Search

Background: Neonatal oral cavity masses present complex diagnostic and management challenges, often involving respiratory distress. We present a case of a 1-day-old male neonate with an oral cavity mass and respiratory distress, whose antenatal scan revealed polyhydramnios and a nasopalatine cyst. Case Report: Clinical examination revealed a 5 * 5 cm cystic swelling arising from the right hard palate. CT scans confirmed an intraoral cystic lesion with a complete cleft palate and excluded oropharyngeal/neck extension. Aspiration of cystic fluid facilitated surgical excision, leading to a histopathological diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma. Primary closure of the soft palate defect was performed. Histopathological examination revealed it to be mature cystic teratoma. Conclusion: This case underscores the intricate interplay between antenatal imaging, clinical assessment, and surgical intervention in managing neonatal oral cavity masses. The successful excision and histopathological confirmation of a mature cystic teratoma highlights the significance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. The complexities surrounding neonatal oral cavity masses necessitate a comprehensive approach to optimize patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In otolaryngology outpatient clinics, patients frequently present with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). During the pandemic, various new protocols were designed to identify UVCP. An experienced otolaryngologist must conduct a thorough history-taking, examination, and investigation to determine the cause of UVCP. Objectives: To evaluate various causes of UVCP during the pandemic. Methods: Thirty patients with UVCP on 70-degree rigid endoscopy were studied. Detailed general and systemic examinations were done. All COVID-19 precautions were followed during the evaluation, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was done before the endoscopic procedure. High-resolution computed tomography scan of skull base to mediastinum with contrast was performed for etiology. Patients were treated according to the standard protocols. Follow-up at 1, 3, and at 6 months was performed. Results: The mean age was 42.3 ± 14.83 years. All the patients had presented with a change in voice. Twenty percent had UVCP post a surgical procedure. No cause could be found in 16.67% of patients. Five patients had succumbed to complications relating to their other prevailing conditions. At 6 months, 10 patients continued to have palsy, 9 showed paresis, and 6 showed complete mobility of the cords. Conclusion: During the pandemic, diagnosing and following up such patients were a challenge. Investigating a cause of UVCP, the symptoms of which might be trivial at presentation, leads to discover a much sinister cause. UVCP in post-covid mucormycosis was an entity requiring multimodality management. Pandemic-induced restrictions lead to formulations of newer protocols for tackling this entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Congenital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the ear can be a potential cause of recurrent meningitis. Diagnosing the otogenic cause can be a challenge due to the spectrum of presentations. We aim at studying the various modes of presentation, radiology, and intraoperative findings of such CSF leaks. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of six patients of recurrent meningitis. Detailed history and clinical signs were noted. Audiometry was done. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinus and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone were done. CT cisternography was done for confirmation. Magnetic resonance brain was done in the immediate postmeningitic phase when CT cisternography is contraindicated. All the cases were explored surgically to identify and repair the site of the leak. Results: One had unilateral deafness and five had bilateral deafness. Two had incomplete partition (IP)-I deformity and four had IP-II. Surgical exploration revealed the leak site as only oval window in three patients and both round and oval windows in two. Conclusion: Otorhinology consultation is a must for all cases of recurrent meningitis. It is important to pick up subtle clinical signs for diagnosis. Multiple leak sites should be anticipated in such cases intra-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]