Postaural apocrine hydrocystoma

Benign apocrine hydrocystoma is a rare lesion, especially in the postauricular region, the commonest site being the lateral orbital rim. It is a slow growing, asymptomatic transluscent swelling whose definitive diagnosis can only be made by histopathological study and the chemical analysis of the fluid. Surgical excision in toto is the treatment of choice. A case of benign apocrine hydrocystoma in the postauricular region is described with review of relevant literature.     

Solitary malignant schwanoma of para pharyngeal space-a case report and review of literature

Malignnant Schwannom is an aggressive tissue tumor that is more cnmitutnh found m assoiiatiun with Ion Recklinghausens disease. The solitary tumors although rarer have a better prognosis when compared to those associated witk tan Recklinghausens disease. Parupharyngeui tumors are rare and a majority af these are benign salivary or neurogenie tumors, A malignant Schwannoma at this site is very infrequent with only four earn reported so far. The tase of a 16 year old girl with a parapharynccal malignant Schwnnaomu is presented Jor its rarity and our experience in dealing with it. .A combined modallty oftretument with surttery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy Was used. Pertinent literature h revlewed     

An inadvertent test of the robustness of a 5:1 fasciocutaneous flap

The successful transfer is described of a fasciocutaneous flap of 5:1 length to breadth ratio on a severely traumatised leg. A preliminary delay had been carried out and the flap survived in its entirety.     

Loa loa in the anterior chamber of the eye: a case report

An unusual case of loiasis from Assam is reported here. Loa loa is a subcutaneous filarial parasite of man and is transmitted to humans by chrysops flies. The patient presented with foreign body sensation and visual disturbances of the right eye. Examination revealed a white coiled structure in the cornea. Routine blood and other investigations were within normal limits. A live adult worm was extracted and identity was confirmed by microscopy to be Loa loa. Patient was treated with diethylcarbamazine and steroid. We found this case interesting as the worm was present in the anterior chamber--an unusual site and there were no other positive findings besides the lone worm.     

Subgrouping of A and AB blood groups in Indian blood centres: is it required?

Anti A1 antibody in the serum of A2 and A2B individuals is rare but when present can have laboratory and clinical significance. Routine subgrouping of all A and AB blood groups in blood centres in India is difficult due to economic constraints and has always been a point of debate. This study thus brings out the prevalence of anti A1 antibody and the clinical significance related to its presence. The results of the study showed a low prevalence of anti A1 antibody and when present, it had a low thermal amplitude and titre. Further, no blood group discrepancy or problems during compatibility testing were encountered with these (A1 antibody positive) blood units. Thus, it may be concluded that in India and other developing countries where resources are scarce, routine subgrouping of A and AB may not be really worthwhile unless there is a group discrepancy, problem during compatibility testing or history of a transfusion reaction.     

Prevention and management of synechia in pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery using dental wax plates

Synechia formation is a very common complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Inspite of meticulous post-operative care, synechia do form in quite a large number of patients. Moreover, frequent post-operative cleaning may not be possible without general anesthesia in non-compliant patients, especially children. This study compares the incidence of synechia following pediatric ESS with or without spacer/tamponade in the operated cavity. The authors have found dental wax plates to be equally effective and more economical spacers compared to Merocel tamponade, in prevention and management of synechia in the pediatric age group.