Asymmetrically severe internal auditory canal hypoplasia: A case report.

We present a case of an otherwise healthy 20-month-old with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. CT and MR imaging demonstrated bilateral asymmetrically severe hypoplasia of the internal auditory canals and vestibulocochlear nerves. Additional developmental inner ear anomalies were present in this patient, including unilateral semicircular canal hypoplasia and suspected bilateral cochlear hypoplasia. The patient retained normal facial nerve function bilaterally. We highlight the current research and understanding of congenital IAC abnormalities.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Recurrent Unresectable Head and Neck Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of locoregional, recurrent head and neck cancers following definitive radiotherapy has evolved during the past 30 years. Brachytherapy as well as protracted courses of systemic therapy and chemoradiotherapy result in 12-month survival rates of 40% to 50% but have high rates of severe toxicity. Given the advancements in radiotherapy targeting and delivery, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been investigated as an alternative treatment option with the potential advantages of reduced treatment time and rates of toxicity. METHODS: The authors reviewed prospective trials and retrospective reports from the past decade addressing the management of locoregional, recurrent, previously radiated head and neck cancers, focusing on SBRT. RESULTS: The body of evidence is growing in support of reirradiation using SBRT for the treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers. The 1-year survival rates associated with SBRT are promising and similar to those seen with chemotherapy alone and concurrent, conventionally fractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment-related adverse events of reirradiation using SBRT are also similar to other palliative therapies. Late carotid rupture is a relatively rare but concerning late toxicity associated with reirradiation using SBRT. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT is a promising treatment for locoregional recurrent head and neck cancers. It also offers a logistical advantage over other palliative treatments, as it only requires 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.