ABSTRACT
External laryngeal trauma is a rather rare occurrence, and comprises a varying severity of injuries. Every laryngeal injury is unique and the management can be invariably complex. For the most severe forms of external laryngeal trauma, reparative procedures and laryngeal stenting (after control of the airway) are considered standard treatment. We present a case of a complex laryngeal trauma with extensive loss of tracheal cartilage and soft tissues which was treated with total laryngectomy.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The connection between parotid gland and external auditory canal has long been described throughout the centuries. It can act as a gateway for infectious or neoplastic material to spread between those two structures. Case Report: To our surprise, this naturally occurring defect can serve as an option to conservatively treat a parotid abscess. We report a case of a parotid abscess with a concurrent presentation of an ipsilateral ear discharge. The purpose of our study is to highlight a unique process of resolution of parotid abscess through an opening in the ear canal. Conclusions: In spite of the fact that the fissure of Santorini is known as the gateway and tunnel for a disease to spread, it has proven to serve as a pathway for disease elimination as well.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The knowledge gap and attitude of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients using intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) led to the poor outcome of their disease. We aimed to develop and validate a new questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of AR patients that can be used to assess and understand the factors affecting compliance of INCS. METHODS: The questionnaire comprised development and validation stages. A self-administered questionnaire was developed after a comprehensive literature review. It was subjected to content and face validity before a revised final version was drafted. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used to verify internal consistency. RESULTS: The development phase resulted in a questionnaire consisting of 14 items. Explanatory factor analysis revealed four factors associated with KAP. The four factors were extracted, and 12 items were kept. The factors were attitude domain with four items (factor 1), practice domain with four items (factor 2), and knowledge domain with four items (factor 3 has two items, and factor 4 has two items). The Cronbach's alpha of the four factors ranged from 0.614 to 0.809. The final questionnaire consists of 3 domains with 12 items (the knowledge domain with four questions; the attitude domain with four questions; the practice domain with four questions) and was valid and reliable. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed questionnaire has adequate validity and reliability. It is a useful tool to improve the treatment of AR patients by understanding the factors affecting their compliance.
ABSTRACT
Thyroid abscesses are the most rare conditions of the thyroid gland but it could be potentially life threatening. Most patients are immunocompromised or has an underlying chronic thyroid disorder. We report a case of a 58 year-old lady with underlying uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and a long standing uninvestigated goiter who presented with lethargy, a new anterior neck swelling with dysphagia and change of voice. Ultrasound and computed tomography were performed and showed collection with multiple air pockets in the right thyroid lobule extending to the anterior mediastinum. She was started on intravenous antibiotics and underwent serial bedside aspiration. Her symptoms improved and complete resolution was achieved after serial aspirations and antibiotics.
