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258 results on '"Velegrakis, George A."'

32. C-reactive protein and serum procalcitonin levels as markers of bacterial upper respiratory tract infections

Author

Kofteridis, Diamantis P., Samonis, George, Karatzanis, Alexander D., Fragiadakis, Georgios M., Bourolias, Constantinos A., Maraki, Sofia, Papadakis, John A., and Velegrakis, George A.

Subjects
C-reactive protein -- Physiological aspects, C-reactive protein -- Research, Respiratory tract infections -- Risk factors, Respiratory tract infections -- Diagnosis, Respiratory tract infections -- Research, Calcitonin -- Physiological aspects, Calcitonin -- Research, Biological sciences
Abstract

Problem statement: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) are the most frequent of the community with major social and financial impact. Hence, early and proper diagnosis is of utmost importance. Biomarkers such as the circulating levels of Procalcitonin (PCT) have been shown to be elevated in systemic bacterial infections, but remain relatively low in viral infections and inflammatory diseases and have been suggested as signals for the initiation of antimicrobial therapy. Experience evaluating the value of PCT as a marker of URTIs is limited. Approach: Forty patients with bacterial URTIs were studied in order to assess the role of PCT, measured by using the semi-quantitative test, as bacterial inflammation marker and to compare with other markers, such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Blood Cell (WBC) counts and Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counts. Results: In all cases, 22 with tonsillopharyngitis, 10 with peritonsillar abscess and 8 with rhinosinusitis, PCT levels remained below detection limits. On the other hand, serum CRP levels strongly correlated with body temperature, WBC and PMN cell counts. Patients with rhinosinusitis were older than those with peritonsillar abscess, had lower body temperature than those with tonsillopharyngitis and had lower serum CRP levels than patients with either peritonsillar abscess or tonsillopharyngitis. Conclusion: Therefore CRP could be used as a marker to predict the severity of URTIs while PCT, although promising in cases of other severe bacterial infections, did not prove to be suitable for patients with less severe or localized infections, such as URTIs. Key words: Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, upper respiratory tract infections, INTRODUCTION Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) are the most frequent infections of the community, with major social and financial impact [1]. They represent a heterogeneous group of diseases ranging from [...]

Published
2009

41. Recurrent Desmoid Tumor of the Neck: A Case Report of a Benign Disease with Aggressive Behavior

Author

Klonaris, Dionisios A., Karatzanis, Alexander D., Velegrakis, Stylianos G., Lagoudakis, Eleni D., Prokopakis, Emmanuel P., and Velegrakis, George A.

Subjects
Article Subject
Abstract

We present a case of a desmoid tumor recurrence in a patient with a history of a resected desmoid tumor of the right neck area with free surgical margins six months earlier. The neoplasm was found to invade the parapharyngeal space, and wide excision was performed including most of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the thrombosed internal jugular vein (IJV), and the infiltrated spinal accessory nerve (SAN). The histopathologic findings displayed free microscopic margins, with close margins at the site of the parapharyngeal space extension. After 3 months, there was no sign of tumor recurrence. After 6 months, local tumor recurrence was identified on clinical examination and imaging. The decision of the Oncology Board was further treatment with radiotherapy (RT). Response to treatment was satisfactory, and the patient was on close follow-up for twelve months. Desmoid tumors are very rare benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin with negligible mortality but high morbidity, due to their high recurrence rates, local tissue infiltration, and unpredictable disease course and response to treatment. No universally acceptable treatment protocols have been introduced to date. Appropriate patient counseling and close follow-up are warranted in all cases.

Published
2018
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45. Ectopic internal carotid artery presenting as an oropharyngeal mass

Author

Velegrakis George A, Karampekios Spyros K, Bizaki Argyro J, Bourolias Constantinos A, Prokopakis Emmanuel P, and Bizakis John G

Subjects
Specialties of internal medicine, RC581-951
Abstract

Abstract Ectopic internal carotid artery (ICA) is a very rare variation. The major congenital abnormalities of the ICA can be classified as agenesis, aplasia and hypoplasia, and they can be unilateral or bilateral. Anomalies of the neck artery may be vascular neoplasms or ectopic position. Carotid angiograms provide absolute confirmation of an aberrant carotid artery, while EcoColorDoppler (ECD) gives also important information about the evaluation of carotid vassels. Nevertheless Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the neck provide spatial information about the adjacent pharyngeal anatomy and are less invasive than angiogram. Injuries to the ICA during simple pharyngeal surgical procedures can be catastrophic due to the risk of massive bleeding. We report a case of a 56 year-old male patient suffering from dysphagia associated with aberrant ICA manifesting itself as a pulsative protruding of the left lateral wall of the oropharynx.

Published
2008
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46. Epiglottis reshaping using CO2 laser: A minimally invasive technique and its potent applications

Author

Velegrakis George, Sobol Emil, Hajiioannou Jiannis, Bourolias Constantinos, and Helidonis Emmanuel

Subjects
Specialties of internal medicine, RC581-951
Abstract

Abstract Laryngomalacia (LRM), is the most common laryngeal abnormality of the newborn, caused by a long curled epiglottis, which prolapses posteriorly. Epiglottis prolapse during inspiration (acquired laryngomalacia) is an unusual cause of airway obstruction and a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We present a minimally invasive technique where epiglottis on cadaveric larynx specimens was treated with CO2 laser. The cartilage reshaping effect induced by laser irradiation was capable of exposing the glottis opening widely. This technique could be used in selected cases of LRM and OSAS due to epiglottis prolapse as an alternative, less morbid approach.

Published
2008
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47. Nonmicrosurgical reconstruction of the auricle after traumatic amputation due to human bite

Author

Kyrmizakis Dionysios E, Karatzanis Alexander D, Bourolias Constantinos A, Hadjiioannou John K, and Velegrakis George A

Subjects
Specialties of internal medicine, RC581-951
Abstract

Abstract Background Traumatic auricular amputation due to human bite is not a common event. Nonetheless, it constitutes a difficult challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Microsurgery can be performed in some cases, but most microsurgical techniques are complex and their use can only be advocated in specialized centers. Replantation of a severed ear without microsurgery can be a safe alternative as long as a proper technique is selected. Methods We present two cases, one of a partial and one of a total traumatic auricular amputation, both caused by human bites, that were successfully managed in our Department. The technique of ear reattachment as a composite graft, with partial burial of the amputated part in the retroauricular region, as first described by Baudet, was followed in both cases. Results and discussion The prementioned technique is described in detail, along with the postoperative management and outcome of the patients. In addition, a brief review of the international literature regarding ear replantation is performed. Conclusion The Baudet technique has been used successfully in two cases of traumatic ear amputation due to human bites. It is a simple technique, without the need for microsurgery, and produces excellent aesthetic results, while preserving all neighboring tissues in case of failure with subsequent need for another operation.

Published
2006
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50. Management of locally advanced laryngeal cancer

Author

Karatzanis, Alexander D., Psychogios, Georgios, Waldfahrer, Frank, Kapsreiter, Markus, Zenk, Johannes, Velegrakis, George A., and Iro, Heinrich

Subjects
Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät, Surgery, ddc:610
Abstract

Background Management of advanced laryngeal cancer is complex and ideal strategy is yet to be defined. This study evaluates the experience of a single head and neck oncologic centre in the management of T4 laryngeal cancer. Methods Retrospective assessment of cases primarily treated for T4a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, between 1980 and 2007, at a tertiary referral center. Results A total of 384 cases were studied. Five-year disease specific survival was 56.2% and local control 87.4%. Regional and distal control estimates were 90.3% and 88.3% respectively. Prognosis was significantly superior for cases treated with primary surgery compared to cases solely managed with non-surgical modalities. Positive surgical margins and regional disease worsened prognosis. Conclusion This study suggests that primary surgery remains a key element in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. The need for well-designed, prospective, randomised studies in order to further evaluate the remaining role of primary surgery in the modern management of locally advanced laryngeal lesions is emphasized.

Published
2014

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