A Descriptive Analysis of Nasal Polyposis in HIV Positive Versus HIV Negative Patients.

Nasal polyposis (NP) represents a benign proliferation of soft tissue tumors within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, characterized by chronic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. This phenomenon, attributed to various environmental and physiological factors, presents clinically as semi-transparent masses with variable morphology, often obstructing nasal passages and causing respiratory compromise, olfactory dysfunction, and recurrent infections. Predominantly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), NP poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management, particularly in the context of comorbid conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV infection, known for its debilitating effects on the immune system, is theorized to exacerbate NP development and manifestation through mechanisms involving CD4 cell depletion and dysregulation of immune responses. Despite extensive research, elucidating potential pathways linking HIV infection to NP, comprehensive understanding remains elusive. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with NP at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. The primary objective is to investigate the influence of HIV status on the clinical, radiological, and histological features of NP. Data collection, encompassing patient demographics, HIV status, clinical presentations, radiological findings, and histopathological characteristics, will be conducted between March 2021 and August 2022. Preliminary analysis of collected data reveals a cohort of 41 patients meeting inclusion criteria, with notable exclusions based on undisclosed HIV status and incomplete documentation. Initial findings suggest a nuanced interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and HIV status in NP pathogenesis, underscoring the need for further research to validate these observations. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of elucidating the complex relationship between HIV infection and NP to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, particularly in regions with a high HIV prevalence such as South Africa. By comprehensively assessing the clinical, radiological, and histological features of NP in HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations, this research endeavours to enhance our understanding of NP pathophysiology and improve patient outcomes.

Benign Lymphoepithelial Cyst of Parotid Glands in HIV Infected Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A Narrative Review.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated salivary gland disease is a complication seen in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with the commonest manifestation being the benign lymphoepithelial cyst (BLEC). The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Human Immune Virus-infected patients with confirmed benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland. The review was conducted between August 2020 and December 2021 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Patients infected with a diagnosis of BLEC of parotid gland based were included. Studies from all countries were included with no age, language, and time restrictions. We used Microsoft Excel to create a data extraction form piloted before the official start. Inter-rater agreement was calculated for most of the data collection. The risk of bias was assessed using a Cochrane tool. After reviewing 512 records, 42 met the study criteria with a total of 785 patients. The median sample size of all eligible studies was 10 ranging from 2 to 60. The pooled mean age was 29 years ± 24.2. Studies primarily assessed the effect of ART on BLECs. Patients examined in the studies ranged from children to the elderly. Studies from South Africa had a higher proportion of women while American studies had a higher proportion of men. There is evidence that ARVs are effective in treating BLEC and may be used as first-line therapy for HIV infected patients.

Nasal Septal Angiofibroma.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign vascular tumor seen predominantly in adolescent males in the second decade of life. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma includes vascular fibrous masses that occur outside the nasopharynx. The diagnosis of an angiofibroma is based on the clinical presentation and imaging, with biopsies being avoided to avoid excessive bleeding. Computed tomography scan is considered sufficient for the diagnosis of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma as it clearly delineates and identifies the tumor.

A Case Report of Infantile Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare condition in children. There are currently no internationally accepted protocols in the management of these patients. We present a case of a 9 month old child that presented to our Department with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Included is the management of the clinical condition and a brief literature review. Early identification, a high index of suspicion and prompt treatment is required to achieve a good clinical outcome.

Developments in Clinical management of Sialadenitis in Africa.

Sialendoscopy is a relatively new technique that offers the potential to be both diagnostic and therapeutic. It follows the principle of gland sparing therapy to manage conditions such as ductal stenoses and sialolithiasis. The procedure is relatively easy to learn and more affordable than the traditional methods of intervention. It is well suited to the African continent in that the equipment is relatively portable and may be taken to peripheral and rural areas, while still providing world-class care and minimal disruption to the patients. We hereby present the evolution of sialendoscopy.

Congenital Inner Ear Abnormalities and COVID-19-Related Ear Infections.

Congenital deformities of the labyrinth of the inner ear may be associated with an increased risk of infection and varying degrees of otologic and vestibular dysfunction. Lateral semicircular canal abnormalities specifically can be associated with either normal hearing or hearing loss (conductive or sensorineural). In our patient, the acute symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus coincided with the diagnosis of COVID-19. It is unlikely that the symptomatology was related to the acute infection, even in the face of the underlying congenital abnormality. It has been shown that there is no correlation between the severity of the radiological abnormality and vestibular symptomatology in patients with isolated abnormalities of the semicircular canals. The abnormality can be asymptomatic.

Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfuntion in SARS-COV-2 Positive Patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is associated with chemosensory symptoms including olfactory dysfunction and dysgeusia. Multiple studies have reported differing prevalence rates of symptoms and recovery rates depending on geographic location. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and features of Covid19 olfactory dysfunction in a developing nation. We conducted a prospective study at a tertiary, high-volume centre in South Africa, to determine the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in SARS-COV-2 positive patients. The average recovery time of the olfactory dysfunction was also evaluated. The study included patients diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 infection between November 2020 and January 2021. Patients were recruited to participate in a survey which assessed demographic data, date of diagnosis, initial symptoms, presence and recovery time of olfactory dysfunction symptoms. A total of 86 patients with olfactory dysfunction were included and followed up telephonically over 6 weeks in 2 week intervals to determine recovery time. There was a prevalence rate of 40.7% of olfactory dysfunction in patients in our study. A higher proportion of patients with olfactory dysfunction had fever compared to those without and this was a significant finding in our study population. The overall median recovery time in our study was 7 days. Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in our population is in keeping with European studies and most patients recover their sense of smell within a week.

COVID-19 and otorhinolaryngology: Returning to practice.

This article aims to focus on key points and provide an overview of the current knowledge of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19); the increased susceptibility of otorhinolaryngologists to the virus; its effects and impact on the ENT practice; disruption of specialist clinic services; as well as associated risks in ENT surgical procedures. Mitigation strategies that can be employed to efficiently return to practice and ensuring the highest level of safety to both the patient and the otorhinolaryngologist is emphasised whilst simultaneously adapting to the new normal. Attention was given to understanding of the virus, its effect on the ENT discipline and practice, counter measures to mitigate and minimise risk to allow for continuation of ENT services once restrictions and lockdowns are progressively lifted. Otorhinolaryngological manifestations are common symptoms of COVID-19. Evidence suggests that the highest rates of nosocomial spread were seen amongst otorhinolaryngologists. The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly halted a majority of the otorhinolaryngology activities, which impacted service provision in the ENT practice. As the pandemic evolves, and with its duration unpredictable, this may necessitate a fundamental shift in the way otorhinolaryngology is practiced as there may be further global viral pandemics in future and the ENT fraternity has to now adapt to the new normal. Continued vigilance is imperative and strategies optimally implemented to ensure safe return to both ENT specialist clinic services and surgeries is vital. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otorhinolaryngology in the COVID-19 setting, although key strategies to prevent the virus spread have become evident to be able to effectively 'flatten the curve' of COVID-19 infections over time.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta and hearing loss in the paediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic disorder affecting the synthesis of collagen in the body. It is also known as 'Brittle Bone Disease'. It is heterogenous in its clinical presentation. The commonest presentation is a history of frequent fractures, joint deformities and blue sclera. Secondary deformities of the extremities, spine, skull as well short stature observed frequently. Hearing loss has been well documented to occur in Osteogenesis Imperfecta. It is most commonly seen in types I, II and III. Hearing loss forms part of the diagnostic criteria for these types. Depending on the study, the prevalence of hearing loss in children with Osteogenesis imperfecta is between 6.7% and 77.3% The estimated prevalence of Osteogenesis Imperfecta is 1 in 20000. OBJECTIVES: In South Africa, the commonest type of Osteogenesis Imperfecta was found to be Type III. The prevalence of OI Type III has been estimated to be between 1:125000 and 1:200000. Hearing loss is a common feature of OI Type III. METHODS: This study was a Prospective Cross-sectional study. Ethics Approval was obtained from the University of Witwatersrand Ethics committee (Ethics number M190975) Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta attending the Metabolic Bone Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital were the target group. The patients and their parents or guardians were recruited at the clinic after a consent and or an assent was obtained. An Otoscopy followed by tympanometry and a hearing screen based on the age of the patient was done. DPEOAEs were also done as a screening test to confirm the pure tone audiogram findings. The results were given to the patients and their parents/guardians immediately. RESULTS: The paediatric patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta who consented to take part in the study had their hearing screen done at the Audiology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. All of the children were found to have normal hearing. On tympanometry, all except 2 were found to have type A curves in bilaterally. Two patients had a type As curve in one ear with an A curve on the other side. CONCLUSION: Hearing loss in Osteogenesis Imperfecta forms part of the diagnostic criteria for certain types of this genetic disorder. Hearing loss in the paediatric patients does not seem to be as prevalent as previously thought. All the patients involved in the study were receiving the bisphosphonate therapy (Zoledronic acid) for OI. This may possibly cause a delay in the onset of hearing loss but long term follow-up studies and bigger sample sizes will be required to prove this hypothesis.

Otologic dysfunction in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe otologic dysfunction in patients with the novel SARS-CoV-2. REVIEW METHODS: Search strategies acquired for each database included keywords. The keywords use were-Otologic OR Vestibular OR Audiologic and COVID-19 OR Coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2. Resulting articles were imported into a systematic review software and screened for appropriateness.To be eligible for inclusion in the analysis, the studies and case reports should have met the following criteria:Description of otologic dysfunction in COVID-19 patientspeer review Studies were excluded if:the description of the specific dysfunction was inadequatethere were no original case descriptions Data that met the inclusion criteria was extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 62 articles were identified and screened, seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The articles were mainly case reports (5) with 2 case series. There were 28 patients in total identified with the largest study comprising 20 patients. All patients presented with hearing loss, 27 of whom had audiometry. Three patients had associated vestibular symptoms (vertigo, otalgia, and tinnitus). CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 is a probable cause of middle ear infections and sensorineural hearing loss, secondary to spread of the novel virus into the middle ear and related neural structures.

Deep Neck Space Infection in HIV-Infected Children: A Case Series.

Background Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) in children may lead to airway compromise and damage to the great vessels in the neck. They occur more commonly in the HIV-infected population. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of DNSI in HIV-infected children Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the demography and document the sites of infection; organisms identified and resistance patterns in HIV-infected children with DNSI. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of children (<16 years) diagnosed with deep neck infections at the teaching hospitals for the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, between January 2010 and December 2018. Results We identified 17 patients with DNSI of which six children had concomitant HIV infection. The average age at presentation was six years (range: 0.35-13 years); there were four males and two females. The most common site involved was the submandibular space, which was affected in four patients. The detected organisms included: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Prevotella, Proteus mirabilis and Bacteroides fragilis. The organisms were universally resistant to penicillin and ampicillin resistance was documented in all but one patient. Conclusion Our findings on microbiology, resistance and tuberculosis culture are significant even in the face of a small series and have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of DNSI in HIV-infected children. Tuberculosis should routinely be considered in high burden settings. We recommend the empiric use of a ß-lactamase-resistant antibiotic until targeted therapy based on culture and sensitivity can be instituted.

Killian's is it a True Dehiscence? An Anatomical Perspective.

Objective Zenker's diverticulum is a pulsion outpouching from the posterior pharyngeal wall. The anatomy of the wall has been proposed to be dehiscent in the region of the Killian's triangle, between the thyropharyngeus muscle (inferior pharyngeal constrictor) and the cricopharyngeus muscle. A dehiscence is a bursting open, splitting or gaping along natural or sutured lines. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any studies to histologically analyze the posterior pharyngeal wall and the exact location of the dehiscence. We thus aim to determine the presence and characteristics of this area of possible dehiscence.  Methods Fifty-eight cadavers were analysed. A portion of tissue was excised within the borders of the Killian's triangle, being the inferior border of the oblique inferior constrictor muscle and the superior border of the cricopharyngeus muscle from the posterior wall of the pharynx. Four longitudinal sections were sampled from each cadaver including: left lateral, left medial, right medial and finally the right lateral aspect of the posterior pharyngeal wall. These samples were then embedded in wax and cut with a microtome at 5 microns. They were then placed on microscope slides and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin and analysed in terms of thickness and histology. Results There was significant overlapping of the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles seen macroscopically in all cadavers that were dissected. No obvious area of dehiscence was found in any of the specimens, however, there were variations in the thickness of the posterior pharyngeal wall within the thyropharyngeus muscle. When comparing the left- and the right-hand sides of the thyropharyngeus, the mean measurement of the left medial muscle sample was found to be significantly thinner than the mean measurement of the right medial muscle sample (95% CI Inf to -44.39, p-value = 0.0189). The average of both the thickest and thinnest muscle measurements for each of the four samples was then compared. The average left medial muscle layer was found to be significantly thinner than the average right medial muscle layer (95% CI Inf to -9.81, p-value = 0.03822). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the left thyropharyngeal muscle was thinner than the right. However, no dehiscent areas were found in any of the specimens. Significant overlapping of the cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus muscles was noted. Thus, we propose that the hypopharyngeal pouch, given enough intraluminal pharyngeal pressure, may occur between the fibres of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle rather than between the cricopharyngeus and the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles. As a dehiscence occurs between a natural or sutured line, of which there is neither in the thyropharyngeus muscle, we propose that the term Killian's dehiscence is a misnomer and that the defect instead meets the definition of a hernia.

Initial manifestation of parotid extra-medullary myeloma in an HIV positive patient on anti-retroviral therapy: A case report and review of the literature.

Multiple myeloma is a biologically diverse, malignant disease that involve plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the unrestrained proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells within the bone marrow. In the present case report, the case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patient with an initial manifestation of extramedullary myeloma involving the parotid gland is described. The patient had been on antiretrovirals for the last two years. A Medline, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar search was performed using the key words: 'Parotid extramedullary myeloma AND HIV' as part of the literature review. A 46-year-old female presented to our hospital with a 6-month history of a painful mass on the left side of the face, involving the parotid area, with rapid growth in the preceding month. There was associated fever, body pains and difficulty opening the mouth. This resulted in difficulty in mastication and she also reported pain on swallowing. She did not notice any weakness of her face on the left side. She had no complaints regarding her eyes, such as visual disturbances, eye pain, or an inability to close the eye on the affected side. The patient was diagnosed with HIV infection 2 years prior, and had been on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) since the diagnosis. There is no consensus regarding a treatment protocol for HIV positive patients on HAART and multiple myeloma. However, based on the clinical case report and a review of the relevant literature, the treatment should include high doses of a combination of chemotherapeutic agents. Although multiple myeloma is considered incurable, all patients should be started on treatment with the goal of preventing further complications.

Botulinum toxin A is an effective therapeutic tool for the management of parotid sialocele and fistula: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: In the management of parotid sialocele and fistula, various conservative and surgical methods have been described. Some studies have described the use of Botulinum toxin A (Botox A) for the management of parotid sialocele and fistula. This is a less invasive and potentially equally effective option. We therefore conducted a systematic review on the current body of literature relating to this specific use of Botox A. METHODS: A search strategy was conducted in July 2019 using the following electronic databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A search of all articles from inception until 31 August 2019 was performed. RESULTS: Literature searches of electronic databases identified 67 articles eligible for review, of which 15 fulfilled all criteria. These studies were small and in total only 47 patients were included. The majority of sialoceles and fistulas presented as a complication of surgery (77%) with the remaining cases occurring as a result of trauma. The typical age at presentation was between 32 and 88 years of age (mean age of 52 years). All patients were initially treated with and failed other conservative measures. Botox A injection was considered as a final conservative treatment option. The toxin was administered percutaneously in all cases of parotid sialocele and fistula. Dosage of Botox ranged from 10 to 200 units with majority of patients (58%) requiring only one injection. The overall success rate for patients treated with Botox A injections ranged between 70 and 100% for parotid sialoceles and fistulas. CONCLUSION: Botox A injections are successful in the treatment of parotid sialoceles and fistulas and should be considered before the use of invasive conventional options. Further studies with larger numbers are needed to ratify this recommendation. Success rate for patients, treated with Botox A injection was between 70 and 100% for parotid sialocele and fistula. Patients who failed initial treatment with Botox A were re-administered with Botox A and eventually resolved.

Intractable Epistaxis: Looking Beyond the Usual Sites.

PURPOSE: Intractable epistaxis is a challenge to manage and often requires multiple interventions, both medical and surgical. After anterior and posterior packing, many options exist on how to manage the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who presented to a private ear, nose, and throat practice with intractable epistaxis from January 2010 until July 2015. The clinical notes were reviewed, noting the demographic characteristics of the patients and the treatment plan that followed. In particular, we determined the site of bleeding that was documented. Of the 17 patients with intractable epistaxis identified, 5 had the site of bleeding documented and were included in the study. RESULTS: The documented areas that may have contributed to bleeding included the nasal olfactory region (n = 3), nasal inferior meatus (n = 1), and sphenoethmoid recess (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: After resuscitation and hematologic investigation, nasal endoscopy should be considered in patients with intractable epistaxis.

Deep Neck Space Infections: Changing Trends in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients.

PURPOSE: We studied the clinical presentation and microbiology of patients with deep neck space infection in a developing nation to aid in determining the relevant, appropriate, and effective empirical antimicrobial treatment. We have also described the demographic data of pediatric versus adult patients and the predominant age-related subtypes of deep neck space infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the data from patients with deep neck space infections during a 5.5-year period was conducted at the academic teaching hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. The diagnosis of deep neck space infection was determined from the clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings. All the patients had undergone abscess drainage via needle aspiration or surgical drainage using a sterile technique. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were performed. The results were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 107 children and 52 adults with deep neck space infections were included in the present study, with 121 and 70 pus specimens retrieved. The male/female ratio was 1.14:1 for the pediatric group (57 boys [53%] and 50 girls [47%]). The adult group included 33 men (63%) and 19 women (37%). The male/female ratio for the adult group was 1.74:1. In the pediatric group, the mean age was 5.8 years (range, 2 months to 15 years). The age distribution was subcategorized into younger than 2, 2 to 10, and older than 10 years. Of the 107 children, 51 were younger than 2, 50 were aged 2 to 10, and 6 were older than 10 years. The age of the adult patients ranged from 19 to 77 years (mean, 40.9 ± 15.5). Multispace involvement of the deep neck infection was present in 8 pediatric cases (7.5%) and 31 adult cases (59.6%). The submandibular space was the most commonly affected site (73.9%) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deep neck space infections differ in clinical presentation and microbiology between adults and children. The specimens from the pediatric group predominantly cultured Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, the specimens from the adult group were mainly polymicrobial. The adult population had poorer patient outcomes, with a greater number of intensive care unit admissions, operating theater visits, and prolonged hospital stays.