Atypical choristomatous cysts of the orbit

Background: The commonest choristomatous cysts of the orbit are dermoid and epidermoid cysts, which are lined by kerantinizing seuamous epithelium. They typically occur in the superior orbit, most commonly superotemporally. Other types, lined by different epithelia, and other orbital sites are much less common. Methods: Five cases of atypical orbital cystic choristomas that presented over the past 6 years are reported. The clinical and radiological features, surgical approach and findings, and histology are described. Similar cases from the literature are reviewed, and possible aetiology discussed. Results: Four of the cysts were lined by a non-keratinizing epithelium resembling conjunctiva; two had adnexal structures in their walls. Compared with typical dermoid and epidermoid cysts, these ‘conjunctival dermoids’ and ‘conjunctival cysts’ of the orbit tended to present later in life, none were associated with bony defects, and three of the four occurred in the superomedial quadrant. One case occurred inferiorly, a rare site for orbital conjunctival dermoids and cysts, or typical dermoids and epidermoids. The fifth case, also inferior; is an example of a cyst within choristomatous lacrimal tissue. Conclusion: Choristomatous cysts of the orbit may occur with non-keratinizing epithelial linings, and such cysts tend to differ clinically from the commoner dermoids and epidermoids. They may also occur in atypical sites such as the inferior orbit.     

The hypnic headache syndrome: report of three new cases

Three new cases compatible with hypnic headache syndrome (HHS) are presented. The patients were 70, 77, and 79 years of age (2F, 1M). They described a history of nocturnal headache ranging from 5 months to 7 years. One patient was afflicted with diffuse pain but the other two had unilateral pain. In one patient headache was clearly related with dreams, but in the other two this point could not be confirmed. Except for headache being unilateral in two cases, the remaining HHS criteria were present. It is noteworthy that pain responded to flunarizine in two patients.     

Phonophobia in migraine

Quantitative measurement of sound-induced discomfort and pain thresholds showed that migraineurs ( n =65) were significantly more sensitive than headache-free controls ( n =80), both during and outside attack ( p <0.0001). Patients tested with head pain had lower thresholds than those tested without pain ( p <0.01). Migraine with and without aura did not differ as to sound sensitivity. There were no significant differences in thresholds between the symptomatic and nonsymptomatic sides ( p ≥0.78). Patients with unilateral headache or pain of pulsating character were more sensitive than those with bilateral headache or pressing pain ( p <0.05). Phonophobia did not correlate significantly with duration, frequency, or severity of attacks. The main results were in accordance with a questionnaire study concerning subjective evaluation of sound sensitivity Similarities between phonophobia and photophobia in migraine provide evidence that both phenomena share a common pathophysiological mechanism in this condition.     

Massive ascites due to abdominal pregnancy

We describe a case of an abdominal pregnancy which presented in the first trimester with rapid accumulation of blood stained ascites. The ascites resolved completely following surgical removal of a gestational sac from the peritoneal cavity. The pathophysiology of ascites in this case may be similar to that in cases of ascites in other non-malignant gynaecological conditions.      

Oxford Handbook of Public Health Practice

This handbook is intended to be used by a wide variety of professionals in the public health domain, providing a practical and pocket-sized guide to public health skills and issues. We have therefore asked four Public Health professionals at different stages of their careers to give their views on this book.Public Health (2002) 116, 383–385.