Ramsay Hunt syndrome with multiple cranial neuropathy: a literature review.

Background: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) is a neurotological disorder involving the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve (Sweeney and Gilden in J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 71:149-154, 2001). The characteristic presentation involves ipsilateral lower motor neuron type facial paresis, auricular pain with or without hearing impairment, and vesicular lesions of the external auditory canal and outer ear. Involvement of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerve is typical in RHS, whilst multiple cranial neuropathies are rare and associated with poorer prognosis and systemic complications (Arya et al.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the tonsil with nodal involvement.

We present a rare case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the palatine tonsil with cervical lymph node involvement treated by surgical resection. A 58-year-old Caucasian male presented with a solitary 3 cm x 3 cm jugulodigastric lymph node and was found to have an ipsilateral tonsillar swelling. The involved tonsil and lymph node were surgically resected after two inconclusive fine-needle aspirates, and plasmacytoma was confirmed histologically and by immunocytochemistry.

Surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum following mastoidectomy.

Surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare complications of mastoidectomy probably resulting from the use of a compressed air-powered mastoid drill. Early diagnosis and appropriate management according to the severity is vital.