Alfred L. Weber’s research while affiliated with Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and other places

The aim of the study was to describe computed tomography (CT) findings in middle ear cholesteatoma in pediatric patients. A cohort of 32 children with cholesteatoma (3-14 years old) entered the study. From them, 30 presented acquired cholesteatoma (AC), and 2 presented congenital cholesteatoma. All of the children were investigated using CT before surgery of the middle ear and mastoid. Computed tomography was performed with 1- or 2-mm axial and coronal sections of both temporal bones. Nineteen children with AC (63.3%) revealed a diffuse soft-tissue density isodense with muscle, whereas in 6 of them, the mass mimicked inflammation. The remaining revealed localized soft-tissue mass with partially lobulated contour. In AC, ossicular erosion was detected in 23 cases (76.7%), abnormal pneumatization in 19 cases (63.3%), and erosion-blunting of spur and enlargement of middle ear or mastoid in 8 cases (26.7%). The 2 congenital cholesteatomas revealed soft-tissue mass with polypoid densities, while a semicircular canal fistula was detected in one of them. High-resolution CT facilitates early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of pediatric cholesteatoma by assessing the anatomic abnormalities and the extent of disease, which are crucial in middle ear and mastoid surgery.

We evaluated the clinical applicability and the value of digital volume tomography for visualization of the lateral skull base using temporal bone specimens. Twelve temporal bone specimens were used to evaluate digital volume tomography on the lateral skull base. Aside from the initial examination of the temporal bones, radiologic control examinations were performed after insertion of titanium, gold, and platinum middle-ear implants and a cochlear implant. With high-resolution and almost artifact-free visualization of alloplastic middle-ear implants of titanium, gold, or platinum, it was possible to define the smallest bone structures or position of the prosthesis with high precision. Furthermore, the examination proved that digital volume tomography is useful in assessing the normal position of a cochlear implant. Digital volume tomography expands the application of diagnostic possibilities in the lateral skull base. Therefore, we believe improved preoperative diagnosis can be achieved along with more accurate planning of the surgical procedure. Digital volume tomography delivers a small radiation dose and a high resolution coupled with a low purchase price for the equipment.

The radiologic investigation of the optic nerve plays an integral part in the diagnostic evaluation of diverse lesions of the optic pathways including inflammatory diseases, vascular disorders and benign and malignant tumors and these radiologic modalities consist principally of CT and MR imaging and, in vascular lesions, MR angiography and conventional angiography. The selection of radiologic studies and their focus is based on the ophthalmologic examination where the ophthalmologist can often determine the suspected location of lesions in the anterior or posterior visual pathways. Furthermore, inspection of the eye, including adnexal structures and funduscopy, provides additional information in the clinical assessment of these patients. With technical advances in the last few years, CT and MR imaging can detect lesions and determine their location and extent with high sensitivity and specificity. This article discusses the radiologic, clinical, and pathologic evaluation of the optic nerve.

Malignant tumors of the mandible and maxilla are grouped into primary tumors that originate within the mandible and secondary lesions, predominantly oral cancers and metastatic lesions, that involve the mandible secondarily. The most common malignant tumors of the mandible represent SCCs of the oral cavity, notably carcinoma of the floor of the mouth and gingiva that invade the mandible secondarily. Metastatic disease, most commonly from the breast and lung, are not an uncommon malignant lesion in the mandible and may be the first manifestation of a malignant lesion outside the head and neck. The osteogenic sarcoma is the most common sarcomatous lesion in the mandible and is suggested when a bone-forming matrix with sclerosis is found within the tumor on CT images. Some benign lesions may mimic a malignant tumor on imaging studies. In such cases, a biopsy is indicated to establish the diagnosis by histopathologic means. CT is indicated for assessment of bone destruction in the mandible before surgery or radiation therapy. MR imaging is the optimal modality for the assessment of marrow involvement and evaluation of the extraosseous soft tissue component. Finally, conventional films, frequently a Panorex view, are the initial radiographic examinations in suspected lesions.

The maxilla may be involved by a wide range of pathologic conditions. Lesions originating in the maxilla may involve the adjacent orbit, oral cavity, or retroantral spaces. Recognition of this relationship plays an important role in diagnosis, prognosis, and presurgical planning.

Cystic lesions appearing in the maxilla and mandible have been shown with their typical radiographic features. In addition, this article has presented radiographic techniques used to diagnose these lesions. Cysts of the jaws are classified into two categories: odontogenic and nonodontogenic. Key features to differentiate among these cysts have been discussed. Finally, the article discussed the differentiation of jaw cysts from benign tumors that appear in the jaws.

Carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx constitute approximately 2% to 5% of head and neck cancers. Alcohol abuse and tobacco chewing, including chewing Shamma, predispose individuals to the development of cancer in the oral cavity. CT and MR imaging are best suited in the evaluation of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx. CT in the axial and coronal planes with 3- to 5-mm sections is the primary modality and is best in the evaluation of bony erosion of the mandible and maxilla. Furthermore, lymph node metastases in the neck are optimally evaluated by contrast CT with 5-mm axial sections. MR imaging is preferred for soft tissue assessment because of the greater contrast resolution. It is therefore the first modality in the assessment of tongue carcinomas, oropharyngeal cancer, and tonsillar lesions. The MR examination should be performed with thin-section imaging, applying T1, T2, and T1-GD-DTPA in the axial and coronal planes, with sagittal sections added for paramidline lesions involving the tongue, lips, anterior floor of the mouth, subdivided according to anatomic locations. The local spread, lymph node metastases, prognosis, and therapeutic approaches vary with the location of the lesion represented by a carcinoma either squamous or undifferentiated in 90% of cases. Some malignant lesions may mimic a benign tumor, such as the adenoid cystic or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Histopathologic diagnosis is therefore necessary for the final diagnosis before treatment by surgery or radiotherapy. PET scanning is indicated in the following instances: in search of an unknown primary tumor in patients who have a neck mass secondary to carcinoma, if a recurrent carcinoma may be present, when there are metastatic N0 lymph nodes in the neck, or where CT is inconclusive for metastatic lymph nodes in the neck.

Lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of malignancies that can arise in different nodal and extranodal sites in the head and neck [1-7]. They constitute approximately 3% to 5% of all malignancies and are generally divided into Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) [8-10]. Cervical lymph nodes can be involved by lymphomas of almost any type and are discussed in the section on nodal lymphomas. Among extranodal head and neck sites, the Waldeyer ring is the most common site of involvement, accounting for more than half of extranodal head and neck lymphomas reported in most series. This site is followed, in descending order of frequency, by the ocular adnexa (orbit, lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and eyelids), the sinonasal area, salivary glands, oral cavity, and larynx. The thyroid gland and eye are other head and neck sites where lymphomas arise. Lymphomas are currently classified based on morphology, immunophenotype, genetic features, and clinical syndromes. Various schemes have been developed to classify lymphomas over the years, and the one currently in use by pathologists and hemato-oncologists is the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, which is based on the principles defined in the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms (REAL). Both the WHO and REAL classifications subdivide lymphomas primarily based on cell of origin: B-cell lymphomas, T-cell and natural killer- (NK-) cell lymphomas, and HL [9,11, 12]. HL is a lymphoma. that arises primarily in nodal sites and is discussed later. The remaining neoplasms are referred to as NHLs and comprise the subtypes summarized in Box 1.

NPC represents 0.2% of malignant disease in the white population but is more common in southern China, among Chinese in East Asia and the United [figure: see text] States, and in North Africa, including Saudi Arabia. NPC in these ethnic groups tends to manifest at a younger age. Undifferentiated carcinoma is the most common histopathologic type and is associated with EBV. The tumor is optimally assessed with CT and MR imaging for staging; PET scanning provides optimal assessment of recurrent tumor or small lymph node metastases. The primary tumor in the nasopharynx may be small and infiltrating, causing no or only a small mass effect in the nasopharynx. In these cases, obliteration of fat planes and loss of muscle boundaries are important diagnostic findings, which are best evaluated with MR imaging including, Gd-DTPA with fat suppression. The size of the NPC varies from 1 to 2 cm to large tumors that extend to the oropharynx, PPS, nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, and orbits. Skull base erosion is independent of the size of the nasopharyngeal tumor and ranges from slight erosion to extensive destruction. A concomitant finding is intracranial invasion, predominantly to the basal cisterns and cavernous sinuses associated with cranial nerve palsies. Intracranial invasion should be assessed with contrast MR imaging. Lymph node metastases in the neck are present in 90% of cases and are bilateral in 50% of cases. In a small percentage of cases, extension of lymph node metastases to the mediastinum and hilar areas are encountered. Distant metastases involve the lungs, skeleton, and liver, and occasionally the choroid. They are usually present at the initial presentation [figure: see text] and increase in frequency in advanced disease and in recurrent tumors. In addition, the metastatic lymph nodes in the neck reveal no specific imaging features that would allow differentiation from other lymph node metastases. They may be discrete, often multiple, and large and bulky displaying a variable degree of necrosis and enhancement following introduction of contrast material. Local recurrence manifests commonly within the first 2 to 3 years posttherapy and is optimally evaluated by MR imaging and PET scanning.