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We present two cases of a previously unreported association between occipital meningocele and Mondini deformity of the cochlea. The probability of the association is supported by the intimate relationship between the development of these structures; the existence of dysembryoplastic factors that can cause both abnormalities; and the universal existence of cochlear abnormalities in anencephalic foetuses. The importance of considering the association is emphasized, in terms of early identification and referral of children with hearing loss, and avoidance of duplication of investigations.

A Short History of Nearly Everything . by Bill Bryson. Broadway Books, New York, 2003. 559 pp. $27.50. ISBN 0-7679-0817-1. Doubleday, London, 2003. 527 pp. £20. ISBN 0-385-40818-8. In this accessible survey of the whole of science, Bryson sketches both what we know and how we have come to know it.

No abstract

The traumatic effects of tracheal intubation are well recognized. Whilst these usually follow prolonged intubation, acute lesions have been described, usually following a traumatic intubation technique. We present a case of acute, localized swelling of the right laryngeal ventricle which followed an entirely atraumatic intubation by an experienced paediatric anaesthetist. The lesion was not present at the time of intubation, but developed subsequently during the surgical procedure. Although previously observed at our institution, such lesions have not been described in the literature. The potential for a diagnostic pitfall, by mistaking the lesion for a laryngeal cyst or nodule, is discussed.