Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcal aureus infections of the head and neck: case series and brief review of literature.

Panton-valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a pore-forming cytotoxin produced by some clones of Staphylococcus aureus that is associated with infections ranging from uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening necrotizing pneumonia. PVL S aureus-associated maxillofacial infections are rarely reported; therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion is warranted and close liaison with microbiologists and appropriate samples are required for optimal management. This report discusses the management and learning points from 3 such cases managed by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde National Health Service maxillofacial surgical teams.

Acquired von Willebrand disease secondary to hypothyroidism: a rare cause for postextraction hemorrhage.

Acquired von Willebrand's Disease (AvWD) is a rare disease with a clinical pattern similar to the congenital disorder that typically presents later in life in patients with no prior history of prolonged bleeding. It has been shown to be related to a number of common medical conditions including lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative diseases, cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, neoplasia, drugs, and miscellaneous disorders. We present 2 cases where post- and interoperative hemorrhage were the initial sign of AvWD and a previously undiagnosed hypothyroid condition was the precipitating factor. There are no similar cases reported within the dental literature. We highlight the importance of taking a medical history and bleeding history in all patients about to undergo oral surgery, periodontal surgery, or implant placement. Increased vigilance is suggested when patients, who have been otherwise well, present with abnormal bleeding problems as this may be a manifestation of an underlying undiagnosed disease.