Deep neck abscess in neonatal period: Case report and review of literature

Deep neck abscess is very rare in neonatal period. We reported a deep neck abscess caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection (MSSA) in a neonate. A 10-day male infant was admitted to our neonatal unit with the complaints of fever, irritability, and refused to food intake. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed as an abscess in the neck. Needle aspiration from abscess revealed pus. Antibiotics and drainage were applied. We also reviewed the neonatal deep neck abscess reported in English literature and clinical presentation, risk factors, causing microorganisms, treatment, complication and outcome of deep neck abscesses were discussed.     

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogen in deep neck abscesses: a pediatric case series

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric deep neck space abscesses are frequently treated by the otolaryngologist. We report four children with deep neck abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including the first described case of descending mediastinitis caused by MRSA in a child. METHODS: Records from March 2001 to April 2002 were reviewed. RESULTS: Four patients presented with neck swelling, and three of these also had leukocytosis. All abscess cultures were positive for MRSA. Abscess drainage with antibiotic therapy successfully treated three cases without complication. The fourth case developed descending mediastinitis but survived after additional surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA should be considered as a potential pathogen in deep neck space abscesses. A high index of suspicion is needed as well as aggressive treatment including incision and drainage along with culture-directed medical therapy. Surgical drainage may be the most important aspect of therapy.     

Staphylococcus aureus sinus infections in children

Objective

Staphylococcus aureus can cause sinusitis in children. The predominant MRSA clone in the United States, USA300, has been associated with skin and soft tissue as well as invasive diseases. USA300 has increased among CA methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (CA-MSSA) isolates. We describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with S. aureus cultured from sinus specimens, treated at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH), and characterized their isolates by molecular methods.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) cultures positive for S. aureus between 01/2005 and 12/2008 at TCH. Medical records were reviewed and associated S. aureus isolates were characterized by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Chi-square for trend.

Results

We identified 56 patients with S. aureus sinus infections; 12 (21%) were MRSA. Seven of 12 (58%) MRSA vs. 5/44 (11%) MSSA were USA300 (p < 0.01). All MRSA isolates were non-susceptible to erythromycin compared to 30% of MSSA (p < 0.01); 75% of the USA300 strains were non-susceptible to erythromycin compared to 36% of the non-USA300 strains (p < 0.04). Co-pathogens were isolated from 77% (43/56) of the patient specimens. Both MRSA and USA300 isolates were associated with Haemophilus influenzae co-isolation (p < 0.05). Patients with USA300 strains were significantly younger (p = 0.02) and more likely to experience snoring as a symptom associated with their sinusitis (p = 0.03) than those infected with non-USA300 strains. Children with MRSA (4/12) tended to have a greater recurrence rate than children with MSSA isolates (5/44) (p = 0.09). No significant differences were observed between groups for fever or complications such as neck cellulitis, nasal abscess, meningitis, subdural empyema, and orbital cellulitis.

Conclusion

MSSA was more commonly isolated than MRSA from sinus cultures of children who underwent ESS at TCH. The majority of ESS cultures positive for S. aureus, were mixed with other respiratory pathogens, principally H. influenzae. USA300 was the major clone among the MRSA sinusitis isolates, but was not associated with more complications than other S. aureus isolates.     

Head and neck cancers manifested as deep neck infection

The incidence of head and neck cancers in patients with an initial presentation of deep neck infection is unclear and may be underestimated. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence of head and neck cancers initially manifested as deep neck infection. Also, the possible risk factors and pathophysiology are discussed. This study was a retrospective medical chart review in a tertiary referral center. A total of 81 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of deep neck infection over a 46-month period were analyzed. The demographic data, physical examinations, laboratory findings, radiographic studies, and pathology report were analyzed. Among the 81 deep neck infection patients, head and neck cancers were histologically demonstrated in four patients (4.9%) with the initial symptom of a painful neck mass. The incidence of head and neck cancer initially manifested as deep neck infection was found to increase in patients aged over 40 years (6.7%; 3/45 vs. 2.8%; 1/36). A detailed history of all patients with deep neck infection should be taken. Furthermore, endoscopic examination, thyroid examination and routine pathological examination should be performed, especially in those aged over 40. Also, careful explanation to the patient and his/her family about the possibility of underlying head and neck cancer (incidence 1–5%) may be needed. If the neck swelling diminishes, but does not disappear completely after full course of antibiotics, repeated fine needle aspiration, endoscopy, or image study should be considered.     

Resection of a desmoid-type fibromatosis with a CTNNB1 p.S45P mutation using a cervico-thoracic approach: A case report and literature review

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a rare, locally infiltrative, and fibroblastic proliferative disease. DF usually arises from abdominal fascial tissue, but in rare cases, it can occur in extra-abdominal areas. A 73-year-old Japanese male complained of a painless, left anterior neck mass of 3-month duration. Computed tomography revealed the mass measured 9 × 7 × 6 cm and extended to the anterior mediastinum, with invasion of the left clavicle. En bloc resection of the tumor with the left sternoclavicular joint and the medial portion of the left clavicle was performed by cervico-thoracic approach with L-shaped partial sternotomy. Histopathologic examination showed fascicular growth of spindle-shaped cells separated by abundant collagen. Immunohistologic examination revealed nuclear staining of β-catenin and cytoplasmic staining of vimentin. Genetic analysis of 160 cancer-related genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated only a missense mutation in the CTNNB1 gene (c.133T>C, p.S45P). DF extending from the neck to the anterior mediastinum is rare. We report the complete resection of a large-sized DF with the clavicular invasion. A low-frequency CTNNB1 mutation of DF was identified. Genetic analysis with NGS was beneficial for the diagnosis.     

Pediatric neck abscesses: changing organisms and empiric therapies

Objective: To examine the causative organisms in pediatric neck infections, delineate risk factors in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pediatric neck infections, and define patient populations that should be empirically treated with MRSA sensitive antibiotics. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Two hundred twenty‐eight consecutive patients were reviewed, ages 0 to 17, presenting at a tertiary care center between 1999 and 2007 with computed tomography proven neck abscesses. Characteristics of patients with differing causative organisms were compared. Results: Forty‐eight percent of all pediatric patients' with head and neck abscesses had S. aureus as the causative organism, 29% of which were community‐acquired MRSA—recent years showed that up to 66% of pediatric neck abscesses were MRSA culture positive. When comparing MRSA infections vs. other causative organisms multiple clinical characteristics were found which did not help to differentiate those patients at a higher risk for MRSA. Characteristics which did trend to predict an MRSA infection were few. For example, the average age of patients with MRSA was 32.5 months compared with only 16 months for the methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus patients. MRSA sensitivities and resistances were also examined. Conclusions: This study presents a large cohort of pediatric neck abscess patients, in which the emergence and characteristics of MRSA are shown. As community‐acquired MRSA infections become more prevalent, empiric antibiotic therapy must be considered. The results of this study show that the incidence of MRSA has greatly increased and clinical risk factors are not helpful in choosing those patients which may be at higher risk for an MRSA infection.     

Association of Mycoplasma Hominis and head and neck cancer with unknown primary

IntroductionBeside HPV infection, there is currently no evidence of association between head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and microbial infections. We report the case of a cervical squamous cell carcinoma by Mycoplasma hominis.Case summaryA 20-year-old woman, consulted for a swelling on the left cervical side. Clinical examination found a large fixed mass. Biological tests found no evidence of infection. Biopsies of the cervical lesion diagnosed an HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma. Microbiological tests of 16sRNA identification showed the presence of Mycoplasma hominis in the 3 specimens. The patient was treated by induction chemotherapy associated to antibiotherapy, followed by chemo-radiotherapy.DiscussionThe present case suggests that oropharyngeal infection by Mycoplasma hominis might be more frequent than expected, that 16sRNA is an efficient technique to isolate this pathogen and finally that further studies are required to document its potential oncogenic role in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.     

An analysis of clinical risk factors of deep neck infection

Objectives

To clarify the clinical risk factors that aggravate deep neck infection.

Patients and methods

Sixty-five patients with deep neck infection (abscess or cellulitis), 42 males and 23 females, who were treated at the ear, nose, and throat department in Iwaki Kyoritsu General Hospital in the past 10 years, were retrospectively reviewed. Cases of inflammation of the upper airway including the oral cavity, laryngopharynx, palate tonsil and salivary gland, and cases of lymphadenitis were investigated. These patients were divided into five localized types and one wide range type according to the abscess locations as follows: oral cavity floor type, upper deep cervical type, submandibular type, submental type, retropharyngeal type, and wide range type.

Results

Seventeen of the 65 patients had diabetes, and significantly more diabetics had the wide range type than the localized type (P < 0.05, Fisher's test). Diabetes complication was more often seen in the upper deep cervical type among patients aged 61 years or older, and in the wide range type among males aged 41 years or older and elderly women aged 61 years or older. No patients with odontogenic infection or sialolithiasis had associated diabetes mellitus. Two cases developed mediastinitis, and one was caused by retrotonsillar abscess and needed thoracic drainage. More than half of the wide range type cases and more than a quarter of each of the localized type cases except the upper deep cervical type also had laryngeal edema, and eight of them needed emergency tracheotomy. Thirteen of the 40 cases had bacteria belonging to the Streptococcus milleri group (SMG), and all were detected in patients who underwent surgical drainage. Four of the 13 cases where SMG was detected showed drug resistance to some sorts of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Oral disorders can develop deep neck infection independently of the presence of diabetes mellitus, compared with other causes. The presence of diabetes mellitus is associated with deep neck infection, aggravating parotitis and wide spread of inflammation. Retrotonsillar abscess often spreads to the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces, causing mediastinitis, so caution is necessary. Infection due to SMG tends to form abscess independently of diabetes mellitus. Since more than half of the wide range type and more than a quarter of each of the localized types except the upper deep cervical type were associated with laryngeal edema, airway management should be considered.     

A rare malignancy of the parotid gland: oncocytic carcinoma

Oncocytic carcinomas are uncommon; they represent 11% of all oncocytic salivary gland neoplasms, 0.5% of all epithelial salivary gland malignancies and 0.18% of all epithelial salivary gland tumors. A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our ENT clinic with a history of a painless left preauricular mass. No lymph node was palpable on either side of her neck. Computed tomography demonstrated a 3×3-cm solid lesion in the left parotid gland. As oncocytes and atypical cells were seen at the cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, this finding suggested a malignant epithelial tumor. Total parotidectomy by preserving the facial nerve was performed. The result of the pathologic examination was oncocytic carcinoma regarding histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings and especially the invasive growth pattern. We preferred a close follow-up to an elective neck dissection, and reserved the neck dissection for a recurrence. The prognosis of oncocytic carcinomas is not well known because of their low incidence. Further investigation of the prognosis of patients with oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland is warranted as more cases are reported.     

Nystagmus after experimental cervical lesions

Equilibrium disturbances may occur after neck lesions such as whiplash injuries. Abnormal proprioceptive inputs and vascular changes which involve not only the peripheral labyrinth, but also the brain stem are major factors producing these disturbances. Neck proprioceptor ablation was performed in healthy young adult squirrel monkeys by unilateral section of C1, C2 dorsal roots, or by injection of 1 cc of 1 percent Xylocaine® without epinephrine into the unilateral deep neck region. The dorsal root section was histologically confirmed by investigating spinal ganglion and adjacent nerve tissues. The Nauta stained spinal cord cross sections showed neuronal degeneration coming from the dorsal root. No spontaneous nystagmus was observed in the present series after section of the C1, C2 dorsal roots or Xylocaine® injection. After the Xylocaine® deep neck injection, the slow phase eye speed of optokinetic nystagmus declined in either direction in all animals. Slight decline of the quick component was also noticed. The wave form was also changed. The decline of slow phase eye speed partly represents the ablative effect of neck proprioceptors (joints, ligaments, and muscles), although the effect produced through other channels or by systemic toxicity cannot be eliminated. After the left C1, C2 dorsal root section, the slow phase eye speed declined only when there was clockwise stimulation. Statistical studies suggested significant differences between pre- and postoperative status. This finding suggested that the cervical input is connected to the oculo-oculomotor pathway. Immediately after left C1, C2 dorsal root section, a reduction of the slow phase eye speed of postrotatory nystagmus occurred after counter-clockwise rotation. The randomization test was used, and it was found that the postoperative scores are significantly lower than the pre-operative scores. After the ablation of C1, C2 dorsal root, subjects failed to demonstrate any significant change in the pattern or numbers of pendular rotation nystagmic responses. On the other hand, three monkeys after Xylocaine® deep neck injection showed some change. The present experimental results indicate that the slow phase eye speed is a proper nystagmic parameter to study the neck proprioceptor contribution to oculomotor function. All animals after unilateral C1, C2 dorsal root section in the present series demonstrated moderate dysequilibrium (measured by the squirrel monkey rail test) confirming that neck injury can produce ataxia. There was no clear postoperative directional dominance of falls. For the diagnosis or investigation of the prognosis of many cervical disorders, bodily equilibrium examination is also important in addition to studying oculomotor function.     

Diagnosis and treatment of deep neck abscess due to congenital piriform sinus fistula in children

IntroductionCongenital piriform sinus fistula is a relatively rare type of disease in clinical practice, most occurring during childhood, but doctors have insufficient knowledge regarding this disease, easily misdiagnosing it.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the characteristics of deep neck abscess due to congenital piriform sinus fistula in children.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 21 cases from January 2016 to August 2018 in our hospital. The onset age, clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination and clinical treatment of the patients was summarized to analyze the diagnosis, treatment characteristics and prognosis.ResultsChildren from 11 days to 12 years-old were enrolled, with an average age of 3.5 years. Twenty patients had left congenital piriform sinus fistula and 1 had right congenital piriform sinus fistula. Cervical enhanced computed tomography imaging showed gas-liquid equilibrium or air-shadow in the abscesses in 18 cases, and neck ultrasound demonstrated gas echo in the thyroid region in 10 cases. All patients underwent low temperature plasma to seal the internal fistula and returned to the hospital for electronic laryngoscope and neck ultrasound examination at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. No recurrence occurred in any patient.ConclusionCongenital piriform sinus fistula is an important cause of deep neck abscess in children. The presence of purulent gas-liquid equilibrium or air shadow in cervical-enhanced computed tomography or ultrasound suggests a high possibility of the presence of an internal fistula, and endoscopic low temperature ablation can be done at the same time as the diagnostic endoscopy.     

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for papillary carcinoma arising in lingual thyroid

Carcinoma arising in lingual thyroid is an extremely rare entity accounting for only 1% of all reported ectopic thyroids. Here, we report a case of carcinoma arising in lingual thyroid, which has been successfully managed by transoral resection and bilateral neck dissections.A lingual mass 4-cm in diameter with calcification was incidentally detected by computed tomography at medical check-up. No thyroid tissue was observed in normal position. Ultrasound examination showed bilateral multiple lymphadenopathies. Fine needle aspiration biopsy from lymph node in his right neck was diagnosed as Class III and thyroglobulin level of the specimen was 459 ng/ml. Due to the difficulty in performing FNA of the lingual masses, right neck dissection was performed in advance for diagnostic purpose. Pathological examination showed existence of large and small follicular thyroid tissues in several lymph nodes, suggesting lymph node metastasis from thyroid carcinoma. Two months after the initial surgery, video-assisted transoral resection of lingual thyroid with simultaneous left neck dissection was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. Papillary carcinoma was found in the lingual thyroid and thyroid tissues were also found in left cervical lymph nodes.Video-assisted transoral resection was useful for the treatment of thyroid cancer arising in lingual thyroid.     

Desmoid tumor of the parotid gland

INTRODUCTION: Desmoid tumor is a benign microscopic tumor that belongs to the group of the deep fibromatosis. It usually arises from facial or musculoaponeurotic structures in the abdomen but rarely is located in the head or neck. Locally, it is characterized by a massive invasion with strong potential for recurrence.CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old woman was hospitalized for a swelling of the left parotid gland region which had progressed for eight years. Physical examination revealed a tumor in the parotid gland, which was hard and adherent deeply, measuring 4 cm/3 cm and sensitive to palpation; without satellite nodes nor facial paralysis. The treatment consisted in a superficial parotidectomy. Pathology was in favor of a desmoid tumor. After an 18-month follow-up, the patient is healthy without any sign of recurrence.DISCUSSION: Desmoid tumors are deep fibromatosis characterized by their slow growth and especially by considerable infiltration of the adjacent structures but without potential for metastasis. Although very rare, the cervical localizations are especially aggressive. This clinical case illustrates the clinical features of this rare affection and offers matter for discussion of therapeutic difficulties.     

The importance of PET in searching the primary tumor site in CUP patients -- a case report

A 58 years old male patient presented with a left cervical metastasis of a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, which was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Clinical examination, MRT scans and panendoscopy did not detect the primary tumour site. The positron emission tomography localized an uptake of FDG in the left sided base of the tongue. The patient underwent an ipsilateral modified radical neck dissection and a lateral pharyngotomy. In the left tongue base an induration was palpable which was resected with security distance. The histopathological examination showed a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with a largest extension of 5 mm x 10 mm.     

Rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as an anterior neck mass and possible thyroid malignancy in a seven-month-old

A seven-month-old male presented with a one month history of an enlarging left neck mass and worsening inspiratory stridor. Upon excision of the mass, pathologic examination was consistent with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Preoperative imaging and intraoperative exploration were consistent with tumor replacing the left lobe of the thyroid. No cases of either anterior neck rhabdomyosarcoma or thyroid rhabdomyosarcoma have been explicitly described in the literature. The distinction between the two malignancies becomes important when considering prognosis and treatment protocols.     

Kimura’s disease: an unusual case of neck mass

Kimura’s disease usually affects young men of Asian descent and is characterized by swelling in the region of head and neck. A case of Kimura’s disease is reported who presented with neck mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology was doubtful of lymphoma. Histopathological examination of excised specimen was reported as Kimura’s disease.     

Significance of airborne transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery unit

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively investigate the existence of airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a hospital environment and to perform phenotyping and genotyping of MRSA isolates to study MRSA epidemiology. DESIGN: Prospective surveillance of patients with MRSA infections or colonizations was performed, as was an observational study of environmental airAirborne samples were taken by an air sampler; samples were obtained from object surfaces by stamping or swabbing. Epidemiological study of MRSA isolates was performed with an antibiotic susceptibility test, coagulase typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. SETTING: Three single-patient rooms in a 37-bed otolaryngology-head and neck surgery unit. PATIENTS: Three patients with squamous cell head and neck cancer were observed to have been colonized or infected with MRSA after surgery. RESULTS: The MRSA samples were collected from the air in single-patient rooms during both a period of rest and when bedsheets were being changed. Isolates of MRSA were detected in all stages (from stage 1 [>7 microm] to stage 6 [0.65-1.1 microm]). About 20% of the MRSA particles were within a respirable range of less than 4 microm. Methicillin-resistant S aureus was also isolated from inanimate environments, such as sinks, floors, and bedsheets, in the rooms of the patients with MRSA infections as well as from the patients' hands. An epidemiological study demonstrated that clinical isolates of MRSA in our ward were of one origin and that the isolates from the air and from inanimate environments were identical to the MRSA strains that caused infection or colonization in the inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Methicillin-resistant S aureus was recirculated among the patients, the air, and the inamimate environments, especially when there was movement in the rooms. Airborne MRSA may play a role in MRSA colonization in the nasal cavity or in respiratory tract MRSA infections. Measures should be taken to prevent the spread of airborne MRSA to control nosocomial MRSA infection in hospitals.     

Cost and morbidity of MRSA in head and neck cancer patients: what are the consequences?

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a prevalent nosocomial pathogen worldwide. The objectives of this study were to assess the morbidity and cost associated with the treatment of head and neck cancer patients who become colonized or infected with MRSA following major surgical procedures. We present a retrospective review of patients who underwent major surgery for head and neck cancer over a one year period and who then became MRSA positive in the post-operative period. MRSA affected 25/55 (45 per cent) patients who underwent major head and neck procedures during the period studied. The mean time of diagnosis was 13 days post-surgery. Morbidity included cellulitis, osteomyelitis and MRSA pneumonia. Thirteen of the patients who became MRSA positive (52 per cent of the MRSA group) required further surgery including plate removal, new flap formation and wound debridement as a result of the infection. Average in-hospital stay was almost three times more prolonged for patients who became MRSA positive compared to those who did not have MRSA. The costs of the first hospital stay were over three times more in the MRSA-positive group of patients. Antibiotic costs were increased by pound 2470 per patient because of MRSA. The extra stay in hospital, together with extra days in intensive care, extra medical and nursing care and additional costly antibiotic treatment, led to major cost implications and loss of health service resources in the unit. MRSA infection is a serious cause of morbidity in any surgical group of patients and this study focuses on the consequences for treatment of head and neck cancer patients in particular.     

Post-operative MRSA infections in head and neck surgery

Purpose

Surgical site infection (SSI) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious post-operative complication, with head and neck cancer patients at greater risk due to the nature of their disease. Infection with MRSA has been shown to be costly and impart worse outcomes on patients who are affected. This study investigates incidence and risks for MRSA SSIs at a tertiary medical institution.

Atypical presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis and a retropharyngeal neck abscess

A 70-year-old Asian man with noninsulin-dependent diabetes presented with a 4-month history of left-sided otitis externa and right-sided facial palsy. Physical examination of the left ear revealed a punched-out ulcerative lesion on the tragus, an edematous and inflamed external auditory canal, and a purulent nonmucoid discharge. Computed tomography of the brain and neck demonstrated a large retropharyngeal abscess, an abscess in the left parapharyngeal space, and a small collection adjacent to the right carotid sheath at the level of C4; the cervical vertebrae and lungs were normal. Microscopy of drained pus and histology of left ear and neck node biopsies identified tuberculosis. The patient was started on antituberculosis drug therapy, but he died within 2 weeks of treatment. We discuss the characteristics of this unusual presentation of tuberculosis infection.