Elephantoid oedema of the eyelids

We describe a male patient with rosacea who had a 2-year history of persistent bilateral oedema of the eyelids, leading to an elephantoid condition with blepharoptosis. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty was performed, but swelling progressively recurred over a few months. Based on the case history, clinical appearance and histological findings, rosaceous lymphoedema was considered to be the diagnosis. The latter is a bilateral, solid oedema of the mid-third of the face, regarded as a rare complication of rosacea. It is thought to occur as a result of chronic inflammation and lymphatic stasis, but its exact aethiopathogenesis remains elusive. Predominant eyelid involvement, causing severe visual impairment as in our patient, is unique.     

The postoperative pancreatitis after the pancreatic surgery

The results of 302 operations on the pancreas were analyzed: of them 107 were pancreatoduodenal resections; 67 were distal resections of the pancreas; 74 were various resections of the head of the pancreas and middle resections and 54 other operations. The postoperative pancreatitis was registered in 178 patients. The preventive use of the octreotide intraoperatively and in early postoperative period showed no influence on the frequency and severity of the postoperative pancreatitis. The ultrasound was the optimal screening diagnostig method, whereas the computed tomography was the best in pancreonecrosis diagnostics and the volume of the pancreatic tissue damaged. Of 178 patients with the postoperative pancreatitis 17 died, the lethality rate was 9.5%.     

Knowledge and attitude regarding human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in dermatological outpatients

Background  Dermatologists are often the first-line specialists who recognize and diagnose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because of pathognomic skin signs. It is therefore important to investigate attitudes and knowledge regarding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) amongst dermatological patients in order to provide information for dermatologists and to draw their attention to the issues.
Objectives  Awareness of HIV/AIDS, its prevention, and hypothetical behaviour were surveyed in dermatological outpatients.
Patients/method  The anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted with consecutive German-speaking outpatients aged 18–65 years, who registered at the dermatological outpatient's clinic (excluding venereology, genitourinary or HIV medicine) of the University of Munich (Germany).
Results  Three hundred forty-seven (77.5%) questionnaires were accepted for analysis. Most of the patients knew about HIV incurability (89.4%), HIV transmissibility during needle sharing (95.3%), or vaginal (87.4%) and anal intercourse (79.5%), as well as about HIV prevention by condom use (97.8%), and use of single needles (76.2%). However, knowledge gaps and misconceptions were detected regarding the risk of HIV transmission during oral sex, and the efficacy of sexual fidelity and avoidance of blood transfusions in HIV prevention. The lowest knowledge level (< 50% correct answers) was detected in patients aged 50–59 years, in unemployed, divorced/widowed, and in those without or with incomplete school education.
Conclusions  Patient education about HIV/AIDS in dermatological ambulant settings should be performed differentially with regard to socio-demographic factors, and focused on the topic of oral sexual HIV transmission and on some other specific misconceptions.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.     

Trapezoid fracture caused by assault

In this report we describe an open fracture of trapezoid and break in anterior cortex of capitate due to assault in a young adult male. Direct impact force of a sharp object to the first web space caused the above fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation of the trapezoid was carried out using Kirschner wires. Cut extensor tendons, extensor retaniculum, capsule, adductor pollicis muscle, first dorsal interosseous muscle, soft tissue and overlying skin were sutured primarily. Three months after the operation the patient has made a complete recovery. There is no similar case reported in the literature.