Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of pediatric tracheobronchial tree

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the airway has recently emerged as a diagnostic tool for evaluating tracheobronchial obstruction in pediatric patients. Computer-assisted reconstructions of transaxial images have enabled three-dimensional reconstructions of the airway to be manipulated in any plane and visualized in relation to adjacent anatomical structures. Eight patients in whom magnetic resonance imaging was used to diagnose a variety of airway obstructive lesions are presented. A protocol for the evaluation of pediatric tracheobronchial obstruction is presented, with the role of three dimensionally reconstructed MR imaging emphasized.     

Rationale for elective neck dissection in 1990

Elective neck dissection has long been a subject of debate among surgeons. The proponents of elective neck dissection base their rationale on studies that show a 30% incidence of occult disease in those situations for which elective neck dissection is recommended. One hundred eighty-two patients with advanced stages of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were studied. All patients had preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and all patients had some form of radical neck dissection. The sensitivity of clinical exam was compared with the sensitivity of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in ability to detect nodal disease. The sensitivity of clinical exam alone was 71.7%, while the sensitivity of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was 91.1%. Based on physical exam alone, there would be a 39% rate of occult disease; if computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data is combined with physical exam, the occult disease rate would drop to 12%. All centers performing elective neck dissection must reassess their rationale or restudy their occult disease rate with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.     

MR imaging of airway obstruction in infants and children

Accurate diagnosis is important in the evaluation of airway disorders of infants and children. Today, multiple imaging techniques are available to evaluate the pediatric airway. In general, it is best to start with simple and readily available examinations, which may provide a diagnosis in most cases, and progress to more sophisticated studies such as MR imaging. We performed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of 45 infants and children with symptoms of airway obstruction, 14 of 45 patient symptoms were related to masses of the airway and 31 of 45 patient symptoms were related to vascular compression.     

Esophageal mucoceles causing airway obstruction as a complication of esophageal diversion: two rare pediatric cases and a review of the literature

An esophageal mucocele causing airway obstruction is an exceptionally rare complication of esophageal diversion in children. In this instance, they are fluid-filled dilatations of the esophageal remnant following bipolar exclusion of the thoracic esophagus. Only six pediatric cases have been reported previously in the literature. We present two consecutive cases of esophageal mucoceles causing respiratory distress in children following surgical exclusion of the esophagus. Bronchoscopy followed by imaging (computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) was used to reach the diagnosis. Complete resection of the thoracic esophagus was required in both patients. Esophageal mucoceles can occur many years after esophageal exclusion, and the clinical features are often non-specific. Furthermore, complex co-morbidities may mask the underlying etiology of the respiratory distress, thus the diagnosis may be difficult to delineate. A high degree of suspicion, clinical awareness, and the use of the proper diagnostic tools, are essential for a diagnosis of mucoceles in children with a past history of esophageal exclusion.     

Fetal surgery in otolaryngology: a new era in the diagnosis and management of fetal airway obstruction because of advances in prenatal imaging

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcome of prenatal imaging and fetal surgery in the diagnosis and management of fetal airway obstruction caused by cervical teratoma or lymphatic malformation. SETTING: Tertiary care medical center.Patients A retrospective study of all consecutive fetal patients with cervical teratoma or lymphatic malformation between January 2001 and December 2003. RESULTS: The indication was potential airway obstruction due to a fetal neck mass in 8 patients. Prenatal images were obtained by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and were consistent with teratoma in 4 patients. The mean cervical mass was 8.3 x 7.3 x 6.7 cm, with airway obstruction suspected in all 4 patients. All 4 patients were successfully delivered by ex utero intrapartum treatment, during which 3 newborns required tracheotomy and 1 was successfully intubated. Prenatal images were consistent with lymphatic malformation in the remaining 4 patients. The mean cervical mass was 4.6 x 4.4 x 3.4 cm. There was no indication of airway obstruction based on prenatal images. All 4 patients had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Technological advances in prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have improved the ability to diagnose congenital abnormalities in utero. This allows for proper assessment of the airway to prevent any unexpected problems at delivery. We believe that many airway emergencies can be avoided by prenatal imaging and initiation of airway management in the prenatal period.     

Magnetic resonance imaging vs computed tomography. Comparison in imaging oral cavity and pharyngeal carcinomas

Twenty-one patients with oral cavity and pharyngeal carcinomas were enrolled in a prospective protocol to study the diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging vs computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging was found to be superior to computed tomography in the area of tumor contrast (conspicuity) and equal or inferior in edge definition, delineation of regional disease, and lymph node metastasis. These findings are consistent with the current applications and limitations of magnetic resonance imaging.     

Improving diagnostic accuracy of cervical metastases with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Elective neck dissection in patients with head and neck cancer continues to be controversial. The management of these patients would be greatly facilitated by improvements in predicting cervical metastases. Recent investigations have suggested that computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are more sensitive in detecting cervical metastases than physical examination. The Department of Otolaryngology at the Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus, undertook a prospective study to compare the preoperative sensitivities of physical examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging with pathologic findings in 27 patients undergoing neck dissections for head and neck cancer. The results indicate that computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were more sensitive (84% and 92%, respectively) than physical examination (75%), although the results did not achieve statistical significance. The sensitivity of combined computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was 90%.     

Heterotopic neuroglial tissue causing airway obstruction in the newborn

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic neuroglial (brain) tissue is a rare cause of airway obstruction in newborns. Fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the English literature. Brain heterotopias can mimic more common congenital anomalies of the head and neck. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of children with heterotopic pharyngeal neuroglial tissue. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Four newborns with airway obstruction caused by heterotopic neuroglial tissue. RESULTS: All patients were infants (3 full-term girls and a 32 weeks' gestation boy) who had airway obstruction in the newborn period. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a heterogeneous mass involving the pharynx, neck, and parapharyngeal space. Bony deformities of the skull base and mandible were present in all patients, although intracranial connection was absent. Multiple surgical procedures were performed in all 4 patients. Tracheotomy was performed in 2 patients, gastrostomy tube placement was required in 3, and a nasopharyngeal tube was used in 1. Combined cervicofacial and transoral approaches were used for resection, preserving vital structures. Histopathologic evaluation revealed mature glial tissue and choroid plexus-like structures. CONCLUSIONS: Heterotopic neuroglial tissue must be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway obstruction in the newborn. Management is surgical resection, with attention to vital structures and function-analogous to surgery for lymphangioma. Multiple surgical procedures might be necessary in the treatment of these patients.     

Imaging modalities in recurrent head and neck tumors

Patients with recurrent neoplasms of the head and neck present perplexing management problems, and accurate preoperative assessment of their disease is crucial. Thirty-eight patients with suspected recurrent neoplasms comprise this study: 30 had computed tomography scans, 4 had magnetic resonance images, and 4 patients underwent both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assess the anatomical extent of pathology in 34 malignant and 4 benign tumors. Contrast enhancement was essential for detecting disease on computed tomography scan. Differentiation of recurrent tumor was more difficult when the patient had undergone radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated superior visibility in recurrent parotid and paranasal sinus neoplasm, but was less helpful in laryngeal and pharyngeal recurrences. Computed tomography demonstration of a mass with infiltration of normal fat or tissue planes or lymphadenopathy correlated highly with recurrent disease. Imaging techniques and fine points for determining recurrent neoplasms are presented.     

经鼻内镜脑脊液鼻漏修补术15例

目的：总结鼻内镜治疗脑脊液鼻漏的要点及可靠的诊断定位方法。方法：回顾性分析15例脑脊液鼻漏患者,其中外伤引起者10例,医源性4例,原发性1例。其中6例经2～6周保守治疗无明显好转给予经鼻内镜下修补术;2例外伤性脑脊液鼻漏经神经外科开颅修补失败后转入我科手术治疗;1例复杂的多发性颅底骨折并双侧额窦后壁缺损致脑脊液鼻漏,经鼻内镜修补成功（DraftⅢ型）。缺损最大者2.5 cm×1.5 cm,所有患者术前均经实验室生化检查确诊,均予以CT和（或）MRI检查和经鼻内镜检查。10例给予脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描。结果：所有患者均一次治愈,平均随访时间20个月（8～40个月）,无复发。1例术后有轻微头疼,经保守治疗后缓解。脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描定位精确,10例均经术中确定。结论：鼻内镜下脑脊液鼻漏修补术是外科治疗脑脊液鼻漏的首选术式。脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描是目前最好的影像学定位方法。随着鼻内镜相关器械质量提高及新器械的开发应用,手术范围可能进一步扩大。     

Sensorineural hearing impairment in children with Chiari I malformation

OBJECTIVES: We describe the prevalance of Chiari I malformation in children presenting to a pediatric tertiary care hearing loss clinic, characterize the phenotype of hearing loss in children with Chiari I malformation, and discuss the potential pathophysiology of sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) related to Chiari I malformation. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series of patients seen in a pediatric tertiary care hearing loss clinic affiliated with an academic medical center. We considered 481 patients with SNHI who had radiographic imaging as part of the evaluation for the cause of their hearing impairment. Hearing impairment was determined by behavioral audiogram and/or auditory brain stem response testing. Radiographic imaging was performed with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Six children with SNHI also had a diagnosis of Chiari I malformation. Four of these 6 children had unilateral hearing impairment. One child had asymmetric bilateral impairment; 1 child had symmetric bilateral impairment. The severity of hearing impairment varied from mild to profound. All children were referred to the neurosurgery department. None underwent surgical decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Chiari I malformation may be associated with SNHI. Central nervous system imaging for the evaluation of children with SNHI may be indicated, particularly in individuals with negative results on temporal bone computed tomography and genetic testing.     

Surviving cochlear function in the presence of auditory nerve agenesis

This case reports electrophysiological evidence for cochlear function in a child with radiological evidence of bilateral auditory nerve agenesis or severe hypoplasia. The diagnosis of auditory nerve agenesis was supported by a bilateral atresia of internal auditory canals on computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) absent auditory brainstem responses and absent behavioural responses to sound. Despite the apparent absence of an auditory nerve or spiral ganglion, electrocochleography revealed surviving cochlear function at 70-80 db HL and an abnormal electrocochleographic waveform. This case demonstrates that cochlear function may develop without afferent, or efferent innervation. It also emphasizes that cochlear function may occur in the presence of profound deafness.     

Radiographic diagnosis, surgical treatment, and long-term follow-up of cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex

Cholesterol granuloma is an unusual lesion of the petrous apex. Accurate preoperative differentiation of the various lesions of the petrous apex by computed tomography scanning only has been difficult. We reviewed the clinical findings, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, surgical approaches, and long-term follow-up in 10 patients with cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex who were seen between 1971 and 1988. Headache and deficits of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th cranial nerves were common presenting symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging with special imaging techniques was accurate in diagnosing cholesterol granuloma in four patients preoperatively and three patients prior to revision surgery. The optimal surgical approach was chosen on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings and included the transsphenoidal, infralabyrinthine, transcochlear, and suboccipital routes. Our review reveals that magnetic resonance imaging is more specific than computed tomography in establishing a preoperative diagnosis and is also the technique of choice in follow-up. The long-term results are discussed.     

Spontaneous hemotympanum associated with chronic middle ear effusion.

Idiopathic or spontaneous hemotympanum (SH) is an uncommon disorder characterized by a black-blue tympanic membrane discoloration as a result of recurrent hemorrhage in the middle ear or mastoid in the presence of eustachian tube obstruction. Initial evaluation of a blue middle ear mass includes an audiogram and computed tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast. CT may identify congenital vascular malformation or bone erosion due to chronic otitis media or tumors. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is useful in distinguishing hemotympanum from a vascular tumor and avoiding angiography, which is associated with significant morbidity. Evidence suggests that secretory otitis media and SH are different phases of the same disease process.     

Endoscopic transnasal resection of a juvenile angiofibroma using an ultrasonically activated scalpel

We report a case of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). A 19-year-old male came to our clinic complaining of severe nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Imaging investigations using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques revealed a soft tissue mass in the nasopharynx with minimal extension to the pterygopalatine fossa. After embolization of the internal maxillary artery, we successfully performed endoscopic transnasal surgery for a JNA using an ultrasonically activated scalpel. Endoscopic follow-up for the 18 months after the surgical procedure revealed no evidence of recurrence or residual tumor.     

Comparison of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma

We prospectively studied 10 patients with chronic otitis media suspected of having cholesteatoma with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assess which imaging modality would be most specific in predicting the presence of cholesteatoma. The interpretation of images was then correlated with the operative findings. In 9 of the 10 cases, computed tomography accurately predicted the extent and destructiveness of the disease but did not consistently differentiate between cholesteatoma and associated granulation tissue. In 2 of the 10 cases, the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high signal, suggestive of cholesteatoma. In one case, magnetic resonance imaging predicted cholesteatoma on the basis of bony destruction. However, in 7 of 10 cases the scan was nonspecific for cholesteatoma. We conclude that high-resolution computed tomography remains the primary imaging modality for chronic otitis media.     

Charges associated with imaging techniques in evaluation of pediatric hearing loss

ObjectiveThe best imaging study for evaluation of pediatric hearing loss is debated and it is well known magnetic resonance imaging is more costly than computed tomography. The objective of this study is to evaluate charges of computed tomography temporal bone (CTTB) versus magnetic resonance imaging brain, internal auditory canal/cerebellopontine angle (MRI IAC/CPA), with and without sedation in the pediatric population in order to assess to what extent the charges for the procedure are increased. In addition, differences in need for sedation and duration of sedation will be evaluated.MethodsAll patients, 0–18 years that underwent CTTB or MRI IAC/CPA, between January 2013 through December 2014 within department of otolaryngology.Results120 CTTBs (118 non-sedated and 2 sedated) and 51 MRI IAC/CPAs (32 non-sedated and 19 sedated) were performed. Average charge for non-sedated CTTB was $1856. CTTB scan under sedation incurred total additional charges of $2385. Average charges for non-sedated MRI IAC/CPA was $3770. Technical charges for sedated MRI IAC/CPA was $151 lower ($2858) but had additional sedation charges of $2256, a recovery room charge of $250, and additional professional fees of $1496 for total charges of $7621. 37% of MRI IAC/CPAs needed sedation to be completed in comparison to 1.6% of CTTB.ConclusionMRI IAC/CPAs are, on average, twice as costly as CTTBs. Almost 40% of patients need sedation to complete MRI IAC/CPA. These considerations may factor into decision making when choosing imaging modality in evaluation of pediatric hearing loss.     

Optical coherence tomography of the newborn airway

OBJECTIVES: Acquired subglottic stenosis in a newborn is often associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation. This condition is generally diagnosed during operative endoscopy after airway injury has occurred. Unfortunately, endoscopy is unable to characterize the submucosal changes observed in such airway injuries. Other modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound, do not possess the necessary level of resolution to differentiate scar, neocartilage, and edema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that produces high-resolution, cross-sectional images of living tissue (8 to 20 microm). We examined the ability of this noninvasive technique to characterize the newborn airway in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Twelve newborn patients who required ventilatory support underwent OCT airway imaging. Comparative analysis of intubated and non-intubated states was performed. RESULTS: Imaging of the supraglottis, glottis, subglottis, and trachea was performed in 12 patients, revealing unique tissue characteristics as related to turbidity, signal backscattering, and architecture. Multiple structures were identified, including the vocal folds, cricoid cartilage, tracheal rings, ducts, glands, and vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography clearly identifies in vivo tissue layers and regional architecture while offering detailed information concerning tissue microstructures. The diagnostic potential of this technology makes OCT a promising modality in the study and surveillance of the neonatal airway.     

Sphenochoanal polyp—Surgical review

A sphenochoanal polyp is a rare lesion that originates in the sphenoid sinus and protrudes through the choana into the nasopharynx. It can occur at any age but is especially common in adolescents and young adults. We present a case of a sphenochoanal polyp in a seven-year-old girl who presented with bilateral nasal obstruction and an altered voice. The presentation of a sphenochoanal polyp is similar to that of the more common antrochoanal polyp, but the two can only be differentiated on cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Endoscopic sinus surgery allows for complete removal and minimizes the risk of recurrence.     

Ex-utero-intrapartum-treatment-Manöver

The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is used for unborn fetuses in cases of predictable complications of postpartum airway obstruction. Indications for the EXIT procedure are fetal neck tumors, obstruction of the trachea, hiatus hernia of the diaphragm and congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS). Large cervical tumors prevent normal delivery of a fetus due to reclination of the head with airway obstruction. Therefore, a primary caesarean section or the EXIT procedure has to be considered. The EXIT procedure has time limitations as the blood supply by the placenta only lasts for 30–60 min. Airway protection has to be ensured during parturition. This article reports the case of an unborn fetus with a large cervical teratoma where an obstruction of the cervical airway was detected and monitored by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy. The EXIT procedure was therefore used and successfully accomplished. The features of the interdisciplinary aspects of the EXIT procedure are described with the special aspects of each medical discipline.