Cholesteatoma extending into the sternocleidomastoid muscle presenting as a Bezold abscess

Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic cystic lesion arising in the middle ear cleft with the propensity to spread and recur after surgery, but it is unusual to find cholesteatoma invading sternocleidomastoid muscle after 15 years of modified radical mastoidectomy and presenting as Bezold abscess. In this report, the authors highlight the fact that cholesteatoma recurrence if neglected can present as a Bezold abscess with the invasion of cholesteatoma from the mastoid tip into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This requires complete excision of the cholesteatoma sac along with the surrounding soft tissue.

On the function of biosynthesized cellulose as barrier against bacterial colonization of VAD drivelines

Bacterial colonization of drivelines represents a major adverse event in the implantation of left ventricular assist devices (L-VADs) for the treatment of congestive heart failure. From the external driveline interface and through the skin breach, pathogens can ascend to the pump pocket, endangering the device function and the patient’s life. Surface Micro-Engineered Biosynthesized cellulose (BC) is an implantable biomaterial, which minimizes fibrotic tissue deposition and promotes healthy tissue regeneration. The topographic arrangement of cellulose fibers and the typical material porosity support its potential protective function against bacterial permeation; however, this application has not been tested in clinically relevant animal models. Here, a goat model was adopted to evaluate the barrier function of BC membranes. The external silicone mantle of commercial L-VAD drivelines was implanted percutaneously with an intervening layer of BC to separate them from the surrounding soft tissue. End-point evaluation at 6 and 12 weeks of two separate animal groups revealed the local bacterial colonization at the different interfaces in comparison with unprotected driveline mantle controls. The results demonstrate that the BC membranes established an effective barrier against the bacterial colonization of the outer driveline interface. The containment of pathogen infiltration, in combination with the known anti-fibrotic effect of BC, may promote a more efficient immune clearance upon driveline implantation and support the efficacy of local antibiotic treatments, therefore mitigating the risk connected to their percutaneous deployment.

1345 A Punch Above the Rest: A High Yield Modification of The Diagnostic Nailbed Biopsy

Aim Diagnostic nailbed biopsy is indicated for pathology including malignancy, persistent and suspected mycomial infection and rheumatological disease. Operatively, the challenge resides in establishing an equilibrium between harvesting ample histological sample for diagnostic value without the creation of a functionally and aesthetically unacceptable nail due to significant disruption of the nailbed. We illustrate a simple and reproducible biopsy technique through one small forgiving defect without disruption of surrounding soft tissue. Method The procedure is carried out under normal sterile conditions with local anaesthetic and a ring tourniquet. A 5mm punch biopsy is taken of the nail, adjacent to the eponychium, followed by a 4mm punch biopsy of the underlying nailbed at a 45-degree angle. The subungual surface of the nail is tangentially transected generating a mycomial sample and the nailbed is sent for histology. The remaining nail is replaced if not required for histology, and cyanoacrylate glue applied followed by a finger dressing. Results Figures show an example of how the nail biopsy is carried out. Biopsy sample and the resulting defect in the nail is also displayed. Conclusions The double punch technique reliably harvests adequate diagnostic specimens through one wound, without the disruption of adjacent nail plate, nailbed and perionychium. This is even more a priority when histology identifies no pathology requiring further operative resection. Whilst the nail undergoes its normal growth cycle post-operatively, aesthetically, the fingertip does not draw undue patient dissatisfaction once the dressing is removed in comparison to alternative biopsy techniques.

Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer worldwide with an estimated annual incidence of 2 million in the United States. Majority of the patients present with a suspicious skin lesion with surrounding soft tissue destruction, but distant metastasis is rare, reportedly in less than 0.05-0.1% of all cases. So far, around 350 cases have been reported with majority of metastases occurring in primary lesions of head and neck. Here, we present a patient with high-risk BCC lesion presenting with distant metastasis.

Challenges of an unusual Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: case report

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is the most worrying radiotherapy late complication. It is a condition in which the irradiated bone becomes devitalized and exposed through fistulas in the skin or mucosa. It remains without healing for a period of at least three months. Despite being a well-known entity to the professionals who treat neoplasms of the head and neck, the disease has many controversies. From its classifications to its best treatment plan. Its main signs and symptoms are pain, drainage of secretion, fistulas, ulcers of the oral mucosa, bone exposure, bone necrosis, and the surrounding soft tissue. This study aims to report a clinical case of a patient with ORN in the jaw treated at Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health and the General Roberto Santos Hospital. A 60-year-old-male patient with a malignant neoplasm in the tonsil region, was diagnosed with ORN in mandible region, three years after radiotherapy. The treatment proposal was conservative (ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen and chlorexidine mouth rinse) associated with surgical debridement, with good results that involved the patient’s rehabilitation. It is concluded that the association of conservative therapies with surgery demonstrated satisfactory results and improving the quality of life of cancer patients with ORN.

Droopy swelling behind the ear lobe mimicking cyst or cancer

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts occur anywhere from the skin covering the body. Clinicians and Surgeons often have an indicative impasse as there are plenty of cystic lesions in the Head and Neck region. Clinically, these cysts are asymptomatic that appear as uniform, round, doughy masses with a tiny surface opening. If by chance cyst gets infected the lining ruptures that spills out cheesy keratin debris into surrounding soft tissue giving rise to local tenderness and swelling.

Empyema necessitans with osteomyelitis of fifth rib due to Nocardia farcinica: a case report

Background Empyema necessitans is a rare pulmonary condition described as the presence of pus in the pleural cavity with insidious extension into the surrounding soft tissue. The common microbial aetiology of empyema necessitans is tuberculosis. Nocardiosis a cause of empyema necessitans is rarely described in the literature. We herein present a case of an 80-year-old male with empyema necessitans with osteomyelitis of rib caused by Nocardia farcinica. Case presentation An 80-year-old male presented with complaints of soft swelling on the left lower posterior chest wall associated with dry cough and breathlessness on exertion. Computed Tomography (CT) thorax demonstrated empyema necessitans with features of left fifth rib osteomyelitis. Radiological guided aspiration of the chest wall collection revealed Nocardia species and surgical drainage of abscess was performed. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) identified the isolate as Nocardia farcinica. He was treated with three-drug regimen: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amikacin and ceftriaxone for 2 weeks. After showing improvement patient was discharged and advised to take oral Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the next 6 months with periodic follow-up. Conclusions As our case demonstrates, the possibility of invasive Nocardiosis should not be overlooked even in immunocompetent patients. Clinicians should aware of this rare entity while treating patients with empyema necessitans.

SYMPTOMATIC SOLITARY OSTEOCHONDROMA OF PROXIMAL RADIUS IN AN ELDERLY FEMALE: A CASE REPORT

Osteochondroma is a common benign tumor in adolescence but is unusual in elderly age group with atypical site of presentation as proximal radius. Osseous lesions at the level of proximal forearm have often lead to limitations in movements and impingement on surrounding soft tissue structures. Here, we describe a case of a 61 year old female who presented with gross restrictions of forearm rotations with progressively increasing swelling over the proximal forearm. Imaging studies hinted at an osseous lesion with a cartilaginous cap. Surgical excision was done due to rapidly growing mass with functional restrictions. Incidental adjoining bursitis was seen intra-operatively and histopathology conrmed the diagnosis. Patient regained full range of motion and was asymptomatic postoperatively at 8 weeks. Atypical presentations though rare, are a possibility and so surgeons should be aware for appropriate management of these tumors.

Closed-Incision and Surrounding Soft Tissue Negative Pressure Dressings in Post-Mastectomy Pre-Pectoral Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: A Pilot Study

Background: Closed-incision and surrounding soft tissue negative pressure therapy (cistNPT) is theorized to decrease infection, reduce tissue edema, and promote healing of the mastectomy skin flap. We report our early experience with this dressing in pre-pectoral direct-to-implant (pDTI) breast reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent post-mastectomy pDTI breast reconstruction with cistNPT between July 2019 and February 2020. All reconstructions utilized smooth round silicone gel implants and human acellular dermal matrix. Results: Thirty-five female patients underwent 58 mastectomies. Mean age and body mass index were 49.9 years and 28.9 kg/m2, respectively. Eleven (31.4%) patients had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The mean sternal notch-to-nipple distance was 27.0 cm. The median specimen weight was 483 g, while the median implant volume was 495 cc. The mean implant-to-specimen ratio was 1.4 for nipple-sparing, 1.1 for skin-sparing, and 0.7 for skin-reducing mastectomy. Total drain volume was 483.1 cc from each breast. Post-operative complications included seroma (5.2%), peri-incisional necrosis (8.6%), and superficial skin epidermolysis (13.8%). There were no cases of surgical site infection, dehiscence, or hematoma. Rate of return to the operative room was 3.4%. Mean follow-up was 90 days. Conclusions: In our series of pDTI breast reconstructions with cistNPT, no patients experienced hematoma, dehiscence, or infection complications. Rates of seroma, skin necrosis requiring operative debridement, and total drain volumes were lower than those reported in literature.