Post syphilitic oro-nasal communication

INTRODUCTION: Oro-nasal communication occurs due to a lack of bone and mucous membranes between the oral cavity and the nasal fossae, rarely subsequent to tertiary syphilis. CASE REPORT: A 27 year-old woman with a history of an untreated genital chancre which developed 7 years earlier, presented hard palate necrosis surrounded with granulation tissue. Syphilitic gum of the hard palate was diagnosed. After antibiotic treatment, the palatine lesion healed with persistence of an oro-nasal fistula. Physical examination of the oral cavity demonstrated median oro-nasal communication of the hard palate measuring 0,5 cm in diameter. HIV and syphilitic serologies were negative. The treatment consisted in surgical closure of the oro-nasal communication by the refection of nasal and oral plans. The follow-up was good. DISCUSSION: Oro-nasal communication due to syphilis is exceptional, of easy diagnosis and generally needs surgical treatment.     

Radiological diagnosis of rhinoscleroma--the 'palatal sign'.

This paper reports a characteristic radiological finding observed in seven cases of rhinoscleroma with nasal involvement. The soft palate exhibits a marked thickening at its attachment to the hard palate which tapers off towards its free edge. This new sign could be of help in the early diagnosis of this condition.     

Prospective evaluation of the effect of early nasal layer closure on definitive repair in cleft palate patients

IntroductionThe cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies treated by plastic surgeons. The cleft width increases the tension of repair and necessitates excessive dissection that might affect maxillary growth. Decreasing the width of cleft minimize tension, dissection and may limit the impact on maxillary growth.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal layer closure of the hard palate at the time of cleft lip repair in patients with complete cleft lip and palate, to demonstrate the efficacy of narrowing the gap and to reduce the incidence of fistulae or other complications.MethodsThirty patients less than 1 year of age were included in this prospective observational study. A superiorly based vomer flap was used to repair the nasal layer of the cleft hard palate at the time of primary cleft lip repair. 12–14 weeks after the vomer flap, the cleft soft and hard palate was definitively repaired. Alveolar and palatal gaps were recorded during the 1st and 2nd operations to demonstrate the reduction of the gap defect.ResultsThe mean reduction of the alveolar cleft width in patients who had a vomer flap in the first stage was 4.067 mm and the mean reduction of the palatal gap was 4.517 mm. Only 3 patients developed small fistula on the repaired nasal layer that was discovered and corrected during definitive palatoplasty.ConclusionNasal layer closure is a simple surgical technique that can be used to close the hard palate at the time of cleft lip repair. It is a valuable addition to cleft lip and palate repair that may prevent some cleft palate surgical complications.     

Mucocele of the hard palate in children

ObjectiveMucus retention cyst of the hard palate may result from obstruction of the ducts of the minor salivary glands, and it was defined as a mucocele. Although, the disease is not common in the hard palate, it was previously reported by many authors in the soft palate. The aim of our study was to present pediatric patients who were diagnosed to have mucocele of the hard palate, and to evaluate the outcome of the surgical excision of this lesion.MethodsThis is a case series study included 8 pediatric patients who presented with cystic lesions on the hard palate which were removed surgically, and were diagnosed as mucoceles. Preoperative data, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcome were presented. Follow up of patients was performed for at least one year.ResultsThe swelling was detected as a single isolated lesion, on the side of the hard palate, covered with healthy mucosa, not tender, oval or round in shape, and measuring 0.4 to 1.7 cm in its greatest dimension. Computed tomography showed a well defined cavity which was not invading the bone, and not disrupting the muscles of the palate. Histopathological examination confirmed that the lesion was a cavity that is lined with an epithelial layer with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. No patients developed intraoperative or postoperative complications, and no recurrence was detected in any patient.ConclusionsOral mucoceles can develop on the hard palate of the children, the lesions are mucus retention cysts. Complete surgical removal of the lesions with their cystic wall is a good treatment options, it carries no risk of recurrence.     

鼻中隔一期重建硬腭部分缺损的研究

目的探讨利用鼻中隔对硬腭部分缺损进行术后修补的可行性。方法回顾性分析11例上颌窦癌患者的临床资料,上颌骨截除术后均采用一期鼻中隔修补硬腭部分缺损。结果 11例患者中8例肿瘤切除后硬腭重建一期愈合,2例出现小裂隙,1例发生鼻中隔坏死。结论上颌骨切除术后,可利用鼻中隔一期修补硬腭缺损。     

鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修补眼眶和硬腭及前颅底部分缺损

目的:探讨利用鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修补眼眶、硬腭及前颅底部分缺损的效果。方法:对12例鼻腔鼻窦肿瘤患者根据肿瘤性质和病变范围,采用经鼻侧切开上颌骨部分截除或全部截除加筛窦切除术。结果:12例患者中,筛骨水平板破坏5例,筛顶破坏2例,眶顶壁破坏1例,眶内壁及眶下壁破坏各1例,硬腭破坏缺损2例,均在手术切除肿瘤后一期修补成功。无手术死亡、脑脊液漏、颅内感染等其他严重并发症。结论:在鼻腔、鼻窦肿瘤的手术治疗中,当眼眶、硬腭及前颅底骨质受到肿瘤侵蚀,切除肿瘤后形成部分缺损时,可转移适当的鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣一期修补局部缺损。     

Necrotizing sialometaplasia involving the nasal cavity

Nectrotizing sialometaplasia is a disease process which affects minor salivary glands. It may clinically and microscopically resemble squamons cell or mucoepidermoid carcinoma but is histologically benign. Thirteen patients with this process occurring on the hard palate have been reported in the past two years. We describe two cases in the nasal cavity and propose that compromise of the blood supply contributed to the occurrence of these lesions. This apparently benign lesion may represent nonspecific reaction of salivary and mucous glands to ischemic injury and must be distinguished from carcinoma.     

Hochmalignes T-Zell-Non-Hodgkin-Lymphom (nasal type) des harten Gaumens

The monomorphic clinical aspect of destructive mid-face lesions is characterised by inflammation, induration and granulomatous transformation. This feature can be caused by various infections, toxical noxa, Wegener's Granulomatosis and different neoplasms. The case of a 19 year old patient with EBV associated nasal type T-cell lymphoma located at the hard palate is presented. The diagnostic approach and difficulties in diagnosing this entity assessing by using multiple biopsies, serological and molecularbiological detection of EBV association and immunohistochemistry for atypic T-cells are elucidated. In the presented case the treatment with chemotherapy and irradiation following a well-defined therapy concept leaded to a three year recurrence-free survival so far. The comparison of the key-histological findings and the major differential diagnoses is mandatory to establish the final diagnosis of lymphoma. This is the basement for treating this disease with combined chemotherapy and irradiation for optimizing survival.     

儿童鼻腔牙4例并文献复习

目的 探讨儿童鼻腔牙的发病及诊疗特点,提高儿童鼻腔牙诊疗水平,减少鼻腔牙误诊误治。 方法 回顾分析4例儿童鼻腔牙的临床资料,分析其好发部位、主要症状、诊断、手术方法、随访结果等特征。 结果 4例患者鼻腔牙生长部位均为鼻腔底部,左侧2例、右侧1例、双侧1例。症状以鼻塞、流涕、鼻出血、鼻腔异味为主,鼻腔CT有助于诊断,均经鼻内镜下鼻腔牙切除术,术后随访3个月至3年,未见复发,术后未出现鼻腔黏连和硬腭瘘等。 结论 儿童鼻腔牙以单侧鼻腔牙为主,也有双侧鼻腔牙病例,易误诊为鼻腔异物;发病年龄较儿童鼻腔异物患儿大,6岁以上鼻腔异味的患儿需要考虑鼻腔牙的可能;鼻内镜下鼻腔牙切除术是治疗鼻腔牙的主要手段。     

Effects of cleft lip and palate on the nasal airway in children

Clefts of the lip and palate often produce significant nasal deformities and reduced nasal airway size. The purpose of this study was to assess how type of cleft affects nasal cross-sectional area and mode of breathing. The pressure-flow technique was used to estimate nasal airway size and modified inductive plethysmography was used to determine percent of nasal breathing in 60 children with cleft lip and palate aged 6 to 15 years. Ninety-five normal children served as controls. The data demonstrate that nasal size decreased among cleft types as follows: children with bilateral cleft lip and palate had largest airway, followed by unilateral cleft lip, cleft of the hard and soft palate, cleft of the soft palate, and unilateral cleft lip and palate. The data also indicated that most subjects with cleft were mouth breathers. Results of otolaryngologic examinations suggest that septal deformities affecting nasal valve function are responsible for much of the impairment, especially in the group with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The differences among groups appear to relate to developmental differences associated with the original defect and the surgical procedures used in primary repair.     

Palate ulcer due to mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales and is one of the most rapidly fatal fungal infections known to man. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is the most common type and its extension to the orbit and brain is quite usual. Location of mucormycosis on the palate is a rare and late occurrence. A case of deep hard palate ulcer due to sinonasal mucormycosis in a 79-year-old man is reported. He was successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and systemic liposomal amphotericin B administration for six weeks. By presenting this case report we would like to point out that mucormycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of hard palate ulcers.     

Partial Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy in the presence of an inadequate palate may result in velopharyngeal insufficiency. When an adenoidectomy is indicated in a child whose palate is not fully adequate, a partial adenoidectomy may be considered. Partial adenoidectomy involves removing the upper part of the adenoid for relief of nasal obstruction while leaving the lower portion of the adenoid intact to ensure velopharyngeal competence. Fifty-eight children underwent partial adenoidectomy over a 4-year period; 55 of these children had preoperative nasal obstruction; 49 had a tonsillectomy done at the same time; and 2 had had a previous T&A. The rationale for retaining the lower portion of the adenoid includes a short soft palate, decreased palatal mobility, a mildsubmucous cleft palate, huge tonsils pushing the palate anteriorly, and a short hard palate. The relief of nasal obstruction was excellent. There were no primary postoperative hemorrhages, and none of the 58 children developed velopharyngeal insufficiency following partial adenoidectomy.     

Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck

Nine cases of primary malignant melanoma of the upper respiratory tract treated at the University Hospital over the past 10 years are presented. Of the 9 cases, 6 had primary lesions located in the nasal cavity with the remaining 3 presenting in the nasopharynx, hard palate, and larynx, respectively. The authors review presenting symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, current therapeutic modalities, and clinical course in these cases. Specific cases are discussed to emphasize items of clinical or therapeutic importance.     

Transvestibular closure with an autologous bone graft as surgical repair of a nasoseptal defect due to Le Fort-I osteotomy

Defects of the nasal septum are a common complication after nasal surgery. Affected patients frequently suffer from bleeding, crusting and impaired nasal air flow. The surgical closure of septal defects remains a distinctive challenge. Though many different techniques have been described, the failure rate of this procedure remains high. In the case presented here, a large basal septum defect occurred after a prosthetic Le Fort-I osteotomy. The attempt to cover the distance between the bony nasal floor and the nasal septum with pedicled mucosal flaps failed due to extensive scar formation of the nasal mucosa. Therefore a nasal floor elevation by insertion of an autologous bone graft from the iliac crest was conducted. The bone graft was connected with the hard palate via two titanium screws. Other than with an autologous cartilage graft, no major resorption of the bone graft is to be expected. This indirect method for the closure of a basal nasal septum defect is new.     

Otorhinolaryngologic manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

In this study, the authors analysed retrospectively 161 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome interned at the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. 115 (71.4%) presented with otolaryngologic lesions. 92.2% were male. The great majority were white and aged between 20 and 50 years of age (88.7%). Homosexual and bisexual males were the most frequent risk group (72.2%). Oropharyngeal candidiasis was the most prevalent head and neck manifestation (86%). Other less common lesions were sinusitis (19.1%) and Kaposi sarcoma (7.8%), mainly on the hard palate. The recognition of these manifestations by the otolaryngologist is important in order to make an early diagnosis and to treat them.     

鼻咽癌放疗后腭咽功能障碍的诊治

目的〓〖HTK〗探讨鼻咽癌放疗后腭咽功能障碍的可能原因及诊治措施。〖HTW〗方法〓〖HTK〗对16例鼻咽癌放疗后出现腭咽功能障碍患者（14例软腭功能障碍,2例软腭功能障碍合并硬腭穿孔）的临床诊断与处理资料行回顾性分析。〖HTW〗结果〓〖HTK〗本组病例放疗量为68～75Gy,平均放疗量70Gy,疗程2个月;腭咽功能障碍均在放疗5年后出现症状,平均发病为放疗后8.3年,2例合并硬腭穿孔者的发病都在放疗10年后出现。开放性鼻音、进食经鼻反流是腭咽功能障碍的主要症状,经体位压力进食法、带腭护板及经常性的鼻腔清洗治疗,症状可得到缓解。〖HTW〗结论〓〖HTK〗鼻咽癌放疗后腭咽功能障碍的发展缓慢,在常规放疗根治量范围内,放疗量并非主要的原因,个体的差异可能更重要;硬腭穿孔是慢性缺血性骨坏死的结果。根据患者的情况采取适当的治疗措施可以缓解症状,提高生活质量。     

Sinonasal osteocartilaginous necrosis in cocaine abusers: experience in 25 patients

BACKGROUND: Cocaine-induced lesions may cause extensive destruction of the osteocartilaginous structures of the nose, sinuses, and palate that mimics the clinical picture of other diseases. METHODS: From January 1991 to September 2001 25 patients with cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions were observed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia. The diagnosis was based on physical and endoscopic evaluation, routine blood and urine analysis, radiological findings, and repeated biopsies of the nasal mucosa. Serum was analyzed by the antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test using indirect immunofluorescence and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase. RESULTS: Septal perforation was present in all 25 patients, 16 of which (68%) also had partial destruction of the inferior turbinate. Hard palate reabsorption was observed in only six patients (24%); in two of these patients, the lesion also extended to the soft palate. Fourteen patients (56%) were positive by the immunofluorescence test (nine patients had a P-ANCA and five patients a C-ANCA pattern). Four patients (16%) with the P-ANCA pattern and all patients with the C-ANCA pattern also tested positive for anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. CONCLUSION: Any sinonasal inflammation involving the midline that persists or remains refractory to treatment may be the first manifestation of potentially lethal drug addiction. Cocaine abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of destructive lesions of the nasal cavity even in the presence of a positive ANCA test.     

Cocaine-induced oronasal fistulas with external nasal erosion but without palate involvement

The effects of chronic cocaine abuse have been widely described in the literature. Common complications include nasal septal perforation, saddle-nose deformity, and palatal perforation. Erosion of the external structures of the face has not been as extensively described, nor have oronasal fistulas that involve structures other than the hard or soft palate. In this article, we present the first reported case of cocaine-induced external nasal erosion that included multiple oronasal fistulas in the anterior gingival sulcus but did not involve the hard or soft palate. We stress the importance of a thorough history in such patients and consideration of all possible diagnoses, including drug abuse.     

Rhinolithiasis with a nasal polyp: a case report

Rhinoliths are uncommon mineralized masses that form as a result of calcification of an endogenous or exogenous nidus. The most common manifestations of rhinolithiasis are unilateral nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, and facial pain. The diagnosis is made by nasal endoscopy and computed tomography. The differential diagnosis includes chronic inflammation, osteomyelitis, benign tumors (e.g., calcified nasal polyps, ossifying fibromas, osteomas, and chondromas), and malignant tumors (e.g., osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and squamous cell carcinomas). Rhinoliths may cause rhinosinusitis, erosion of the nasal septum and medial wall of the maxillary sinus, and perforations of the palate. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of a nasal polyp associated with rhinolithiasis has not been previously reported in the English-language literature. In this article, we describe such a case.     

Nasopharyngeal pushback in treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency.

We describe a new technique for extensive retropositioning of the soft palate for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency. This technique is identified as a nasopharyngeal pushback, and has been used repeatedly in conjunction with both a Cronin nasal flap and a superiorly based pharyngeal flap when maximum retropositioning was needed. This procedure has been used for over ten years, each time obtaining an additional pushback distance equal to or greater than the distance achieved by freeling the soft palate from the posterior border of the hard palate.