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Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate olfactory, gustatory, and quality-of-life outcomes in patients who underwent endonasal transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Methods In this prospective study, the patients were assessed subjectively using the Malay version of sQOD-NS (short questionnaire of olfactory disorders in a negative statement) and objectively using the culturally adapted Sniffin’ Sticks smell test and taste test preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The Sniffin’ Sticks smell test consists of odor identification, odor discrimination, and odor threshold tests. The taste test consists of different sweet, salt, sour, and bitter concentrations. Results Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The study comprises 45% female and 55% male. On average patients’ ages were 49.5 years. In this study we found a significantly reduced in odor identification score (p = 0.049) post-surgery; however, there was no statistically significant difference in odor threshold, odor discrimination, and taste. The olfactory quality of life outcome based on the Malay version of sQOD-NS (p = 0.001) was significantly reduced after surgery. There was no significant difference in the Sniffin’ Sticks smell test (p

Abstract Background Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii infection, that usually results from the traumatic implantation of the fungus into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis is a rare entity that usually presents in the immunosuppressed individual. They are sometimes mimicking malignancy and tuberculosis. Here, a rare case of disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis involving the larynx and nasal cavity in an immunocompetent patient is reported. Case presentation A 54-year-old healthy lady presented with hoarseness and globus sensation over the throat with prior history of multiple skin lesions over the face, limbs, and trunk. Examination revealed erythematous papular lesions over the face, limbs, and trunk. Nasoendoscopy showed sloughy mucosa over bilateral nasal cavities, nasopharynx, base of the tongue, arytenoids, and both vocal folds with bony hard mass at the left frontal recess opening. Overall imaging features were suggestive of generalized fungal infections. Multiple biopsies from multiple sites revealed Sporothrix schenckii infection. She had resolution of the lesion after being treated with intravenous Amphotericin B for a month, oral Voriconazole for another month then oral Itraconazole for 6 months. Conclusion Diagnosis of disseminated sporotrichosis can be tricky and difficult to diagnose as it can mimic other diagnoses. Education is paramount important in identifying the illness as it can be seen in immunocompetent individuals, although it is more common in the immunosuppressed individual.

Abstract Background Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) is a validated self-administered questionnaire to assess for allergic rhinitis (AR) in a population setting but was designed for a temperate climate. Objective This study aims to modify the SFAR for the tropical climate, translate the modified SFAR from English to Malay Language, and validate this Malaysian version of SFAR (MySFAR). Methods This was a cross-sectional study at an outpatient Otorhinolaryngology clinic in a tertiary center. There were 2 phases in the study: (1) the translation and validation of SFAR and (2) the testing of diagnostic accuracy. Two different groups of participants were recruited for the respective phase. Results In phase 1, the total MySFAR score showed good discriminant validity between AR and healthy controls (13.44 ± 1.58 v 1.00 ± 2.12, p 9 (J = 0.92) was determined based on the highest Youden index. This cut-off was 97.8% sensitive and 93.9% specific to predicting allergic rhinitis from non-allergic rhinitis. Conclusion The present study showed good validity and reliability of MySFAR among the Malaysian population. The cut-off score of > 9 was able to predict allergic rhinitis. This would be a useful screening tool for allergic rhinitis population studies in tropical countries.