https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60214 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:06:26 GMT 2026-04-08T21:06:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60175 Title: Primary localised laryngeal amyloidosis : an atypical presentation Authors: Borg, Justine; Xuereb, Gerd; Apap, Kurt; Borg, Charles Joseph Abstract: Primary localised laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare disease that classically presents with dysphonia. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with a history of early morning haemoptysis, progressively worsening hoarseness and intermittent dysphagia. A bulky left false vocal cord was seen on examination. A computed tomography scan of the neck and trunk revealed thickening of the left side of the larynx with associated asymmetry. Direct laryngoscopy showed a round, well-circumscribed lesion on the left false vocal cord and histological examination of the lesion confirmed the presence of amyloid. Systemic disease was ruled out and the patient was treated with endoscopic excision of the mass through carbon dioxide laser technology. The patient’s symptoms improved and the patient is being followed up yearly to exclude disease recurrence. The report highlights the presentation, diagnosis and appropriate management of localised laryngeal amyloidosis. Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60175 2020-08-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60174 Title: Retropharyngeal abscess with atlanto-axial subluxation Authors: Said-Pullicino, Veronica; Gatt, Andre Stefan; Pace, David Abstract: We describe a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with fever, neck pain and bilateral non-suppurative cervical lymphadenopathy. Torticollis, painful limitation of neck movements and nuchal tenderness were present. CT scan revealed a retropharyngeal abscess and rotatory subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint, consistent with Grisel’s syndrome. This is an important differential in children with fever and torticollis as if unrecognized, may potentially lead to serious neurological deficits from cervical cord compression. Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60174 2020-08-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60173 Title: Traditional counter-stimulation practices in a Central Mediterranean island population Authors: Savona-Ventura, Charles Abstract: A review of the medical folklore of the Maltese Islands identifies the use of counter-irritation practices dating to the prehistoric period. These practices are very much reminiscent of those in contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine. Because of the distances involved, it is unlikely that direct cultural intercourse took place and it is suggested that these similarities were the result of isolated parallel development of ideas based on observation and experimentation. Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60173 2020-08-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60172 Title: The role of the general practitioner in palliative care : a review Authors: Harney, Marilyn Abstract: Family medicine and palliative care are two specialities that share several important principles and have the needs of the ‘whole person’ at their core. For this reason, the general practitioner can provide an invaluable role in palliative care through the early identification of palliative care needs, care coordination and end-of-life decisions. Two online databases were used to search for scientific papers focusing on the role of family doctors in this growing speciality. These features, together with the challenges and barriers encountered by family doctors, are explored and discussed in detail in this review. Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60172 2020-08-01T00:00:00Z