Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Cyst in a Middle-aged Woman.

Parathyroid cyst is a rare entity that can closely mimic thyroid and brachial cleft cysts, particularly when located within the thyroid gland. Most commonly, the cysts are non-functional but can produce compressive symptoms. The cyst contains watery content with elevated PTH levels, specifying parathyroid origin.

Utility of Smartphone Telemedical Consultations for Peritonsillar Abscess Diagnosis and Triage.

Importance: Telemedicine is rapidly gaining traction as a way to reduce costs and connect patients with medical experts outside their local communities. Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a logical pathologic condition to evaluate for effectiveness of remote diagnosis given its prevalence and the paucity of on-site otolaryngologists at many institutions.

Objective: To explore the potential of otolaryngology telemedical consultation in triaging and diagnosing patients with suspected PTA.

Combination of Melolabial Interpolation Flap and Nasal Sidewall and Cheek Advancement Flaps Allows for Repair of Complex Compound Defects.

Background: The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) is the repair of choice for large nasal defects involving multiple cosmetic subunits. However, the PMFF may not be optimal for all patients. The combination of a melolabial interpolation flap (MLIF) and a nasal sidewall flap may serve as an alternative.

Audiometric assessment of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate hearing impairment in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the AudGen database generated by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Audiograms were analyzed for type of hearing loss (HL), pure-tone-average (PTA), laterality, and change in hearing over time.

Hearing loss in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Objectives: To evaluate the type and severity of hearing impairment in pediatric patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and relate these measures to patient demographics, treatment options, and other otologic factors.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of children with a diagnosis of PCD, Kartagener's syndrome, or situs inversus in the AudGen Database was conducted. Audiograms were analyzed for type of hearing loss (HL), severity, laterality, and progression.

Characteristics and Progression of Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome.

Objectives: To evaluate hearing impairment in children with Down syndrome, and to describe the factors that influence the severity of hearing loss or changes in hearing over time.

Study Design: Using the Audiological and Genetic Database (AudGenDB), audiograms of children with Down syndrome were analyzed retrospectively for type, severity, and laterality of hearing loss, as well as changes over time. Medical charts and imaging results were reviewed to identify factors influencing hearing loss.

Hearing loss in children with growth hormone deficiency.

Objective: Although insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been shown to be important for inner-ear development in animal models, little is known about the otologic and audiologic findings of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing impairment in children with GHD.

Methods: Audiologic, otologic, and demographic data were recorded for children with a diagnosis of GHD in the AudGen database.

Propionibacterium skull base osteomyelitis complicated by internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm.

The microbiology of skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is evolving. We present here the first case of SBO caused by Propionibacterium acnes leading to the development of a pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Otolaryngologists should recognize this pathogen as a potential cause of invasive temporal bone infection to optimize prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing Practice Gaps in Cutaneous Surgery: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment.

Importance: Cutaneous surgery is performed by otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, dermatologic surgeons, and some primary care physicians. Practice gaps exist among cutaneous surgeons, as do differences in how different physicians approach preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative decision-making.

Objective: To present the newest and best evidence to close common practice gaps in cutaneous surgery.

Audiologic and otologic phenotype in children with Duane's Retraction Syndrome: A rare ophthalmologic disorder.

Objective: The focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, type, and severity of hearing impairment in patients with Duane's Retraction Syndrome and to relate these measures to patient demographics and other otologic and audiologic factors.

Study Design: Retrospective AudGen Database analysis

Setting: Tertiary academic referral center

Patients: Pediatric patients in AudGenDB with a diagnosis of Duane's Retraction Syndrome (DRS).

Interventions: Appropriate audiologic, otologic, and demographic data were recorded.

Hormone receptor expression in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous sarcoma for which the exact etiology is unknown. Case reports exist of DFSP appearing and growing rapidly during pregnancy, suggesting a hormonal role.

Objective: Our goal was to determine the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) in patients with DFSP.

Pediatric epidermoid cysts masquerading as ranulas: A case series.

Pediatric neck masses represent a variety of differential diagnoses. A common pathology in pediatric cystic neck tumors include ranulas, mucus retention cysts due to salivary gland obstruction. Epidermoid cysts are lesions infrequently encountered in the pediatric population and may appear similarly to ranulas on computed tomography imaging.

Incidence and Survival of Primary Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in the United States.

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous sarcoma for which data on risk factors, incidence, and survival are limited.

Objective: The authors sought to establish a comprehensive report on the incidence of and survival from primary DFSP.

Methods: The authors used data from the 18 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from 2000 to 2010.

Melanoma Incidence in Children and Adolescents: Decreasing Trends in the United States.

Objective: To assess trends in the incidence of melanoma in children and adolescents in the US from 2000-2010.

Study Design: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry data, we calculated age-adjusted incidence rates of melanoma in children and adolescents (age <20 years) from 2000-2010, as well as annual percent changes. We analyzed incidence trends using joinpoint regression models.

A qualitative analysis of faculty motivation to participate in otolaryngology simulation boot camps.

Objectives/hypothesis: To characterize factors that motivate faculty to participate in Simulation-Based Boot Camps (SBBC); to assess whether prior exposure to Simulation-Based Medical Education (SBME) or duration (years) of faculty practice affects this motivation.

Study Design: Qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews of faculty.

Methods: Interviews of 35 (56%) of 62 eligible faculty including demographic questions, and scripted, open-ended questions addressing motivation.