Dermoid cysts are anatomic embryonic abnormalities that are rarely seen in the oral cavity. Histologically, they are further classified as epidermoid, dermoid or teratoid. We report a case in which an 18-year-old girl who developed an epidermoid cyst presenting as a large sublingual swelling occupying the entire floor of the mouth causing snoring and speech difficulty. We emphasized on the clinical steps in achieving an accurate diagnosis, possible differential diagnosis, necessary imaging techniques and management of epidermoid cyst.
Epidermal Cyst ; Ranula ; Mouth Floor ; Dermoid Cyst

We present a young adult female with symptoms of acute tonsillitis and tender cervical lymphadenopathy. Despite a full course of oral antibiotics, she had persistent left lower cervical lymphadenopathy measuring 2.0 x 1.5 cm at 2 weeks post-treatment. Rigid and flexible scope examinations did not reveal any abnormalities in the nasopharynx, oropharynx or hypopharynx. Tuberculosis tests were negative and blood index results were normal. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed a non-specific granulomatous inflammatory process. Excisional lymph node biopsy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed as having Kikuchi’s Disease (KD). We would like to highlight the diagnostic challenges in detecting this condition and the importance of differentiating KD from tuberculosis and malignant lymphoma, the latter of which requires aggressive treatment.

Schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain is an extremely rare nerve tumour. We report an unusual swelling in a 41-year-old female who presented with an asymptomatic solitary mass in the right parapharyngeal space. Clinical examination and computed tomography showed displaced carotid artery in an antero-medial direction. Surgical excision of the lesion was carried out and histological examination revealed an Ancient Schwannoma.
Neurilemmoma ; Case Report ; Absence of symptoms ; Lesion, NOS ; X-Ray Computed Tomography

Congenital epulis is a rare benign pedunculated tumour of the oral cavity arising from the alveolar ridges. It is usually detected in newborns and can be successfully resected surgically. We report a case of a newborn baby who had a 5x3x3cm pedunculated lobar mass arising from the upper alveolar ridge.

OBJECTIVETo investigate gene polymorphisms in Uighur patients with Abnormal Savda.

METHODSPolymorphisms of genomic fingerprints generated by arbitrarily primed PCR(AP-PCR) can be used for distinguishing between strains of almost any organism. The authors of this article applied the technique to the polymorphism analysis on the DNA of Uighur patients suffering from four kinds of Abnormal Savda (n=116), and on the DNA of a control group(n=50).

RESULTSFrom the patients, 42 fragments were obtained, among them 27(64.2%) fragments did not show gene polymorphisms. On the 220-344 bp regions, the authors detected 6 AP-PCR products showing individual specificity.

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphisms may serve as a molecular marker for gene diagnosis in the patients with Abnormal Savda.

Asthma ; diagnosis ; genetics ; DNA ; genetics ; DNA Fingerprinting ; Diabetes Mellitus ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Genetic

We report a case of an acute pseudogout attack following single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a 35-year-old man. At the initial reconstruction surgery, he was found to have early degenerative changes mainly in the lateral compartment. He presented with acute onset pain and swelling following reconstruction of the ACL. Arthroscopic irrigation was performed and the synovial fluid was positive for calcium pyrophosphate crystals. A pseudogout attack must be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of acute onset pain and swelling after arthroscopic surgery, especially with the background of degenerative knee changes, and this may signify a poorer long-term outcome.
Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Arthritis ; Arthroscopy ; Calcium Pyrophosphate ; Chondrocalcinosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Knee ; Synovial Fluid

Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare, rapidly progressive infection involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia. We report three cases of necrotizing fasciitis that differ in their presentation and outcome. The first case involves a patient who presented with progressively enlarging anterior neck swelling that was later complicated by dehydration and reduced consciousness. The second case is a patient with neck swelling and ipsilateral otorrhea. The third case concerns a patient with a buccal ulcer complicated by ipsilateral facial swelling. All of them underwent a fasciotomy with wound debridement with the addition of a cortical mastoidectomy in the second case. Two of these patients recovered well. Unfortunately, the third case succumbed to death due to airway compromise and septicaemia. We advocate the importance of eradicating the source of infection followed by frequent, meticulous wound dressing and strict blood sugar control to obtain better outcomes in managing necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck. However, involvement of the airway carries a grave prognosis despite aggressive treatment.

Solitary fibrous tumours of the head and neck region are extremely rare. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to establish, and this lesion may be indistinguishable from other soft tissue neoplasms. An 18-year old Chinese gentleman presented with a painless right submandibular swelling which was increasing in size for eight months. A computed tomography scan showed a well-defined solid mass measuring about 2.0 x 2.96 cm in the submandibular region. The tumour was resected and was confined within its capsule. Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive for CD34, CD 99, and vimentin and negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), cytokeratin, S100 and CD68. The microscopic and immunohistochemical profile were compatible with solitary fibrous tumour. Distinguishing solitary fibrous tumours from various spindle neoplasms can be difficult. In view of the resemblance, immunohistochemical staining can help differentiate solitary fibrous tumour from spindle neoplasm.
Neoplasms, Tumors, Cancer

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To note the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differences between pathologically proven cases of atypical spinal tuberculosis and spinal metastasis in 40 cases. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Spinal tuberculosis, or Pott's spine, constitutes less than 1% of all cases of tuberculosis and can be associated with a neurologic deficit. Breast, prostate and lung cancer are responsible for more than 80% of metastatic bone disease cases, and spine is the most common site of bone metastasis. Thus, early diagnosis and prompt management of these pathologies are essential in preventing various complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 cases of atypical tuberculosis and metastasis affecting the spine from the year 2012 to 2014, with 20 cases each that were proven by histopathological examination. MR imaging was performed on 1.5 T MR-Scanner (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens) utilizing standard surface coils of spine with contrast injection. Chi-square test was used for determining the statistical significance and p-values were calculated. RESULTS: The most common site of involvement was the thoracic spine, seen in 85% cases of metastasis and 65% cases of Pott's spine (p=0.144). The mean age of patients with tubercular spine was found to be 40 years and that of metastatic spine was 56 years. The following MR imaging findings showed statistical significance (p<0.05): combined vertebral body and posterior elements involvement, skip lesions, solitary lesion, intra-spinal lesions, concentric collapse, abscess formation and syrinx formation. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of various spinal lesions including metastasis, fungal spondylodiskitis, sarcoidosis and lymphoma, particularly in endemic countries. Spinal tuberculosis is considered one of the great mimickers of disease as it could present in a variety of typical and atypical patterns, so proper imaging must be performed in order to facilitate appropriate treatment.
Abscess ; Bone Diseases ; Breast ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Discitis ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lymphoma ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Pathology ; Prostate ; Retrospective Studies* ; Sarcoidosis ; Spine* ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Spinal

OBJECTIVETo develop a HPLC method for simultaneous determination of the contents of sophoridine, oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine in seed of Sophora alopecuroides.

METHODChromatographic condition included a Phenomenex Gemini C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column and thmobile phase consisting of a mixture of methanol-0.2% phosphatic acid (7:93). The detection wavelength was at 205 nm. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and column temperature was set at 30 degrees C.

RESULTAll calibration curves showed good linearity (r > or = 0.9997) within test ranges. The mean recoveries were 100.0%, 97.0% and 97.0% respectively.

CONCLUSIONThis method is simple, rapid and accurate, and suitable for quality control of S. alopecuroides seed.

Alkaloids ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Quinolizines ; analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Sophora ; chemistry