Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the procedure and its outcome, the postoperative course and (he audiologic and social benefits of cochlear implantation in the elderly population. Materials and Methods:A This retrospective study analysed data concerning the outcome of the procedure, postoperative course postoperative orthophonic test results and the answers of a questionnaire assessing the changes in communication, perception and social outcomes, for a group of cochlear implant recipients above 60 years-old. Results: Procedure was uneventful in both groups. Minor complications were not more frequent in the elderly. Orthophonic test results were comparable in the elderly and control groups. Conclusion: The benefits of cochlear implantation in the elderly in terms of the quality of life are not statistically different from younger patients.

Objectives: Reviewing the clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, and management of fungai disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses. A Med-line literature review was performed using the index term of nasosinus fungal disease. Setting: King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Design: It is a retrospective study of 12 yearsfl 986-1998). Total number of patients files studied was twenty five. Results: Ail patients in the study complained of nasal obstruction, nine complained of headache, eight of proptosis and three of facial swelling. Twelve patients had nasal polyposis. Proptosis was bilateral in one of the eight patients. All patients were subjected to surgical treatment of the paranasal sinuses using the external approach. Postoperatively patients received alkaline nasal douching and topical steroids. Amphotericin B was given in (3) cases, which were classified as extensive disease. Conclusion: Aspergillus infection of the paranasal sinuses is commonly encountered in Saudi Arabia and should be suspected in cases of proptosis, and atopy even in immunocompetent patients.

Objective: To study the clinical profile of primary atrophic rhinitis occurring in families as seen today in Saudi Arabia. Setting. Department of Otolaryngology, Dammam Central Hospital and King Fahd Hospital of the University, AI- Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: Study of two families diagnosed with primary atrophic rhinitis, including clinical examination of the siblings of both families. Results and Conclusion: The probable mode of transmission is different in the two families. Primary atrophic rhinitis is a multifactorial condition that is seen increasingly infrequently in Saudi Arabia with improved living standards and healthier nutrition.

A case of malignant tumor of the thyroid gland detected in a 68 years old woman is described .Based on the histologi-cal structure, the tumor can be classified as a malignant hemangioendothehoma. The histogenetical derivation of the tumor from endothelial cells was clearly proved by the ident.ficat.on of factor VIII-RAG ( factor VIII KAO factor Vlll related antigen) and by the immunohistochemical reaction with CD 31(CD=Cluster of d,fferent.at.on , a marker for endothelial ‘glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 100 kD. The case presented therefore represents add.tional evidence for the frequently doubted existence of the malignant hemangiothelioma of the thyroid gland.

Rhinolith is a known clinical entity and can remain silent for many years and present as an incidental finding on radiography performed for other reasons. Furthermore, the diagnosis of rhinolith can be difficult even when the patient is symptomatic, and may not be made even when the patient presents to an otolaryngology clinic. We describe a clinical case of rhinolith with symptoms but because of unusual circumstances {inadequate history and the presence of extensive granulation tissue), operative examination was necessary to establish the definitive diagnosis and to discard other lesions.

In this communication we report two cases of blindness in two male patients who were referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of blindness after having undergone endoscopic ethmoidectomies on the same day.There were clinical signs of orbital hemorrhage in both patients. C.T. scan studies confirmed ethmoid sinus surgery.The optic nerves were intact.The blindness persisted six months after the date of diagnosis.