Perplexing First Branchialcleft Anomalies-A Case Series with Review of Literature.

Incomplete obliteration of the branchial apparatus results in the formation of branchial cleft anomalies. First branchial cleft anomalies may persist anywhere in the first branchial arch, from the external auditory canal at the level of the bony cartilaginous junction to the submandibular triangle. The majority of cases present in childhood as an opening in the skin though they may present as cysts or neck masses, mostly mistaken for neck abscesses which leads to inadequate treatment and complications. Here different cases of first branchial cleft anomalies with variable presentation and treatment are illustrated. The need for proper diagnosis and adequate treatment cannot be overemphasized to avoid mismanagement and complications.

Intra-parotid Course and Variations in the Branching Pattern of Facial Nerve: Our Experience.

Facial nerve is responsible for the facial expressions and its preservation during parotidectomy is an important aspect for the operating surgeon. The nerve has a long course and the terminal part traverses through the parotid gland. The branching pattern of the nerve within the gland is highly complex and variable, making parotidectomy a challenging surgery. A cross-sectional record based study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of a medical college in north India between November 2020 and December 2021 with an aim to describe the branching pattern of the facial nerve within the parotid gland. Patients of all age groups and both genders who underwent superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid gland tumors were taken into consideration. The branching pattern of the nerve was observed and recorded. Twenty patients were included in the study. In seventy percent cases the nerve divided into two main branches whereas in the rest, three branches emerged. In sixty five percent cases, the upper division (temporofacial) further divided into two branches whereas in rest it divided into three. The lower division (cervicofacial) divided into two subdivisions in majority of the cases. Multiple communications were found in the branches given off from the upper division and buccal branch had the most variable origin. A knowledge of branching pattern and the communications between the branches of facial nerve helps in avoiding an iatrogenic injury during parotidectomy and preserving the nerve function.

SPECIAL ARTICLE COVID-19: ENT Manifestations in Patients Suffering from COVID- 19: Study from a COVID Hospital in North India

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 has been one of the worst pandemics faced by the human civilization, and otorhinolaryngological manifestations are commonly seen in this disease. Objective The present study was done to profile the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. An attempt has also been made to assess whether there was any difference between the symptoms of different strains of COVID-19. A brief review of the current knowledge of the transmission of the disease and its treatment has also been done. Methods A cross-sectional, record-based study was conducted in a COVID hospital of India between May and July 2020. Descriptive statistics were used and appropriate parametric/nonparametric tests were applied to assess the association between various variables. Results Out of 250 patients, 80 cases were asymptomatic and 170 were symptomatic. Most of the symptomatic patients had sore throat and nasal congestion. Conclusion Knowledge of the ENT manifestations of COVID-19 is essential for its early identification and to devise appropriate prevention protocols for the benefit of health care workers (HCWs) and of the general population.

ENT Manifestations in Patients Suffering from COVID-19: Study from a COVID Hospital in North India.

Introduction COVID-19 has been one of the worst pandemics faced by the human civilization, and otorhinolaryngological manifestations are commonly seen in this disease. Objective The present study was done to profile the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. An attempt has also been made to assess whether there was any difference between the symptoms of different strains of COVID-19. A brief review of the current knowledge of the transmission of the disease and its treatment has also been done. Methods A cross-sectional, record-based study was conducted in a COVID hospital of India between May and July 2020. Descriptive statistics were used and appropriate parametric/nonparametric tests were applied to assess the association between various variables. Results Out of 250 patients, 80 cases were asymptomatic and 170 were symptomatic. Most of the symptomatic patients had sore throat and nasal congestion. Conclusion Knowledge of the ENT manifestations of COVID-19 is essential for its early identification and to devise appropriate prevention protocols for the benefit of health care workers (HCWs) and of the general population.

High Flow Nasal Cannula: A Game Changer in Airway Surgery.

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) delivers humidified oxygen at high flow. Its use during airway procedures has many advantages. The study was done to determine the duration of apnea time, safety and compatibility with laser, while using HFNC during airway procedures. A prospective study was done at a tertiary care hospital between March 2017 and August 2017 on 16 patients. HFNC was used during airway surgeries for various pathologies. There were 11 males and 5 females. The patient age ranged from 4 days to 28 years. HFNC provided an unobstructed view of the surgical field, laser could be used safely, there was an increase in the apnea window, and post-operative symptoms like throat irritation and cough were infrequent. Usage of HFNC provides an unobstructed view of the surgical field and reduces post-operative discomfort. It helps in difficult airway situations by optimizing oxygenation and increasing the apnea time.

Benign Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Parotid in HIV Negative Patient.

Benign lymphoepithelial cysts are slow growing tumours commonly seen in HIV positive adults. It is rare to find them in non HIV individuals. In this article we discuss an uncommon presentation of a parotid swelling occurring in a 49-year-old non HIV male, which was diagnosed as benign lymphoepithelial cyst. The various investigative modalities and treatment options are outlined in this article.

Ganglioneuroblastoma of Skull Base.

Neuroblastic tumours are common in childhood and adrenal glands are the most common site. Head and neck ganglioneuroblastomas are extremely rare and nose is a very uncommon site for a ganglioneuroblastoma. The management of this primitive sympathogonic tumour may vary depending on the age of the patient and stage of the tumour. We present a middle-aged man with a ganglioneuroblastoma of skull base, management of this tumour and a review of literature.

Ancient schwannoma mimicking a thyroid mass with retrosternal extension.

We report the case of a middle-aged hypothyroid woman presenting with a neck swelling, voice change and breathing difficulty. On evaluation, she was diagnosed to have goitre with retrosternal extension. The mass was surgically excised and a histopathological report of ancient schwannoma was obtained. A review of literature on schwannomas of the head and neck was carried out. An ancient schwannoma should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of a cervical mass, even though the clinical presentation point towards a thyroid swelling. At 6 months follow-up, the patient was found to be asymptomatic except for a hoarse voice.