Posttonsillectomy Pain Relief and Wound Healing by Applying Bismuth Iodoform Paraffin Paste (BIPP) to Dissected Tonsillar Beds.

Introduction Tonsillectomy is one of the most common operations performed by otorhinolaryngology surgeons worldwide; however, the insufficient quality of the postoperative pain management and effective posttonsillectomy pain relief remain a clinical dilemma. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of applying bismuth iodine paraffin paste (BIPP) to the dissected fossa as an adjuvant therapy for a better outcome in terms of posttonsillectomy pain management and due to its wound healing properties. Methods The present is a prospective randomized control pilot study with 44 patients aged > 7 years who underwent tonsillectomy. The patients were divided into two groups: the control group and the group that had BIPP applied to the dissected tonsillar fossa. The visual analogue scale score and the post-onsillectomy percentage of tonsillar fossa epithelization were recorded and evaluated. Results Both subjectively and objectively, there a was statistically significant pain-relieving effect in the BIPP group within the first 5 postoperative days ( p < 0.05). From postoperative day 3 onward, the dissected area of the tonsillar fossa healed significantly faster in the BIPP group compared with the control group, and it became stable on day 14. Conclusion The topical application of BIPP showed a better pain-relieving effect, it was safe, and hastened wound healing after tonsillectomy.

Wideband Tympanometry and Pressurized Otoacoustic Emissions in Children with Surgical Excision of Palatine and/or Pharyngeal Tonsils.

Palatine and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy may lead to dysfunction of the auditory tube due to a propensity for infection, potentially giving rise to otitis media. This is a quantitative and longitudinal study, developed from 2019 to 2021, at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). The studied sample comprised 15 participants aged 5 to 12 years (mean 7.9 years), 12 male and 3 female, arranged into two groups: children diagnosed with pharyngeal and/or palatine tonsil hypertrophy who were candidates for surgery (G1), and children who were later evaluated after surgery (G2). As part of the test, an otoscopy and measurements of logoaudiometry, pure-tone threshold audiometry, wideband tympanometry (ambient and peak pressure), and otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs and DPOAEs, both at ambient and peak pressure) were all performed. There were statistically significant differences between phases in pure-tone audiometry, in terms of 226 Hz tympanometry, wideband tympanometry in peak pressure conditions, in the amplitude measurement TEOAEs in both pressure conditions, in DPOAEs in ambient pressure conditions, and in the signal/noise measurement in both pressures in DPOAEs. Overall, it was found that hearing tests were different for subjects with palatine and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy compared to the post-surgical group.

Utilization of a Decellularized Skin Scaffold for Repair of a Cleft Palate in a Dog: A Case Report.

Cleft palates are oral deformities that mostly affect puppies. They are frequently extensive and characterized by bone and palatal mucosa malformation. This deformity is a serious condition that may result in the death of the dog, therefore surgical treatment is recommended. Tissue bioengineering has emerged as a valuable option to treat cleft palates by applying acellular biological scaffolds as grafts. This case report proposed a new approach for surgical correction of canine cleft palate through a grafting technique using a decellularized scaffold. A decellularized portion of skin was implanted to correct a large cleft palate in a 3-month-old female Pug dog. The skin fragment was obtained from a dog cadaver and a decellularization protocol was performed. Under general anesthesia, a bilateral mucoperiosteal separation of the entire length of cleft margins was performed, and the scaffold was then positioned between the tissue and the bone palate. The interaction of the grafted scaffold with the oral mucosa and palatine layers resulted in total cleft closure, without postsurgical rejection or infection, indicating the applicability of this technique in dog's cleft palate correction. This is the first reported case demonstrating this new technique, which resulted in full cleft closure and healing.

Tonsils are major sites of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in children.

In the present study, we show that SARS-CoV-2 can infect palatine tonsils, adenoids, and secretions in children without symptoms of COVID-19, with no history of recent upper airway infection. We studied 48 children undergoing tonsillectomy due to snoring/OSA or recurrent tonsillitis between October 2020 and September 2021. Nasal cytobrushes, nasal washes, and tonsillar tissue fragments obtained at surgery were tested by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and neutralization assay. We detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in at least one specimen tested in 27% of patients. IHC revealed the presence of the viral nucleoprotein in epithelial surface and in lymphoid cells in both extrafollicular and follicular regions, in adenoids and palatine tonsils. Also, IHC for the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein NSP-16 indicated the presence of viral replication in 53.8% of the SARS-CoV-2-infected tissues. Flow cytometry showed that CD20+ B lymphocytes were the most infected phenotypes, followed by CD4+ lymphocytes and CD123 dendritic cells, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD14+ macrophages. Additionally, IF indicated that infected tonsillar tissues had increased expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. NGS sequencing demonstrated the presence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants in tonsils from different tissues. SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection was not restricted to tonsils but was also detected in nasal cells from the olfactory region. Palatine tonsils and adenoids are sites of prolonged RNA presence by SARS-CoV-2 in children, even without COVID-19 symptoms. IMPORTANCE This study shows that SRS-CoV-2 of different lineages can infect tonsils and adenoids in one quarter of children undergoing tonsillectomy. These findings bring advancement to the area of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, by showing that tonsils may be sites of prolonged infection, even without evidence of recent COVID-19 symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 infection of B and T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells may interfere with the mounting of immune responses in these secondary lymphoid organs. Moreover, the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory secretions from silently infected children raises concern about possible diagnostic confusion in the presence of symptoms of acute respiratory infections caused by other etiologies.

Caracterización de tonsilolitos en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico de pacientes atendidos en el Centro Dental Docente de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima-Perú, 2018-2021 / Characterization of Tonsilloliths in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans of Patients Treated at the Teaching Dental Center of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, 2018-2021 / Caracterização de tonsilólitos em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico de pacientes tratados no Centro Dental Docente da Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima-Peru, 2018-2021

RESUMEN El origen de los tonsilolitos está relacionado con antecedentes de amigdalitis en repetidas ocasiones durante la infancia o de abscesos amigdalares. El presente trabajo investigó la frecuencia, el número, la localización, el tamaño, la forma, así como la edad y el sexo de los pacientes, para aportar parámetros de las características y los datos estadísticos que contribuyan a la detección temprana de esta patología. Objetivo: Determinar las características de los tonsilolitos en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico (TCHC) de pacientes atendidos en el Centro Dental Docente de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, donde se analizaron todas las TCHC del período 2018-2021, de las cuales 200 cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Para relacionar las variables se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado con un intervalo de confianza de 95 % y un nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: De las 200 TCHC analizadas, 49 (24,5 %) presentaron tonsilolitos, 39 (19,5 %) pertenecieron al sexo femenino, 32 (16 %) pertenecieron a pacientes mayores de 50 años, 21 (42,86 %) presentaron un solo tonsilolito, y 30 (61,2 %) se localizaron unilateralmente. Se contabilizaron 124 tonsilolitos en total; de los cuales, 64 (51,6 %) se localizaron en el lado derecho, 88 (71,96 %) fueron puntiformes, y su tamaño promedio fue de 1,68 mm. Conclusiones: Los tonsilolitos presentaron una alta frecuencia, principalmente en el sexo femenino, a partir de la quinta década de la vida, con un tamaño menor a 2 mm, predominando los puntiformes y la ubicación unilateral.

ABSTRACT The origin of tonsilloliths is related to a history of recurring tonsillitis or tonsillar abscesses during childhood. This study investigates the frequency, number, location, size, shape, as well as the age and sex of the patients, in order to establish parameters for the characteristics and statistical data that contribute to the early detection of this condition. Objective: To determine the characteristics of tonsilloliths in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients treated at the Teaching Dental Center of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing all CBCT scans from the period 2018-2021. Out of the total scans, 200 met the selection criteria. The chi-square test was used to establish relationships between variables, with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 0.05. Results: Among the 200 CBCT scans analyzed, 49 (24.5 %) showed tonsilloliths. Among these, 39 (19.5 %) belonged to female patients, while 32 (16 %) were patients older than 50 years. A total of 21 (42.86 %) scans presented a single tonsillolith, and 30 (61.2%) were located unilaterally. The analysis revealed a total count of 124 tonsilloliths, with 64 (51.6%) located on the right side. Furthermore, 88 (71.96 %) of the tonsilloliths exhibited a punctiform shape, with an average size of 1.68 mm. Conclusions: Tonsilloliths demonstrated a high frequency, primarily among females from the fifth decade of life, with sizes less than 2 mm, predominantly punctiform in shape, and located unilaterally.

RESUMO A origem dos tonsilólitos está relacionada a um histórico de tonsilites repetidas na infância ou abscessos tonsilares. O presente estudo investigou a frequência, o número, a localização, o tamanho, a forma, a idade e o sexo dos pacientes, a fim de fornecer parâmetros característicos e dados estatísticos que contribuam para a detecção precoce dessa patologia. Objetivo: Determinar as características dos tonsilólitos em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCHC) de pacientes atendidos no Centro Dental Docente da Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal, no qual foram analisados todos os TCHC do período 2018-2021, dos quais 200 atenderam aos critérios de seleção. O teste qui-quadrado foi usado para relacionar as variáveis, com um intervalo de confiança de 95% e um nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Dos 200 TCHC analisados, 49 (24,5%) apresentaram tonsilólitos, dos quais 39 (19,5%) pertenciam ao sexo feminino. Além disso, 32 (16%) pacientes tinham mais de 50 anos de idade, 21 (42,86%) possuíam apenas um tonsilólito, e 30 (61,2%) estavam localizados unilateralmente. Foram contabilizados um total de 124 tonsilólitos; desses, 64 (51,6%) estavam localizados no lado direito, 88 (71,96%) tinham forma puntiforme e um tamanho médio de 1,68 mm. Conclusões: Os tonsilólitos foram altamente prevalentes, principalmente em mulheres a partir da quinta década de vida, com tamanho inferior a 2 mm, predominantemente puntiformes e com localização unilateral.

Proposal for the Modification of the Method to Evaluate the Midpalatal Suture Maturation Status / Proposta de Modificação do Método para Avaliação do Status da Sutura Palatina Mediana

The objective of present research was to propose a new definition for the midpalatal suture (MPS) maturational stages through reevaluation of intermediate stages B, C and D. The sample was composed by 158 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of individuals between 11 and 20 years of age (±15.4 years, 86 females and 71 males), divided into two groups: 74 individuals aged 11-15 years and 84 individuals aged 16-20 years. The CBCT scans were applied to evaluate midpalatal suture maturation status and comprised stages previously classified as B (29), C (92) and D (37). Each axial image was subdivided into six parts in the anteroposterior direction, and each portion was classified according to MPS maturational evaluation methodology. New definitions of stages were proposed. The reliability of the method was tested by two examiners and the intra- and inter-examiner concordances were defined for each evaluation through weighted kappa coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. The chi-square test was used to compare the groups. In all statistical tests, a significance level of 5% was adopted. Two new maturational stages were defined: sub-stage C- and sub-stage C+, with prevalence of 12% and 8.9%, respectively, in 11 to 20-year-olds. The redefinition and validation of the maturational stages of MPS, considering the sub-stages C- and C+, may allow to elucidate the difference in the prognosis of Rapid Maxillary Expansion among individuals aged 11 to 20 years. This data should be confirmed through a clinical study.(AU)

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi propor uma nova definição para os estágios maturacionais da sutura palatina média (MPS) por meio da reavaliação dos estágios intermediários B, C e D. A amostra foi composta por 158 tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (TCFC) de indivíduos entre 11 e 20 anos de idade (±15,4 anos, 86 do sexo feminino e 71 do sexo masculino), divididos em dois grupos: 74 indivíduos de 11 a 15 anos e 84 indivíduos de 16 a 20 anos. Os exames de TCFC foram aplicados para avaliar o estado de maturação da sutura palatina média e compreenderam os estágios previamente classificados como B (29), C (92) e D (37). Cada imagem axial foi subdividida em seis partes no sentido anteroposterior, e cada porção foi classificada de acordo com a metodologia de avaliação maturacional MPS. Novas definições de estágios foram propostas. A confiabilidade do método foi testada por dois examinadores e as concordâncias intra e interexaminadores foram definidas para cada avaliação por meio de coeficientes kappa ponderados e intervalos de confiança de 95%. O teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para comparar os grupos. Em todos os testes estatísticos adotou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Dois novos estágios maturacionais foram definidos: subestágio C- e subestágio C+, com prevalência de 12% e 8,9%, respectivamente, em jovens de 11 a 20 anos. A redefinição e validação dos estágios maturacionais da MPS, considerando os subestágios C- e C+, podem permitir elucidar a diferença no prognóstico da Expansão Rápida da Maxila entre indivíduos de 11 a 20 anos. Esses dados devem ser confirmados por meio de um estudo clínico.(AU)

Hamartomatous Polyp of the Palatine Tonsil: A Case Report and Critical Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil is a rare benign tumor poorly recognized by clinicians and pathologists. We present a novel case report and provide a literature review about this diagnosis, highlighting its clinicopathological features and treatment modalities. METHODS: We herein report a case of a 22-year-old female patient who complained of a foreign body sensation in her throat. She presented with a pedunculated polyp attached to her right palatine tonsil, which was noticed 15 years ago. An excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia, and the microscopic aspect confirmed the diagnosis of the hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil. The literature review was performed using the "palatine tonsil polyps" term in PubMed and Google Scholar. Only English-language publications showing clinical and microscopic descriptions were selected as inclusion criteria. RESULTS: As in our case report, this poorly understood lesion usually presents as a solitary, unilateral pedunculated mass attached to the palatine tonsil surface with nonspecific symptoms. The literature shows less than 100 cases reported, which reveals a lesion preference for male and young adult patients. Microscopically, it is characterized by disorganized proliferation of the connective tissue components indigenous to the involved site, with variable lymphangiectasia, which accounts for the diversity of the diagnostic term and its unknown incidence. Its treatment consists of excision of the polyp with or without tonsillectomy, and no recurrence or malignant transformation of these polyps has been reported. CONCLUSION: The hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil is challenging due to its rarity and lack of standardization of the terminology used in the literature. Including this diagnosis in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification for Head and Neck Tumors is expected to contribute to a better understanding of this pathology.

Tonsilolito gigante: hallazgo inesperado. Reporte de caso / Giant tonsillolith: unexpected finding. Case report

Introducción: se presenta el caso de un tonsilolito gigante periamigdalino como hallazgo en una radiografía panorámica de rutina en odontología. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 26 años a quien le realizaron radiografía panorámica de control, en la que se evidenció una gran imagen radiopaca a nivel periamigdalino derecho de aproximadamente 2 cm de diámetro; el paciente fue asintomático al momento de la consulta y al recibir tratamiento quirúrgico se evidenció un tonsilolito gigante que fue retirado en bloque sin complicaciones. Discusión: se presentan diagnósticos diferenciales de imágenes radiopacas encontradas en radiografías de cabeza y cuello compatibles con tonsilolitos. Conclusiones: se recuerda esta entidad diagnóstica que, aunque rara, se debe tener presente como posible hallazgo en estudios de imagen cabeza y cuello o síntomas a nivel amigdalino.

Introduction: We present the case of a giant tonsil stone as a finding in routine pano-ramic radiography in dentistry. Clinical case: we present the case of a 26 years-old male patient who underwent a control panoramic radiography where a large radiopa-que image of approximately 2 cm in diameter was evidenced at the right peritonsillar level; the patient was asymptomatic at the time of the consultation, when recei-ving surgical treatment, a giant tonsillolith was evidenced which was removed en bloc without complications. Discussion: differential diagnosis of radiopaque ima-ges found in head and neck radiographs compatible with tonsilloliths are presented. Conclusions: Although rare, this entity should be kept in mind as a possible finding in head and neck imaging studies or symptoms at tonsillar space.

Is there a relationship between tonsil volume and the success of pharyngeal surgery among adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

Abstract Objectives: Hypertrophic palatine tonsils play a role in the blockage of the upper airway, one of the known causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Therefore, it is possible that there is an association between tonsil size and the success of pharyngeal surgery during OSA treatment. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tonsil grade and volume, as well as to establish whether a relationship exists between tonsil size and the success rate of pharyngeal surgery (tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures). Methods: This retrospective study includes forty-four adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy and pharyngeal surgery with barbed sutures for the treatment of simple snoring and OSA between January 2016 and September 2019. Patients who had been previously tonsillectomized or those for whom tonsil volume measurement was lacking were excluded. All patients underwent a pre-operative physical exploration at the clinic exam room and a sleep study. Prior to surgery a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) was performed. Tonsil volume was measured intraoperatively using the water displacement method. The same sleep study was repeated six months following surgery. Results: A significant correlation was found between tonsil grade and volume and between such measurements and the blockage observed at the level of the oropharynx during the DISE. Moreover, an association was observed between tonsil volume, but not tonsil grade, and the success of tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures. A tonsil volume greater than 6.5 cm3 was linked to success during pharyngeal surgery. Conclusion: A correlation exists between tonsil grade and tonsil volume. A bigger tonsil volume is associated with a greater success rate of oropharyngeal surgery during treatment of OSA. Level of evidence: Level 3, non-randomized cohort study.

Techniques for bone assessment and characterization: porcine hard palate case study.

The hard palate plate has an important structural function that separates the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. Incomplete regeneration of palatal fistulae in children with a cleft palate deformity after primary palatoplasty is a relatively common complication. To date, the information about the physicochemical bone features of this region is deficient, due to the low availability of human samples. Swine and human bone share anatomical similarities. Specifically, pig bones are widely used as experimental animal models in dental, orthopedic, or surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to show different techniques to evaluate and characterize alternative properties of pig hard palate bone, compared to commercial hydroxyapatite, one of the most used biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration. Chemical analyses by Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) showed calcium and phosphate ions as the main constituents of bone, while magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium, and zinc ions were minor constituents. The calcium phosphate molar ratio (Ca/P) in the bone was low (1.1 ± 0.2) due to the very young specimen sample used. The FTIR spectrum shows the presence of phosphates ions (PO4 3-) and the main characteristics of collagen type I. The XRD results showed that the hard palate bone has a mixture of calcium, octacalcium dihydrogen phosphate (OCP), and apatite, where OCP is the predominant phase. Besides, this research demonstrated that the young bone has low crystallinity and small crystal size compared with commercial hydroxyapatite (HA). The palatine process of maxilla density and porosity data reported, suggest that the palate bone is getting closer to the compact bone with a 52.78 ± 2.91% porosity and their mechanical properties depend on the preparation conditions and the area of the bone analyzed.

The pterygopalatine ganglion, palatine nerves and vessels: dissection and pathway / El ganglio pterigopalatino, nervios palatinos y vasos: disección y trayecto

SUMMARY: Background and Objectives: The palatine nerves and vessels cross the pterygopalatine fossa, the palatine canals, the palatine foramina and the submucosal space, at the level of the hard palate and the palatine recess of the maxillary sinus. Their trajectory is long, complicated and difficult to highlight on a single dissection piece. In the literature that we studied, we did not find clear images that fully highlight the real configuration of the pterygopalatine ganglion and nerves and of the palatine vessels. Our aim was to provide a clear and representative dissection of the pterygopalatine ganglion and of the palatine neurovascular bundle throughout its pathway in a simple, coherent and useful presentation for the practitioners interested in the regional pathology. We resected the posterior and inferomedial osseous walls of the maxillary sinus and highlighted the neurovascular structures in the pterygopalatine fossa and the wall of the maxillary sinus. We photographed the dissection fields and detailed the important relations. The images that we obtained are clear, simple and easy to interpret and use. We successfully highlighted the aspect and the main relations of the pterygopalatine ganglion and the pathway and distribution of the palatine nerves and vessels, from their origin to the terminal plexuses. There is a broad spectrum of clinical procedures or situations that require a proper knowledge and understanding of the anatomical pathway and relations of the palatine neurovascular elements. This includes the various types of regional anesthesia, tumor resection surgery, flaps of the palatine mucosa, the LeFort osteotomy etc. Demonstration of the pterygopalatine ganglion and its relations is useful in endoscopic interventions at the level of the pterygopalatine fossa.

RESUMEN: Los nervios y vasos palatinos atraviesan la fosa pterigopalatina, además de los canales palatinos, los forámenes palatinos y el espacio submucoso a nivel del paladar duro y el receso palatino del seno maxilar. Su trayectoria es larga, complicada y difícil de destacar en una sola pieza de disección. En la literatura que estudiamos, no encontramos imágenes claras que resalten completamente la configuración real del ganglio y los nervios pterigopalatinos y de los vasos palatinos. Nuestro objetivo fue proporcionar una disección clara y representativa del ganglio pterigopalatino y del haz neurovascular palatino a lo largo de su trayecto en una presentación simple, coherente y útil para los médicos interesados en la patología regional. Resecamos las paredes óseas posterior e inferomedial del seno maxilar y resaltamos las estructuras neurovasculares en la fosa pterigopalatina y la pared del seno maxilar. Fotografiamos los campos de disección y detallamos las relaciones importantes. Las imágenes que obtuvimos son claras, sencillas y de fácil interpretación. Resaltamos con éxito el aspecto y las principales relaciones del ganglio pterigopalatino y el trayecto y distribución de los nervios y vasos palatinos, desde su origen hasta los plexos terminales. En conclusion, existe un amplio espectro de procedimientos o situaciones clínicas que requieren un adecuado conocimiento y comprensión del trayecto anatómico y las relaciones de los elementos neurovasculares palatinos. Esto incluye los distintos tipos de anestesia regional, cirugía de resección tumoral, colgajos de mucosa palatina, osteotomía de LeFort, etc. La demostración del ganglio pterigopalatino y sus relaciones es útil en intervenciones endoscópicas a nivel de la fosa pterigopalatina.

Is there a relationship between tonsil volume and the success of pharyngeal surgery among adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic palatine tonsils play a role in the blockage of the upper airway, one of the known causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Therefore, it is possible that there is an association between tonsil size and the success of pharyngeal surgery during OSA treatment. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tonsil grade and volume, as well as to establish whether a relationship exists between tonsil size and the success rate of pharyngeal surgery (tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures). METHODS: This retrospective study includes forty-four adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy and pharyngeal surgery with barbed sutures for the treatment of simple snoring and OSA between January 2016 and September 2019. Patients who had been previously tonsillectomized or those for whom tonsil volume measurement was lacking were excluded. All patients underwent a pre-operative physical exploration at the clinic exam room and a sleep study. Prior to surgery a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) was performed. Tonsil volume was measured intraoperatively using the water displacement method. The same sleep study was repeated six months following surgery. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between tonsil grade and volume and between such measurements and the blockage observed at the level of the oropharynx during the DISE. Moreover, an association was observed between tonsil volume, but not tonsil grade, and the success of tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures. A tonsil volume greater than 6.5 cm3 was linked to success during pharyngeal surgery. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between tonsil grade and tonsil volume. A bigger tonsil volume is associated with a greater success rate of oropharyngeal surgery during treatment of OSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, non-randomized cohort study.

Prevalence of epstein-barr virus infection in palatine tonsils hyperplasia through the immunoexpression of the LMP-1 marker / Avaliação da prevalência de infecção por epstein-barr vírus na hiperplasia de tonsilas palatinas através da imunoexpressão do marcador LMP-1

Introduction: LMP-1 (latent membrane protein 1) is a membrane protein found in EBV and can be identified through immunohistochemistry. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of EBV virus in tonsillar tissue samples correlating with tonsil size, age and gender. Methods: An LMP-1 immunohistochemical study was performed in slides from patients with tonsil hyperplasia. Results: The sample consisted of 120 slides, 66 were from male. The average tonsillar size was 6.0 cm2 (1.5-14.0) and the average age was 6.5 years (2-18). Overall, 72 patients were positive for the virus, the majority being male (51%) and preschoolers (51.4%). For comparative analysis, the sample was divided: group 1 (positive immunohistochemistry) and group 2 (negative immunohistochemistry). The average age was 6.74 years (± 4.14) and 6.19 years (± 3.82) for group 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1 had 37 preschoolers, 23 school-age children and 12 adolescents. Group 2 had 28 preschoolers, 14 school-age children and 6 adolescents (p=0.71). To evaluate the presence of virus, the slides were divided according to area: G (≥6cm²) and P (<6cm²). In G group, 54 slides were positive, while in P group, 18 were positive. Group 1 presented 54 of G group slides and 18 of P group slides, with no statistical difference, but with a tendency to positivity (p=0.09). Conclusion: Most of the sample was positive for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus. There was no difference in the virus presence or absence when correlated with the tonsillar size, age or sex

Introdução: LMP-1 (proteína latente de membrana-1) é uma proteína de membrana encontrada no Epstein-Barr vírus (EBV) e que pode ser identificadaatravés da imunoistoquímica. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência do EBV em amostras de tecido tonsilar correlacionando com o tamanho da tonsila, idade e sexo. Método: Realizou-se um estudo imunoistoquímico de LMP-1 para EBV em lâminas de pacientes com hiperplasia de tonsilas. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 120 lâminas, sendo 66 (55%) de pacientes do sexo masculino. O tamanho médio tonsilar foi 6,0 cm2 (1,5-14,0) e a idade média 6,5 anos (2-18). Ao todo, 72 pacientes (60%) tiveram positividade para o vírus, a maioria meninos (51%) e pré-escolares (51,4%). A amostra foi dividida em: grupo 1 (imunoistoquímica positiva) e grupo 2 (imunoistoquímica negativa). A idade média foi de 6,74 anos (±4,14) e 6,19 anos (±3,82), para o grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente. O grupo 1 apresentou 37 pré-escolares, 23 escolares e 12 adolescentes. O grupo 2 foi composto por 28 pré-escolares, 14 escolares e 6 adolescentes, sem diferença estatística (p=0,71). Para avaliar a presença do EBV, as lâminas foram divididas de acordo com a área: G (≥6 cm²) e P (<6 cm²). No grupo G, 54 lâminas foram positivas, enquanto no grupo P, 18, sem diferença estatística, mas com tendência a positividade (p=0,09). Conclusão: A maior parte da amostra foi positiva para o Epstein-Barr vírus. Não houve diferença significante na positividade ou não do vírus quando correlacionada com o tamanho tonsilar, a idade e o sexo dos pacientes.

Pólipos linfangiomatosos de las amígdalas palatinas en la infancia: Reporte de un caso y revisión / Lymphangiomatous polyps of the palatine tonsils in childhood: A case report and review

Introducción: Los pólipos linfangiomatosos de las amígdalas palatinas son lesiones benignas raras. Esta entidad se origina en el estroma linfoide mezclándose con el parénquima, siendo diferente a la hiperplasia papilar y representa aproximadamente el 1,9% de las neoplasias de amígdalas. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico y una búsqueda sistemática de los casos pediátricos publicados en la literatura. Reporte de caso: se ha realizado una revisión sistemática siguiendo las pautas PRISMA de los reportes en PubMed, Elsevier, Google Académico de 2010 a 2021. Se localizaron 18 artículos en los que se encontró 8 mujeres y 10 hombres, la edad promedio fue de 14 años, en 15 las lesiones eran unilaterales. Todos los casos reportaron en los hallazgos histopatológicos la presencia de vasos linfáticos. Conclusión: Existe variabilidad entre la edad con distribución similar entre sexos; al ser una entidad infrecuente hay heterogeneidad en su denominación.

Background: Lymphangiomatous polyps of the palatine tonsils are rare benign lesions. This entity originates from the lymphoid stroma intermixed with parenchyma, being different from papillary hyperplasia, representing approximately 1.9% of tonsillar neoplasms. Objective: To present a case report and systematic review of the pediatric cases published in the literature. The report case: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines of the reports in PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar from 2010 to 2021. 18 articles were found of which 8 females and 10 males were found, the mean age was 14 years, in 15 lesions were unilateral. All cases reported the presence of lymphatic vessels in the histopathological exam. Conclusion: There is variability with age with a similar distribution between genders, being rare there is heterogeneity in its denomination.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma in palatine tonsil.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive and extremely rare malignancy. MCL may be diagnosed in lymph nodes and/or extranodal sites exhibiting a poor prognosis. MCL with primary presentation in palatine tonsils has been rarely reported. Herein, we report the case of a 73-year-old man with a painless nodular mass on the right palatine tonsil. A biopsy was performed, and microscopic analysis revealed a neoplasm composed of small to medium sized lymphocytes with finely dispersed chromatin, roundish nucleus and many mitoses. The tumor cells were positive for CD20 (L26), CD5 (4C7), Cyclin D1 (EP12), Bcl2 (124) and Ki-67 (MIB-1; 90%), and negative for Bcl6 (PG-B6p), MUM1 (MUM1p) and CD3 (Polyclonal). These findings led to the diagnosis of blastoid variant of MCL. Diagnostic workup with computed tomography scan excluded other sites of disease. The patient was treated successfully with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (mini-CHOP regimen). Although the blastoid variant of MCL is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of rapid-growing masses in the palatine tonsil.

Asymmetric palatine tonsil in a pediatric patient: Is it always a malignant neoplasm? / Asimetría amigdalina en pediatría: ¿cuándo sospechar malignidad?

Abstract Background: A relatively frequent clinical finding in children is an asymmetric tonsil, which can have multiple etiological possibilities, including a malignant disease. The clinical finding of tonsillar asymmetry is found in approximately 2% of the pediatric population. The incidence of malignancy in the tonsils is low, estimated as 2.5 cases per 10,000 tonsillectomies. Due to its low incidence, the diagnostic tonsillectomy is not justified when tonsillar asymmetry is the only clinical finding. However, it is necessary to identify the critical clinical findings of high suspicion of malignancy that justify the performance of immediate surgery in the pediatric population. Case report: We present the case of a 10-year-old male patient. Four months before admission, the patient started with pharyngodynia and dysphagia, treated as recurrent tonsillitis. Due to exacerbation of the symptoms, orthopnea, and B symptoms, the patient came to consultation; tonsillar asymmetry was observed predominantly on the left side, with exophytic lesions extending to the hypopharynx. We decided to perform an incisional biopsy and tracheostomy due to compromised airway; histopathological diagnosis came back as B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: Given the clinical scenario of recurrent tonsillitis, unresponsive to conventional medical treatment with antibiotics, tonsillar asymmetry with suspicious tonsillar appearance accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diaphoresis, cervical lymphadenopathy, obstructive symptoms in a pediatric patient, it is necessary to refer the patient to the specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Resumen Introducción: La asimetría amigdalina es un hallazgo clínico relativamente frecuente en los niños. Se ha reportado en el 2% de la población pediátrica e incluye múltiples etiologías, entre ellas enfermedad maligna. La incidencia de malignidad es baja: se estima en 2.5 casos por cada 10,000 amigdalectomías. Por tal motivo, cuando se observa asimetría amigdalina como único hallazgo en la exploración física no se justifica la amigdalectomía con fines diagnósticos. Sin embargo, la incertidumbre de malignidad en el médico y en el paciente obliga a considerar los datos clínicos que permitan sospecharla y justificar la intervención quirúrgica. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 10 años. Inició su padecimiento 4 meses previos a su ingreso hospitalario con faringodinia y disfagia, que fueron diagnosticadas y tratadas como amigdalitis recurrente. Acudió al hospital por agudización de los síntomas, evolucionando con ortopnea y síntomas B. En la exploración física se apreció asimetría amigdalina con aumento de volumen en la amígala izquierda extendida hasta la hipofaringe. Se decidió realizar una biopsia incisional y traqueostomía por compromiso respiratorio. El diagnóstico histopatológico fue linfoma de células B. Conclusiones: Ante un paciente pediátrico con amigdalitis recurrente, que no cede al tratamiento médico convencional y presenta asimetría amigdalina con aspecto sospechoso, acompañada de síntomas como fiebre, diaforesis, adenopatías cervicales y síntomas obstructivos, se deberá referir con el especialista para su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos.

Asymmetric palatine tonsil in a pediatric patient: Is it always a malignant neoplasm?

Background: A relatively frequent clinical finding in children is an asymmetric tonsil, which can have multiple etiological possibilities, including a malignant disease. The clinical finding of tonsillar asymmetry is found in approximately 2% of the pediatric population. The incidence of malignancy in the tonsils is low, estimated as 2.5 cases per 10,000 tonsillectomies. Due to its low incidence, the diagnostic tonsillectomy is not justified when tonsillar asymmetry is the only clinical finding. However, it is necessary to identify the critical clinical findings of high suspicion of malignancy that justify the performance of immediate surgery in the pediatric population. Case report: We present the case of a 10-year-old male patient. Four months before admission, the patient started with pharyngodynia and dysphagia, treated as recurrent tonsillitis. Due to exacerbation of the symptoms, orthopnea, and B symptoms, the patient came to consultation; tonsillar asymmetry was observed predominantly on the left side, with exophytic lesions extending to the hypopharynx. We decided to perform an incisional biopsy and tracheostomy due to compromised airway; histopathological diagnosis came back as B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: Given the clinical scenario of recurrent tonsillitis, unresponsive to conventional medical treatment with antibiotics, tonsillar asymmetry with suspicious tonsillar appearance accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diaphoresis, cervical lymphadenopathy, obstructive symptoms in a pediatric patient, it is necessary to refer the patient to the specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Introducción: La asimetría amigdalina es un hallazgo clínico relativamente frecuente en los niños. Se ha reportado en el 2% de la población pediátrica e incluye múltiples etiologías, entre ellas enfermedad maligna. La incidencia de malignidad es baja: se estima en 2.5 casos por cada 10,000 amigdalectomías. Por tal motivo, cuando se observa asimetría amigdalina como único hallazgo en la exploración física no se justifica la amigdalectomía con fines diagnósticos. Sin embargo, la incertidumbre de malignidad en el médico y en el paciente obliga a considerar los datos clínicos que permitan sospecharla y justificar la intervención quirúrgica. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 10 años. Inició su padecimiento 4 meses previos a su ingreso hospitalario con faringodinia y disfagia, que fueron diagnosticadas y tratadas como amigdalitis recurrente. Acudió al hospital por agudización de los síntomas, evolucionando con ortopnea y síntomas B. En la exploración física se apreció asimetría amigdalina con aumento de volumen en la amígala izquierda extendida hasta la hipofaringe. Se decidió realizar una biopsia incisional y traqueostomía por compromiso respiratorio. El diagnóstico histopatológico fue linfoma de células B. Conclusiones: Ante un paciente pediátrico con amigdalitis recurrente, que no cede al tratamiento médico convencional y presenta asimetría amigdalina con aspecto sospechoso, acompañada de síntomas como fiebre, diaforesis, adenopatías cervicales y síntomas obstructivos, se deberá referir con el especialista para su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos.

Morphometric study of incisive, greater and lesser palatine foramina: a novel point of maxillary nerve block in a Thai population / Estudio morfométrico del foramen palatino incisivo, mayor y menor: un punto novedoso de bloqueo del nervio maxilar en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: To study the morphometric location of the incisive, greater, and lesser palatine foramina for maxillary nerve block. Two hundred Thai dry skulls were randomly organized from the Forensic Osteology Research Center. The distances of the parameters were measured via Vernier caliper.: Thedistances from the incisive foramen to the incisive margin of the premaxilla were 10.93?2.42 mm in males and 10.98?2.06 mm in females. From the left side, the incisive foramen to the greater palatine foramen (GPF) was39.07?2.23mm in males and 38.57?2.41 mm in females, and from the right side were 39.81?2.37 mm in males and 38.62?2.53mm in females. From the left side, the incisive foramen to the lesser palatine foramen (LPF) was 43.16?2.23 mm in males and 41.84?2.42mm in females and from the right side were 42.93?2.14 mm in males and 41.76?2.61 mm in females. The GPF found at medial to the maxillary third molar were 94-95 % in males and 84 % in females. These findings suggest that the medial position to the third molar teeth be used as a landmark for a palatine nerve block in Thais. These findings will help dentists to perform local anesthetic procedures, especially the nasopalatine and greater palatine nerve blocks, more effectively.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la localización morfométrica de los forámenes palatinos incisivos, mayores y menores para el bloqueo del nervio maxilar. Se organizaron al azar doscientos cráneos secos tailandeses del Centro de Investigación de Osteología Forense. Las distancias de los parámetros se midieron mediante un calibre Vernier. Las distancias desde el foramen incisivo hasta el margen incisivo de la premaxila fueron 10,93 ? 2,42 mm en hombres y 10,98 ? 2,06 mm en mujeres. Desde el lado izquierdo, el foramen incisivo al foramen palatino mayor (FPM) fue de 39,07 ? 2,23 mm en los hombres y 38,57 ? 2,41 mm en las mujeres, y del lado derecho fue de 39,81 ? 2,37 mm en los hombres y 38,62 ? 2,53 mm en las mujeres. Del lado izquierdo, el foramen incisivo al foramen palatino menor (LPF) fue de 43,16 ? 2,23 mm en hombres y 41,84 ? 2,42 mm en mujeres y del lado derecho 42,93 ? 2,14 mm en hombres y 41,76 ? 2,61 mm en mujeres. El FPM encontrado medial al tercer molar maxilar fue 94-95 % en hombres y 84 % en mujeres. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la posición medial de los terceros molares se utilice como punto de referencia para un bloqueo del nervio palatino en individuos tailandeses. Estos hallazgos ayudarán, de manera más eficaz, a los dentistas a realizar procedimientos anestésicos locales, especialmente los bloqueos nasopalatinos y del nervio palatino mayor.

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of the Red-Rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina-Linnaeus, 1758) Palatine Epithelium.

The palate is a fundamental region in food swallowing and presents different adaptations in species. This research aimed to describe structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the palatine epithelium and the connective tissue cores (CTCs) of ten red-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina­Linnaeus, 1758) using macroscopic, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We found nine palatine ridges in the diastema and hard palate, and a smooth surface in the soft palate. Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium with projections of lamina propria and soft palate had gland clusters. Epithelial removal revealed CTCs with a conical shape with high density in the hard palate and the sides of the soft palate. Near the CTCs were nerve fibers in the hard palate, and the soft palate had muscular tissue below the gland clusters. The structural and ultrastructural characteristics enable stability of the hard palate and fixation to the soft palate sides, while the soft palate center has greater mobility thus assisting in food swallowing. We concluded that structural characteristics are similar to other mammals, although the morphology of agouti's palate differs in the amount and disposition of palatine ridges, and the conical CTC's morphology.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in CBCT images from the oral and maxillofacial radiology service at UNAB, Viña del Mar, Chile / Prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos en CBCT del servicio de radiología oral y maxilofacial de la UNAB sede Viña del Mar, Chile

Soft tissue calcifications can indicate the presence of more serious, potentially life-threatening pathologies. Therefore, their study can lead to an early diagnosis of those conditions that have not yet become clinically apparent. Main objective: To determine the prevalence of calcifications in soft tissues of the head and neck in cone beam computed tomography images obtained from the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Viña del Mar, Chile. Material and Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study. A total of 288 images of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were used. Images were obtained at random from the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at UNAB, Viña Del Mar, between 2014 and 2019. Results: A prevalence of 59.72% of soft tissue calcifications was obtained. The most prevalent were: tonsilloliths and calcified stylohyoid ligament, accounting for 30.65% and 45.56%, respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was found in a population that has not been studied previously; therefore, it is important that the dentist perform a detailed analysis of the cone beam computed tomography.

Introducción: Las calcificaciones en tejidos blandos pueden indicar patologías más graves, que incluso pueden comprometer la vida. Por lo tanto, investigarlas puede conducir a un diagnóstico temprano de aquellas que aún no se han manifestado clínicamente. Objetivo principal: determinar la prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos de cabeza y cuello en tomografía computarizada de haz cónico del Servicio de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la UNAB, Viña del Mar, Chile. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, cuantitativo. Se utilizaron 288 volúmenes de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT, por las iniciales en inglés de Cone Beam Computed Tomography), obtenidas al azar, de la base de datos del Servicio de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Viña del Mar entre 2014 y 2019. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de 59.72% de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos. Las más prevalentes fueron: tonsilolitos, con un 30,65% y ligamento estilohioídeo calcificado, con un 45,56%. Conclusión: Se encontró una alta prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos en una población que no ha sido estudiada previamente, por ello es importante que el odontólogo realice un análisis detallado de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico.