Granulocytic sarcoma of the brain: a case report and review of the literature

Granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma), a rare tumor usually associated with myelogenous leukemia, is capable of invading the meninges or brain parenchyma. Radiologic findings in a case of granulocytic sarcoma of the brain, as well as those in 11 previously reported cases of intracranial leukemic masses, are interpreted. On computed tomographic scans, the lesions can appear isodense or hyperdense, edema and necrosis are variable, and there is uniform enhancement following intravenous administration of contrast material. There may be some affinity for the posterior fossa.     

血清骨唾液酸蛋白的生物变异性研究

目的　骨唾液酸蛋白（Ｂｏｎｅ ｓｉａｌｏｐｒｏｔｅｉｎ,简称ＢＳＰ）是由成骨细胞分泌的一种非胶原蛋白质,反映骨转换和骨形成的指标。最近研究认为：血清ＢＳＰ浓度可反映破骨细胞活性和骨吸收过程,也可能是一个骨吸收指标。本实验测定了血清ＢＳＰ在人体内的生物变异性。方法　采用ＲＩＡ 法测定了２９０例不同性别和年龄的正常人血清ＢＳＰ的正常值,血清ＢＳＰ的天－天变异性及２４ ｈ 生物周期。　结果　在儿童组血清ＢＳＰ正常水平明显高于成人组,其最高值在新生儿期和青春期。绝经后妇女其血清浓度比绝经前妇女水平明显升高（Ｐ＜ ０．０５）。血清ＢＳＰ在每天同一时间的波动范围在 ７．３％ 至１７．７％ （平均１１．７％ ）。２４ ｈ 内有一个明显的生物周期性变化,表现为峰值在凌晨４～８ 时,然后逐渐下降直到午后１４时为最低。其生物周期的最大波幅为±２０％ ,（平均血浓度为１０．５ ｎｇ／ｍ ｌ）。结论　血清ＢＳＰ反映了骨转换的生理变化与年龄有明显相关性,其血清水平２４ ｈ 内有一个明显的生物周期,而天与天之间变异性较小。     

Manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation can lead to manubriosternal septic arthritis in patients with kyphoscoliosis

Locally deranged joint anatomy can predispose to septic arthritis which can be managed by surgical debridement. We present a case of manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation caused by kyphoscoliosis leading to manubriosternal septic arthritis.     

Long‐term effects of rapid weight gain in children,adolescents and young adults with appropriate birth weight for gestational age: the kiel obesity prevention study

Aim: This study investigates the effect of rapid weight gain in term children, adolescents and young adults born appropriate for gestational age. Methods: In all, 173 girls and 178 boys aged 6.1–19.9 (12.5 ± 3.1)years participated. Rapid weight gain (group 1) was defined as a change in weight‐SDS (standard deviation score) from birth till two years >0.67, ‘no change’ as ≥?0.67 and ≤0.67 (group 2) vs ‘slow weight gain’ as 90th age‐/sex‐specific BMI‐percentile was defined as overweight. Parental BMI, socio‐economic status and lifestyle were assessed as confounders. Results: A total of 22.8% gained weight rapidly, and 15.7% was overweight. Group 1 compared with group 2 and 3 subjects was taller, heavier and had a higher prevalence of overweight (girls/boys: 26.2%/28.9% vs 11.6%/19.0% vs 2.8%/5.0%; p < 0.01/p < 0.05). Concomitantly, a higher WC, %FM and FFM were observed. Rapid weight gain was positively associated with REE (adjusted for FFM) in boys (r = 0.26; p < 0.01), but not with cardio‐metabolic risk factors. Conclusion: Rapid weight gain was related to increases in height, weight, a higher prevalence of overweight and central fat distribution. In addition, rapid weight gain was related to a higher REE in boys, but not to cardio‐metabolic risk factors.     

COLD PRESSOR TEST DEMONSTRATES RESIDUAL SYMPATHETIC CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVATION IN FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA

Objectives: Patients with polyneuropathy and antibodies to myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and sulphated glucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG) differ from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) because of a slower, progressive course, symmetrical and predominantly sensory involvement of legs, predominantly distal slowing of motor conductions, and poorer response to therapy. We studied whether a wide set of electrophysiologic parameters may differentiate these two neuropathies. Methods: We reviewed the electrophysiological studies of 10 patients with anti-MAG/SGPG antibodies and 22 with CIDP examining: (1) motor conduction velocity and distal compound muscle action potential amplitude; (2) conduction block (CB) and temporal dispersion; (3) distal motor latency and terminal latency index (TLI); (4) F wave and proximal conduction time; and (5) sensory conduction and occurrence of abnormal median with normal sural sensory potential. Results: Anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathies showed: (1) more severe involvement of peroneal nerves; (2) more frequent disproportionate distal slowing of motor conductions (TLI less than or equal to 0.25) and absent sural potential; and (3) no CB. However 3/22 CIDP patients also had at least two nerves with TLI 0.25 and no CB. Conclusions: Electrophysiologic findings suggest in anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathy a length-dependent process with a likely centripetal evolution. A disproportionate slowing of conduction in distal segments of motor nerves suggests the diagnosis of anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathy, although it is not pathognomonic.     

Gastrointestinal teratomas: CT and US appearance with pathologic correlation

Gastrointestinal teratomas are uncommon, benign neoplasms that occur primarily in children. A retrospective review of five cases (two gastric, one pancreatic, one mesenteric, and one in the lesser omentum) is presented with emphasis on the computed tomographic and ultrasonographic appearances. Principal findings are a well-defined mass with separate cystic and solid components of varying proportions, discrete areas with densities similar to that of fat, or coarse, globular calcifications within the solid component. Recognition of these findings may allow the radiologist to make a correct preoperative diagnosis of teratoma.