Prolonged diplopia following sinus vein thrombosis mimicking Gradenigo's syndrome.

We report about a boy with the symptoms of Gradenigo's syndrome (abducens nerve palsy, acute otitis media, unilateral headache). The MR imaging showed a sinus vein thrombosis instead of the expected petroapicitis. After 2 weeks of conservative therapy with antibiotics and anticoagulation, without any clinical effort the boy underwent a mastoidectomy. Headache and otitis media recovered quickly but the diplopia still remained after 25 months.

Measurement of tracheal humidity and temperature.

BACKGROUND: After tracheostomy, patients often present with chest complaints. Measurement of objective parameters of the tracheal climate is important to evaluate 'artificial noses' or humidifying devices. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to present an experimental setup for measurement of tracheal temperature and humidity for possible use in clinical studies in tracheotomized patients. METHODS: The study design was a prospective study. Patients with tracheal stoma were chosen as study participants. Tracheal temperature and humidity during the respiratory cycle were measured using a miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor connected to a suction system. RESULTS: Accurate measurement of tracheal temperature and humidity was feasible in patients with tracheal stoma. Tracheal humidity and temperature values measured in this study were similar to values reported earlier by other working groups. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental setup presented may reliably be used in the evaluation of 'artificial noses' or other passive humidifiers in tracheotomized patients.

Nasal mucosal temperature after exposure to cold, dry air and hot, humid air.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of variations in the temperature and humidity of inhaled air on the nasal mucosal temperature at various sites in the nasal airways. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen volunteers were enrolled in the study. The temperature was measured on the mucosal surface of the nasal septum at the level of the nasal vestibule, in the nasal valve area, anterior turbinate area and choanae. Temperature measurements were made using a miniaturized thermocouple. Continuous temperature readings were performed before and after 10 min of exposure to either cold, dry air, ambient air or hot, humid air. RESULTS: Inhalation of cold, dry air significantly reduced the temperature of the septal mucosa at each location of measurement compared to the breathing of ambient air. Inhalation of hot, humid air significantly increased the septal mucosal temperature at all detection sites CONCLUSIONS: The climatic condition of inhaled air can lead to significant changes in nasal mucosal temperature. As the nasal mucosa is important for nasal air conditioning, short-term exposure to air of extreme temperature and humidity can rapidly compromise nasal air conditioning.