ABSTRACT
Elongation of the styloid process occurs in 4-7% of individuals. In the majority this elongation is asymptomatic. Presence of oropharyngeal pain and dysphagia with such elongation is known as Eagle syndrome. The aetiology of Eagle syndrome is believed to be a reactive osseus hyperplasia of the styloid process in response to pharyngeal trauma or surgical intervention, such as tonsillectomy. We present a case of a 72-year-old lady with a twelve month history of left sided oropharyngeal pain and worsening dysphagia, presenting with a long, slender, bony intraoral projection found to be an elongated styloid process. She previously underwent tonsillectomy and radiotherapy on the left side for a tonsillar carcinoma. Surgical reduction of the elongated styloid process via intraoral approach led to immediate post-operative pain relief and normal swallowing. We conclude that this atypical presentation of Eagle syndrome was caused by the patient's prior treatment for tonsillar carcinoma.
ABSTRACT
The authors present an unusual case of an acute swelling of the lower lip and septicemia in a 35-year-old, recent immigrant male arriving from India. The patient presented in our emergency department with a 48-hour history of a worsening, painful swelling of the lower lip. On presentation, he was pyrexial and the lip was found to be acutely inflamed with honey-colored crusting, pustular lesions, and induration . A diagnosis of impetigo leading to necrosis of the lip was established, a rare phenomenon potentially resulting in significant tissue destruction. Appropriate medical management achieved a good outcome and prevented disabling tissue loss of the orofacial region.
