To the doctrine of the cross-linking of nerves. Sympathetic and cranial systems. Experimental study with a table of curves and figures

Before moving on to our experiments, set up in order to study the composition of the fibers of the cervical sympathetic nerve, we will give a short literary sketch of this issue, confining ourselves to the works of the last years, and mainly to Langle and A. S. Dogel, who are interested in finding the literature of this issue.

Evaluation of the damage caused by clamping or section of cervical sympathetic nerve in rabbits

PURPOSE: To study the macro and microscopic evaluation of the damage caused by clamping or section of cervical sympathetic nerve in rabbits, quantifying the collagen in the lesions. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups of ten, doing in group 1 (section) section of the right cervical sympathetic nerve, while in group 2 (clipping) clipping of the nerve. All rabbits were induced to death on the seventh day after surgery. The macroscopic variables were: consequences of nerve lesion, clip appearance, presence of infection and adhesions around the nerve. Microscopy used hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate the stages and the degree of inflammation and necrosis, and F3BA Picrosirius red staining to quantify collagen. Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons of collagen types I and III between groups. Fisher exact test analyzed the macroscopic variables, the degree of inflammation and necrosis. RESULTS: There was no discontinuity of nerve injury in the clipping group, as well as the clip was closed in all animals. The presence of severe adhesions was significantly higher in the clipping group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference on other variables macroscopically analyzed. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the type of inflammatory process and its intensity, as well as the presence of necrosis and collagen deposition in the nerves. CONCLUSIONS: In the macroscopic evaluation, the section caused discontinuity, which did not occur in the clamping group; there was no development of local infection; the clipping of the cervical sympathetic nerve was linked to the presence of a greater number of adhesions in comparison to the section group. Microscopically, no difference existed in relation to the type and intensity of inflammation reaction between the groups; occurred predominance of chronic and severe inflammation on the specimens; the necrosis was noticed equally in both groups; there was predominance of type I collagen deposition in relation to type III in both groups.

Malignant triton tumour of the parapharyngeal space: a case arising from the cervical sympathetic nerve

Background:Malignant triton tumour is a relatively rare, aggressive sarcoma comprising both malignant schwannoma cells and malignant rhabdomyoblasts. Malignant triton tumour of the parapharyngeal space is exceptionally rare, with only one case being described in the literature. Malignant triton tumour of the cervical sympathetic nerve has not previously been reported.Methods:We report a case involving the parapharyngeal space and arising from the cervical sympathetic nerve, and we review the management and outcome of the previous case reported in this rare location.Conclusions:The parapharyngeal space is a unique location. Owing to this specific localisation, adjuvant therapy in addition to complete resection may be important in the treatment of malignant triton tumour in this rare location.

Barré–Lieou syndrome and the problem of the obsolete eponym

Background: Eponym lists in major sources can give an aura of legitimacy to discredited diagnoses, as exemplified by the case of Barré–Lieou syndrome, a ‘rare’ vestibular disorder.Methods: A literature review for information on the posterior cervical syndrome of Barré–Lieou.Results: Barré–Lieou syndrome includes very common symptoms – tinnitus, dizziness, and head or neck pain – attributed to ischaemia caused by cervical sympathetic nerve compression. Its original description brings together many unrelated disorders, and its causative mechanism has been discredited. However, it appears credulously in a number of eponym lists, and references to the syndrome are steadily increasing on the internet in general and on alternative medicine and legal profession websites in particular.Conclusion: By inclusion in eponym lists, without a disclaimer, a syndrome can be given legitimacy before the general public. A syndrome, such as Barré–Lieou syndrome, that is useless to the medical profession can unfortunately prove to be very useful for litigants and disability claimants.