A tale of recurrent secretory carcinoma of submandibular gland in an adolescent male: A rare presentation of a rare tumor.

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a rare salivary gland tumor which shares its histologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features with the secretory carcinoma (SC) of breast. In this case report, we describe a case of MASC in a young adolescent male with swelling in the right angle of mandible which is a relatively rare site to present along with its correlation of cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical features. A 16-year-old male came with the complaint of swelling in the right angle of mandible since 2 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) neck revealed differential diagnosis of nerve sheath tumor, pleomorphic adenoma, and adenoid cystic neoplasm was kept, and subsequently fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done. FNAC was done in which differential diagnosis of myoepithelial neoplasm, acinic cell carcinoma, and SC was given. Surgical excision was done followed by histopathological examination. Immunohistochemistry panel was also applied, and final diagnosis of SC was rendered. SC has distinct cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical features which should be recognized by the pathologists for the appropriate management of the patient.

Endoscopy in Otorhinolaryngology During Corona Outbreak: A Proposal for Safe Practice.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a type of viral pneumonia that has paralysed the entire world both in terms of health and economy. It has been recently declared as a global pandemic. All the health care professionals must be aware of the disease entity and take precautionary measures to control its transmission from person to person, particularly in hospital settings. In this article, we propose essential steps that can be implemented at the departmental and institutional levels to do endoscopic diagnostic procedures effectively during COVID-19 outbreak and to break the transmission chain.

Does Prolonged Use of N95 Masks Affect Nasal Mucociliary Clearance? A Single Group Pre-Post Study.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that prolonged use of face masks results in physiological changes in the nasal cavity. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of prolonged use of face masks on nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC). METHODS: A single group pre-post study was conducted to determine the effects of prolonged use of N95 face mask (≥4 hours) on the NMC rates in health care workers. Saccharin transit time (STT) was used to measure the NMC. STT before and after using an N95 mask for at least 4 hours was measured for all participants in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. RESULTS: Forty-eight volunteers (20 female and 28 male) completed the study after the enrollment of 57 volunteers. The mean STT before mask use was 580.27 ± 193.93 seconds (95% CI; 523.95-636.58 seconds) and after mask use was 667.47 ± 237.42 seconds (95% CI; 598.53-736.42 seconds). There was significant prolongation of the NMC after prolonged use of N95 mask on performing the paired t-test (P = .002). The mean prolongation was 87.20 ± 184.97 seconds with an actual effect size of 0.40. Ambient temperature and humidity were not significantly different at the two test instances. CONCLUSION: Use of the N95 face masks for 4 hours results in prolongation of the nasal mucociliary clearance as measured by STT. Susceptibility to any respiratory infection may be increased following doffing of the personal protective equipment, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) itself.

Correlation Between the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, Matrix Metalloproteinase-13, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1, p16 and Differentiation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-13, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) could be a useful predictor of tumour differentiation, nodal metastasis, and invasiveness. We conducted this study to ascertain the correlation between the expression of these markers and differentiation of tumour cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center. Forty-three cases of proven HNSCC were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Using the surgically excised specimen, tumour differentiation and invasiveness were assessed and correlated with rates of expression of the markers. Chi-square test was done to correlate immunohistochemical (IHC) marker positivity and the degree of differentiation of the tumour, lymph node metastasis, and invasiveness. RESULTS: MMP-9, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 were expressed in 72%, 34%, and 18% of cases, respectively. p16 expression was not found in any of the cases. MMP-13 expression correlated with poorer differentiation of the tumour (p = 0.03), and relatively younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.01). However, there was no correlation with lymphovascular or perineural invasion or lymph node metastasis. DISCUSSION: In our study, MMP-13 expression correlated with poorer tumour differentiation and younger age at diagnosis, giving indirect evidence of tumour aggressiveness. IHC markers can provide additional information to prognosticate HNSCC. Identifying potential targets for newer biological therapy is essential in the Indian population as there are biological differences in cancer behavior. Increased expression of the proteolytic MMP-13 correlated with poorer differentiation of HNSCC.

The Perils of Covid-19 for Otorhinolaryngologists: An Overview.

Covid-19 symptoms are commonly seen in Otorhinolaryngology clinics on a daily basis. This article provides a brief review of the current knowledge regarding SARS Cov-2 including disease transmission, clinical characteristics and occupational hazard. The article focuses on the adequate precautions needed for Otorhinolaryngologists. We, being involved in the frequent manipulation of the aero-digestive tract containing a high viral load carry the biggest threat of an occupational hazard. We should be aware of utmost importance of effective use of full or enhanced Personal Protective Equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Acute Psychosis Consequent to Total Thyroidectomy: An Etiological Conundrum.

Total thyroidectomy has evolved from a vilipended surgery owing to its high mortality to one with commonly performed surgery with minimal complications. After a total thyroidectomy many patients are left hypothyroid and/or hypoparathyroid, and thus prone to develop neuropsychiatric complications. Although anxiety and depression are the common manifestations, acute psychosis consequent to total thyroidectomy is rarely reported. Herein, we present the case of a 55-year-old female with a massive neck swelling diagnosed as papillary carcinoma of thyroid with bilateral metastatic cervical lymph nodes for which total thyroidectomy with bilateral modified neck dissection was performed. Postoperatively, she developed symptoms of altered sensorium, disorientation, insomnia, agitation, and delusions of persecution as well as suffered from two episodes of generalized seizures. Initially, suspected to be delirium, the persistence of the psychotic symptoms led to revision of diagnosis to psychotic disorder due to another general medical condition. The acute neuropsychiatric manifestations consequent to major thyroid surgeries may seldom leave the surgeon by surprise. Hence, a multidisciplinary liaising for major thyroid surgeries is the need of hour to avert severe emergencies.

Tracheo-innominate Artery Fistula in a Complicated Penetrating Neck Trauma: A Successfully Managed Rare Complication of Low Tracheotomy.

Tracheo-innominate artery fistula is a rare complication of tracheotomy with very high mortality rate. Only a few patients survive this complication as reported in the literature. Here we report the case of a 54-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department with a history of penetrating neck trauma following a road traffic accident. Neck exploration and tracheotomy were done to secure the airway. After two weeks, the patient had an episode of massive stomal bleed for which he was taken to the operating room and re-explored. A tracheo-innominate artery fistula was detected, and right side aorto-carotid and right side aorto-subclavian anastomoses were done using reversed saphenous vein graft with interruption of flow. Following a successful surgery, the patient was decannulated later, and now lives a healthy normal life. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention are the key in managing this complication. Bedside management also plays a vital role.

Comparison of middle ear function and hearing thresholds in children with adenoid hypertrophy after microdebrider and conventional adenoidectomy: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Microdebrider has superior efficacy in clearing the adenoids, compared to curettage. We compared the improvement in middle ear function and hearing thresholds after adenoidectomy, by both methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 patients (median age-9 years) were randomized into groups A and B, where adenoidectomy was done by microdebrider and curettage, respectively. Middle ear function parameters and hearing thresholds were measured serially. RESULTS: The mean improvement in middle ear pressure, compliance and hearing thresholds were 92.5 ± 67.6 and 84.2 ± 71.4 daPa; (p = 0.40), 0.19 ± 0.34 and 0.27 ± 0.27 mL; (p = 0.07) and 3.20 ± 4.95 and 2.54 ± 3.98 dB; (p = 0.27), in groups A and B, respectively. Reversal of type B tympanograms was noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Middle ear function and hearing thresholds improved in both groups after adenoidectomy. More improvement was noted in the microdebrider group, which, however, was not significant.

Acute Presentation of Undiagnosed Hereditary Angioedema of the Larynx: Averting Death.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) differs from histamine-mediated angioedema in that it is resistant to steroids and antihistamines. Laryngeal attacks of this condition, if not diagnosed timely, carry a mortality rate up to 34%. Rarely, this disease goes undiagnosed until late adulthood and presents a life-threatening episode that poses a management challenge to the emergency physician. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with progressive breathing difficulty two hours after consuming a carbonated drink. Clinical examination revealed supraglottic edema. He did not respond to steroids or antihistamines and required emergency tracheostomy to secure the airway due to failed intubation. Absence of symptoms such as itching or urticaria and inadequate response to steroids pointed to hereditary angioedema. Low complement factor 4 levels with low C1 esterase inhibitor functionality confirmed the diagnosis. This case report highlights the fact that delayed presentation of HAE can be life threatening and the diagnosis should be considered in all non-atopic adult patients with angioedema.

Primary Ewing's Sarcoma of Zygoma.

Ewing's sarcoma is a small round cell tumor, malignant in nature, typically affecting long bones and pelvis. It is most commonly presented in the pediatric age group. The occurrence of Ewing's sarcoma in the head-and-neck region is rare and is reported to be around 2%-3%, of which chances of having primary lesion are rarer. Among facial bones, mandible is the most commonly affected bone. Primary involvement of zygoma is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of primary Ewing's sarcoma of the left zygoma in a 17-year-old girl. The diagnosis was made after surgical resection, histopathology with immunohistochemistry confirmation, and cytogenetic study.