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In this series, there are 8 typical verruciform xanthomas of the oral mucosa and 3 anomalies, 1 polypoid, 1 florid, and 1 carcinomatous. All were characterized by infiltrates of CD68-positive xanthomatous histiocytes in the lamina propria. The 11 patients comprised 6 men and 5 women (mean age = 54.5 years, range = 40-69). Both keratinized and nonkeratinized sites were affected. A history of lichenoid inflammation was recorded in 5 patients. The polypoid xanthoma presented in a woman aged 54 years as a polyp of the labial commissure. The florid lesion affected the dorsum of the tongue of a man aged 54 years and at 20 mm was the largest of the 11 lesions, but the only one with candidal infection. The squamous cell carcinoma manifested as a papilloverrucous hyperkeratosis of the palatal gingiva in a man aged 69 years. The latter 2 (and 1 "typical" verruciform xanthoma) required re-excision, but none has since recurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis ( EoE) is a newly recognised condition that is apparently increasing in prevalence, and the aetiology is poorly understood. The role of aeroallergens in EoE is controversial, given the success of dietary therapy. Massive aeroallergen exposure leading to food bolus obstruction events ( FBOE) has been described, and the diagnosis of EoE by esophageal biopsy noted to be more common in the pollen season according to previous case series. Aim To determine if a seasonal variation and a geographical variation occurred in EoE presenting as FBOE in adults, and to track the prevalence of FBOE and EoE over time. Method A retrospective case-control study analysis was performed from January 2002 to January 2012 to identify all FBOE in adults presenting to five tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Endoscopy, histopathological reports, case notes and blood tests were examined, and postcodes recorded. Records of pollen counts were obtained. Cases were defined according to esophageal biopsy and grouped based on month of diagnosis. All other causes of FBOE served as controls. Results One thousand, one hundred and thirty-two FBOE were identified. Biopsies were only performed in 278 of these cases, and 85 patients were found to have EoE after biopsy. Patients with EoE were younger (mean age 38 years, range 18-72) compared with those with alternative diagnosis (mean age 64.4 range 22-92), more likely to be male ( M : F = 4:1 compared with 1.68:1 ) and had a higher eosinophil count in venous blood. Overall no seasonality was demonstrated in FBOE secondary to any diagnosis, although the six cases of recurrent FBOE secondary to EoE mainly occurred in the grass pollen season in subsequent years. FBOE cases were evenly distributed throughout metropolitan Melbourne irrespective of population density. EoE as a percentage of FBOE increased over time. Conclusion Seasonal aeroallergens may be important for a subgroup of patients with EoE presenting as recurrent FBOE. Esophageal biopsies are performed in a minority of patients, representing a significant departure from ideal management and contributing to recurrent unnecessary FBOE. EoE is an increasingly important cause of FBOE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teledentistry is a combination of telecommunications and dentistry involving the exchange of clinical information and images over remote distances for dental consultation and treatment planning. Teledentistry has the ability to improve access to oral healthcare, improve the delivery of oral healthcare, and lower its costs. It also has the potential to eliminate the disparities in oral health care between rural and urban communities. This article reviews the origin, rationale, scope, basis, and requirements for teledentistry, along with the current evidence that exists in the literature. This article also reviews the ethical and legal issues related to the practice of teledentistry and the future of this alternative and innovative method of delivering dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on a study by G. Dumitrescu and colleagues regarding the outcomes of infliximab dose doubling in several patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) following loss of response to infliximab. The authors of the study found that patients with severe colitis had lower response rates to infliximab, and highlighted the importance of monitoring the levels of drugs.

The article presents a case study of an 80-year-old woman who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of systemic mastocytosis associated with poor prognosis.