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Biomedical subjects

J L Poncet

Publications and source records attributed to J L Poncet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Positron emission tomography in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas].

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging modality which is becoming increasingly esential in oncology, especially in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The most common uses of the PET are listed in this thematic study: initial staging, cervical lymph node metastases from an unknown primary tumor and post-therapeutic follow-up. The advantages and drawbacks of this imaging tool are exposed here according to both our experience and data from the literature. Decision schemes are suggested for each use so as to optimize the use of this imaging modality in the management of these SCC. Other fields of application for the PET are mentioned, such as the in-progress evaluation of response to chemotherapy, the interest of this imaging tool in radiotherapy as well as current biochemical developments concerning new tracers.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Acute laryngeal paralysis induced by the migration of a totally implantable venous access device's catheter tip.

The authors report a case of acute vagus nerve paralysis that appeared during a course of chemotherapy. The drugs had been administered through a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), whose catheter tip had migrated into the right internal jugular vein (IJV) and was surrounded by a complete venous thrombosis. The supposed aetiology of this paralysis was a leakage of the cytotoxic drug (5-fluorouracil) from the vessel wall into the surrounding carotid space, because of the stagnation of the chemotherapeutic agent above the thrombosis. Four months after cessation of chemotherapy, the laryngeal paralysis was still evident.

Aged↗

[Susac syndrome or microangiopathy of the cochlea, brain and retina].

OBJECTIVES: Susac syndrome, also called SICRET syndrome (small infarction of cochlear, retinal, and encephalic tissue) is a rare condition difficult to diagnose. Sudden deafness may be the inaugural sign. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A female patient developed subacute encephalopathy, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and ischemic retinopathy. The patient was given cyclophosphamid and methylprednisolone for six months, followed by prednisone for eight months. RESULTS: Signs of encephalopathy had totally regressed by month 14 and retinal arteries were free of obstruction. Deafness remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of this microangiopathy involving the inner ear, the brain, and the retina is suggested by the clinical triad and established on the basis of tonal audiometry, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, examination of the cerebrospinal fluid, magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple sclerosis is the main differential diagnosis. The pathogenesis remains unknown. We observed transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions. There is no consensus concerning treatment. Many advocate combining corticosteroids and immunosuppressors. Otolaryngologists should be aware that an ophthalmological examination is required for patients with central or visual disorders associated with hearing loss.

Adult↗

[Current aspects of laryngeal tuberculosis: a report of four cases].

OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal tuberculosis is a rare condition. This new clinical pattern of tuberculosis should be recognized by clinicians. METHODS: We report our experience with four cases of laryngeal tuberculosis. RESULTS: The principal differences in the disease pattern are an increase in the number of cases of primary laryngeal tuberculosis without any evident pulmonary involvement and the declining number of pseudotumor forms with an larger number of nonspecific laryngeal localizations. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis should be entertained as a possible diagnosis in patients with nonspecific laryngeal disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by identification of granulomatous inflammation and acid-fast bacilli. New culture techniques and molecular biology methods such as polymerase chain reaction allow early identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Adult↗

[Cephalic vein access for implantable venous access devices. Technique and long-term follow-up].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 1) the advantages and drawbacks of the cephalic vein access for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD); 2) the complications of such devices at long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of a series of 107 cephalic vein accesses attempted on 105 patients from January 1997 to December 2001, in our department. They were 87 men and 18 women, aged from 25 to 85 years (mean: 59). The authors evaluated in each case the surgical technique, the preoperative incidents, the side of surgery, and the short-term and long-term complications. The total follow-up reached 41 284 days. RESULTS: The cephalic vein access attempt failed in 12 cases (11%). These failures were due to intravenous blockade of the flexible catheter or to misroutine of the catheter in 5 cases and to a too thin vein in 7 cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides. There was no technique-related complication. There were 18 postoperative complications (19%) out of the 95 devices that were implanted: 6 venous thrombosis, 7 infections, 4 catheter disconnections including 3 intra-cardiac migrations, 1 catheter occlusion. In 12 of these cases, the whole device had to be withdrawn. In the whole series, the devices were withdrawn at mean of 435 days after implantation. CONCLUSION: The use of a TIVAD is necessary when a chemotherapy must be delivered for treatment of a cancer. Cephalic vein access appears to be easy, quick and relatively safe. Postoperatively, serious complications can be encountered like with any type of TIVAD. These complications must be well-known if one wants to manage them well.

Adult↗

[Positron emission tomography in head and neck oncology: five cases].

FDG-PET (18-fluoro-desoxyglucose positron emission tomography) is a fonctionnal imaging method based on the high rate of glycolysis in different types of cancer-cells. We report the first five cases where FDG-PET was used in France for head and neck cancers. The results were analyzed on the basis of data reported to date in the literature, leading to a proposal for rational use of this diagnostic available in only a few centers in France. For primary assessment of cervicofacial carcinomas, different imaging techniques such as CT and MRI have improved tumor staging. Although 18-FDG-PET cannot replace these techniques used to monitor size and structural changes in tumors and lymph nodes, it will be helpful in following their metabolic activity. This diagnostic tool consequently is greatly helpful for detection and post-therapeutic evaluation of head and neck carcinomas and their recurrence. 18-FDG-PET is currently under evaluation as a tool for detecting cervical lymph nodes and early assessment of response to chemotherapy.

Fluorodeoxyglucose F18↗

[Positron emission tomography in head and neck oncology].

Defining a therapeutic strategy in oncology requires a substantial amount of imaging data provided by modern techniques. While the description of the lesions and their environment has become very precise, there remains a certain degree of uncertainty concerning tissue typing. Positron emission tomography is a scintigraphy technique which can produce quantitative images of metabolic characteristics. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose is a tracer allowing an analysis of glucose metabolism known to be highly increased in malignant tissues. Increased uptake is an indication of malignancy with an established correlation with proliferative capacity. The only limitation of the method is the generally weak uptake observed in benign hypermetabolic inflammatory or infectious areas. All stages of the disease are concerned for head and neck cancer patients. Clinical experience to date indicates that PET can be applied most usefully to search or residual disease with a possible differentiation between post-therapeutic fibrosis and viable tumor tissue as well as the identification of early relapse. Study of early response to chemotherapy is also an interesting application. Search for extension can also be improved with this technique allowing both regional and whole body explorations. Positron emission tomography is not widely available in France at the present time so all patients cannot be examined with this technique. Positron emission tomography is an evolving technique with improvements being proposed both in the technique and in tracer elements. Further information will be available with new developments in this non-invasive exploration tool.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

[Value of positron-emission tomography in the post-treatment follow-up of epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck].

UNLABELLED: This study aimed at pointing out the supply of the positron emission tomography (PET) in the posttherapeutic follow-up of the head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and to determine the best period to perform this test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients have been included in this series, 16 men and 4 women. The PET was performed between 3 and 6 months after the end of all therapy. It systematically included radiation therapy. The results of the PET have been compared with those obtained by histology. The average distance of the follow-up of the patients after the achievement of the test was 11 months. RESULTS: They divided up according to the presence or not of an abnormal fixation on the PET imaging. Negative PETs: eight cases. Among those, a patient showed a metastatic cervical adenopathy at five months. Positive PETs: twelve cases which can be divided into three groups according to the area of the fixation. Primary site: 8 cases, 4 of which false-positive. Cervical lymph nodes: one case. Other sites: three cases. In our series PET had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 67%. CONCLUSION: The PET is an original imaging as it allows a corporal metabolic study at one go. It seems to be very useful in the follow-up of patients who show a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The best period to perform it is the third or fourth posttherapeutic month. The high sensitivity is interesting within the context of an early detection of a residual tumour, for it allows to think of a suitable therapy quicker.

Aged↗

[Traumatic and occupational deafness].

The frequency of accidental, traumatic hearing loss is increasing due to a sometimes violently noisy environment and to the development of sports as leisure activities. The diagnosis is based on knowledge of the circumstances of the trauma and on otoscopic examination. Total audiometry localises the damage. Occupational hearing loss forms a special subset of traumatic deafness. This trauma is usually due to intense noise occurring at the work-place. It is of insidious onset, irreversibly progressive and without treatment once under way; Prevention is based on knowledge of the deleterious effects of noise and on the individual factors of the subject at risk.

Athletic Injuries↗

[Rehabilitation of the paralyzed face by hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis. An analysis of 7 cases].

After facial nerve injury, in cerebello-pontine tumors surgery, hypoglossal-facial anastomosis is the most common procedure, to rehabilite a paralysed face, if direct facio-facial graft is not possible. This procedure must be done, in a second time, during the next year and followed with a specific reeducation. In seven patients operated between 1985 and 1996, we performed clinical evaluation and electrophysiological examination. The best evaluation is the clinical evaluation using the G. Freyss's facial testing. Best results are seen in early, specific and continued reeducation. All our patients have a good recovery of facial nerve function, but clinical examination and electrophysiological results are not correled with an objective video performance. The management of such patients needs efficient oto-neurosurgical team and specific trained physiotherapists.

Adult↗

[Necrotizing cervico-mediastinal cellulitis. Apropos of 3 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To outline the most appropriate treatment of descending necrotizing mediastinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three adult patients had mediastinitis occurring from a descending odontogenic infection in one case and oropharynx infection in two cases. All patients underwent extensive surgical debridement and a cervicomediastinal drainage through a cervical incision. All patients survived. DISCUSSION: Soft-tissue infections of the neck with mediastinitis demand early diagnosis aided by CT scan in order to decrease their threat to life. Extensive surgical debridement and a cervico mediastinal drainage through a cervical incision is adequate when mediastinitis is limited to the upper mediastinum. Thoracotomy has to be performed when the process spread below the carina. Patients must be treated initially aggressively with the aid of multidisciplinary support team (intensive care physicians, thoracic and head and neck surgeons). Early surgery must treat both neck and mediastin. While usually associated with greater than 40% mortality, all the patients in this series survived.

Adult↗

[Traumatic perilymphatic fistula and sports].

In the past ten years four sportsmen with a traumatic perilymphatic fistula were treated. Three of these four patients were surgically treated: two of them underwent a labyrinthectomy and with one of them, the oval window was grafted. After the analysis of these cases, we have made a study of the literature. Careful attention to the patient history and accurate review of the recurrent vestibulocochlear symptomatology isolate a clinical "audiovestibular syndrome of perilymphatic fistule". There is lack of precise preoperatoire diagnostic test. Nevertheless, entire positionnal audiometric test is a reliable and easy to perform test. The medical management is based on bed rest during a reasonable period. Only patients with significant suggestive symptomatology are surgically explored . They sometimes need destruction of vestibular function without preservation of hearing.

Adult↗

[Pituitary abscess. A rare complication of sinusitis].

This report is of a pituitary abscess arising from chronic sinusitis. The MRI suggested a pituitary tumor with suprasellar extension and diagnosis was made operatively. Pituitary abscesses are rare entities. Despite the advent of MRI, diagnosis is often only made operatively.

Abscess↗

[Neurinoma of the intrapetrous facial nerve (apropos of 5 cases)].

Five patients with intra-petrous facial neuromas were treated between 1993 and 1995. The most common symptom was facial paralysis in four cases and conduction hearing loss with a mass behind the tympanic membrane in one case. For all cases a MRI led to an accurate diagnosis of the tumoral invasion. Four patients had an operation (one middle cranial fossa approach, one transmastoidal approach and two transmastoidal approach and middle cranial fossa approach associated). Results are analysed and a discussion on the clinical and para-clinical diagnosis as well as the treatment method is realized considering the literature.

Adult↗

[Congenital neck masses. Embryonic origin and diagnosis. Report of the CIREOL].

Various congenital cervical anomalies are found in the neck region including defects of the branchial apparatus (branchial, thymic and parathyroid anomalies) and vascular anomalies. They manifest as cystic masses, sinuses, fistulas and as ectopic glands. This multicentric retrospective imaging study done in 5 different radiological centers (4 adult radiological departments and 1 pediatric radiological department) shows the result in understanding the congenital cervical anomalies and include 63 patients. The age of the patients varied between 24 days-81 years with a mean age of 23 years. This study included 27 patients having congenital branchial pouch anomalies (4 cases of anomalies of obliteration of the 4 th arch), 14 cases of cervical cystic hygromas, 11 thyroglossal tract cyst cases, 1 congenital laryngocele case, 1 case of jugular ectasia, 3 cases of capillary haemangioma. The embryologic basis of these different malformations were reviewed. Their characteristic findings and sites were illustrated together with their typical et atypical appearances. The frequency of occurrence of each branchial anomaly were plotted, the second branchial cleft cyst being by far the most common congenital cystic neck mass (70%). The study revealed the role of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis of various congenital cervical anomalies, especially in some particular complicated cases of congenital neck masses presenting in adult. Imaging study helps the clinician to anticipate any difficulties in unforeseen circumstances that may arise including infection haemorrhage, or parapharyngeal extension. Understanding the various radiologic appearances of these anomalies is greatly aided by familiarity with their embryologic origin. Moreover, considering the anatomic location and radiologic appearance, the precise embryologic origin can be accurately predicted.

Adolescent↗

Otologic features and teachings of a bombing attempt.

The authors present 13 casualties observed after the bombing attempt in Djibouti (March 1987). All of them suffered blast injury to the ear. The scene and the circumstances of the explosion are described. A correlation is sought between the location and position of each casualty and the lesions he presented, with reference to animal experiment data, namely the shock waves propagation conditions. The otologic lesions are commented on with reference to acute acoustic trauma, and the need for a special study of vestibular outcome of blast injuries is emphasized.

Blast Injuries↗