Biomedical subjects

H K K Tan

Publications and source records attributed to H K K Tan.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Dural sinus thrombosis after minor head injury in a child.

INTRODUCTION: Dural sinus thrombosis following minor head injury is rare. We report such a case in a child after mild head injury. CLINICAL PICTURE: A 4-year-old child presented with giddiness and vomiting after a fall. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance venogram revealed thrombosis of the right sigmoid and transverse sinuses. TREATMENT: The patient was managed conservatively. OUTCOME: Repeat scans 10 weeks after injury showed recanalisation of the thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Dural sinus thrombosis should be excluded in children presenting with persistent giddiness and vomiting after minor head injury.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2004

Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis is seen in fewer than 3% of all cases of sinusitis. It is frequently misdiagnosed because of its vague symptoms and the paucity of clinical findings. We report 2 cases of isolated acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis with unusual presentations. CLINICAL PICTURE: Both patients presented with acute headache, eye pain and fever, and were provisionally diagnosed as meningitis. In 1 case, the symptoms were on the contralateral side of the sphenoid infection. Intracranial complications were also present. TREATMENT: Treatment included intravenous antibiotics and endoscopic sphenoidotomy. OUTCOME: Both patients recovered with no residual neurological disability. CONCLUSION: Acute sphenoiditis usually presents with subtle symptoms and elusive physical findings and hence a high index of suspicion is necessary. Complications may arise due to the close proximity of important structures to the sphenoid sinus. Uncomplicated cases can resolve with optimal antibiotic therapy if diagnosed and treated early. Persistence or progression of disease with development of intracranial complications are indications for immediate surgical drainage.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2003

Paediatric acute epiglottitis re-visited.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric acute epiglottitis is rare in Asia. The National University Hospital in Singapore has seen only two cases of paediatric acute epiglottitis in the last 10 years. The topic is re-visited here to remind physicians of its acutely dramatic progression. CLINICAL PICTURE: Both boys presented with a viral prodrome which progressed within hours to life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Examination revealed an inflamed epiglottitis. TREATMENT: They were successfully intubated and treated with intravenous antibiotics. OUTCOME: Both recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Paediatric acute epiglottitis has declined markedly in the West with widespread vaccination against HiB. In contrast, the incidence of invasive HiB disease in Asia has always been low despite limited vaccination. Clinicians must remain vigilant of the possibility of acute epiglottitis in a child with "flu".

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Otitis media with effusion: an update.

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a very common condition seen in children, and is the commonest cause of hearing loss in an infant. It is also a fairly common condition encountered by the family practitioner, and often the family practitioner is the first doctor the parents bring the child to. Otitis media with effusion is a simple condition but, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to preventable long-term consequences. Hence, a high index of suspicion is necessary, early and accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, with close follow-up is of essence. The epidemiology, aetiological factors, clinical presentations, diagnosis, various medical and surgical options, cost-effectiveness of therapy and the impact of OME on the child's development are discussed.

Age Factors↗