Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a factitious disorder, in which symptoms are induced or feigned, usually in a child, by the caregiver. The involved caregiver seeks to gain attention or sympathy and often has a psychological need to maintain the sick role. We highlight the diagnostic difficulties and factors that may help with diagnosis in an otolaryngology setting. METHOD: We present the case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting with hearing loss in a five-year old boy, who was diagnosed eight years after his initial presentation. A literature review of Munchausen syndrome by proxy cases presenting with ENT symptoms is provided. CONCLUSION: Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a diagnosis that otolaryngologists should be aware of, particularly where recurrent or persistent illnesses in children, especially those involving otological symptoms, are refractory to the usual treatments.

Congenital familial subglottic stenosis: a case series and review of literature.

Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the endolarynx and maybe classified as congenital (primary) or acquired (secondary). Congenital stenosis maybe caused by a small cricoid cartilage, thick submucosa or other laryngeal abnormalities and remains a well-known cause of stridor in infancy. It occurs sporadically and familial occurrence is rare. Our case series identifies three children with congenital subglottic stenosis born to consanguineous parents. Congenital subglottic stenosis in siblings of unrelated parents has been previously reported, but not in consanguineous parents indicating a strong genetic link. We recommend further genetic research to assess the mode of possible heritage in this disease.

Control of salivary secretions in esophageal atresia with laryngeal cleft using Botulinum toxin Type A.

A baby born with esophageal atresia and a laryngeal cleft is presented. Retained salivary secretions and aspiration were a constant management problem whilst the baby was waiting for delayed primary repair of the atresia. The use of anticholinergic agents resulted in thickening of secretions which were difficult to suction and ultimately led to increasing respiratory compromise. Intraglandular salivary gland injection of Botulinum toxin type A was performed using ultrasound guidance. The mean daily salivary flow output prior to treatment was 59 ml. On glycopyrrolate the mean daily salivary output on glycopyrrolate was 16 ml. After Botulinum injection the mean daily salivary output was 7 ml in the 3 weeks after injection. Over the next 14 weeks this increased to 34 ml. There were no adverse effects or significant thickening of secretions after BTX injection. This is the first reported use of Botulinum toxin injection in the management of salivary aspiration in esophageal atresia with laryngeal cleft.

Paediatric hypopharyngeal perforation: child abuse until proved otherwise?

A case of paediatric hypopharyngeal perforation in a 7-month-old infant is reported. The diagnosis was delayed because it was not considered. It later transpired that the injury had been inflicted by one of the child's parents. Criminal proceedings were successfully brought against both parents and the child and his siblings were taken into foster care. A review of the available literature on paediatric hypopharyngeal perforation, excluding iatrogenic and external trauma mechanisms of injury suggests that non-accidental injury is by far the most common aetiology. Suspected child abuse remains one of the most sensitive and challenging areas in medicine. Awareness that non-iatrogenic paediatric hypopharyngeal perforation in the absence of external trauma is highly suggestive of a non-accidental injury is critical, and may save a child from subsequent abuse.

Bilateral medialization thyroplasty: an effective approach to severe, chronic aspiration.

AIMS: To demonstrate the efficacy of bilateral medialization thyroplasty as a treatment for severe, chronic aspiration. To review the literature on surgical options available in the treatment of severe aspiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases that underwent bilateral medialization thyroplasty are described. The technique used was the standard medialization thyroplasty described by Isshiki as a unilateral procedure. The assessment and rehabilitation of these patients is discussed. RESULTS: All patients stopped aspirating following surgery. One patient returned to a normal diet and one patient returned to a solid diet. All patients required a permanent tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Bilateral medialization thyroplasty offers an effective surgical option in the treatment of severe, chronic aspiration. It maintains good voice, with a possible return to oral diet. The operation is easily reversible if the patient's condition alters.

Keratosis obturans and external ear canal cholesteatoma: how and why we should distinguish between these conditions.

Keratosis obturans and external ear canal cholesteatomas have been considered as separate entities for the last 20 years, after being regarded as variations of the same disease for at least 87 years. While both disorders are distinct, they do have some overlapping characteristics which may make it difficult to reach a definite diagnosis. This review explores the diagnostic dilemmas which may arise, and discusses the classification, aetiology, pathogenesis and management of these conditions. We concur that external ear canal cholesteatoma and keratosis obturans are different conditions and conclude that the presence of osteonecrosis and focal overlying epithelial loss are the most reliable features favouring the diagnosis of external ear canal cholesteatoma over keratosis obturans. Furthermore, whilst keratosis obturans can be managed successfully by regular aural toilet, external ear canal cholesteatoma may require surgical intervention depending on the extent of the disease.

A method for providing a unilateral pressure dressing in the neck.

The application of a reliable adequate pressure dressing to one side of the neck has always proved difficult, because of the risk of occluding the airway and the vasculature. We describe a method of maintaining well-localized pressure to one side of the neck without undue pressure on the vasculature and the airway by using a stiff cervical collar. This method was used successfully in the conservative management of neck haematoma in two patients.

Isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma of the subglottis: case report.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) is a relatively rare macrophage proliferative disorder. It usually presents as a localized cutaneous lesion but may affect other organs. Until now it has never been described in the subglottic region of the larynx. METHODS: We report the first case of juvenile xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) in the subglottis in a 3 year old child. RESULTS: The localization in the subglottis caused airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy to secure the airway. On the basis that most cutaneous lesions regress spontaneously the lesion was managed expectantly and regressed over a period of 28 months allowing decannulation of the child. CONCLUSION: JXG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subglottic lesions. Once the airway has been secured, JXG of the subglottis can be managed conservatively. Long-term follow-up is required because of the possibility of relapse at other sites.