Exophthalmos revealing an olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Olfactory neuroblastoma or esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumour, that develops in the olfactory neuroepithelium and is one of the rarest tumours of the nasal cavity. Ocular manifestations are uncommon. The diagnosis is based on histology: biopsy, immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural findings. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of olfactory neuroblastoma of the olfactory placode in a 36-year-old woman with orbital involvement. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, showed a suspicious lesion with significant orbital and cranial extension. After anatomopathological study of the biopsy, a protocol palliative radiotherapy was established. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We discuss the clinical, radiological, anatomopathological and therapeutic aspects of this condition, emphasising the importance of evoking this diagnosis in the presence of unilateral tumour-like exophthalmos associated with suggestive rhinological signs. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmological involvement usually occurs at an advanced stage of esthesioneuroblastoma. This case highlights the fatal course of olfactory neuroblastoma. As it can present with the comlex symptoms related to ocular and nasal sites. Early diagnosis is the key to better therapeutic choices according to its level of extension, purposing at the best possible prognosis for the patient.

A case report of synchronous bilateral multifocal nodular oncocytic hyperplasia in parotid gland.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Multifocal nodular oncocytic hyperplasia (MNOH), alternatively known as Benign Nodular Oncocytosis, was first identified by Schwartz and Feldman in Cancer in 1969. It manifests as numerous nodular growths of oncocytic cells scattered within the salivary gland tissue; Bilateral and multifocal lesions in the parotid gland are rare occurrences. Among these, bilateral multifocal oncocytic lesions are even less common. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of 59-year-old woman with no prior medical or surgical history who presented to our ENT department due to a gradual, painless enlargement of both parotid glands that had been ongoing for four months. She underwent bilateral parotidectomy. Histologic exam confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral multifocal nodular oncocytic hyperplasia with a histological variant of clear cells. The postoperative course was unremarkable. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Diagnosis presents challenges due to the rarity of this condition. Precise diagnosis relies on imaging techniques such CT scans and MRI features. There is no consensus on the therapeutic management. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report adds to the scarce literature concerning this condition, emphasizing the importance of careful clinical evaluation, precise diagnosis, and proper management.

Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of first branchial cleft fistula: Case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The first branchial cleft (FBC) is an extremely rare occurrence, manifesting as cysts, sinuses or fistula. Among all branchial anomalies, FBC represents 8-10 % of branchial clefts. It accounts for about 17 % of all cervical masses in childhood. FBC can be caused by inadequate removal or closure of the ectoderm. The location of the fistula can be adequately determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CASE SERIES PRESENTATION: We report three cases from the first branchial cleft fistula (FBCF) in our ENT Department with a good response to surgical treatment. Patients had an average of 24 months of follow-up. The aim of our study is to study the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis and the surgical management of the FBCF. DISCUSSION: An in-depth knowledge of the embryology of the neck and face will ensure early diagnosis and complete surgical resection of FBCFs, which will minimize the risk of severe complications including facial paralysis. CONCLUSION: FBC is rare and may present as a cyst or fistula. It is managed by surgical excision, leaving the tract cyst of the fistula intact with preservation of the facial nerve.

Neonatal Suppurative Parotitis: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Neonatal suppurative parotitis is a rare condition that is diagnosed primarily through clinical evaluation. The prognosis is generally good. In this report, we present the case of a 21-day-old female infant who was treated in our ENT department for neonatal suppurative parotitis. The patient presented with a feverish, hard, red, and tender swelling of the parotid loge which displaced the right earlobe outward. In addition, purulent exudate was observed from Stensen's duct. A computed tomography scan of the cervical and cerebral regions revealed a swollen right parotid gland with heterogeneous density and enhancement, but no detectable collection. The patient received intravenous antibiotics for 48 hours, resulting in a favorable outcome without the need for surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this clinical condition. Suppurative parotitis should be suspected by the clinician in newborns who present with an inflammatory preauricular swelling, with or without contributing factors. The outcome is generally favorable, and complications are rare with timely and appropriate medical treatment.

Huge second branchial cleft cyst: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Second branchial cysts are benign dysembryological cystic tumors that develop in the antero-lateral part of the neck. They represent 2 % of laterocervical tumors of the neck and are usually diagnosed before adulthood. The cysts can increase in size and cause multiple complications. Ultrasound and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) confirm their cystic nature. Treatment consists of surgical excision. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with a left laterocervical swelling measuring 8 cm, which had been present for 18 months without any other associated symptoms. An exploratory cervicotomy was performed, and the histological diagnosis was a second branchial cleft cyst without signs of malignancy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The definitive diagnosis of a second branchial cleft cyst is confirmed by anatomopathological examination. Therapeutic management is always surgical and should be performed as early as possible to limit the risk of complications. CONCLUSION: Second branchial cleft cysts are relatively uncommon malformations. Diagnosis is suspected based on physical examination, guided by imaging data, and confirmed by anatomopathological examination. Treatment is surgical, with complete removal of the cyst being necessary to prevent recurrence.

Occupational Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer in Tunisia: A Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors for laryngeal cancer (LC). In most populations, occupational exposures are likely to play a minor role in laryngeal carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the association between occupational exposure and laryngeal cancer. METHODS: It is a case-control study that included 140 cases diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2016 and 140 controls matched by sex, age, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption. RESULTS: Significantly increased risks were found amongst workers of the building sector (OR=4.621; 95% CI [1.826-11.693]) and the mechanical industry sector (OR=5.074; 95% CI [1.425-18.072]). Significant association of laryngeal cancer with various carcinogens was observed such as asbestos (p=0.009; OR=3.68; 95% CI [1.29-10.46]), paint vapors (p=0.005; OR=3.35; 95% CI [1.37-8.16]), solvents (p=0.001; OR=3.29: 95% CI [1.61-6.68]) and cement dust (p=0.003; OR=3.19: 95% CI [1.43-7.12]). After binary logistic regression, cement dust was independently correlated with LC (p=0.042; OR=3.93; 95% CI [1.04-14.78]. The administration sector was associated with decreased risk (p=0.001; OR=0.07; 95% CI [0.03-0.15]) as well as the health sector (p=0.001; OR=0.098; 95% CI [0.02-0.43]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results supported the role of occupational factors in developing LC. Further studies enabling an in-depth analysis of occupational exposures are necessary to provide a clearer definition of the etiological associations between single agents and circumstances of exposure and the genesis of LC.

A rare case of submandibular mucocele extending into the oral cavity: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Salivary mucoceles, originating from major and minor salivary glands, rarely affect the submandibular gland, accounting for just 0.6 % of its tumors and cysts. With only 18 case reports in the literature to date, their occurrence in this location is infrequent. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 9-year-old male with no relevant medical history who developed progressive submandibular swelling extending into the oral cavity. CT scan confirmed a submandibular gland mucocele. Surgical treatment involved excision of the mucocele along with the submandibular and sublingual glands. The postoperative course was unremarkable. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Diagnosis presents challenges due to potential similarities with congenital and acquired lesions. Precise diagnosis relies on imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI. Distinguishing between submandibular mucoceles and plunging ranulas remains intricate based solely on imaging findings. CONCLUSIONS: This case report contributes to the limited literature available on this condition, highlighting the necessity for vigilant clinical assessment, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management within the pediatric population.

Tissue quantification of radioiodine thyroid uptake in humans by an isotopic imaging technique on slides.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid metabolism involves iodine, which allows us to use radioactive iodine for diagnostic and therapy purposes. The efficiency of radioiodine therapy depends on several parameters; the ability of thyroid tissue to uptake radioactive iodine is one of them. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to quantify the radioactive iodine uptake on thyroid tissue. METHODS: In this work, we developed a method to quantify the in vivo uptake of iodine-131 on sections of thyroid glands removed by thyroidectomies. We performed an analysis of histological sections of the thyroid tissue by beta imaging. We had the opportunity to quantify the fixed radioactivity and to analyze its distribution in the thyroid gland, thanks to the good spatial resolution available with the type of detector used. RESULTS: The results gave a high image resolution showing the heterogeneity of iodine-131 fixation by the thyroid tissue. We were able to quantify the tissue radioactivity in mega Becquerel (MBq) per volume unit. CONCLUSION: This work has shown that the direct quantification of the thyroid tissue uptake is possible using the beta imaging system.

Acute idiopathic velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Idiopathic velopharyngeal insufficiency is a rare clinical entity. Typical clinical features are rhinolalia and nasopharyngeal regurgitation. It is usually observed in children. We report a case of a 28-year-old female with this rare disorder. The symptoms were rhinolalia and regurgitation of liquids into the nose. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and upper cervical region was normal. The infectious serologies were negative.

Cartilage and Fascia Graft In Type 1 Tympanoplasty: Comparison of Anatomical and Audological Results.

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure aiming to reconstruct the tympanic membrane and hearing. The aim of this study was to compare anatomic and audiological results of cartilage graft with temporal fascia graft in type 1 tympanoplasty patients. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study of medical records of patients who underwent tympanoplasty between January 2010 and December 2015 at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Farhat Hached University Hospital. In total, we obtained 46 patients. Twenty-three patients who underwent type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty using cartilage graft were compared with 23 patients in whom temporal muscle fascia was used. In follow-up, residual perforation occurred in 1 of 23 patients (4.3%) undergoing cartilage tympanoplasty and in 2 of 23 patients undergoing fascia tympanoplasty (8.7%), which was found to be statistically non significant (P > 0.05). In both cartilage and fascia groups, when they were compared in terms of gain, no significant difference was found between groups (P = 0.271), air bone gap gain was found to be 12.9 ±9.9 decibels in cartilage group, whereas it was 10 ±â€Š6.6 decibels in fascia group. Operation success is defined by successful anatomical and functional outcome. Among all patients, 35 (76%) were reported to have operation success. It was established that type of operation had no significant influence on success (P = 0.73). Currently, there is an increasing interest in using cartilage grafts in primary tympanoplasty. Especially, in patients with severe middle ear pathology, cartilage graft should be used routinely without risk on influencing audiological results.

Laryngeal synovial sarcoma: Report of 2 cases.

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor. It most commonly occurs in the lower extremities of young adults. The head and neck are rare sites, accounting for less than 10%. The larynx is an extremely rare site. We report two cases of 27 and 18 year-old men who developed a synovial sarcoma of the larynx. They presented with hoarseness of voice and hemoptysis. Endoscopy detected a mass in the supraglottic region. The biopsy concluded a synovial sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry conveyed diagnostic certainty. They had been treated with total laryngectomy and post-operative radiotherapy. The 2 patients are seen for regular follow-ups in our department and they remained recurrence-free for 10 years and 24 months, respectively. Synovial sarcoma is a very rare tumor of the larynx. A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is essential for the management of this malignancy. Long-term follow-up is required to monitor for recurrence and improve disease-free survival.

[Metastatic nasopharynx cancer at diagnosis: clinical and prognostic (study of 51 cases)]. / Cancer du cavum d'emblee metastatique: étude clinique et pronostique (à propos de 51 cas).

This retrospective study aimed to highlight the different epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of nasopharinx cancer with inaugural metastases in patients hospitalized in a Tunisian Hospital. We here report 51 cases of histologically diagnosed nasopharynx cancer (NPC) with inaugural metastases. Data were collected in the ENT departments and in the radiation therapy departments at the University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia as well as at the Centre Medical Ibn Khaldoun, Hammam Sousse, between January 1995 and December 2010. We collected data on 51 patients with metastatic nasopharynx cancer at diagnosis. The average age was 49 years. Sex ratio was 6,2. Bone metastases were the most common finding (94.1%), followed by liver metastases (34.6%). In the majority of our patients therapeutic approach was based on chemotherapy (41 patients); 31 of these patients underwent chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy. Adriamycin+cisplatin protocol was the most frequently used (92.6%). Twenty patients underwent cervicofacial radiation therapy with curative purposes (doses ≤ 70 Gy), fourteen patients underwent radiation treatment to the nasopharynx with symptomatic purposes (doses of 30Gy in 10 sessions) associated with radiation treatment to the metastatic sites in 9 cases. Overall survival at 2 years and 5 years was 29% and 10%, respectively. Nasopharinx cancer with inaugural metastases is a serious disease, rapidly fatal despite therapeutic advances. In view of our data and of those from the literature cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cervicofacial radiation therapy with curative doses and that of metastases resulted in long-term survival and even in complete responses. Future trials should focus on new molecules for therapeutic intensification.

Second branchial cleft cyst: about 34 cases.

BACKGROUND: the amygdaloid cyst is a rare laterocervical cystic tumor arising from the second branchial cleft. It accounts for 2% of laterocervical tumors. AIM: analyze the anatomo-clinical characteristics and discuss the management and therapeutic indications of second branchial cleft cysts. METHODS: we report a 14-year retrospective study (2000-2013) concerning 34 cases of amygdaloid cysts diagnosted and treated at ENT department of Farhat Hached hospital of Sousse. RESULTS: The average age of our patients was 27 years with a sex ratio 0.8. Physical examination found a cervical mass in all the cases: jugulo-carotid in 26 cases (77%), supraclavicular in two cases (6%). The location was not specified in 6 cases (17%). Cervical ultrasound was performed in 30 patients, and showed a cystic mass in 17 cases. Complement by CT was performed in 5 patients suggesting the diagnosis of second branchial cleft cysts in two cases. One patient had an MRI for a large supraclavicular mass. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 13 patients. All patients underwent surgery with complete excision of the cyst. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of second branchial cleft cysts, with 2 cases of malignant degeneration. One case of recurrence was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Second branchial cleft cysts are relatively rare malformations. Their diagnosis is confirmed by pathological examination. The treatment is surgical.

ENT mucormycosis. Report of 4 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Mucormycosis is an opportunist infection usually affecting immunocompromised patients. It is rare and often fatal. The pathogen is filamentous fungus of the mucorales order. Studies discuss the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of ENT mucormycosis, insisting on early clinical diagnosis, laboratory data not being contributive within satisfactory time limits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 4 patients with ENT mucormycosis diagnosed over a 13-year period, from January 2000 to December 2012. RESULTS: The study included 2 male and 2 female patients, aged from 3 to 77 years. Two patients were diabetic. There were 2 cases of sinonasal mucormycosis and 2 of otologic involvement. Diagnosis was founded on anatomopathologic and mycologic examination. A fatal issue occurred in 1 case with otocerebral involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Otorhinolaryngologic mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, which needs to be borne in mind. Rhinocerebral lesions are the most common clinical manifestations. Involvement of the ear is very rare. Diagnosis is often difficult, but should be as early as possible. Treatment, initiated urgently, associates antifungal treatment, surgical resection and control of risk factors. The prognosis remains in all cases severe.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma is a rare tumour, named after its histological resemblance to undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The pathogenesis of lymphoepithelial carcinoma remains unknown. This tumour has been described in several organs, but the larynx remains an exceptional site. CASE REPORT: The authors report the case of a 73-year-old man who consulted for longstanding dysphonia and rapidly deteriorating dyspnoea requiring emergency tracheotomy. Endoscopic examination demonstrated a tumour of the left hemilarynx with fixed vocal cords. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry demonstrated lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx. Screening for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization was positive. Treatment consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection and then external beam radiotherapy achieved cure with a follow-up of 18months since completion of treatment. DISCUSSION: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx is rare. Immunohistochemical examination is essential for the positive diagnosis. Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma has been exceptionally reported. The radiosensitivity of this tumour allows conservative first-line treatment.

Myoepithelioma of the vallecula: a case report.

Myoepitheliomas are rare and generally benign neoplasms that account for fewer than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. A myoepithelioma neoplasm is almost entirely composed of myoepithelial cells and is most frequently located in the parotid gland and in the minor salivary glands of the hard palate. We report an extremely rare case of myoepithelioma of the vallecular region in a 65-year-old woman and describe this tumor's clinical peculiarity, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, and prognosis.

[Cervico-facial hydatidosis. Report of 17 cases]. / L'hydatidose cervico-faciale. A propos de 17 cas.

BACKGROUND: Cervico-facial hydatid cyst is rare. It accounts for 1 % of echinococcosis locations. AIM: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial hydatid cysts based on our clinical experience and data in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study was made concerning 17 patients with cervico-facial hydatid cyst treated surgically over a 25-year period from 1982 to 2006. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 27 years (range 2-79). Hydatid cyst localization was: cervical muscle (7 cases), thyroid gland (5 cases), parotid gland (2 cases), cervico-thoracic (1 case), larynx (1 case) and cheek (1 case). Hydatic origin of the cyst was suspected for 6 patients (35.3 %) preoperatively. Surgical treatment was used in all cases and adapted to each case. Diagnosis was always confirmed by macroscopic aspects and pathology. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts are rarely found in the cervico-facial region, even in highly endemic zone. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the location and the size of the cyst. Positive diagnosis can be difficult during preoperative period. Exclusively surgical treatment is indicated, ideally for total pericystic resection without rupture.

Papillary carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst: case report and discussion of management modalities.

A case of papillary carcinoma arising in the wall of a thyroglossal duct cyst is described. These cancers are very rare and rather adult-specific. Preoperative diagnosis may be enhanced using fine-needle aspiration cytology and computing tomography findings. The standard treatment of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is the sistrunk procedure. The concept of prognostic risk groups should be used to identify patients who would additionally undergo total thyroidectomy.