Abstract: In recent years, the analysis of earprints has been developed in the field of legal and forensic medicine, with the aim of acquiring an identification tool similar to fingerprints. In the present paper, we review the current status of earprint identification from both a medical and a legal perspective. The objective is to introduce an area of knowledge which, is spite of its closeness, is not familiar to otolaryngologists, and to present the up to date scientific evidence. First, identification in general, and earprint analysis in particular, are situated in a historical context. Second, an approximation is made to the complexity of earprint analysis, introducing conceptual problems of the method, and possible solutions. Next, a discussion on the legal peculiarities of the validity of the method is undertaken from the forensic point of view, and finally, current development is pointed.
Abstract: Choristomas of the internal auditory meatus are very uncommon tumors. Because of their rarity and the lack of a consistent clinical and radiological pattern, they are usually misdiagnosed as vestibular schwannomas. Surgical exploration usually shows involvement of the vestibular, cochlear or facial nerve by the tumor, representing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the surgeon. In this report, a case of a smooth muscle choristoma of the internal auditory meatus is presented. The lesion involved the vestibular and cochlear nerves and was extremely adherent to the facial nerve. Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed nerve fibers, smooth muscle and a small amount of adipose tissue. No striated muscle was found. The contemporary terminology, diagnosis and management of this infrequent lesion are analyzed.
Abstract: Esophageal foreign bodies must be carefully managed because they carry a high risk of potentially severe complications. A case of a sharp foreign body located in a previously unsymptomatic pharyngoesophageal diverticulum is described. The management protocol for esophageal foreign bodies is reviewed. Fiberesophagoscopy is the therapeutic technique of choice, but it may be dangerous if patients are not selected properly.
Abstract: Although tympanic membrane perforations continue to be a significant source of otologic morbidity in the pediatric population, myringoplasty in children still elicits debate. The records of 76 patients under 18 who underwent 90 myringoplasties at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) over a recent 8-year period were reviewed. The overall short-term surgical success rate was 64.8%. The overall success rate evaluated at least one year after surgery was 58%. The audiological threshold improved in 68% per cent of successful cases. Surprisingly, females had lower graft take rates than males. The outcome of surgery was unrelated to age at operation, duration, mechanism, size, and location of the perforation, or condition of the opposite ear.
Abstract: We report the clinicopathologic findings in a case of coexistent glottic granular cell tumor and subglottic spindle cell carcinoma. There is no evidence in this case that suggests malignant transition of the granular cell tumor to malignant tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of synchronous granular cell tumor and subglottic spindle cell carcinoma.
Abstract: Primary malignant melanoma of the mucosa of the nasal and paranasal sinuses is rare, difficult to treat, and usually has a poor prognosis. Seven cases, six women and one man (mean age 76.5 years), were treated at the Hospital 12 de Octubre (Madrid, Spain) during the period 1982-1994. The presenting symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, morphology, therapeutic modalities, histological evaluation, and clinical course were reviewed. Three patients were treated surgically and three received palliative irradiation. All had local recurrence or distant metasfases within 15 months after concluding treatment. The seventh patient refused treatment.
