Obstructive Tumor of the Palate in the Old Person: A Case Report

Introduction: Pleomorphic adenoma or mixed salivary gland tumor is a heterogeneous benign tumor of the salivary glands. The most common site is the parotid gland. Its extra-parotid locations, particularly in the accessory salivary glands, are rarer. We report a case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the posterior palate which posed management problems. Observation: This is an 85-year-old patient who consulted for a tumor of the posterior palate that had been evolving for 3 years. The examination revealed a globular tumor of the posterior palate extending beyond the midline by approximately 7 cm in long axis, shooting towards the oropharynx and hindering breathing, speech and eating, indicating a life-saving tracheotomy. A CT scan of the facial area revealed a well-circumscribed tumor at the expense of the soft palate, with multiple sites of bone lysis. The biopsy performed was in favor of a pleomorphic adenoma. The patient underwent total surgical excision of a huge tumor on the palate. The aftermath of the operation was marked by a loosening of the sutures with an oronasal fistula requiring the creation of an obturator plate due to the patient’s refusal to have another operation. Conclusion: Large pleomorphic adenoma of the posterior palate is a rare entity that can cause respiratory problems and surgical difficulties. His prognosis is generally good.

Assessment of Two Years of Free Surgical Treatment of Cleft Lip, Palate and Alveolar (CLPA) in the Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology Department of the Hospital University of Treichville-Abidjan

Introduction: Cleft lip, palate and alveolar (CLPA) are congenital malformations of the face due to a defect in the fusion of embryonic buds during the first weeks of embryogenesis. These malformations affect the upper lip, the alveolar bone and the palate. The incidence in Africa ranges from 1/2000 to 1/500 births. Their multidisciplinary management is long and costly. Thus, the help provided by humanitarian organisations during free care campaigns is welcome. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted from August 2014 to July 2016 in the Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology Department of the Treichville University Hospital in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of CLPA during a humanitarian campaign for free care. Results: 51 cases of CLPA were operated on. Males were involved in 54.9% of the cases, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.2. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was 3.44 years with extremes of 3 months and 52 years. Patients with low socioeconomic status represented 84.3% of the cases. Cleft lips (31.4%) and cleft palates (33.33%) predominated. For cleft lips, unilateral forms were the most frequent (73.5%) and the left side was most often affected (59.2%). The most common surgical techniques used were MILLARD cheiloplasty for cleft lips (79.36%) and Dorrance pushback for cleft palates (78.05%). The postoperative course was simple in the majority of cases (80.47%). Patients and/or parents were satisfied with the postoperative results in over 90% of cases. Discussion: Cleft lip and palate are common. Their management by humanitarian missions through mass campaigns allows us to receive a large number of patients affected by this pathology who are treated with a high satisfaction rate. Conclusion: The characteristics of cleft lip and palate in this study are in many respects identical to those described in the literature, but with some differences specific to Africa, notably the absence of antenatal diagnosis and the advanced age at the time of treatment.

Penetrating soft palate injury by lollypop candy stick

Incidents of soft palate injury or laceration caused by unintended movement when holding a sharp object in the mouth in the pediatric population are usually rarely reported.Here we report a case of soft palate laceration in a child due to a lollypop stick tip.

Rhinoplasty in Cleft Lip and Palate

Various surgical techniques and approaches have been described to repair cleft nose deformities. It is necessary to consider that since it is a congenital deformity, surgical management must consider the patient’s growth process, as well as the healing itself from the surgery. The present study aims to evaluate an alternative solution to secondary rhinology, aesthetic, and functional alterations to unilateral or bilateral cleft lift palate to minimize deformities and ensure good results. 11 patients were studied between 1995 to 2002, ten male and one female. In 8 cases, the patients had a history of cleft lip and palate on the left side, 2 patients with cleft lift palate on the right, and 1 patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate. 100% of the patients increased their naso-labial angle. This improved their appearance and structure, starting from a preoperative arithmetic mean of 39 degrees to a postoperative arithmetic mean of 96 degrees. Such intervention increased the naso-labial angle by 57 degrees. At the base of the nose, it was possible to improve the inclination of the alar line (line B) in 10 of the cases with a variation of 2 to 3 mm in relation to the perpendicular line A and only one case remained with the same inclination.

Successful treatment of congenital palate perforation: A case report

Congenital palate perforation is extremely rare.There is controversy about its exact etiology and appropriate management.Here,a case of congenital palatal perforation is reported.The diagnosis and treatment of the disease are summarized.CASE SUMMARY A full-term neonate boy was referred for oral and craniomaxillofacial surgery with a finding of a hole in the palate at birth.The operation was postponed after pediatric consultation because of the patient’s poor nutrition and underweight for his age.At the age of 10 mo,the patient underwent modified von Langenbeck palatoplasty.He was followed for four years after surgery without any signs of re-rupture.His speech was satisfactory.CONCLUSION Considering the anatomy and etiology,congenital palate perforation can be classified as isolated or associated with submucous cleft palate,and the treatment procedure should be altered accordingly.

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the palate

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma （LGMS） is a rare, malignant tumor with myofibroblastic differentiation. Despite it being classified as a distinct entity by the World Health Organization, a few cases were reported in the oral and maxillofacial region. Here, a LGMS developed on the palate of a 73-year-old man who presented with a 1-cm tumor on the posterior border of the palate. Based on the histological and immunohistochemical features, a diagnosis of LGMS was established. The tumor was resected, and no recurrence was observed over 2 years. Although the tongue is the most preferred site for LGMS, it may occur in any region of the oral cavity.

The Craniofacial Morphology in Adult Patients with Unoperated Isolated Cleft Palate

Objective： To address the effect of intrinsic factors on craniofacial growth by analyzing the craniofacial morphology of unoperated isolated cleft palate in Chinese adult. Materials and Methods： This study included 37 nonsyndromic isolated cleft palate and 39 age and gender matched non-clefts. Twenty-six cephalometric measurements were employed to evaluate the facial morphology. Independent samples T test and Mann- Whitney U were used for comparison. Significant difference was defined at 95% level. Results： Data from this study showed patients with unoperated isolated cleft palate have a reduced maxillary sagittal length （ANS-PMP, A-PMP, P〈0.05）, a smaller ANB angle （ANB, P〈0.05） and a retrusive ANS point （S-N-ANS, P〈0.05; Ba-N-ANS, P〈0.05）. Measurements descripted position of maxilla （S-Ptm, P〉0.05）, depth of bony pharynx （Ba-PMP, P〉0.05）, anterior and posterior maxillary height （N-ANS, P〉0.05; R-PMP, P〉0.05） and mandible morphology （including linear measurements and angle measurements） did not show any significant difference between case and control groups. Conclusions： Patients with isolated cleft palate were characterized by maxillary retrusion. Mandible morphology and cranial basal morphology in isolated cleft palate showed no significant difference with nonclefts. Patients with isolated cleft palate are more vulnerable to cross bite than nonclefts. Intrinsic deficiencies did detrimental effect on maxilla sagittal length, but did no detrimental effect on maxilla position, mandible size and position.

Numerical simulation of soft palate movement and airflow in human upper airway by fluid-structure interaction method

In this paper, the authors present airflow field characteristics of human upper airway and soft palate movement attitude during breathing. On the basis of the data taken from the spiral computerized tomography images of a healthy person and a patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome （OSAHS）, three-dimensional models of upper airway cavity and soft palate are reconstructed by the method of surface rendering. Numerical simulation is performed for airflow in the upper airway and displacement of soft palate by fluid-structure interaction analysis. The reconstructed threedimensional models precisely preserve the original configuration of upper airways and soft palate. The results of the pressure and velocity distributions in the airflow field are quantitatively determined, and the displacement of soft palate is presented. Pressure gradients of airway are lower for the healthy person and the airflow distribution is quite uniform in the case of free breathing. However, the OSAHS patient remarkably escalates both the pressure and velocity in the upper airway, and causes higher displacement of the soft palate. The present study is useful in revealing pathogenesis and quantitative mutual relationship between configuration and function of the upper airway as well as in diagnosingdiseases related to anatomical structure and function of the upper airway.

Evaluation of Airway Obstruction at Soft Palate Level in Male Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome:Dynamic 3-Dimensional CT Imaging of Upper Airway

This study examined the dynamic characteristics of upper airway collapse at soft palate level in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） by using dynamic 3-Dimensional（3-D） CT imaging.A total of 41 male patients who presented with 2 of the following symptoms,i.e.,daytime sleepiness and fatigue,frequent snoring,and apnea with witness,were diagnosed as having OSAHS.They underwent full-night polysomnography and then dynamic 3-D CT imaging of the upper airway during quiet breathing and in Muller＇s maneuver.The soft palate length（SPL）,the minimal cross-sectional area of the retropalatal region（mXSA-RP）,and the vertical distance from the hard palate to the upper posterior part of the hyoid（hhL） were compared between the two breathing states.These parameters,together with hard palate length（HPL）,were also compared between mild/moderate and severe OSAHS groups.Association of these parameters with the severity of OSAHS [as reflected by apnea hypopnea index（AHI） and the lowest saturation of blood oxygen（LSaO2）] was examined.The results showed that 31 patients had severe OSAHS,and 10 mild/moderate OSAHS.All the patients had airway obstruction at soft palate level.mXSA-RP was significantly decreased and SPL remarkably increased during Muller＇s maneuver as compared with the quiet breathing state.There were no significant differences in these airway parameters（except the position of the hyoid bone） between severe and mild/moderate OSAHS groups.And no significant correlation between these airway parameters and the severity of OSAHS was found.The position of hyoid was lower in the severe OSAHS group than in the mild/moderate OSAHS group.The patients in group with body mass index（BMI）≥26 had higher collapse ratio of mXSA-RP,greater neck circumference and smaller mXSA-RP in the Muller＇s maneuver than those in group with BMI26（P0.05 for all）.It was concluded that dynamic 3-D CT imaging could dynamically show the upper airway changes at soft palate level in OSAHS patients.All the OSAHS patients had airway obstruction of various degrees at soft palate level.But no correlation was observed between the airway change at soft palate level and the severity of OSAHS.The patients in group with BMI≥26 were more likely to develop airway obstruction at soft palate level than those with BMI26.

Accurate diagnosis of prenatal cleft lip/palate by understanding the embryology

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate(CP) is one of the most common congenital malformations. Ultrasonographers involved in the routine 20-wk ultrasound screening could encounter these malformations. The face and palate develop in a very characteristic way. For ultrasonographers involved in screening these patients it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the embryology of the face. This could help them to make a more accurate diagnosis and save time during the ultrasound. Subsequently, the current postnatal classification will be discussed to facilitate the communication with the CP teams.

BHMT Gene Polymorphisms as Risk Factors for Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in a Chinese Population

Objective Convincing evidence suggests a link between increased risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate （NSCL/P） and low intake of folic acid by the mother during pregnancy. The present study was designed to explore if genetic variation in the betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase （BHMT） gene contributes to NSCL/P. Methods DNA was obtained from 166 individuals with NSCL/P and 285 healthy subjects. Three known single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） present in the BHMT gene （rs651852, rs3797546, and rs3733890） were investigated by real‐time PCR‐based TaqMan genotyping. Results Neither allelic nor genotypic association was found between NSCL/P and SNPs rs651852 and rs3733890. SNP rs3797546 did not show allelic association with NSCL/P; however, a higher proportion of NSCL/P patients carry the CC genotype compared with the TT＋CT genotype （P=0.020, OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.11‐3.95）. Conclusion Our study suggests that polymorphism rs3797546 in the BHMT gene may confer genetic risk of NSCL/P in a recessive manner.

Molecular basis of cleft palates in mice

Cleft palate, including complete or incomplete cleft palates, soft palate clefts, and submucosal cleft palates, is the most frequent congenital craniofacial anomaly in humans. Multifactorial conditions, including genetic and environmental factors, induce the formation of cleft palates. The process of palatogenesis is temporospatially regulated by transcription factors, growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and membranous molecules; a single ablation of these molecules can result in a cleft palate in vivo. Studies on knockout mice were reviewed in order to identify genetic errors that lead to cleft palates. In this review, we systematically describe these mutant mice and discuss the molecular mechanisms of palatogenesis.

Genome-wide and Interaction Linkage Scan for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate in Two Multiplex Families in Shenyang,China

Objectives To identify the loci involved in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate （NSCL/P） in Northern Chinese people in Shenyang by using genomewide and interaction linkage scan.Methods Two multiplex families in Shenyang from North China were ascertained through probands with NSCL/P.Blood of every member was drawn for DNA extraction and analysis.Genotypes were available for 382 autosomal short tandem repeat （STR） markers from the ABI Prism Linkage Mapping Set version 2.5.Linkage between markers and NSCL/P was assessed by 2-point parametric LOD scores,multipoint heterogeneity parametric LOD scores （HLODs）,and multipoint nonparametric linkage score （NPL）.Results The initial scan suggested linkage on Chromosomes 1,2,and 15.In subsequent fine mapping,1q32-q42 showed a maximum multipoint LOD score of 1.9（empirical P=0.013） and an NPL score of 2.35 （empirical P=0.053）.For 2p24-p25,the multipoint NPL increased to 2.94 （empirical P=0.007）.2-locus interaction analysis obtained a maximum NPL score of 3.73 （P=0.00078） and a maximum LOD score of 3 for Chromosome 1 （at 221 cM） and Chromosome 2 （at 29 cM）.Conclusion Both parametric and nonparametric linkage scores greatly increased over the initial linkage scores on 1q32-q42,suggesting a susceptibility locus in this region.Nonparametric linkage gave a strong evidence for a candidate region on chromosome 2p24-p25.The superiority of 2-locus linkage scores compared to single-locus scores gave additional evidence for linkage on 1q32-q42 and 2p24-p25,and suggested that certain genes in the two regions may contribute to NCSL/P risks with interaction.

LncR NA H19 and Target Gene-mediated Cleft Palate Induced by TCDD

This study investigated the role of long non‐coding RNAs（lnc RNAs） in the development of the palatal tissues. Cleft palates in mice were induced by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin（TCDD）. Expression levels of long non‐coding RNA H19（lncR NA H19） and insulin‐like growth factor 2（IGF2） gene were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction（q RT‐PCR）. The rate of occurrence of cleft palate was found to be 100% by TCDD exposure, and TCDD could cause short upper limb, cerebral fissure, webbed neck, and short neck. The expression levels of lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 gene specifically showed embryo age‐related differences on E13, E14, and E15 in the palatal tissues. The expression levels of lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 gene showed an inverse relationship on E13, E14, and E15. These findings demonstrated that lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 can mediate the development of mouse cleft palate.

AN ANALYSIS OF ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS OFCLEFT PALATE SPEECH WITH COMPUTERIZED SPEECH SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM

The acoustic characteristics or the chinese vowels of 24 children with cleft palate and 10 normal control children were analyzed by computerized speech signal processing system (CSSPS),and the speech articulation was judged with Glossary of clert palate speech(GCPS).The listening judgement showed that the speech articulation was significantly different between the two groups(P<0.01).The objective quantitative measurement suggested that the formant pattern(FP)of vowels in children with cleft palate was different from that of normal control children except vowel[a](P< 0.05).The acoustic vowelgraph or the Chinese vowels which demonstrated directly the relationship of vocal space and speech perception was stated with the first formant frequence(F1)and the second formant frequence(F2).The authors conclude that the values or F1 and F2 point out the upward and backward tongue movement to close the clert, which reflects the vocal characteristics of trausmission of clert palate speech.

Perioperative Management of Cleft Palate Repair in a Patient with Williams Syndrome: A Case Report

The Background: Williams syndrome is a neurodevelopmental multisystem genetic disorder characterized by dysmorphic features and a wide range of congenital cardiac, renal, musculoskeletal anomalies. Presence of cleft palate in these patients is an unusual condition. More than 22 cases of sudden cardiac death reported in literature especially during anesthetic management in the patients of Williams syndrome. So these patients present major perioperative challenges to anesthesiologist. The authors report successful anesthetic care for repair of cleft palate in presence of uncorrected patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and mild supraventricular aortic stenosis (SVAS) in a 3.5-year-old female child diagnosed with Williams syndrome. Case report: Diagnosed case of Williams syndrome with characteristic facial dysmorphic features, SVAS and rare malformation of PDA, was scheduled for cleft palate repair. After keen preoperative assessment, general anesthesia was administered for the procedure with continuous monitoring for vital parameters. Because of dysmorphic features, difficulty was faced during intubation. Otherwise intraoperative procedure was uneventful. Postoperative analgesia was managed with intravenous paracetamol. Conclusion: Being a multisystem disorder, each patient of WS requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and high level of intraoperative and postoperative continuous monitoring regardless of any surgical procedure. Surgical correction of cleft palate in such patients demands very high anesthetic and surgical skills as both share common airway. Present case report highlights the significance of aggressive perioperative management in WS which can result in successful outcome.

Comparison of Congenital Tooth Deficiencies Seen in Permanent Teeth in Individuals with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate to Those without Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective: To compare the congenital tooth deficiencies seen in permanent dentition in individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) to non-cleft individuals with Angle Class I malocclusion. Method: The study was performed on orthopantomograph films of 50 individuals with UCLP aged between 12 - 16 years and 50 individuals with Angle Class I malocclusion individuals aged between 13 - 15 years. Individuals with UCLP;32 clefts were on the left side and 18 clefts were on the right side. Permanent third molar teeth deficiency was excluded from the study. Results: In 50 individuals with UCLP;35 (70%) upper lateral incisors were congenitally deficient in the cleft area, while 15 (30%) missing lateral teeth were found in the non-cleft side. In control group, 12 (24%) of 50 patients had congenital lateral incisor deficiency. Congenital deficiency of upper lateral incisor in UCLP;the cleft area was higher than the non-cleft side (p < 0.01). The difference was statistically important when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In 50 individuals with UCLP;while 27 (54%) of second premolar teeth were congenitally deficient in cleft side, 23 (46%) were missing in non-cleft side. In control group, 18 (36%) congenital second premolar deficiency was detected. However, second premolar congenital deficiency was higher in UCLP group when compared to control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The deficiency of the lateral incisors in the cleft side is more often congenitally deficient than upper second premolar teeth and this should be considered in the treatment planning from an early age.

A Case-control Study of Environmental Risk Factors for Nonsyndromic Cleft of the Lip and/or Palate in Xuzhou,China

In this study, we sought to determine the association between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate （NSCLP） to understand the etiology of the disease. A total of 200 NSCLP cases and 327 controls were recruited at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Xuzhou City. We conducted face-to-face interviews with the mothers of both cases and controls. The factors increasing the risk of NSCLP were a positive family history [odds ratio （OR）=56.74], pesticide exposure （OR=8.90）, and indoor decoration pollution （OR= 4.32）. On the other hand, the factors decreasing the risk of NSCLP were a high education level （OR=0.22） and supplementation of folic acid （OR=0.23） and multivitamins （OR=0.16）. Positive family history, pesticide exposure, and indoor decoration pollution are associated with the risk of NSCLP. In contrast, high education level and folic acid and multivitamin supplementation are protective factors against NSCLP.

Malonylcarnitine in Newborns with Non-syndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate

Aim Malonyl-CoA is regarded as a key signaling molecule in mammalian ceils. It is converted to acetyl-CoA, and to a lesser extent, to malonyl acid and malonylcamitine （C3DC）. Availability of carnitine has been reported to be essential for the developing fetus. The objectives of the present study were to analyze associations of malonylcarnitine, acetylcarnitine （C2）, and free carnitine （CO） in subjects with orofacial clefts. Methodology We performed a retrospective analysis of carnitine concentration obtained from a newborn screening program carried out in our institution. Concentrations of whole blood malonylcarnitine, acetylcarnitine, and free carnitine were measured using tandem mass spectrometry. The study group consisted of 51 children with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate. In total, 106 healthy children without congenital anomalies served as controls. Cut-off points were established using likeli-hood ratio values. Results The mean concentration of malonylcarnitine in the cleft group was lower than that of the control group, 0.048 μmol.L^1 vs. 0.058 μmol.L^-1, respectively （P=-0.009）. In patients with orofacial cleft, low malonylcarnitine levels （〈0.047 μmol.L-1） were 1.7 times more predominant than in healthy individuals （P=-0.03）. The mean concentration of acetylcarnitine was also lower in affected newborns in comparison to controls, 33.8 μol.L^-1 vs. 37.8 μmol·L^-1, respectively （P=-0.026）. After analysis of acetylearnitine and free carnitine concentrations, the likelihood ratio test did not indicate valuable cut-offpoints. Conclusion The study provides initial data indicating a potential association between decreased malonylcarnitine and abnormal palatogenesis.

Value of acoustic perceptual method for analysis of compensatory articulation errors in postoperative patients with cleft palate

Objective To establish an acoustic perceptual method analyzing the compensatory articulation errors in children with operated cleft palate via the formants of Chinese pure vowels. Methods The first three formants which represent vocal transmission character in Chinese pure vowels of 84 subjects with operated cleft palate, were measured by Computerized Speech Signal Processing System (CSSPS). The Chinese vowel graph of postoperative patients with cleft palate was stated by the first formant frequencies (F1) and the second formant frequencies (F2) of the Chinese pure vowels between the two groups. Results Values of F1 and F2 of vowels except [a] in the poor articulation group (Group A) were significantly different from those in the good articulation group (Group B) (P<0.05 or P<0.01). As compared with that in Group B, the vowel graph demonstrated the decreased perceptual distances in Group A. These findings indicated that there might still be the backward movements of tongue, perverted mandibular movements and disharmonious lip movements in addition to the velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in Group A. Conclusion The speech articulation of children with repaired cleft palate should be gained by correcting the aberrant compensatory articulation errors in the condition of velopharyngeal competence. Computerized Speech Signal Processing System (CSSPS), which is regarded as the content of objective quantitative measurement, is a precise, simple, reliable and atroumatic technique for children with cleft palate to analyze pathological compensatory articulation errors.