Is endoscopic optic nerve decompression useful in cases of optic neuropathy secondary to pachymeningitis?

This case reports the outcome of endoscopic optic nerve decompression in a rare case of idiopathic pachymeningitis in a patient solely reliant on the affected eye. A 70 year old man with complete blindness in his left eye presented with deterioration of vision in his right eye. An MRI head and orbits was suggestive of idiopathic pachymeningitis extending into the right orbital apex, causing a compressive optic neuropathy.

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus: a multidisciplinary approach.

A 17-year-old Caucasian male presented to ENT with angular stomatitis, oral ulceration and cervical lymphadenopathy. Over the subsequent 18 months he developed recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, pyrexia of unknown origin, oral ulceration and maxillary sinus osteomyelitis. Extensive investigation ensued from various specialties.

Plasma cell mucositis of the larynx.

Stridor is a symptom with a number of causes, usually identified through careful history taking and examination. When the cause is unclear, as in our case, consider investigations such as blood tests, biopsy, and imaging. We discuss a rare diagnosis of plasma cell mucositis, treated with some success by steroids.

3D Bioprinting and Stem Cells.

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro modeling is increasingly relevant as two-dimensional (2D) cultures have been recognized with limits to recapitulate the complex endogenous conditions in the body. Additionally, fabrication technology is more accessible than ever. Bioprinting, in particular, is an additive manufacturing technique that expands the capabilities of in vitro studies by precisely depositing cells embedded within a 3D biomaterial scaffold that acts as temporary extracellular matrix (ECM).

An Update on the Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells.

The seeming setbacks noted for stem cells underscore the need for experimental studies for safe and efficacious application to patients. Both clinical and experimental researchers have gained valuable knowledge on the characteristics of stem cells, and their behavior in different microenvironment. This introductory chapter focuses on adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based on the predominance in the clinic.

A retrospective study of patient outcomes and satisfaction following pinnaplasty.

Introduction: Up to 5% of all children have prominent ears. Psychological distress and bullying adversely affect these children and can cause significant social exclusion. In times of austerity, cosmetic procedures such as surgical correction of prominent ears are felt to be an unnecessary cost to the health service.

Angioleiomyoma of the larynx: beware the subglottic lesion.

Angioleiomyomas are a benign group of tumours rarely documented in the head and neck region. We present a case of a 47-year-old man attending the ear, nose and throat outpatient clinic, with a history of hoarseness over many years. Investigation revealed a left-sided subglottic lesion.

Subacute bacterial endocarditis secondary to mastoiditis: a rare complication.

Mastoiditis can result from untreated otitis media. If unrecognised, it can result in life-threatening complications. We present a 69-year-old woman with a history of left-sided otitis media admitted to intensive care unit following collapse with a decreasing Glasgow Coma Scale.

UK childbirth delivery options in 2001-2002: alternatives to consultant unit booking and delivery.

Background: Government policy advocates maternal choice in pregnancy care. Two key issues are place of birth and type of lead professional. Anecdotal evidence suggests there is variation in both these issues across the UK, but there has been no recent national assessment of whether maternal options are in line with government policy.