This paper FROM Turkey (Yetiser & Kahraman, Otol Neurotol. 2008 Apr;29(3):392-6) builds on earlier studies into the effect of  brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF) on peripheral nerve regeneration (Lewin SL et al, 1997, Cheng ET et al, 1998, Yao M et al, 1999) and applied this to the facial nerve, concluding—unlike previous studies that stressed the importance of BDNF & CNTF in neuronal regeneration—that it is possible that CNTF levels can distinguish whether the facial nerve is interrupted after trauma

Editor’s choice :  BDNF, CNTF & VII NerVe …?

...?

Obstructive NNRD & Pyriform sinus cyst...?

To the plethora of differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress is added this rare entity—Infected pyriform sinus cyst—according to this paper from Canada (Roessingh , Quintal & Bensoussan ,  Pediatr Surg. 2008 May;43(5):E5-8.)

May 24 2008

Vol 8 No 5

Otorhinolaryngology news

In this issue

· BDNF, CNTF & VII NERVE…?

· ONNRD & Pyriform Sinus Cyst…?

· FA/IMA Embolization & Epistaxis..?

· Case of The week

Journal Watch: Visual-vestibular interaction test in the diagnosis of vertigo in children, Salami A et al, 2008

 1. Home page of otolaryngologyinafrica.net re-designed for accessibility

2.    A new forum for ENT patients and clinicians launched, For Details, click HERE

3. Receive the latest newsletter info. On your cell phone. Simply point your phone browser HERE

 Till Next Week,

 Biodun

This paper from Japan (Fukutsuji K et al, Acta Otolaryngol. 2008 May;128(5):556-60) evaluated the outcomes of routine embolization of the ipsilateral FA as well as the IMA for intractable epistaxis and reported high success rate

fA/IMA Embolizzation & epistaxis ...?

Abstract:  Conclusions. Routine embolization of the ipsilateral facial artery (FA) is effective because of the high success rate. The use of different embolic materials for the internal maxillary artery (IMA) and the FA was considered safe because of the absence of major complications. Objective. To evaluate outcomes of routine embolization of the FA as well as the IMA ipsilateral to the bleeding site for intractable epistaxis, and outcomes using different embolic materials for the FA and the IMA. Patients and methods. Twenty-two patients with intractable epistaxis who underwent superselective embolization were retrospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 7 months. The FA and the IMA ipsilateral to the bleeding site were embolized. Two embolic materials, gelatin sponge and microcoils, were used for the IMA and the FA, respectively. Results. The short-term success rate within the first 7 days was 77.3% (17/22). The long-term success rate was 95.5% (21/22). There were no major complications in 22 cases. Minor complications occurred in 13 cases (59%). These minor complications usually did not last more than a week and most resolved within a day.

Abstract:

HYPOTHESIS: To investigate neurotrophic changes in the injured facial nerve in rats. BACKGROUND: Time-dependent follow-up of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) concentrations in a standardized nerve-cut and nerve-crush trauma model could present valuable information about estimation of the extent of the injury. METHODS: Ninety Wistar rats were grouped into permanent (transection: nerve-cut) and transient (compression: nerve-crush) nerve injury and analyzed for neurotrophic changes at Week 1 and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Ten undissected rats served as controls. Permanent injury was accomplished with a 5-mm transection. To model transient injury, the facial nerve was pressed by vascular clamps for 40 minutes. Rat BDNF and CNTF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to perform histochemical analysis of blood samples. Measurements were compared with variance analysis and Student's t tests. RESULTS: BDNF levels in nerve-injured preparations from both groups at consecutive intervals were not significant from those of controls, except for transient increases in the first week. When BDNF levels in nerve-cut and nerve-crush groups were compared at each interval separately, differences were insignificant (p > 0.05). CNTF levels at consecutive intervals were significant from that of control rats in both groups. When CN0054F levels in nerve-cut and nerve-crush groups were compared at each interval separately, differences were significant (p = 0.023, p = 0.001, p = 0.043, and p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of BDNF in the first week after nerve injury do not differentiate the severity of the facial nerve injury. However, diminished CNTF levels in the nerve-crush group were significant when compared with that of nerve-cut group. This finding suggests the possibility that CNTF levels can distinguish whether the facial nerve is interrupted after trauma. Further experimental studies should investigate the indicative role of CNTF levels as a marker of nerve disruption in the clinical setting.

© Copyright Dr 'Biodun Olusesi,  2005 - 2008

Reed Our Feed

Abstract:

Infected lateral cervical cysts in newborn are rare. We present the case of a baby born at 41 weeks of gestation. At day 3, persistent cyanosis was noted, and a mass appeared in the left cervical region next to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. No cutaneous sinus was visible. Ultrasound imaging showed no sign of blood flow within the mass and no septae. The mass extended down to the aortic arch and pushed the trachea to the right. A cervical lymphangioma was first suspected. Puncture of the mass evacuated 80 mL of pus, and a drain was put in place. Opacification through the drain showed a tract originating from the left pyriform fossa. Preoperative laryngoscopy and catheterization of the fistula tract confirmed the diagnosis. The cyst was totally excised up to the sinus with the assistance of a guidewire inserted orally through a rigid laryngoscope. This is a rare case of an infected pyriform sinus cyst in the neonatal period.