Abstracts ELLIOT ABEMAYOR, MD, PHD, Editor

DNA Quantitation and Histologic Characteristics of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Aerodiges- tive Tract. W Sakr, M Hussan, RJ Zarbo, et al. Arch Path01 Lab Med 1989; 113:1009-1014

DNA analysis is currently being used in many solid tumors cases to compare DNA content with tumor prog- nosis. The present paper examined DNA content, as measured by flow cytometry, and compared with stan- dard histologic parameters in 155 squamous cell carci- nomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. Aneuploidy or abnormal DNA content was identified in 69% of the neoplasms. This was correlated with increased fre- quency of mitotic figures and other histologic features predictive of aggressive tumor behavior, including high nuclear grade, decreased stromal response, and inva- sive squamous cell carcinoma. This study confirms the association of abnormal DNA content with poor prog- nosis in squamous cell carcinoma. In the future, DNA quantification should become a routine procedure in the staging of head and neck neoplasms.

MRI Assessment of Unsuspected Dural Sinus Throm- bosis. PJ Hulcelle, GC Dooms, P Mathurin, et al. Neu- roradiology 1989; 31:217-221

Diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis is difficult because of a lack of clinical awareness and poor imag- ing on computed tomography scans. Current reports have emphasized the role of MRI in the evaluation of this disease. The present paper describes three patients in whom the clinical diagnosis was uncertain and the symptoms nonspecific. In all three patients, computed tomography was initially performed and was negative, even in retrospect. However, in every patient, dural si- nus thrombosis was conspicuous on MRI as imaged on both T2 and Tl weighted scans. MRI is a useful, simple, noninvasive, and reliable diagnostic technique which is better than computed tomography in diagnosing venous thrombosis. It does not require the use of contrast me- dium and is safely repeated. It allows direct visualiza- tion of the thrombus, displays precise delineation of its extent, and demonstrates its complications. In the acute phase of venous occlusion, there is a signal void as compared with normal brain parenchyma. Although this paper is a short report of three cases, it merits study by head and neck surgeons because, if dural sinus thrombosis is to be diagnosed early, it requires early evaluation using precise and accurate noninvasive ra- diologic methods.

Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in the Evaluation of Acute Chest and Upper Airway Trauma. KS Hara, UBS Prakash. Chest 1989; 96:627-630

Bronchoscopy is recommended for all cases of major chest trauma. To determine whether flexible fiberoptic

bronchoscopy is effective, the authors retrospectively identified 50 patients who had fiberoptic bronchoscopy following chest trauma. Flexible bronchoscopy was of diagnostic value in 53% of patients. Traumatic lesions of the trachea and bronchi were discovered in eight patients. In only one patient did bronchoscopy fail to identify the lesion. The authors emphasize the impor- tance of evaluation of the upper trachea, larynx, and supraglottis using this technique. Whereas the value of bronchoscopy in patients with chest trauma is unques- tionable, there are several issues raised by this paper. The number of patients who required intubation or tracheostomy prior to the procedure is unclear. In ad- dition, fiberoptic bronchoscopy does not secure an air- way; the use of this modality without excluding tra- cheal transection or maintaining ventilation is poten- tially dangerous. Head and neck surgeons should be aware of this study, since fiberoptic bronchoscopy may be used by other services in the evaluation of chest trauma. However, it bears reemphasis that in cases of suspected laryngeal or tracheal injury, elective trache- ostomy is still the initial treatment of choice.

Relationship of Cytogenetic Subtypes of Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenomas with Patient Age and Histologic Type. J Bullerdiek, G Takla, S Bartnitzke, et al. Cancer 1989; 64:876-880

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent benign tumor of the parotid gland, possessing a high degree of local recurrence if not completely excised. The present study examines the cytogenetic subgroups involved in pleomorphic adenoma to discern whether distinct clin- ical or histologic features are correlated with individual DNA or cytogenetic changes. Of the 69 tumors karyo- typed, 54% showed clonal chromosomal abnormalities. Predominating were rearrangements involving chromo- somes 8 and 12. These tumors also tended to have a lower stroma content than those without chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, the age of patients was lower in the chromosomal rearrangement group than in the group of tumors with normal karyotype. Whether this group of patients had a higher rate of malignant trans- formation or tumor recurrence could not be deter- mined. These data suggest that karyotypic changes are primary genetic events related to the formation and progression of parotid gland pleomorphic adenomas. Whether oncogene activation also occurs following chromosomal rearrangements in these neoplasms re- mains to be determined.

Enhanced Survival of Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Fol- lowing the Application of DC Electrical Fields. MJ Politis, MF Zanakis, JE Miller. Plast Reconstr Surg 1989; 84:267-272

This study was undertaken to determine whether ex- ogenous electrical fields could improve the post trau-

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