Carcinoma with a branchial origin]

Carcinoma was observed in a patient with a branchial cyst of about 40 years' standing. The neoformation was removed, but the patient died as a result of cardiocirculatory complications a little more than a year later. Note is taken of the rarity of this form and the compliance of the reported case with the criteria laid down by Martin et al. in 1950.     

Cervical node metastasis of occult origin

This study reviewed a 12 year experience with 132 patients who were treated for metastatic carcinoma of the cervical lymph nodes with no apparent primary tumor. Using radical neck dissection as the main treatment modality, a 5 year survival of 50 percent was achieved in 79 patients with epidermoid carcinoma. Survival varied significantly depending on the extent of the tumor in the neck. It was 74 percent in those with stage N₁ disease compared with 41 percent in patients with N₂ or N₃ disease. Recurrence in the neck, the major reason for treatment failure, can probably be reduced by more aggressive use of adjunctive radiotherapy. Primary tumors were identified after therapy in only 15 percent of these patients, and this appeared to have relatively little impact on the outcome. Irradiation and chemotherapy were the preferred treatment modalities in 29 patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of occult origin. All but one patient died within 29 months. A 53 percent 5 year survival was achieved in 13 patients with anaplastic or undifferentiated carcinoma. Radical neck dissection was employed in 11 patients with melanoma. No primary tumor was ever identified in this group and only one patient remained alive and well after 5 years.     

Cervical lymph node metastases of unknown origin

In this paper we present a three-year prospective study (1991-1993) about the cervical lymph node metastases of unknown origin. 370 patients with lymphatic carcinomatous metastases in the were admitted in "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital--ENT Clinic. No primary tumor was located in 33 patients (8.9%). The diagnostic strategy for cervical metastases of an unknown primary was reviewed. The probability of locating the primary tumor depend on diagnostic phase.     

Intraparathyroid cyst: a tumour of branchial origin and a possible pitfall for targeted parathyroid surgery

Background: Parathyroid cysts account for 0.5% of parathyroid pathologies. They usually contain sky‐high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) but are not necessarily associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Their origin is subject to debate. We provide evidence for a branchial origin and illustrate some potential problems they pose for targeted parathyroid surgery. Methods: The present study is a single institution retrospective study of 1702 parathyroid and 10 021 thyroid operations performed over a period of 12 years (1990?2001). Twenty‐three cases of parathyroid cyst were found: three palpable neck masses, four cases associated with PHPT and 16 incidental findings at the time of thyroid surgery. Intracystic PTH measurements and immunostaining of the lining wall of the cyst were obtained in 16 out of 23 and 18 out of 23 cases, respectively. Results: Intracystic PTH levels were elevated in 15 out of 16 cases (average 3877, range 36 000?23 pg\mL). The wall of the cyst stained positively for epithelial cuboidal cell markers (CK +ve) and negatively for PTH (PTH ?ve) in 18 out of 18 cases. In only one quarter of the cases associated with PHPT was the cyst the hypersecreting gland, nevertheless it contained less than the average PTH level (1440 vs 3877) and did not take up sestamibi. Results were conflicting in the other three cases. Histological studies on the present series suggest a branchial pouch origin. Conclusion: Despite containing high levels of PTH, parathyroid cysts are of branchial origin and when associated with PHPT are rarely responsible for the disease. Targeted parathyroid surgery should not rely only on ultrasound and intraparathyroid PTH measurements.     

Cervical origin of right subclavian artery associated with tetralogy of Fallot

We present a case of an infant with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia with an incidentally detected cervical origin of right subclavian artery. We highlight the importance of identifying this rare variation and the potential complications that may ensue.     

Stripping branchial fistulae

A simple technique for stripping out branchial sinuses and fistulae, using a vein stripper passed up the tract.     

Aetiology of branchial cysts

The aetiology of branchial cysts is unknown. It is possible that they arise by more than one mechanism. The major theories are that they originate either from the branchial apparatus or from lymphoid tissues. A retrospective review was conducted of 61 cases occurring over a recent 14-year period. Eighty-five percent were diagnosed after the age of 10 years, 80% occurred in the 'classical' position, 80% had a squamous epithelial lining and 87% had lymphoid tissue in the wall. The clinical and histological features strongly support the lymphoid aetiology theory for the majority of branchial cysts.     

齿突骨折伴迟发性脊髓损伤的治疗

探讨齿突骨折与迟发性脊随损伤的关系及其外科治疗方法的选择。对１２例齿突骨折伴迟发性脊髓损伤患全新施行手术治疗,枕颈融合术采用椎板大定法７例,颅颈槽式钢板固一法５例,随访６月－４年８个月,平均２年８个月,结果显示,１２例椎板骨全部愈合,功能评价：优８例,良３例,可１例。认为陈旧性齿突骨折,造成寰枢椎不稳,最终导致寰枢椎脱位及脊髓压迫症,应积极选择牵引复位,后方减压,坚强内固定及枕颈融合术。