Osteoma of the ethmoid sinus in a pediatric patient - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses occur rarely in the pediatric population, we find only a few reference of symptomatic osteomas in the literature. Opinions on the indication for surgical treatment are controversial. CASE: The authors present a case of symptomatic osteoma of the right ethoimoidal sinus in a 12-year-old boy, who was treated surgically, with endoscopic endonasal approach. The symptomatology, diagnosis and therapy of these tumors in the pediatric patient are discussed. CONCLUSION: Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are slow-growing benign lesions. Symptomatic osteomas can grow expansively and cause serious complications. The treatment of osteoma is surgical and the endoscopic approach offers the possibility of removal with cosmetic benefits.

Upper Airway Cough Syndrome in Pathogenesis of Chronic Cough.

Cough is one of the most important defensive reflexes. However, extensive non- productive cough is a harmful mechanism leading to the damage of human airways. Cough is initiated by activation of vagal afferents in the airways. The site of their convergence is particularly the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS). The second-order neurons terminate in the pons, medulla and spinal cord and there is also the cortical and subcortical control of coughing.Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) - previously postnasal drip syndrome - is one of the most common causes of chronic cough together with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux. The main mechanisms leading to cough in patients with nasal and sinus diseases are postnasal drip, direct irritation of nasal mucosa, inflammation in the lower airways, upper airway inflammation and the cough reflex sensitization. The cough demonstrated by UACS patients is probably due to hypersensitivity of the upper airways sensory nerve or lower airways sensory nerve, or a combination of both. Further studies are needed to clarify this mechanism.

Non-Reflex Defense Mechanisms of Upper Airway Mucosa: Possible Clinical Application.

The sinonasal mucosa has an essential role in defense mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract. The innate immune system presents the primary defense against noxious microorganisms followed by induction of the adaptive immune mechanisms as a consequence of the presence of pathogens. This well-known activation of adaptive immune system in response to presence of the antigen on mucosal surfaces is now broadly applicated in vaccinology research. Prevention of infectious diseases belongs to substantial challenges in maintaining the population health. Non-invasive, easily applicable mucosal vaccination purposes various research opportunities that could be usable in daily practice. However, the existence of multiple limitations such as rapid clearance of vaccine from nasal mucosa by means of mucociliary transport represents a great challenge in development of safe and efficient vaccines. Here we give an updated view on nasal functions with focus on nasal mucosal immunity and its potential application in vaccination in nearly future.

The effect of adenotomy, allergy and smoking on microbial colonization of upper aerodigestive tract in children.

AIM: To evaluate microbial colonization of upper aerodigestive tract in children and to investigate the influence of adenoid hypertrophy, allergy and exposition to cigarette smoke on presence of pathogens. METHODS: In 43 children with adenoid hypertrophy and 17 healthy children bacterial culture was performed by a swab from middle nasal meatus, nasopharynx and tonsils. The effect of adenotomy, presence of allergy and exposure to passive smoking on bacterial colonization were investigated. RESULTS: Identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria in upper aerodigestive tract was significantly higher in children with adenoid hypertrophy compare to control group. Adenotomy was associated with significantly decreased colonization by potential pathogens. Allergy was diagnosed in 33 % children with adenoid hypertrophy. Presence of allergy and exposure to tobacco smoke were associated with significantly more often colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria in the upper aerodigestive tract. CONCLUSION: Increased colonization of upper aerodigestive tract by potential pathogens and their significant decrease after adenotomy indicate the role of pathogenic bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of adenoid hypertrophy. Allergy and tobacco smoke exposure are related to increased colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria in the upper aerodigestive tract.

Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid Gland in a Two-year-old Child.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodules are less common among children than among adults. By contrast, thyroid nodules are more often malignant in childhood than in adulthood. In children, 26% of thyroid nodules are malignant, while in adults the corresponding value is 5-10%. Risk factors for developing thyroid nodules in children are female sex, post-pubertal age, previous or co-existing thyroid disease, previous irradiation of the neck, and a family history of thyroid disease. In children younger than 10 years, when no risk factors are present, the incidence rates are practically negligible. CASE REPORT: A two-year-old girl presented with a right thyroid mass. Laboratory evaluation revealed normal levels of triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid ultrasonography revealed a 4.8 × 3.2 × 2.5 cm nonhomogenous nodule. The patient underwent right hemithyroidectomy. The pathology was consistent with papillary thyroid carcinoma; therefore, total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection were performed. CONCLUSIONS: We report a very rare case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a two-year-old child with no risk factors. The detection of a thyroid nodule in such a young child with no pre-disposing risk factors does not exclude the possibility of thyroid carcinoma and warrants careful evaluation and appropriate therapy.

Laryngeal Cancer: 12-Year Experience of a Single Center.

Laryngeal cancer is about the twentieth most common cancer in the world and more than 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The aim of the study was to evaluate the history, diagnostics, treatment outcomes, and prognosis in patients with laryngeal cancer in Northern Slovakia. We analyzed retrospectively 227 patients (207 males, 20 females) with laryngeal carcinoma treated in the period 2003-2014 at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine and Martin University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia. The majority of patients were in the sixth (38.0 %) and seventh decade of life (30.8 %). Two hundred and seventeen patients (95.6 %) were smokers or ex-smokers. Sixty-six percent of patients were diagnosed with glottic or transglottic carcinoma, related probably to the anatomical structure of the larynx and exposure to inhalation pollutants. It is alarming that the majority of patients with malignant laryngeal disease were admitted to the hospital in advanced stages. In 151 (66.5 %) of patients, the extent of infiltration was T3 or T4, and 156 (68 %) patients were in disease stage III and IV. The incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer suggest the need to intensify the prevention and to search for an early clinical stage of laryngeal cancer using a targeted screening.

Total thyroidectomy: safe and adequate treatment for papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland.

Total thyroidectomy: safe and adequate treatment for papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and surgical approach in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC; thyroid cancer s10 mm) when these patients underwent surgery for presumed benign thyroid conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2013, 1460 adult patients underwent partial or total thyroidectomy for presumed benign thyroid conditions in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Comenius University, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia. Of this population, 78 patients with incidental PTMC were further studied. RESULTS: Incidental papillary microcarcinoma was more frequently detected in patients with multinodular goitre (P = 0.034) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P=0.00 13) than in patients with other thyroid diseases. Multifocal and bilateral occurance of PTMC was identified in 26% and 18% of patients, respectively. The initial surgical procedure was -hemithyroidectomy in 23% of patients. All patients initially treated with hemithyroidectomy underwent completion thyroidectomy 10-32 days (median 19 ±7 days) after initial surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hypoparathyroidism) between patients with hemithyroidectomy and patients with total thyroidectomy at the first operation (P = 0.647). Completion surgery in patients with hemithyroidectomy was not followed by a significant increase in the incidence of complications (P=0.228). CONCLUSION: Incidental PTMC is more often detected in patients that undergo surgery for multinodular goitre and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Total thyroidectomy constitutes a safe and adequate surgical approach in patients with PTMC.

[Malignant tumors of thyroid gland]. / Malígne nádory stítnej zlazy.

AIM: The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing. The aim of this work was to determine risk factors, diagnostic methods and extent of surgical treatment of malignant goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed patients who were surgically treated for thyroid disease at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Comenius University, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Teaching Hospital in Martin, Slovakia, from the January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2013, for thyroid disease. The incidence, risk factors of malignant thyroid tumors, indication for surgery and its complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1,620 adult patients were surgically treated for thyroid disease at the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, CU JMF, UH in Martin, Slovakia, between 2006- 2013. Malignant tumors were identified in 238 patients (15%). Microcarcinoma (incidentally detected malignant tumor 1 cm) occurred in 78 cases (5%). Malignant thyroid tumor was more common in younger patients (p = 0.002). Newly created and larger nodules positively correlated with the occurrence of malignancy (p = 0.003, p = 0.041, resp.). Gender, family history of thyroid disorder, previous radiation therapy, and previous malignancy did not affect the incidence of malignant tumor of thyroid gland. High sensitivity and specificity in the dia-gnosis of malignant thyroid nodule was observed using aspiration cytology (75%, 97%, resp.) and intraoperative histopathological examination (88%, 100%, resp.). CONCLUSION: Malignant tumor of thyroid gland is more common in younger patients with newly developed nodule. The risk factors of malignancy increase with the size of the thyroid nodule. Aspiration cytology and peroperative histopathology have high sensitivity and specificity in the dia-gnosis of malignant thyroid tumor; therefore, they should be a standard method in the dia-gnosis of nodular goiter. The method of choice in the treatment of thyroid malignancy is total thyroidectomy.

Primary prosthetic voice rehabilitation in patients after laryngectomy: applications and pitfalls.

The use of the tracheoesophageal (T-E) silicone rubber voice prosthesis is the most effective and well-established procedure to restore the voice in patients after laryngectomy. The prosthesis is usually well-tolerated with only minor complications. Severe complications are rare. In this article we present our experience with the prosthetic technique at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia between the years 2005-2013 and report a case of a 48-year-old man with secondary prosthesis inserted through a T-E shunt 16 months after laryngectomy. On the 6th day after the insertion, the shunt decayed. After prosthesis removal the tissue defect was sutured. Due to repetitive tissue decay, reconstruction of the trachea and esophagus became necessary. On the 10th day, peritracheoesophageal fistula developed and gastrostomy was performed. Because of intense fibrotic and inflammatory changes, further reconstruction was not indicated. After 6 months, esophageal stenosis occurred and endoscopic dilation under local anaesthesia was performed. The T-E voice prosthesis has become one of the choices for voice rehabilitation following total laryngectomy and may improve the patient's long-term quality of life. The overall risk of severe complications seems relatively low. Nonetheless, some complications might be challenging and might require specific management.

[Inverted papiloma and its rare forms]. / Invertovaný papilóm a jeho zriedkavé formy.

Authors address the issue of a frequent benign tumour of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses -  inverted papilloma. They analyse the available diagnostic methods and treatment options. On the background of selected case reports of a rare malignant transformation they emphasize the need for longterm dispensarization as a part of management plan for patients with this oncological disease.

The year 1989 and its reflection in the forensic medicine.

The countrys current social and political situation is always reflected in the character of crime through specific laws and encoded rules in the country. This relationship is evident especially in historical turning points - events marking radical changes of the social regime. During the years following 1989, an increase in crime was noticed in the Slovak Republic, which seemed to be influenced not only by ideological and political factors, but also by economical and juridical ones. This increase can be noticed up to the present, as the annual number of violent criminal acts and brutal murders still remains high. Violent crime contributes by 14 percent to the crime counts in the Slovak Republic. The aim of presented study was the comparative analysis of chosen forms of violent crimes and the consequences of the most serious crimes in the Middle Slovakia region during the era of political regime changes within the period from 1985 to 2006.

[Thyroid disorders in women with breast cancer]. / Tyreopatie u zien s karcinómom prsníka.

AIM: Increasing prevalence of non-malignant thyroid disorders in women with breast cancer has been known for several decades; it is said to be associated with a better prognosis of the cancerous disease. The aim of this work was to analyse associations between thyropathies found in women with breast cancer and particular prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 110 women with breast cancer were tested for autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and functional changes of the thyroid gland. Presence of thyroid-peroxidase autoantibodies (TPOAb), serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT3, FT4) were determined after the surgery but before adjuvant cancer treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy) initiation. Conventionally evaluated prognostic factors of breast cancer, including histological grading and molecular predictive factors (i.e. the status of the hormone receptors and the human epidermal growth factor receptor) were assessed - these were divided into four basic categories. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AIT and subclinical hypothyroidism in the study group was 37.3% and 20%, respectively, i.e. higher than in the general population. The only correlation found was between thyropathies and the specific prognostic factors was that with G1 breast cancer grading.

Solitary intrathyroid metastasis of renal cancer.

In general, it is estimated that around 1% of all clinically detectable thyroid cancers are of metastatic origin. With regard to the origin of the metastatic thyroid lesions, the most common primary sites are tumors of kidneys, breast, lungs and gastrointestinal system, and melanomas. Patients with nodular goiter and history of malignancy should be stratified into a high risk category. The authors present a patient with solitary thyroid metastasis from renal clear cell carcinoma 31 and 11 years after left and right nephrectomy and present a comprehensive review of the literature (Fig. 3, Ref. 14).

[The correlation of results of breath analysers and laboratory blood examinations of blood-ethanol concentration (Czech and Slovak study)]. / Mezirepubliková Cesko-Slovenská studie korelace výsledku dechových analyzátoru a výsledku laboratorní analýzy pri zjistování hladiny alkoholu v krvi.

The target of this study was to compare the results of breath analysers and "lege artis" laboratory blood examinations when determining alcohol levels. This was then used to determine whether any differences exist between the two methods, and how large these differences are. 610 cases from 11 workplaces in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were analysed. The type of breath analyser was not taken into consideration. All cases had to be in the elimination phase. Difference of time between breath test and blood test were rectified through the use of reverse recomputation. It was detected that only 20.8% of the results of respiratory analyser tests correspond to the detected real alcohol level in blood. The maximum difference when a respiratory analyser measured more than a blood test was 1.34 g x kg(-1). and the maximum difference when the analyse measured less was 1.86 g x kg(-1).

Thyroid diseases in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodules are relatively rare in children and adolescents and have a prevalence between 0.2%-1.8%. They are more often malignant in children than in adults and thus an early diagnosis is extremely important. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the group of pediatric patients with nodular thyroid diseases. METHODS: The authors processed the documentation of 66 pediatric patients with nodular thyroid disease who have been surgically treated at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, JFM CU and MFH in Martin during 2003-2007. RESULTS: Family history was positive in 32 patients (48.5%). Twenty-three patients (35%) had hyperfunction thyroid disease. Euthyroid status was found in 43 patients (65%). Ultrasonography examination was performed in all patients. Percutaneous aspiration biopsy was performed in 38 patients (58%) and peroperative histology in 40 patients (61%). Technecium (Tc)99m-scintigraphy was performed in 4 patients (6%). CT and MRI examination of the neck and upper mediastinum was indicated in one child. All patients were surgically treated with classical approach after achieving euthyroid stage. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 24 patients, hemithyroidectomy in 41 patients and isthmectomy was done in one patient. No severe postoperative complications were present. CONCLUSION: Thyroid diseases are the second most frequent endocrinopathy in children and adolescents with girls being more frequently affected. It is multidisciplinary problem requiring cooperation of specialists in different fields of medicine. In patients with thyroid diseases not responding to conservative treatment or with clinical signs of mechanical syndrom surgery is a causal therapy (Tab. 3, Ref. 20). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the history, diagnostic procedures, extent and success of the surgical treatment, and possible complications in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The authors further discuss the findings in the context of literature data. METHODS: Retrospectively, 48 patients (7 males and 41 females) were analyzed with primary hyperparathyroidism treated between 1999-2006 at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery JFM CU and FH in Martin at average age of 56 +/- 9 years. RESULTS: In 90%, pHPT was caused by solitary adenoma and in 10% by hyperplasia. Eleven per cent of patients were asymptomatic. Ultrasonography was performed in all and sestamibi scintigraphy in 17 patients. In 3 cases adenoma was localized ectopically. All patients were treated with traditional bilateral cervical approach. Complications excluding transient hypocalcemia (one-side paralysis, subcutaneous haematoma and inflammation) were present in < 1 % of patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of hormonally active tissue is safe and causal treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism with high success rate (Tab. 4, Ref. 21). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Alternaria species and Phaeosclera dematioides Sigler, Tsuneda and Carmichael.

A case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by strains of both Alternaria spp. and Phaeosclera dematioides is presented. First clinical signs of mycosis appeared on the patient's face, after an injury with a straw stalk during the wheat harvest in Germany in 1942. Further signs developed in 1955 at one forearm, and again in 1968 in the mouth, leading to perforation of the palate. After treatment with amphotericin B (1973-75) she went into a 13-year-long, clinically asymptomatic remission. She relapsed in 1988, when eight foci of the disease developed, mostly on both forearms. Diabetes mellitus and asthma developed at this time. After pulse therapy with itraconazole the patient remains in a good clinical condition.

[Treatment of chlamydia infections and a brief review of the problems]. / Liecba chlamýdiových infekcií a strucný prehl'ad problematiky.

The authors treated 35 patients (17 males, 18 females) with chlamydial infection of the urogenital system by means of azithromycin dosed 1.0 g for the first day, 500 mg from the second till the fifth day of treatment with 82.9% effectivity.

[Treatment of secretory otitis media in children with carbocysteine (a group of 46 children)]. / Liecba sekretorického zápalu stredného ucha u detí karbocysteinom (súbor 46 detí).

The authors evaluate 46 children with secretory otitis media. Half the patients were treated mostly conservatively; Mucodyn syrup 20 mg per day was administered per kg body weight. Treatment lasted 6-8 weeks. The other half of the patients was treated mainly by surgical methods. Oral administration of Mucodyn syrup is a suitable supplement of comprehensive treatment of children with secretory otitis media.