Centripetal Versus Centrifugal Facial Nerve Dissection in Superficial Parotidectomy: Comparison of the Two Methods at a Tertiary Care Center.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the intraoperative and postoperative parameters of two techniques of facial nerve dissection: Centripetal vs Centrifugal. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral centre. METHODS: In our study, cases of superficial parotidectomy were randomly selected from the outpatient departments of ORL & HNS. Of these patients, 30 underwent standard anterograde dissection group (Group A) and 30 underwent retrograde facial nerve dissection (Group B). All the patients were assessed pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively to compare the various parameters. RESULTS: The most common complaint in both groups was parotid swelling. The operative time for A was shorter at 2.1 h as compared to 1.9 h min in group B. The resolution of symptoms was nearly comparable in both groups. Facial nerve palsy was slightly more in group B but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The operative time and post-operative complications were both comparable between AFND and RFND, implying both techniques can be used by surgeons depending on the individual cases.

The Variations in Deviation of Nasal Septum and their Impact on Maxillary Sinus Volume and Occurrence of Sinusitis.

To study the effect of variations in deviation of the nasal septum and their impact on maxillary sinus volume and occurrence of sinusitis. This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of ENT, Head &Neck surgery GMC Jammu from August 2021 to November 2022. 130 patients (90 males, 40 females), with age range of 18-47 years with DNS were included in the study. Grade of DNS was classified according to Mladina's classification and volume of maxillary sinus was calculated using geometric formula by performing 256 slice CT Scan. In our study mean age of the males was 32.8 ± 6.99 years and females was 33.7 ± 7.26 years with Male: Female ratio of 9:4.Patients with grade 1 DNS had mean maxillary sinus volume of 9.9 ± 1.97 cu mm while patients with grade 7 DNS had mean maxillary sinus volume of 3.8 ± 1.47 cu mm. Thus, with the increasing grade of DNS, the OMC blockage increased towards the side of DNS and so the occurrence of maxillary sinusitis. The study showed that with high grade DNS, the maxillary sinus volume decreases on the side of septum deviation and there is association of blocked OMC with increasing grade of DNS. The incidence of maxillary sinusitis findings on the side of septum deviation was significantly increased.

Relationship Between Lipid Profile and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: An Institution Based Study.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most frequent problem worldwide and is the most neglected condition. Thus, it is essential to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of SNHL. The main objective of the study is to find whether serum lipid parameters have any correlation with SNHL. 68 patients within the age group of 20-60 years with clinically diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss were included in this study. Informed written consent, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry were done on all patients. The subjects were subjected to Serum lipid profile. The mean age of subjects in this study was 53.25 ± 13.78 years and male to female ratio was found to be 1.125:1. The serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride also showed significant relationship with the degree of hearing loss (p value < 0.001). With an increase in the serum LDL there was increase in the severity of hearing loss which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001) where as serum HDL level showed statistically insignificant and negative correlation with severity of hearing loss. Serum lipid profile can be used as important biomarker for assessing the severity of hearing loss. Subjects with deranged lipid parameters had higher degress of hearing impairement.

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

Neuro-otological Symptoms: An Atypical Aspect of COVID-19 Disease.

This study aimed to evaluate the various neuro-otological symptoms experienced by patients with COVID-19 disease. This is a retrospective study conducted from September 2020 to August 2021. Patients with positive RTPCR tests for COVID-19, aged between 18 and 60 years were included in the study. The patients were assessed for neuro-otological symptoms, the type, frequency, and character of these symptoms, their relation with age, gender and COVID-19 disease. Of the 286 patients, 64 (22.3%) had neuro-otological symptoms. The mean age of the patients was 36.3 ± 8.1 years. The frequency of neuro-otological symptoms was higher in females than males and was more frequent in the age group of 18-30 years as compared with other age groups. Of these 64 patients, 29 had vertigo (10.1%), 21 (7.3%) tinnitus, 16 (5.5%) experienced hearing loss. Like many viral diseases, apart from its typical prodromal symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo.

Role of Blood Biomarkers in Differentiating Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although imaging is the mainstay to differentiate ischemic stroke (IS) from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), these facilities are not available everywhere. The present study observed if any blood biomarker(s) could potentially help differentiate between ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: 250 patients with acute stroke within 24 hours of onset (187 IS and 63 patients with ICH) were recruited in the present study. The blood samples were collected closest to the hospital presentation time, but within 24 hours of stroke onset. Blood was analyzed for five biomarkers [S100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit antibody (NR2), interleukin 6 (IL6) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)] to assess discriminatory ability of each biomarker to differentiate ICH and IS. RESULTS: S100 levels were statistically higher among patients with ICH compared with IS (8 pg/ml versus 4.2 pg/ml respectively, P = 0.003) and IL6 was higher in patients with IS compared with ICH (12.9 pg/ml vs 8.76 pg/ml, P = 0.02). The discriminatory ability to differentiate ICH from IS was better using a combination of the above two biomarkers. The overall discriminatory ability of all biomarkers were low (Area under curve for S100 65%; GFAP 56%; NR2 53%; IL6 59% and BNP 49.8%). Although the positive predictive value of each biomarker was low, the negative predictive value was higher for all biomarkers to diagnose ICH. CONCLUSIONS: S100 and IL6 are potential biomarkers for further study and validation. Newer biomarkers with higher discriminatory ability are required in the future for diagnostic use.

Hyperpigmentation and thickening of skin with callosity formation over dorsum of both feet and healed ulceration over left lateral malleolus in a patient with type 2 diabetes performing prolonged prayers.

Many types of skin lesions have been described in patients with diabetes, but prolonged prayer-induced hyperkeratosis and callous formation are rare. We describe such lesions in a 62-year-old Muslim patient with uncontrolled glycemia who practiced prolonged, repeated religious prayers in sitting position causing significant pressure over dorsum of both ankles. He developed prayer-induced callous formation on dorsum of both ankles, with more thickening and a healed ulcer on left. Prayer-induced skin lesions should be carefully managed in patients with diabetes, who are more vulnerable for infections and gangrene due to as venous/arterial insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy.

Dual-energy computed tomography: A reliable and established tool for In vivo differentiation of uric acid from nonuric acid renal Stones.

BACKGROUND: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) utilises the technique of simultaneous image acquisition of a body part at two different energy levels of the X-ray tubes. We used the DECT in this project to study its accuracy in non-invasive in vivo differentiation of uric acid (UA) calculi from non-UA calculi using the 3rd generation dual-source computed tomography (CT) scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DECT ratios of the various stones were noted and compared with the postextraction analysis of stones for composition. Sixty stones from 53 patients were included in the study, and their DECT results were compared with the post-extraction analysis (by infrared spectroscopy as the standard comparative method). RESULTS: DECT was highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of various types of calculi based on their dual-energy ratio. It was found to be 100% sensitive and specific for differentiating UA stones from the non-UA stones. The DE ratio for the UA stones was found to be 0.98-1.13. Most of the stones belonged to non-UA category (85%), and only 15% were UA calculi. The sensitivity and specificity in differentiating a calcium oxalate from non-calcium oxalate calculus was 97.8% and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DECT using the 3rd generation CT scanners is highly sensitive in the determination of urinary calculi composition which will be very helpful to the treating surgeon in selecting the optimal modality of treatment as UA stones are amenable to medical therapy while most of the non-UA stones require surgical intervention.

X-ray and computed tomography findings in macrodystrophia lipomatosa of the foot with secondary osteoarthritic changes diagnosed in an elderly female: a case report.

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa is a rare entity that is mostly diagnosed in children. It has been very rarely reported in adults. Here, we describe the X-ray and computed tomography findings in a case of macrodystrophia lipomatosa in an elderly female presenting with an enlarged second toe since birth and bony outgrowths causing pressure effects and cosmetic problems.

A macrodistrofia lipomatosa é uma entidade rara, principalmente diagnosticada em crianças, e pouquíssimo relatada em adultos. Descrevemos os achados de radiografia e tomografia computadorizada em um caso de macrodistrofia lipomatosa em uma mulher idosa que apresentava um segundo dedo do pé aumentado desde o nascimento e crescimentos ósseos que causavam efeitos de pressão e problemas cosméticos.

X-ray and computed tomography findings in macrodystrophia lipomatosa of the foot with secondary osteoarthritic changes diagnosed in an elderly female: a case report / Achados de raios X e tomografia computadorizada na macrodistrofia lipomatosa do pé com alterações osteoartríticas secundárias diagnosticadas em mulher idosa: relato de caso

Abstract Macrodystrophia lipomatosa is a rare entity that is mostly diagnosed in children. It has been very rarely reported in adults. Here, we describe the X-ray and computed tomography findings in a case of macrodystrophia lipomatosa in an elderly female presenting with an enlarged second toe since birth and bony outgrowths causing pressure effects and cosmetic problems.

Resumo A macrodistrofia lipomatosa é uma entidade rara, principalmente diagnosticada em crianças, e pouquíssimo relatada em adultos. Descrevemos os achados de radiografia e tomografia computadorizada em um caso de macrodistrofia lipomatosa em uma mulher idosa que apresentava um segundo dedo do pé aumentado desde o nascimento e crescimentos ósseos que causavam efeitos de pressão e problemas cosméticos.

Giant nontraumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst in a young male.

Intradiploic arachnoid cysts have scarcely been reported in the literature, most reported cases being secondary to trauma. Nontraumatic arachnoid cysts are quite rare and have been reported mostly in adults. Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old male presenting with a slowly growing mass in the occipital region and intermittent headaches. On the basis of the findings of X-rays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head, the mass was diagnosed as a giant intradiploic arachnoid cyst.

Cistos aracnóideos intradiploicos foram raramente relatados na literatura, sendo a maior parte desses casos decorrente de traumas. Cistos aracnóideos não traumáticos são muito raros e têm sido relatados principalmente em adultos. Aqui, relatamos o caso de um jovem de 16 anos de idade apresentando uma massa de crescimento lento na região occipital e dores de cabeça intermitentes. Com base nos resultados de radiografia, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética da cabeça, a massa foi diagnosticada como um cisto aracnóideo intradiploico gigante.

Giant nontraumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst in a young male / Cisto aracnóideo intradiploico gigante não traumático em jovem do sexo masculino

Abstract Intradiploic arachnoid cysts have scarcely been reported in the literature, most reported cases being secondary to trauma. Nontraumatic arachnoid cysts are quite rare and have been reported mostly in adults. Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old male presenting with a slowly growing mass in the occipital region and intermittent headaches. On the basis of the findings of X-rays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head, the mass was diagnosed as a giant intradiploic arachnoid cyst.

Resumo Cistos aracnóideos intradiploicos foram raramente relatados na literatura, sendo a maior parte desses casos decorrente de traumas. Cistos aracnóideos não traumáticos são muito raros e têm sido relatados principalmente em adultos. Aqui, relatamos o caso de um jovem de 16 anos de idade apresentando uma massa de crescimento lento na região occipital e dores de cabeça intermitentes. Com base nos resultados de radiografia, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética da cabeça, a massa foi diagnosticada como um cisto aracnóideo intradiploico gigante.

Glucose counterregulation in advanced type 2 diabetes: effect of ß-adrenergic blockade.

OBJECTIVE: To examine counterregulatory glucose kinetics and test the hypothesis that ß-adrenergic blockade impairs these in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and advanced ß-failure. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine insulin-requiring T2DM subjects and six matched nondiabetic control subjects were studied. ß-Cell function was assessed by the C-peptide response to arginine stimulation. Counterregulatory hormonal responses and glucose kinetics were assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic-hypoglycemic clamps with [3-(3)H]glucose infusion. T2DM subjects underwent two clamp experiments in a randomized crossover fashion: once with infusion of the ß-adrenergic antagonist propranolol and once with infusion of normal saline. RESULTS: Compared with the control subjects, T2DM subjects had threefold reduced C-peptide responses to arginine stimulation. During the hypoglycemic clamp, glucagon responses were markedly diminished (16.0 ± 4.2 vs. 48.6 ± 6.0 ng/L, P < 0.05), but other hormonal responses and the decrement in the required exogenous glucose infusion rate (GIR) from the euglycemic clamp were normal (-10.4 ± 1.1 vs. -7.8 ± 1.9 µmol · kg(-1) · min(-1) in control subjects); however, endogenous glucose production (EGP) did not increase (-0.8 ± 1.0 vs. 2.2 ± 0.7 µmol · kg(-1) · min(-1) in control subjects, P < 0.05), whereas systemic glucose disposal decreased normally. ß-Adrenergic blockade in the T2DM subjects increased GIR ∼20% during the euglycemic clamp (P < 0.01), but neither increased GIR during the hypoglycemic clamp or decreased its decrement from the euglycemic clamp to the hypoglycemic clamp. CONCLUSIONS: Overall glucose counterregulation is preserved in advanced T2DM, but the contribution of EGP is diminished. ß-Adrenergic blockade may increase insulin sensitivity at normoglycemia but does not impair glucose counterregulation in T2DM patients, even those with advanced ß-cell failure.

Polycythemia vera and increased hemophilic factor VIII causing acute zonal occult outer retinopathy: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) caused by Polycythemia and increased levels of Factor VIIIC. DESIGN: Case Report - Interventional. METHODS: We present a 23 year old male with blurring of vision and loss of lower visual fields in both eyes. Ocular examination suggested the possibility of AZOOR that was confirmed with Fluorescein Angiogram, Visual fields and Electroretinogram. Laboratory work up revealed polycythemia with increased Factor VIIIC. He was treated for the same. RESULTS: Ocular symptoms improved within 24 hours of treatment with venesection and asprin. CONCLUSIONS: Polycythemia vera and increased factor VIIIC levels, both venous thromboembolic risk factors are treatable causes of AZOOR.

Metabolic fate of plasma glucose during hyperglycemia in impaired glucose tolerance: evidence for further early defects in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

We examined the intracellular metabolic fate of plasma glucose during a hyperglycemic clamp in impaired glucose-tolerant (IGT; n = 21) and normal glucose-tolerant subjects (n = 10) using a combination of [3-(3)H]glucose infusion with measurement of [(3)H]water formation and indirect calorimetry. IGT was associated with approximately 35% reduced first-phase insulin responses, normal second-phase insulin response, and 25-30% reduced insulin sensitivity, resulting in approximately 35% reduced plasma glucose disposal. This was coupled with approximately 55% reduced storage of plasma glucose (P < 0.01) and approximately 15-20% reduced glycolysis of plasma glucose (P < 0.03), accounting for approximately 75 and 25% of the reduction in glucose disposal, respectively. Decreased glucose oxidation accounted for virtually all the decrease in glycolysis. Therefore, nonoxidative glycolysis of plasma glucose in IGT was similar to that in NGT (P > 0.9) and accounted for an increased proportion of systemic glucose disposal (P < 0.05). We conclude that, in IGT, decreased disposal of plasma glucose involves mainly decreased glycogen synthesis and to a lesser extent decreased glycolysis, which is accounted for by decreased glucose oxidation. An increased proportion of plasma glucose hence undergoes nonoxidative glycolysis, representing a novel early abnormality in the pathogenesis of T2DM.