The usefulness of bone scannning for the diagnosis and evaluation of otogenic skull base osteomyelitis. A description of three cases

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess the usefulness of bone scanning in the diagnosis and evaluation of the skull base osteomyelitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone scanning was performed in three male patients with otogenic skull base osteomyelitis, aged 65–84 years utilizing Tc99m-MDP and dual-head gamma camera. RESULTS: In one case, bone scanning played a crucial role in establishing the diagnosis. In two cases, it provided confirmed MRI results. CT scanning was negative in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Bone scans may give valuable information for establishing the diagnosis and assessing the severity of this disease, and add complementary physiological information to radiological imaging

Hemoptysis during pregnancy: a comprehensive review of literature and an unprecedented case report of oropharyngeal carcinoma

Objectives: Hemoptysis in pregnancy is a very rare finding causing diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The case report of hemoptysis by a 29 years old patient in the 31st week of pregnancy is presented and discussed along with the diagnostic process and treatment provided. Upon pharyngeal cancer occurrence in a pregnant patient a multidisciplinary medical team performed appropriate treatment along with delivery of a healthy newborn at term. Patients and fetal conditions and outcomes were analyzed and compared to available literature in this newly created literature review.  Material and methods: After MEDLINE database analysis using formula "hemoptysis" AND "pregnancy" more than 125 results were found published during the period 2002–2022. Almost 30 papers about hemoptysis were found and included for full analysis. Conclusions: The literature review offers a detailed description of previously reported incidents of hemoptysis in pregnancy to gain understanding of the etiology, differential diagnosis, available treatment and predicted future outcomes for both patient and fetus

Are all prognostic factors in parotid gland carcinoma well recognized?

The aim of his study was to assess the treatment results and prognostic factors in patients with parotid gland carcinoma. The material consisted of 109 patients treated surgically, with or without complementary radiotherapy, between 1978 and 2008 (follow-up at least 5-years). 5-year overall and disease-specific survival were observed in 57.0% of the patients and 5-year disease-free survival was achieved in 50.0%. Univariate analysis including ten clinical and pathological features to assess their prognostic value was done. Parapharyngeal space invasion, facial nerve palsy, and high grade of tumor malignancy were the factors with the highest influence on the treatment results, because their presence decreased the chance for recovery 9.8, 9.7, and 8.2 times, respectively. Histologically positive cervical lymph nodes and extraparenchymal extension were the other factors connected with poor prognosis (prognosis worse 6.7 and 5.4 times, respectively). Clinically positive cervical lymph nodes, positive/uncertain microscopic margin, involvement of the deep lobe, or the whole gland increased the risk of treatment failure 3.4, 3.1, and 2.8, respectively. The age ≥60 years and male gender were statistically significant factors, correlated with poor prognosis and decreased chance for recovery 2.4 and 2.6 times. T-status and clinical stage had important influence on 5-year disease-free survival rate because there were significant differences in the treatment results between individual stages. Multivariate analysis proved that the independent prognostic value, among anatomic structures involved by the neoplasm, had mandible, facial nerve, and skin infiltration. Among tumor-related factors, T-stage and grade had the statistically significant influence on treatment results, and stage and lymph nodes metastases among clinical and pathological features. These results confirm the value of actually used TNM classification (2002). Although the parapharyngeal space invasion is a factor, which seems to have a significant, poor prognostic value, it was not included in this classification

Rak ślinianki przyusznej : analiza kliniczno-patologiczna oraz ocena wyników leczenia

Praca wykonana w: Katedra i Klinika Chorób Uszu, Nosa, Gardła i Krtani

Rozległy gruczolak wielopostaciowy płata dodatkowego współistniejący z guzem Wartina płata powierzchownego ślinianki przyusznej

Opisano 65-letniego mężczyznę z rozległym gruczolakiem wielopostaciowym płata dodatkowego współistniejącym z guzem Wartina płata powierzchownego ślinianki przyusznej. Przedstawiono przebieg choroby i leczenia z uwzględnieniem rodzaju dostępu operacyjnego

Synchronous appearance of extensive pleomorphic adenoma with Warthin’s tumour within the superficial lobe of the parotid

The paper describes 65-year-old man diagnosed with a widespread pleomorphic adenoma of accesory gland coexisting with Wartin’s tumor of the parotid gland superficial lobe. The course of disease and its treatment considering the surgical approach are presented

Acute dyspnea as a manifestation of Forestier's disease. A case report

Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier’s disease, is a noninflammatory disease and is characterized by ossification of the anterolateral aspect of vertebral bodies, mostly in thoracic part of the spine. Although, usually, DISH is asymptomatic, in rare cases osteophytes located in the cervical part of the spine can cause otolaryngological manifestations, such as dysphagia (most common), hoarseness and stridor Case report: In differential diagnosis of upper respiratory tract symptoms, we should consider DISH. We present case of 82-years old male patient with acute dyspnea, who was diagnosed with osteophytes of C4–C7 vertebral bodies. In this case conservative therapy was not efficient, therefore successful surgical treatment was performed. BMI – Body Mass IndexCRP – C Reactive Protein CT – computed tomography DISH – diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis GERD – gastro-esophageal reflux disease MRI – magnetic resonance imaging NSAIDs – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ORL PPI – proton pump inhibitors Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hypMRerostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier’s disease, was first described under the name “senile ankylosing hyperostisis of the spine” by Jacques Forestier in 1950 [1]. It is a noninflammatory disease, characterized by ossification of the anterolateral aspect of vertebral bodies, mostly in thoracic part of the spine. It may also involve enthesopathy of the extremities. Forestier’s disease is a rather common condition, which affects approximately 40% of older (>65 years old) male patients. Prevalence of DISH increases with age (56% for age >80 years old), BMI and blood pressure [2] and is associated with diabetes mellitus, elevated insulin-like growth factor and hyperuricemia [3].Although usually DISH is asymptomatic, in rare cases osteophytes located in the cervical part of the spine can cause otolaryngological manifestations, such as dysphagia (most common), hoarseness and stridor [4–10]. null null null null An 82-years old man was admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology due to acute dyspnea with stridor at rest. Respiratory disorder was progressing for 2 months. Moreover, patient complained of dysphagia and hoarseness, which were present for a year. The patient was diagnosed with GERD and treatment was administrated. Medical history was significant of duodenal ulcer with perforation and prostate cancer treated with hormonal therapy for 13 months. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy revealed large mass protruding from the posterior wall of hypopharynx and oedema, which concealed interarytenoid notch and partly rima glottis (Fig. 1.). No other abnormalities in ORL examination were present. Increased CRP level and impaired fasting glucose were found in laboratory tests during hospitalization. CT (Fig. 2.) and MRI (Fig. 3.) revealed massive osteophytes on the anterior part of vertebral bodies C4–C7 without intervertebral disc space narrowing, thickened vestibular folds and peri-arytenoid region. X-ray revealed no changes in sacro-iliac joints. Hypopharyngoscopy and microlaryngoscopy were performed in due to rule out neoplastic changes. Antibiotis, steroids and high doses of PPI (proton pump inhibitors) were administered, resulting in oedema decrease and resolution of the symptoms. After 7 months patient was hospitalized again, due to acute dyspnea and stridor. Increased CRP level was found in laboratory tests. Despite conservative therapy (corticosteroids, antibiotics and PPI) no significant respiratory improvement was achieved, therefore decision on surgical treatment was made. Patient was referred to the Department of Neurosurgery where, after elective tracheotomy, cervical osteophytes (C2–C5) were removed, using an anterolateral transcervical approach, without any complications (Fig. 4.). Because of postoperative laryngeal and hypopharyngeal oedema, steroid therapy was maintained. Decannulation was performed on 7th postoperative day, although patient complained of more severe dysphagia with aspiration while swallowing. Nasogastric feeding tube was inserted for 3 weeks. At the 6-month follow up dyspnea and dysphagia are absent, patient successfully swallows solid food and liquids. Endoscopic examination revealed only small protrusion and minor oedema on posterior wall of hypopharynx on the level of arytenoids (Fig. 5., 6.). null null Forestier’s disease otolaryngological manifestations are extremely rare. The most common symptom is dysphagia, aside from it aspiration [11], dyspnea (with or without stridor) and hoarseness [4].Our patient’s main complaint and reason of hospitalization was dyspnea, while dysphagia was secondary problem. Foregoing symptoms can occur not only due to osteophytes compression on larynx and esophagus, but also because of chronic inflammation and chronic or recurrent edema caused by mechanic irritation. Other symptoms, such as aspiration while swallowing, can be caused by impaired movability of epiglottis or vocal chords [8, 11].In presented case symptoms (especially dyspnoe) were increasing during upper respiratory tract infections and due to exacerbation of GERD.In literature authors described similar cases, where inflammation led to oedema, chronic or remitting during infection, which worsened patient’s condition [12, 13] and caused respiratory decompensation, necessitating even urgent tracheotomy [10].During diagnosis of DISH with otolaryngologic manifestations, mirror laryngoscopy and fiberoscopy should be performed. It can reveal fine, firm protrusion on the posterior wall of pharynx, accompanied by oedema and impaired movability of larynx [8].In differential diagnosis of protrusion on the posterior wall of pharynx we should consider retropharyngeal pathologies, such as malignant tumors (including lymphoma), benign tumors, metastases, congenital defects (e.g. vascular malformations), lymphadenopathy, retropharyngeal abscess or massive oedema. Imaging (CT, MRI) can rule out these diseases [14].Forestier’s disease should also be distinguished from other pathologies, which involve vertebral bodies, including ankylosing spondylitis, osteophytes in osteoarthritis or osteomas [3]. Differential diagnosis can be based on Resnick’s radiological classification criteria of DISH [15]: presence of flowing calcification and ossification along with the anterolateral aspects of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies, relative preservation of intervertebral disc height in the involved vertebral segments and absence of apophyseal joint bony ankylosis and sacro-iliac joint erosion, sclerosis or bony fusion.In cases with dysphagia being the main patient’s complaint, esophagogram with barium swallowing should be performed [5, 9, 11]. Elective panendoscopy with biopsy should always be considered to rule out neoplasm [5, 16].If DISH is diagnosed accidently in imaging, we can assume an expectant attitude. Conservative treatment with NSAIDs, steroids and dietary measures can be introduced in cases without weight loss and with minor respiratory symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux can be symptom-worsening factor, therefore PPI treatment should be considered. If conservative treatment is not effective, osteophytes’ surgical removal is recommended, preferably using anterolateral approach [16].In our case, conservative therapy was not sufficient. Massive hypopharyngeal oedema and stridor were present in spite of high doses of corticosteroids. Due to the pre-operative oedema we decided to perform an elective tracheotomy before neurosurgical intervention, to avoid possible complications [13].It is remarkable, that after surgery dyspnea resolved after few days, whilst dysphagia and aspiration worsened in post-operative time and nasogastric tube insertion was necessary.Authors present this case in aim to draw attention to Forestier’s disease as possible reason for respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms among elderly people

Ostra duszność jako manifestacja choroby Forestiera. Opis przypadku

Wprowadzenie: Rozsiana idiopatyczna hiperostoza szkieletu (ang. diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis; DISH), zwana również „chorobą Forestiera”, jest chorobą niezapalną, charakteryzującą się kostnieniem przedniobocznej powierzchni trzonów kręgów, najczęściej w piersiowym odcinku kręgosłupa. W większości przypadków nie jest ona asymptomatyczna, jednakże osteofity umiejscowione w szyjnym odcinku kręgosłupa mogą powodować objawy otolaryngologiczne, takie jak: dysfagia, chrypka czy duszność. Opis przypadku: Ze względu ma to, że u starszych chorych z objawami ze strony górnych dróg oddechowych w diagnostyce różnicowej należy brać pod uwagę również DISH, prezentujemy przypadek 82-letniego mężczyzny z nasiloną dusznością krtaniową, u którego zdiagnozowano obecność osteofitów trzonów kręgów C4–C7. Opisywany pacjent został poddany leczeniu zachowawczemu, a następnie, ze względu na brak zadowalającego efektu terapeutycznego, zabiegowi neurochirurgicznemu, po którym dolegliwości ustąpiły