Bilateral cochlear implants in a MELAS patient.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease that affects various systems in the body, particularly the brain, nervous system, and muscles. Among these systems, sensorineural hearing loss is a common additional symptom. METHODS: A 42-year-old female patient with MELAS who experienced bilateral profound deafness and underwent bilateral sequential cochlear implantation (CIs). Speech recognition and subjective outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Following the first CI follow-up, the patient exhibited improved speech recognition ability and decided to undergo the implantation of the second ear just two months after the initial CI surgery. The second CI also demonstrated enhanced speech recognition ability. Subjective outcomes were satisfactory for bilateral CIs. CONCLUSIONS: MELAS patients receiving bilateral CIs can attain satisfactory post-CI speech recognition, spatial hearing, and sound qualities.

Nasal Extranodal Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma Imitating Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Nasal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is a lethal disease due to poor prognosis with rapid progress. A 56-year-old man complained of left nasal obstruction and blood-stained nasal drip for two months. Incisional biopsies were performed at the outpatient department three times, and the diagnosis of SCC was made. The patient underwent wide excision of the entire lesion via endoscopic sinus surgery with navigation. Final pathologic report revealed NNKTL. Pathological examination of the tumor revealed overlying epithelium presenting as pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH), which mimicked SCC invasion, with infiltration of atypical lymphocytes in the deeper sections. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of NNKTL. Chemoradiotherapy was administered, and a complete response was achieved at the two-year follow-up. The correct diagnosis of NNKTL is essential for prompt treatment and prevention of superfluous surgery. Although the link between PEH and NNKTL may lead to a misdiagnosis of SCC, multiple large and deep biopsies can prevent this dilemma. A biopsy showing ulceration or necrosis can indicate PEH and imply potential malignancy. Repeated biopsies and complete immunohistochemical studies are important for diagnosing NNKTL.

Infectious keratitis secondary to canaliculitis with concretions: A case report.

RATIONALE: Canaliculitis is a frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed disease. Concurrent corneal ulceration with canaliculitis is uncommon. We report such a case. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 87-year-old woman complained of swelling and pain of the right eye after acute angle closure glaucoma attack. Slit-lamp examination was compatible with the features of infectious keratitis, and the cultures from corneal scrapings grew Streptococcus anginosus later. Hourly topical vancomycin (25 mg/ml) was instilled, then the corneal ulceration improved initially but became stationary after 1-week treatment. DIAGNOSIS: Discharge from the upper punctum was noted subsequently and canalicular concretions were found through curettage. The cultures from canalicular discharge and concretions also revealed the presence of S. anginosus. Thus, infectious keratitis secondary to canaliculitis was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: Canaliculotomy was performed to remove the large concretion and vancomycin was injected locally. OUTCOMES: The corneal ulceration resolved after canaliculitis was appropriately treated. LESSONS: Canaliculitis could be a reservoir for organisms that may make compromised corneas liable to infections. Only the appropriate diagnosis and aggressive treatment of canaliculitis leads to the eradication of associated corneal infections.