European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Aug 2007
Case ReportsOtogenic cerebellar abscess due to purulent labyrinthitis and defect of the superior semicircular canal and its propagation through the endolymphatic sac.
The otogenic cerebellar abscess still is one of the most dangerous complications of otitis media and implicates a high risk of mortality. Early diagnosis and therapy are decisive factors for the chances of rehabilitation. Radiologic imaging (CT/MRI) plays an important role. ⋯ Consequently, it could be cured ultimately only after petrosectomy and abscess drainage toward the mastoid cavity. It is mandatory to completely sanitize the infection surgically in order to avoid lethal complication especially in case of a delayed clinical course or recurrent symptoms of labyrinth involvement. Close interdisciplinary collaboration between ORL, neurosurgery and neuroradiology is desirable for successful therapy.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Aug 2007
Case ReportsLaryngeal plasmacytoma presenting as amyloid tumour: a case report.
Laryngeal amyloidosis can be secondary to an underlying lymphoid neoplastic process and in view of this concept; the cases of localized laryngeal amyloidosis should be carefully examined and investigated for the presence of a lymphomatous process. The study design is case report. We report the case of a 64-year-old man with progressive hoarseness. ⋯ The majority of the cases reported of amyloid deposition with plasmacytoma, the lesions were found in the nasopharynx, in contrast to our case in which the lesions were sited in the larynx and with the peculiarity of being multiples. Moreover, amyloid and plasmacytoma were clearly delimitated and the amyloid tissue was more extensive than the tumour tissue. This case supports the concept that localized laryngeal amyloidosis may be a manifestation of low-grade B-cell neoplasms.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Aug 2007
A new curved rigid layngoscope to overcome the difficult laryngeal exposure (DLE) in endolaryngeal surgery.
Difficult laryngeal exposure during endolaryngeal surgery is not uncommon; it is more likely to require prolonged or multiple attempts and be associated with complications. To overcome this problem, we have developed a new curved rigid laryngoscope, and we describe here its clinical usefulness in patients with difficult laryngeal exposure. A new rigid laryngoscope with a curvature of 70 degrees was designed to fit the curvature from the base of tongue to the larynx without excessive internal pressure of larynx. ⋯ We accomplished surgery for laryngeal lesions and biopsy successfully without any complications. Postoperative morbidity was minimal. In conclusion, a new curved rigid laryngoscope with a fiberoptic imaging system may provide better laryngeal visualization and less traumatic manipulation in patients with difficult laryngeal exposure.