BackgroundBronchiectasis is an abnormal and permanent dilatation of bronchi. Infection plays a major role in causing and perpetuating bronchiectasis, as reducing the microbial load and attendant mediators are cornerstone of therapy. Zinc, as an integral micronutrient is involved in the immune reactions including response to infection. In several previous studies, mild zinc deficiency has been described in many infectious diseases such as abscess, cellulitis, chronic diarrhea, pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), etc.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine serum zinc level in a series of patients suffering from bronchiectasis and to compare it with healthy control group.Patients and MaterialsThis analytical cross-sectional study was performed on thirty four patients with proven bronchiectasis and twenty nine healthy control subjects referred to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between March 2005 and March 2007. Serum concentration of the zinc was measured for all of the subjects and other information was completed according to their medical records. Both groups (case and control) were frequently matched regarding their age groups.ResultsPatients included 11 (32.4%) males and 23 (67.6%) females with the average age of 55.03 (SD = 17.06) yr. The mean level of serum zinc in the case and control groups were 94.06 (SD = 20/96) mcg/dl and 103.7 (SD = 11.96) mcg/dl, respectively. Independent T-test analysis showed that serum zinc concentration in the case group of bronchiectasis patients was significantly lower than control group (P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe results of our study show that serum zinc level in bronchiectasis patients was lower than the control group and the difference was statistically significant. It seems that the use of zinc supplement can reduce progression of the infectious disease regarding its role in improving the immune system reactions and some unknown mechanisms. Therefore, prophylactic and therapeutic use of zinc must be evaluated in further trials.

Introduction: Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is a very rare cancer among laryngopharyngeal malignancies with varieties in presentation. Case Presentation: Here, we discuss a case of 54-year-old female who was admitted in the emergency department with long-term dyspnea, hoarseness, and stridor. Cervicothoracic multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan showed a mass in the laryngeal area and the pathology reported adenoid cystic carcinoma in the biopsy. Total laryngectomy and partial pharyngectomy was taken into action. The adjuvant radiotherapy was performed too. Conclusions: Although adenoid cystic carcinoma is rare, it is advised to use both CT-scan and deep biopsy to make definite diagnosis. Surgical excision is necessary and follow up is advised, although surgical excision of this tumor is extremely challenging case by case.

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