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Case Reports in Pediatrics 2024In infants and children, bacterial meningitis caused by anaerobic bacteria is rare. However, a serious infection with the anaerobe can occur in previously healthy...
In infants and children, bacterial meningitis caused by anaerobic bacteria is rare. However, a serious infection with the anaerobe can occur in previously healthy children with a peak incidence in preschool children and in adolescents. As the clinical presentation can be very similar to meningitis caused by aerobic bacteria, one should consider as the causative agent when preceded by or associated with otitis media with purulent otorrhea or mastoiditis, in combination with minimal or no improvement on empiric antibiotic treatment. As this pathogen can be difficult to culture, anaerobic cultures should be obtained. Prompt treatment with a third-generation cephalosporin and metronidazole should be initiated once suspected or confirmed. Surgical source control is often necessary, but even with adequate and prompt treatment, the morbidity and mortality in children with a meningitis remains high. In this report, we describe a case of meningitis in a previously healthy child and review the available literature.
PubMed: 38939326
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6365796 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors, benign in their vast majority, but with a possibility of developing distant... (Review)
Review
: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors, benign in their vast majority, but with a possibility of developing distant metastases. They show great inheritable character, and their behavior has proven to be unpredictable; therefore, they are considered malignant. This article aims to offer a more comprehensive presentation of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic methods, imaging development, and treatment guidelines. We tried to bring together all the necessary data that, in our opinion, a head and neck practitioner should know when managing this type of tumor. Our main focus is on the most recent studies, with the purpose of a homogenous presentation of all current guidelines and approaches to this pathology. : Paragangliomas of the head and neck are still a disputed topic. One of the main reasons for that is their low incidence of 0.3 to 1 per 100,000 every year. The most frequent locations are the carotid body, the temporal bone, the jugular and mastoid foramen, and the vagal nerve. Their clinical presentation usually involves a painless lateral mass associated with symptoms such as hoarseness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and cranial nerve deficits. Up to 40% of them are inherited, mostly linked with mutations of succinate dehydrogenase complex. Imaging evaluation consists of CT and MRI, and new functional explorations such as F-FDA and F-FDG PET/CT, F-DOPA PET, I-MIBG, and Ga-DOTATE PET/CT. Measuring the catecholamine levels in the plasma and urine is mandatory, even though paragangliomas of the head and neck rarely display secretory behavior. Treatment mainly consists of surgery, with different approaches and techniques, but conservative management methods such as wait and scan, radiotherapy, proton therapy, and chemotherapy have proven their efficiency. The therapeutical decision lacks consensus, and current studies tend to recommend an individualized approach. Guidelines regarding long-term follow-up are still a matter of debate.
Topics: Humans; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Paraganglioma
PubMed: 38929531
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060914 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Jun 2024Temporal bone pneumatization (TBP) is speculated to serve as a shock absorber in temporal bone fractures (TBF), directing the fracture line away from vital structures....
OBJECTIVE
Temporal bone pneumatization (TBP) is speculated to serve as a shock absorber in temporal bone fractures (TBF), directing the fracture line away from vital structures. This study correlates TBP extent with TBF patterns and preservations of vital TB structures.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
Tertiary referral medical center.
METHODS
All TBF patients referred to a single tertiary center 2017 to 2023 were evaluated. A pneumatization index score for each of their TBs was derived by counting automated-voxel density in a 0 to 100 scale. Results were correlated to the TBF type and the violated structure(s). The ossification index was compared to previously detailed qualitative classification systems of TBP.
RESULTS
One hundred and forty-five patients were enrolled (mean age 43 ± 17 years). Kinematics were motor vehicle accidents (46%), scooter (15%), bicycle (14%), falls (13%), and assaults (8%). The mastoid ossification index we used showed a strong correlation to all qualitative classification systems (sigmoid = 0.829; labyrinthine = 0.849; carotis = 0.863, infralabyrinthine = 0.869, all P < .001). The pneumatization index strongly correlated with capsule-violating TBFs, with a mean of 44 ± 23 for otic capsule-sparing TBF and 61 ± 20 for otic capsule-violating (OCV) TBF (P < .001). The facial nerve was violated in 30 patients. Facial canal (FC) involvement was not correlated to the ossification index: it was 49 ± 23 for FC-sparing and 44 ± 23 for FC-violating (P = .620).
CONCLUSION
TBP serves as a protective mechanism against OCV TBF. The more pneumatized the TB, the less likely the otic capsule will be violated in the event of a TBF with the exception of the carotid and FCs. TBP index is in strong agreement with qualitative TBP classification systems.
PubMed: 38922718
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.873 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Jun 2024Central nervous system infections in children caused by group A Streptococcus are rare. This study, conducted across 52 hospitals in Spain from 2019 to 2023, identified...
Central nervous system infections in children caused by group A Streptococcus are rare. This study, conducted across 52 hospitals in Spain from 2019 to 2023, identified 32 cases of central nervous system infections in children caused by group A Streptococcus, with a significant increase from October 2022 onward (1.1% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.002). Half required pediatric intensive care unit admission, 12.5% exhibited sequelae and the mortality rate was 6.2%. Mastoiditis was the predominant primary infection.
PubMed: 38916929
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004443 -
Cureus May 2024Meningitis, an infection of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS), can advance quickly and carries a mortality rate reaching 30% among affected patients. It...
Meningitis, an infection of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS), can advance quickly and carries a mortality rate reaching 30% among affected patients. It may become complicated by conditions such as hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, and cerebral abscess. Here, we describe a case of meningitis that was complicated by pyogenic ventriculitis and hydrocephalus in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient presented with acute change in mental status and high-grade fever, with few episodes of non-bloody vomiting. Blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture grew which was sensitive to ceftriaxone. CT scan of the head showed ventriculomegaly, pansinusitis, and a large left mastoid effusion. MRI of the brain showed layering in ventricles, hydrocephalus, and dural enhancement consistent with pachymeningitis. She was treated with ceftriaxone for 21 days with a meaningful outcome. She was discharged home with near-baseline mental capacity for further physical therapy.
PubMed: 38903366
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60800 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is one of the most prevalent forms of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. GPA is characterized...
BACKGROUND
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is one of the most prevalent forms of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. GPA is characterized histologically by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in addition to vasculitis. The diagnosis of GPA depends on clinical presentation, serological evidence of a positive ANCA, and/or histological evidence of necrotizing vasculitis or granulomatous destructive parenchymal inflammation. Cytoplasmic ANCA (c-ANCA) is positive in 65%-75% of GPA patients, accompanied by proteinase 3 (PR3), the main target antigen of c-ANCA, another 5% of GPA patients had negative ANCA.
CASE SUMMARY
The patient, a 52-year-old male, presented with unexplained nasal congestion, tinnitus, and hearing loss. After a duration of 4 months experiencing these symptoms, the patient subsequently developed fever and headache. The imaging examination revealed the presence of bilateral auricular mastoiditis and partial paranasal sinusitis, and the ANCA results were negative. The anti-infective therapy proved to be ineffective, but the patient's symptoms and fever were quickly relieved after 1 wk of treatment with methylprednisolone 40 mg once a day. However, after continuous use of methylprednisolone tablets for 3 months, the patient experienced a recurrence of fever accompanied by right-sided migraine, positive c-ANCA and PR3, and increased total protein in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was diagnosed with GPA. After receiving a treatment regimen of intravenous methylprednisolone 40 mg/d and cyclophosphamide 0.8 g monthly, the patient experienced alleviation of fever and headache. Additionally, the ANCA levels became negative and there has been no recurrence.
CONCLUSION
For GPA patients with negative ANCA, there is a potential for early missed diagnosis. The integration of histopathological results and multidisciplinary communication plays a crucial role in facilitating ANCA-negative GPA.
PubMed: 38899312
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2881 -
PloS One 2024Most US children with acute otitis media [AOM] receive prompt antibiotic treatment, though guidelines encourage watchful waiting. Previous systematic reviews of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Most US children with acute otitis media [AOM] receive prompt antibiotic treatment, though guidelines encourage watchful waiting. Previous systematic reviews of antibiotics versus watchful waiting have focused on symptom resolution and RCTs, limiting the assessment of serious, rare complications. We sought to evaluate these complications by including observational studies.
METHODS
RCTs and observational studies that compared antibiotics to placebo or watchful waiting for pediatric clinician diagnosed AOM were identified [PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science] and reviewed for meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics, patient characteristics, and outcomes. We assessed publication bias, study bias with ROBINS-1 and RoB-2 and used random-effects models to assess treatment effects.
RESULTS
24 studies were included. Antibiotics decreased the risk of acute mastoiditis [incidence 0.02%, RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.40-0.59; NNT 5,368]. This protective effect may be underestimated because of misclassification of non-suppurative conditions as AOM. Intracranial complications remained too rare to assess. Antibiotics markedly increased the risk of adverse effects [incidence 10.5%, RR 1.49, 1.27-1.73; NNH 23]. Studies used non-specific criteria for acute mastoiditis, potentially underestimating treatment effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Prompt antibiotic therapy reduces the risk for some AOM complications. The NNT to prevent serious, rare complications is high, while the NNH is relatively low. Large-scale population-based observational studies using real-world datasets with validated measures of severe complications are needed to improve understanding of risk factors for serious AOM complications, facilitate more selective antibiotic therapy, and optimize individual outcomes and public health.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Otitis Media; Child; Acute Disease; Child, Preschool; Mastoiditis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38885271
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304742 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Jun 2024Auricular reconstruction is one of the most complicated operations in plastic surgery and is more difficult for patients with a low hairline due to limited skin...
BACKGROUND
Auricular reconstruction is one of the most complicated operations in plastic surgery and is more difficult for patients with a low hairline due to limited skin availability. In traditional operations, the skin of the mastoid area was used to cover the front of the ear scaffold, and the retroauricular fascia, combined with a free skin graft, was used to cover the back of the ear framework. This may cause problems such as inadequate skin coverage and affecting the shape of the reconstructed ear when the hairline is low.
METHODS
Hemifacial microsomia patients with low hairline have little skin flap to perform the ear reconstruction, and we refined a single-stage ear reconstruction surgery to solve the problem. The temporoparietal fascia is used to cover the entire costal cartilage scaffold, and its surface is covered with a free split-thickness skin taken from the chest wall, thigh, and other parts.
RESULTS
From December 2019 to December 2020, 12 patients with hemifacial microsomia underwent single-stage reconstruction with temporoparietal fascia. The duration of patient follow-up was 6 to 24 months. The application of this technique can solve the problem of insufficient available skin flap, complete the ear reconstruction through 1 operation, reduce the treatment cycle, achieve a good shape of the reconstructed ear, and the postoperative effect is satisfactory.
CONCLUSION
According to the characteristics of the HFM patients with low hairline, we recommend this new, improved single-stage auricular reconstruction using the temporoparietal fascia for these patients. This method is a suitable choice for HFM patients with low hairline.Level of Evidence: Level-IV, Cases Study.
PubMed: 38885139
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000010397 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Jun 2024To publish a rare case of Kimura's Disease in Temporal Bone. A 27 year-old male presenting with history of right ear pain and discharge for 2 months was thoroughly...
To publish a rare case of Kimura's Disease in Temporal Bone. A 27 year-old male presenting with history of right ear pain and discharge for 2 months was thoroughly evaluated by clinical evaluation, hematological, radiological and histopathological study. Clinical examination revealed a bulge in posterior-inferior quadrant right side of tympanic membrane. HRCT temporal bone revealed a heterogeneous attenuating focal lesion is noted in the region of right middle ear cavity, mastoid antrum mastoid air cells in continuation with the superior aspect of right jugular foramen with erosions and bone destructions, involving the mastoid air cells and sinus plate. Patient was managed surgically with right side canal wall down mastoidectomy and Type 1 Tympanoplasty. Histopathological examination showed focal ulcerated stratified epithelium, dilated elongated congested blood vessels and hemorrhage. Diagnosis was made as Kimura's disease.
PubMed: 38883553
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04454-1 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Jun 2024In our study, thirty one neck dissections in thirty patients were performed as a part of their treatment for head and neck cancers over a period of one year. In this...
In our study, thirty one neck dissections in thirty patients were performed as a part of their treatment for head and neck cancers over a period of one year. In this study, we aimed to report anatomical variations of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) encountered during neck dissection with respect to important reference points and structures in the neck and correlate them with the length of the neck and height of patient. We preserved SAN in all the neck dissections and studied its course and branching in relation to internal jugular vein (IJV), sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, greater auricular point (GAP), mastoid process, clavicle, angle of mandible, length of the neck and height of the patient. In 67.7% patients, the SAN was ventral to the IJV at the level of posterior belly of digastric muscle and in 32.3%, it was dorsal to the vein. In all the cases, SAN was found cephalic to the GAP at the posterior border of the SCM muscle with a mean distance of 1.72 ± 0.54 cm (range 0.90-3.06 cm). The distance between the tip of mastoid process and the point of emergence of the SAN from the posterior border of SCM (Exit Point length) was found to be nearly constant with a mean of 6.35 ± 0.63 cm (range 5.03-8.13 cm). We also found that there is a positive correlation between various parameters and the length of the neck and height of patients. Distance of exit point of SAN from the clavicle, however, is least helpful. We infer that the GAP is one of the most reliable landmarks for the localization of the SAN, followed by distance of exit point from mastoid process and angle of mandible. Also, surgeon should be aware of the variations regarding relationship to internal jugular vein and branching pattern of the nerve. The exit point should be sought for relatively inferiorly in longer necks and taller patients. SAN has great variations and thorough knowledge of these helps to prevent debilitating sequelae and medicolegal repercussions of shoulder syndrome.
PubMed: 38883541
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04468-9