European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 1997
Case ReportsPathogenesis of non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation (Grisel's syndrome).
Non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) is an uncommon complication of upper neck inflammatory processes and head and neck surgery. It is also known under the eponym of Grisel's syndrome (GS). ⋯ Re-evaluation of repeated CT scans of the neck showed the sequential development of AAS. These findings implied that the pathogenesis of GS is a distention of the ligaments between the atlas and axis rather than loosening of the ligaments caused by the spread of an inflammatory edema from the soft tissues of the neck as has been proposed by others.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 1997
Case ReportsSpasmodic laryngeal dyspnea: a rare manifestation of laryngeal dystonia.
We describe clinical experiences in the management of three patients with laryngopharyngeal dystonia causing severe breathing problems. In contrast to spasmodic dysphonia, which presents with action-induced involuntary spasm of laryngeal muscles during speaking, all three patients showed laryngopharyngeal spasms primarily during respiration. In analogy to spasmodic dysphonia we propose the term spasmodic laryngeal dyspnea for this rare condition. Localized unilateral botulinum toxin injected into the thyroarytenoid muscle and/or ventricular folds reduced the quantity and quality of spasms and led to a pronounced improvement of breathing problems.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 1997
Endoscopic evolution of laryngeal injuries caused by translaryngeal intubation.
Despite improvements in tube design and materials, the longer survival rates of critically ill patients make laryngeal and tracheal lesions still common following prolonged translaryngeal intubation. The time of intubation is almost the only factor employed in deciding whether or not tracheotomy has to be performed. ⋯ We present the preliminary results of an endoscopic study of the early laryngeal changes that take place during translaryngeal intubation. The method of exploration is explained and tissue changes seen and their evolution after extubation are described, emphasizing those that could have a predictive value.