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Biomedical subjects

T A Tami

Publications and source records attributed to T A Tami.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Invasive fungal sinusitis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Invasive fungal sinusitis can present as either an indolent or fulminant process that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. In this article, the clinical characteristics of four cases of invasive fungal sinusitis in patients with AIDS are analyzed and 22 additional previously reported cases in the literature are reviewed. In addition to HIV infection, other variables common to these cases include facial pain or headache out of proportion to clinical or radiographic findings, CD4 lymphocyte count less than 50 cells/mm(3), absolute neutrophil count less than 1,000 cells/mm(3), subtle radiographic evidence suggesting invasion and an indolent clinical course of the invasive infection. The most common pathogen detected was Aspergillus fumigatus. Maintaining a high index of suspicion, critically assessing these clinical findings, and prudently reviewing CT scans may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt intervention in these patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2000

Sinusitis-induced enophthalmos: the silent sinus syndrome.

Enophthalmos caused by inadequate maxillary sinus function was first reported in 1964. Since this initial report, scattered case reports and, more recently, reviews have appeared in the literature detailing the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and management of this process. We present a classic case of the asymptomatic development of enophthalmos caused by maxillary sinus hypoventilation: the silent sinus syndrome. In addition, this case included findings in the ethmoid sinuses that suggested their contribution to this disorder, which by our review of the literature has not been well described.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1999

Otolaryngologic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Patients infected with HIV have become a steadily increasing part of most medical practices. Because most patients with HIV-related problems have manifestations in the head and neck, it is important that these be understood and recognized. This article briefly reviews the various otolaryngologic manifestations of HIV infection, including otologic, nasal, and paranasal sinus; oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx; and the neck.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1999

Laryngeal pathology in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has produced a growing population of patients who, because of their associated immune system compromise, are prone to opportunistic infections and neoplastic diseases. The larynx, with its relatively inaccessible yet critical anatomic location, is a site in which these processes can produce clinical dilemmas, with respect to diagnosis as well as to therapy. By presenting 4 cases involving unusual laryngeal problems in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we emphasize these inherent diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Otolaryngologists must be familiar with the many diagnostic possibilities and therapeutic alternatives when HIV-infected patients present with laryngeal complaints.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Identification of obstructive sleep apnea in patients who snore.

As the field of sleep medicine has evolved, the clinical implications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in snoring patients have become well accepted. Recent advances in surgical therapy for snoring allow otolaryngologists to offer simple outpatient treatment to patients with this problem. However, because the incidence of OSA in snorers seeking medical attention is unknown, the appropriate pretreatment evaluation of these patients is a subject of continued debate. Ninety-four snoring patients were recruited for a study to determine the incidence of OSA in this highly selected population. Subjects answered an extensive sleep questionnaire to determine factors that might suggest a diagnosis of OSA. Level III ambulatory sleep studies were performed on each participant. The incidence of OSA in this group was 72% (42% severe and 30% mild to moderate). Twenty of the subjects with OSA also underwent formal level I sleep studies, and the diagnosis of OSA was confirmed in each instance. Although there was a relationship between body mass index and OSA and certain questions correlated with OSA, the sensitivity and specificity of these data alone or in combination were too low to recommend their use in lieu of a formal sleep study. Given the remarkably high incidence of OSA in this group, which may reflect that seen by otolaryngologists who treat snoring, a sleep study should be performed to diagnose OSA and institute therapy for this condition. Level III ambulatory monitoring devices may be the most cost-effective alternative for evaluating this high-risk population.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of internal maxillary artery ligation versus embolization for refractory posterior epistaxis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the advantages and disadvantages of internal maxillary artery (IMA) ligation versus embolization for the treatment of refractory posterior epistaxis. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent 42 procedures for treatment of posterior epistaxis at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 1986 and 1994. Complication rates, failure rates, demographics, and the costs of IMA ligation and embolization were compared. A review of 20 studies published between 1973 and 1995 was done to determine the complication and failure rates of IMA ligation and embolization. Finally, a mail survey was used to determine the availability and use of IMA ligation and embolization by urban and rural otolaryngologists in Ohio. RESULTS: Complication and failure rates of IMA ligation and embolization were similar at our institution. In the literature review, IMA ligation had a higher complication rate, but fewer failures. Although the major complication rates were not significantly different, those associated with embolization were often more serious than those associated with IMA ligation. At our institution, the cost of IMA embolization was significantly lower than the cost of IMA ligation. Only 11% of Ohio otolaryngologists in nonurban areas have embolization available to treat posterior epistaxis. CONCLUSION: IMA ligation is more effective than IMA embolization but may be associated with a higher minor complication rate. The major complications that occur with IMA embolization are often more serious. Although IMA embolization was less expensive at our institution, it is unavailable in most nonurban regions in Ohio. Training in the use of IMA ligation for refractory posterior epistaxis should continue in otolaryngology residency training programs despite the increasing availability of embolization at university training centers.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1997

Role of middle meatus aspiration culture in the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis.

Although empiric antibiotic therapy is often used for sinusitis, the emergence of antibiotic resistance has increased the failure rate of this approach. Culture-directed therapy usually increases treatment success, but traditional antral puncture is often accompanied by poor patient and physician acceptance. Endoscopically directed middle meatal aspiration culture is increasingly used in this setting, but studies have not convincingly demonstrated the validity of this technique. Both endoscopic middle meatal and direct antral cultures were performed during endoscopic sinus surgery. Cytologic examination was performed to confirm the presence of inflammatory cells. When culture results were compared in 21 specimen pairs, exact correlation was found in 18 (85.7%). Based on this study, endoscopically directed middle meatus aspiration culture appears to be a valuable alternative to antral puncture for guiding organism-specific antibiotic therapy in sinusitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Isolated subglottic scleroma.

Scleroma, more commonly known as rhinoscleroma, is a progressive, chronic, granulomatous disease of the respiratory tract and adjacent tissues. Early diagnosis and prolonged therapy are critical in avoiding its late sequelae. We describe an unusual case of scleroma presenting as worsening chronic lung disease. The variety of clinical presentations and treatment modalities is reviewed.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Attitudes, knowledge, and practices of otolaryngologists treating patients infected with HIV.

The AIDS epidemic has become one of the most important public health problems of this century. As the prevalence of HIV infection continues to rise, health care practitioners in all geographic regions can expect greater clinical exposure to patients infected with HIV. We conducted an anonymous survey of all practicing otolaryngologists in Ohio and California to investigate regional differences in attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding the care of patients infected with HIV. We also examined the data with respect to year of completion of residency training to identify differences in attitudes or practices among otolaryngologists who trained in the era of AIDS (post-1982 graduates) in comparison with their predecessors (pre-1982 graduates). In comparison with Ohio otolaryngologists, California otolaryngologists reported more frequent clinical encounters with HIV-infected patients and displayed significantly better knowledge regarding the otolaryngologic aspects of HIV infection. Californians were more likely to support the right of an HIV-infected physician to maintain an unrestricted practice and would be less likely to disclose their HIV status to their patients and hospital if they were to become infected with HIV. Post-1982 graduates had more frequent encounters with HIV-infected patients than did pre-1982 graduates and demonstrated a better fund of knowledge. Although Californians were more likely than Ohioans to routinely double glove in surgery, the overall double gloving rate was low at 21%. Californians were no more likely than Ohioans to routinely use protective eyewear, water-impervious gowns, or indirect instrument-passing techniques in surgery. No differences were observed in prevalence of protective surgical precautions between pre-1982 and post-1982 graduates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

California↗
PubMed1995

Histoplasmosis: the otolaryngologist's perspective.

Within the upper aerodigestive tract, histoplasmosis often mimics carcinoma, making prompt and accurate diagnosis imperative. More severe and potentially lethal infections with Histoplasma capsulatum are now being seen as the numbers of patients at the extremes of age, as well as those with compromised immune systems, increase. We reviewed the cases of 115 hospitalized patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. Of these, 9 patients were identified with otolaryngologic manifestations: 4 were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 1 was diabetic, and 3 were renal transplant patients. Sites of involvement included the larynx (in 2 cases) and the oral cavity and oral pharynx (in 7 cases). Eight of the 9 patients had a positive biopsy result; the other, a positive culture. Treatment with amphotericin B was generally effective, while the use of newer azole anti-fungal agents were less effective. As the number of immunocompromised patients continues to increase in modern clinical practice, histoplasmosis will undoubtedly be encountered more frequently in the head and neck area.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed1995

The management of sinusitis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

As the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has extended its influence across the United States, otolaryngologists have been increasingly called upon to manage its various head and neck manifestations. Sinusitis is a very prevalent, yet difficult, management problem in this patient population. The pathophysiology of sinusitis in this setting relates to altered helper T-lymphocyte function, an abnormal inflammatory response as well as increased IgE-mediated inflammation. Chronic HIV-related sinusitis is often due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or anaerobic bacteria, and empiric antibiotic therapy must include these potential pathogens. Early cultures can facilitate organism-specific antibiotic therapy. Aggressive treatment with decongestants, topical nasal steroids, mucoevacuants and occasionally antihistamines should be included at maximal tolerated doses. When medical therapy fails, surgical drainage can be a safe and effective management option. Appropriately directed medical, and occasionally surgical, therapy can lead to a dramatic clinical response and provide an improved quality of life in this patient population.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1993

Surgical glove perforations in otolaryngology: prevention with cut-resistant gloves.

This study examines the role of cut-resistant, "orthopedic-type" gloves in prevention of exposure of surgical personnel to infectious body fluids through surgical glove perforation. The incidence of glove perforations in 12 consecutive cases of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was studied. Surgeons were double-gloved with standard latex gloves and wore cut-resistant gloves between the outer and inner gloves. As controls, six cadaver heads were wired into IMF with surgeons double-gloving without the cut-resistant glove. The rates of latex glove perforation were then compared between the two groups. Fifty-three percent (32 of 60) of outer latex gloves, but no inner latex gloves (0 of 50) were perforated when surgeons wore cut-resistant gloves. In the control group, 45% of outer gloves (9 of 20) and 15% of inner gloves (3 of 20) were perforated. The difference of inner glove perforations--hence cutaneous exposure--between these two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The use of cut-resistant gloves in addition to double-gloving with latex surgical gloves is recommended for facial plastic and reconstructive procedures with metal implants and major head and neck surgery, because these operations have a high rate of glove perforation. Because some loss of dexterity is noted when cut-resistant gloves are worn, the risk of glove perforation must be weighted against the need for optimal dexterity.

Equipment Design↗