Some biochemical, immunological and electron microscopy findings in rhinoscleroma

To investigate the immunological and biochemical aspects with cellular changes in rhinoscleroma, 40 patients and matched 10 apparently healthy controls were studied. Results of tuberculin testing, total rosette test, active rosette test and leukocyte migration inhibition test were lower than controls and were statistically significant. The mean serum levels of zinc and iron were decreased, while mean serum copper level was increased and these were statistically significant, specially in late cases. Mikulicz cells, Russel bodies and fibroblasts were detected by electron microscopy examination. Thus, the cell-mediated immunity condition and trace elements levels should be evaluated in every rhinoscleroma patient

Nasopharyngeal pathogens in otitis media in children

To compare the potential pathogens and aerobic and anaerobic interfering organisms of nasopharyngeal flora in 36 children with otitis media [clinically diagnosed and confirmed by tympanometry] with matched 18 apparently healthy controls. The commonest potential pathogens were: M. catarrhalis [33%], S. pneumoniae [22%], H. influenzae [18%] and Strept. pyogenes [11%] with less interfering aerobic and anaerobic organisms compared to controls. Tonsilloadenoidectomy should be done in children with recurrent otitis media and further studies to investigate whether maintaining normal nasopharyngeal flora would be beneficial in those children are recommended

Relation between environmental pollution with lead and snoring

To investigate the pathogenesis of snoring in relation to environmental pollution, an estimation of blood lead levels was done in 40 patients with different causes of snoring compared with ten healthy controls. Pulmonary function tests revealed a significant difference in FEV1, FVC and FEF50/FIF50 with no significant difference in FEV1/FVC. Also, the mean O2 SAT and PO2 in patients were significantly lower than controls, while the mean PCO2 in patients was lower than controls with no significant difference. The mean blood lead levels in patients were higher than the controls with a significant statistical difference. Thus, the toxic effect of environmental lead pollution could be considered as a possible risk factor for this condition

Imaging and bacteriological study of rhinosinusitis in children

For the evaluation of rhinosinusitis in children, bacteriological study of sinus secretion and imaging of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with plane radiographs and CT scans were performed to 34 children clinically diagnosed as rhinosinusitis and classified into three groups; acute, chronic and recurrent acute. Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were the commonest pathogens detected in 80% of the cases. Opacification of one or more sinuses were detected in all cases in plane radiographs. Concha bullosa, polypoid mucosal hypertrophy, total opacity of all sinuses, antrochoanal polyp, septal spur with bilateral ethmoid and maxillary sinusitis and Aspergillus infection were detected in CT scans with staging of sinus pathology. It was concluded that rhinosinusitis in children is a multifactorial disease. CT scanning with staging of sinus pathology is crucial for detecting mucosal inflammatory changes, besides morphological variations and anatomical study of the ostiomeatal complex

Value of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with vertigo

Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle using a three dimensional Fourier transformation constructive interference in steady state [3DFT - CISS] sequence; was performed to 12 selective patients with vertigo and abnormal findings at vestibular testing. Of these, 5 patients had evident pathological findings [3 females and 2 males with an average age 41.6 years] in the form of schwannomas, vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. Thus, we conclude that; magnetic resonance imaging especially with enhancement and using well-adapted sequence can resolve many diagnostic conflicts in patients with vertigo