Transcanal endoscopic excision of glomus tympanicum: A case report

@#Glomus tympanicum is a highly vascular tumour traditionally treated surgically via a post-auricular approach. We present here the first published case in Malaysia where total excision was achieved transcanal endoscopically. The procedure was safe, quick and effective due to the better visualisation of the surgical field with the endoscope. Haemostasis was achieved with a modified suction catheter that performed as a functioning suction diathermy.

Eagle syndrome or foreign body throat?

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition caused by an elongated styloid process or abnormal calcification of the stylohyoid ligament complex. Patients typically present with recurrent throat pain, neck or facial pain, sensation of foreign body in the throat, or even dysphagia. The finding of an elongated styloid process is usually incidental, with patients having no related symptoms. Only patients with symptoms are diagnosed with Eagle syndrome. This condition may be difficult to diagnose due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of signs and symptoms. Diagnosis is mainly by clinical assessment and confirmation with radiological evidence. We present a unique case of eagle syndrome in a patient who complained of acute neck pain after eating fish.

Spontaneous temporosphenoidal meningoencephalo cele as a rare cause of non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

Cranial encephaloceles are rare conditions, which are more commonly seen in the anterior rather than in the middle cranial fossa. Temporal lobe encephalocele can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, amongst which include occult or symptomatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. We present a case of a patient with a short history of rhinorrhea who was found to have a CSF pool in the sphenoid sinus and right anteromedial temporosphenoidal encephalocele, which mimics sphenoid mucocoele, a much more common entity. This case highlights the imaging findings of temporosphenoidal encephalocoele and the diagnostic clues in differentiating this rare condition from the commoner mimics.

Base of tongue tuberculosis: a case report

We report a rare case of base of tongue tuberculosis following pulmonary tuberculosis. Patient presented to us with chief complaints of sore throat and pain on swallowing for period of 3 months. On examination with 70 degree telescope, we observed an ulcer on right side of base of tongue. The edges of the ulcer appeared to be undermined with whitish slough at the centre of the ulcer. Examination of neck showed a multiple small palpable middle deep cervical lymph nodes on right side of neck. Biopsy of the ulcer was taken, which showed granulomatous inflammation, suggestive of tuberculosis. Laboratory investigations revealed a raise in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sputum for acid fast bacilli was strongly positive. Chest X ray was performed for patient showed multiple areas of consolidation. Patient was referred to chest clinic for further management of tuberculosis and was started on anti-tuberculous drugs. In conclusion tuberculosis of oral cavity is rare, but should be considered among one of the differential diagnosis of the oral lesions and biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis

Ear candling: a dangerous pleasure?

Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice alleged to enhance general health by putting an end of a hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting up the other end of it. It also is advertised for cerumen and debris [bacteria and fungi] removal. Ear candling is claimed to create negative pressure for drawing cerumen from the ear and to benefit the ears in many ways. It is however not free of complications and is now banned. Here we would like to highlight potential complications to this