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Introduction The relationship between the nasal and pulmonary systems is rooted in the shared anatomy and physiology of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Our study objective was to assess the improvement in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after septoplasty in patients with a deviated nasal septum (DNS). Methods A longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary care center from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. Patients aged 18-55 years with chronic nasal obstruction due to an isolated DNS were included in the study. Patients under 18 or over 55 years of age, those undergoing combined nasal surgeries, and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, turbinate hypertrophy, chronic sinusitis, or nasal polyposis were excluded. Pre-operative assessments included detailed ear, nose, and throat examinations, routine blood investigations, X-rays of the chest and paranasal sinuses (Waters' view), PFTs (spirometry), the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT22) questionnaire, and the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Post-operative assessments included repeated spirometry, a 6MWT at three weeks post-surgery, and the SNOT22 questionnaire for subjective symptom assessment. Results Participants included 30 males and 30 females, with a mean age of 35.6 ± 8.2 years. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in PFT parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow), exercise capacity (6MWT distance), and symptom severity (SNOT22 scores) post-septoplasty. High levels of patient satisfaction and notable improvements in quality of life were reported. The average hospital stay was 2.5 days. Conclusion Septoplasty in patients with DNS significantly improves pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and symptom severity, with high patient satisfaction and minimal complications.
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Hemangiomas are benign tumors characterized by the proliferation of dilated blood vessels, typically capillaries and veins. They primarily occur in infancy and childhood, with the majority affecting the head and neck region. Oral hemangiomas, though relatively rare, can affect areas such as the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. Despite their benign nature, managing vascular malformations is crucial due to potential functional loss and lifelong aesthetic concerns. This case report involves a 76-year-old woman presenting with a soft reddish-blue mass on the dorsal aspect of her tongue, causing functional impairment. While various treatment options exist for oral vascular malformations, including sclerotherapy and cryosurgery, surgical excision was chosen in this case, considering the patient's age and the associated risks of the condition.
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Cysticercosis is a rare condition associated with the development of cysticercus (larval form) of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), within an intermediate host. Accidental ingestion of infectious eggs is most likely the cause of humans becoming intermediate hosts. The most common site for larval cysts is the central nervous system followed by vitreous humor of the eye, striated muscle, and, in rare cases, subcutaneous and other tissues. Isolated muscular involvement with nonspecific symptoms makes this condition challenging to diagnose. We present an unusual case of cysticercus in the sternocleidomastoid muscle diagnosed with ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced scans, which was subsequently treated with surgical excision and a short course of anthelmintics.