Large olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma) surgically treated with an Altemir technique modification: a case report

Introduction

Olfactory neuroblastomas are rare malignant tumors that usually occur in the upper nasal cavity. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of a large olfactory neuroblastoma filling the entire nasal cavity, treated with an Altemir technique modification.

Methods

A 39-year-old woman presented with a large tumor of the nasal cavity. After the laboratory examinations, the tumor was classified as a Kadish stage A olfactory neuroblastoma. The selected treatment was the surgical excision after an Altemir technique modification combined with midfacial degloving and additional radiotherapy.

Results

Histopathology revealed a Hyams grade III olfactory neuroblastoma completely removed. Although the patient refused the additional radiotherapy, 18 months postoperatively, there were no signs of recurrence, and the patient shows big improvement on her sense of smell.

Conclusions

Large olfactory neuroblastomas filling the entire nasal cavity extending back to the postnasal space can be completely removed using a transfacial approach as the Altemir technique modification is.     

Endovascular reconstruction of extracranial traumatic internal carotid artery dissections: a systematic review

Neurosurgical Review - Extracranial internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a potential source of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients and requires high degree of suspicion for diagnosis...     

Big Events in Greece and HIV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs

Big Events are processes like macroeconomic transitions that have lowered social well-being in various settings in the past. Greece has been hit by the global crisis and experienced an HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs. Since the crisis began (2008), Greece has seen population displacement, inter-communal violence, cuts in governmental expenditures, and social movements. These may have affected normative regulation, networks, and behaviors. However, most pathways to risk remain unknown or unmeasured. We use what is known and unknown about the Greek HIV outbreak to suggest modifications in Big Events models and the need for additional research.     

Repeatability and Validation of a Short,Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Designed for Older Adults Living in Mediterranean Areas: The MEDIS-FFQ

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the repeatability and the validity of a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that could be used for older people living in Mediterranean areas. The semi-quantitative FFQ included questions regarding the frequency of consumption of the main food groups and beverages typically consumed in the Mediterranean areas as well as some questions regarding eating habits of older persons. During 2006–2007, for the repeatability assessment (within 10–30 days), 150 individuals (51 ± 17 yrs, 40% males) were studied, while another 190 individuals (74 ± 9 yrs, 52% males) were enrolled for the validation purposes. Agreement of the FFQ with the 3-day food records was evaluated using the Bland–Altman method and the Kendall's tau-b coefficient. Repeatability was tested using the Cohen's kappa coefficient. Between 3-day food records and the FFQ, good agreement for alcohol (tau-b = 0.64, p < 0.001) was found, while moderate agreement for food and beverage groups of greens (tau-b = 0.32, p < 0.001), fruits (tau-b = 0.35, p < 0.001), cereals (tau-b = 0.61, p < 0.001), sweets (tau-b = 0.51, p < 0.001), and coffee (tau-b = 0.58, p < 0.001) was observed. Low, but still significant, agreement for fish (tau-b = 0.21, p = 0.001), legumes (tau-b = 0.23, p < 0.001), vegetables (tau-b = 0.23, p < 0.001), pasta (tau-b = 0.25, p < 0.001), potatoes (tau-b = 0.17, p = 0.006) and meat consumption (tau-b = 0.14, p < 0.001) were also found. The FFQ was also valid regarding the estimation of macronutrients and energy intake. Sensitivity analyses by sex, age category (≤ or > 75 yrs), and education status showed similar validity of the FFQ in each subgroup, except for elders older than 75 years. The repeatability of the FFQ was fair in all foods tested (Cohen's kappa coefficients varied between 0.15–0.39, p-values < 0.05). The suggested FFQ seems to be a reasonably valid and repeatable measure of dietary intake and can be used in older persons living in the Mediterranean areas.     

Efficacy of Colchicine in the Treatment of Mesenteric Panniculitis in a Young Patient

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the mesentery of unknown etiology. It has various clinical and radiological manifestations, posing a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Its diagnosis is indicated via radiologic imaging and is usually confirmed via peritoneal biopsies. We describe a case of a patient with histopathologically proven MP, in which steroid dependence was successfully managed with colchicine.     

Correlation Between Financial Toxicity,Quality of Life,and Patient Satisfaction in an Insured Population of Breast Cancer Surgical Patients: A Single-Institution Retrospective Study

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