Participation of complement in nasal polyposis.

No changes in immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and complement components C3 and C4 levels could be observed in patients suffering from both recurrent and acute nasal polyposis. However, in both groups of patients a significant decrease of the alternative pathway of complement activation (up to 80%) was found. In addition, patients suffering from the acute disease showed even decreased classical complement pathway (up to 20%).

Malignancy of a cystadenolymphoma of the parotid gland.

The authors describe malignant degeneration of the epithelial component of a cystadenolymphoma (CAL) of the parotid gland in a 79-year-old man. This development of carcinoma in CAL is a very rare occurrence, with only eight cases described thus far in the literature.

[Manifestations of epidermolysis bullosa in the deglutition tract].

An account of a rare mucosal form of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica in a 26-year-old female patient. The mucosal manifestations involved severe stenosis of the oral portion of the oesophagus. After exhausting all conservative therapeutic procedures (corticoids, transfer factor, dilatation), the stenosis of the oesophagus was successfully operated by resection of the stenotic portion and a plastic operation.

[Rational antibiotic therapy in ORL oncologic surgery].

The decisive point is the suitable time of antibiotic administration, their combination and possibility to extend the surgical repertoire by prevention in particular of general complications. Wound healing is more rapid, and intended adjuvant treatment can, due to the reduce period of wound healing, be applied much sooner. It is more effective and the attainment of target structures by the administered drugs is not blocked by prolonged processes which are sometimes associated with fibrosis, scars and regressive tissue changes.

[The tensor tympani muscle reflex in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

The initial stages of carcinoma of the nasopharynx may be manifested by different types of impaired hearing. The Eustachian tube may be obstructed by a tumour or its orifice compressed, sometimes the tumour penetrates into the middle ear. The authors discuss the position which may develop in infiltration of the semicanalis m.