Drug-induced Oral Candidiasis: A Case Report.

Oral candidiasis is a broad term which describes the fungal infections mainly caused by the yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. In developing countries, it is the third most common presenting compliant of the HIV-infected patients. Varied incidences have been observed depending on age and predisposing factors. Oropharyngeal candidiasis and dysphonia are among the local side effects of the use of several different topical steroids for the treatment of asthma. Long-term use of inhaled steroids renders oropharyngeal mucosa to opportunistic fungal infections by their local immunosuppressive actions. Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old male chronic asthmatic patient, who was on a steroid inhaler and presented with oral candidiasis.

Healicoll: An Alternate to Flap Cover for Bare Bones and Tendons.

Background: Wounds with bare bone, joint and tendons in the extremities have been a formidable challenge to plastic surgeons. Although several skin substitutes are used in West, as both dermal and epidermal analogue, they are expensive and most of them are unavailable in India. It is in this scenario that Healicoll – a type 1 pure collagen as a possible dermal substitute is being investigated. The material ‘Healicoll’ is a type-1 native collagen derived from the bovine source and is bioengineered, biocompatible and biodegradable skin substitute. The advantages of Healicoll have led us to an increase in its use for complex wounds. Medical literature on Healicoll, thus far has only reported its use for superficial burns and ulcers. Materials & Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages of using an inexpensive, easily available, bioengineered skin substitute ‘Healicoll’ for the closure of bare bone, joints and tendon. Results: Healicoll was used in three patients with two patients having undergone surgery involving use of Healicoll for bare bones, joints and tendons after release of contracture following burns and trauma, and one patient was treated with Healicoll as an outpatient procedure for bare bones following electrical burns. The mean hospital stay was 15 days. In all the three cases, a clear neodermis had covered the bones and joints in 5 days time and was ready to support the take of skin graft. Conclusions: Based on our initial experience, Healicoll skin substitute offers an excellent alternative for rapid reconstruction obviating the need for flap cover for wounds that have been difficult to reconstruct.

Fournier’s Gangrene: A Case Report.

Fournier’s gangrene is a rare, idiopathic, life-threatening, necrotizing fasciitis of the genitals and perineum caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora. The synergistic effect of the bacteriae results in fulminating gangrene, multiple organ failure, and can even lead to death. Most commonly it has a predilection for diabetic and alcohol abused individuals, those who have impaired immunity. Genital trauma is frequently recognized vector for infection initiation. Timely recognition of the disease process and initiation of treatment with aggressive debridement and antibiotic administration is called for. The advanced age of the patient, extensive disease, delayed presentation with shock or sepsis and organ failures, all contribute to mortality in Fournier’s gangrene. In this case report, we recall an account of our tryst with Fournier’s gangrene management.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Palate: A Case Report.

The most common types of salivary gland tumors are the pleomorphic adenoma and the mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). MEC mainly occurs in the parotid gland; intraorally MEC appears as asymptomatic swellings in minor salivary glands, most commonly occurs on palate. It shows a variety of biological behaviors and variable natural history. Clinical, radiological and histopathological findings of palatal MEC in a young woman presented here. Surgical resection was done. Follow-up of one and half year did not show any recurrence.

A comparative evaluation of film and digital panoramic radiographs in the assessment of position and morphology of impacted mandibular third molars.

Background and Objective: Digital photo stimulable phosphor (PSP)-based radiography has many known theoretical advantages over conventional film radiography but its diagnostic efficacy has to be assessed clinically. This study compared the efficiency of conventional film-based panoramic radiographs with that of digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs in the assessment of position and morphology of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: We selected a total of 80 impacted mandibular third molars that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Both conventional film-based panoramic radiographs and digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs were taken of all the study samples and the teeth were later surgically removed. Conventional film-based and digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs were compared for their relative efficiencies in the assessment of impaction status, position of tooth, number of roots, root morphology, and proximity to mandibular canal of impacted mandibular third molars. An oral surgeon graded these same factors during/after surgical exploration and this assessment was considered the gold standard. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and McNemar's test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between conventional film-based radiographic assessment and digital PSP-based panoramic radiographic assessment of impaction status, position of tooth, number of roots, and proximity to mandibular canal of impacted mandibular third molars (P>0.05). However, there was significant difference between the two methods with regard to assessment of root morphology of impacted mandibular third molars (P=0.00). Interpretation and Conclusion : Conventional film-based panoramic radiographs and digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs were comparable in their accuracy in the preoperative study of impacted mandibular third molar with regard to impaction status, tooth position, number of roots, and proximity to the mandibular canal. Digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs were more accurate than conventional film-based panoramic radiographs in the assessment of root morphology of impacted mandibular third molars. Hence, we conclude that digital PSP-based panoramic radiographs can be used as an effective alternative to conventional film-based panoramic radiographs for assessment of position and morphology of impacted mandibular third molars.