Mucosal Hypertrophy Research Articles

Sagittal skeletal correction using symphyseal miniplate anchorage systems : Success rates and complications.

Aim of this study is to evaluate success rates and complications related with symphyseal miniplate anchorage systems used for treatment of Class2 and Class3 deformities. Atotal of 58miniplates applied to 29growing patients were evaluated. The first group comprised 24symphyseal miniplates applied to 12patients and Forsus Fatigue Resistant Devices were attached to the head of the miniplates for mandibular advancement. The second group consisted of 34symphyseal miniplates applied to 17patients and intermaxillary elastics were applied between acrylic appliances placed on the maxillary dental arch and the symphyseal miniplates for maxillary protraction. Success rate and complications of the symphyseal plate-screw anchorage system were evaluated. The overall success rate of symphseal miniplates was 87.9%. Six miniplates showed severe mobility and 2miniplates broke during orthodontic treatment. Infection, miniplate mobility and mucosal hypertrophy were statistically different between the two groups. Symphyseal miniplates were generally used as successful anchorage units in most patients. Infection, mobility, and mucosal hypertrophy occurred more frequently in Class2 deformity correction. However, the success rates regarding the two treatment modalities were comparable.

PS01.097: A CASE OF IGG4-RELATED SCLEROSING ESOPHAGITIS

Abstract Background IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic disease characterized by fibrosing inflammation with an abundance of IgG4-positive plasma cells. IgG4-RD has been found to affect various organs. Many cases of IgG4-RD affecting the extrapancreatic organs have been reported in patients without pancreatic lesions. Methods Sclerosing esophagitis with IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration is very rare disease. We report a case of esophageal benign stricture that was difficult to diagonose. Results A 76-year-old woman had been experiencing slight difficulty in swallowing in the 3 years prior to this presentation. Her dysphagia had progressed and she began to vomit frequently after meals and lost weight while hospitalized after surgery for cervical cancer. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and an esophagram showed circumferential erosion and a stricture of the thoracic esophagus. No malignant cells were identified. However, because it was difficult to exclude a malignant tumor, she underwent esophageal resection. The resected specimen showed stricture with mucosal erosion and transmural wall hypertrophy. On histological examination, transmural hyperplasia consisting of inflammatory granulation tissue with abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells and lymphocytes was observed. Conclusion A probable diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was made because comprehensive diagnostic criteria for this condition were met. IgG4-related esophageal disease presenting as esophageal lesions alone is very rare. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

A novel rat model for assessment of laryngotracheal injury following transoral intubation

ObjectiveLaryngotracheal damage is a well-described complication of endotracheal intubation and animal models are essential for studying the underlying cellular injury cascade. This novel rat model is based on transoral intubation and aims to simulate the common clinical scenario of tube-related airway damage. MethodsProspective randomized control pilot study. 28 male Sprague-Dawley were randomly assigned into three groups: control, 3-h' intubation and 6-h' intubation. The animals were then euthanized and their laryngotracheal complexes sent for histological analysis. Epithelial damage, mucosal thickness and mucosal gland hypertrophy were reviewed. ResultsTotal of 13 control animals and 15 intubated animals. 10 intubated animals survived the study protocol. Loss of epithelial surface architecture including damage to the microscopic ciliary mechanism was a common feature amongst all intubated animals. Average mucosal thickness of the larynx (including vocal cords and subglottic area) was 143 ± 88 μm for control rats, 315 ± 101 μm for rats intubated 3 h and 574 ± 174 μm for rats intubated 6 h .This was a statistically significant difference. Average mucosal gland hypertrophy in the laryngeal subsite was 0.41 ± 0.5 in control rats, 1.4 ± 0.5 in rats intubated 3 h and 2.0 ± 0.0 for rats intubated 6 h (statistically significant difference). There was a clear difference between three and 6 h of intubation with poorer mucosal injury parameters for longer intubation. ConclusionsWe describe a novel rat-based animal model for simulating airway mucosal damage following transoral intubation. This animal model is easy to carry out, reproducible and involves containable animal mortality rates.

Mast Cells Play a Protective Role in Spontaneous Colitis

Abstract Mast cells are modulators of inflammation and are activated during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Previous work has demonstrated that mast cells are proinflammatory in acute models of chemical colitis. However, the role of mast cells in chronic, spontaneous IBD models remains to be fully defined. We hypothesized that mast cells play a protective role in chronic, spontaneous colitis. We compared colitis and intestinal barrier function in IL10−/− mice to mast cell-deficient, colitis prone mice (double knockout (DKO): IL-10−/− x KitWsh/Wsh). Systemic engraftment of DKO mice with mast cells was performed. Mast cell-deficient DKO mice exhibited more severe colitis compared to mice that lacked IL-10 alone, indicated by increased colitis scores, mucosal hypertrophy, increased intestinal permeability, and spontaneous colonic cytokine production. Reconstitution of DKO mice with mast cells prevented colitis (reduced colitis scores, mucosal hypertrophy, TNF, and intestinal permeability). PCR array analyses demonstrated the influence of mast cells on cytokine expression. Analysis of the microbiota revealed sex-specific differences between IL10 and DKO mice, in particular, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a mucus degrader associated with colitis. Derivation of DKO mice into a germ-free environment revealed that the microbiota is required for disease development. RNA-seq on colon samples revealed candidate genes for the protective effects of mast cells. These results demonstrate that mast cell deficiency exacerbates disease in a chronic, spontaneous IBD model, indicating that mast cells may have protective functions in IBD, and potentially other chronic inflammatory disorders.

A Comparative Histological Study of Submucosal Gland Hypertrophy in Trachea of Mice Exposed to Cigarette and Shisha Smoke.

To observe the effects of Shisha smoke on submucosal glands of trachea of mice; and compare it with tracheal glands of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Randomised controlled trial. Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad from October 2013 till April 2014. Sample comprised of 40 adult male mice of strain BALB/c. They were randomly divided into three groups. Control group was labelled as Group 'C'. The mice in this group were kept in a whole body smoke exposure chamber and were exposed to fresh air. Shisha group was labelled as Group 'SS', and the mice in this group were exposed to Shisha smoke. Mice in the third group labelled as Group CS were exposed to cigarette smoke. All the mice were dissected after an exposure period of eight weeks. Tracheal tissue was stained and examined microscopically for submucosal gland hypertrophy and compared with the control group, using Reid's Index. An Index of more than 0.4 is termed as hypertrophy. There was significant submucosal gland hypertrophy in groups CS and SS as compared to group C. There was also significant difference in the frequency of mucosal hypertrophy between SS (93.7%) and CS groups (53.3%), which was found statistically significant (p<0.001). Shisha smoking was significantly associated with mucosal hypertrophy when compared with cigarette smoking and controls. Shishasmoke contains higher level of toxicants as compared to cigarette smoke, and it causes more oxidative damage of tissues.

Mini Inferior Turbinoplasty-Tunneling Technique.

Techniques for inferior turbinate reduction vary with various surgical methods, which differ in the approach of preservation of tissue from total turbinectomy to limited submucosal cauterization. Our preferred method to address hypertrophic inferior turbinate by mini turbinoplasty-tunneling technique are presented. Critical steps include creation of window in the inferior turbinate with a 4mm microdebrider blade and removal of both inferior turbinate mucosal hypertrophy and bony component to convert a convex looking inferior turbinate to concave shape. This allows proper debulking of the entire medial aspect of the inferior turbinate and widening of the nasal valve area. Mini turbinoplasty-tunneling technique for hypertrophic inferior turbinates, is a safe method in achieving turbinate size reduction with minimal morbidity and long-term relief of nasal obstructive symptoms without added risk of complications.

Is HRCT Temporal Bone Necessary in All Cases of Active Squamous Chronic Otitis Media?

To assess the usefulness of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal bones in cases of active squamous chronic otitis media (COM). Comparison of HRCT findings with operative findings. A prospective study of 104 clinically diagnosed patients with COM were included. Each patient was subjected to full clinical evaluation and HRCT temporal bone was done. Preoperative HRCT finding were correlated with surgical findings. The sensitivity of HRCT temporal bone in detecting cholesteatoma was 91.81%. However it could not differentiate cholesteatoma from other soft tissue density like granulation or hypertrophic mucosa or discharge, but soft tissue attenuation content with bone erosion was considered as hallmark of cholesteatoma. The sensitivity and specificity of HRCT for detecting malleus, incus and stapes erosion was 71.5 and 88.5%, 86.3 and 95% and 53.1 and 64.7% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting erosion of lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) was 77.78 and 98.2%. The sensitivity and specificity for facial canal was 80 and 100%. HRCT gives excellent details about the extent of cholesteatoma with reasonable accuracy in expert hands. It helps to warn the surgeon about anatomical variations preoperatively and detects complications if any. It effectively depicts integrity or erosion of dural plate, sinus plate, LSCC, facial nerve. Malleus and incus are seen reasonably well but status of stapes are not recorded effectively.

Mast Cells Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects in an IL10-/- Model of Spontaneous Colitis.

Mast cells are well established as divergent modulators of inflammation and immunosuppression, but their role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains to be fully defined. While previous studies have demonstrated a proinflammatory role for mast cells in acute models of chemical colitis, more recent investigations have shown that mast cell deficiency can exacerbate inflammation in spontaneous colitis models, thus suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory role of mast cells in IBD. Here, we tested the hypothesis that in chronic, spontaneous colitis, mast cells are protective. We compared colitis and intestinal barrier function in IL10−/− mice to mast cell deficient/IL10−/− (double knockout (DKO): KitWsh/Wsh × IL10−/−) mice. Compared with IL10−/− mice, DKO mice exhibited more severe colitis as assessed by increased colitis scores, mucosal hypertrophy, intestinal permeability, and colonic cytokine production. PCR array analyses demonstrated enhanced expression of numerous cytokine and chemokine genes and downregulation of anti-inflammatory genes (e.g., Tgfb2, Bmp2, Bmp4, Bmp6, and Bmp7) in the colonic mucosa of DKO mice. Systemic reconstitution of DKO mice with bone marrow-derived mast cells resulted in significant amelioration of IL10−/−-mediated colitis and intestinal barrier injury. Together, the results presented here demonstrate that mast cells exert anti-inflammatory properties in an established model of chronic, spontaneous IBD. Given the previously established proinflammatory role of mast cells in acute chemical colitis models, the present findings provide new insight into the divergent roles of mast cells in modulating inflammation during different stages of colitis. Further investigation of the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory role of the mast cells may elucidate novel therapies.

Cone-beam computed tomography versus orthopantomography in sinus lift procedures: Two-dimensional versus three-dimensional imaging

Context: The present study was undertaken to do a comparative evaluation of the role of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and orthopantomography (OPG) for preoperative implant planning in combination with sinus grafting procedures to assess sinus anatomy and morphology and the existing bone height in three-dimensions (3D). Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess sinus anatomy and morphology and the existing bone height in all the 3D. Materials and Methods: Pre- and postoperative assessment of maxillary sinuses was done in 17 patients who underwent implant therapy in combination with sinus augmentation procedures using CBCT and OPG. These patients were subjected to orthopantomographs and CBCT imaging both preoperatively and postoperatively. CBCT imaging helped decide the type of sinus augmentation procedure best suited for the patients as per the individual needs and depending on the residual alveolar bone height, timing of implant placement, sinus morphology, anticipation of complication, and comparative analysis between pre- and postprocedural gain in vertical alveolar bone height and increase in bone density. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: In the majority of cases, there was a concordance between the treatment types based on pre- and postoperative CBCT scans. The assessment of sinus morphology revealed a significantly higher detection rate of aberrations in the form of sinus mucosal hypertrophy and septae on CBCT which were imperceptible on routine radiographs. The most appealing result was that vertical alveolar bone height could be measured precisely, and there was a significant increase in surgical confidence and a significantly better prediction of complications when using CBCT imaging. Conclusions: A preoperative planning based on CBCT imaging seems to improve sinus diagnostics and helps execute a better treatment plan. Furthermore, it is a good tool for the comparison of vertical alveolar bone height pre- and postoperatively following sinus augmentation procedures using various graft materials.

Doing Mastoidectomy Along with Tympanic Membrane Repair Reduces the Need for Revision Procedures: A Prospective Study.

To determine the role of cortical mastoidectomy on the results of tympanoplsty in tubotympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media. A prospective, observational, interventional study was conducted from a period of October 2006-October 2008. This included 40 patients of either sex in the age group of 15-45years having tubotympanic type of CSOM. Tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy was done in all the patients and they were followed up for graft acceptance and hearing impairment for 5years to see the long term results. Per-operatively, the antrum was involved in 17, aditus in 11 and middle ear in 8 patients. Incus was necrosed in 10 cases and malleus and incus were absent in a single case. Mucoid discharge was found in the middle ear in 12 out of 40 patients. Mucoid discharge ears had antral mucosal hypertrophy in 100%, blocked aditus in 75% and middle ear mucosal hypertrophy in 58% cases; ossicular necrosis in 75% cases. 90% of the cases had graft accepted. In dry ears, graft take up rate was 89% and in ears with mucoid discharge it was 92%. Average air-bone-gap reduced to 13.90dB as compared to average air-bone-gap (Av. AB Gap1) preoperatively of 38.62dB. After 5years, 83.5% patients had >10dB improvement in hearing. We recommend opening of the mastoid if on inspection of middle ear one finds mucoid type of discharge.

Lack of a pulmonary vein causing unilateral interlobular septal thickening

A 24-year-old woman presented with an 8-year history of chest tightness and shortness of breath during intense exercise. Physical examination showed decreased expansion of the right rib cage and respiratory...

Ménétrièr disease in a pediatric patient with particular reference to echoendoscopy, endoscopic and anatomopathological presentation and evolutionary and therapeutic aspects

ABSTRACT Menetrier's disease (MD) is included in the group of hypertrophic gastropathy; is a rare gastric hyperplasia that affects adults and children, with different behavior between these groups. We know that its etiology is related to allergens and co-infections. It's characterized by the hypertrophy of the gastric folds, with the appearance of cerebral convolutions on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGE) and, histologically, by the mucosal hypertrophy at the expense of foveolar hyperplasia and atrophy of the glands in body and fundus of the stomach. The UGE together with the gastric tissue biopsy confirms the diagnosis. What concerns us in the following case, however, is patient's long-lasting evolution, about eight years.

Topikal hyaluronik asidin (Sepragel®/Hylan B) endoskopik sinüs cerrahisi sonrası mukozal iyileşme üzerindeki etkisi

Objective: To investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) (Sepragel® Hylan B; Genzyme Co., Cambridge, MA, USA) on the mucosal healing of patients who undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis and/or nasal polyposis. Methods: A total of thirty-six patients were included in the study. Patients had received topical administration of HA soaked sponges to the middle meatus on one side of their nasal cavities intra-operatively at the end of the procedures. Other side of the middle meatus was free of any treatment or packing to create a control group. Postoperative endoscopic examination was performed at the 1st, 4th and 12th weeks in order to score mucosal findings regarding synechiae, mucosal hypertrophy and polyp formation on both sides. Mucosal findings were scored from 0 to 3 points (0: lesion free, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe). Results: Average scores of the mucosal cavities were compared and it was found to be significantly low for the HA administered mucosa (p<0.05). Synechia formation and mucosal hypertrophy at the 1st, 4th and 12th weeks were significantly low for the Hylan B group compared to the control group (p<0.05 for both findings). Conclusion: Topical HA has preventive effects on synechia formation and mucosal hypertrophy.

TREATMENT OF ORAL MUCOSAL LESIONS BY SCALPEL EXCISION AND PLATELET-RICH FIBRINMEMBRANE GRAFTING: A case report

Purpose: The treatment of oral mucosal lesions and mucosal hypertrophy in particular, is most often achieved by an excision with or without covering the surface of the wound. The platelet rich fibrin membrane (PRFm) is an autogenous product containing platelets and leukocytes and their secreted growth factors and cytokines. The purpose of the presented clinical case is to describe a new, recent technique used for the covering of mucosal wounds left after the removal of pathological lesions. Material and Methods: On a single patient mucosal hypertrophy was removed by an excision with scalpel and the resulting surgical wound was covered with an autogenous PRF membrane. Postoperatively the healing process was followed on the 7th, 14th and 30th day. Results: The healing period went smoothly with minimal postoperative discomfort and no complications. Conclusion: The results of the presented clinical case demonstrate that the PRF membrane can successfully be used to cover postoperative mucosal defects.

Regulatory T Cells Control Th2-Dominant Murine Autoimmune Gastritis.

Pernicious anemia and gastric carcinoma are serious sequelae of autoimmune gastritis (AIG). Our study indicates that in adult C57BL/6-DEREG mice expressing a transgenic diphtheria toxin receptor under the Foxp3 promoter, transient regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion results in long-lasting AIG associated with both H(+)K(+)ATPase and intrinsic factor autoantibody responses. Although functional Tregs emerge over time during AIG occurrence, the effector T cells rapidly become less susceptible to Treg-mediated suppression. Whereas previous studies have implicated dysregulated Th1 cell responses in AIG pathogenesis, eosinophils have been detected in gastric biopsy specimens from patients with AIG. Indeed, AIG in DEREG mice is associated with strong Th2 cell responses, including dominant IgG1 autoantibodies, elevated serum IgE, increased Th2 cytokine production, and eosinophil infiltration in the stomach-draining lymph nodes. In addition, the stomachs exhibit severe mucosal and muscular hypertrophy, parietal cell loss, mucinous epithelial cell metaplasia, and massive eosinophilic inflammation. Notably, the Th2 responses and gastritis severity are significantly ameliorated in IL-4- or eosinophil-deficient mice. Furthermore, expansion of both Th2-promoting IFN regulatory factor 4(+) programmed death ligand 2(+) dendritic cells and ILT3(+) rebounded Tregs was detected after transient Treg depletion. Collectively, these data suggest that Tregs maintain physiological tolerance to clinically relevant gastric autoantigens, and Th2 responses can be a pathogenic mechanism in AIG.

Response to Letter to Editor: the Effect of Oral Psyllium Herbal Laxative Powder on Prevention of Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissure During Pregnancy: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

Introduction Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a broad term that describes the presence of gas in the bowel walls. The colon is affected in 36% of cases. Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare form of colitis that is characterized mainly by eosinophilia in blood and affected tissues. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to conservative treatment, yet the association of PI could be an indication of emergent surgery. Case Presentation A 48-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and distention that did not respond to conservative treatment, was hospitalized and investigated thoroughly. The result of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated the presence of pneumatosis coli. Based on the findings of the CT scan, colonoscopy was done revealing hyperemic and hypertrophied mucosa at the hepatic flexure, from which multiple punch biopsies were taken for histopathological assessment. The pathological examination of these biopsies detected a diffuse active colitis of moderate severity with excess eosinophils (10 - 15/HPF), which is consistent with the diagnosis of EC. The patient improved dramatically on fluid therapy and antibiotics with complete resolution of pneumatosis coli in the follow up CT scan. However, the patient developed a severe relapse of symptoms once oral intake was resumed and this time the conservative treatment failed to improve the condition. Surgery was indicated and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis and covering ileostomy was done. The patient was free of symptoms after the operation and her postoperative course was uneventful with no complications encountered. Conclusions Eosinophilic colitis usually has a good prognosis, however its association with pneumatosis coli could reflect a serious damage to the colonic mucosa. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to medical treatment, yet in certain cases where clinical signs are evident and pneumatosis coli is present, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

Letter to Editor Concerning the Article: The Effect of Oral Psyllium Herbal Laxative Powder in Prevention of Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissure During Pregnancy

Introduction Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a broad term that describes the presence of gas in the bowel walls. The colon is affected in 36% of cases. Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare form of colitis that is characterized mainly by eosinophilia in blood and affected tissues. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to conservative treatment, yet the association of PI could be an indication of emergent surgery. Case Presentation A 48-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and distention that did not respond to conservative treatment, was hospitalized and investigated thoroughly. The result of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated the presence of pneumatosis coli. Based on the findings of the CT scan, colonoscopy was done revealing hyperemic and hypertrophied mucosa at the hepatic flexure, from which multiple punch biopsies were taken for histopathological assessment. The pathological examination of these biopsies detected a diffuse active colitis of moderate severity with excess eosinophils (10 - 15/HPF), which is consistent with the diagnosis of EC. The patient improved dramatically on fluid therapy and antibiotics with complete resolution of pneumatosis coli in the follow up CT scan. However, the patient developed a severe relapse of symptoms once oral intake was resumed and this time the conservative treatment failed to improve the condition. Surgery was indicated and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis and covering ileostomy was done. The patient was free of symptoms after the operation and her postoperative course was uneventful with no complications encountered. Conclusions Eosinophilic colitis usually has a good prognosis, however its association with pneumatosis coli could reflect a serious damage to the colonic mucosa. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to medical treatment, yet in certain cases where clinical signs are evident and pneumatosis coli is present, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

Problems in Colorectal Stapler Use

Introduction Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a broad term that describes the presence of gas in the bowel walls. The colon is affected in 36% of cases. Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare form of colitis that is characterized mainly by eosinophilia in blood and affected tissues. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to conservative treatment, yet the association of PI could be an indication of emergent surgery. Case Presentation A 48-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and distention that did not respond to conservative treatment, was hospitalized and investigated thoroughly. The result of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated the presence of pneumatosis coli. Based on the findings of the CT scan, colonoscopy was done revealing hyperemic and hypertrophied mucosa at the hepatic flexure, from which multiple punch biopsies were taken for histopathological assessment. The pathological examination of these biopsies detected a diffuse active colitis of moderate severity with excess eosinophils (10 - 15/HPF), which is consistent with the diagnosis of EC. The patient improved dramatically on fluid therapy and antibiotics with complete resolution of pneumatosis coli in the follow up CT scan. However, the patient developed a severe relapse of symptoms once oral intake was resumed and this time the conservative treatment failed to improve the condition. Surgery was indicated and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis and covering ileostomy was done. The patient was free of symptoms after the operation and her postoperative course was uneventful with no complications encountered. Conclusions Eosinophilic colitis usually has a good prognosis, however its association with pneumatosis coli could reflect a serious damage to the colonic mucosa. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to medical treatment, yet in certain cases where clinical signs are evident and pneumatosis coli is present, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

Pneumatosis Coli Secondary to Eosinophilic Colitis: Report of a Refractory Case

Introduction Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a broad term that describes the presence of gas in the bowel walls. The colon is affected in 36% of cases. Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare form of colitis that is characterized mainly by eosinophilia in blood and affected tissues. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to conservative treatment, yet the association of PI could be an indication of emergent surgery. Case Presentation A 48-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and distention that did not respond to conservative treatment, was hospitalized and investigated thoroughly. The result of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated the presence of pneumatosis coli. Based on the findings of the CT scan, colonoscopy was done revealing hyperemic and hypertrophied mucosa at the hepatic flexure, from which multiple punch biopsies were taken for histopathological assessment. The pathological examination of these biopsies detected a diffuse active colitis of moderate severity with excess eosinophils (10 - 15/HPF), which is consistent with the diagnosis of EC. The patient improved dramatically on fluid therapy and antibiotics with complete resolution of pneumatosis coli in the follow up CT scan. However, the patient developed a severe relapse of symptoms once oral intake was resumed and this time the conservative treatment failed to improve the condition. Surgery was indicated and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis and covering ileostomy was done. The patient was free of symptoms after the operation and her postoperative course was uneventful with no complications encountered. Conclusions Eosinophilic colitis usually has a good prognosis, however its association with pneumatosis coli could reflect a serious damage to the colonic mucosa. Although eosinophilic colitis responds well to medical treatment, yet in certain cases where clinical signs are evident and pneumatosis coli is present, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

A Case of Bacterial Meningoencephalitis Following Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Vertigo

Received August 12, 2015 Revised October 9, 2015 Accepted October 18, 2015 Address for correspondence Mee Hyun Song, MD, PhD Department of OtorhinolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, Myongji Hospital, Seonam University College of Medicine, 55 Hwasu-ro 14beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang 10475, Korea Tel +82-31-810-6360 Fax +82-31-810-6357 E-mail meehyun924@hanmail.net We report a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo in a 68-year-old woman, who developed bacterial meningoencephalitis during steroid treatment. The patient initially showed severe degree of sensorineural hearing loss on the left side with spontaneous nystagmus beating toward the contralateral side. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no abnormal finding other than high signal intensity in parts of mastoid air cells and mild mucosal hypertrophy of the paranasal sinuses. During the course of steroid treatment, the hearing worsened to profound hearing loss, and on the 6th day of steroid treatment, the patient demonstrated dysarthria and disorientation with subsequent development of high fever. The patient was diagnosed with bacterial meningoencephalitis and treated with antibiotics. The patient recovered without any neurologic deficit but unilateral profound hearing loss persisted. The case is presented here along with a possible pathogenic mechanism of bacterial meningoencephalitis following sudden sensorineural hearing loss in this patient. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2016;59(2):165-9