Posterior Ethmoid Nodular Fasciitis.

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon and benign tumour-like fibroblastic proliferation that is difficult to distinguish from sarcoma both clinically and histologically. In addition, it is a type of lesion characterised by having a potential for spontaneous regression. NF is frequently misdiagnosed due to its rapid growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic figure. Although NF is only rarely diagnosed in children, the head and neck represent the most common locations for NF among this population. The cause of NF remains unknown, however trauma is believed to be an important triggering factor. We describe an unusual case of NF in the posterior ethmoid sinus in a six-year-old boy with no history of trauma. The NF was incidentally noted on a computed tomography scan after the patient complained of a squint. The diagnosis of NF was also supported by histopathology and specific immunohistological staining. A surgical biopsy was performed, and no recurrence was observed after one year.

A Rare Intraorbital Mass: An Isolated Mucocele.

Mucocele is a mucous filled benign cystic lesion. It develops due to obstruction of any natural os-tium of the paranasal sinus. Even though being benign, it has capability to erode and cause thinning the adjacent bony structures. Isolated intraorbital mucocele without paranasal sinus disease is a rare condition. We present a 39-year-old female patient with right medial canthal swelling without any nasal symptoms, and normal nasoendoscopic finding. Imaging revealed the lesion as a right ethmoidal mucocele with normal paranasal sinuses. However intraoperatively, it was an isolated intraorbital lesion, lateral to lamina papyracea with thick-yellowish mucin discharge.

The effect of mild hearing loss on academic performance in primary school children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of mild hearing loss and its association with academic performance among primary school children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted on standard (grade) five school children in a state in Malaysia. Five schools were selected by using simple random sampling. There were three classes (A, B and C) of standard five in each school. Student's selection into these classes was made by respective school administration based on their final term examination in standard four. Class A was for the best academic achievers while class C was for the poorest. Ear examinations were done followed by pure tone audiometry for confirmation of the hearing status. In this study, mild hearing loss was defined as an average threshold of 20-39 dB at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 12.0 software. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between mild hearing loss and academic performance. The significant level was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: From a total of 257 students, 234 have completed the examinations (response rate=91.0%). Fifty-three percent of them were boys while 47% were girls. A hundred and forty-nine (63.7%) of them were from class A while 85 (36.3%) were from class C. The prevalence of hearing loss in our school population was 15% (95% CI: 11.0-20.0%). Thirty-two (88.9%) of them were having conductive type. Out of the total, 38.9% were having problems in both ears. The students who have poor academic performance have been shown to be significantly associated with mild hearing loss (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of mild hearing loss among primary school children. This problem could affect their academic performance. Therefore, hearing assessment is highly recommended to be done on every child especially to those who have poor academic achievement.