Benign nasopharyngeal masses and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Manifestations of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are common in the head and neck and are becoming well known to the otolaryngologist. We present a series of seven patients who complained of nasal obstruction and hearing loss and were found, on examination, to have large obstructing nasopharyngeal masses and otitis media with effusion. Biopsy revealed benign lymphoid proliferation. Because of a suspicion of human immunodeficiency virus infection by history, antibody titers were obtained and were found to be positive in all cases. With the known increased rate of aggressive extranodal B-cell lymphomas in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, its existence in the nasopharynx should be ruled out histologically in symptomatic patients. Nasal obstruction and hearing loss secondary to nasopharyngeal lymphoid proliferation in high-risk patients can be an early sign of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Patients presenting with this clinical entity should be advised to have serologic testing and further treatment and counseling if necessary.     

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck oncological surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An overview of best evidence-based current practice in the use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective oncological head and neck surgery is presented. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients undergoing head and neck oncological surgery are at great risk of developing complications following surgery. The incidence of wound infection has been reported to be as high as 87%, often with devastating effects. Prophylactic antibiotics have helped to reduce significantly the risk of infection; however, clinicians managing these patients should also have a thorough understanding of the risk factors leading to postoperative infections and should apply the most basic surgical principles at all times, to minimize infection rates. SUMMARY: Prophylactic antibiotics usage in clean-contaminated major oncological head and neck surgery is mandatory to reduce the risk of infection. In clean major oncological head and neck surgery their use is also advisable but there is no evidence that in clean surgery for benign disease it offers any advantage. Short antibiotic regimes of four doses per 24 h are as effective as prolonged courses regardless of the complexity of the procedure. A combination of antibiotic agents covering aerobic, anaerobic and Gram-negative bacteria is superior to single agents. High-risk patients should be also given short regimes, as there is no evidence that prolonged courses are of more benefit in these patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection can have devastating consequences for patients undergoing major head and neck surgery. Protocols of prevention and treatment should be in place in all institutions treating patients with head and neck cancer. Close collaboration between surgical, microbiology and infection-control teams is essential.     

Otologic manifestations of AIDS: the otosyphilis connection

Five cases of otosyphilis presenting in patients with HIV infection are discussed. The group is representative of the known stages of the disease, from asymptomatic carrier to the fully expressed immunodeficiency syndrome, and it is of relevance because otosyphilis appears to have developed at an accelerated rate from the primary infection. Four patients had been treated with penicillin 2 to 5 years previously and had a positive fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test. The fifth had concurrent neurosyphilis and was VDRL-test (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) negative 2 years prior to the onset of symptoms. In all five patients, syphilis was in the latent stage. It is proposed that it is during this phase of the disease that HIV may alter its course and hasten the development of otosyphilis. It is also suggested that otosyphilis can present at any stage of HIV infection and should be considered in seropositive patients presenting with otologic complaints.     

French ENT Society (SFORL) guidelines for the management of immunodeficient patients with head and neck cancer of cutaneous origin

ObjectivesThe French ENT Society (SFORL) created a workgroup to draw up guidelines for the management of immunodeficient patients with head and neck cancer of cutaneous origin. The present guidelines cover diagnostic and therapeutic management and prevention of head and neck cancer of cutaneous origin in immunodeficient patients, and in particular in transplant patients and those with HIV infection.Materials and methodsThe present guidelines were based on a critical multidisciplinary reading of the literature. Immunosuppression and its varieties are defined. The usual risk factors for skin cancer and those specific to immunodeficiency are presented. The prevention, assessment and management of cutaneous carcinoma, melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma are dealt with. The level of evidence of the source studies was assessed so as to grade the various guidelines. When need be, expert opinions are put forward.ResultsImmunodeficient patients are at higher risk of head and neck skin tumors. The level of risk depends on the type of deficiency; there is an especially high risk of squamous cell carcinoma in transplant patients and of Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-positive subjects. Various viruses are associated with skin cancers. Skin tumors are often evolutive in case of immunodeficiency, requiring rapid treatment. Management is generally the same as in immunocompetent subjects and should be discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting. Immunosuppression may need to be modulated. In organ transplant patients, the only class of immunosuppressants with proven antitumoral efficacy are mTOR inhibitors, particularly in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The rhythm of clinical surveillance should be adapted according to the risk of recurrence. Preventive measures should be undertaken.ConclusionSkin cancers in immunodeficiency are highly evolutive, requiring the earliest possible treatment. Immunosuppression may need modulating. As the risk of recurrence may be elevated, careful surveillance should be implemented. Preventive measures should also be undertaken.     

Platelet aggregation inhibitors and vitamin K antagonists in stomatology and maxillo-facial surgery

Anti-thrombin, anti-platelet and anti-vitamin K agents are common treatments given for the prevention of thrombotic or embolic events. In oral or maxillofacial surgery, the question is whether oral anticoagulants or anti-platelets should be discontinued or not: temporary interruption could limit the risk of bleeding, but would increase the risk of thrombosis, and inversely. The best risk/benefit ratio must be achieved, but in many cases anti-platelet agents or even anti-vitamin K agents can be continued. In case of "potentially hemorrhagic" oral surgery, anti-platelet agents should be interrupted about ten days before the intervention. Anti-vitamin K agents should be interrupted four days before surgery and if required, replaced by low-molecular weight heparin at preventive or curative doses. In the very large majority of patients however, surgery (avulsion for example) can be performed without interrupting anticoagulation. Data in the literature have demonstrated that despite the theoretical risk of hemorrhage, bleeding is minimal and can be easily controlled by local treatments; the risk of thrombotic or thromboembolic events after discontinuing anticoagulation is much greater. A close collaboration between the dentist, the stomatologist, and the clinician is required to determine whether anti-thrombosis prevention should be continued and whether the anticoagulation level is adapted to the thrombotic risk. Good surgical technique and local anti-hemorrhagic treatment are essential in oral surgery, particularly in patients taking anti-platelets or oral anticoagulants.     

Otologic pathophysiology in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

During the initial phase of clinical diagnosis and treatment of the manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, involvement of the ear appeared minor. In the past several years, however, otologic disorders increasingly have been reported in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as in retrospective studies of such patients. The otologic data appear quite variable. Functionally, conductive hearing loss, unilateral and bilateral sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing losses, vertigo, and tinnitus have been reported. In addition, tissue responses in each division of the ear have been observed. Based on collective serologic and immunologic diagnostic assays, clinical histories, and temporal bone histopathology, otologic symptoms may not be the direct effect of HIV alone, but rather a combination of the effects of HIV infection coupled with that of opportunistic microorganisms and/or possible ototoxic effects of certain therapeutic agents. It is within this context that otologic findings in this population of subjects will be discussed.     

人类免疫缺陷病毒感染及艾滋病在耳鼻咽喉头颈外科的临床表现

目的 提高对人类免疫缺陷病毒感染者及艾滋病患者在耳鼻咽喉头颈外科临床表现的认识,以便能及时诊治并做好必要的防护.方法 分析55例坦桑尼亚首诊于耳鼻咽喉头颈外科的HIV感染者及艾滋病患者的临床表现及其预后.55例患者中男23例,女32例;年龄3～67岁,中位年龄31岁.结果 55例患者中腮腺肿胀17例次(30.9%);鼻腔、口腔、咽部卡波西肉瘤19例次(34.5%);慢性化脓性中耳炎12例次(21.8%);颈部肿块11例次(20.0%);咽部肿物7例次(12.7%);口腔及咽部黏膜糜烂溃疡6例次(10.9%);口腔白色念珠菌感染2例次(3.6%).HIV感染者或艾滋病患者经治疗后耳鼻咽喉科感染状况可缓解,但易反复发作,且逐渐加重.结论 HIV感染者及艾滋病患者可首诊于耳鼻咽喉头颈外科.对耳鼻咽喉科感染等治疗缓解后反复发作者,应除外是否合并HIV感染或是否为艾滋病患者.

Abstract：

Objective To improve the recognition of clinical manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery, and to emphasize the early diagnosis, correct treatment and effective protection. Methods Fifty-five patients with HIV infection and AIDS encountered in the department of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery in Tanzania were included in this study. There were 23 males and 32 femals with age ranged from 3 -67 years, medium 31 year. The clinical manifestation and prognosis of the patients were analyzed and summed up. Results Parotid glands swelling was the most commonly seen clinical manifestation in the 55 cases. Among the cases reported here, 17 (30.9%) showed parotid glands swelling, 19(34. 5% ) had Kaposi's sarcoma in nasal cavity or oral cavity or pharynx,12(21.8% ) were accompanied with chronic suppurative otitis media, 11 (20.0%) had masses in the neck,7 ( 12.7% ) had masses in the pharynx, 6 ( 10.9% ) were seen to have ulcer in oral and pharyngeal mucosa,2(3.6% ) showed infection due to candidaalbicans. The infection in most cases could be controlled and symptoms relieved, but recurrence could occur over time and got worse gradually. Conclusions Many patients with HIV infection and AIDS first see a doctor in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery.Patients who had the above clinical manifestations in repeated poor results should be observed carefully,early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent transmission, prolong life and maximize the quality of life of the patients.     

Wound prophylaxis with metronidazole in head and neck surgical oncology

Anaerobic organisms are thought to be an important source of wound infection in head and neck oncologic surgery. Antibiotic prophylaxis consisting of agents specific for anaerobes combined with broad-spectrum agents that provide coverage for other well-recognized pathogens should be an effective combination regimen for this group of patients. We conducted a prospective, randomized study comparing the efficacy of prophylaxis using combination of metronidazole and cefazolin—designated group A, to prophylaxis using cefazolin alone—group B, for patients undergoing oncologic procedures of the head and neck. The rate of wound infection in the cefazolin-metronidazole group (158 patients) was 9.5%, compared with 18.6% in the cefazolin group (172 patients) (p=0.03). Patients undergoing clean procedures had a 4.9% infection rate overall, compared with 17.9% for clean-contaminated procedures, and 33.3% for contaminated procedures. The average length of hospitalization was 20.7 days for patients who developed infections, compared with 8.9 days for patients without infection. Anaerobic organisms were cultured in 12 of 26 patients, ten of whom did not receive metronidazole. The lower rate of wound infection among patients who received metronidazole suggests that anaerobic organisms are an important source of wound infection in head and neck oncologic surgery. Chemoprophylaxis for these patients should, therefore, include specific anaerobic coverage in addition to the broad-spectrum agents that cover the more familiar aerobic organisms.     

Osteomyelitis of the skull base with atypical onset and evolution

Skull base osteomyelitis arises as a complication of malignant external otitis, but it can be also due to middle ear and/or mastoid infection. Other causes can be infections of the paranasal sinuses or of the mandible or maxilla due to odontic caries. Generally, osteomyelitis involves elderly patients affected by diabetic immunodeficiency or microvascular disease. In this paper, we present 3 new cases of skull base osteomyelitis with atypical onset and evolution. The difficulties of diagnosis and details of the management are discussed.     

Thirty years of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic and beyond

After more than 30 years of battling a global epidemic, the prospect of eliminating human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） as the most challenging infectious disease of the modern era is within our reach. Major scientific discoveries about the virus responsible for this immunodeficiency disease state, including its pathogenesis, transmission patterns and clinical course, have led to the development of potent antiretroviral drugs that offer great hopes in HIV treatment and prevention. Although these agents and many others still in development and testing are capable of effectively suppressing viral replication and survival, the medical management of HIV infection at the individual and the population levels remains challenging. Timely initiation of antiretroviral drugs, adherence to the appropriate therapeutic regimens, effective use of these agents in the pre and post-exposure prophylaxis contexts, treatment of comorbid conditions and addressin~ social and nsvcholo2ical factors involved in the care of individuals continue to be important considerations.     

Two different forms of mumps-associated facial palsy

Peripheral facial nerve paralysis is relatively common in the pediatric age group. Infectious agents convincingly associated with acute facial palsy include varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, rubella virus, and more recently, human immunodeficiency virus. However, facial palsy has rarely been documented in patients with mumps virus infection. Facial palsy caused by mumps infection is believed to exist in two distinct forms, one representing an initial infection with mumps parotitis and another representing a reinfection without parotitis. We recently saw the two different forms of mumps-associated facial palsy with and without parotitis.     

Nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. A prospective clinicopathologic study

A prospective clinicopathologic study of the nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue, using a standardized approach, was carried out in 66 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Aviano, Italy. Two hundred eighteen patients without HIV infection served as a control group. A significantly higher percentage of nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy was observed in HIV-infected patients compared with the control group, both clinically and pathologically. The finding of a higher incidence of nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy during some stages of the disease, when cervical lymph nodes are enlarged, suggests that the extranodal nasopharyngeal district behaves in the same way as the lymph nodes. Nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy should be placed at the forefront of the hitherto known head and neck manifestations of HIV infection. An ear, nose, and throat examination is mandatory for all patients with known or suspected HIV infection.     

Relapsing malignant otitis externa successfully treated with ciprofloxacin

Two cases are presented, both patients with advanced relapsing malignant otitis externa. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin has strong anti-pseudomonal activity. It was given orally for six months to both patients, following administration of the traditional parenteral antibiotic courses, and in each case the disease has been extinguished. We therefore recommend that the management of patients shown to have malignant otitis externa should include strict diabetic control, regular local aural toilet, gentamicin ear drops and a six week course of parenteral antipseudomonal antibiotic agents (usually gentamicin and azlocillin) together with metronidazole to cover any anaerobic element in the infection. This regimen should be followed by a six month course of oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg b.d.). Indium scans should be used to monitor recovery. We believe that this regimen can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from malignant otitis externa with cranial nerve involvement.     

Revisiting the risks involved in using homograft ossicles in otological surgery

Despite the fact that cartilage, cortical bone and corneal homograft tissue is still widely used in South Africa and that there has never been a reported case of human immunodeficiency virus or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease infection transmission via this route, otolaryngologists are still reluctant to use homograft ossicles. In third world countries, such as South Africa, where ossicular prostheses are not always readily available due to financial constraints, the question arises as to whether we should be reconsidering the use of homograft ossicles. This review examines the risk of developing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or acquiring human immunodeficiency virus following the use of homograft ossicles during ossicular reconstruction, and discusses sterilization techniques that have proven effective in eradicating the human immunodeficiency virus and prions. For decades, homograft ossicles have been used worldwide in otological surgery, especially in patients lacking suitable autograft ossicles. There has never been a reported case of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus, and no cases of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy have been reported in the literature after otological surgery involving only the use of homograft ossicles. There have only been two documented otological cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; these involved the use of cadaveric dura mater and pericardium for tympanic membrane grafting. The human immunodeficiency virus is easily inactivated by simple sterilisation techniques, and there is a statistically insignificant risk of transmitting this virus if proper sterilisation protocols are followed.     

Malignant hyperthermia and the otolaryngologist

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare disorder that can occur in patients who are sensitive to certain agents used in general anesthesia. The treatment of malignant hyperthermia has not changed over the years, but prevention strategies have evolved. These strategies include an increased emphasis on how patients are managed prior to a surgical procedure, on the selection of the particular anesthetic agent, and on postoperative vigilance. Susceptible patients who undergo simple excisions or a low degree of surgical stress can receive treatment safely in the office or ambulatory surgery center and be discharged the same day, provided that all known triggering agents are avoided. For more extensive procedures that cause a moderate level of surgical stress to susceptible patients, facilities for managing malignant hyperthermia should be readily available. Susceptible patients who undergo high-stress invasive procedures should be hospitalized. Routine preoperative prophylactic drug administration, even with dantrolene, is no longer considered necessary for any susceptible patients. All local anesthetics--including lidocaine, which had been previously contraindicated--are now considered to be safe for use in patients who are susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. In this article, we review the prevention, diagnosis, and management of malignant hyperthermia. We also report our experience in anesthetizing a patient who had a history of malignant hyperthermia--a case that illustrates the uncertainty that can complicate the management of such patients.     

Luetic cervical adenitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.

The clinical course of syphilis may be altered in some patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. We report two cases of syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection who presented with marked unilateral anterior cervical adenopathy after engaging in oral-genital sex. Neither of the patients had evidence of oropharyngeal chancres. One patient developed a cutaneous rash of secondary syphilis soon after the cervical adenopathy developed. Both patients responded well to antibiotic therapy.     

Aspergillus mastoiditis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and results of treatment in a series of three patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in whom Aspergillus mastoiditis developed. This study also aimed to compare these aspects of Aspergillus mastoiditis in patients with AIDS with three additional cases present in the current literature. A classification system for fungal infections of the ear and temporal bone is proposed. STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a retrospective case review. SETTING: The study was conducted at multiple tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Three individuals with diagnosed AIDS and mastoiditis resulting from culture-proven Aspergillus were studied. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated with both medical and surgical methods including local and systemic antimicrobial/antifungal agents and mastoidectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These measures included return of facial nerve function, control/resolution of disease, and survival. RESULTS: All three patients in this series initially presented with otalgia and otorrhea and intact facial nerve function. Facial nerve paresis developed in all patients between 5 and 12 weeks after initial symptoms. Paresis uniformly improved or resolved after mastoidectomy. Two patients treated with systemic antifungal therapy and prompt surgical debridement after development of facial palsy had full resolution of infection. One patient had full recovery of facial paresis and the other had partial recovery. The third patient was lost to follow-up after initial treatment with antimicrobials and surgery and died 3 months later without a clear etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillus mastoiditis is an unusual infection in patients with AIDS. Because of its rarity, fungal mastoiditis in immunocompromised individuals can result in a significant delay in diagnosis and treatment. The decision between conservative antimicrobial therapy and aggressive surgical treatment also can present a therapeutic challenge in the management of these life-threatening infections, especially in patients with existing immunodeficiency and illness. Early surgical debridement followed by antimicrobial therapy may be life preserving in this patient population.     

Fungal infection of the epiglottis simulating a clinical malignancy

Primary fungal infection of the larynx is rare. We present a case of primary laryngeal invasive fungal infection in a patient with Felty syndrome. The lesion in the epiglottis resembled a malignant process and the whole epiglottis was excised endoscopically. No neoplasia was found and the cultures of the epiglottis grew Candida glabrata. We propose that the diagnosis of laryngeal candidiasis be considered in adult patients with certain predisposing factors, eg, immunodeficiency syndromes, but the possibility of underlying malignancy must be ruled out.     

Supportive therapy in medical therapy of head and neck tumors

Fever during neutropenia may be a symptom of severe life threatening infection, which must be treated immediately with antibiotics. If signs of infection persist, therapy must be modified. Diagnostic measures should not delay treatment. If the risk of febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy is ≥ 20%, then prophylactic therapy with G-CSF is standard of care. After protocols with a risk of febrile neutropenia of 10-20%, G-CSF is necessary, in patients older than 65 years or with severe comorbidity, open wounds, reduced general condition. Anemia in cancer patients must be diagnosed carefully, even preoperatively. Transfusions of red blood cells are indicated in Hb levels below 7-8 g/dl. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) are recommended after chemotherapy only when hemoglobin levels are below 11 g/dl. The Hb-level must not be increased above 12 g/dl. Anemia with functional iron deficiency (transferrin saturation < 20%) should be treated with intravenous iron, as oral iron is ineffective being not absorbed. Therapy of pain must follow diagnostic and treatment standards. Nausea or emesis following chemotherapy can be classified as minimal, low, moderate and high. The antiemetic prophylaxis should be escalated accordingly. In chemotherapy with low emetogenic potential steroids are sufficient, in the moderate level 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (setrons) are added, and in the highest level Aprepitant as third drug.     

Acanthamoeba sinusitis with subsequent dissemination in an AIDS patient

Otolaryngologists can play an important role in the care of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and/or human immunodeficiency virus infection. We present the case of an AIDS patient who was hospitalized for dehydration and who was soon found to have sinusitis and subsequent disseminated infection caused by Acanthamoeba. To treat the Acanthamoeba infection, the patient was started on oral itraconazole and intravenous metronidazole; i.v. pentamidine was added 2 days later. Despite aggressive therapy, on the eleventh day of hospitalization, the patient was obtundent and provided minimal response to noxious stimuli. He died on the sixteenth day of hospitalization. This case is one of only six reported cases of Acanthamoeba associated with sinusitis. Current therapeutic regimens have not been successful for most of these patients, and the prognosis is poor.