in 26.6% and enophthalmos in 3.30% of the cases. Among patients with early diplopia, 60% needed repair, while 36.6% of the patients without early diplopia received cartilage graft. No important complications was observed. CONCLUSION: Orbital floor exploration is a complementary maneuver for the treatment of zygomatic-maxillary compound fractures that permits the precise diagnostic of the lesion and the correct indication of repair.