Mastoid Osteoma – Is “Trauma” A Possible Etiologic Factor

A 19 year old female presented with painful postaural swelling of three years duration with preceding history of trauma. Clinically and radilogically the diagnosis of mastoid osteoma was made. As patient was symptomatic the osteoma was removed and cortical mastoidectomy was done. We emphasise that symptomatic mastoid osteomas must be treated early even if they are small in size to prevent the development of giant osteomas. The case is reported for its rarity with relevant review of literature.  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in which there is a definitive history of trauma preceding the development of osteoma suggesting its possible role as an inciting factor

Acute Retropharyngeal Abscess Masquerading as Meningitis

Retropharyngeal abscess is a potentially serious deep neck space infection occurring more frequently in children than in adults. The clinical picture of RPA is highly variable with paucity of physical findings. Prompt diagnosis of RPA especially in infants is mandatory to prevent potential fatal complications including airway obstruction. The diagnosis of RPA should be based on high index of clinical suspicion with supportive imaging studies like lateral X-ray of neck and CT. We present a case of acute retropharyngeal abscess which was initially misdiagnosed as meningitis and led to airway obstruction. This case is reported to create awareness among emergency physicians, paediatricians and otolaryngologists to have high index of suspicion in diagnosing RPA especially in infants. Keywords:  retropharyngeal abscess; meningitis; deep neck infection

Giant Sialolith of Submandibular Duct

Sialolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of salivary glands and commonly involves submandibular gland and ducts. “Giant sialoliths” typically measure more than 15 mm in any dimension. Here, an unusual case of sialolith in submandibular duct is reported which progressed into a giant sialolith in six months’ time is reported. A 42-year-old man presented with complaints of recurrent pain and swelling in the right submandibular area. A large stone was palpable intraorally within the Wharton’s duct and intra-operatively, an elongated giant sialolith of 50 mm length was found which is the second largest to be published till date. [PubMed