Leucoplaquias laríngeas: Análisis de las lesiones y resultados vocales en una unidad de voz terciaria / Analysis of laryngeal leukoplakia characteristics and voice outcomes in a tertiary voice unit

Introducción: Las leucoplaquias laríngeas (LL) pueden corresponder a lesiones precancerosas. La aproximación diagnóstica es endoscópica y en caso de persistir, se debe estudiar con biopsia. Objetivo: Describir las características biodemográficas, clínicas, endoscópicas, histológicas y evolutivas de pacientes diagnosticados con leucoplaquias glóticas. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo no-concurrente de pacientes diagnosticados con leucoplaquias glóticas en la Unidad de Voz del Departamento de Otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, entre 2012 y 2019. Resultados: Se incluyeron 29 pacientes, 65,5% hombres, con edad promedio de 61 años y seguimiento promedio de 21,1 meses. El principal motivo de consulta fue disfonía, en un 86,2% de los casos. El 38% presentó compromiso del pliegue vocal (PV) izquierdo, 24,1% derecho, 24,1% bilateral y 13,8% bilateral incluyendo comisura anterior. El 41,4% de las lesiones comprometían más del 50% del PV y 68% presentaba una onda mucosa alterada en la estroboscopia. Un 89,7% requirió biopsia, identificando carcinoma en 26,9%, displasia en 34,6% y otro diagnóstico en 38,5%. El 25,9% presentó recurrencias, del cual 28,6% progresó a cáncer. Se identificó asociación significativa en un análisis bivariado entre la edad (p = 0,030) y compromiso mayor al 50% del PV (p = 0,016) con displasia de alto riesgo o cáncer. En el análisis multivariado, solo la edad mostró ser significativa (p = 0,038; OR 1,27; IC 95% 1,01-1,59). Conclusión: El estudio de las LL es esencial para el diagnóstico precoz de cáncer laríngeo. La edad y el compromiso mayor al 50% del PV en la estroboscopia podría predecir un riesgo mayor de displasia de alto riesgo o cáncer.

Introduction: Laryngeal leukoplakia (LL) may correspond to precancerous lesions. The diagnostic approach is endoscopic, and if LL persist, a biopsy should be performed. Aim: To describe the biodemographic, clinical, endoscopic, histological, and developmental characteristics of patients diagnosed with glottic leucoplakia. Material and Method: Prospective non-concurrent study of patients diagnosed with glottic leukoplakia in the Voice Unit at the Otolaryngology Department of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, between 2012 and 2019. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included, 65.5% men, with an average age of 61.7 years, and average follow-up of 21.1 months. Dysphonia was the chief complaint, present in 86.2% of the cases. The left vocal fold (VF) was involved in 38.0%, right in 24.1%, bilateral in 24.1%, and bilateral including anterior commissure in 13.8%. Only 41.4% compromised over 50% of the VF and 68.0% presented an altered mucosal wave in the videostroboscopy. A biopsy was performed in 89.7%, identifying carcinoma in 26.9%, dysplasia in 34.6% and other diagnosis in 38.5%. During follow-up 25.9% recurred, of which 28.6% progressed to cancer. A significant association was found in the bivariate analysis between age (p = 0.030) and extension over 50% of the VF (p = 0.016) with high-risk dysplasia or cancer. In the multivariate analysis only, the age was found to be significative (p = 0.038; OR 1.27; CI 95% 1.01-1.59). Conclusions: A thorough evaluation is essential in LL, favoring an early diagnosis for laryngeal cancer. Age and an involvement greater than 50% of the VF in the videostroboscopy could predict an increased possibility for high-risk dysplasia or cancer.

Modelos de simulación para entrenamiento en cirugía de hueso temporal / Temporal bone surgery simulation-training models

El fresado de hueso temporal (HT) es un desafío para los otorrinolaringólogos. Este procedimiento requiere un conocimiento detallado de esta zona anatómicamente compleja y un dominio de la técnica quirúrgica. La exposición a una mastoidectomía simple o mastoidectomía radical varía entre residentes y distintos programas de especialidad y, frecuentemente, no se cumple el número requerido para la curva de aprendizaje durante la formación. Por lo anterior, surge la necesidad de realizar simulación quirúrgica de fresado de HT. El gold standard para su entrenamiento son los modelos cadavéricos, sin embargo, su costo y baja disponibilidad representan una limitación importante. Los modelos de simulación no cadavéricos podrían jugar un rol importante en el entrenamiento de esta cirugía. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura sobre los modelos de simulación disponibles en fresado de HT. Se encontraron estudios sobre modelos cadavéricos, basados en impresión 3D, realidad virtual y de bajo costo. Los modelos de impresión 3D y realidad virtual han sido evaluados favorablemente en cuanto a adquisición de habilidades, aprendizaje de anatomía, similitud con modelos cadavéricos y sensación táctil. Los modelos de impresión 3D presentan mayor fidelidad anatómica y física, pero tienen un mayor costo. En suma, se han desarrollado modelos de fresado de HT no cadavéricos que cuentan, principalmente, con validez de apariencia y contenido, y solo algunos con validez de constructo. Se necesitan más estudios para evaluar su validez predictiva y transferencia de habilidades al paciente real.

Temporal bone (TB) dissection is a challenging procedure for otolaryngologists. It requires a detailed knowledge of this anatomically complex area and mastery of the surgical technique. Exposure to a simple or radical mastoidectomy may vary among residents and specialty programs, frequently not complying with the required number of surgeries to complete the learning curve during residency. Hence, TB dissection simulation is of great importance. The gold standard for simulated training are cadaveric models, nevertheless, the associated high cost and low availability represent a major limitation for this modality. Non-cadaveric simulation models could play a key role in simulated training for this surgery. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the available simulation models for TB dissection was conducted. Articles for cadaveric, 3D-printed, virtual reality and low-cost models were identified. 3D-printed and virtual reality models have been favorably evaluated in terms of skill acquisition, anatomy learning, similarity to cadaveric models, and tactile sensation. 3D-printed models present superior anatomic and physical fidelity, but are more expensive. In sum, the current non-cadaveric models for TB dissection mostly present face and content validity, while few models count with construct validity. Further studies are required to assess predictive validity and skill transfer to the real patient.

Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman nasosinusal: actualización a propósito de un caso de obstrucción nasal progresiva / Nasosinusal Rosai-Dorfman disease: update on a case of progressive nasal obstruction

Resumen La histiocitosis sinusal con linfadenopatías masivas, conocida como enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman (ERD), es una patología poco frecuente cuya presentación clásica consiste en el desarrollo de grandes adenopatías cervicales bilaterales indoloras. La manifestación extranodal puede involucrar compromiso cutáneo, del sistema nervioso central, hematológico, óseo, de la vía aérea, entre otros. Su diagnóstico es un desafío y requiere una evaluación completa del paciente incluyendo historia clínica, examen físico, exámenes de laboratorio, imágenes y estudio histopatológico que confirme el diagnóstico. El tratamiento debe ser individualizado para cada paciente. Las alternativas incluyen la observación, corticoides sistémicos, radioterapia, quimioterapia, inmunomoduladores y cirugía. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 65 años con antecedente de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman localizada en glándulas lagrimales y linfoma no Hodgkin, que comienza con obstrucción nasal bilateral progresiva refractaria a tratamiento médico, por lo que se decide realizar cirugía, cuyo estudio histopatológico confirmó enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman.

Abstract Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare pathology, with a classic clinical presentation of painless bilateral massive cervical lymphadenopathy. The extranodal manifestations may involve skin, central nervous system, hematological, bones, and airway compromise, among others. Its diagnosis is challenging and requires a complete evaluation of the patient including medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging and histopathological study to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment should be individualized for each patient, including follow-up, systemic corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunomodulators and surgery. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient with a history of RDD located in the lacrimal glands and lymphoma, which begins with progressive bilateral obstruction refractory to medical treatment, for which it is decided to perform surgery, whose histopathological study confirmed RDD.

Dexametasona transtimpánica para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Ménière de difícil manejo

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad de Ménière se caracteriza por crisis recurrentes de vértigo, asociado a hipoacusia y tinnitus, que pueden ser incapacitantes, y provocar estrés y ansiedad. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto de la dexametasona transtimpánica sobre la audición y vértigo en pacientes con enfermedad de Ménière de difícil manejo. Material y Método: Se reclutó a pacientes con enfermedad de Ménière de difícil manejo médico quienes fueron tratados con tres inyecciones transt-impánicas de dexametasona (4 mg/ml). Se realizó audiometría, prueba calórica y dos encuestas de disca-pacidad (DHI y UCLA-DQ) al inicio, tres, y diez semanas posintervención, además de una entrevista a los seis meses. Resultados: Doce pacientes completaron el estudio. Se observó un aumento del promedio de umbrales auditivos hasta 11,25 dB, principalmente entre 125 y 3000 Hz a las tres semanas, y una reducción de éstos hasta 7,5 dB a las diez semanas respecto de los iniciales, principalmente entre 125 y 2000 Hz (no estadísticamente significativo). Todos los pacientes presentaron hipo-excitabilidad vestibular. Se observó una mejoría significativa en el puntaje de la encuesta UCLA-DQ posinterven-ción, manteniéndose durante todo el seguimiento. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje global ni subcomponentes de la encuesta DHI. Siete de ocho pacientes reportaron que volverían a utilizar las inyecciones. Conclusión: Los corticoides transtimpánicos pueden ayudar a disminuir la discapacidad e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedad de Ménière de difícil manejo a mediano y largo plazo.

Abstract Introduction: Ménière's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and aural fullness, which can be incapacitating and cause stress and anxiety. Aim: To assess the effect of transtympanic steroid injections on hearing and vertigo for patients suffering from intractable Ménière's disease. Material and Method: Patients with intractable Ménière's disease were recruited and treated with three transtympanic steroid injections (dexamethasone 4 mg/ml). Audiometric and vestibular assessment, and two dizziness questionnaires (DHI, UCLA-DQ) were performed upon recruitment, three weeks, and ten weeks following the transtympanic treatment. A brief auto-perception survey was applied at 6 months follow-up. Results: Twelve patients completed the study. An increase in the mean auditory threshold was observed up to 11.25 dB, mainly between 125 and 3000 Hz at three weeks, and a reduction of these up to 7.5 dB at ten weeks with respect to the initial ones, mainly between 125 and 2000 Hz (not statistically significant). All patients presented vestibular dysfunction on caloric testing. A significant impro-vement in the UCLA-DQ survey score was observed, remaining throughout the follow-up. No statistically significant differences were found in the overall score or subcomponents of the DHI. Seven out of eight patients reported that they would undergo the injections again. Conclusion: Transtympanic corticosteroids can help to reduce disability and impact on the quality of life of patients with Ménière's disease that is difficult to manage in the medium and long term.

Extensa lesión necrotizante de la línea media inducida por uso de cocaína

Resumen El diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones destructivas de la línea media es amplio y complejo debido a su presentación clínica poco específica, pudiendo abarcar desde cuadros infecciosos, neoplásicos y patologías autoinmunes. Una entidad a considerar son las lesiones destructivas de la línea media inducidas por cocaína (CIMDL), la que se caracteriza por una extensa destrucción de estructuras a nivel medio-facial. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con antecedentes de consumo de cocaína con una gran lesión destructiva endonasal asociada a una perforación palatal, fiebre, cervicalgia y meningismo. Se realizó un estudio nasofibroscópico y exámenes de laboratorio donde destaca un leve aumento de parámetros inflamatorios y serología positiva para anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA). Los exámenes imagenológicos destacan una trombosis de carótida interna derecha, osteítis del clivus y paquimeningitis retroclival. Se decide ingresar a pabellón para realizar un aseo y tomar biopsias. Al descartar los diagnósticos diferenciales de CIMDL, el paciente inició terapia antibiótica y antifúngica endovenosa evolucionando en forma satisfactoria. La CIMDL es una condición infrecuente cuyo principal diagnóstico diferencial es la granulomatosis con poliangeitis. Dada similitud en las presentaciones clínicas y la gran diferencia en el manejo de ambas patologías la necesidad de un diagnóstico certero es fundamental.

Abstract Differential diagnosis of destructive midline injuries is complex due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, and the broad variety of conditions that share the same signs and symptoms, such as infections, neoplasms and autoimmune diseases. One of the etiologies that should be considered is cocaine-induced destructive midline lesions (CIMDL), cha- racterized by extensive destruction of midface structures. The following case describes a patient with history of cocaine abuse with a large destructive endonasal lesion asso- ciated with a palatal perforation, fever, cervicalgia and meningism. Clinical assessment included a nasofibroscopy and laboratory tests. Results revealed a slight increase in in- flammatory parameters and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody serology. Ad- ditionally, imaging revealed a thrombosis of the right internal carotid, clivus osteitis, and retroclival pachymeningitis. Surgical debridement was performed, and biopsies of the nasal cavity were taken. Once the other possible diagnoses were ruled out, the patient was started on intravenous antibiotic and antifungal therapies. The patient showed a positive response to treatment and was successfully discharged after two months. CIMDL is a rare condition whose main differential diagnosis is granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Given the similarity in clinical presentations and the important differences in the management of both pathologies, the need for an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Resultados auditivos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el departamento de otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Auditory results of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the department of otolaryngology of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

RESUMEN Introducción: La otoesclerosis representa la causa de hipoacusia de conducción más común en adultos jóvenes. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen amplificación mediante audífonos o resolución quirúrgica a través de cirugías como estapedectomía total o parcial, estapedostomía o implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el Departamento de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 1999 y 2018. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte no concurrente con revisión de fichas clínicas y protocolos operatorios de pacientes atendidos en nuestro centro. Se registraron y analizaron las características biodemográficas de los pacientes, técnicas quirúrgicas, resultados auditivos, complicaciones, necesidad de reintervención y uso de audífono. Resultados: De un total de 78 pacientes sometidos a estapedectomía parcial (platinectomía parcial) o estapedostomía se incluyeron finalmente 37 quienes tenían datos clínicos completos, lo que corresponde al 47,4% del total. En ambos tipos de cirugía el promedio de gap óseo-aéreo varió de 30,8 dB en el preoperatorio a 13,9 dB en el posoperatorio lo cual es estadísticamente significativo. El promedio de variación de la vía aérea, éste fue mayor en el grupo de pacientes operados de estapedostomía, sin existir diferencias estadísticamente significativas al realizar test no paramétricos. Conclusión: Las características demográficas y los resultados auditivos obtenidos en nuestro centro son comparables con los descritos en la literatura. No existen diferencias significativas en cuanto al tipo de cirugía y la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones, aunque se observan mejores resultados auditivos en los pacientes operados de estapedostomía.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Otosclerosis represents the most common cause of hearing loss in young adults. Treatment options include amplification with hearing aids or surgical resolution with surgeries such as total and partial stapedectomy, stapedostomy or cochlear implant. Aim: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile between the years 1999 and 2018 Material and method: A non-concurrent cohort study was performed with review of clinical files and operative protocols of patients seen in our center. The biodemographic characteristics of the patients, surgical techniques, auditory results, complications, need for reoperation and use of hearing aid were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of a total of 78 patients undergoing partial stapedectomy or stapedostomy, 37 were finally included, who had complete clinical data, which corresponds to 47.4% of the total. In both types of surgery, the average bone-air gap varied from 30.8 dB in the preoperative to 13.9 dB in the postoperative period, which is statistically significant. Regarding the average of variation of the airway, this was higher in the group of patients operated by stapedostomy without statistically significant differences when performing nonparametric tests. Conclusion: The demographic characteristics and the auditory results obtained in our center are comparable with those described in the literature. There are no significant differences in the type of surgery and the frequency and type of complications, although better hearing results are observed in patients operated by stapedostomy.

Abscesos profundos de cuello en pediatría: experiencia del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río entre los años 2011 y 2018 / Pediatric deep neck abscesses: Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital 2011-2018 experience

RESUMEN Introducción: Los abscesos profundos de cuello son colecciones de pus alojadas en los espacios profundos cervicales. En la población pediátrica son poco frecuentes, sin embargo, pueden presentar complicaciones potencialmente mortales. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes que consultan por abscesos profundos del cuello en el Servicio de Urgencia Pediátrico del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Rio. Material y método: Estudio de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo con datos obtenidos de fichas clínicas de pacientes. Se realizó una revisión de fichas clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados con abscesos profundos de cuello en el Servicio de Urgencia Pediátrica del Hospital Sótero del Río entre los años 2011 y 2018. Se analizaron variables clínicas (anamnesis, examen físico, exámenes de laboratorio generales y específicos y su manejo) y demográficas. Los resultados se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva con medidas de tendencia central y rango, utilizando Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Resultados: Se incluyeron 41 pacientes entre 0 y 15 años, con un promedio de edad de 7,2 años. Sesenta y tres por ciento de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino. Se presentaron 23 (56%) pacientes con abscesos periamigdalinos (PA), 12 (29,2%) con abscesos retrofaríngeos (RF), 5 (12,1%) con abscesos parafaríngeos (PF) y 1 (2,4%) con absceso de tipo mixto (RF- PF). El 60% de los pacientes recibió algún tratamiento médico previo. Se realizó estudio imagenológico en 83% de los pacientes. Todos los pacientes presentaron parámetros inflamatorios elevados. En el 80% de los pacientes se realizó tratamiento médico y algún tipo de drenaje. Conclusiones: Los abscesos profundos del cuello son una entidad relativamente poco frecuente en pediatría, pero potencialmente peligrosa si no se detecta a tiempo, por lo que debemos tener un alto índice de sospecha para evitar las complicaciones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Deep neck abscesses are pus collections lodged in the deep cervical spaces. They are rare in the pediatric population, however, they can present life-threatening complications. Objective: To characterize the patients who consult for deep neck abscesses in the pediatric emergency department of Dr. Sótero del Rio Hospital. Material and method: Descriptive retrospective study. A review of clinical records of patients diagnosed with deep neck abscesses in the pediatric emergency department of Dr. Sótero del Rio Hospital between 2011 and 2018 was made. The clinical (anamnesis, physical exam, general and specific laboratory exams and management) and demographic characteristics were evaluated. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics with measures of central tendency and range, using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Results: Forty-one patients between 0 and 15 years of age were included, with an average age of 7.2 years. 63% of the patients were male. There were 23 (56%) patients with peritonsillar abscesses (PA), 12 (29.2%) with retropharyngeal abscesses (RF), 5 (12.1%) with parapharyngeal abscesses (PF) and 1 (2.4%) with abscess of mixed type (RF-PF). 60% of the patients received some previous medical treatment. An imaging study was performed in 83% of the patients. All the patients presented high inflammatory parameters. In 80% of patients, medical treatment and some type of drainage were performed. Conclusions: Deep abscesses of the neck are a relatively rare entity in pediatrics, but potentially dangerous if not detected in time, so we must have a high index of suspicion to avoid complications.

Vacuna contra el virus papiloma humano como tratamiento para la papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente / Human papilloma virus vaccination treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

RESUMEN Una de las manifestaciones clínicas del virus papiloma humano (VPH) es la papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente (PRR), que se caracteriza por la proliferación de lesiones epiteliales verrucosas recurrentes en la mucosa respiratoria, pudiendo progresar a obstrucción de vía aérea o presentar transformación maligna. El tratamiento de primera línea quirúrgico, pero dada su alta recurrencia ha tomado peso el tratamiento adyuvante, como la vacuna tetravalente contra VPH. Sin embargo, existe controversia respecto a su eficacia. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar la efectividad de la vacuna contra VPH como tratamiento adyuvante de la PRR, para lo cual hicimos una revisión de la literatura sobre la efectividad de la vacuna tetravalente contra VPH para PRR, realizando una búsqueda en diversas fuentes: Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google Scholar y Epistemonikos. Se seleccionaron los estudios que responden a la pregunta y se analizaron los datos de los estudios primarios. Se encontraron cinco estudios primarios no aleatorizados, todos a favor de la vacuna como tratamiento. Concluimos con baja certeza de evidencia, que la vacuna es posiblemente efectiva para pacientes con PRR en disminuir el número de recurrencias, aumentar el intervalo entre cirugías, lograr remisión completa o parcial de la enfermedad y aumentar significativamente los títulos de anticuerpos anti-VPH.

ABSTRACT A clinical manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), characterized by the proliferation of recurrent verrucous epithelial lesions in the respiratory mucosa, which may progress to airway obstruction or malignant transformation. First-line treatment is surgery, but given its high recurrence the use of adjuvant therapy, such as the quadrivalent vaccine, has gained importance. However, there is controversy regarding its effectiveness. To analyze the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine as an adjuvant treatment for RRP a review of the literature on the effectiveness of HPV tetravalent vaccine for RRP was performed by searching databases such as Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Epistemonikos. We selected the studies that answered the question and analyzed the data from all of which supported the vaccine as treatment. None were randomized controlled trials. We conclude, with low certainty of evidence, that the vaccine is possibly effective for RRP in decreasing the number of recurrences, increasing the intersurgical interval, achieving complete or partial remission of disease and significantly increasing anti-HPV antibodies.

[Alcohol and energy drink--can combined consumption of both beverages modify automobile driving fitness?]. / Alkohol und Energy Drink--Kann der gemeinsame Konsum beider Getränke die Fahrtüchtigkeit beeinträchtigen?

Various fitness drinks under the designation of "energy or power drinks" or "brain or athletic food" are very popular among young people. For those entrusted with rendering expert opinions that poses the question of whether consumption of these beverages is of any importance when a person's ability to drive or mental capacity has to be assessed, especially in combination with alcoholic beverages imbibed at the same time. In the case discussed here-both the 20-year-old car driver and his passenger suffered not inconsiderable injuries-an alcohol concentration of 1.2 per mille was found at the time a blood sample was taken. Furthermore, a caffeine content of 1.5 micrograms/ml was noted. A value also reached after drinking a cup of filter coffee. In contrast, values of 2 to 10 micrograms/ml are reached when caffeine is used for therapeutic purposes. Values of more than 15 micrograms/ml are considered toxic. The measured caffeine content was thus fully insignificant. The same also applies to the "active ingredients" (taurine, glucuronolactone) contained in the beverage "Red Bull". Another assumption that, namely, the effect of alcohol can be offset by such beverages could lead to a situation in which young people incorrectly assess their ability to drive after imbibing alcohol and fitness drinks. That is naturally given support by corresponding tributes by the manufacturers ("improves performance", "invigorates the mind and body").

Focal task-specific tremor and dystonia: categorization of occupational movement disorders.

We studied 28 patients with focal task-specific disorders. Three groups were identified, according to the occurrence of focal tremor alone (group I, n = 10), dystonia alone (group II, n = 8), and tremor-dystonia combination (group III, n = 10). Four of six patients in groups I and III showed improvement with beta blocking agents alone, and another patient improved with primidone and metoprolol. Four of seven patients in groups II and III improved at least moderately with only anticholinergic medication. The coexistence of focal tremor and focal dystonia in the same limb in 10 patients (group III) suggests a link between these focal disorders. We conclude that focal tremor and focal dystonia are related to generalized essential tremor and generalized dystonia. A scheme which conceptualizes these interrelationships is proposed.

Calvarial grafts for midface rehabilitation.

Access, pain, prolonged hospitalization, or inadequacy of consistency and quantity of a graft are drawbacks to traditional donor sites of autologous bone for reconstruction of severe midface trauma with bone loss. The sectioning of human skulls resulted in selection of the parietal bone as a technically feasible donor site for obtaining adequate autologous bone for the rehabilitation of generous defects in the floor of the orbit or the anterior maxillary wall. The examination of various animal skulls resulted in the selection of the large canine as an adequate experimental model to evaluate the technique. The parietal bone served as a harvest site, without morbidity, for autologous bone used to fill in the defects in the orbit and anterior malar wall in the live canine model. Subsequently, human autografts of outer cranial table parietal bone provided adequate material to repair severe floor of orbit and maxillary defects with minimal patient discomfort and donor site morbidity.

Gallium arsenide electroabsorption avalanche photodiode waveguide detectors.

Gallium arsenide electroabsorption avalanche photodiode (EAP) detectors have been fabricated in n - n(+) GaAs waveguides. Since these EAP detectors respond to wavelengths beyond the normal absorption edge of GaAs, due to the Franz-Keldysh effect, they have been used to detect the below band gap radiation from GaAs lasers and the 1.06-mum radiation from Nd:YAG lasers. The measured absorption and responsivity at these wavelengths suggest a number of applications. These EAP devices have been used to detect analog signals with a distortion less than 6%. Methods for utilizing them in time- and frequency-demultiplexing applications are also described.

The insensitivity of frog heart rate to pulse modulated microwave energy.

Frey and Seifert (1968) have reported that pulse modulated microwave irradiation of low average energy density can produce tachycardia in isolated frog hearts. In an effort to examine this phenomenon, two types of experiments were carried out: 1. frog hearts were irradiated in situ with 100 mus bursts of microwave energy at either 10.0 GHz or 1.42 GHz; 2. isolated frog hearts were irradiated with 100 mus bursts of microwave energy at 1.42 GHz. No significant changes in heart rate were observed.