Low imperforate anus associated with seminal vesicle cyst,posterior urethral valve,and lung hypoplasia

This report describes the association of a low imperforate anus with a seminal vesicle cyst, posterior urethral valve, and lung hypoplasia complicated by necrotizing enterocolitis and unilateral vesicoureteral reflux. The embryological basis, diagnosis, and management of these anomalies is reviewed.     

Aberrant right subclavian artery

Summary Two cases of aberrant right subclavian artery are presented, with a brief discussion of the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia lusoria. From the Main Hospital, Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai, M. P.     

'Identical' twins with discordant karyotypes

A chromosomal abnormality in one of the fetuses of a monozygotic twin pregnancy is a rare phenomenon. In the prenatal unit of our cytogenetics laboratory we have recently come across two such heterokaryotypic twin pregnancies. In both cases ultrasound abnormalities were detected in one fetus of each twin pair. Chromosomal analysis showed that one twin pregnancy was discordant for trisomy 21 and the other for 45,X. Ultrasonographic examination suggested a monochorionic twin pregnancy in each case and DNA studies confirmed that both sets of twins were monozygotic. Both pregnancies were terminated. Biopsies taken from different sites of the placentas showed chromosomal mosaicism in both cases. There was no clear correlation between the karyotype found close to the site of the umbilical cord insertion in the placenta and the karyotype of the fetus. Sampling of amniotic fluid from both sacs is recommended in diamniotic twin pregnancies if one (or both) of the fetuses has ultrasound abnormalities, even if the twins are apparently monochorionic.     

Cyclospora cayetanensis--an emerging coccidian parasite

Over the last decade increasing number of enteritis cases have been attributed to infection with a new coccidian sp that was named Cyclospora cayetanensis in 1993. Diarrhoea caused by this agent is clinically indistinguishable from cryptosporidiasis, isosporiasis and microsporidiasis but cyclospora infection are often very prolonged (upto 15 weeks) and may cause severe weight loss. Diagnosis is important because unlike diarrhoea caused by cryptosporidium and microsporidium, treatment with co-trimoxazole is effective. We report here a case of cyclosporiasis, to increase awareness of possibility of cyclospora infection in patients with prolonged diarrhoea. It should be considered in assessment of patients with unexplained prolonged diarrhoeal illness.     

Appearing and disappearing CT scan abnormalities and seizures.

A group of patients presenting with seizures (focal or generalised) and abnormal CT scans who, on follow up, showed complete resolution of the CT scan changes, without any treatment other than anticonvulsants, are described.