Baseline findings of a multicentric ambispective cohort study (2021-2022) among hospitalised mucormycosis patients in India

In India, the incidence of mucormycosis reached high levels during 2021-2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this, we established a multicentric ambispective cohort of patients hospitalised with mucormycosis across India. In this paper, we report their baseline profile, clinical characteristics and outcomes at discharge. Patients hospitalized for mucormycosis during March-July 2021 were included. Mucormycosis was diagnosed based on mycological confirmation on direct microscopy (KOH/Calcofluor white stain), culture, histopathology, or supportive evidence from endoscopy or imaging. After consent, trained data collectors used medical records and telephonic interviews to capture data in a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At baseline, we recruited 686 patients from 26 study hospitals, of whom 72.3% were males, 78% had a prior history of diabetes, 53.2% had a history of corticosteroid treatment, and 80% were associated with COVID-19. Pain, numbness or swelling of the face were the commonest symptoms (73.3%). Liposomal Amphotericin B was the commonest drug formulation used (67.1%), and endoscopic sinus surgery was the most common surgical procedure (73.6%). At discharge, the disease was stable in 43.3%, in regression for 29.9% but 9.6% died during hospitalization. Among survivors, commonly reported disabilities included facial disfigurement (18.4%) and difficulties in chewing/swallowing (17.8%). Though the risk of mortality was only 1 in 10, the disability due to the disease was very high. This cohort study could enhance our understanding of the disease's clinical progression and help frame standard treatment guidelines.

Bilateral cochlear implantation in infantile Bartter's syndrome

Bartter's syndrome (BS) is a rare group of hereditary salt losing tubulopathies due to impairment of renal transport mechanism. Herein, we report a boy in early childhood who was diagnosed to have infantile Bartter's syndrome. Laboratory investigations revealed hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis which was managed with oral potassium chloride supplementation. The inner ear showed no anatomical abnormalities. Sequential cochlear implantation was performed 4 months apart. Postoperative electrical stimulation yielded good response and a symmetric mapping. The patient was on regular audio-verbal therapy. Cognitive impairment improved over time. Bilateral cochlear implantation showed excellent auditory outcomes.

Efficacy of Triamcinolone Nasal Packing on Post-Operative Outcome in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a frequently performed surgery for sinonasal polyposis. This includes various complications such as Crusting and synechiae formation etc. which can be reduced or minimised by regular nasal douching and nasal toileting in immediate post operative period. Methods: This study was conducted to assess the quality of life using SNOT 22 score and the efficacy of Triamcinolone Acetate impregnated anterior nasal packing based on the Peri-Operative Sinus Endoscopic (POSE) score and Lund Kennedy score on short and midterm post operative outcomes in patients undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for sinonasalpolyposis. This study was a prospective observational study comprising of 80 patients diagnosed with sinonasal polyposis. Patients were divided into two groups with 40 patients in group A (non absorbable Triamcinolone Acetate impregnated nasal packing) and 40 patients in group B(non absorbable Saline impregnated nasal packing). Study setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in South India from July 2017 to July 2019 after EthicsCommitteeapproval. Results of this study showed Improvement in quality of life index in the postoperative period in both Group A (Triamcinolone Acetate) and Group B (saline). Lund Kennedy and Peri operative sinus endoscopy score (POSE) showed statistically significant results with better and early healing among Group A (Triamcinolone Acetate) patients. Conclusion: This shows Triamcinolone Acetate nasal packing in intaoperative period helps to reduce early post operative complications such as edema,crusting and synechiae formation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03496-9.

Isolated thyroid abscess in early childhood

Isolated thyroid abscess is a rare entity in early childhood. Among thyroid disorders, thyroid abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis constitutes about 0.7%-1% of all cases. The thyroid gland is normally resistant to infections due to its well-enveloped capsule, rich blood supply, and high iodine content.A child presented with tender neck swelling accompanied by fever for 3 days. Ultrasound of the neck showed features suggestive of left parapharyngeal abscess. Laboratory parameters including thyroid function test were within normal limits. Contrast-enhanced CT of the neck was done and showed an isolated thyroid abscess with no other abnormalities. The patient was started on intravenous antibiotics followed by incision and drainage of the abscess. The child improved symptomatically. This report discusses the differential diagnosis and management of this rare entity.

Carotid Anomalies and Their Implication in ENT Surgery

Carotid Anomalies are with significant surgical implication to an Otorhinolaryngologist. The authors discuss the evaluation and management of a child with Pierre Robin Syndrome who presented with severe OSA, secondary to bilateral midline carotids that compromised the airway, and an adult with cervical bolus and dysphagia who presented similar to chronic tonsillitis but found to have Retropharyngeal Carotids. This case study emphasizes the need for awareness and a high index of suspicion to identify the variation of the carotid artery in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal surgery that has a propensity to result in catastrophic consequences if operated upon.

Evaluation of Thyroid Nodule: Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) and Clinicopathological Correlation

Ultrasound is one of the accepted modality for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules. Thyroid image reporting and data system (TIRADS) classification system is the most useful of the risk stratification systems of thyroid imaging in predicting malignancy. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical usefulness of TIRADS in the evaluation of thyroid nodule and compare it with final histopathological results. This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. Preoperative ultrasound was performed in 85 patients admitted for thyroid surgery. Thyroid nodules were classified according to TIRADS into five groups. The TIRADS category was compared with the final histopathological diagnosis following surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive as well as negative predictive value and risk of malignancy for each TIRADS category was assessed. The risk of malignancy for TIRADS 2, TIRADS 3, TIRADS 4, and TIRADS 5 was 4.2%, 13.3%, 57.9% and 100%, respectively. The usefulness of TIRADS classification in prediction of malignancy was 77.8% sensitive, 89.6% specific, had a positive predictive value of 66.6% and negative predictive value of 93.8%. The probability of a particular nodule being malignant can be inferred from ultrasound based TIRADS system. Hence ACR TIRADS classification is a valuable tool for diagnosis of thyroid nodule and should be adopted in our routine clinical practice.

A Rare Case Report Of Benign Airway Stenosis and Challenges in its Management

Laryngeal stenosis following surgical intervention of larynx is a difficult condition to manage. The extensive adhesions formed between the vocal cords can obstruct the glottis and subglottis region and make decannulation unfeasible. In this report, we describe the challenges faced in the management of Glottosubglotic stenosis formed post Coblation assisted surgery for bilateral abductor cord palsy. The authors emphasize on the prevention techniques and management of laryngeal stenosis with a successful decannulation in such patients.

Role of Primary Aetiology of Intubation in Acquired Laryngotracheal Stenosis: An Institutional Audit and Review of Literature

Aetiology of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (ALTS) is complex and heterogenous. The aim of this study is to discuss the role of primary aetiology of intubation in the development and outcomes of Post intubation Laryngo tracheal stenosis (PILTS). A retrospective review of patients diagnosed and managed as PILTS from May 2008 to January 2017 was conducted. Demography, primary aetiology of intubation, grade of stenosis, length of the stenotic segment, treatment and outcomes of these patients were recorded and analysed. Based on aetiology of intubation, patients were divided into Poisoning (I), Neurogenic (II) and Rest of aetiologies (III) group respectively. Group I had 28/52 patients (53.8%) followed by group II, 15/52(28.8%) and group III, 9/52(17.3%) respectively. Organophosphorus compound poisoning (OPP) (44.2%) was the commonest cause overall followed by Brain injury (23.1%) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (11.5%). Trachea (46.15%) was the commonest subsite involved in this study. 24/28(85.7%) of patients had advanced (either grade 3 or 4) subglottic stenosis. The average length of stenotic segment in the study was 18.5 ± 9.2 mm (7-34 mm). 39/52(74.9%) of patients underwent open surgical approaches like cricotracheal resection and anastomosis, Laryngotracheal reconstruction or Shian-Yan Lee technique. 48/52(92.3%) patients were decannulated successfully. There was no significant association between primary etiology of intubation and outcomes. We conclude that OPP and neurological disease patients are more susceptible to airway injury. The authors emphasize that clinicians should be aware of these facts and manage these susceptible patients accordingly.

Assessment of Olfaction Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

To assess the olfactory outcomes following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) in patients diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) and Sinonasal polyposis (SNP). To assess and compare the pre-operative and post-operative olfactory scores of patients undergoing ESS/ ESS + polypectomy/ESS + Septoplasty by subjective and objective methods. This is a prospective, cohort study which included a total of 60 patients. Subjective assessment was done using a Questionnaire. Preoperative olfactory assessment was performed with Sniffing Sticks. Olfactory assessment was done at 1st,3rd, 6th and 12th week following surgery. The preoperative and postoperative scores were statistically analysed and compared. In patients who underwent ESS, there was a significant reduction in olfactory scores in the immediate few weeks after surgery which improved over time by the end of 3 months. In patients who underwent ESS with polypectomy, there was a significant improvement in olfactory scores from the third week following surgery which was sustained over 3rd month follow-up. In patients who underwent ESS with Septoplasy, there was a significant decrease in olfactory scores during the initial few weeks with a marginal improvement during 3 months follow-up. At the end of 12 weeks post ESS, no patient was found to be anosmic. Patients with pre-existing hyposmia did not show statistically significant change post surgery.However patients with anosmia showed statistically significant improvement in olfactory function, but did not become normosmic at 12th post-operative week. Majority of normosmics did not have alteration in their olfactory perception at 12th post-operative week.

Microbial Profile in Tracheostomy Tube and Tracheostoma: A Prospective Study

Tracheostomy a lifesaving procedure done more frequently for critically ill patients for mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary toileting, reduce pulmonary effort has variable complications to itself. The common being secondary infection with bacteria and fungi, which in turn lead to granulation formation in stoma and on peristomal region. This prospective study was done with an aim to study, correlate and compare the microbial organisms grown in culture from tracheostomy tubes and peristomal granulation in ventilated and non-ventilated patient. We studied 210 patients out of them 100 patients satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and they were included in this study. We found 89 patients staining positive for bacterial cultures and 8 patients staining positive for fungi and the granulation increases as the time taken for tube change is more than 1 month. So, we concluded it is ideal to change tracheostomy tube within a month duration and most common organism complicating infection in stoma as Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical Outcomes of Endonasal Sphenopalatine Artery Cauterization in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the common ENT surgeries performed. Various techniques are available for reducing the blood loss during ESS. The efficacy of cauterization of the SPA in reducing the per-operative blood loss has not been explored in the literature. This study evaluates the efficacy of SPA cauterization prior to sinus surgery and its per-operative and post-operative outcomes. To study the outcomes of endonasal SPA cauterization in patients undergoing ESS. This is a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre from October 2018 to October 2020. 30 patients underwent ESS where SPA was cauterized by bipolar diathermy in one side of the nasal cavity and in the contralateral side, SPA was not cauterized. The results were tabulated and compared between the cauterized and non cauterized side. p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Mean blood loss (p value = 0.20), operating time (p value = 0.19), surgical field grade, post operative Lund Kennedy Score at 1st, 4th and 12th week were compared and the difference between cauterized and non cauterized was found to be statistically insignificant. In this study, endonasal SPA cauterization did not significantly reduce the intra operative bleeding and surgical field grade in patients undergoing ESS. SPA cauterization did not adversely affect the per operative and post operative outcome and hence authors highlight the fact that it can be safely performed in cases where severe intra operative bleeding is expected and its effectiveness can be studied better in such cases.

Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis: An Audit

This study aims at identifying the predisposing factors, clinical and radiological features that dictated the treatment outcome of Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). This is a retrospective observational study. Medical records of 39 patients with ROCM proven by fungal smear or histopathology (HPE), admitted in Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research from Jan 2015 to Dec 2019 were reviewed and audited. The mean age of the patients was 52.6 years and they were predominantly men (76.9%). There is a statistically significant association between uncontrolled diabetes and increasing severity of the disease in this study and an important cause of mortality. Fungal smear and HPE plays a crucial role in diagnosis. Radiological evaluation helps in identifying the extent of spread and in this study 31% of patients had intraorbital and 20% had intracranial extension. In-hospital mortality was 13%. Our results showed better outcome when combined medical and surgical intervention was undertaken. Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis is a rapidly spreading invasive fungal infection with significant mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and proactive surgical and medical intervention is crucial for better outcome. Hence the clinician should be highly alert to certain subtle clinical signs and radiological features in a diabetic patients for improving the treatment outcomes and avoiding potentially fatal complications.

Partial Middle Turbinectomy Versus Medialization Suturing of Middle Turbinate in the Management of Sinonasal Polyposis: A Comparative Study

The main goals of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is, to enlarge the sinus ostia. Most common cause of failure of ESS is lateralization of the middle turbinate causing recurrent blockade of osteomeatal complex (OMC) and recurrence of disease. Many techniques have been described for preventing lateralization of the middle turbinate. We compared the postoperative outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for sinonasal polyposis (SNP) with medialization suturing of middle turbinate and partial middle turbinectomy. 60 patients who underwent ESS for SNP were divided into three groups, Group A (Medialization suturing of the middle turbinate with septum), Group B (partial middle turbinectomy) and Group C (control-no middle turbinate intervention). Preoperative Lund Kennedy scoring, Lund McKay scoring, SNOT 22 scoring was done. Post-operatively, Lund Kennedy scoring was done at 1st, 4th, 12th week and SNOT 22 scoring was done at 4th, 12th week. Statistical analysis and comparison of data between the groups was done. Both the techniques, helped to improve OMC patency, mucosal healing, and to minimize adhesions. Medialization of the middle turbinate helped in improvement of SNOT 22 and Lund Kennedy scores in the postoperative period as compared to the non-interventional group. However, between the two middle turbinate interventional groups there was no statistically significant difference. Achieving middle meatal patency by middle turbinate interventions improves the postoperative outcomes. However, long-term follow-up studies are recommended for evaluation of efficacy of these techniques and to look for recurrence of disease in SNP.

Endoscopic Transnasal Management of Giant Paediatric Sinonasal Ossifying Fibroma

The ossifying fibroma is a rare fibro-osseous benign lesion of bone in the head and neck region. The mandible is the most common site reported followed by maxilla and other bones of the skull. A paediatric male presented with protrusion of the right eyeball for one-month duration. Further evaluation by diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed a smooth mass confined to the superior and middle meatus on the right side. Computed tomography of paranasal sinus showed a large heterogenous bony lesion involving the ethmoid and sphenoid sinus and extending laterally into the orbit and superiorly into anterior skull base. Endoscopic biopsy was suggestive of ossifying fibroma. Transnasal endoscopic excision of the lesion was done and the patient is currently on follow-up. This case is reported for the rarity of presentation and the difficulties in management.

Osteomas of temporal bone: a rare presentation

Osteoma of the temporal bone is an unusual benign slow-growing tumour composed of mature lamellar bone. It is a single pedunculated mass that often occurs unilaterally. Osteomas of external auditory canal are more common than in the other parts of temporal bone. Clinical presentation includes ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo. More often these lesions are an incidental finding during radiographic evaluation. Surgical excision of the osteoma is preferred in cases with impending complications. Here, we report a 36-year-old woman who came with problems of ear discharge, ear pain, hearing loss and occasional bleeding from the ear. She was diagnosed with osteoma of temporal bone with erosion of lateral semicircular canal and facial canal. Osteoma was excised and the defective areas were reconstructed.

Laryngeal keel in severe congenital glottic web: case report and review of literature

Glottic web is an abnormal soft tissue adhesion between the vocal cords which occurs due to failure of recanalisation. Congenital glottic webs comprises 5% of laryngeal anomalies. Cohen classified glottic webs into four types based on percentage of airway obliteration. Patients with severe glottic web-grade III and grade IV present with respiratory distress, stridor, phonatory difficulties or recurrent respiratory infections warranting urgent intervention. We are presenting our experience in managing two such patients with severe congenital glottic web. Diagnosis was confirmed by fibreoptic laryngoscopy under monitored anaesthetic care. Combined endoscopic excision of web with laryngofissure approach for keel stenting. In both our patients, we have used a silicone based keel for laryngeal stenting to provide strength and prevent re-webbing. During follow-up, both patients were found to have adequate phonation and normal airway thus demonstrating this method as safe option for adequate phonatory and airway outcomes.

Cholesteatoma extending into the sternocleidomastoid muscle presenting as a Bezold abscess

Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic cystic lesion arising in the middle ear cleft with the propensity to spread and recur after surgery, but it is unusual to find cholesteatoma invading sternocleidomastoid muscle after 15 years of modified radical mastoidectomy and presenting as Bezold abscess. In this report, the authors highlight the fact that cholesteatoma recurrence if neglected can present as a Bezold abscess with the invasion of cholesteatoma from the mastoid tip into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This requires complete excision of the cholesteatoma sac along with the surrounding soft tissue.

Acute Fulminant Mucormycosis Triggered by Covid 19 Infection in a Young Patient

Covid 19 infection can result in various opportunistic infections. Altered immune response, associated comorbid conditions like diabetes, prolonged steroid and broad spectrum antibiotics usage with ICU interventions lead to increased chance of such superadded infections in covid 19 patients. Here we report a case of 31 year old male with covid 19 infection who had new onset Diabetes Mellitus, developed severe acute fulminant Mucormycosis during the treatment for covid 19 infection. He presented with severe headache, nasal obstruction and discharge, bilateral ophthalmoplegia and blindness with Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Patient underwent aggressive surgical debridement with frontal craniectomy, maxillectomy and right orbital evisceration and left endoscopic orbital decompression and judicious efforts to revert back the immunocompromised status with high dose of Liposomal amphotericin. Post operatively patient developed right temporal lobe abscess which was drained through Endonasal Endoscopic Trans Cavernous drainage of Temporal Lobe Abscess. Patient is in 2 months follow up, with bilateral blindness and tolerating oral feeds with improved left eye ophthalmoplegia. It is imperative to note that the rising trend of mucormycosis is there in Covid 19 infections and it should be dealt with high index of suspicion in high risk patients and early aggressive treatment can save the patient as the survival rate is not high in such infections.

Endoscopic management of a giant dentigerous cyst

Dentigerous cyst is one of the most common developmental cyst of the jaw which accounts for approximately 20%-30% of bone cyst in the head and neck region. Most common site is the third molar of the mandible. However, maxillary involvement is not uncommon. The clinical presentation of this depends mainly on the size and anatomical compromise that occur due to compression. This case highlights the role of endoscopic approach in the management of large expansible cyst of maxilla involving the palate, thus preserving the anatomy and reducing the morbidity associated with an open procedure.

Role of thuja in the management of laryngeal papilloma

Juvenile respiratory laryngeal papillomatosis is a subset of a larger clinical entity of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. It is characterised by the development of recurrent papillomata in the vocal folds. Human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 has been implicated to be the most common strain of virus associated with the formation of laryngeal papilloma. Clinical diagnosis is based on typical appearance of warty lesion on endoscopy. Surgery is the primary line of management along with adjuvant therapy like antiviral drugs and immunomodulators. Thuja occidentalis is a tree native to North America whose leaves and leaf oil have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been widely used for the treatment of condylomatous skin lesions and warts. Here we discuss the outcome of thuja as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis in an 8-year-old child.

Necrotising fasciitis following accidental injection of intraoral xylene: a preventable medication error

The most common cause of preventable mortality and morbidity to the patient in a healthcare system is medication error. Medication errors have got a significant impact on the patient health and healthcare system. These errors are multidisciplinary and can occur at various stages of drug therapy. Physicians, nursing staff, pharmacists, hospital administration all have an important role in preventing medication errors from recurring. The most common causes include wrong patient, wrong drug prescription, look-alike sound-alike drugs, faulty drug administration, wrong dosage, drug storage, delivery problem, lack of staff, patient and physician education and failure to monitor closely. This case illustrates the importance of incorporating protocol and cross-checking before administering a drug during the procedure. Here, we discuss a case of accidental intraoral injection of xylene instead of xylocaine (local anaesthetic agent), which was a sound-alike drug that resulted in significant morbidity to the patient.

Oropharyngeal Kimura's disease: a diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic challenge

Kimura's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving subcutaneous tissue and locoregional lymph nodes of head and neck region, characterised by angiolymphoid proliferation. It is typically associated with peripheral eosinophilia, increased serum IgE and lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis is usually based on histopathological examination. Though various treatment modalities have been put forward, surgical management remains the first line of treatment, followed by systemic steroids application. This case report discusses the diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic management of a rare clinical presentation and management of oropharyngeal Kimura's disease in a young immunocompetent woman.

Management of Post-Traumatic Subglottic Stenosis and Pharyngosubglottic Fistula

Injury to the aerodigestive tract following external laryngeal trauma is rare. Reports of acquired laryngopharyngeal fistula are very few. We report a very rare presentation of penetrating neck trauma presenting with fracture of the cricoid cartilage, subglottic stenosis and pharyngosubglottic fistula. The term 'pharyngosubglottic fistula' is used here for the first time to describe a communication tract between hypopharynx and subglottis. The successful surgical management of this case is discussed.

Laryngopyocele in a case of bilateral mixed laryngocele: an impending airway emergency

Laryngopyocele is a rare complication involving the laryngocele which can present with acute airway compromise. A 31-year-old man presented with acute onset respiratory distress and dysphagia. He had swelling on either side of upper aspect of the neck with tenderness on left side. Videolaryngoscopy using 70° rigid Hopkins rod telescope showed a swelling in the left pyriform sinus pushing the ipsilateral vocal cord. However, glottic space was adequate. Contract-enhanced CT scan of the neck confirmed left-sided mixed laryngopyocele with contralateral mixed laryngocele. Patient underwent excision of both the lesions in a single stage by transcervical approach. Laryngopyocele in a case of bilateral mixed laryngocele presenting as an impending airway emergency has not been reported in literature. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are discussed here along with review of literature.

Tele-Audiological Surveillance of Middle Ear Status among Individuals with Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Rural South India

BACKGROUND

A community-based program for the comprehensive management of communication disorders among individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) was implemented in two rural districts in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The program was successful in terms of early surgical repair, orthodontic management and speech correction; however, audiological surveillance was challenging due to poor follow-up rates.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare tele-audiological and in-person audiological surveillance to identify the most beneficial approach for the identification and treatment of middle ear disease (MED) in individuals with CLP in this rural community-based program.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Quasi-experimental study.

STUDY SAMPLE

All beneficiaries older than 5 years actively seeking services in Cuddalore (n = 44) and Thiruvannamalai (n = 65) districts of Tamil Nadu, India, were included in the study. Individuals in Cuddalore district were assigned to the tele-audiological surveillance group, whereas individuals in Thiruvannamalai district were assigned to the in-person audiological surveillance group.

METHODS

In the tele-audiological surveillance group, video-otoscopy examinations were performed by trained community-based rehabilitation workers (CBRWs). Pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry were performed by an audiologist from the tertiary care hospital through remotely accessed equipment using broadband internet at the participants' homes and monthly camps. Findings from those with suspected MED were forwarded to the otolaryngologist at the tertiary care hospital for remote diagnoses and treatment plans. Subsequently, CBRWs relayed the otolaryngologist's recommendations to the individuals receiving services at the community. In the in-person audiological surveillance group, video-otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry were performed by the audiologist following standard testing procedures at monthly camps. Individuals with suspected MED and impacted cerumen were referred for in-person diagnoses and treatment plans. Follow-up audiological surveillance was conducted in both districts after implementation of the otolaryngologist's recommendations.

DATA ANALYSIS

The coverage, follow-up rate for intervention and cost-outcomes from the provider's perspective were analyzed and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

Tele-audiological surveillance provided superior coverage (68%) compared with in-person audiological surveillance (38%). The tele-audiological surveillance group showed greater follow-up compliance (61%) than the in-person audiological surveillance group (19%) for treatment plans such as cerumen management and hearing aid fitting provided locally. Compared with in-person audiological surveillance, tele-audiological surveillance resulted in cost saving of USD 47 per individual.

CONCLUSION

Tele-audiological surveillance was beneficial for the purpose of identifying and providing treatment in patients having CLP with MEDs in rural locations.

Clear cell, giant myoepithelioma of tongue base: a diagnostic and surgical challenge

Clear cell variant is a rare histological type of myoepithelioma seen in parotid and soft palate. This article describes clear cell variant of myoepithelioma in the tongue base, which has not been reported in the literature so far. A 34-year-old man presented with dysphagia and foreign body sensation of throat. Video laryngostroboscopy using a 70° rigid telescope showed a smooth globular mass in the oropharynx arising from the tongue base. Based on clinical and radiological findings, the lesion was considered as benign. Fine needle aspiration cytology was not attempted fearing risk of bleeding, aspiration and airway compromise. Hence, an excisional biopsy followed by definitive histopathological examination without frozen section was planned. The patient underwent coblator-assisted excision and subsequently sent for histopathological analysis. There were cuboidal cell nests with abundant clear cytoplasm which stained positive for p63 by immunohistochemistry. This helped in establishing the diagnosis of clear cell myoepithelioma.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: atypical presentation in otorhinolaryngology

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health burden globally more so in low/middle-income countries like India. There is an increase in the prevalence of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) because of HIV epidemics and increased usage of immunomodulating drugs. EPTB constitutes 15%-20% of all patients with TB and >50% of HIV-TB coinfected patients. We present three such atypical presentations of EPTB in head and neck region. EPTB can mimic any disease, hence knowledge of the unusual presentations helps in making early diagnosis and thereby reduces the morbidity and mortality involved with the disease.

Flexible Laryngoscopy in Management of Congenital Stridor

The incidence of congenital stridor is on rise due to improved neonate and infant survival rate. The gold standard investigation for evaluation of stridor is rigid laryngotracheobronchoscopy, but this is invasive and requires general anesthesia. Flexible fibreoptic laryngoscopy, a relatively simple and less invasive procedure can be done under topical anaesthesia for evaluation of stridor. In this study, we have presented our experience of flexible laryngoscopy in children with congenital stridor, their results and management. Laryngomalacia was the commonest cause of stridor accounting for 80% of cases. 15% (6) patients required tracheostomy for relieving airway obstruction and 22.5% (9) patients required a definitive surgical procedure for correcting the cause. Flexible laryngoscopy is safe and gives a comprehensive analysis of airway including its dynamic functions. We also recommend flexible laryngoscopy as a frontline investigation for evaluation of stridor.

An unusual position of retromandibular vein: a surgical challenge in parotid surgeries

A 44-year-old man presented with swelling in the left parotid region. The swelling was firm and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology report proved pleomorphic adenoma. In the CT scan, the tumour was confined to the superficial lobe of parotid. So, left superficial parotidectomy was planned. Modified Wilson Blair's incision was used. On course of identifying the facial nerve, a large calibre vein was identified running vertically through the parotid substance. Assuming it as retromandibular vein, further dissection was carried out more meticulously. Marginal mandibularbranch of facial nerve was identified near the angle of mandible and retrograde dissection showed the cervicofacial division running medial to retromandibular vein with the main facial nerve trunk lying unusually medial and posterior to it. Adding to it, the temporofacial division was found 'forked' between the branches of retromandibular vein. These variations in head and neck venous channels are not that rare as we believe. All these variations have an embryological basis. Therefore, knowledge and understanding of this complex anatomy will help us preventing devastating complications like bleeding and facial nerve injury in such cases.

Rare presentation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis of the cheek

Extra- pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) has become a rising health problem aided by a pandemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV). It occurs in about 15%-20% of HIV negative immunocompetent individuals and a greater propensity to occur in those with HIV infection. It predominantly affects the lymphatics and other organ systems like – central nervous system, skeletal, pleural etc. Tuberculosis of the cheek is uncommon, and is usually associated with a concomitant oral lesion. Extra-oral Tuberculosis in the absence of an oral lesion, is a unique occurrence. Hence, it can pose a diagnostic challenge especially in a young immunocompetent individual. We therefore report a rare presentation and management of Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis of the Cheek in an immunocompetent 26 year old male.