Computed Tomography Imaging of the Larynx for Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) is characterized by breathlessness and often mimics or accompanies severe asthma. The disorder occurs intermittently, and the diagnosis is established by using laryngoscopy. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) imaging of the larynx at low-radiation doses has the potential to provide an alternative method to make the diagnosis of VCD/ILO. METHODS: We report two case series: in series A, laryngoscopy (diagnostic standard) and CT imaging of the larynx were each performed within 1 hour of each other (n=31), and in series B, the procedures were performed on separate days 4 to 6 weeks apart (n=72). Diagnosis of VCD/ILO by laryngoscopy used conventional criteria, and diagnosis by CT imaging was based on vocal cord narrowing in excess of a validated normal threshold. In each series, we evaluated the accuracy of CT imaging of the larynx to establish a diagnosis of VCD/ILO compared with laryngoscopy. RESULTS: In series A, the sensitivity of CT imaging of the larynx was 53.8%, and specificity was 88.9%; in series B, the sensitivity of CT imaging of the larynx was 76.2%, and specificity was 93.3%. At a disease prevalence of 30% (which was known to be the case in our clinic), the positive predictive value was 67.5% in series A and 83% in series B. Negative predictive values were 81.8% and 90.1% in series A and B, respectively, and false-positive rates were 11.1% and 6.7%. CONCLUSIONS: When the population prevalence was assumed to be 30%, low-dose CT imaging of the larynx detected VCD/ILO with negative predictive values greater than 80% in both series settings and agreed with each other within 9 percentage points. Positive predictive values for laryngeal CT imaging varied substantially between the settings of the two case series. (Supported by Monash Lung and Sleep Institute and Grant APP ID 1198362 and others.)

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivorship care.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. More than 90% of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). With advances in cancer therapies, survivorship care is becoming increasingly topical. In particular, general practitioners (GPs) will play an increasingly central part in the management of this unique cohort of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a succinct overview of long-term follow-up and surveillance for the head and neck SCC survivor. DISCUSSION: Treatment of head and neck SCC, particularly advanced cases, often requires a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. As a result, the long-term follow-up care of head and neck SCC survivors is complex and has many facets including physical and mental treatment sequelae. GPs play a vital part in follow-up, particularly in disease surveillance and managing treatment complications.

Simultaneous cesarean section and radical nephrectomy for angiomyolipoma with spontaneous bleeding during pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Renal angiomyolipoma with spontaneous bleeding during pregnancy is an extremely rare condition and may jeopardize both the mother and fetus. The ethics of reproductive medicine, method of diagnosis, option for management and optimal time for surgical intervention can be arguable in this situation. CASE: A 31-year-old woman presented with dull right flank pain at 12 weeks' gestation. Abdominal sonography and renal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hypervascular and fat-containing mass with mother and fetus bleeding at the right kidney. Due to stable hemodynamic status, the patient was treated conservatively and underwent elective, simultaneous cesarean section and radical nephrectomy safely at 38 weeks' gestation. Angiomyolipoma of the right kidney was diagnosed on pathologic examination. CONCLUSION: Renal angiomyolipoma with spontaneous bleeding during pregnancy is a dangerous condition that may cause mortality in the mother and fetus, but elective, simultaneous cesarean section and radical nephrectomy can be performed safely if the hemodynamic status is stable.