MyMedR

Fulltext Tuberculous granuloma of maxillary antrum and ethmoid sinus mimicking malignancy and trigeminal neuralgia: A case report and review of the literature

Penjor D, Chong AW

SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2021;9:2050313X211039733.

PMID: 34394941 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X211039733

Tuberculosis is a multi-system disease, but paranasal sinuses involvement is uncommon, and most cases occur secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous granuloma of the paranasal sinuses is rare and only a few cases are reported. Due to non-specific ways of clinical presentations, diagnosis of paranasal tuberculosis can be missed, delayed or confused with other entities like malignancy. We present an uncommon case of tuberculous granuloma of the left maxillary antrum and ethmoid sinus in a 56-year-old man which mimicked trigeminal neuralgia and malignancy. Medial maxillectomy and anterior ethmoidectomy with clearance of the lesion followed by antituberculous treatment prevented permanent loss of his vision. Depending on the chief complaints, patients may present to various specialties. Early cross-referral is important for early diagnosis, appropriate management and prevention of complications.

Fulltext A case of Kaposi's sarcoma of tonsil with profuse bleeding in an HIV-positive patient

Penjor D, Chong AW

SAGE Open Med Case Rep, 2021;9:2050313X211066411.

PMID: 34987817 DOI: 10.1177/2050313X211066411

Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common AIDS-associated malignancy. Kaposi's sarcoma in the oral cavity and oropharynx present as a macular, papular, or nodular lesion on the palate, gingiva, or tongue which may look pink, reddish, or purplish. Kaposi's sarcoma of the tonsils is relatively less common compared with other sites in the oral cavity and oropharynx. We report a case of Kaposi's sarcoma of tonsil with profuse bleeding requiring emergency tracheostomy to protect the airway followed by tonsillectomy to control the bleeding. Our initial diagnosis was hemangioma or a pyogenic granuloma. The patient tested positive for a retroviral infection and the histopathology report was compatible with Kaposi's sarcoma. Antiretroviral therapy and radiotherapy were given after stabilizing the patient. Kaposi's sarcoma of tonsils is relatively uncommon and it is unusual to cause profuse bleeding. Various treatment options are available but there are no standard treatment protocols. Treatments options depend on the site, size, stage, and immune status of the patient.

Keratosis Obturans: A Disease of the Tropics?

Chong AW, Raman R

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2017 Sep;69(3):291-295.

PMID: 28929057 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-017-1071-z

Keratosis obturans appears to be an obscure and relatively uncommon entity, even in literature search of journals and reference texts, so much so that there is not even any prevalence or incidence statistics available. However, the condition did not appear to be as uncommon based on our clinical observations. We have managed to obtain 64 patients representing 67 ears with keratosis obturans in our study period of about 18 months with a pattern of occurrence during this period. Humid weather seemed to play a role in the frequency of its appearance during certain period in our observation. There also appears to be a correlation between the severity of symptoms (predominantly pain and hearing loss) and the presenting appearance of the condition, i.e., presence or absence of granulation tissue, as well as that the degree of difficulty in exenteration of the keratosis obturans (matrix and content) depending on the expansion of the bony canal. Our figures showed the majority of the patients are females and young individuals, the majority of them occur unilaterally. The condition also appear to stop short of involving the tympanic membrane with only the bony canal being expanded with the surrounding oedema creating an apparent "canal stenosis".

Fulltext Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone

Mallina S, Philip R, Chong AW, Gurdeep S

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):160-1.

PMID: 18705453 MyJurnal

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign disease characterized by a progressive replacement of normal bone elements with fibrous tissue and the temporal bone involvement is uncommon. It has a male:female ratio of 2:1 and is seen more commonly in the first two decades of life. Diagnosis is made based on radiological findings and the modality of treatment is mainly conservative. However, surgery is reserved for preserving function and preventing complications. Fibrous dysplasia in the region of craniofacial bones is of particular interest to the otolaryngologist as it causes deformity and dysfunction that can be debilitating. We present a 49 year old Chinese gentleman with complaints of chronic dizziness over the last one year and had no obvious hearing impairment. Computed tomography of the mastoid revealed fibrous dysplasia of the right temporal bone. This case is of particular interest due to the late presentation as it is more commonly seen in the first two decades of life.

Objective and subjective changes in voice after endoscopic sinus surgeries in patients with and without nasal polyps

Wong EHC, Chong AW

Am J Otolaryngol, 2019 12 05;41(2):102367.

PMID: 31831185 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.102367

BACKGROUND: Many studies have looked at the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS) on nasalance, nasal consonant and nasalized vowels. Only two studies investigated the effect of FESS on vocal sound quality and have not found statistically significant changes before and after operations. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term and long-term objective and subjective changes in the vocal quality of patients after FESS, comparing patients with and without nasal polyps.

METHODS: Sixteen patients were recruited for voice analysis during pre-operative, within two weeks and at least three months post-operatively. Subjective questionnaire was used to assess perception of voice changes.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant changes in the acoustic parameters of patients with nasal polyposis. In patients with CRS without polyps, there was a statistically significant increase in fundamental frequency (F0) in nasal sound during early follow up. The changes in soft phonation index (SPI) values between the two groups were statistically significant during early follow-ups. Only patients with nasal polyposis perceived a subjective change in their voice post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should inform all patients, especially voice professionals about the possible effects of endoscopic sinus surgeries on their voice quality.

Ectopic tooth within a maxillary odontogenic myxoma

Tan SH, Chong AW

Postgrad Med J, 2021 Apr 20.

PMID: 33879547 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-139837

Nasopharyngeal Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma-Master of Masquerade

D'Oliveiro JJ, Chong AW

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 2023 Nov;132(11):1483-1486.

PMID: 36941748 DOI: 10.1177/00034894231159325

OBJECTIVES: To highlight a case of nasopharyngeal Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma (REAH) in a female patient with chronic nasal block.

METHODS: A single case report of a female patient with the diagnosis of REAH, detailing her presenting symptoms, clinical findings, management and follow up.

RESULTS: Histopathological assessment of the excised nasopharyngeal polyp was consistent with a diagnosis of REAH with a discussion on the disease and its current literature reviews.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of REAH within the nasopharynx remain rare with only few cases described in literature, especially in females.

Fulltext Three cases of head and neck schwannomas: varied clinical presentation

Philip R, Chong AW, Rosalind S, Gurdeep S, Kalyani S

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):175-6.

PMID: 18705460 MyJurnal

Schwannomas are benign tumors. A series of three unusual cases involving the head and neck region at the Department of ENT, Hospital Ipoh from July 2004 to June 2005 is presented. The first case was a pedunculated schwannoma of the tongue base. The second was a schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain who developed a transient Horner's Syndrome upon fine needle aspiration cytology. The third case was a bilobed cervical vagal schwannoma which developed immediate vocal cord palsy postoperatively which was evident at six months follow-up. All tumors were removed surgically.

Atypical Isolated Infections of the Infratemporal Fossa: A Diagnostic Challenge

Tan SH, Chong AW, Prepageran N

Iran J Otorhinolaryngol, 2015 Sep;27(82):391-4.

PMID: 26568944

INTRODUCTION: Atypical infratemporal fossa infections are rare and potentially fatal.

CASE REPORT: A case of an aspergillosis localized in the infratemporal fossa and another case of tuberculosis of the infratemporal fossa originating from the maxillary sinus, is described. The first patient was immunocompromised and showed symptoms of facial numbness; whereas the other was an immunocompetent man who complained of trigeminal neuralgia type pain. It was difficult to differentiate between infection and tumour despite the utilization of computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSION: These cases illustrate the need for a high index of suspicion; in addition to endoscopic confirmation and histopathology to establish precise diagnosis and early intervention.

Is Daycare Tonsillectomy Safe?

Wong HT, Sien Hui T, Chong AW

Iran J Otorhinolaryngol, 2016 May;28(86):183-8.

PMID: 27429946

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures performed by Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon. Usually, the procedure is carried out as an inpatient surgery. With the increasing need to reduce healthcare costs, spare precious hospital beds, and shorten elective surgery lists, there is currently a trend towards performing tonsillectomy on a daycare basis.

Pulmonary hypertension and echocardiogram parameters in obstructive sleep apnea

Wong HT, Chee KH, Chong AW

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2017 Jun;274(6):2601-2606.

PMID: 28243782 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-017-4491-1

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a growing health hazard in the United States and worldwide. OSA is now recognized as a disorder with systemic manifestations and its association with obesity and adverse cardiovascular consequences. There is increasing evidence that OSA may be associated with systemic hypertension and an increased incidence of stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias. Less information is available about the association between OSA and pulmonary hypertension (PH). We therefore conduct this study to look at the prevalence of the pulmonary hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea patient and to identify risk factors leading to pulmonary hypertension among OSA patient. We studied and analyzed all OSA patient confirmed by polysomnograph in the year 2015. Twenty-five patients with OSA were included in this study with prevalence of pulmonary hypertension of 16%. Univariate analysis of various factors revealed a statistically significant association between having the lowest SpO2 of <70% and pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.016). There were no statistically significant associations between age, gender, smoking status, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), or apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) with occurrence of pulmonary hypertension. AHI is not a good predictor for pulmonary hypertension. The real value of using AHI to predict the health risk of OSA is doubtful. We recommend routine echocardiogram among OSA patient. The objective information in the echocardiogram provides evidence for counseling of patient with disease of OSA and hence hopefully can improve compliance of patient to treatment especially usage of CPAP.

Fulltext The Role of Occlusion of the External Ear Canal in Hearing Loss

Narayanan DA, Raman R, Chong AW

Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2019 Sep;57(3):122-126.

PMID: 31620693 DOI: 10.5152/tao.2019.3875

Objective: The objectives are to determine and compare the degrees of hearing loss upon occlusion of the cartilaginous and the bony portion of the external ear canal (EAC).

Methods: There were 20 healthy participants with normal ears, and all gave an informed consent. After an otoscopy, a baseline pure tone audiogram (PTA) was conducted. If the PTA of the participant was normal, aqueous cream was applied with a syringe via an 18 G cannula, from the tympanic membrane up to the isthmus which corresponds to the bony ear canal. A second PTA was conducted, and subsequently the cream was removed via suction under microscope guidance. The procedure was then repeated with the cream applied from the isthmus to the aperture of the external ear canal using the same cannula followed by a PTA and removal of cream under microscope.

Results: The mean threshold difference of occlusion at both portions of the ear canal were compared and analyzed. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the cartilaginous EAC was 37.5 to 48 dB. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the bony EAC was less, with a range of 21 to 24.95dB. There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) in the hearing loss between the blockage of the cartilaginous canal versus the blockage of the bony canal with a maximum difference at 2kHz.

Conclusion: Cartilaginous block of the external ear canal causes more hearing loss than block of the bony ear canal. This correlates with the concept and properties of sound waves, resonance and impedance.

A case of nasal chromoblastomycosis causing epistaxis

Penjor D, Khizuan AK, Chong AW, Wong KT

J Laryngol Otol, 2014 Dec;128(12):1117-9.

PMID: 25382114 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215114002655

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that most commonly affects the feet and lower limbs. It is rare for this infection to occur on the face, and it is exceptionally rare for it to involve the nose and sinuses. This paper reports a rare case of nasal chromoblastomycosis in a 50-year-old Malaysian male.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: comparison of two cases and review of the literature

Tan SH, Chong AW, Nazarina AR, Prepageran N

Otolaryngol Pol, 2014 Sep-Oct;68(5):268-70.

PMID: 25283325 DOI: 10.1016/j.otpol.2013.09.003

We describe a rare case of BSCC in the retromolar trigone with only 3 other cases in the literature and also compare the differences between 2 cases of BSCC in terms of presentation and progression. The first patient had a markedly slower progression with painful retromolar trigone swelling over 4 months without nodal metastases. In contrast, the second patient gave a 2-week history of neck swelling with nodal involvement, indicating extremely rapid progression. Our management was tailored accordingly with the first patient undergoing intraoral excision of tumour and adjuvant radiotherapy while the other had bilateral neck dissection with postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Both patients achieved good outcome and are free from disease.

Iatrogenic tracheal flap mimicking tracheal stenosis with resultant stridor

Tan KL, Chong AW, Amin MA, Raman R

J Laryngol Otol, 2012 Jul;126(7):751-5.

PMID: 22578299 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215112000795

To illustrate a case of an iatrogenic mucosal tear in the trachea which caused a one-way valve effect, obstructing the airway and manifesting as post-extubation stridor.

Velopharyngeal and choanal stenosis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Hussein J, Tan TS, Chong AW, Narayanan P, Omar R

Auris Nasus Larynx, 2013 Jun;40(3):323-6.

PMID: 22652485 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2012.05.004

Choanal stenosis is a well recognized late complication of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However velopharyngeal stenosis post radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is rare. We present here a case of bilateral choanal stenosis and velopharyngeal stenosis in a patient treated with radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A 58-year-old woman presented to our otolaryngology clinic with a one year history of nasal obstruction. She was diagnosed to have nasopharyngeal carcinoma 12 years ago for which she received radiotherapy. Clinical examination revealed bilateral choanal stenosis and velopharyngeal stenosis. Treatment of choanal stenosis and velopharyngeal stenosis is challenging due to high incidence of recurrence and patients frequently require multiple procedures. The patient underwent a transnasal endoscopic excision of velopharyngeal scar tissue and widening of posterior choana using Surgitron®, mitomycin-C applied topically to the surgical wound and bilateral stenting under general anesthesia. The stents were kept for two weeks, and 3 years post operation velopharyngeal aperture and posterior choana remained patent. As illustrated in this case velopharyngeal stenosis can occur after radiotheraphy and should not be overlooked. Combine modality of transnasal endoscopic excision of velopharyngeal scar tissue, widening of choanal stenosis with Surgitron® followed by the application of mitomycin-C and stenting has been shown to be an effective option.
Study site: ENT clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fulltext Cat scratch disease: a diagnostic dilemma

Lina LC, Rosalind S, Chong AW, Toha A, Shaffie B

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Jun;65(2):155-6.

PMID: 23756805 MyJurnal

Cat scratch disease (CSD) caused by Bartonella henselae is the most common Bartonella infection worldwide. CSD usually presents as self-limiting lymphadenitis characterized by lymphadenopathy that occurs after contact with a cat and the symptoms resolve within 2 to 4 months. Serology testing is the cornerstone of diagnosis. However, it may require the use of clinical specimens for microbiologic evaluation for diagnosis. A number of antimicrobial agents have been advocated for the treatment of cat-scratch disease and treatment with azithromycin has been shown to be beneficial.

Bilateral asymmetrical mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses with unilateral orbital complications

Chong AW, Prepageran N, Rahmat O, Subrayan V, Jalaludin MA

Ear Nose Throat J, 2011 Feb;90(2):E13.

PMID: 21328215

We report the rare occurrence of bilateral asymmetrical mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses that resulted in a unilateral orbital complication. The patient was a 47-year-old woman who presented with complaints of diplopia, blurred vision, and protrusion of her right eye that had progressed over a period of several months following an upper respiratory tract infection. Computed tomography detected the presence of two large, asymmetrical mucoceles. The lesion on the right involved the frontal and ethmoid sinuses, and the one on the left involved the ethmoid sinus. The mucoceles were locally expansile and had eroded the surrounding bony structures on the right. The expansile nature of the right-sided mass had displaced the right orbit, which was the cause of the vision deterioration. Transnasal endoscopic surgery was performed to excise and marsupialize the mucoceles. This modality was preferred over conventional open surgery because it affords good visualization, it is safe, and it is a less morbid procedure. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged home on the third postoperative day. On continuing follow-up, her vision had improved, her intraocular pressure had returned to normal, and her orbits were in their normal position. Based on our literature search, no case of bilateral frontal and ethmoid sinus mucoceles has been previously reported.

Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Ball-Valve Laryngeal Obstruction

Tan SH, Hindi KW, Chandran PA, Chong AW

Iran J Otorhinolaryngol, 2015 May;27(80):243-6.

PMID: 26082908

INTRODUCTION: A rare case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the larynx, which has not been previously reported, is described.

CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man was presented to the Otolaryngology Department with progressive dyspnoea and dysphagia to solids for over a period of 1 week. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a tumour at the laryngeal aspect of the epiglottis, which prolapsed into the laryngeal inlet each time the patient inspired. This resulted in an inspiratory stridor despite adequate glottic opening and normal mobility of the vocal cords.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, in cases where a ball-valve lesion causes intermittent life-threatening airway obstruction, BSCC of the larynx, though rare, must be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Fulltext Pre-auricular sinus: an uncommon presentation

Ng JWS, Chew YK, Tan KL, Chong AW

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(1):32-33.

PMID: 25606218 MyJurnal

An infected pre-auricular sinus presenting as a post-auricular swelling is commonly misdiagnosed as an infected dermoid or sebaceous cyst. It may even mimic a mastoid abscess leading to further unwarranted investigations and interventions. We present a case of a 25-year-old Malay man who was initially diagnosed with recurrent infected dermoid cyst. At presentation, a right post-auricular inflamed swelling was noted with an overlying old incision and drainage scar. An auricular pit was found at the crus of helix. Using a blunt probe inserted along the sinus tract pus was drained without the need for further surgical incision. Six weeks after the acute episode, patient underwent excision of the pre-auricular sinus with no evidence of recurrence at three months follow up. Awareness by the attending physician of this ‘variant type’ of pre-auricular sinus at patient’s first presentation may negate the need for unnecessary incision and drainage which may subsequently impact the outcome of surgical excision and reduce the risk of recurrence.

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