Schwannomas (neurilemomas) are benign, slow-growing, encapsulated, white, yellow, or pink tumors originating in Schwann cells in the sheaths of cranial nerves or myelinated peripheral nerves. Facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) can form anywhere along the course of the nerve, from the pontocerebellar angle to the terminal branches of the facial nerve. In this article, we propose a review of the specialized literature regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management of schwannomas of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve, also presenting our experience in this type of rare neurogenic tumor. The clinical exam reveals pretragial swelling or retromandibular swelling, the extrinsic compression of the lateral oropharyngeal wall like a parapharyngeal tumor. The function of the facial nerve is generally preserved due to the eccentric growth of the tumor pushing on the nerve fibers, and the incidence of peripheral facial paralysis in FNSs is described in 20–27% of cases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination is the gold standard and describes a mass with iso signal to muscle on T1 and hyper signal to muscle on T2 and a characteristic “darts sign.” The most practical differential diagnoses are pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and glossopharyngeal schwannoma. The surgical approach to FNSs requires an experienced surgeon, and radical ablation by extracapsular dissection with preservation of the facial nerve is the gold standard for the cure. The patient’s informed consent is important regarding the diagnosis of schwannoma and the possibility of facial nerve resection with reconstruction. Frozen section intraoperative examination is necessary to rule out malignancy or when sectioning of the facial nerve fibers is necessary. Alternative therapeutic strategies are imaging monitoring or stereotactic radiosurgery. The main factors which are considered during the management are the extension of the tumor, the presence or not of facial palsy, the experience of the surgeon, and the patient’s options.
Frontal bone trauma has an increasing incidence and prevalence due to the wide-scale use of personal mobility devices such as motorcycles, electric bicycles, and scooters. Usually, the patients are involved in high-velocity accidents and the resulting lesions could be life-threatening. Moreover, there are immediate and long-term aesthetic and functional deficits resulting from such pathology. The immediate complications range from local infections in the frontal sinus to infections propagating inside the central nervous system, or the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and vision impairment. We review current trends and available guidelines regarding the management of cases with frontal bone trauma. Treatment options taken into consideration are a conservative attitude towards minor lesions or aggressive surgical management of complex fractures involving the anterior and posterior frontal sinus walls. We illustrate and propose different approaches in the management of cases with long-term complications after frontal bone trauma. The team attending to these patients should unite otorhinolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Take-home message: Only such complex interdisciplinary teams of trained specialists can provide a higher standard of care for complex trauma cases and limit the possible exposure to further legal actions or even malpractice.
The present paper explores genetic polymorphism and its association with thromboembolic retinal venous disorders, such as central/hemi-retinal vein occlusion, as well as possible correlations with other ocular findings, such as closed angle glaucoma, but also with autoimmune general disorders. In this review, we are highlighting the importance of establishing a correspondence between all of the above, since they all have complex etiopathogeneses; sometimes, when all coexist together, they could generate effects that may be very difficult to manage. There are studies supporting that genetic polymorphism, such as the variant MTHFR A1298C, may increase the risk for developing glaucoma, especially in the heterozygote model. Being aware of all these aspects may prove to be useful in patients with several associated diseases, as a combined effort between several medical specialties may prove to the benefit of these patients. Our review, completed with an exemplifying clinical case, shows that it is necessary to raise awareness of all aspects of a complex medical situation, including the genetic one, of a patient being at risk for thromboembolic episodes, for preventing them or managing them promptly and properly in the future.
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