Laryngeal sequelae following prolonged endotracheal intubation are being observed with increasing frequency as this technique of airway management is being employed for extended periods of time. Many etiologic factors have been implicated in the development of these problems with the exact reasons being as yet unknown. After reviewing the records of 372 consecutive patients intubated over an 18-month period, we have observed an increased frequency of these complications in the diabetic female patient and suggest that early tracheostomy should be considered in these individuals when the use of prolonged intubation is anticipated. The possible pathophysiology of this problem in the diabetic, as well as the non-diabetic intubated patient, and its possible prevention will be discussed.

Significant complications are encountered in some patients as a result of prolonged endotracheal intubation. The finding of low gastric pH values at postmortem examination in patients whose larynx was severely traumatized after endotracheal intubation suggested that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of these problems. To evaluate the occurrence and character of GER as well as its effects upon the larynx and trachea of intubated patients, clinical observations and several animal models were employed. Monitoring of pH values for GER was performed in intubated patients both in the operating room and the intensive care unit with a 40% incidence of GER in ICU patients not receiving antacid therapy. After exposure to gastric juice, marked inflammation and necrosis were observed in the larynx of rabbits, and a significant reduction of mucociliary flow was found to occur in the dog's trachea. The physiology and mechanisms of these events are discussed and indicate that GER may play an important role in the development of permanent laryngeal and tracheal injury in the intubated patient. It is recommended that pharyngeal pH be monitored in intubated patients because their altered state of consciousness may predispose to gastric reflux. When GER is encountered, initiation of treatment should be undertaken because prevention is considerably more effective than subsequent treatment.

Prolonged endotracheal intubation has become the standard of care in most neonatal units for maintenance of mechanical ventilation in the presence of respiratory distress. Unfortunately this approach has become associated with significant complications, including acquired subglottic stenosis. We have successfully used nasal continuous positive airway pressure to avoid or decrease the incidence and duration of endotracheal intubation. With use of this technique we have been able to significantly reduce sequelae (i.e., bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage) and have not encountered subglottic stenosis in more than 200 cases. The use of this technique may be of significant value in preventing or reducing the incidence of acquired subglottic stenosis.

The congenital varicella syndrome, as a consequence of maternal chicken pox infection early in pregnancy, is extremely uncommon, being estimated as occurring in only 0.7 per 1000 pregnancies. I Approximately 2% of those mothers infected within the first 14 weeks of gestation produce children with congenital defects. This incidence is less if the infection occurs in the second trimester.' The effects of the varicella virus include spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, limb hypoplasia, cutaneous scarring, low birth weight, rudimentary digits, psychomotor retardation, cortical atrophy, and ocular defects (Table 1).3-5 A case of the congenital varicella syndrome is described that initially manifested as an abnormality of the cry and feeding difficulties. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing any aberration of the newborn cry, as this may be a manifestation of a major neurologic or systemic disorder. CASE REPORTThis full-term male was the first child of healthy parents. The pregnancy was uncomplicated, except for maternal chicken pox at 14 weeks of gestation. The birth weight was 5 pounds, 13 ounces; the head circumference was 32.5 em and the Apgar score was 8. In the newborn nursery, the cry was noted to be initially absent and then of extremely low Volume, infrequent, and high-pitched, with these cry characteristics persisting. Difficulty in feeding with aspiration was also encountered and otolaryngologic consultation was obtained. Physical examination, including flexible laryngoscopy, was within normal limits. No stridor or airway problems were present. Soft tissue x-ray films of the neck and chest X-ray films were within normal limits, but significant regurgitation into the nasopharynx with poor passage of barium into the stomach was noted on barium swallow (Fig. I). Abnormal pharyngeal contractions and esophageal motility were also observed (Fig. I). Mild hypotonicity was found on neurologic evaluation, and a CT scan of the head revealed Cortical atrophy with interstitial calcification (Fig. 2). Sero-From the Section of Otolaryngology. Norwalk Hospital.

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant tumor which usually arises from the extremities. Involvement of the cervical area has been quite rare and to date only 12 cases have been reported. Two additional cases are reported in this paper and their management discussed. Case 1 is a 32‐year‐old white female with a submucosal mass of the right retromolar area displacing the tonsillar fossa and soft palate anteriorly. Surgical exploration revealed a well encapsulated mass separate from the parotid gland. Surgical excision was carried out on August 30, 1972. Pathological report was a synovial sarcoma. There has been no recurrence to date. Case 2 is a 34‐year‐old male with a 4 to 5 centimeter submandibular mass. Sialography and carotid arteriography were non‐contributory. Biopsy showed synovial sarcoma. On May 12, 1973, surgical excision of the mass was carried out with the ipsilateral attached greater corneal of the hyoid bone and right hypoglossal nerve which ran into the tumor. Postoperative X‐ray therapy was given. There is no recurrence to date. Discussion: Synovial sarcoma represents a type of mesenchymal tumor whose differention can mimic non‐neoplastic synovial membrane. Histologically the tumor contains two neoplastic cell types. These are described as the fibrosarcomatous element and the synovial element. The tumor usually has no true capsule and grows by expansion with adherance to surrounding structures. The rate of growth is slow but the long term prognosis is poor. Metastasis usually occurs via blood stream most commonly to the lungs. Regional lymph node metastasis occurs in areas outside of the head and neck but has not been recorded in synovial sarcoma of the head and neck to date. Surgical excision is agreed to be the mode of treatment. The value of X‐ray therapy is uncertain but Pack and Ariel were able to show their best results with a combination of surgical resection followed by postoperative X‐ray therapy. It has been suggested that synovial sarcoma of the head and neck may behave in a more benign manner than synovial sarcoma elsewhere. Long term follow‐up is not available in enough of the cervical sarcoma cases to determine if this is true. Until a more benign behavior is proven the tumor should be treated as an aggressive malignancy. Wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Postoperative X‐ray therapy should be considered.