Brainstem and Cerebellar Involvement in Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

We present a case of a 62-year-old Caucasian male with laryngeal cancer and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome otherwise known as herpes zoster oticus due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Classic findings include the triad of ipsilateral facial paralysis, otic pain, and herpetic lesions in the sensory supply of the facial nerve. The common pathogenesis is associated with anterograde axonal reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion.

Giant atypical carcinoid of the liver with vascular metastases and local sinusoidal invasion: a case report.

We present the case of a 46 year old woman with a giant, 23-centimeter, atypical carcinoid of the liver. A primary site for this neoplasm could not be identified despite multiple radiographic imaging studies, including a somatostatin scan, and a thorough inspection of the bowel during surgical resection of the lesion. Histologically, the tumor displayed mild cytologic atypia, abundant necrosis, and intravascular metastases, the last feature of which was identified by immunohistochemical markers for chromogranin and synaptophysin.

Kicking butts: smoking cessation update.

Tobacco is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the history of mankind. Smoking cessation has occupied a significant amount of research to help smokers quit to avoid the health risks. In this paper, we will discuss the methods available for smoking cessation.

An overview of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a common hereditary disorder that results from abnormal Alpha Antitrypsin production. This predisposes patients to early onset emphysema especially when exposed to tobacco smoke. Early recognition is important.

Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, serious and potentially fatal event. Due to the serious nature of this ailment and since therapy is usually with long-term anticoagulation, it is important for the clinician to be able to diagnose or exclude acute PE. Several diagnostic options are available to the clinician, and below is a review of the more common modalities.

Community acquired pneumonia.

Community acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The American Thoracic Society, Infectious Disease Society of America and the British Thoracic Society have furnished very comprehensive guidelines for the evaluation and management of this disease. This article reviews and summarizes the important issues in the etiology, diagnosis and community acquired pneumonia.