Suma Susan Mathews

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of sinonasal surgery

OBJECTIVE We report 2 patients with iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms, which developed following sinus surgery. METHOD Case reports and a review of literature of the management of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm. RESULTS For one patient who presented with massive epistaxis, the only lifesaving option available was to perform an urgent angiogram followed by selective embolization of the feeding vessel. In the second patient who presented with persistent nasal obstruction and discharge and no epistaxis, a traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery was demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging scan that was later confirmed by angiography; he, however, declined further treatment. CONCLUSION Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms that develop following a vascular injury, though rare, can cause life-threatening epistaxis or a thromboembolism. In this report, we describe 2 different manifestations of iatrogenic vascular malformations following sinus surgery. The role of angiography and subsequent endovascular therapy in the management of these lesions is emphasized.

Outcome analysis of benign vocal cord lesions by videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis and voice handicap index

Benign vocal cord lesions affect vibratory vocal fold function resulting in significant dysphonia. A prospective study of 30 patients with benign vocal fold lesions was undertaken at our centre to compare the pre and post operative voice using videostroboscopy, voice analysis and voice handicap index. The vibratory pattern of the cord improved as evidenced by the stroboscopic parameters-symmetry, mucosal wave and glottic closure (p<0.05). Voice analysis showed a trend towards normalcy but the values obtained did not attain statistical significance. Voice handicap index showed a reduction in the total and the subscales scores. Videostroboscopy along with acoustic analysis and voice handicap index are useful tools in the objective and subjective assessment of the effectiveness of treatment in patients with benign vocal cord lesions. Their routine use in a voice clinic is recommended.

Audio-vestibular function in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients in India

OBJECTIVE As the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic shows no signs of abating, the impact of AIDS is felt more in the developing countries due to socioeconomic reasons. The possibility of drug-induced ototoxicity also adds to the risk of audio vestibular dysfunction. We sought to determine if there was a difference between the audio-vestibular function in the asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients and patients with AIDS. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, cross-sectional study SETTING A tertiary care center in South India MATERIALS AND METHODS The audio-vestibular system of 30 asymptomatic HIV positive subjects (group 1) and 30 subjects with AIDS (group 2), and age-matched 30 healthy controls (group 3) were assessed using pure tone audiometry and cold caloric test. RESULTS Sixteen patients each, in group 1 and group 2 and four subjects in the control group were detected to have a hearing loss indicating significantly more HIV infected individuals (group 1 and 2) were having hearing loss (P=0.001). Kobraks (modified) test showed 27% of patients in group 1 and 33% of patients in group 2 and none in the group 3 had a hypofunctioning labyrinth (P=0.001). CONCLUSION It seems that the human immunodeficiency virus does affect the audio-vestibular pathway. There was a significant incidence of audio-vestibular dysfunction among the HIV infected patients, as compared to the control population (P=0.001) and no significant difference between the asymptomatic HIV seropositive patients and AIDS patients. Majority of the patients had no otological symptoms.

Deep head and neck infections: outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics:

In order to study the bacteriological profile, antibiotic sensitivity and outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics in patients with deep head and neck infection, a retrospective review of 42 patients admitted for drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy was performed. Ludwig’s angina was the commonest infection, with the most common organisms isolated being Group F ß-haemolytic (15%) and non-haemolytic (12.5%) streptococcus. All streptococci and anaerobic gram-positive cocci were susceptible to penicillin. S. aureus isolates were oxacillin-sensitive and enterococcus isolates were ampicillin-sensitive. All 42 patients received empirical therapy with either intravenous penicillin or its derivatives. In only three patients was a change of antibiotic required based on culture and sensitivity results. Early generation antibiotics appear ideal as empirical therapy for deep head and neck infection.

Endocrine glands and hearing: Auditory manifestations of various endocrine and metabolic conditions

The aetiology of hearing loss in humans is multifactorial. Besides genetic, environmental and infectious causes, several endocrine and metabolic abnormalities are associated with varying degrees of hearing impairment. The pattern of hearing loss may be conductive, sensori-neural or mixed. The neurophysiology of hearing as well as the anatomical structure of the auditory system may be influenced by changes in the hormonal and metabolic milieu. Optimal management of these conditions requires the integrated efforts of the otolaryngologist and the endocrinologist. The presence of hearing loss especially in the young age group should prompt the clinician to explore the possibility of an associated endocrine or metabolic disorder for timely referral and early initiation of treatment.

Sublingual dermoid causing stertor in an infant

Sublingual dermoids are uncommon lesions in the floor of mouth. The most common age of presentation is early adulthood, but presentation in infancy has also been reported. This report highlights the clinical presentation and treatment challenges in infants. An 8-month-old infant presented with inability to close mouth, intermittent stertor and snoring. MRI suggested a sublingual dermoid which was confirmed on histopathology of the surgically enucleated specimen. Sublingual dermoids are uncommon lesions of the floor of mouth. The age of presentation of a sublingual dermoid depends on the initial size of the lesion. Large sublingual dermoids in neonates can present with respiratory embarrassment and need early surgical intervention. Surgical enucleation via an intraoral approach is the treatment of choice with external approach reserved for very large cysts below the mylohyoid. Large sublingual cysts can present with anaesthetic challenges and may need fibreoptic intubation.

Infraorbital nerve schwannoma: A rare cause of upper jaw swelling

INTRODUCTION Schwannoma of the infraorbital nerve is a rare entity, with lesser than a dozen cases reported in literature and only one from India. REPORT This article reports a 23-year-old male presenting with a painless swelling in the cheek, which was eventually diagnosed as infraorbital nerve schwannoma. He underwent a complete excision of the tumor via a Caldwell Luc approach and continues to be disease free on 3 year follow-up. CONCLUSION Despite its rarity, infraorbital nerve schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis, of upper jaw swelling. We recommend the Caldwell Luc approach as safe, effective and cosmetically acceptable, for anteriorly based infraorbital schwannomas, and review literature on this unusual entity.

Tumour-induced osteomalacia.

Hong Kong Med J ⎥ Volume 20 Number 4 ⎥ August 2014 ⎥ www.hkmj.org Tumour-induced osteomalacia (also known as oncogenic osteomalacia) is an uncommon condition. The fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), a polypeptide secreted by mesenchymal tumours, causes phosphaturia, which in turn results in defective mineralisation. In addition, FGF-23 causes suppression of the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase located in the proximal convoluted tubules of kidneys and responsible for final activation of vitamin D (from 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D).1 Once the tumour causing the osteomalacia is found, its excision usually results in complete remission of the bone disorder.2 Herein we report on a patient who presented to us with the features of oncogenic osteomalacia. A 32-year-old woman born of nonconsanguineous parents complained of gradually increasing proximal muscle weakness of both lower limbs over 1 year in February 2012. She also had pain in both hips while walking, which restricted her daily activities. She had no history of any chronic gastrointestinal illness, and was not taking medication which might affect bone metabolism. Nor was there a family history of any similar illness. Clinical examination revealed severe proximal muscle weakness in both lower limbs. Active movements like external rotation and abduction at the both hips were painful. Otherwise the examination was unremarkable. Biochemical evaluation revealed hypophosphataemia with phosphaturia (Table). Radiology of the hips showed bilateral femoral neck pseudofractures (Fig 1). These abnormalities favoured a diagnosis of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia. Further workup yielded a high FGF-23 level and computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses showed a soft tissue tumour in the left ethmoidal sinus (Fig 2). The patient was treated with phosphate supplements and underwent complete excision of the left ethmoidal sinus mass. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a

Two siblings with Paget's disease of bone

Pagets disease of bone (PDB) is a chronic disorder characterised by focal areas of excessive osteoclastic bone resorption with a secondary increase in osteoblastic bone formation. First-degree relatives of patients with PDB are at seven times higher risk of developing this disorder, with a tendency towards earlier age at onset. We report two siblings who presented with features of polyostotic Pagets disease. They presented with features of non-inflammatory back pain. Biochemical evaluation was unremarkable except for elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Subsequently, radiology and bone scans were diagnostic of polyostotic PDB. They were treated with bisphosphonates with which they improved.

Chronic pharyngitis: role of atypical organisms: a case control study from South India.

Background Bacteria including Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and anaerobic bacteria such as Fusobacterium necrophorum have been implicated as etiological agents of chronic pharyngitis in Western literature. Because there are no data regarding this from India, the authors undertook this study. Study Design Prospective case-control study. Setting Tertiary-level medical college and hospital. Method In total, 343 consecutive adults with persistent throat pain and/or irritation (duration ≥3 months) were screened for known causes of pharyngitis by a thorough clinical and endoscopic examination. In 71 patients, the evaluation performed was unable to determine any cause, and these were considered cases. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test to detect IgA and IgG antibodies to C pneumoniae and M pneumoniae was performed on 66 of these cases and 62 controls. The posterior pharyngeal swabs taken from both the cases and controls were subjected to aerobic and anaerobic culture. Results Individuals with chronic pharyngitis had a 3.43 times odds of being seropositive for C pneumoniae as compared with controls (P = .001; odds ratio = 3.43). Aerobic organisms and M pneumoniae did not seem to be significant etiological agents for chronic pharyngitis. On the contrary, isolation of Fusobacterium spp was found to be significantly more in controls as compared with cases. Conclusion This study suggests an association between IgA antibodies to C pneumoniae and chronic pharyngitis. Further studies using more specific tests combined with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.