Repetitive multifocal paroxysmal atrial tachycardia With second degree A-V block, type I, and concealed and aberrant A-V conduction

What is believed to be the first patient with repetitive multifocal paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with second degree A-V block, type I, and concealed and aberrant A-V conduction is reported. The mechanisms of this rather unusual combination of arrhythmias in a patient without evidence of organic heart disease are discussed, and the literature pertinent to the entity is surveyed.     

Anthralin Therapy for Alopecia Areata

Topical anthralin application producing a brisk irritant contact dermatitis has been reported to have therapeutic benefit in alopecia areata. A pilot clinical study was undertaken to determine whether topical anthralin application in doses low enough to produce only minimal contact dermatitis would produce a similar therapeutic response. None of the patients in the study received any benefit from this low-dose regimen. If anthralin is of benefit in the therapy of alopecia areata, a significant irritant contact dermatitis is apparently required.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of knee menisci: diagnostic interpretation and pitfalls

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee has become one of the most frequently requested musculoskeletal imaging examinations. The soft tissue discrimination possible with MRI allows distinct differentiation of cortex, marrow, ligaments, tendons, muscle, synovium, vascular, and cartilaginous elements of the knee. It is very accurate and excels in having a very high negative predictive value. The normal MRI of the knee, then, is very accurate in excluding internal derangement, especially of the menisci. Because MRI has unsurpassed tissue contrast and resolution and the ability to image in multiple planes, it has been accepted as an indispensable tool in the evaluation of meniscal disorders. Where MRI is readily available, orthopaedic surgeons have an excellent imaging tool they can use in supplementing their clinical examination. As a subscriber to this imaging modality, it is imperative that the orthopaedic surgeon understand magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the menisci with particular attention to diagnostic interpretation of meniscal tears and potential pitfalls that may mimic meniscal tears.