[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21373.].
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20684.].
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20423.].
Tumors of the salivary gland constitute a heterogeneous group of variable histological and biological behaviors. Patients with salivary gland tumors typically present with painless swelling. However, several neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathologies can result in salivary gland enlargement. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman complaining of a left neck swelling for 3 months duration. She had no relevant past medical or surgical history. On examination, there was a left submandibular swelling that was firm in consistency, non-tender, non-pulsatile, relatively mobile, and was not tethered to the underlying structures. Otherwise, examination of the head and neck was unremarkable. A CT scan of the neck revealed a well-defined hypodense lesion in the left submandibular region with foci of calcification along with multiple enlarged lymph nodes. After surgical exploration, the submandibular gland region, a mass lesion was found arising from the submandibular gland. Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Salivary gland schwannoma is a very rare form of neurogenic tumor. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice; however, neural deficits are important and common postoperative complications.
The use of antibiotic therapy has led to a major transformation in medicine with a substantial reduction in mortality. Due to the adverse effects associated with inappropriate antibiotic use, antibiotic stewardship interventions have been promoted to improve antibiotic prescription. However, delayed antibiotic therapy, when clinically needed, may result in increased morbidity. Here, we report the case of a previously healthy young man with an untreated acute upper respiratory infection for two weeks, who presented with headache and fever. Physical examination suggested meningitis as evident by neck stiffness and positive Kernig sign. Purulent tonsilitis was also noted. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan to rule out space-occupying lesions prior to lumbar puncture. The scan revealed thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein that extended to the dural venous sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the intracranial dissemination of the disease. Such findings conferred the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit where he received systemic anticoagulation and prolonged intravenous antibiotics. He developed a good response and was discharged with no residual deficits after six weeks of hospitalization. Lemierre's syndrome is a serious infection that develops after a pharyngeal infection. Considering the high mortality rate of untreated Lemierre's syndrome, physicians should keep a high index of suspicion for this condition when they encounter a patient with upper respiratory tract infection with clinical or radiological findings consistent with internal jugular thrombophlebitis.
Headache is among the most frequent symptoms to seek medical care. Careful evaluation by history-taking and appropriate physical examination is needed to exclude the potential secondary causes of headaches. In the elderly population, secondary headaches are more prevalent compared with the younger adult population. We present the case of a 70-year-old man who presented with a three-month history of headache with visual disturbances. He reported that this was the first time he experienced such a headache. The patient had a longstanding history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and ischemic heart disease. He was a heavy smoker with a 35 pack-years smoking history. In view of the clinical signs and symptoms, the patient underwent a computed tomography scan that revealed a right internal carotid artery aneurysm. For better evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed and re-demonstrated the saccular aneurysm of the terminal part of the right internal carotid artery aneurysm, measuring 48 x 37 x 31 mm and partially thrombosed with a surrounding mural hematoma. The neck of the aneurysm measured 4 mm. The decision for surgical management was planned. The patient underwent craniotomy with surgical clipping of the aneurysm. No complications occurred during the operation. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Elderly patients with chronic headaches should be carefully evaluated for secondary headaches. A giant cerebral artery aneurysm is an uncommon etiology of secondary headache that needs prompt diagnosis and management.
