Body dysmorphic disorder in aesthetic rhinoplasty candidates

Body Dysmorphic Disorder [BDD] is a psychiatric disorder defined as obsessive ideas about distorted physical appearance, leading to social, professional and personal dysfunction. Many of these patients seek aesthetic surgery and are generally dissatisfied with the outcome of their surgery. In the present study patients coming to the otolaryngology clinic of Thaleghani Hospital in Tehran seeking rhinoplasty were evaluated. Between October 2010 and October 2011, 130 patients seeking rhinoplasty were recruited in a cross-sectional study. These patients were consecutively interviewed in the otolaryngology clinic of Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Questionnaires were filled containing demographic data. BDD was evaluated by a separate questionnaire. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] questionnaire was filled to evaluate depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The frequency and standard deviations were calculated. Differences between groups were evaluated by using the chi-square, and t-tests. Ninety nine [76.2%] of rhinoplasty candidates were female and thirty one [23.8%] were male. Eighty five [65.4%] were single and thirty eight [29.2%] were married while seven were divorced. About 63.8% were University students or University graduates. Mean age was 26.43 +/- 6.29 years old. 41 patients [31.5%] had BDD. Among BDD patients 12 [29.3%] had concurrent depression and 11 [26.8%] had concurrent anxiety. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence or severity of BDD and age, gender, marital status, level of education and profession. Considering the high prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder [BDD] among rhinoplasty candidates, psychiatric evaluation is advisable before surgery to avoid unnecessary operations and patient dissatisfaction

Otomycosis in central Iran: a clinical and mycological study

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear with bothersome symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of fungal agents, predisposing factors and characteristics of patients. Between May 2008 and April 2010, 171 patients with clinical suspicion of otomycosis were enrolled and the samples from their external ear were examined for any mycological infection. Otomycosis was confirmed after mycological diagnosis in 69% of clinically suspected patients. The highest incidence of otomycosis was in autumn and in patients aged 21-40 years old. Working in dry dusty environment was a major predisposing factor. Pruritus was the most common symptom. Aspergillus flavuswas the most common fungus in otomycosis followed by A. niger, Candida albicans, A. fumigatus, A. nidulansand C. parapsilosis. Clinical suspicion of otomycosis is important to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics. Etiology of fungal pathogens in dry dusty regions is not similar to hot humid areas and this needs to be considered in future susceptibility tests and treatment of patients with otomycosis