Peritonsillar and deep neck infections: a review of 330 cases

Introduction

Deep neck infections are defined as suppurative infectious processes of deep visceral spaces of the neck.

Diagnosing acquired syphilis through oral lesions: the 12 year experience of an Oral Medicine Center

IntroductionA resurgence of syphilis in Brazil has been reported in recent years.ObjectiveWith this in mind, the present study sought to investigate the frequency, demographics, and clinical characteristics of patients with acquired syphilis with oral involvement who received medical care at an Oral Medicine Reference Center in a Brazilian Public Hospital.MethodsA retrospective study, spanning a period of 12 years, was performed to identify changing trends in syphilis over time. Medical records from all patients diagnosed with acquired syphilis who received medical care at the Hospital's Oral Medicine Clinic from 2005 to 2016 were reviewed, and the demographic and clinical data were collected.ResultsA total of 85 patients had been diagnosed with acquired syphilis, with a significant increase in the number of cases over the past 5 years. Patients ranged from 16 to 76 years of age, with a peak in the third and fourth decades. Forty-eight cases affected males (56.5%), while 37 cases affected females (43.5%). Most of the oral lesions appeared as unique ulcers or plaques, with the lips and tongue representing the most affected sites. All cases were positive for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory or Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption, and treatment was performed with Penicillin G benzathine in most cases (84.7%).ConclusionThe frequency of oral syphilis has been rising over time and oral lesions may well represent a diagnostic clue; therefore, oral health professionals must be made aware and properly trained in an attempt to develop a high degree of clinical suspicion in the diagnosis of syphilis.     

Clinical and otorhinolaryngological aspects of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma,nasal type

IntroductionExtranodal NK/T-Cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTLN) is a disease that mainly affects the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. Early nasal symptoms are nonspecific, simulating sinus infection. With disease progression, necrosis of the nasal mucosa increases, hindering histological diagnosis. Thus, multiple biopsies may be necessary until definitive diagnosis. Most studies on NKTLN address the hematological and immunological aspects of the disease.ObjectivesTo present data from a Brazilian quaternary hospital, with emphasis on the clinical aspects of the disease, and to correlate the findings with the most recent literature data.MethodsCase study of seven patient files.ResultsPatients were evaluated on their medical history, number of biopsies necessary, association with Epstein–Barr virus, treatment, and outcome. All patients had nonspecific nasal complaints and underwent at least three cycles of antibiotic therapy. The earlier a biopsy was performed, the fewer biopsies were required to diagnose the disease and start treatment. However, this fact did not translate into better prognosis.ConclusionThe otolaryngologist plays a fundamental role in the prognosis of NKTLN and can shorten time between symptom onset and treatment of the patient.     

The efficacy and safety of multiple sessions of multisite transcranial random noise stimulation in treating chronic tinnitus

IntroductionRandom noise stimulation was reported as the more effective and safer type of electrical stimulation techniques in relieving tinnitus symptoms. The multisite protocol of transcranial random noise stimulation has shown additional favorable effects.ObjectiveHere we will discuss the role of applying eight sessions of multisite transcranial random noise stimulation in decreasing tinnitus loudness and annoyance without exerting additional adverse effects.MethodsTwenty-nine subjects (8 female), the mean age of (45.34 ± 9.57) with chronic tinnitus received transcranial random noise stimulation in the multisite protocol, 10 min of auditory-transcranial random noise stimulation applied over the T3, T4 preceded by 10 min of prefrontal-transcranial random noise stimulation applied over F4, FP1. In the first group, only one session was applied and the multiple-sessions group contained eight repeated sessions. Visual analog scale scores for loudness and distress were recorded before and immediately after the treatment. Multivariate repeated measure ANOVA test was used and minimal detectable change calculated.ResultsThere was a statistically and clinically significant reduction in tinnitus loudness and annoyance in both groups (p < 0.05, effect size (η²) > 0.8), while the amount of annoyance suppression in the multiple-sessions group was significantly greater than the single-session group. The patients of the multiple-sessions transcranial random noise stimulation group reported an improvement in their sleep and lower tinnitus handicap inventory scores without experiencing any additional adverse effects of the intervention.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed a substantial improvement in tinnitus symptoms by using the multiple sessions of transcranial random noise stimulation in the multisite protocol without producing any additional side effects. We suggest further clinical trials with long-term follow-up be investigated.     

Derivation of a clinical decision rule for predictive factors for the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula postlaryngectomy

IntroductionPharyngocutaneous fistula after larynx and hypopharynx cancer surgery can cause several damages. This study's aim was to derive a clinical decision rule to predict pharyngocutaneous fistula development after pharyngolaryngeal cancer surgery.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all patients performing total laryngectomy/pharyngolaryngectomy (n = 171). Association between pertinent variables and pharyngocutaneous fistula development was assessed and a predictive model proposed.ResultsAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists scale, chemoradiotherapy, and tracheotomy before surgery were associated with fistula in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only American Society of Anesthesiologists maintained statistical significance. Using logistic regression, a predictive model including the following was derived: American Society of Anesthesiologists, alcohol, chemoradiotherapy, tracheotomy, hemoglobin and albumin pre-surgery, local extension, N-classification, and diabetes mellitus. The model's score area under the curve was 0.76 (95% CI 0.64–0.87). The high-risk group presented specificity of 93%, positive likelihood ratio of 7.10, and positive predictive value of 76%. Including the medium-low, medium-high, and high-risk groups, a sensitivity of 92%, negative likelihood ratio of 0.25, and negative predictive value of 89% were observed.ConclusionA clinical decision rule was created to identify patients with high risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula development. Prognostic accuracy measures were substantial. Nevertheless, it is essential to conduct larger prospective studies for validation and refinement.     

Retrospective analysis of skin complications related to bone-anchored hearing aid implant: association with surgical technique,quality of life,and audiological benefit

Introduction

The bone-anchored hearing aid is an effective form of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the implant, the most common complications are skin related. A number of alternative surgical implantation techniques have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of skin complications, including the U-shaped graft and the linear incision.

Non-squamous cell carcinoma diseases of the larynx: clinical and imaging findings

IntroductionSquamous cell carcinoma is the most common laryngeal neoplasm and accounts for approximately 95% of all malignant neoplams of the larynx. However, various benign and malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases may affect the larynx.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical and imaging findings of non-squamous cell neoplasms and inflammatory diseases of the larynx.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in 18 patients who were diagnosed with non-squamous cell carcinoma lesions of larynx at our institution between 2007-2017. Clinical symptoms, examination findings, imaging characteristics, histopathologic diagnosis and treatment modalities were analyzed.ResultsThere were 9 malignant lesions (2 chondrosarcoma, 1 neuroendocrine tumor-atipical carcinoid, 1 Natural Killer/T-cell lymphoma, 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 3 plasmocytoma-multiple myeloma involvement, 1 adenocarcinoma metastasis), 3 benign neoplasms (chondroma, paraganglioma, lipoma), 2 tumor-like lesions (Brown tumor and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor), 3 inflammatory lesions (Wegener granulomatosis, Behçet's disease and tuberculosis involvements), and 1 vascular malformation. The most common presenting symptom was hoarseness (66.6%). Paraganglioma was seen as hypervascular lesion on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and showed intense tracer uptake on 68Gallium-DOTA-peptide PET/CT. Chondroid matrix calcifications were detected in chondroma and chondrosarcoma-grade 1. In patients with vascular malformation and lipoma, the typical imaging findings made it possible to diagnose.ConclusionImaging studies may provide clues for diagnosis of non-squamous cell laryngeal lesions. Clinical and imaging findings and previous clinical history should be evaluated together in clinical management of laryngeal lesions.     

Preservation of residual hearing after cochlear implant surgery: an exploration of residual hearing function in a group of recipients at cochlear implant units

IntroductionThe preservation of residual hearing is becoming increasingly important in cochlear implant surgery. Conserving residual hearing is a positive prognostic indicator for improved hearing abilities.ObjectiveThe primary aim of the study was to explore the preservation of residual hearing following cochlear implantation in a group of recipients at two major cochlear implant centers.MethodsA quantitative paradigm was adopted and exploratory research conducted within a retrospective data review design. The sample consisted of 50 surgical records and 53 audiological records from 60 observations (53 patients, seven of whom were implanted bilaterally). The records were selected using purposive sampling and consisted of records from participants ranging from six to 59 years of age. The average time of when the postoperative audiograms were performed in the current study was 24.7 months (s.d. = ±9.0). Data were analyzed through both qualitative and inferential statistics and a comparative analysis of unaided pre- and postoperative audiological test results was conducted.ResultsResults indicated a high success rate of 92% preservation of residual hearing with half of the sample exhibiting complete preservation in cochlear implant recipients across all frequencies postoperatively. A total postoperative hearing loss was found in only 8% of cochlear implantees across all frequencies. There was no relationship between preoperative hearing thresholds and preservation of hearing postoperatively. The two main surgical techniques used in the current study were the contour on stylet and the advance off-stylet techniques, with the majority of surgeons utilizing a cochleostomy approach. From the findings, it became apparent that the majority of cases did not have any reported intraoperative complications. This is a positive prognostic indicator for the preservation of residual hearing.ConclusionFindings suggest improved cochlear implant surgical outcomes when compared to previous studies implying progress in surgical techniques. The surgical skill and experience of the surgeon are evidenced by the minimal intraoperative complications and the high success rate of hearing preservation. This is a positive prognostic indicator for individuals with preoperative residual hearing as the preserved residual hearing allows for the potential of electro-acoustic stimulation, which in turn has its own hearing benefits.     

Transient vocal fold lesion and hoarseness associated with the use of ramucirumab: Case report

IntroductionGastric cancer (GC) is among the leading neoplasms with highest morbidity and mortality in the world. Tumor angiogenesis represents one of important targets of antineoplastic treatment, as it has an important role in cell development and growth.Case reportRamucirumab, an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb), inhibits the angiogenesis pathway by blocking the VEGFR-2 activation. The most common adverse events associated with angiogenic inhibitors are cardiovascular and healing disorders, such as systemic arterial hypertension (HTN), thromboembolism, bleeding, wound healing delay and fistulas. We report a case of vocal fold lesion associated with ramucirumab in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer. The patient presented with transient hoarseness that was related to the exposure to ramucirumab.DiscussionLaryngeal toxicity due to anti-angiogenic agents is rare. Despite the fact that this adverse event is not a life-threatening complication, it can significantly impair quality of life and should be promptly recognized.     

Incidence of reactive hyperplastic lesions in the oral cavity: a 10 year retrospective study in Santa Catarina,Brazil

IntroductionReactive hyperplastic lesions develop in response to a chronic injury simulating an exuberant tissue repair response. They represent some of the most common oral lesions including inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, oral pyogenic granuloma, giant cell fibroma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and peripheral giant cell lesions.ObjectiveThe incidence of those lesions was investigated in an oral pathology service, and the clinical characteristics, associated etiological factors, concordance between the clinical and histopathological diagnostic was determined.MethodsA total of 2400 patient records were screened from 2006 to 2016. Clinical features were recorded from biopsy reports and patients’ files.ResultsA total of 534 cases of reactive hyperplastic lesions were retrieved and retrospectively studied, representing 22.25% of all diagnoses. The most frequent lesion was inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (72.09%), followed by oral pyogenic granuloma (11.79%), giant cell fibroma (7.30%), peripheral ossifying fibroma (5.24%), and peripheral giant cell lesions (3.55%). Females were predominantly affected (74.19%), the gingiva and alveolar ridge were the predominant anatomical site (32.89%), and chronic traumatism was presented as the main etiological factor. The age widely ranges from the 1st decade of life to the 7th. Clinically, the reactive hyperplastic lesions consisted of small lesions (0.5–2 cm) and shared a strong likeness in color to the oral mucosa. The concordance between the clinical and histopathological diagnostic was high (82.5%).ConclusionReactive hyperplastic lesions had a high incidence among oral pathologies. The understanding of their clinical features helps to achieve a clearer clinical and etiological diagnosis, and the knowledge of factors related to their development. This may contribute to adequate treatment and positive prognosis.