Faculty Bibliography

A case of primary chordoma of the maxillary sinus is presented. The embryology of the notochord is reviewed and it is suggested that the frequently used adjective "ectopic" is a misnomer. The literature of primary paranasal sinus chordomas is reviewed and the clinicopathological features described. It is emphasized that these lesions can mimic other benign and malignant processes both clinically, radiographically and histologically. The treatment and prognosis is more favorable than the more common craniocervical chordoma.

The death rate of brain abscesses in a recently reported series is high, ranging from 36% to 50% of all cases. This paper reports experiences with ten cases of intracranial abscesses secondary to ear and sinus infections. Six of these abscesses are secondary to otitic infections with three of them located in the cerebellum. Two of the cerebellar abscesses are surgically drained through the temporal bone by the otologic surgeon, with close neurosurgical cooperation. Computerized axial tomography has revolutionized the treatment of intracranial abscesses optimizing the timing for medical and surgical management.

Dichotic CV recognition at interaural temporal onset asynchronies (lag times) of 0, 30, 60, and 90 ms was investigated in normal hearing young and elderly subjects. The results for the young group were consistent with those reported in previous studies (Studdert-Kennedy et al., 1970; Berlin et al., 1973a). The older group demonstrated a mean right ear advantage (REA) at simultaneity of 12.7%, which was not significantly different from that of the young group (12.4%). This suggests that the processes subserving the REA are not affected by age. However, there was a significant reduction in the total (right ear plus left ear) dichotic scores of the elderly group compared to the young; suggesting an age-associated reduction in the channel capacity of the aging auditory system. Further, there were striking aberrations of the dictotic lag effect in the elderly group compared to the young subjects, consistent with age-related changes in auditory temporal processing. The findings are discussed with respect to the aging auditory system and the nature of dichotic speech processing

Eight cases, the largest series of malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the head and neck to date, are reported. In over one-half of the cases, the initial problems encountered in the case made the true diagnosis misleading. For correct diagnosis multiple biopsies may be required. The diagnosis is further confirmed by the clinical behavior of the tumor and its site, size, and depth of involvement. Four specific histopathologic variants are described. Wide surgical excision is the preferrred treatment. The potential role of adjunctive irradiation should be considered

The anterior commissure technique of partial laryngectomy is useful for treating "horseshoe" lesions of the larynx. As originally described, a McNaught keel is used after the excision to maintain an open glottic chink and to prevent webbing. After three weeks, this keel is removed as a surgical procedure. During the past four years, we have treated 12 patients using 0.020-gauge Silastic sheeting to replace the McNaught keel. The Silastic sheet is anchored above and below the glottis with externally tied 2-0 proline stutures. Two to three weeks later, a direct laryngoscopy is performed and the stent is removed. This modification avoids a second surgical procedure, decreases the hospital stay, and allows for inspection of the glottis.

Reconstruction of the head and neck region following radical parotidectomy with or without mandibulectomy may be a difficult procedure. Facial skin is usually preserved, but the underlying soft-tissue structures and bone are deficient. The challenge is to augment the facial defect while the overlying skin is preserved with a high success rate, minimal time, one operative stage, and reduced secondary deformity to the patient. In certain instances, a microvascular free flap is ideal. We have used a de-epithelialized microvascular free groin flap successfully to reconstruct large parotid-mandibular defects in nine patients. A small bridge of epithelium is left to relieve tension from edema and to monitor the flap postoperatively. The high success rate, minimal complications, and acceptable donor site defect make the microvascular free dermis-fat flap an ideal choice for this type of reconstruction