Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
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Infections of the upper airways are a frequent cause of morbidity in children. Viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) is the most common cause of stridor in children and usually has a self-limited course with occasional relapses in early childhood. ⋯ It can be rapidly fatal, however, if not promptly recognized and appropriately managed. This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these pediatric upper airway infections.
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Deep neck infections present significant morbidity and mortality, particularly when associated with predisposing factors that impair a functional immunologic response. Familiarity with deep neck spaces and fascial planes is critical, because these form the basis for the emergent nature of the disease process. Common and potentially life-threatening complications include airway obstruction, jugular vein thrombosis, descending mediastinitis, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. ⋯ Microbiology typically reveals mixed bacterial flora, including anaerobic species, that can rapidly progress to a fulminating necrotizing fasciitis. The treatment cornerstone remains securing the airway, providing efficient drainage and appropriate antibiotics, and improving immunologic status. A prolonged hospital stay should be anticipated.
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Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2008
ReviewTemporal bone fracture: evaluation and management in the modern era.
Temporal bone fractures occur from high-energy mechanisms, typically but not limited to motor vehicle accidents. However, as the automotive industry continues to introduce improved safety measures, violence and falls account for a larger proportion of cases. Given the great forces involved, temporal bone fractures rarely occur in isolation and initial evaluation must focus on the fundamental ABCs of Advanced Trauma Life Support with special attention to Glasgow Coma Scale, intracranial injury, and cervical spine injury. ⋯ Management algorithms must address immediate (eg, ABCs, neurosurgical issues), short-term (eg, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial nerve injury, hearing loss), long-term (eg, facial nerve injury, hearing loss, vestibular injury), and delayed (eg, encephalocele, cholesteatoma, late meningitis) issues. This article reviews the current state of temporal bone fracture evaluation and management with special attention to mechanisms of injury, clinical presentations and emergency evaluation, and diagnostic workup, including the evolution of radiographic fracture classification systems and electrodiagnostic testing. Discussion of treatment approaches address management of immediate, short-term, long-term, and delayed complications.