Detection and characterization of the mandibular accessory buccal foramen using CT

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency and characteristics of the mandibular accessory buccal foramen (ABF) with CT.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out using the CT records of 504 patients referred to the Erciyes University Medical School (Kayseri, Turkey) between 2007 and 2010. Presence, location, diameter, area and number of ABFs and their continuity with mandibular canal and distance to the mental foramen were evaluated using axial, sagittal and three-dimensional CT images. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® v. 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

14 ABFs were observed in 10 (2%) of 504 patients. The frequency of ABFs was found to be 2.6% in males and 1% in females. The mean distance between the ABF and the mental foramen was 5.0 mm [standard deviation (SD) ± 2.48]. The mean long axis of the ABFs was 1.4 mm (SD ± 0.4) and the mean area of them was 1.5 mm(2) (SD ± 0.8). The mean area of the mental foramen on the side with the ABF was 4.1 mm(2) (SD ± 2.71).

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a relatively lower frequency of ABFs than that in the literature. These foramina could have more complex neurovascular structures than was previously thought. Thus, in special cases where a direct surgical exploration during the planned surgery is not indicated, CT or cone beam CT examination to determine the possible presence of ABFs may be indicated.

Incidental finding of a proatlantal intersegmental artery. A case report

We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman who had a left proatlantal intersegmental artery disclosed during carotid artery angiography with the findings of carotid-basilar anastomosis which originated from the petrous segment of the ICA and was filling the horizontal segment of the vertebral artery. Awareness of this vascular variation can prevent morbidity and mortality associated with carotid ligation or carotid endarterectomy, especially when an incomplete circle of Willis is present.

Anterior Stafne bone defect mimicking a residual cyst: a case report

Stafne bone defects (SBDs) are asymptomatic lingual bone depressions of the lower jaw that are frequently caused by soft tissue inclusion. The common variant of SBDs exists at the third molar region of the mandible below the inferior dental canal and has been mostly diagnosed incidentally during routine radiographic examination. The anterior variant of a SBD (ASBD) is relatively uncommon and is located in the premolar region of the mandible. Sublingual salivary glands are thought to be responsible for ASBDs. However, other structures such as lymphoid or vascular tissues might be associated with ASBDs. In the present report, an ASBD which was mimicking a residual cyst was diagnosed with the aid of a three-dimensional CT scan. ASBDs might be confused with other odontogenic or non-odontogenic pathologies because of their location and lower occurrence rate. Advanced imaging modalities, especially CT scans, are useful to assess such lesions in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Endovascular Treatment of Isolated PICA Insufficiency. A Case Report

The vertebral artery terminating in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery is rare but it may cause cerebellar infarction when total occlusion of the vertebral artery occurs. Therefore treatment of vertebral artery stenosis in these patients is crucial. Surgical treatment of osteal vertebral artery stenosis is possible but is associated with approximately 4% mortality and up to 20% risk of procedural complications including perioperative VA occlusion, Horner syndrome, lymphatic injury and injury to the phrenic, vagus, laryngeal and thoracic nerves. Therefore percutaneous angioplasty with or without stent placement is emerging as an alternative treatment method with a high success rate and good initial angiographic outcome. Percutaneous angioplasty of the VA origin is associated with an approximately 15% restenosis rate. Stent placement is believed to decrease the incidence of elastic recoil and restenosis. Herein we present a rare symptomatic case with an anomalous, small-caliber right VA terminating in the PICA which was successfully treated with a drug-eluting stent.

The role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in intracranial cystic lesions

We aimed to define the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of intracranial cystic lesions and to investigate possible special features for the differential diagnosis. One hundred and twenty patients with intracranial cystic lesions were included in the study. There were 29 arachnoid cysts, eight epidermoid cysts, 34 primary tumors, 18 abscesses, 29 metastases and two hydatid cysts. Echo-planar diffusion-weighted MR imaging was obtained in addition to conventional cranial MR scans. The morphologic features of the cystic portion and the wall of the cyst and signal intensities on diffusion-weighted images were evaluated. All abscesses and epidermoid cysts were hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images. Arachnoid cysts, hydatid cysts, primary tumors, and metastases were hypointense except five cystic tumors. These five primary or metastatic necrotic tumors showed high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted images due to hemorrhage or superinfection. The walls of the cystic tumors were usually hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images in contrast to the wall of the abscesses, which were iso-hypointense. This was a statistically significant finding for the differentiation between tumors and abscesses (p<0.05). Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is a useful technique for the evaluation of the intracranial cystic lesions and provides additional beneficial information to conventional MR imaging. However, the presence of hemorrhage and superinfection of the tumors may cause a signal increase that results in misinterpretetations. In these cases, the appearance of tumor wall may be useful for differentiating abscesses from tumors.

An Unusual Cause of Dyspnea: Myelomatous Involvement of Cricoid Cartilage

Extraosseous multiple myeloma involving the cricoid cartilage is exceedingly rare. CT is invaluable for detecting this lesion. Herein, we describe a patient with worsening dyspnea due to involvement of the cricoid cartilage with multiple myeloma. CT not only detected the lesion but also revealed additional classical lytic lesions of multiple myeloma. In patients with worsening dyspnea laryngeal involvement should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Small cell carcinoma of the lung presenting with ocular metastasis. A case report

Metastasis to the eye is rare but it may be the presenting symptom. Therefore awareness of the radiological findings of metastasis may aid in establishing its diagnosis. Here we report an ocular metastasis of small cell carcinoma of the lung presenting with pulmonary and ocular manifestations.

Granulomatous mastitis: radiological findings

PURPOSE

To evaluate the radiological, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between April 2002 and June 2005, the mammography, ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, nonenhanced MR, and dynamic MR findings of nine patients with the preliminary clinical diagnosis of malignancy and the final diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis were evaluated.

RESULTS

On mammography, asymmetrical focal densities with no distinct margins, ill-defined masses with spiculated contours, and bilateral multiple ill-defined nodules were seen. On ultrasound, in four patients a discrete, heterogenous hypoechoic mass, in two patients multiple abscesses, in one patient bilateral multiple central hypo peripheral hyperechoic lesions, in two patients heterogeneous hypo- and hyperechoic areas together with parenchymal distortion, and in one patient irregular hypoechoic masses with tubular extensions and abscess cavities were seen. Five of the lesions were vascular on color Doppler ultrasound. On MR mammography, the most frequent finding was focal or diffuse asymmetrical signal intensity changes that were hypointense on T1W images and hyperintense on T2W images, without significant mass effect. Nodular lesions were also seen. On dynamic contrast-enhanced mammography, mass-like enhancement, ring-like enhancement, and nodular enhancement were seen. The time-intensity curves differed from patient to patient and from lesion to lesion.

CONCLUSION

The imaging findings of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis have a wide spectrum, and they are inconclusive for differentiating malignant and benign lesions.

Atypical imaging findings of infantile hemangioendothelioma: a case report

Infantile hemangioendothelioma is the third most common hepatic tumor in children, and the most common benign vascular tumor of the liver in infancy. On computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), typical enhancement patterns similar to those seen in adult hemangiomas may help establish the diagnosis. However, atypical enhancement patterns may also occur. In this paper, we report a rare form of solitary infantile hemangioendothelioma that showed a rim-like calcification and rim-like enhancement on CT and MRI.

Tongue abscesses: MR imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A lingual abscess is difficult to diagnose in the absence of physical signs. MR imaging may provide an excellent and invaluable adjunct to clinical examination, but the literature is incomplete in defining the various MR imaging findings of abscess. The objective of this study was to determine the MR imaging features of tongue abscesses.

METHODS

Seven surgically proved tongue abscesses were evaluated with MR imaging. Four patients underwent MR imaging because of suspected tumor, and 3 patients, to show the extent and precise anatomic location of the lesion. Lesions were assessed with regard to the location, size, signal-intensity characteristics, and pattern of contrast enhancement.

RESULTS

Five lesions were located in the anterior tongue and 2, in the posterior tongue. The central parts of 4 anterior tongue abscesses were hypointense, surrounded by a hyperintense wall on T1-weighted precontrast images. On postcontrast images, marked wall enhancement was detected. On T2-weighted images, a markedly hyperintense central part surrounded by a hypointense rim was seen. In 2 of these patients, there was a hypointense halo surrounding the wall (target sign). In 3 patients, a perilesional hyperintense area that enhanced diffusely after contrast administration was detected on T2-weighted images. The smallest lesion located in the anterior tongue was hypointense on T1-weighted images and enhanced diffusely on postcontrast images. On T2-weighted images, a markedly hyperintense central part surrounded by a mildly hyperintense peripheral part was depicted. Posterior tongue lesions appeared as polypoid ill-defined masses and were hypointense on T1-weighted images and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted images. On postcontrast images, the lesion in 1 patient showed diffuse and heterogeneous contrast enhancement, whereas the lesion in another patient enhanced peripherally. The lesions were totally excised in 4 patients and drained with surgical incisions in 3 patients. No recurrence was detected on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

An abscess typically presents as a cystic lesion surrounded by an enhancing capsule formation, but lesions may also present as solid masses that enhance diffusely or peripherally.

Ultrasound guidance in intracranial tumor resection: correlation with postoperative magnetic resonance findings

PURPOSE

To determine the inter-method agreement between intraoperative ultrasonography and postoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting tumor residue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After resection was completed, the cavity borders of 32 tumors were examined with a 7 MHz intraoperative probe. Any echogenic region >5 mm in thickness extending from the surgical cavity into the brain substance was taken as the sonographic criterion for residual tumor. A continuous echogenic rim< 5 mm was considered normal. Results were correlated with gadolinium-enhanced MRI obtained within 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

The kappa value for inter-method agreement was 0.72. There were four cases in whom MRI showed residue despite a negative sonography: extensive edema or Surgicel along the cavity borders (three cases with glioblastoma multiforme) and the cystic component in the vicinity of cerebrospinal fluid (a case with pituitary macroadenoma) may be the reason for the residue going undetected. In a case with glioblastoma multiforme, residual enhancement was < 5 mm in thickness.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative ultrasound is an effective tool for maximizing the extent of intracranial tumor resection. Surgical use has to be minimized if intraoperative ultrasound is to be used as an adjunct to surgery. Tumors with preoperatively detected cystic components in the proximity of CSF-containing spaces have to be carefully evaluated with intraoperative ultrasound if residual cystic components are to be detected. A low-thickness echogenic rim should not be considered a reliable sign of the absence of residue.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in chronic carbon monoxide intoxication

PURPOSE

To define the cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the chronic stage of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in patients with and without neuropsychiatric sequelae.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight patients who had neither symptoms nor neurological sequelae and eight patients with neuropsychiatric sequelae were included in the study. Patients aged between 9 to 57 (mean 32.2 years). All patients had been comatose at initial admittance and awoke after normobaric 100% oxygen therapy within 1-7 days. In this study, the patients were being examined with routine cranial MRI between 1 and 10 years (mean 3.4 years) after exposure to CO.

RESULTS

The most common finding was bilateral symmetric hyperintensity of the white matter, which was more significant in the centrum semiovale, with relative sparing of the temporal lobes and anterior parts of the frontal lobes on T2-weighted and FLAIR images in all patients. Cerebral cortical atrophy was seen in 10 patients; mild atrophy of cerebellar hemispheres in 8; and vermian atrophy in 11. Corpus callosum was atrophic in one patient. Bilateral globus pallidus lesions were seen in three patients. The lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted and FLAIR images.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe CO intoxication may develop persistent cerebral changes independently of their neuropsychiatric findings in the chronic stage. They may present with characteristic MRI findings as described here, even if asymptomatic. The history of CO exposure is therefore helpful for recognizing and interpreting the MRI findings of chronic stage CO intoxication.

Epidermoid cyst of the testicle: unusual magnetic resonance imaging findings

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is an uncommon benign tumor that can be treated by organ-preserving surgery when diagnosed preoperatively. Although some sonographic characteristics may be suggestive of epidermoid cysts, sonography is not completely diagnostic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may provide support for the diagnosis of epidermoid cysts. The MRI findings of testicular epidermoid cysts have been reported as either bull's eye or target in appearance, or with signal intensity characteristics more typical of a cystic lesion. In this paper, we present typical sonographic and unusual MRI findings of a testicular epidermoid cyst.

Two new intramedullary implant designs for phalanx fixation in digital replantation: an experimental study

Bone fixation in digital replantation must provide adequate rigidity, and must be applied in a fast and easy manner. Various fixation methods have been used so far with certain advantages and disadvantages. The authors report two new intramedullary proximal phalangeal implant designs to secure two amputated bone segments tightly. They compare their intramedullary implants with commonly applied K-wire fixation methods and plate fixation via biomechanical analysis in terms of bending rigidity and distraction strength. Their two-sided asymmetrical screw provided the highest rigidity and distraction strength, whereas the hook-trap system was nearly equal to cross-K-wire fixation. Intramedullary bone fixation may be a feasible method of bone fixation, and resorbable implant materials and different implant configurations deserve further investigation.

Comparison of immune response to nerve allograft segments in fetal and adult rabbits: a histological study

Fetuses, as opposed to adults, are immature immunologically and it has been proved that they can tolerate allograft materials much better than adults. In this study the rejection phenomenon of nerve allografts was compared histologically in fetuses and adults. The study was performed in 60 New Zealand rabbits (30 pregnant and 30 nonpregnant), and allograft nerve segments were obtained from Chinchilla rabbits. The animals were divided into fetal and adult groups. Each group was studied at various time periods. Nerve allografts were placed under the panniculus carnosus in the interscapular region of the fetuses and adults. In both fetal and adult groups, the nerve allograft segments were assessed histologically after 1, 7, and 30 days. The criteria used during the evaluation were the degenerative findings in the myelinated axons (large, medium, and small axons), changes in Schwann's cells, and the quantity of infiltrating cells. The changes were graded microscopically from 0 (no change) to 3 (severe destruction and cellular infiltration). Cellular infiltration was more extensive in the adult groups than in the fetal groups. Earlier fetal groups showed minimal infiltration, but the response became more extensive in the later fetal groups. This is probably related to the removal of the fetuses from their intrauterine environment. When comparing fetal and adult groups, the results were significant (p < 0.05). The fetuses tolerated the nerve allograft segments better than the adults. This may be related to the immature immune system of the fetuses.

Lymphatic malformation causing intractable chylorrhagia

Lymphatic malformation is a developmental error usually noticed at birth or in early childhood. Lesions of the upper leg and lower trunk are the most difficult to remove, because they are often the largest ones encountered and also because they tend to extend proximally into the retroperitoneal tissues. Chyle reflux, usually associated with lymphedema of the extremity, has not been reported to be caused by lymphatic malformation. We report a case of intrapelvic retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation with an extension of gluteal-thigh soft-tissue involvement causing intractable chylorrhagia. The tumor was subtotally excised, and the defect was closed by a distally based, peninsular latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. The flap served both as a filling material and as a "bridge" between the residual tumor, including abnormal lymphatics, and normal lymph flow.

Intrasphenoidal migration of a premaxillary Kirschner wire

OBJECTIVE

The use of Kirschner wire for the fixation of premaxilla is a well-known method in bilateral cleft lip surgery. We report a case in which the Kirschner wire of the premaxillary fixation had migrated intrasphenoidally.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The foreign body was accidentally discovered during a cephalometric analysis and was taken out surgically through an upper lip sulcus incision. Although the wire remained asymptomatic for 10 years, it constituted a potential danger for intracranial migration.

Hair transplantation using a freely transferred nonhair-bearing skin flap

Cicatricial alopecia is a common sequela of burns involving the head region. The authors present a case of an extensive form of cicatricial alopecia in an 18-year-old female patient who sustained a burn to the head at 2 years of age. The patient was treated with combined scalp reduction with the aid of tissue expanders and micrografting of the freely transferred, preexpanded deep inferior epigastric artery nonhair-bearing skin flap. The aim of this article is to show that hair transplantation on the freely transferred nonhair-bearing skin flap may be associated with infection and fat necrosis, and the end result is not satisfactory, as in the cases of hair transplantation on a normal bald scalp.

Endoscopically assisted removal of unilateral coronoid process hyperplasia

Coronoid process hyperplasia (CPH) is an uncommon disorder characterized by an enlarged coronoid process impinging against the posterior aspect of the zygomatic arch. Young male adults are usually affected, presenting with limited mouth opening, which is typically painless and progressive in nature. The diagnosis of true CPH is established by the findings of (1) uniform coronoid enlargement on radiographic examination and (2) normal bone structure on histopathological examination (i.e., the specimen should be free of any neoplastic growth, such as the previously reported cases of coronoid osteomas, osteochondromas, or exostoses). The treatment is mainly surgical, by means of a coronoidectomy. An intraoral approach is mostly preferred for this procedure to avoid an external scar. However, to avoid the drawbacks of this approach, such as limited exposure and the risk of hematoma and subsequent fibrosis, an extraoral approach may be indicated. This report describes a case of true unilateral CPH in a 17-year-old boy who presented with progressive limited mouth opening in the absence of any pain. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a uniformly enlarged right coronoid process. A coronoidectomy was performed with the aid of endoscopic systems, approaching via two short incisions in the temporal scalp. Histopathological examination of the specimen demonstrated essentially a normal bony structure with no evidence of a neoplasm. The authors present the endoscopically assisted technique of coronoid process excision as an alternative method of surgical treatment of CPH and any mass of the coronoid process in general. With this method, the incision is much shorter than a conventional coronal incision and thus morbidity is diminished considerably.

A new design of the iliac crest microsurgical free flap without including the "obligatory" muscle cuff

The iliac crest free flap has undergone a gradual evolution to provide more functional and cosmetic oromandibular reconstructions. The soft-tissue cutaneous component has largely resisted refinement and currently constitutes the flap's principal drawback. Conventionally, the cutaneous vessel's soft-tissue encasement and a protective cuff of abdominal muscle are harvested to ensure skin perfusion. These protective measures, however, produce a bulky flap that is tethered to the bone and difficult to inset into complex three-dimensional defects. A series of anatomic and clinical investigations has confirmed that in 30 percent of individuals, the skin island can be elevated on a dominant cutaneous branch from the deep circumflex iliac artery. Harvesting the skin as an axial pattern flap greatly increases its independence from the bone, improving maneuverability. A small collar of abdominal muscle is incised around the pedicle, obviating the need for the customary 2.5-cm protective muscle cuff. Exclusion of the abdominal muscular component reduces the flap's volume, decreases the need for secondary debulking, and reduces the donor site morbidity.

Use of bone wax as a template for intraoperative evaluation of facial defects and shaping of polyethylene implants

With the advent of polymer chemistry, an increasing number of alloplastic materials are now available for use as onlay implants for reconstruction of facial bony and soft-tissue deformities. An optimal clinical result of a facial contour deformity surgery will depend not only on the choice of implant, but also on the method of giving exact shape to the implant to be used. The latter is particularly important to fit the implant into the complex configuration of a specific defect of bone and soft tissue. A template greatly enhances the accuracy of implant design. In this paper we describe a new method of fabricating polyethylene implants by using bone wax as an intraoperative template. We used this technique in four patients aged 8 to 35 years (average, 18 years) with posttraumatic and congenital facial defects without any complications. We present this method as a simple, inexpensive, and accurate alternative to the more sophisticated, but expensive and time-consuming, computer-assisted implant generation.

Modified use of gate flap for the reconstruction of the lower lip

Surgical excision of advanced lower lip carcinomas with adequate safety margins, in some cases, causes defects as large as three-fourths of the width of the lip or total lip defects. This paper describes a modification of nasolabial 'gate flap' for reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower lip. Splitting the flap into skin and mucosal flaps provides the surgeon more skin on the inferior aspect of the reconstruction where he needs skin without any mucosa and more mucosa on the superior aspect of the reconstruction where he needs mucosa for reconstruction of the vermilion and lower labial sulcus. Four patients with total lower lip defects have been treated with this technique. The results were quite satisfactory both functionally and cosmetically.

Reconstruction of postburn breast deformities

Postburn breast deformity is a sequela of severe scar contraction of the burned chest. During the past 3 years, 24 female patients with such deformities required reconstruction, the surgery was performed in our department. These patients, the types of the deformities and the techniques used for reconstruction have been reviewed. For mild deformities (10 patients) reconstructions with skin grafts and local skin flaps were found to be satisfactory. For deformities which affected the mammary development (14 patients), mammary prostheses directly or under the soft tissue obtained by skin expansion or musculocutaneous flaps were used. In three of our patients, reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy was needed to symmetrize the breasts.

Three cases of oblique facial cleft: etiology, tomographic evaluation and reconstruction

Three cases of oro-ocular clefts from different families are presented. Two of the cases had a normal chromosomal constitution. The defects in each case were evaluated by computerized tomography computerized tomography prior to surgery. The theories concerning etiology and classification of oblique facial clefts are discussed in the light of computerized tomography scan findings. One of the cases had a history of maternal bromocriptine mesylate usage for prolactinoma, suggesting a teratogenic effect, but no similar cases have been reported in the medial literature.