Endoscopic anatomy of the middle ear cleft

This study was conducted on 15 specimens of fresh cadaveric temporal bones. The anatomy of the middle ear cavity was examined endoscopically and documented with photographs using rigid endoscopes of 2.7 mm and 4 mm diameter with 0, 30 and 70 degrees. The endoscopes were introduced either through a simple myringotomy incision or through elevation of the posterior tympanomeatal flap or through a window of posterior tympanotomy. Using such endoscopes, hidden areas of the tympanic cavity could be visualized clearly

Optimum isolation conditions of beta haemolytic streptococci

The current study was carried out on 50 patients with symptoms of acute pharyngotonsillitis. Throat swabs were inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar plates and incubated in various atmospheric conditions to estimate optimum isolation conditions of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Strict anaerobic conditions were superior for isolation of both group A and non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci when compared to aerobic conditions, microaerophilic states induced by stabbing blood agar plates or to incubation in an atmosphere enriched with 5-10% CO2. Anaerobiosis was the most sensitive means of isolation of the clinically relevant group A strains. This high sensitivity was not coupled with high specificity as this method permitted the growth of non-group A strains. The use of bacitracin disk sensitivity test is a simple and sensitive to identify group A strains. The combination of the previous two means seems to be the best option to characterize group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

Role of bronchoscopy in management of inhaled foreign bodies in children

This study included 50 patients 3 months to 4 years of age presenting with recurrent chest wheezing and respiratory distress. The main diagnosis was FBA, 20% have history of choking, while 80% denied it completely. 48% had no symptoms free period. Wheezing was continuous and cough was dry nonproductive. B2 agonists and corticosteroids did not help patients if they got severe attacks of respiratory distress. By bronchoscopy 6 out of 10 patients giving a history of choking had peanut or melon seed particles extracted from the right bronchus. Radiological findings were normal in 48% of the patients. IgA, M, G and E were almost as controls. This work stresses the importance of proper diagnosis of wheezy infants and young children with a suspected FBA and the ultimate importance of bronchoscopy in the management