Otorhinolaryngological and esophageal manifestations of epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of skin diseases with different clinical manifestations and varied inheritance patterns. Blisters may appear spontaneously or following minimal trauma to the skin or mucosa.

Aim

this paper aims to describe the otorhinolaryngological manifestations and esophageal complications related to EB, and the experience in treating patients with esophageal stenosis secondary to this disease.

Materials and method

this descriptive study enrolled 60 patients with EB seen from June 1999 to December 2006 at the Head and Neck Surgery Service of X Hospital, a reference center for EB.

Results

the patients’ mean age was 14.5 years. Twenty-eight (46.6%) were females and 32 (53.4%) were males. Eight (13.4%) were diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa simplex, while 51 (85%) had epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica; one (1.6%) patient had one acquired EB. Lips, mouth, tongue and ears were the most frequently involved sites (32 patients - 53.3%). Dysphagia was found in 28 patients (46.6%). After esophageal dilatation the symptoms subsided.

Conclusion

EB is a rare disease and patients must be sent for treatment at reference centers. Physicians treating patients for EB must be aware of the measures required to improve the quality of the treatment provided without putting the patients in harm’s way.

[Study of artificial valves on left colon after rectal partial abdominoperineal resection with perineal colostomy, in dogs]

BACKGROUND

Throughout time, perineal colostomy in abdominoperineal resection, as a way to avoid abdominal colostomy, was studied. Perineal colostomy associated with a slowing down mechanism for stool transit has been studied for many years with satisfactory results.

AIM

The investigation of a colic valvoplasty in dogs which have undergone an abdominoperineal resection plus perineal colostomy, and the discussion of the results achieved in clinic and histopathologic analysis are the objective of this study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experimental model of this research studied the colon of dogs. Sixty five animals were operated and divided in five groups: 10 animals in the pilot group, 15 animals in control group and 40 animals in 3 other groups of observation with 10, 20 and 30 days of postoperative care. The dogs underwent a rectal partial abdominoperineal resection with perineal colostomy associated to a circumferential extramucosal seromiotomy of the left colon (except in the control group).

RESULTS

Through postoperative and post-mortem observation it was possible to verify solid stool before the valves showing the efficiency of the mechanism in slowing it down. The histological analysis of the valves showed connective growth with fibrosis in the whole incised serous and muscular layers, separating them. A fibrous ring diminished the colon lumen in response to the artificial valve created by the scar that appeared in the inverted suture of the serous and muscular layers. The inflammatory fibrous repair process occurred in all valves, associated to foreign body type reactions and to partial stricture of the colon lumen.

CONCLUSION

The circumferential seromiotomy produces a fibrous ring that provides stool retention on the descending colon.