Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing for Rhinophyma: A Case Report and Discussion of the Literature.

Rhinophyma, an unsightly and obstructive skin lesion of the nasal area, can be difficult to treat. Numerous modalities have been tried, including medical, excision, and ablation, with various tools and results. In the present report, we have demonstrated the use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser on the nose of a 56-year-old man, with excellent cosmetic results even at 59 months after treatment. Discussion of the disease entity and the advantages and disadvantages of the different treatment options are presented. Given the results shown in our patient, we believe that CO2 laser ablation should be a standard treatment of rhinophyma, given its practicality, predictability, and excellent outcomes.

Prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma among patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) prevalence among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients because the perioperative environment risks further damaging the optic nerve. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed a "convenience sample" referred by Sleep Medicine for oral appliances because of continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. We determined the aggregate prevalence of the 3 POAG subtypes-"classic" open-angle glaucoma (COAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), and open-angle glaucoma suspect (OAGS)-among the index population and compared it with that of same hospital's general population. Similarly determined were associations between OSA severity levels (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]) and POAG subtypes. RESULTS: Among the study sample of 225 patients with OSA (96.4% male; mean age 58.5 ± 12.3 years), 47 (20.9%) had POAG, with a subtype distribution of COAG: 12 (25.5%), NTG: 8 (17.0%), and OAGS: 27 (57.4%). The POAG prevalence rate among medical center's general population was 2.5%, which was significantly less (P < .00001) than among those with comorbid OSA. Severity of the breathing disorder (AHI) failed to identify a significant correlation to any POAG subtype (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The significant prevalence of POAG among OSA sufferers suggests need for preoperative consultations from an ophthalmologist to determine eye health and possibly an anesthesiologist to avoid potential vision loss.

Prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on panoramic images of older men with gout: a descriptive retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Given the enhanced risk of ischaemic stroke resulting from the direct effects of hyperuricaemia on vascular plaque formation seen among older males with gout, we sought to determine the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on their panoramic images (PIs). METHODS: Medical record librarians identified all male patients over 45 years, who had a diagnosis of gout and a PI incidentally obtained between 2000 and 2015. The prevalence rate of CCAA on technically appropriate images was determined, as were these patients' atherogenic risk profiles including: age, body mass index, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Comparisons of atherogenic risk factors were made between this cohort and those without CCAA. RESULTS: Of the 531 patients with gout, 163 patients were adjudicated to be CCAA+ (the panoramic image demonstrates a calcified carotid artery atheroma). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia, or advancing age was determinant in differentiating patients who were CCAA+ vs those who were CCAA- (the panoramic image does not demonstrate a calcified carotid artery atheroma). CONCLUSIONS: CCAAs often herald an ischaemic stroke and may be seen on the PIs of patients with gout, especially those with increased age, dyslipidaemia or diabetes. Thus, dentists must be uniquely vigilant in detecting these lesions when evaluating the images of all patients with gout, especially those with additional positive risk factors.

Facial Trauma: Delayed Development of a Subluxated Traumatic Cataract as Visualized on a Panoramic Image.

The immediate and long-term consequences of blunt orbital trauma leading to a subluxated lens and its subsequent calcification and opacification are reviewed. The accompanying panoramic image documents the process.

Patients Receiving Parenteral Bisphosphonates for Malignant Disease and Having Developed an Atypical Femoral Fracture Are at Risk of Concomitant Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Evidence-Based Review.

PURPOSE: The risk of developing concomitant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in patients who have sustained an atypical femoral fracture (AFF) in association with parental administration of a bisphosphonate osteoclastic inhibitor medication for malignant disease is unclear. Published data were searched to determine the prevalence of these concomitant adverse medication events, if any. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of published case series in the PubMed database was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of patients having a concomitant history of AFF and MRONJ. The data were analyzed to provide prevalence rates of these events from the literature. RESULTS: Two case series were identified that delineated the risk (25 and 33%, respectively) of concomitant development of MRONJ and AFF in recipients of parenteral bisphosphonate medication administered for malignant disease. CONCLUSION: The published data suggest that approximately 30% of patients receiving parenteral bisphosphonates and having sustained an AFF could develop comorbid MRONJ.