Cocaine abuse is associated with severe local effects on mucosal and osteocartilaginous structures, with a centrifugal spreading pattern from the nose, a condition known as cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL). When the soft or hard palate is affected, a perforation may occur, with subsequent oro-nasal reflux and hypernasal speech. Both diagnosis and therapy (surgical or prosthetic) constitute a serious challenge for the physician. The cases of three patients affected by cocaine-induced palatal perforation and treated with a palatal obturator at San Raffaele Dentistry department between 2016 and 2019 are presented. In addition, the literature was reviewed in search of papers reporting the therapeutic management in patients affected by cocaine-induced palatal perforation. All the patients in our sample suffered from oro-nasal reflux and hypernasal speech, and reported a significant impact on interpersonal relationships. The results at the delivery of the obturator were satisfactory, but the duration of such results was limited in two cases, as the progression of the disease necessitated continuous modifications of the product, with a consequent increase in costs and a reduction in patient satisfaction. In conclusion, the therapy for palatal defects in CIMDL includes both reconstructive surgery and prosthetic obturators, the latter being the only possibility in the event of active disease. It successfully relieves symptoms, but the long-term efficacy is strongly related to the level of disease activity.

Endoscopic (END-DCR) and external dacryocystorhinostomies (EXT-DCR) are nowadays considered the gold standard techniques for non-oncologic distal acquired lacrimal disorders (DALO). However, no unanimous consensus has been achieved on which of these surgeries is the most suitable to the individual patient. Herein, we review the available literature of the last 30 years with the aim of defining a simple and reproduceable treatment algorithm to treat DALO. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was last performed in December 2021 to examine evidence regarding the role of END-DCR and EXT-DCR in primary and revision surgeries. If considered primary surgeries, END-DCR should be preferred in case of intranasal comorbidities, given the possibility to directly visualize and treat potential intranasal pathologies. Conversely, EXT-DCR should be chosen in case of need/preference for local anesthesia, given the major historical experience and wider surgical field that helps to resolve intra-operatory complications (e.g., bleeding) in an uncollaborative patient. In the absence of the abovementioned conditions, the decision of one or other approach should be discussed with the patient. In recurrent cases, END-DCR should be considered the treatment of choice given the major likelihood to visualize the causes of primary failure and directly resolve it. In conclusion, END-DCR should be considered the treatment of choice in revision cases or in primary ones associated with intranasal pathologies, whereas EXT-DCR should be chosen if local anesthesia is needed. In the absence of these scenarios, it is still open to debate which of these two approaches should be used.

Key points: In a limited subset of patients, dupilumab‐induced hypereosinophilia is persistent. Two‐month follow‐up eosinophil count may predict long‐lasting hypereosinophilia.

A series of destructive and tumefactive lesions of the oral cavity are increasingly recognized as part of the IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) spectrum. We herein examined the clinical, serological, radiological, and histological features of a series of patients referred to our clinic because of oral cavity lesions ultimately attributed to IgG4-RD. In particular, we studied 6 consecutive patients out of 200 patients referred to the immunology outpatient unit who presented with erosive and/or tumefactive lesions of the oral cavity. All patients underwent serum IgG4 measurement, nasal endoscopy, radiological studies, and histological evaluation of tissue specimens. The histological studies included immunostaining studies to assess the number of IgG4+ plasma cells/High-Power Field (HPF) for calculation of the IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cell ratio. Six patients (3% of the entire cohort) were diagnosed with IgG4-RD of the oral cavity based on histological evaluation. A major complaint at presentation was oral discomfort due to bulging mass. A mild to no increase in serum IgG4 was observed. Different patterns of organ involvement were associated with oral lesions. Five patients were treated with immunosuppressive therapy and two patients promptly responded to B-cell depletion with rituximab. Watchful waiting was decided in one patient with no major clinical symptoms. Involvement of the oral cavity is an infrequent manifestation of IgG4-RD but should be taken into consideration as a possible differential diagnosis of tumefactive or erosive lesions once neoplastic conditions are excluded. A histological examination of biopsy samples from the oral cavity represents the mainstay for diagnosis of IgG4-RD.

Purpose: External dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) is a surgical approach commonly used to treat post-canalicular acquired lacrimal obstruction whose success rate has been described, equally with endoscopic DCR, to be superior to other available treatments. Methods: At San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (Italy), from January 2008 to December 2020, 245 EXT-DCRs were performed. All patients underwent routine pre-operative work-up including Jones tests and probing and irrigation of the lacrimal pathway; when necessary, a multidisciplinary approach with nasal endoscopy was performed. The surgical approach was followed by positioning of a bicanalicular stent which was left in place for 6 months. Success was defined as resolution of clinical signs/symptoms and free lacrimal flow on functional test. Results: Of the cases enrolled, 26.9% were treated for recurrent epiphora (group 1), and 73.1% for epiphora associated with chronic dacryocystitis (group 2). After a median follow-up of 71 months, group 1 had success at T0 (1 month) and T1 (long-term) of 81.8% and 60.6%, respectively, compared to 93.8% and 77.7% in group 2. Statistical analysis showed a significant association with surgery both at T0 ( p = 0.018) and T1 ( p = 0.012) with group 2 showing better outcomes. Additionally, the cosmetic outcome of the external scar was defined as invisible in 91.8% of cases and slightly visible in 8.2%. Conclusions: External dacryocystorhinostomy provides long-term reliable results particularly in case of chronic dacryocystitis. Moreover, the optimal esthetic outcome of the external scar should be no longer considered the only guiding principle of treatment modality, particularly in the elderly.