Jiannis K. Hajiioannou

Palate ulcer due to mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales and is one of the most rapidly fatal fungal infections known to man. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is the most common type and its extension to the orbit and brain is quite usual. Location of mucormycosis on the palate is a rare and late occurrence. A case of deep hard palate ulcer due to sinonasal mucormycosis in a 79-year-old man is reported. He was successfully treated with a combination of surgical debridement and systemic liposomal amphotericin B administration for six weeks. By presenting this case report we would like to point out that mucormycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of hard palate ulcers.

Evaluation of anatomical variation of the crista galli using computed tomography.

Pneumatization of the crista galli is a recognized incidental finding on computed tomography (CT), usually with little relevance to the clinical picture. There are, however, notable exceptions: congenital midline nasal defects including nasal dermoids have been seen to track through or near the crista galli. Mucocele development has also been seen. This study aimed to evaluate the variation in crista galli morphology and pneumatization and assess whether specific morphologies occur. A retrospective observational study was undertaken between November 2007 and January 2008. Using coronal and axial reconstructed CT views, images of the head in the region of the paranasal sinuses were assessed. Variations in the crista galli were classified according to their position relative to the cribriform plate and to the degree of pneumatization. Computed tomography findings of the morphology of the crista galli in 99 patients were reviewed and a classification system derived from the findings. Three variations of the position of the base of the crista galli were defined. In 28.3% of subjects the base of the crista galli did not extend below the level of the cribriform plate. In 63.6%, the crista galli extended less than 50% of its height below the cribriform plate and in 8.1% of the scans the crista galli extended more than 50% of its height below the cribriform plate. Pneumatization was noticed in 14.1% of the scans. Our results demonstrate the variation that occurs in the morphology and pneumatization of the crista galli. We hope this knowledge might be of help in preoperative planning of surgical approaches to sites of disease involving the crista galli. Clin. Anat. 23:370–373, 2010.

The role of laser assisted tympanostomy (LAT) in treating allergic children with chronic serous otitis media

OBJECTIVES To assess various prognostic factors influencing the outcome in paediatric patients with serous otitis media, who have undergone laser assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tube placement. Emphasis is given to children with allergies who underwent the procedure. METHOD Laser assisted tympanostomy was performed on a total of 130 ears (92 individuals) with chronic otitis media with effusion. To determine the quality of patient outcome, the following parameters were evaluated: external auditory canal anatomy, type of anaesthesia used, tympanic membrane and middle ear fluid characteristics, myringotomy size, a history of allergies and the laser device parameters. RESULTS Multivariable statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of allergies in children with chronic serous otitis media is significantly correlated with a poor outcome (P < 0.0047). Moreover, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity (glue) fluid in the middle ear cavity can also independently influence patient outcome (P < 0.025). Simultaneous adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy, type of anaesthesia (general versus local), external canal anatomy (wide or narrow) and sex, were not statistically important prognostic factors. The type of anaesthesia used, myringotomy size and the laser device parameters were not found to be associated with patient outcome. CONCLUSION A history of allergies, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity fluid in the middle ear cavity are all contraindications for laser assisted tympanostomy without tympanostomy tubes, in children who suffer from chronic serous otitis media. The selection criteria for this procedure in the paediatric population are addressed in detail.

Diagnosis and Management of Substernal Goiter at the University of Crete

The objective of this work was to evaluate the diagnosis and management of patients with substernal goiter (SSG) on the basis of our experience. We conducted a retrospective study of all SSGs within a series of 591 thyroidectomies performed in a tertiary referral center over a period of 14 years, analyzing epidemiological data, diagnostic criteria, and surgical results. There were 37 (6%) patients with descending goiter: 28 women (mean age 57.1 years) and 9 men (mean age 61 years). All 37 patients underwent successful surgical treatment without any major postoperative complications. A postoperative histological examination revealed a 16.6% incidence of malignancy. Despite the size and close proximity to vital organs in the mediastinum, all of the SSGs were managed successfully. A neck approach was used in all except for one patient who was operated on via sternotomy. A thorough preoperative evaluation including computed tomography scan of the neck and mediastinum, and an appropriate surgical technique ensure a positive outcome for most patients with an SSG.

Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale for Greek Patients

Objective Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a validated disease-specific questionnaire for the assessment of Nasal Obstruction (NO). The aim of this study was to validate the Greek-NOSE questionnaire. Study Design Prospective instrument validation study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods NOSE questionnaire was translated into Greek and then translated back into English. A prospective study was conducted on adult patients with NO due to septal deviation (SD). Test-retest evaluation of SD patients was carried out. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha test and test-retest reliability with Pearson’s test (correlation), kappa (reproducibility), and Bland-Altman plot (extent of agreement). Validity was assessed by comparing scores of a control group of volunteers without NO to preoperative scores of SD patients undergoing septoplasty with Mann-Whitney test. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing preoperative to 3 months postoperative scores of SD patients with paired t test and evaluating the magnitude of surgery effect. Results Test-retest evaluation was accepted on 109 patients. The Greek-NOSE had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.74 for test and 0.76 for retest). All its items were significantly correlated between test and retest evaluation. NOSE showed high reproducibility (mean kappa: 0.75), and almost all differences in Bland-Altman plot were between agreement thresholds. Controls (123 volunteers) had significant lower score. Postoperative scores were significantly lower than preoperative, and magnitude of surgery effect was high, both indicating good responsiveness. Conclusion The Greek-NOSE questionnaire is a valid instrument with satisfactory internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness.

Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss caused by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease or hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) is a relatively common neurological syndrome, which has seldom been associated with hearing dysfunction, particularly sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Families with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive and X-linked forms of inheritance have been described. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a frustrating and frightening condition, especially if the hearing loss is bilateral. Regarding the site of the lesion, the evidence from the literature on HMSN suggests that either the VIIIth nerve or central auditory pathways are primarily involved in patients with hearing loss. We report the first case in the English literature of a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type II disease presenting bilateral SNHL in the course of his disease. The patient was hospitalized for 15 days, and undergoing treatment without any audiological improvement. Detailed clinical, audiological and laboratory examination was performed. The aetiology and prognostic indicators of bilateral SNHL are discussed, as well as, the incidence of hearing loss in CMT patients.

Epiglottis reshaping using CO2 laser: A minimally invasive technique and its potent applications

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.

Canal wall down mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma: experience at the University of Crete.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical and audiologic data as well as operative findings and postoperative follow-up in the management of chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media with canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM). STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of cases followed up between 1990 and 2002. SETTING Tertiary referral centre. METHOD Two hundred one patients with chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma underwent CWDM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical presentation, surgical findings, and audiologic evaluation were assessed. RESULTS Preoperatively, eight patients suffered from vertigo and four presented with facial nerve paralysis. In 40 patients (20%), erosion of the lateral semicircular canal was found, and in 31 patients (15%), there was dehiscence of the facial nerve canal. Dural plate erosion and sinus plate dehiscence were found in 13 and 17 patients, respectively. Nine patients experienced serious endocranial complications at their admission. The malleus was noted to be intact in the majority of patients in all age groups. The incus was eroded or absent in most of the cases in all age groups. On postoperative evaluation 3 months after surgery, 195 audiograms were performed, with a mean pure-tone average of 55 dB HL and a mean air-bone gap of 30 dB HL. CONCLUSION Although CWDM has the disadvantages of the necessity to avoid water insertion in the external auditory canal and lifelong mastoid care, it is an effective treatment in a single-step procedure for patients with advanced disease and for those who refuse to submit to postoperative follow-up.

Osteoid osteoma of the ethmoid bone associated with dacryocystitis

BackgroundOsteoid osteomas (OO) are small, benign osteoblastic lesions. Ethmoid bone OO has been very rarely reported so far.Case presentationWe report a case of a 16-year-old boy suffering from persistent epiphora and a mild pain in the area of median canthus, due to a bone density mass within the right ethmoid air cells extending to the ipsilateral right orbit. The mass was removed via an external ethmoidectomy approach. Histopathologic examination of the specimen set the diagnosis of OO. One year after the operation the patient is free of symptoms, while no recurrence occurred.ConclusionA case of ethmoid bone OO associated with dacryocystitis is reported. Although benign and rare, OO should be considered in differential diagnosis of the ethmoid bone osteoblastic lesions.

Superior thyroid cornu anatomical variation causing globus pharyngeous and Dysphagia.

Objective. Rare case presentation of thyroid cartilage variation causing globus sensation and dysphagia. Method. Case report and review of the literature concerning thyroid cartilage variant of clinical significance. Results. Middle-aged male patient presented with globus sensation and painful swallow without previous injury of the larynx. Clinical examination and diagnostic procedures revealed a rare anatomic aberrance of the thyroid cartilage. Surgical treatment was declined by the patient who accepted a yearly followup. Conclusion. Morphometric studies do not report the dislocation of the superior thyroid cornu, and very few cases have been described either of which were attributed to trauma or to unknown cause. The present case is to be added to the very few cases of superior thyroid cornu dislocation of unknown aetiology. Clinicians should be aware of this rare variation using CT neck as the imaging study of choice. Direct endoscopy rules out any synchronous disease or malignancies.