Brain volume in infants with metopic synostosis: Less white matter volume with an accelerated growth pattern in early life

Metopic synostosis patients are at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders despite a negligible risk of intracranial hypertension. To gain insight into the underlying pathophysiology of metopic synostosis and associated neurodevelopmental disorders, we aimed to investigate brain volumes of non-syndromic metopic synostosis patients using preoperative MRI brain scans. MRI brain scans were processed with HyperDenseNet to calculate total intracranial volume (TIV), total brain volume (TBV), total grey matter volume (TGMV), total white matter volume (TWMV) and total cerebrospinal fluid volume (TCBFV). We compared global brain volumes of patients with controls corrected for age and sex using linear regression. Lobe-specific grey matter volumes were assessed in secondary analyses. We included 45 metopic synostosis patients and 14 controls (median age at MRI 0.56 years [IQR 0.36] and 1.1 years [IQR 0.47], respectively). We found no significant differences in TIV, TBV, TGMV or TCBFV in patients compared to controls. TWMV was significantly smaller in patients (-62,233 mm3 [95% CI = -96,968; -27,498], Holm-corrected p = 0.004), and raw data show an accelerated growth pattern of white matter in metopic synostosis patients. Grey matter volume analyses per lobe indicated increased cingulate (1378 mm3 [95% CI = 402; 2355]) and temporal grey matter (4747 [95% CI = 178; 9317]) volumes in patients compared to controls. To conclude, we found smaller TWMV with an accelerated white matter growth pattern in metopic synostosis patients, similar to white matter growth patterns seen in autism. TIV, TBV, TGMV and TCBFV were comparable in patients and controls. Secondary analyses suggest larger cingulate and temporal lobe volumes. These findings suggest a generalized intrinsic brain anomaly in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with metopic synostosis.

Quality of life in children suffering from headaches: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Headaches are the most common complaints among pediatric populations. Determining the cause and appropriate treatment for headaches may be challenging and costly, and the impact of headaches on the lives of patients and their families is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review was conducted to examine what PROMs are currently used, and to identify quality of life (QoL) concepts important to children suffering from headaches and any known determinants of QoL.

METHODS

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCOhost, PsychINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL and Google Scholar were searched from their inception through to June 2021. Studies investigating QoL, using a validated outcome measure in pediatric patients with headaches, were included. Relevant studies were identified through title and abstract screening and full text review by two independent reviewers. A citation review of included studies was performed. QoL concepts were extracted from the outcome measures that were used in each study to develop a preliminary conceptual model of QoL in children suffering from headaches. Determinants of QoL were also identified and categorized.

RESULTS

A total of 5421 studies were identified in the search. Title and abstract screening resulted in the exclusion of 5006 studies. Among the 415 studies included for full text review, 56 were eligible for final analysis. A citation review resulted in the addition of five studies. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries and included a patient-sample accordingly (n = 45 studies). Sixteen different PROMs were identified in the included studies, of which the PedsQL was used the most often (n = 38 studies). The most common health concepts reported were physical functioning (n = 113 items), social and psychological wellbeing (N = 117, n = 91 resp.). Twenty-five unique determinants of QoL were extracted from the included studies.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for a condition-specific PROM to facilitate the measurement of QoL outcomes in the pediatric headache population. A conceptual model was developed based on the findings from the health concepts. Findings from this review could be used for future qualitative interviews with pediatric patients with headaches to elicit and refine important QoL concepts.

Sphenoid dysplasia in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: Clinical features and imaging findings including cerebrospinal fluid alterations

INTRODUCTION

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is a genetic disorder that occurs in 1:2500-3000 live births and may involve multiple organs. An uncommon but well-known phenomena is sphenoid dysplasia, which appears in 3-11% of the patients, and may result in significant lowering of the orbit. Understanding the cause and development of this process might predict its course and its treatment.

METHODS

The records of 29 patients with PNF in the head and neck region were searched for location of the PNF and type of surgery. Photographs were studied for facial disturbances, including vertical dystopia, hypertelorism, ptosis, exophthalmos and enophthalmos. MR and CT scans were studied for the presence of PNF, aspect of the sphenoid bone, alteration in the CSF circulation, and other tumour involvement.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 29 patients with PNF in the head and neck presented with sphenoid dysplasia. All 14 patients had their PNF located in the periorbital region. Increased locoregional CSF collections were seen in almost all of these patients. Besides glioma of the optical nerve or hamartomas in the cerebrum and cerebellum, there were no other tumours found. Surgical treatment varies from simple excision to excessive debulking of the PNF, reconstruction of the orbit and even enucleation.

CONCLUSION

Although sphenoid dysplasia is uncommon in NF-1 patients, early recognition is important to prevent facial disfigurement and vision loss. Clinicians should be aware that abnormalities in the periorbital region and especially vertical dystopia might be the first sign of sphenoid dysplasia. Performing a CT or black-bone MR scan would be the next step to confirm or exclude sphenoid dysplasia and abnormal CSF dynamics.

Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: A mixed-methods study

Adolescents with a visible difference can experience difficult social situations, (e.g., people staring or making unwanted comments) and are at risk for mental health problems. Unfortunately, interventions for adolescents with a visible difference experiencing appearance-related distress are scarce and lack an evidence-base. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT, an innovative online psychological intervention using social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapy, to Dutch adolescents. Adolescents aged 12-17 with a visible difference and access to an internet-enabled computer or tablet participated. They completed YP Face IT (eight sessions) and questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention. After completing YP Face IT, participants were interviewed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT and study procedures. Overall, 15 adolescents consented to participation, one person dropped out after one session. Most adolescents appreciated the intervention and all would recommend it to other adolescents experiencing appearance-related distress. Everyone reported learning experiences after following the sessions. Some struggled with motivation, but reminders by the website and research team were helpful. The Dutch YP Face IT intervention may be acceptable and the current study design is feasible to use. An RCT should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on growth in patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis: a retrospective study

Given the high prevalence of OSA in children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis (SCC) and the consequences of untreated OSA, it is important to assess their nutritional status and growth. Yet, literature regarding growth in children with SCC remain scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) illustrate the growth pattern in SCC, (2) determine the impact of OSA on this growth pattern, and (3) evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of OSA on growth over time. A retrospective study was performed in children with SCC, who were treated at the Dutch Craniofacial Center (Rotterdam, Netherlands). Growth variables (height, weight, weight-for-age standard-deviation-score (SDS), weight-for-height SDS, and height-for-age SDS) and degree of OSA (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index) were assessed. Of the 153 children with SCC, 38 (25%) were acutely malnourished at some point during follow-up, of whom 21 had disease-related acute malnutrition. Children with moderate-severe OSA had significant lower weight-for-height SDS compared to children without OSA (p = 0.0063). Growth parameters (weight-for-age SDS, weight-for-height SDS, height-for-age SDS) in children with SCC without OSA were not impaired as they did not differ from the normal healthy population, with exception of the patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) who had a significantly lower SDS for height-for-age.   Conclusion: Children with SCC have a substantial chance of developing acute malnutrition at some point during growth. Additionally, in children with moderate-severe OSA, a significant lower SDS for weight-for-height is present, indicating the importance of assessing the weight and growth pattern in children who are clinically suspected for OSA. What is Known: • Obstructive sleep apnea is seen in up to two-thirds of the children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis. • Presence of obstructive sleep apnea is associated with intracranial hypertension and an increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive consequences later in life. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea may lead to impaired growth and weight gain, which can result in growth failure. What is New: • Craniosynostosis patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea had significant lower weight-for-height standard deviation scores (SDS), compared to children without obstructive sleep apnea.  • Children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis without OSA did not significantly differ from the normal healthy population in regard to weight-for-age SDS, weight-for-height SDS, and height-for-age SDS.

Functional outcomes in patients with facial dysostosis and severe upper airway obstruction

An increased risk of upper airway obstruction (UAO) is seen in up to 95% of patients with facial dysostosis. Secondary to respiratory problems are feeding difficulties and increased nutritional requirements. Little has been described regarding these outcomes in this patient population. Hence, a retrospective cohort study was performed to gather data on functional outcomes. Eighteen patients with facial dysostosis and severe UAO were included. The median follow-up time was 3.42 years. A tracheostomy tube was placed in 13 patients, of whom 10 subsequently underwent mandibular distraction. Three of the five patients without a tracheostomy underwent mandibular distraction as the primary surgical treatment; the remaining two patients were treated conservatively with oxygen supplementation. At presentation, 13 patients had feeding difficulties. Overall malnutrition was present in 16 patients during follow-up. At the end of follow-up, severe UAO was present in 12 patients, feeding difficulties in seven patients, and malnutrition in four patients, while two patients died. In conclusion, patients with facial dysostosis have a high prevalence of severe UAO, feeding difficulties, and malnutrition. Importantly, mandibular distraction has limited success in treating severe UAO in these patients. Close follow-up by a specialized craniofacial team is of paramount importance to manage the long-term consequences.

Cervical Spinal Cord Compression and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Syndromic Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebellar tonsillar herniation arises frequently in syndromic craniosynostosis and causes central and obstructive apneas in other diseases through spinal cord compression. The purposes of this study were the following: 1) to determine the prevalence of cervical spinal cord compression in syndromic craniosynostosis, and 2) to evaluate its connection with sleep-disordered breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study including patients with syndromic craniosynostosis who underwent MR imaging and polysomnography. Measures encompassed the compression ratio at the level of the odontoid process and foramen magnum and the cervicomedullary angle. MR imaging studies of controls were included. Linear mixed models were developed to compare patients with syndromic craniosynostosis with controls and to evaluate the association between obstructive and central sleep apneas and MR imaging parameters.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two MR imaging scans and polysomnographies in 89 patients were paired; 131 MR imaging scans in controls were included. The mean age at polysomnography was 5.7 years (range, 0.02-18.9 years). The compression ratio at the level of the odontoid process was comparable with that in controls; the compression ratio at the level of the foramen magnum was significantly higher in patients with Crouzon syndrome (+27.1, P < .001). The cervicomedullary angle was significantly smaller in Apert, Crouzon, and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes (-4.4°, P = .01; -10.2°, P < .001; -5.2°, P = .049). The compression ratios at the level of the odontoid process and the foramen magnum, the cervicomedullary angle, and age were not associated with obstructive apneas (P > .05). Only age was associated with central apneas (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of cervical spinal cord compression in syndromic craniosynostosis is low and is not correlated to sleep disturbances. However, considering the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in syndromic craniosynostosis and the low prevalence of compression and central sleep apnea in our study, we would, nevertheless, recommend a polysomnography in case of compression on MR imaging studies.

Neurological deficits are present in syndromic craniosynostosis patients with and without tonsillar herniation

BACKGROUND

Children with syndromic craniosynostosis (sCS) have a higher incidence of cerebellar tonsillar herniation (TH) than the general population. In the general population, TH ≥ 5 mm below the foramen magnum is associated with typical neurological deficits but, in sCS, we do not know whether this degree of TH is required before such deficits occur.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the association between findings on neurological assessment and cerebellar tonsillar position.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine TH ≥ 5 mm and the presence of syringomyelia. In regard to the outcome of neurological deficits, these were categorized according to: A, cerebellar function; B, cranial nerve abnormalities; and C, sensory or motor dysfunction.

RESULTS

Twenty of 63 patients with sCS (32% [95% confidence interval 21-45%]) had TH ≥ 5 mm and/or syringomyelia. There was no significant difference in proportion between individual forms of sCS: 16/34 Crouzon, 2/11 Muenke, 2/12 Apert, and 0/7 Saethre-Chotzen patients. Neurological deficits were prevalent (73% [95% confidence interval 60-83%]), and as frequent in patients with TH ≥ 5 mm and/or syringomyelia as those without. Surgery occurred in 3 patients overall, and only in Crouzon patients.

CONCLUSION

Determining the effect of TH ≥ 5 mm on neurologic functioning in sCS patients is used to better determine when surgical intervention is warranted. However, we have found that neurological deficits are prevalent in sCS patients, irrespective of cerebellar tonsillar position, suggesting that such findings are developmental and, in part, syndrome-specific central nervous system features.

Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Living with a visible difference can entail challenging social situations, associated with psychosocial symptoms. However, it is not clear whether adolescents with a visible difference experience more anxiety and depression than unaffected peers. We aim to determine whether adolescents with a visible difference experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression than unaffected peers. A literature search was conducted in Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO Ovid, and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses were done using random-effects models to calculate a standardised mean difference. Analyses for subgroups were used to study causes of visible difference. Eleven studies were identified (n = 1075, weighted mean age = 15.80). Compared to unaffected peers, adolescents with a visible difference experience more symptoms of anxiety (SMD = 0.253, 95 % CI [0.024, 0.482], p = .030), but not depression (SMD = 0.236, 95 % CI [-0.126, 0.599], p = .202). Adolescents with a skin condition did not experience more symptoms of anxiety (SMD = 0.149, 95 % CI [-0.070, 0.369], p = .182) or depression (SMD = 0.090, 95 % CI [-0.082, 0.262], p = .305) when compared to unaffected peers. Overall, more symptoms of anxiety are found in adolescents with a visible difference compared to peers. No differences in anxiety or depression were found for skin differences. Screening for anxiety is recommended.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Fiber Tractography in Children with Craniosynostosis Syndromes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with craniosynostosis syndromes caused by mutations in FGFR-2, FGFR-3, and TWIST1 genes are characterized by having prematurely fused skull sutures and skull base synchondroses, which result in a skull deformity and are accompanied by brain anomalies, including altered white matter microarchitecture. In this study, the reliability and reproducibility of DTI fiber tractography was investigated in these patients. The outcomes were compared with those of controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DTI datasets were acquired with a 1.5T MR imaging system with 25 diffusion gradient orientations (voxel size = 1.8 × 1.8 × 3.0 mm(3), b-value = 1000 s/mm(2)). White matter tracts studied included the following: corpus callosum, cingulate gyrus, fornix, corticospinal tracts, and medial cerebellar peduncle. Tract pathways were reconstructed with ExploreDTI in 58 surgically treated patients with craniosynostosis syndromes and 7 controls (age range, 6-18 years).

RESULTS

Because of the brain deformity and abnormal ventricular shape and size, DTI fiber tractography was challenging to perform in patients with craniosynostosis syndromes. To provide reliable tracts, we adapted standard tracking protocols. Fractional anisotropy was equal to that in controls (0.44 versus 0.45 ± 0.02, P = .536), whereas mean, axial, and radial diffusivity parameters of the mean white matter were increased in patients with craniosynostosis syndromes (P < .001). No craniosynostosis syndrome-specific difference in DTI properties was seen for any of the fiber tracts studied in this work.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing DTI fiber tractography in patients with craniosynostosis syndromes was difficult due to partial volume effects caused by an anisotropic voxel size and deformed brain structures. Although these patients have a normal fiber organization, increased diffusivity parameters suggest abnormal microstructural tissue properties of the investigated white matter tracts.

Atypical presentation of a newborn with Apert syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Apert syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by a consistent phenotype including bilateral coronal suture synostosis with an enlarged anterior fontanel, midface hypoplasia, and complex symmetric syndactyly of hands and feet.

CASE REPORT

We present a boy with Apert syndrome caused by the pathogenic c.755C > G p.Ser252Trp mutation in the FGFR2 gene with atypical characteristics, including premature fusion of the metopic suture with a small anterior fontanel, hypotelorism, and a massive posterior fontanel. Directly after birth, he showed papilledema, epilepsy, and central apneas.

CONCLUSION

We present a newborn with Apert syndrome with atypical craniofacial presentation.

Family-centred care during midface advancement with a rigid external device: what do families need?

Midface advancement with distraction osteogenesis using the rigid external device (RED) is an effective but invasive treatment to correct the hypoplastic midface. This study draws up an inventory of the stressors, needs and coping strategies of families during this treatment, to determine the best conditions for family-centred care. Data were collected by reviewing the patients' files and administering semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using the software program Atlas.ti and were re-analysed by an independent researcher. Parents and patients were interviewed separately. Fourteen families participated. Four patients had an absolute indication for surgery. All families were eager to have the patient's facial appearance improved. Nevertheless, despite psychological counselling, they experienced stress when confronted with the changed facial appearance. Another stressor was weight loss. Six patients were in a state of acute malnutrition and needed supplementary feeding. We conclude that the best conditions for family-centred care should be aligned to the different phases of treatment. Leading up to surgery it is important to screen families' expectations regarding aesthetic, functional and social outcomes and to assess their capacity to cope with the long treatment and effects of changed facial appearance. Peer contact and psychosocial training to increase self-esteem are tools to enhance co-operation and satisfaction. During the distraction and stabilisation phase, we advise the monitoring of nutritional intake and weight. During all phases of treatment easy accessibility to the team is recommended.

Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion in multisuture craniosynostosis

PURPOSE

Patients with Apert and Crouzon syndromes and craniofrontonasal dysplasia need a vault expansion within the first year of life to treat or prevent the development of raised intracranial pressure. Many craniofacial units perform a conventional posterior vault expansion as initial surgery; an alternative to this technique is the spring-assisted posterior vault expansion. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of spring-assisted posterior vault expansion and to compare this technique with the conventional method.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted among all consecutive patients who received a posterior vault expansion between 2006 and 2011. Patients treated with springs were compared with patients treated with the conventional technique for blood loss, duration of surgery, postoperative hospital admittance, increase in skull circumference and anterior-posterior length, and complications.

RESULTS

Of the 31 included patients, 15 were treated with springs, and 16, with the conventional technique. Patients treated with springs had a significantly larger increase in skull circumference and anterior-posterior length, and not significant changes in blood loss compared with the conventional group. Complications in the conventional group were the following: minor dural tear in three patients, problematic wound healing in one patient, and insufficient expansion in one patient. Spring-related complications included skin perforation in two patients, a minor dural tear in two patients, and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid after an unnoticed dural tear during spring placement in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion has some advantages over the conventional technique and is, therefore, the preferred technique in our center.

Obstructive sleep apnoea in Treacher Collins syndrome: prevalence, severity and cause

This cohort study in 35 patients (13 children) evaluates the prevalence, severity and anatomical cause of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome. Ambulatory polysomnography was performed cross-sectionally to determine OSAS prevalence and severity. All upper airway related surgical interventions were evaluated retrospectively. In 11 patients, sleep endoscopy, and flexible and rigid endoscopy were applied to determine the level of anatomical obstruction of the upper airway. The overall prevalence of OSAS in Treacher Collins patients was 46% (54% in children; 41% in adults). Thirty-eight upper airway related surgical interventions were performed in 17 patients. Examination of the upper airway revealed various anatomical levels of obstruction, from the nasal septum to the trachea. Most significant obstruction was found at the level of the oro/hypopharynx. OSAS in Treacher Collins patients is an important problem so all patients should be screened for OSAS by polysomnography. Endoscopy of the upper airways was helpful in determining the level of obstruction. Surgical treatment at one level will not resolve OSAS in most patients because OSAS in Treacher Collins has a multilevel origin. Non-invasive ventilation (continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure) or tracheotomy should be considered as a treatment modality.

Brain and ventricular volume in patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis

PURPOSE

Brain abnormalities in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis can either be a direct result of the genetic defect or develop secondary to compression due to craniosynostosis, raised ICP or hydrocephalus. Today it is unknown whether children with syndromic craniosynostosis have normal brain volumes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate brain and ventricular volume measurements in patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis. This knowledge will improve our understanding of brain development and the origin of raised intracranial pressure in syndromic craniosynostosis.

METHODS

Brain and ventricular volumes were calculated from MRI scans of patients with craniosynostosis, 0.3 to 18.3 years of age. Brain volume was compared to age matched controls from the literature. All patient charts were reviewed to look for possible predictors of brain and ventricular volume.

RESULTS

Total brain volume in syndromic craniosynostosis equals that of normal controls, in the age range of 1 to 12 years. Brain growth occurred particularly in the first 5 years of age, after which it stabilized. Within the studied population, ventricular volume was significantly larger in Apert syndrome compared to all other syndromes and in patients with a Chiari I malformation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis have a normal total brain volume compared to normal controls. Increased ventricular volume is associated with Apert syndrome and Chiari I malformations, which is most commonly found in Crouzon syndrome. We advice screening of all patients with Apert and Crouzon syndrome for the development of enlarged ventricle volume and the presence of a Chiari I malformation.

Obstructive sleep apnea in children with syndromic craniosynostosis: long-term respiratory outcome of midface advancement

Almost 50% of patients with Apert, Crouzon or Pfeiffer syndrome develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), mainly due to midface hypoplasia. Midface advancement is often the treatment of choice, but the few papers on long-term outcome report mixed results. This paper aimed to assess the long-term respiratory outcome of midface advancement in syndromic craniosynostosis with OSA and to determine factors contributing to its efficacy. A retrospective study was performed on 11 patients with moderate or severe OSA, requiring oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or tracheostomy. Clinical symptoms, results of polysomnography, endoscopy and digital volume measurement of the upper airways on CT scan before and after midface advancement were reviewed. Midface advancement had a good respiratory outcome in the short term in 6 patients and was ineffective in 5. In all patients without respiratory effect or with relapse, endoscopy showed obstruction of the rhino- or hypopharynx. The volume measurements supported the clinical and endoscopic outcome. Despite midface advancement, long-term dependence on, or indication for, CPAP or tracheostomy was maintained in 5 of 11 patients. Pharyngeal collapse appeared to play a role in OSA. Endoscopy before midface advancement is recommended to identify airway obstruction that may interfere with respiratory improvement after midface advancement.

Satisfaction with facial appearance and its determinants in adults with severe congenital facial disfigurement: a case-referent study

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe congenital facial disfigurement have a long track record of operations and hospital visits by the time they are 18 years old. The fact that their facial deformity is congenital may have an impact on how satisfied these patients are with their appearance. This study evaluated the level of satisfaction with facial appearance of congenital and of acquired facially disfigured adults, and explored demographic, physical and psychological determinants of this satisfaction. Differences compared with non-disfigured adults were examined.

METHODS

Fifty-nine adults with a rare facial cleft, 59 adults with a facial deformity traumatically acquired in adulthood, and a reference group of 201 non-disfigured adults completed standardised demographic, physical and psychological questionnaires.

RESULTS

The congenital and acquired groups did not differ significantly in the level of satisfaction with facial appearance, but both were significantly less satisfied than the reference group. In facially disfigured adults, level of education, number of affected facial parts and facial function were determinants of the level of satisfaction. High fear of negative appearance evaluation by others (FNAE) and low self-esteem (SE) were strong psychological determinants. Although FNAE was higher in both patient groups, SE was similar in all three groups.

CONCLUSION

Satisfaction with facial appearance of individuals with a congenital or acquired facial deformity is similar and will seldom reach the level of satisfaction of non-disfigured persons. A combination of surgical correction (with attention for facial profile and restoring facial functions) and psychological help (to increase SE and lower FNAE) may improve patient satisfaction.

Advancement of the midface, from conventional Le Fort III osteotomy to Le Fort III distraction: review of the literature

Since its introduction in about 1950, the Le Fort III (LF III) procedure has become a widely accepted treatment for correction of midface hypoplasia and related functional and esthetic problems. As long-term surgical experience grows and improvements are made in technique, equipment and peri-operative care, the number of LF III procedures performed worldwide is increasing. A number of fundamental questions concerning the technique remain unclear, and large, conclusive studies are lacking owing to the relative rarity of severe midface hypoplasia. This literature review aims to address problems, such as the indication field, timing of surgery, rate of relapse and the use of distraction osteogenesis. An overview of the history and technique of LF III osteotomy and distraction is provided, together with a comprehensive review of the available clinical data.

Added value of ultrasound in screening the clinically negative axilla in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

For staging purposes in breast cancer it is current practice to perform a sentinel node biopsy in a clinically negative axilla, followed by an axillary lymph node dissection if metastases are found in the sentinel node. To limit the number of surgical procedures it is therefore of importance to try and identify as much patients as possible who have axillary metastases. Clinical staging of the axillary nodes in breast cancer is mainly based on palpation, but ultrasound has been shown to be of additional value in detecting pathological nodes.

METHODS

In this paper, we report our results of screening 131 breast cancer patients without palpable axillary nodes through ultrasound.

RESULTS

Out of the 53 patients with axillary node involvement, 18 were identified as such by our radiologist, resulting in a detection score of 34%.

DISCUSSION

This high rate is probably reached because of the limited number of radiologists performing this procedure, thereby rapidly increasing their experience.