Otolaryngologic manifestations of pediatric immunodeficiency.

Many adults and children with an underlying immunodeficiency can frequently present to ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons. This work deals with the presentation, investigation and management of immuno-compromised children in ENT practise. Both primary immunodeficiencies (PID) and secondary or acquired immunodeficiencies such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are here discussed. The aim of this work is to give a complete and exhaustive description of ENT manifestations in immunodeficiency, and to outline basic principles to guide clinical practice.

Head and neck vascular anomalies in children.

Vascular lesions are the most common congenital and neonatal abnormalities. The aim of this work is to point out differences between various vascular anomalies, in order to define accurate diagnosis, and to present different therapeutic options now used for the treatment of the vascular lesions in children. According to biological classification described by the work of Mulliken and Glowacki there are two major types of vascular abnormality: haemangioma and vascular malformation. Haemangioma is a distinct biologic tumour entity characterised by rapid endothelial proliferation shortly after birth. The lesion is absent at birth and growth in early infancy, followed by a spontaneous resolution in childhood. Vascular malformations are structural anomalies that have a normal growth rate and endothelial turnover. According to the morphology of the vessels and the flow rate we distinguish: slow-flow and fast-flow vascular malformation. The authors document their personal experience in diagnosis, clinical evaluation, treatment and follow-up of the vascular lesions.