Solitary Cutaneous Reticulohistiocytoma on the Nasal Vestibule / 대한이비인후과학회지

Reticulohistiocytosis represents a rare spectrum of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis: the solitary cutaneous form (reticulohistiocytoma), the diffuse cutaneous form without systemic involvement, and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with systemic involvement. We report a case of solitary cutaneous reticulohistiocytosis in a 46-years-old male, who presented with an asymptomatic firm, dome-shaped nodule on the right vestibule of nose. The lesion was completely excised and no evidence of recurrence was observed.

Acetic Acid Induced Laryngitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acetic acid is not uncommon suicidal material and it can cause serious laryngitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, proper management, and clinical course of laryngitis induced by acetic acid. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We analyzed the medical records of 39 patients with acetic acid ingestion from 1996 to 2006, retrospectively. RESULTS: Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed supraglottic laryngeal edema or mucosal ulcer with narrowed airway in 15 cases (38.5%). More common reason of ingestion was suicidal attempt than accidental exposure. There was no significant correlation between severity and the amount of ingestion, or the reason of ingestion. Eight patients needed orotracheal intubation for airway management, but no emergency tracheotomy was imperative. Most laryngeal lesions were relieved by supportive care within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Acetic acid laryngitis could narrow airway, and could be resolved by supportive management. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was useful in evaluating laryngeal involvement and severity.

Height and Shape of Skull Base as Risk Factors for Skull Base Penetration during ESS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: CT/MRI has identified several risk factors for life threatening complications of skull base penetration during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We compared these risk factors in groups of patients with and without penetration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of direct coronal paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans was done. Using preoperative CT scans of 100 patients without penetration, and 7 with penetration, we classified height into 4 groups and contour into 2 groups. The frequencies of shape and height differences of the right and left skull base were calculated in each group. RESULTS: 6 of the 7 patients who had skull base penetration, ESS was performed by a resident or junior staff member having less than 3 years experience with this technique. Shape asymmetry was significantly higher in with penetration (4 out of 7 patients (57%)) and much less in without penetration (18 out of 100 patients, 18%, p=0.032). The frequencies of low skull base and height difference were seen in 15% and 28%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The most important risk factor for inadvertent skull base penetration during ESS is the surgeon's experience and asymmetric shape of the right and left skull base.