Two Cases of Cervical Hemorrhage with Upper Airway Obstruction: A Life-Threatening Condition

Several are the causes of cervical masses and among them a spontaneous hemorrhage presents a rare and life-threatening condition. Sometimes hemorrhage develops from a previous silent neck lesion as in the case of an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma associated with bleeding. We present two cases: a 70-year-old woman suffering from enlarging cervical mass causing respiratory distress because of upper airway compression due to a spontaneous rupture of the superior thyroid artery and a 74-year-old woman who drew our attention because of a progressively worsening dyspnea due to a large medial cervical mass with rapid onset. We removed it surgically, finding out an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma that is associated with internal bleeding. We discuss our management of these rare and life-threatening conditions, recalling that the patency of upper airway should always be the prerogative in every emergency. Besides, we make a review of the recent literature

Co-expression of Myoepithelial and Melanocytic Features in Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma

The presence of melanin pigment and melanocytic markers expression have been rarely reported in salivary gland tumors. Herein, two cases of carcinoma arising in pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and showing diffuse expression of myoepithelial and melanocytic markers are described. The clinical-pathological clues useful in the differential diagnosis with melanoma are discussed. In addition, a review of the pertinent literature is also proposed, discussing the pathologic mechanisms potentially involved in this phenomenon

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice

Branchial cyst of the parapharyngeal space: Report of a case and surgical approach considerations

Introduction: Neoplasms arising within the parapharyngeal space are rare and represent approximately 0.5% of all head and neck tumors. The majority of these lesions consist of minor salivary gland tumors, tumors of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and tumors of neurogenic origin (paragangliomi and schwannomi), while branchial cysts are extremely rare. Despite advances in radiographic images, surgical excision remains the definitive technique for the diagnosis of parapharyngeal space tumors. Results and discussion: The authors report a case of branchial cyst of the parapharyngeal space excised through a combined transcervical-transmandibular approach and discuss the several surgical techniques proposed to approach this type of tumors. \ua9 Springer-Verlag 2008

Anterolateral thigh free flap for tracheal reconstruction after parastomal recurrence

Background. Stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy is 1 of the most serious issues in head and neck surgery, both because of the complexity of its management and because of its morbidity. Prior to the introduction of free-tissue transfer, mediastinal tracheostomy has been the standard reconstructive procedure with high rate of complications. The ideal reconstructive solution to these problems must provide well-vascularized soft tissues that can cover the defect after resection and also allow suturing of the tracheal remnant to skin edges without tension. Methods and Results. We describe a case of a 56-year-old man with stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy treated by the use of a tubed anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap to elongate the shortened trachea and simultaneously cover the cervical skin defect. Conclusions. The ALT can be accepted as an ideal free-flap choice for stomal recurrence, because it has maximal reconstructive capacity and produces minimal donor-site morbidity. \ua9 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Case Report Two Cases of Cervical Hemorrhage with Upper Airway Obstruction: A Life-Threatening Condition

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Several are the causes of cervical masses and among them a spontaneous hemorrhage presents a rare and life-threatening condition. Sometimes hemorrhage develops from a previous silent neck lesion as in the case of an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma associated with bleeding. We present two cases: a 70-year-old woman suffering from enlarging cervical mass causing respiratory distress because of upper airway compression due to a spontaneous rupture of the superior thyroid artery and a 74-year-old woman who drew our attention because of a progressively worsening dyspnea due to a large medial cervical mass with rapid onset. We removed it surgically, finding out an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma that is associated with internal bleeding. We discuss our management of these rare and life-threatening conditions, recalling that the patency of upper airway should always be the prerogative in every emergency. Besides, we make a review of the recent literature. 1

Two Cases of Cervical Hemorrhage with Upper Airway Obstruction: A Life-Threatening Condition

Several are the causes of cervical masses and among them a spontaneous hemorrhage presents a rare and life-threatening condition. Sometimes hemorrhage develops from a previous silent neck lesion as in the case of an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma associated with bleeding. We present two cases: a 70-year-old woman suffering from enlarging cervical mass causing respiratory distress because of upper airway compression due to a spontaneous rupture of the superior thyroid artery and a 74-year-old woman who drew our attention because of a progressively worsening dyspnea due to a large medial cervical mass with rapid onset. We removed it surgically, finding out an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma that is associated with internal bleeding. We discuss our management of these rare and life-threatening conditions, recalling that the patency of upper airway should always be the prerogative in every emergency. Besides, we make a review of the recent literature

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: The Role of Upper Airway and Facial Skeletal Surgery

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A case of severe obstructive sleep apnoea in Madelung's disease treated by lateral pharyngoplasty

Background: Madelung's disease is a rare disorder characterised by the presence of multiple, symmetric, non-capsulated fat masses in the face, neck and other areas of upper extremities. In some cases, severe clinical complications such as upper airway compression can occur. Case report: A 56-year-old man affected by Madelung's disease complained of snoring and severe daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography revealed severe obstructive sleep apnoea. An attempt to treat sleep apnoea by continuous positive airway pressure failed because of poor compliance. Functional expansion pharyngoplasty was carried out as an initial treatment. Marked improvement of neck movements and normalisation of somnographic parameters were observed at six months' follow up. Conclusion: Patients with Madelung's disease should be examined carefully for potential obstructive sleep apnoea. Although continuous positive airway pressure remains the treatment of choice, specific surgery can be used in those patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy