Two cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma--effect of preoperative transarterial embolization

Recently, two cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma were experienced. We emphasized in this paper that polytomography, computed tomography scan and angiography are necessary for preoperative evaluation of locating the lesion and delineating the vascular supply. An important problem in surgical treatment is massive bleeding, and the transarterial embolization is helpful to diminish it.     

Subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage associated with chronic sinusitis: a case report and review of the literature

A case of subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage associated with chronic sinusitis is reported. A 57-year-old woman had a sudden onset of severe orbital pain and exophthalmos in the left eye. Computed tomography revealed a discrete round mass in the left retro-orbital space. An external frontoethmoidectomy was performed to evacuate the hematoma of the subperiosteal space. Additionally, the mucosa was edematous in the left ethmoid sinus. It appears that subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage in this case was caused by rupture of vessels which were inflamed as a result of sinusitis. Orbital hemorrhage associated with chronic sinusitis has rarely been reported. Diagnosis and treatment are discussed and etiologic factors are reviewed.     

Effects of temperature on Epstein-Barr virus replication in epithelial/nasopharyngeal carcinoma hybrid cells

The authors studied the replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the epithelial hybrid cells derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPCKT) caused by the effects of sub-optimal incubation at 34, 32 and 28 degrees C, respectively, using an immunofluorescence technique. The intensity of EBV induction by sub-optimal temperatures was in the order of 32 degrees C----28 degrees C----34 degrees C. In particular, 18-24% positive cells for early antigen and viral capsid antigen were observed at around 10 to 14 days after shift-down of the incubation temperature from 37 to 32 degrees C.     

Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic investigations of epithelial hybrid cells derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC-KT)

The present study was made to investigate some characteristics of the epithelial hybrid cells derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC-KT cells) both in vivo and in vitro, using immunofluorescence and electron microscopic techniques. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic studies have shown that the appearance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related early antigens, EB-viral capsid antigens and virus particles in nude-mouse-grown-tumour cells were rather repressed, in contrast to, in vitro culture of the NPC-KT cells. The tumours after transplantation of the NPC-KT cells to nude mice showed pathological pictures of poorly differentiated carcinoma with EBV-associated nuclear antigen and derived from the NPC-KT cells by means of cytogenetic studies. More importantly, we have detected EBV-related membrane antigens (MA) on the epithelial NPC-KT cells. To our knowledge, the presence of MA on the malignant epithelial cells of the nasopharynx have never been demonstrated. The results reported here show for the first time the presence of MA on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.     

Temporal bone pathology in congenital anomalies of the oval window and the facial nerve

Temporal bones of six infants with congenital ear anomalies were examined for abnormalities of the oval window and facial nerve. These temporal bones were classified into two groups according to the degree of malformation: group A, those with atresia or absence of the oval window; and, group B, those with hypoplasia of the stapes and annular ligament. Group A, consisting of five ears, were associated with severe middle ear anomalies such as the abnormal course of the facial nerve and absence of the stapes. In group B, consisting of seven ears, the stapes were present and the facial nerve presented minor anomalies such as obtuse angulation at the first genu, central migration of the geniculate ganglion cells, ectopic muscles and a wide bony dehiscence of the facial canal around the oval window. Probable origin of the anomalies in group A could mainly be due to maldevelopment of the facial nerve during an earlier embryonal period while that of group B could have developed after the ninth week of the fetal period and are mostly localized along the second branchial arch.     

Regional difference in susceptibility to damage of vestibulo-semicircular canals in experimental labyrinthine lesion

In the study on regional difference in susceptibility to damage of vestibulo-semicircular canals upon causing labyrinthine lesion by four different procedures, namely, by intracranial approach, through the middle ear, through the facial nerve and by means of experimental endolymphatic hydrops, the following results were obtained. 1. The crista of posterior semicircular canal among the semicircular canals and the macula of the saccule within the vestibule were most susceptible to impairment. In other words, the most susceptible region was the so-called pars inferior. In regard to the impairment of the cupulas, the posterior semicircular canal was the most susceptible region. 2. Recovery from markedly reduced caloric nystagmus within a short period so as to see provocation of caloric nystagmus may result from the reconstruction of the cupulas and the normalization of vacuole-like findings of the sensory epithelium.