Toxic shock syndrome associated with pharyngitis and submandibular space abscess.

Toxic shock syndrome continues to be encountered more frequently with the head and neck areas as sources of the toxin. In head and neck surgery practice it is most commonly noted following nasal packing. An unusual case associated with staphylococcal pharyngitis and spontaneous submandibular space abscess is reported and the literature concerning the subject is reviewed. Treatment is eradication of the infective focus, aggressive support of vital functions, and parenteral antistaphylococcal antibiotics.

Epiglottic dysfunction after isocyanate inhalation exposure.

Epiglottic dysfunction due to environmental exposure is a well-known entity. The most common causes of epiglottic dysfunction include trauma (thermal, chemical, and blunt), infection, allergy, neoplasm, and neurologic disorders. We report an unusual case of epiglottic dysfunction due to isocyanate inhalation exposure and review the literature concerning this subject. Following inhalation exposure to diphenylmethane diisocyanate, our patient developed persistent repeated airway obstruction during inspiration. Fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy showed that the epiglottis obstructed the glottic airway during each inspiratory cycle. The epiglottic dysfunction was also well demonstrated by barium contrast cineradiography. Total epiglottectomy resulted in resolution of the patient's upper airway obstructive symptoms. Histologically, marked inflammatory changes of the epiglottis were noted, including a focal infiltrative pattern, focal fibrosis, edema, and reactive changes.