Voice disorders in residual paracoccidioidomycosis in upper airways and digestive tract / Trastornos de la voz en paracoccidioidomicosis residual en las vías respiratorias superiores y el tubo digestivo

Background. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis of acute and chronic evolution, caused by species belonging to the genus Paracoccidioides. It is considered the most prevalent systemic endemic mycosis in Latin America, with cases in the tropical and subtropical regions. Residual PCM refers to the fibrotic scar sequelae resulting from the disease treatment which, when associated with collagen accumulation, leads to functional and anatomic alterations in the organs. Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vocal function of patients with residual PCM in upper airways and digestive tract. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in 2010 in a cohort of 21 patients with residual PCM in upper airways and digestive tract. Results. The average age was 49.48±9.1 years, and only two (9.5%) patients were female. The study was performed in the 1-113 month-period (median 27) after the end of drug treatment. Five (23.8%) patients had alterations in the larynx as a sequela of the disease. However, all patients had vocal changes in vocal auditory perceptual analysis by GRBASI scale. The computerized acoustic analysis using the software Vox Metria, showed that 11 patients (52.4%) presented alterations in jitter, 15 (71.4%) in shimmer, 8 (38.1%) in F0, 4 (19%) in glottal to noise excitation (GNE), 7 (33.3%) in the presence of noise and 12 (57.1%) in the presence of vibratory irregularity. Conclusions. The great frequency of alterations in residual PCM suggests that the patients in such phase could benefit from a multidisciplinary treatment, offering them integral monitoring of the disease, including speech rehabilitation after the PCM is healed (AU)

Antecedentes. La paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM) es una micosis sistémica de evolución aguda y crónica causada por especies que pertenecen al género Paracoccidioides. Se considera que es la micosis sistémica endémica de mayor prevalencia en América Latina, con casos en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales. La PCM residual se refiere a las secuelas de las cicatrices fibróticas que provoca el tratamiento de la enfermedad; cuando se asocia con la acumulación de colágeno, conduce a alteraciones funcionales y anatómicas en los órganos. Objetivos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la función vocal de los pacientes con PCM residual en las vías respiratorias superiores y el tubo digestivo. Métodos. En 2010 se realizó un estudio transversal con una cohorte de 21 pacientes con PCM residual en las vías respiratorias superiores y el tubo digestivo. Resultados. La media de edad fue 49,48±9,1 años y solo dos pacientes (9,5%) eran mujeres. El estudio se realizó durante un período entre 1 y 113 meses (mediana: 27) después de finalizado el tratamiento farmacológico. Cinco pacientes (23,8%) presentaban alteraciones en la laringe como secuela de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, se encontró que todos los pacientes tenían alteraciones vocales en el análisis de percepción auditiva vocal por la escala GRBASI. El análisis acústico computarizado con el software Vox Metria mostró que 11 pacientes (52,4%) presentaron alteraciones en la variación ciclo a ciclo de la frecuencia fundamental (parámetro denominado jitter), 15 (71,4%) en la variación ciclo a ciclo de la amplitud de la señal vocal (shimmer), 8 (38,1%) en la frecuencia fundamental (F0), 4 (19%) en la relación señal-ruido (glottal to noise excitation - GNE), 7 (33,3%) en la existencia de ruido y 12 (57,1%) en la existencia de irregularidad vibratoria. Conclusiones. La gran frecuencia de alteraciones en la PCM residual indica que los pacientes en dicha fase podrían beneficiarse de un tratamiento multidisciplinario con vigilancia integral de la enfermedad que incluyera la rehabilitación del habla tras la curación de la PCM (AU)

[Sequelae lesions in the larynxes of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis]. / Lesões sequelares na laringe em pacientes com paracoccidiodomicose.

UNLABELLED: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease that in its aftermath form is characterized by clinical manifestations related to anatomic or functional sequelae of organs and systems affected during the period of state. AIM: To describe the anatomical and functional sequelae in patients with treated laryngeal PCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. We reviewed the charts from of 49 male patients, aged between 30 to 60 years, diagnosed with laryngeal PCM during the period of 1999 to 2004. In all patients the diagnosis of PCM was confirmed by demonstration of the fungus in sputum, cytological or histopathological examination and being followed up by the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Department. RESULTS: The vocal folds were the most affected laryngeal structure, being affected in 67% of the patients. The epiglottis and the aryepiglottic folds were affected in 55% and 53% of the cases, respectively. Vestibular folds were changed in 46% of the patients. In 40% of the cases there were changes in the arytenoids. During phonation, 28% of the patients showed limited movement of the vocal folds, unilateral vocal fold paralysis was found in 4%. 24% of the cases had glottic lumen reduction and 4% showed glottic stenosis, 2% needed tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Sequela lesions of the laryngeal PCM are extensive and cause functional limitations in most cases.

Lesões sequelares na laringe em pacientes com paracoccidiodomicose / Sequelae lesions in the larynxes of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

A Paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é uma doença sistêmica que em sua forma sequelar se caracteriza por manifestações clínicas relacionadas às alterações anatômicas ou funcionais de órgãos e sistemas comprometidos no período de estado. OBJETIVO: Descrever as alterações anatômicas e funcionais laríngeas sequelares em pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, sendo avaliados 49 pacientes do sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 30 a 60 anos, entre 1999 a 2004, com diagnóstico de PCM em acompanhamento pela disciplina de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, confirmado pela demonstração do fungo em escarro, exame citológico ou histopatológico. RESULTADOS: As pregas vocais foram a estrutura laríngea mais afetada, em 67 por cento dos pacientes verificaram-se alterações. A epiglote estava acometida em 55 por cento dos casos. As pregas ariepiglóticas tinham modificações em 53 por cento dos pacientes. As pregas vestibulares estavam alteradas em 46 por cento dos casos. Em 40 por cento dos casos verificaram-se alterações em aritenoides. Na fonação, 28 por cento tinham limitação ao movimento das cordas vocais, paresia unilateral ocorreu em 4 por cento casos. Em 24 por cento havia restrição da luz supraglótica e 4 por cento tinham estenose glótica, sendo que 2 por cento precisaram de traqueotomia. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões sequelares na laringe devido à infecção pelo P. brasilienses são extensas e causam restrições funcionais na maioria dos casos.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease that in its aftermath form is characterized by clinical manifestations related to anatomic or functional sequelae of organs and systems affected during the period of state. AIM: To describe the anatomical and functional sequelae in patients with treated laryngeal PCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. We reviewed the charts from of 49 male patients, aged between 30 to 60 years, diagnosed with laryngeal PCM during the period of 1999 to 2004. In all patients the diagnosis of PCM was confirmed by demonstration of the fungus in sputum, cytological or histopathological examination and being followed up by the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Department. RESULTS: The vocal folds were the most affected laryngeal structure, being affected in 67 percent of the patients. The epiglottis and the aryepiglottic folds were affected in 55 percent and 53 percent of the cases, respectively. Vestibular folds were changed in 46 percent of the patients. In 40 percent of the cases there were changes in the arytenoids. During phonation, 28 percent of the patients showed limited movement of the vocal folds, unilateral vocal fold paralysis was found in 4 percent. 24 percent of the cases had glottic lumen reduction and 4 percent showed glottic stenosis, 2 percent needed tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Sequela lesions of the laryngeal PCM are extensive and cause functional limitations in most cases.

[Botulism has not disappeared]. / Le botulisme est toujours d'actualité

INTRODUCTION: Botulism is a potentially fatal infectious disease induced by a neurotoxin secreted by Clostridium botulinum, a sporulated species of obligate anaerobic bacteria. This neurotoxin inhibits the normal release of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, inducing presynaptic neuromuscular blockade. The diagnosis is often difficult because of the range and the lack of specificity of the symptoms. CASE: We report two cases of human botulism. The first case was easy to diagnose, with dysphagia, dysphonia, blurred vision, and xerostomia, associated with potentiation on electromyogram and B botulinum toxin in the serum. Symptoms in the second case included diplopia, blurred vision, dysphagia, dysphonia, with potentiation on electromyogram but no botulinum toxin. DISCUSSION: These two cases remind us of the necessity to keep botulism in mind when systemic atropinic symptoms are found together with generalized, progressive and extensive paralysis. The diagnosis is confirmed by electromyogram and serology. There is no specific treatment for botulism; only intensive care surveillance and symptomatic treatment improve survival.

Effects of antituberculosis treatment on self assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis of voice quality in laryngeal tuberculosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of antituberculosis treatment on the voice quality of laryngeal tuberculosis patients, measured by patient self-assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 laryngeal tuberculosis patients were enrolled. Laryngeal tuberculosis was established either by biopsy and histopathological examination or by rapid regression of the laryngeal lesions after antituberculosis medication. Before and after treatment, all patients were evaluated perceptually (on a scale of zero to three), and 12 assessed their own voices using the voice handicap index-10 scale. Acoustic analysis was performed to allow objective evaluation. RESULTS: Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 72 years (mean, 41). The male to female ratio was 12:2. Eight patients (57 per cent) had tuberculous involvement of the epiglottis, four (28 per cent) had involvement of the aryepiglottic fold and eight (57 per cent) had involvement of the false vocal folds. The glottis was the less commonly involved part of the larynx, including true vocal folds (28 per cent, n = 4) and posterior commissure (14 per cent, n = 2). Perceptual evaluation, on a scale of zero to three, gave the patients a median score of six; after commencement of treatment, the median score decreased to two. The mean voice handicap index-10 score decreased from 24 to 12 after treatment. An obvious improvement in acoustic analytical parameters was also found following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Antituberculosis treatment clearly improved the voice outcomes of laryngeal tuberculosis patients, according to self-assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis.

[Botulism in Casablanca. (11 cases)]. / Le botulisme à Casablanca. (A propos de 11 cas).

Botulism is a rare but severe disease. Whereas until 1980, only one case of botulism had been reported in our department, in 1999, a real botulism epidemic took place in Morocco. To our knowledge, it's the first outbreak of that kind in Morocco. We report here an epidemiologic and descriptive study of 11 patients suffering from botulism, admitted at the Infectious Diseases department and in the Medical Intensive Care Unit of Ibn Rochd University Hospital, from August, the 10th to October, the 1st, 1999. Clinical diagnosis of botulism was made, at the admission, on ocular signs (diplopia, ptosis), swallowing troubles and/or muscle weakness. There was no fever, no trouble of conscience and normal reflexes, at the early stage of the disease. The average age of patients was of 23.9 years +/- 12.07. Three patients were first admitted in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. The period before symptom appearance varied between 7 and 96 hours. Dysphagia sore throat, dry mouth and dysphonia were always found in all patients, with normal conscience. The fever was noted in 3 cases, polypnea in 3 cases leading to respiratory assistance in 2 cases. Neurologic findings were dominated by ptosis and hypotonia. The search of botulism toxin B in blood was positive in 6 cases. The electromyography showed clear signs of botulism. The evolution was favourable in 10 cases. Respiratory complications were found in 2 cases and infectious complications in 4 cases. One patient died. The period of hospitalization varied between 10 to 24 days with an average stay of 15.8 days. Eating "mortadella" has been noticed in 7 patients) and investigations permitted to identify the factory of "mortadella" as well as the toxin's type B responsible for these poisoning. It appears clearly that it is important to reinforce hygiene controls. Physicians and specialists in public health must be aware of the severity of this illness, knowing that the recovery is shortened when the treatment is administered on an early stage of the disease.

[Active tracheo-bronchial caseous tuberculosis. Ten patients]. / La tuberculose active caséeuse trachéo-bronchique. A propos de 10 cas.

BACKGROUND: We report 10 cases of active endobronchial tuberculosis in female patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis was established by demonstrating the presence of Koch bacilli in the bronchial washings or at pathology examination of a bronchial mucosa biopsy. Follow-up was available for 5 of the 10 cases. RESULTS: These women were aged 19 to 756 years. Clinical signs included persistent cough (n=10), wheezing (n=10), dyspnea (n=5), dysphonia (n=4) and fever (n=8). Chest x-ray was normal in 4 cases but showed condensation in 4 others with infiltration of the superior lobe in 2 cases. Bronchoscopy findings were characteristic with a thick layer of white caseum on the mucosa. Koch bacilli were found in all bronchial wash specimens. Pathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis in 5 of the 10 cases.

[Laryngeal tuberculosis in Antananarivo]. / Les laryngites Tuberculeuses á Antananarivo.

From September 1989 to December 1992, 49 patients had been observed at the Centre Hospitalier de Soavinandriana and 31 cases at the prison infirmary of Antananarivo from April 1990 to December 1992. The 31 laryngeal tuberculosis observed in prison existed among 9.1% of tubercular patients, were associated to 10.9% of pulmonary tuberculosis and represented 24.2% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The 49 laryngeal tuberculosis of the CENHOSOA were present among 4.6% of tubercular patients, were associated to 7.9% of pulmonary tuberculosis and represented 8.4% of all the extrapulmonary tubercular localizations. Voice disorders, even if always present, rarely represented (<30%) a reason for tuberculosis discovery. Comparison with the whole of tuberculosis cases showed that laryngitis was not most frequent in retreatments and that there was no statistically significant difference in death risk. Laryngeal tuberculosis being mostly in the shadow of pulmonary tuberculosis, it develops in the same way under the same treatment, except when a very ancient laryngitis has given rise to irreversible fiber lesions. Recall of this very early known localization is made in a didactic perspective: in a developing country, all chronical voice disorders must induce to research of tuberculosis.