Recurrent Palsy Research Articles

431. DISSECTION OF THE SUPRACARINAL MESOESOPHAGUS RECURRENTIAL LYMPHADENECTOMY AND RECURRENT NERVE DAMAGE

Abstract Background Currently, an extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy is considered paramount for an accurate cancer staging as well as to improve the oncologic outcomes of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Following the recently described supracarinal mesoesophagus (Cuesta et. al. 2023) allows a complete lymphadenectomy, including the left recurrential area. However, this dissection represents a considerable challenge and could be associated with significant complications. The aim of this study is to analyse if the extended lymphadenectomy guided by the anatomy of the superior mesoesophagus enables a more careful dissection of the recurrent nerves in order to avoid an injury of these structures. Methods We prospectively studied all patients in our centre with advanced esophageal cancer, from 2018 to 2023, who underwent esophagectomy and recurrent lymphadenectomy following the surgical plane of the supracarinal mesoesophagus (both unilateral and bilateral). All procedures were performed as curative intent by the same surgeon. We analysed all patients with recurrent nerve lesions and their severity, as well as their implication through the postoperative period and the treatment needed for their repair. In addition, we also studied the number of adenopathies included in the specimen, specifying those that belonged to the recurrential area and its positivity for tumoral cells. Results We included 40 patients in our study, 30 men and 10 women with an average age of 65 years. All of them received neoadyuvant therapy previous to the surgery (mostly CROSS and FLOT schemes). There were only 2 patients (5%) who suffered from permanent recurrent palsy, both needing surgical treatment for its correction. Two other patients had mild dysphonia that could be resolved with phoniatric rehabilitation. No fatal outcome occurred secondary to recurrent nerve injury. The median number of adenopathies resected in total was 35, while the median number of adenopathies corresponding to the recurrential area was 5. Conclusions In this study we have observed that, following the landmarks of the supracarinal mesoesophagus allows us to perform an extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy reducing the recurrent nerves injury down to only 5%. Even though a lesion of the recurrent nerves could imply a major influence on the quality of life, performing this dissection meticulously could improve the quality of cancer staging, overall and disease-free survival without significantly increasing the risk of recurrent nerve damage. For this reason, the proper knowledge of these anatomical planes of dissection may help improve lymphadenectomies without increasing or even reducing the rate of recurrent nerve injury.

Neurological manifestations of hypokalemia: a case report

Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (HPP) is a neurological manifestation of hypokalemia, with a prevalence of 1 in 100,000. HPP is recognized by the sudden onset of muscle paralysis and low serum potassium. Due to its various causes, it may be misdiagnosed and neglected.
 We present a case of 42-year-old Asian female with weakness of both legs and cramps. The weakness was felt upon awakening from sleep. She also complained of palpitation, tiredness, sweating, heat intolerance, and hand tremors. In the recent weeks, her appetite increased.
 Periodic paralysis (PP) is characterized by bursts of painless muscle weakening. A possible cause of periodic paralysis is hypokalemia which was found in our case. Hyperthyroid is classified into potassium depletion by extra renal route which was found in this case. Management
 When managing a patient with sudden onset weakness or paralysis, it is crucial to consider the possibility of periodic paralysis. HPP is a rare but serious medical emergency. This should be suspected in any patient presenting with sudden muscle weakness. Prompt correction of any abnormalities in potassium levels can lead to rapid and complete symptom resolution. To avoid persistent or recurrent paralysis, any underlying causes should be effectively managed wherever possible.
 Keywords: Hypokalemia; Paralysis; Hyperthyroid; Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
 Citation: Puspamaniar VA, Firdha AA, Azizah N, Hidayati HB. Neurological manifestations of hypokalemia: a case report. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):187−190; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2387
 Received: September 03, 2023; Reviewed: September 16, 2023; Accepted: September 19, 2023

Results of thyroidectomies according to general surgeons and otolaryngologist and cervico faciale surgeons at the general Hospital of Reference of Niamey, what differences in the protocols of management?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical management of thyroid pathologies at the Reference General Hospital.MethodsThis was a retro-prospective study over 4 years 6 months carried out in the departments of General and Digestive Surgery (GDS) and Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico Facial Surgery (ORL/FCS). It involved 182 patients who underwent thyroid surgery.ResultsA frequency of thyroidectomy of 9.46% was found. Females predominated with a sex ratio of 0.1. The average age of patients was 42.85 years, a standard deviation 12.80. 84.06% of patients had consulted for anterior cervical mass. EU-TIRADS score 3 represented 7,14% of cases. Heteromultinodular goiter was the main indication for thyroid surgery (59.34%). Total thyroidectomy was the most commonly performed gesture in general surgery in 88,23% (n = 105), in Otorhinolaryngology, it was in the same proportion as lobo-isthmectomy at 47.61% (n = 30). The first route was video-assisted thyroidectomy 2.2% (n = 4). The recurrent laryngeal nerve was dissected and seen in 159 cases (87.36%) and parathyroid glands were also seen and preserved in 58.24% of cases (n = 106). In immediate postoperative surgery, the main complications were unilateral recurrent paralysis with dysphonia in 3.3% (n = 6) and compressive hematoma in 2.2% (n = 4). No deaths had been recorded.ConclusionTotal thyroidectomy was the most performed procedure in department of General and Digestive Surgery. Routine oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation in the general surgery ward, reduces the occurrence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy and allows a safe and early exit. Standardizing protocols will further reduce complications.

The Impact of Early Acupuncture on Bell's Palsy Recurrence: Real-World Evidence from Korea.

Evidence-based treatment for Bell's palsy includes the administration of steroids within 3 days of symptom onset. Additionally, a few studies have suggested the importance of combining early acupuncture treatment in the acute phase of Bell's palsy with steroids. This study aimed to observe the impact of early acupuncture for Bell's palsy using real-world health insurance data in Korea. This retrospective study extracted data from 45,986 adult patients with Bell's palsy who received steroids between 2015 and 2017 with a follow-up period of at least 3 years until 2020 from the Korea National Health Insurance database. They were divided into the early acupuncture group (n = 28,267) and the comparison group (n = 17,719) based on the presence of an acupuncture treatment code within 7 days of diagnosis. The impact of early acupuncture on the likelihood of Bell's palsy recurrence was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. The patients in the early acupuncture group had a lower likelihood of recurrence (odds ratio: 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.95). This study observed a beneficial impact of early acupuncture on Bell's palsy using real-world health insurance data in Korea. Further research is required to confirm these findings.

Recurrence of the Neuromuscular Blockade after the Sugammadex Administration after Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression: A Report of 3 Cases

Three elderly patients received sugammadex after confirmation of train-of-four (TOF) stimulation at the end of the surgery. They presented opioid-induced respiratory depression accompanied by severe acidosis postoperatively. Even after the reversal of opioid intoxication with naloxone, the respiration did not recover, and TOF revealed recurrent paralysis. Two of three cases completely recovered after additional sugammadex administration, but remnant 1 case without sugammadex transferred to intensive care unit with intubated status. Even if the recommended dose of sugammadex is administered, there can be recurrent neuromuscular blockade by complicated reasons. Continuous quantitative neuromuscular monitoring may be needed to prevent these unusual situations.

Utility of the continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring in the prevention of the recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis during thyroid surgery. A prospective observational study

BackgroundThe continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (C-IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) could help reducing the incidence of nerve paralysis after thyroid surgery, in comparison with the mere anatomical visualization of the RLN. The objective is to assess the efficacy and utility of C-IONM as a predictive test for recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis after thyroidectomy. MethodsA prospective observational study was performed in 248 patients who underwent thyroid surgery where C-IONM was applied, between September 2018 and December 2019, in a high-volume center. A previous and later laryngoscopy was performed, which allowed to evaluate the reliability of the C-IONM as a predictive test for recurrent paralysis. Sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were studied. ResultsA total number of 171 thyroidectomies, 62 hemithyroidectomies, 15 totalization thyroidectomies and 27 thyroidectomy with cervical dissections were performed. Postoperative laryngoscopy was altered in 40 patients (16.12%). The SE, SP, PPV and NPV values ​​were 65%, 94.7%, 70.2% and 93.4% respectively. ConclusionsC-IONM is a safe technique that provides real-time information about anatomical and functional integrity of the RLN and can improve the results of thyroid surgery.

Seasonal patterns in the epidemiology of Bell's palsy in Hungary.

Epidemiological data on Bell's palsy are vital for elucidating disease prevalence and enhancing therapeutic options. Our objective was to explore the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with Bell's palsy recurrence in the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen service area. Secondary data analysis was performed using hospital discharge data, including patient information and comorbidities. Data was obtained from the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen, on Bell's palsy patients who were treated at the hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with Bell's palsy recurrence. Of the 613 patients analyzed, 5.87% had recurrent paralysis, and the median time interval between episodes was 315 days. Hypertension was significantly associated with Bell's palsy recurrence. Moreover, seasonal distribution analysis revealed that the number of Bell's palsy episodes was higher in colder seasons, with spring and winter having a significantly higher number of episodes than summer and autumn. This study provides insights into the prevalence and associated risk factors of Bell's palsy recurrence, which could aid in its management and help reduce the long-term consequences of the disease. Further research is necessary to determine the precise mechanisms underlying these findings.

Place of laryngoscopy and neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery. Recommendations of the AFCE (Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne) with the SFE (Société française d’endocrinologie) and the SFMN (Société française de médecine nucléaire)

Preoperative laryngoscopy is mandatory when there is a history of cervical or thoracic surgery, dysphonia, posteriorly developed thyroid carcinoma, or significant lymph node involvement in the central compartment. Postoperative laryngoscopy should be performed for any postoperative dysphonia, swallowing difficulties, respiratory symptoms, or loss of signal during neuromonitoring of the recurrent and/or vagus nerve. Neuromonitoring can be useful in thyroid surgery because it lowers the rate of transient recurrent palsy (RP), although no impact on permanent RP has been demonstrated. It facilitates location of the recurrent nerve. Continuous neuromonitoring of the vagus nerve can, in some situations, allow early detection of a signal drop during dissection near the recurrent nerve.

Large goiters and postoperative complications: does it really matter?

Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Although the mortality rate is currently approaching 0%, the incidence of complications in such a frequent surgery is not insignificant. The most frequent are postoperative hypoparathyroidism, recurrent injury, and asphyxial hematoma. The size of the thyroid gland has traditionally been considered one of the most important risk factors, but there is currently no study that analyzes it independently. The objective of this study is to analyze whether the size of the thyroid gland is an isolated risk factor for the development of postoperative complications. A prospective review of all patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at a third-level hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 was conducted. The thyroid volume was calculated preoperatively using ultrasound and, together with the weight of the definitive piece, was correlated with the development of postoperative complications. One hundred twenty-one patients were included. When analyzing the incidence of complications based on the quartiles of weight and glandular volume, there were no significant differences in the incidence of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism in any of the groups. No differences were found in terms of recurrent paralysis. No fewer parathyroid glands were visualized intraoperatively in patients with larger thyroid glands, nor did the number of them accidentally removed during surgery increase. In fact, a certain protective trend was observed with regard to the number of glands visualized and glandular size or in the relationship between thyroid volume and accidental gland removal, with no significant differences. The size of the thyroid gland has not been shown to be a risk factor for the development of postoperative complications, contrary to what has traditionally been considered.

Reintervention of Residual Aortic Dissection after Type A Aortic Repair: Results of a Prospective Follow-Up at 5 Years.

Background After a type A aortic dissection repair, a patent false lumen in the descending aorta is the most common situation encountered, and is a well-known risk factor for aortic growth, reinterventions and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of residual aortic dissection (RAD) at a high-volume aortic center with prospective follow-up. Methods In this prospective single-center study, all patients operated for type A aortic dissection between January 2017 and December 2022 were included. Patients without postoperative computed tomography scans or during follow-up at our center, and patients without RAD were excluded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during follow-up for patients with RAD. The secondary endpoints were perioperative mortality, rate of distal aneurysmal evolution, location of distal aneurysmal evolution, rate of distal reinterventions, outcomes of distal reinterventions, and aortic-related death during follow-up. Results In total, 200 survivors of RAD comprised the study group. After a mean follow-up of 27.2 months (1-66), eight patients (4.0%) died and 107 (53.5%) had an aneurysmal progression. The rate of distal reintervention was 19.5% (39/200), for malperfusion syndrome in seven cases (3.5%) and aneurysmal evolution in 32 cases (16.0%). Most reinterventions occurred during the first 2 years (82.1%). Twenty-seven patients were treated for an aneurysmal evolution of RAD including aortic arch with hybrid repair in 21 cases and branched aortic arch endoprosthesis in six cases. In the hybrid repair group, there was no death, and the rate of morbidity was 28.6% (6/21) (one minor stroke, one pulmonary complication, one recurrent paralysis with complete recovery and three major bleeding events). In the branched endograft group, there was no death, no stroke, and no paraplegia. There was one case (16.7%) of carotid dissection. Complete aortic remodeling or complete FL thrombosis on the thoracic aorta was found in 18 cases (85.7%) and in five cases (83.3%) in the hybrid and branched endograft groups, respectively. Conclusions: Despite a critical course in most cases of RAD, with a high rate of aneurysmal evolution and reintervention, the long-term mortality rate remains low with a close follow-up and a multidisciplinary management in an expert center.

INDICATIONS FOR THYROID SURGERYEXPERIENCE OF THE ENT DEPARTMENTOF MOULAY ISMAÏL MILITARY HOSPITAL IN MEKNES (ABOUT 103 CASES)

Introduction: The indications for thyroid surgery are currently well defined and specified in the consensus recommendations for the management of thyroid nodules, which would allow on the one hand to reduce the excessive number of thyroidectomies, and on the other hand would not allow a malignant lesion to evolve. Objectives: Our study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients who have undergone thyroidectomy and to discuss the different surgical indications. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study spread over one year, from January to December 2019, involving 103 patients hospitalized for thyroid surgery, in the ENT (ear nose throat) department of Moulay Ismail military hospital in Meknes. Results: The average age of our population was 50.68 years and the sex ratio W/M was 5.86. The time to consultation was more than 2 years in half of the patients. The reason for consultation was cervical swelling in 88 cases, signs of hyperthyroidism in 27 cases and compression in 15 cases. All our patients have benefited preoperatively from a TSH assay and a cervical ultrasound. A cervico-thoracic scan was performed in all patients with plunging and/or compressive goiter. Cytopuncture could only be performed in 10 cases.Surgical indications were retained in case of suspected malignancy (56.31%) hyperthyroidism (26.22%), compressive goiter (14.56%), aesthetic discomfort (1.94%) and recurrent thyroid cyst (0.97%)The surgical procedure consisted of a total thyroidectomy in 81.5% of cases, a lobo isthmectomy in 8.7% of cases and secondary totalization in 9.7% of cases. The pathological study revealed thyroid cancer in 11.65% of cases. Postoperative follow-up was marked by the occurrence of a compressive hematoma in one patient, transient unilateral recurrent paralysis in 2 patients, transient hypoparathyroidism in 6 patients, and tumor recurrence in one case Discussion: Surgical indications have been proposed, primarily in case of suspected thyroid neoplasia, mainly based on clinical and ultrasound criteria. The cancer/benign tumor ratio was 13.2%. It was therefore important to develop the cytopuncture.Autonomous goiters/nodules and compressive and/or plunging goiters were the main other indications for surgery with low morbidity, but at the cost of permanent hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Surgery is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic thyroid goiters/nodules. However, its contribution must be constantly reassessed according to the evolution of new diagnostic procedures and alternative techniques.

Utility of the continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring in the prevention of the recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis during thyroid surgery. A prospective observational study

BackgroundThe continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (C-IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) could help reducing the incidence of nerve paralysis after thyroid surgery, in comparison with the mere anatomical visualization of the RLN. The objective is to assess the efficacy and utility of C-IONM as a predictive test for recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis after thyroidectomy. MethodsA prospective observational study was performed in 248 patients who underwent thyroid surgery where C-IONM was applied, between September 2018 and December 2019, in a high-volume center. A previous and later laryngoscopy was performed, which allowed to evaluate the reliability of the C-IONM as a predictive test for recurrent paralysis. Sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were studied. ResultsA total number of 171 thyroidectomies, 62 hemithyroidectomies, 15 totalization thyroidectomies and 27 thyroidectomy with cervical dissections were performed. Postoperative laryngoscopy was altered in 40 patients (16.12%). The SE, SP, PPV and NPV values ​​were 65%, 94.7%, 70.2% and 93.4% respectively. ConclusionsC-IONM is a safe technique that provides real-time information about anatomical and functional integrity of the RLN and can improve the results of thyroid surgery.

Sudden weakness due to thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a complication of hyperthyroidism. Lead to sudden hypokalemia and muscle weakness. In most cases, it is found mainly in young adult males of the Asian race. The paralysis is temporary and will return with potassium correction. There are very few cases reported in Indonesia regarding these cases of TPP. In our case, a 44-year old man complained of weakness that started later in the limbs but quickly improved. This case was diagnosed late at first, and uncorrected potassium levels led to recurrent paralysis. Laboratory test results showed severe hypokalemia (potassium level 1.81 mmol/L). The thyroxine level (T4) was 44.12 pmol/L and low serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.0025 IU/mL.

436 PRONE THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH LOW PULMONARY FUNCTION

Abstract Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP) for esophageal cancer is reported to have superiority in preserving postoperative respiratory function and reducing postoperative respiratory complications. In Japan, the majority of patients with esophageal cancer are smokers and have obstructive ventilation disorders. But, the feasibirity and safety of TEP for patients with low respiratory function is unclear. Objectives To clarify the feasibirity and safety of TEP for esophageal cancer patients with obstructive respiratory function. Methods The 95 patients with obstructive respiratory disorder who underwent TEP and gastric tube reconstruction via posterior mediastinal route for esophageal cancer from January 2016 to April 2019 were divided into the two groups, low respiratory function (LRF) group and the control group. Short-term outcomes were compared between two groups. Results The control group was 73 cases, and the LRF group was 22 cases. Propensity score matching using age, gender, cT, and cN as covariates was used to identify matched patients (22 per group) in both groups. There were no differences in operation time of overall and intrathoracic part, or blood loss in each group. In the postoperative complications, pneumonia (13.6% vs. 9.1%), recurrent laryngeal palsy (18.2% vs. 22.7%), anastomotic leakage (13.6% vs. 13.6%) and hospital stay (36.3 days vs 27.5 days) were no differences in both groups. Conclusion TEP can be feasible and safe for the patients with obstructive ventilation disorder and low respiratory function.

A Case of Recurrent Paralysis and Low Potassium: Is It the Thyroid?

Introduction: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism that is characterized by episodes of hypokalemia and acute weakness. Although hyperthyroidism is more common in females, over 95% of cases of TPP have been observed in males, especially in Asian males with an incidence of 2% among hyperthyroid patients. In non-Asian populations, the incidence in hyperthyroid patients is estimated to be around 0.1 to 0.2% [1]. We describe a case of TPP seen in a Hispanic male. Case Report: A 36-year-old Hispanic male with no past medical history presents with weakness in all extremities and difficulty breathing after consuming a carbohydrate heavy meal the night prior. He reports a recent, similar episode evaluated in another ER, which resolved after given potassium supplementation. He denied any vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, diaphoresis, use of insulin or other medications, or any family history of paralysis.His labs were significant for hypokalemia of 1.9, TSH of <0.005 (0.358-3.740), free T4 of 2.22 (0.76-1.46), and total T3 of 2.7 (0.60-1.81). Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin was 0.12 (0.0-0.55). His symptoms improved and potassium levels normalized following the administration of potassium chloride. He was discharged on propranolol and advised to follow up for further workup of his hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine uptake scan. Discussion: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure. Hyperthyroidism increases response to β-adrenergic stimulation, which increases activity of the sodium-potassium ATPase and causes hyperpolarization of skeletal muscle [2]. Hyperthyroid patients are prone to episodes of paralysis due to their increased susceptibility to the hypokalemic action of insulin, which activates the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, and epinephrine, which stimulates β-adrenoreceptors. Management of an acute attack of TPP includes potassium administration. In cases where paralysis and hypokalemia are not reversed, intravenous propranolol has been shown to resolve the attack by blocking the β-adrenergic receptors. Definitive treatment of TPP includes managing the hyperthyroid state with medical therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. Until the euthyroid state is reached, a β-blocker can prevent episodes of acute paralysis. Avoidance of carbohydrate heavy meals, exercise, and stress are recommended as these factors can potentially exacerbate hypokalemia. In patient with acute paralysis, it is important to consider the diagnosis of TPP as this condition can be prevented once euthyroidism is achieved. Diagnosis and management will lead to prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with the hypokalemia.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroidectomy for carcinoma in a high-volume academic hospital.

The diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma has changed in last decades, as the surgical technique during thyroidectomy (endoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, new energy device, intraoperative neuromonitoring). We analyzed patients undergone to thyroidectomy or lobectomy for thyroid carcinoma from January 2010 to December 2019 at the General Surgery Unit of the Hospital - University of Parma. We divided patients into two groups, based on the use or not of IONM. We analyzed data about 638 patients, 486 (76.2%) females and 152 (23.8%) males, with a mean age of 51.8 years. Totally, 574 patients underwent total thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy was performed in 39 patients. The lobectomy rate was higher in interventions with neuromonitoring (13.93%) than in those without IONM (3.06%). Considering the incidence of postoperative complications and the presence of infiltration of perithyroid tissues or thyroiditis or lymph node metastasis at the histological report, a statistically significant percentage of dysphonia and paraesthesia was recorded only in patients with infiltration of perithyroid tissues (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in postoperative blood calcium values. The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring has not significantly changed the incidence of postoperative complication. Our study did not show a protective impact of the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroidectomy on the incidence of postoperative complications but confirmed that it increases the surgeon's feel safety during surgery and facilitates the identification of any undetected nerve lesion with visually intact nerve, inducing the interruption of the thyroidectomy after lobectomy alone, reducing the risk of bilateral recurrent paralysis.

Controversy: For or against thyroid lobectomy in > 1 cm differentiated thyroid cancer?

In this controversy article, the respective advantages of lobectomy vs. total thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid cancers are argued. The authors conclude that lobectomy has the same oncological prognosis as thyroidectomy in terms of specific survival or recurrence, in case of low risk of recurrence (T1-2N0). However, as a precaution, and taking into account current data, thyroidectomy is recommended in N0 thyroid papillary cancers with aggressive subtype, with even minimal infiltration of perithyroid tissue and/or vascular invasion, and in N1 cancers with more than 5 lymphadenopathies or lymphadenopathies with a major axis greater than or equal to 0.2cm. Other forms of papillary cancer should be treated with lobectomy, as risk of morbidity is low and hospital stay is short. Lobectomy allows reliable monitoring, especially by ultrasound. On the other hand, total thyroidectomy, despite a higher rate of surgical complications due to the risk of recurrent paralysis and permanent hypoparathyroidism, is nevertheless preferable to lobectomy. Indeed lobectomy is not always avoiding hormone replacement therapy, for more precise monitoring by thyroglobulin assay, which is an uninterpretable tool after lobectomy but allows early diagnosis of local or metastatic recurrence with reducing mortality. Thus, in situations where the diagnostic criteria for high-risk cancer are not rigorously determined or taken into account, thyroidectomy is recommended. In addition, it will remain preferable as long as the recommendations for administration of radioactive iodine do not change in favor of use reserved for high-risk cancers as in US guidelines.

Facial palsy in children: long-term outcome assessed face-to-face and follow-up revealing high recurrence rate

PurposeTo evaluate the long-term (minimum of 2 years from the palsy onset) outcome of pediatric facial palsy by patient questionnaire and face-to-face assessment by the Sunnybrook facial grading system, House–Brackmann grading system, and Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0. To compare the outcome results of self-assessment with the face-to-face assessment. To assess the applicability of the grading scales. To assess the palsy recurrence rate (minimum of a 10-year follow-up).Methods46 consecutive pediatric facial palsy patients: 38 (83%) answered the questionnaire and 25 (54%) attended a follow-up visit. Chart review of 43 (93%) after a minimum of 10 years for the facial palsy recurrence rate assessment.ResultsOf the 25 patients assessed face-to-face, 68% had totally recovered but 35% of them additionally stated subjective sequelae in a self-assessment questionnaire. Good recovery was experienced by 80% of the patients. In a 10-year follow-up, 14% had experienced palsy recurrence, only one with a known cause. Sunnybrook was easy and logical to use, whereas House–Brackmann and the Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0 were incoherent.ConclusionsFacial palsy in children does not heal as well as traditionally claimed if meticulously assessed face-to-face. Patients widely suffer from subjective sequelae affecting their quality of life. Palsy recurrence was high, much higher than previously reported even considering the whole lifetime. Of these three grading systems, Sunnybrook was the most applicable.

Ejercicios de tracto vocal semi-ocluido en la rehabilitación de parálisis recurrenciales: Un estudio de caso

El presente trabajo tiene como propósito mostrar la efectividad de una secuencia de ejercicios de tracto vocal semi-ocluido en la rehabilitación de un caso clínico vocal diagnosticado con parálisis recurrencial unilateral. Los ejercicios de tracto vocal semi-ocluido corresponden a una serie de posturas que involucran alargamientos artificiales o estrechamientos del tracto vocal con la finalidad de aumentar la impedancia y generar cambios favorables en la vibración de los pliegues vocales. Dichos ejercicios están enmarcados dentro de la tendencia de rehabilitación fisiológica la cual busca reestablecer un balance de los tres subsistemas involucrados en la producción de la voz (Respiración-fonación-resonancia) de manera simultánea, contraponiéndose a la tendencia tradicional de abordaje sintomatológico. Por otro lado, la tendencia fisiológica se basa en los principios del aprendizaje sensoriomotor el cual busca reales cambios en el patrón de producción de la voz, y que estos permanezcan en el tiempo.&#x0D; Se realizó terapia vocal durante 15 sesiones con ejercicios de tracto vocal semi-ocluido. Para valorar los cambios en la voz, se realizó una evaluación inicial y final a través de nasofibrolaringoscopía, análisis acústico mediante medidas de perturbación y análisis espectral, estudio perceptual mediante la escala GRBASI valorada por una comisión de jueces externos, tiempos máximos fonatorios y valoración del propio paciente. Posterior al tratamiento se produjeron cambios favorables en la voz y se concluye que los ejercicios de tracto vocal semi-ocluido pueden constituir una herramienta efectiva para el abordaje de este tipo de patologías.

Comparison of clinical and electrophysiological features of patients with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies with or without pain

BackgroundHereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is a rare neuropathy with a heterogeneous clinical profile. Painless recurrent palsies are the usual presentation, but neuropathic pain could be predominant or inaugural. Browsing the medical literature, we only found two articles reffering to this important clinical feature. Whether there are differences between patients with or without pain is unclear. The main objective of this study was to compare the clinical and electrophysiological features of these patients and to evaluate the impact on their disability. MethodsAll patients diagnosed with HNPP at the Limoges University Hospital Centre were included and separated into two groups according to the presence or absence of neuropathic pain. In each case, the clinical, genetic, electrodiagnostic, therapeutic features and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were evaluated. ResultsOut of 23 patients, 52% presented with neuropathic pain. There was no difference between groups regarding to clinical and electrophysiological features, except for the amplitude of the ulnar sensory nerve (p < 0,003). The amplitudes of sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) seemed to be higher in patients with pain, but were below the lower limit of normal. Patients with pain had a higher mRS than patients without pain (p < 0,007). ConclusionThis study supports previous published results and highlights a trend for higher sensory amplitudes in HNPP patients with pain. We found a prevalence of neuropathic pain of 52% in patients with HNPP, underlining the need to systematically assess pain in such patients in order to improve their management.