Allergen-specific Immunotherapy-Turning the Tables on the Immune System.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):xv-xxi
Authors: Nowak-Węgrzyn AH, Cox LS
PMID: 26617238 [PubMed - in process]
Allergen Immunotherapy-An Old Friend Coming of Age.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):xiii
Authors: Tilles SA
PMID: 26617237 [PubMed - in process]
Allergen Immunotherapy Outcomes and Unmet Needs: A Critical Review.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):181-9
Authors: Caimmi D, Calderon MA, Bousquet J, Demoly P
Abstract
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been evaluated throughout several studies over the last years. A position paper from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlighted the total combined symptoms score as the method to record the primary end point in AIT studies for allergic rhinitis, but this score still needs to be formally validated and more work done for other allergic diseases. These aspects still seem to be the main unmet need in the evaluation of AIT clinical outcomes in clinical trials.
PMID: 26617234 [PubMed - in process]
Biomarkers for Allergen Immunotherapy: A "Panoromic" View.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):161-79
Authors: Moingeon P
Abstract
Biomarkers (BMKs) are biological parameters that can be measured to predict or monitor disease severity or treatment efficacy. The induction of regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) concomitantly with a downregulation of proallergic DC2s (ie, DCs supporting the differentiation of T-helper lymphocyte type 2 cells) in the blood of patients allergic to grass pollen has been correlated with the early onset of allergen immunotherapy efficacy. The combined use of omics technologies to compare biological samples from clinical responders and nonresponders is being implemented in the context of nonhypothesis-driven approaches. Such comprehensive "panoromic" strategies help identify completely novel candidate BMKs, to be subsequently validated as companion diagnostics in large-scale clinical trials.
PMID: 26617233 [PubMed - in process]
Baked Milk and Egg Diets for Milk and Egg Allergy Management.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):147-59
Authors: Leonard SA, Nowak-Węgrzyn AH
Abstract
In baked form, cow's milk and egg are less allergenic and are tolerated by most milk- and egg-allergic children. Not only may including baked milk and egg in the diets of children who are tolerant improve nutrition and promote more social inclusion but there is also evidence that inclusion may accelerate the resolution of unheated milk and egg allergy. Further research is needed on biomarkers that can predict baked milk or egg reactivity; however, data suggest casein- and ovomucoid-specific immunoglobulin E levels may be useful. Physician-supervised introduction of baked milk and egg is recommended because anaphylaxis has occurred.
PMID: 26617232 [PubMed - in process]
The Use of Adjuvants for Enhancing Allergen Immunotherapy Efficacy.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):125-45
Authors: Chesné J, Schmidt-Weber CB, Esser von-Bieren J
Abstract
One key approach to increase the efficacy and the safety of immunotherapy is the use of adjuvants. However, many of the adjuvants currently in use can cause adverse events, raising concerns regarding their clinical use, and are geared toward productive immune responses but not necessarily tolerogenic responses. Thus, novel adjuvants for immunotherapy are needed and are being developed. Essential is their potential to boost appropriate tolerogenic adaptive immune responses to allergens while limiting side effects. This review provides an overview of adjuvants currently in clinical use or under development and discusses their therapeutic effect in enhancing allergen-induced tolerance.
PMID: 26617231 [PubMed - in process]
Allergen Immunotherapy: Vaccine Modification.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):103-24
Authors: Creticos PS
Abstract
There is a need for newer therapeutic agents that improve the safety of allergen immunotherapy, provide ease of delivery to patients that fosters compliance and allows access to a greater proportion of the allergic population who could benefit from this disease-modifying treatment, and achieve an acceptable therapeutic benefit for patients committing to the treatment. The advances in sublingual allergen immunotherapy are encouraging, as this offers patients a noninjectable form of treatment of inhalant allergies. The continued research and development of the novel therapeutic constructs discussed in this article holds the promise of accomplishing the aforementioned goals in the future.
PMID: 26617230 [PubMed - in process]
Mechanisms Underlying Induction of Tolerance to Foods.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):87-102
Authors: Berin MC, Shreffler WG
Abstract
Oral tolerance refers to a systemic immune nonresponsiveness to antigens first encountered by the oral route, and a failure in development of this homeostatic process can result in food allergy. Clinical tolerance induced by allergen immunotherapy is associated with alterations in immune mechanisms relevant to the allergic response, including reduction of basophil reactivity, induction of IgG4, loss of effector Th2 cells, and induction of Tregs. The relative contribution of these immune changes to clinical tolerance to foods, and the duration of these immune changes after termination of immunotherapy, remains to be identified.
PMID: 26617229 [PubMed - in process]
Mechanisms of Aeroallergen Immunotherapy: Subcutaneous Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):71-86
Authors: Ozdemir C, Kucuksezer UC, Akdis M, Akdis CA
Abstract
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an effective way to treat allergic disorders, targeting the underlying mechanisms and altering the disease course by inducing a long-lasting clinical and immune tolerance to allergens. Although sublingual and subcutaneous routes are used in daily practice, many novel ways to decrease side effects and duration and increase efficacy have been pursued. Further studies are needed to develop biomarkers for the identification of AIT responder patients and also to use the developed knowledge in allergy prevention studies. Future directions in AIT include treatments for autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, organ transplantation, and breaking immune tolerance to cancer cells.
PMID: 26617228 [PubMed - in process]
Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):55-69
Authors: Burbank AJ, Sood P, Vickery BP, Wood RA
Abstract
Food allergy is a potentially life-threatening condition with no approved therapies, apart from avoidance and injectable epinephrine for acute allergic reactions. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an experimental treatment in which food-allergic patients consume gradually increasing quantities of the food to increase their threshold for allergic reaction. This therapy carries significant risk of allergic reactions. The ability of OIT to desensitize patients to particular foods is well-documented, although the ability to induce tolerance has not been established. This review focuses on recent studies for the treatment of food allergies such as cow's milk, hen's egg, and peanut.
PMID: 26617227 [PubMed - in process]
Advances in the Treatment of Food Allergy: Sublingual and Epicutaneous Immunotherapy.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):39-54
Authors: Sindher S, Fleischer DM, Spergel JM
Abstract
Food allergies continue to increase in prevalence. Standard care is a strict elimination diet, but life-threatening reactions still occur. Allergen immunotherapy has the most potential in treating food allergy. Subcutaneous immunotherapy has not been adopted into food allergy therapy. Oral immunotherapy has a high rate of adverse reactions. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses the tolerogenic environment of the oral mucosa and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) uses the immune cells of the epidermis to transport antigens to afferent lymph nodes to activate immune responses. SLIT and EPIT can successfully desensitize patients. More research is needed to define optimal doses and administration protocols.
PMID: 26617226 [PubMed - in process]
Novel Delivery Routes for Allergy Immunotherapy: Intralymphatic, Epicutaneous, and Intradermal.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):25-37
Authors: Senti G, Kündig TM
Abstract
Current allergy immunotherapy protocols suffer from two main problems: long treatment duration and systemic allergic side effects of the allergen administrations. The immunologic effects of allergen administration could be enhanced and the number of allergen administrations and treatment duration reduced by choosing a tissue for administration that contains a high density of antigen-presenting cells. Local side effects could be reduced by choosing a route characterized by a low density of mast cells, and systemic side effects could be reduced by administration to nonvascularized tissues, so that inadvertent systemic distribution of the allergen and consequent systemic allergic side effects are minimized.
PMID: 26617225 [PubMed - in process]
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy: Comparative Efficacy, Current and Potential Indications, and Warnings-United States Versus Europe.
Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;36(1):13-24
Authors: Nelson HS, Makatsori M, Calderon MA
Abstract
Subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy are effective for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma and with some support for use in selected patients with atopic dermatitis. The sequence of immunologic responses is the same, irrespective of the route of administration, and similar disease modification has been demonstrated. However, there are differences between the two approaches. The most important is the greatly reduced likelihood of sublingual immunotherapy producing systemic reactions. There are major drawbacks for sublingual immunotherapy in regard to dosing. Finally, there is the question of relative clinical efficacy, with the currently available data favoring subcutaneous immunotherapy.
PMID: 26617224 [PubMed - in process]
| Related Articles |
Corrigendum: Determinants of Conductive Hearing Loss in Tympanic Membrane Perforation: Correction of the Sixth Author Name.
Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Dec;8(4):430
Authors: Park H, Hong SN, Kim HS, Han JJ, Chung J, Suh MW, Oh SH, Chang SO, Lee JH
Abstract
[This corrects the article on p. 92 in vol. 8, PMID: 26045905.].
PMID: 26617975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Risk of death in patients with post-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage-Analysis of 1773 cases.
J Chin Med Assoc. 2015 Nov 23;
Authors: Liao KH, Wang JY, Lin HW, Lui TN, Chen KY, Yen DH, Jeng MJ
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is one of the most troublesome conditions associated with head trauma. CSF fistulae, meningitis/central nervous infection, or even death may accompany it. Few studies have discussed post-traumatic CSF leakage as a risk factor in mortality following head trauma. We conducted this cohort study to examine the issue.
METHODS: We reviewed the records in the Taiwan Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Registry System between 1993 and 2008. The study group included patients with acute TBI and post-traumatic CSF leakage, and the control group included cases with TBI but without CSF leakage, selected randomly at a 5:1 ratio with respect to the study group. The demographic data, Glasgow Coma Scale, brain computerized tomography, association of skull fractures and intracranial lesions, and 1-year mortality rates between these two cohorts were reviewed meticulously and analyzed statistically.
RESULTS: Of 174,236 cases, 1773 with post-traumatic CSF leakage were included in the study group, and 8865 cases in the control group. Of the total 10,638 sampled cases, 406 (3.8%) died during the 1-year follow-up period, 159 (9.0%) cases in the CSF leakages group, and 247 (2.8%) in the control group. The patients with CSF leakage had a significantly higher mortality rate within 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.44, p < 0.001) than those without. We divided the CSF leakage group into three subgroups: otorrhea (n = 568), rhinorrhea (n = 302), and tension pneumocephalus (n = 903). The mortality rates were 8.5% (48/568) in the otorrhea subgroup, 10.9% (33/302) in the rhinorrhea subgroup, and 8.6% (78/903) in the tension pneumocephalus subgroup. The cases with CSF rhinorrhea had a significantly higher mortality rate than the other two subgroups (p < 0.05). All three subgroups had significantly higher mortality rates than the control group during the 1-year follow-up period (adjusted hazard ratios = 2.29, 1.35, and 1.32 in the rhinorrhea, tension pneumocephalus, and otorrhea subgroups, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic CSF leakages had higher mortality rates than those without CSF leakages in TBI cases, and the cases with CSF rhinorrhea had worse outcomes compared with CSF leakages with pneumocephalus or otorrhea.
PMID: 26617240 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Intratumor molecular heterogeneity in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2015 Sep 16;
Authors: Gomes CC, Galvão CF, do Carmo AC, Pereira NB, Gomez RS
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess intratumor molecular heterogeneity in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and to investigate if intratumor molecular heterogeneity is associated with cell proliferation or apoptotic indexes.
STUDY DESIGN: Nine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of PA of salivary glands were included in the study. Cell proliferation was estimated by using Ki-67 immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic index was achieved by combining terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling with morphology. A minimum of two different tumor areas of each sample was microdissected, and DNA was extracted. DNA extracted from the tumor capsule was used as normal matched control. Different tumor areas were at least 4 mm from one another and comprised tumor cell-rich areas. Loss of heterozygosity was assessed by a panel of six polymorphic microsatellite markers located at chromosomes 3 (D3 S1029), 9 (D9 S162 and D9 S157), 11 (D11 S1369), and 17 (P53 and AFM238 WF2).
RESULTS: Six of nine samples showed intratumor heterogeneity on the basis of the loss of heterozygosity findings. Intratumor molecular heterogeneity did not show association with cell proliferation or apoptotic indexes (P > .05).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings point to the existence of intratumor molecular heterogeneity in salivary gland PA. This is an advance in the efforts to clarify PA molecular pathogenesis, showing that this characteristic is not exclusive to malignant solid tumors.
PMID: 26617333 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Incidental observations on "Clinical importance of incidental findings reported on small-volume dental cone beam computed tomography scans focused on impacted maxillary canine teeth".
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2015 Sep 28;
Authors: Sansare K, Karjodkar F
PMID: 26617332 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Extracellular matrix for repair of type IV laryngotracheo-esophageal cleft.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Nov 6;
Authors: Evans AK, Kon ND
Abstract
Type IV laryngotracheo-esophageal cleft (LTEC) extending to the level of the carina presents unique challenges to operative repair, particularly with respect to soft tissue durability. This is the first report of CorMatrix(®) extra-cellular matrix (ECM) material use as an interposition graft in a four-layered LTEC repair. At day seven post-operatively, there was epithelialization along the surface of the trachea. At 3 months, she was stable for tracheotomy. At 6 months, the posterior wall resembled completely native tissue. CorMatrix(®) ECM(®) use intra-operatively and post-operative outcome were both highly satisfactory. No adverse reaction was seen in this case through 12-month follow up.
PMID: 26616544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Editorial Maximising research value in the field of hearing implantation: A call for 'big data'.
Cochlear Implants Int. 2015 Nov;16(6):301-2
Authors: Bruce I, Cooper H, Waltzman S, Schramm D, Graham J
PMID: 26616254 [PubMed - in process]
Association of NER pathway gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to laryngeal cancer in a Chinese population.
Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015;8(9):11615-21
Authors: Sun Y, Tan L, Li H, Qin X, Liu J
Abstract
We systematically analyzed the association of nine SNPs of seven key NER pathway genes with the development of laryngeal cancer patients, and investigated whether NER pathway polymorphisms could serve as potential biomarkers for laryngeal cancer risk. 271 patients with pathologically proven laryngeal cancer and 271 control subjects were included in our study. Genotyping of ERCC1 rs11615 and rs2298881, ERCC2 rs13181 and rs50871, ERCC3 rs4150441, ERCC4 rs6498486, ERCC5 rs2094258, XPA rs2808668 and XPC rs2228001 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). By conditional logistic regression analysis, individuals carrying the TT genotype of ERCC1 rs11615 were correlated with an increased risk of larynx cancer when compared with the CC genotype (OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.07-3.37; P value=0.02). Moreover, individuals with the GG genotype of ERCC2 rs50871 were associated with an elevated risk of larynx cancer when compare with the TT genotype (OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.15-3.63; P value=0.01). We found a significant interaction between ERCC2 rs50871 polymorphism and tobacco smoking in the risk of larynx cancer (P for interaction <0.05). In conclusion, our study showed that ERCC1 rs11615 and ERCC2 rs50871 polymorphisms could influence the risk of larynx cancer in Chinese population, particularly among smokers.
PMID: 26617899 [PubMed - in process]
Guiding principles of sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in Japanese patients.
Auris Nasus Larynx. 2015 Nov 23;
Authors: Masuyama K, Goto M, Takeno S, Ohta N, Okano M, Kamijo A, Suzuki M, Terada T, Sakurai D, Horiguchi S, Honda K, Matsune S, Yamada T, Sakashita M, Yuta A, Fuchiwaki T, Miyanohara I, Nakayama T, Okamoto Y, Fujieda S
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) appears to offer practical advantages for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Based on a review of the scientific literature, we present recommendations as guiding principles to administer SLIT safely.
METHODS: Clinical questions concerning SLIT were prepared. Literature published between January 2003 and December 2012 was searched from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina. Qualified studies were analyzed and the results were evaluated, consolidated, and codified. We answered 17 clinical questions and, based on this, presented evidence-based recommendations.
RESULTS: Sublingual immunotherapy improved symptoms (e.g., quality of life [QOL]) and reduced medication scores in seasonal AR and perennial AR. Most SLIT-induced adverse effects were local oral reactions, although systemic adverse effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, urticaria, and asthma are occasionally reported. There have been no reports of lethal anaphylactic reactions by SLIT. When SLIT is continued for 3-4 years, its effect persists long after discontinuation.
CONCLUSION: A correct diagnosis of AR and sufficient informed consent from patients are required before initiating SLIT. Sublingual immunotherapy should be continued for 3 years or longer. The initial administration of SLIT during the uptitration of an allergen vaccine and the general condition of patients are critical for the safe performance of SLIT.
PMID: 26615715 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
[A Case of Oropharyngeal Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma].
Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho. 2015 Sep;118(9):1143-9
Authors: Kadowaki Y, Hirano T, Nomi N, Suzuki M
Abstract
The large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung was first reported in detail by Travis et al. in 1991. Extrapulmonary LCNEC rarely occurs, and only 22 cases have been reported in the head and neck mucosal regions. Today LCNEC of the larynx is contained in the moderately differentiated/Grade 2 category. However some authors advocate that LCNEC of the larynx should be separated from this category because of the difference in the clinical manifestations and pathological features. Standard treatment for head and neck mucosal LCNEC (M-LCNEC) has not been confirmed. However we suggested the efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy for M-LCNEC. This report describes a case of an LCNEC of the oropharynx. The patient was a 64-year-old man. We treated him with surgery and chemoradiotherapy. He has been disease-free for 36 months after adjuvant-chemotherapy.
PMID: 26615665 [PubMed - in process]
[Retrospective Study of Laryngeal Preservation Treatment for Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma with Transoral Resection or Induction Chemotherapy].
Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho. 2015 Sep;118(9):1118-23
Authors: Asakage T, Ando M, Yoshida M, Saito Y, Omura G, Yamasoba T
Abstract
We have performed transoral surgical resection for patients with T1/T2 hypopharyngeal cancer and induction chemotherapy with docetaxel for patients with T2/T3 disease. The patients were analyzed in order to determine the current situation of larynx preservation in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. The data of a total of 83 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. The primary subsites were : pyriform sinus (PS) in 61 patients, posterior wall (PW) in 13 patients, and postcricoid (PC) in 9 patients. The number of patients classified as having T1, T2, T3 and T4 disease were 14, 29, 23 and 17, respectively. The main therapies employed in the patients were as follows: transoral surgical resection plus radiation therapy for T1 disease, radiation therapy, induction chemotherapy, and partial resection for T2 disease, induction chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and pharyngo-laryngoesophagectomy for T3 disease, and pharyngo-laryngoesophagectomy plus induction chemotherapy for T4 disease. The 5-year larynx preservation rates in the patients with T1, T2, T3 and T4 disease were 100%, 73%, 39% and 35%, respectively. Our method was able to improve the larynx preservation rate without having any adverse effect on the survival rate. However, the strength of treatment for T 3 disease needs to be improved, because a large number of recurrences and deaths due to the primary disease were encountered in this patient group.
PMID: 26615662 [PubMed - in process]
Oral Spindle Cell Lipoma in a Rare Location: A Differential Diagnosis.
Am J Case Rep. 2015;16:844-8
Authors: Jaeger F, Capistrano HM, de Castro WH, Caldeira PC, Vieira do Carmo MA, de Mesquita RA, Ferreira de Aguiar MC
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is an uncommon and histologically distinct variant of lipoma. It usually occurs as a solitary, subcutaneous, and well-circumscribed lesion in the posterior neck, shoulders, and back of older men. SCL of the oral cavity is rare. We present the clinical-pathologic features of the third case of SCL located on the hard palate and discuss the histological differential diagnosis with other fusiform neoplasms. CASE REPORT A 56-year-old man was evaluated for an asymptomatic swelling on the right side of the hard palate. The intraoral examination showed a 25×20 mm sessile and circumscribed tumor, underlying an apparently healthy mucosa of normal color. The lesion revealed a floating consistency during palpation. Excisional biopsy was carried out based on a clinical diagnosis of lipoma or a benign minor salivary gland tumor. The histopathology demonstrated a well-circumscribed but unencapsulated proliferation of bland spindle cells admixed with mature adipocytes in a collagenous/myxoid stroma. The spindle cells were uniform, exhibiting elongated nuclei and narrow cytoplasmic processes without atypia. They were positive to CD34 and negative to factor VIII, alpha-smooth muscle actin, S100, cytokeratin, and actin. Mitotic activity was low, as confirmed by Ki-67 immunostaining. No lipoblastic activity was found. The diagnosis of SCL was therefore established. CONCLUSIONS Oral spindle cell lipoma is a rare benign lipomatous tumor. The histologic picture shows a range of variations and the observation of morphological features is important to distinguish this lesion from other fusiform tumors. Immunohistochemistry should be helpful in this differentiation.
PMID: 26615969 [PubMed - in process]
A case report on intermediate-grade malignant meningeal melanocytoma with elevated cell proliferation index.
Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015;8(9):11698-703
Authors: Sun J, Wang C, Shu Q, Liu J, Mao G
Abstract
Meningeal melanocytoma is a kind of extremely rare pigmented tumor of the central nervous system, which often occurs in the groove around the base of the brain and spinal pia mater. Age of onset is 40 to 50 years old, mostly presenting a benign course of disease and the prognosis is good. Case reports of partial invasion or metastasis from lesions are even rarer. This report described a case of 56-year-old meningeal melanoma patient with partial skull and muscle invasion at the lantooccipital transition zone. Intraoperative histological examination showed moderate malignancy and Ki-67 index was 10%.
PMID: 26617913 [PubMed - in process]
The Paracondylar Skull Base: Anatomical Variants and Their Clinical Implications.
Turk Neurosurg. 2015;25(6):844-9
Authors: Murlimanju BV, Chettiar GK, Krishnamurthy A, Pai MM, Saralaya VV, Prabhu LV, Vadgaonkar R
Abstract
AIM: The knowledge of the vasculature around the paracondylar region is important in neurosurgical procedures such as the paracondylar and lateral supracondylar approaches. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of paracondylar emissary foramina in the adult skull bases and to study the morphology of condylar canals and hypoglossal canals.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study included 48 adult human skulls that were obtained from the gross anatomy laboratory of our institution. The paracondylar region was macroscopically observed for the variant foramina, canals and grooves.
RESULTS: It was observed that the paracondylar emissary foramen was present in 16 skulls (33.3%). The foramen was found bilaterally in 7 skulls (14.6%) and unilaterally in 9 skulls (18.7%). The hypoglossal canal was single in 35 (72.9%) skulls, double in 11 skulls (22.9%), and triple in 2 skulls (4.2%). The paracondylar process (2.1%) and the paracondylar groove (2.1%) were seen in 1 skull each. The posterior condylar canal was found to be patent in 19 (39.6%) skulls.
CONCLUSION: The present study observed that, the paracondylar emissary vein is not rare in occurrence as it is observed in 33.3% of cases. The identification of the paracondylar emissary veins and accessory vessels is important to avoid dangerous bleeding during the surgery. The morphological knowledge of the foramina around the paracondylar region is enlightening to the chiropractors, neurosurgeons and radiologists.
PMID: 26617131 [PubMed - in process]
