Marco Alveirinho Simão

Cogan's Syndrome: ARetrospective Study of 22 Years

Introduction: Cogan’s syndrome (CS) is a rare clinical entity, of presumptive autoimmune etiology, typically characterized by a non-syphilitic interstitial keratitis (IK) associated with a Meniere-like vestibuloauditory dysfunction. Objective: Since only few cases have been published to current date and considering the variable presentation, clinical course and absence of specific diagnostic tests, we aim to potentially bring further insight for diagnosis and management. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all cases of CS followed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Voice and Communication Disorders in Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, from 1992 to 2013. Patient’s demographics, otolaryngologic, ophthalmologic and systemic manifestations, presenting symptoms, audiovestibular and laboratory testing, imaging assessment, performed treatment, disease course and hearing outcomes were analyzed. Results: We review a group of six patients, two with typical and four with atypical CS. Five patients evolved to profound hearing loss, bilateral in two cases. No patient had permanent visual deficit. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) increase was the most consistent laboratory finding. Only one patient had positive anti- Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 70 antibodies. All patients were treated with corticosteroids. Methotrexate was associated in three, with some hearing loss stabilization. Three patients underwent cochlear implantation. Discussion and Conclusions: In our series, morbidity was mainly related to the vestibuloauditory dysfunction. In implanted patients, there was a significant improvement of hearing function. We highlight the need of a multidisciplinary approach to this pathology for better therapeutic outcomes and quality of life.

Pediatric Periorbital Infections: 5-Year Retrospective Study

Objective: Periorbital infections in the pediatric population are a common situation in hospital emergency care that can lead to visual loss, intracranial infection, or even death. We evaluated presentations and outcomes of pediatric periorbital cellulitis in order to understand different etiologies and stratifying risk populations that need different diagnostic and treatment approaches. Method: We retrospectively reviewed the pediatric patients admitted at our institution with the diagnosis of periorbital cellulitis over a period of 5 years. They were classified in subgroups according to Chandler and cross-referenced in demographics, clinical features, co-morbidities, days of in-hospital staying, CT findings, and treatment modalities. Results: We identified 112 children with periorbital cellulitis, 63 pre-septal and 49 post-septal. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in regard to age (P < .001) and history of trauma or skin infection (P < .001). Proptosis (P < .001), diplopia (P < .01) and ophthalmoplegia (P < .001) were more frequent in post-septal infections and surgical intervention was exclusive of this group. Subperiosteal abscess patients were significantly older (P < .05), and all of them had diagnosis of acute sinusitis (P < .05). Proptosis (P < .05), ophtalmoplegia (P < .05) and diplopia (P < .05) were also differentiating features of subperiosteal abscess. Conclusion: Pre-septal infections are more common in younger children. Older children with subperiosteal abscesses need surgical intervention more often. Proptosis, diplopia, and opfthamoplegia are significant identifying features of post-septal infections, particularly in surgical patients. Trauma or skin infections are relevant findings of pre-septal infections. Post-septal infections are mostly a complication of acute sinusitis.