To gain insight into patterns of presentation, imaging, microbiological aspects, therapy, disease course, and outcome of intracranial complications of sinusitis (ICS), which are challenging conditions with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. We reviewed our experience with ICS in children and adolescents.Design: Consecutive case series with a mean follow-up of 12 months. Setting: Tertiary pediatric referral center. Patients: Consecutive sample of 25 children and adolescents treated for 35 intracranial complications (mean age, 13.2 years [range, 4-18 years]). Interventions: Medical and surgical management. Main Outcome Measures: Survival and temporary and permanent neurologic sequelae.Results: Most patients were adolescents (n=19; 76%) and male (n=19; 76%). Epidural abscess was most common (13 complications), followed by subdural empyema (n=9),

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OBJECTIVE:To determine whether bacterial cultures of the wounds of patients undergoing clean orthopedic surgery would help predict infection.METHODS: During 1 year, 1,256 cultures were performed for 1,102 patients who underwent clean orthopedic surgery. Results were analyzed to evaluate their ability to predict postoperative infection. RESULTS:The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the cultures were 38%, 92%, 7%, and 99%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Cultures performed during clean orthopedic surgery were not useful for predicting postoperative infection {Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2004;25:512-514).

We describe a case ofa venous hemangioma that arose in the optic nerve sheath ofthe orbital apex in a 28-year-old man who presented with progressive vision loss. Tothe best of our know ledge, this is the first reported case ofa venous hemangioma occurring at this location. A definitive diagnosis and partial exci sion was achieved via an endoscopic transsphenoethmoid approach with interactive, computerassisted, frame less stereotactic surgical navigation. The interv ention resulted in minimal morbidity, demonstrating yet again that this surgi cal approach is a safe and effective way to treat lesion s of the orbital apex.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma ofthe subglottis is infrequently reported in the literature. This tumor subtype is more commonly associated with the maj or and minor salivary glands. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx can be difficult to diagnose. and there is no consensus as to appropriate management. We report a case ofa low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma that was confined to the subglottis and treated with organ-preservation surgery. A conservative surgical approach was taken because of the tumor s low-grade histology and its location and in order to preserve the pati ent :\. laryngeal function. At follo w-up J5 months postoperati vely, the pati ent remain ed diseasefr ee. and laryngeal jun ction was intact.