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Biomedical subjects

A S Krausen

Publications and source records attributed to A S Krausen.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Cementomas--aggressive or innocuous neoplasms?

No class of tumor is so inadequately discussed in the otolaryngology literature as the "cementomas". Until recent years, four distinctly different benign fibro-osseouslesions containing cementum were clumped together under the heading of cementoma. The separate entities in this tumor class are benign cementoblastoma (true cementoma), cementifying fibroma, peripical cemental dysplasia, and gigantiform cementoma (florid osseous dysplasia). Only an occasional case of the gigantiform variant or an unusually aggressive cementifying fibroma requires an extensive operation for complete excision.

Adolescent

Cementomas. II. Aggressive cemento-ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid region.

Aggressive cemento-ossifying fibroma is the most aggressive tumor of all cementum-containing neoplasms. An extensive, destructive cemento-ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid region was found in a patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a cemento-ossifying fibroma in this location. A radical maxillectomy was ultimately required to control the tumor, preserving orbital contents. The unique site of origin is thought to be the result of an ectopic periodontal membrane or of a primitive mesenchymal cell rest.

Adult

Liposarcoma of the larynx: a multicentric or a metastatic malignancy.

The third case of liposarcoma of the larynx, this one arising from the preepiglottic space, is presented. The report is unique in so far as the patient previously had been treated for a liposarcoma in another anatomic region. The diagnosis in this case was in doubt until electron microscopic studies were done. Since the histopathology of the laryngeal and the previous liposarcoma were different, the question of metastasis versus multicentricity was raised. Other discussions of liposarcomas over the past three decades have not resolved this aspect of their behavior completely. In this instance, after considering avenues of metastatic spread in conjuction with the histopathology, it would appear that the laryngeal lesion was a second primary and not a metastasis.

Aged

The inferior thyroid veins--the ultimate guardians of the trachea.

The inferior thyroid veins and their multiple tributaries are the ultimate guardians of the cervical trachea. Deeply embedded in the pretracheal fat pad, this plexus of veins is consistently encountered during low tracheostomy that accompanies conservation laryngral procedures as well as in tracheal reconstruction. In a high tracheotomy, the handling of the thyroid isthmus is simplified by an appreciation of these veins. Even cricothyrotomy is potentially complicated by hemorrhage sebsequent to a tear in a tributary of the inferior thyroid venous system. A cadaver study, employing 10 embalmed head and neck specimens, was performed to elucidate the tributary patterns of these veins. In every dissection there was at least one and as many as five veins overlying the trachea just below the thyroid isthmus. In 7 of 10 dissections a confluence of right and left inferior thyroid veins formed a large thyroid ima vein draining into the left innominate vein, and in 1 of 10 cases the thyroid ima vein drained into the right innominate. This confluence was present at a level which would be encountered in low tracheostomy or tracheal repair procedures. Six of 10 dissections presented large tributaries of the inferior thyroid veins overlying the cricothyroid membrane. An awareness of such anatomical considerations should result in safer surgical procedure performed in a dry operative field.

Humans

Antihistamines. Guidelines and implications.

Antihistamines may be used to maximum benefit for the allergic patient if the physician adheres to four guidelines. These guidelines are based upon 1) an appreciation of certain structural and pharmacologic differences among antihistamines, and 2) an understanding of their mechanism of action. Around the clock administration is advisable, the dosage should be titrated for the individual patient, substitutions to another antihistamine should be to a different class of antihistamine, and the efficacy of any single antihistamine usually will diminish with prolonged use, either on the basis of true tolerance or because of psychic factors. There is good theoretical evidence when alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetics, employed as decongestants in combination with antihistamines, should not be given to allergic patients. Two newer drugs, disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone, may provide symptomatic relief for allergic rhinitis patients. They may benefit the patient who does not obtain full symptomatic relief from antihistamines.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists

Pediatric jaw fractures: indications for open reduction.

Jaw fractures in children are generally managed without major surgical intervention. Closed reduction usually is sufficient to restore normal anatomy and function. The one inviolate principle is early treatment. During the past three years, four pediatric jaw fractures that required open reduction were treated. This mode of treatment was necessitated by the limitations imposed by pediatric dental anatomy and by the type of fractures encountered. In at least 24 months of follow-up, no dental problems have been seen.

Child, Preschool

Sialoceles: medical treatment first.

There are numerous methods described in the literature for sialocele treatment. Surgical modalities usually involve an operation with possible facial nerve injury, with the risk of a general anesthetic, and with prolonged hospitalization to be considered. Among non-surgical modalities radiation and laissez-faire are of questionable efficacy. Propantheline bromide, which medically interrupts the parasympathetic control of salivary secretion, has proved a safe, effective means of rapid sialocele control.

Adult