Computed tomography in spinal tuberculosis

Exhaustive ciinicoradiologic and computed tomographic (CT) analysis of 114 cases of spinal tuberculosis seen between January 1983 and January 1989 is presented. The mechanisms of the spinal involvement are reviewed. CT helped to diagnose cases of spinal tuberculosis in their initial stages. Inaccessible fixed areas of spine were seen with ease on axial sections of CT. The extent and anatomic depiction of soft-tissue involvement as depicted on CT helps surgeons choose the appropriate surgical approach, which may affect future spinal stability.     

The role of the perforated segment of the ventricular catheter in cerebrospinal fluid leakage into the brain

Two cases of gross post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage along an indwelling ventricular catheter are reported. The CSF appeared to leak through the perforations of the ventricular catheter, as well as at the site of penetration of the ventricular wall. A small or slit ventricle with high intraventricular pressure may thus be a predisposing factor for this localized CSF collection.     

Induction of anti-DNA IgG and IgE antibodies in BALB/c mice.

Immunization of BALB/c mice with denatured DNA (dnDNA)-methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA) complex along with aluminium hydroxide gel as adjuvant, resulted in the induction of anti-DNA antibodies of both IgG and IgE isotypes demonstrable by avidin-biotin micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and solid phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA), respectively. In contrast to the high levels of IgG2a and IgG2b anti-DNA antibodies observed in SLE-prone autoimmune mice, more than 90% of the anti-DNA antibodies of IgG isotype were found to be of IgG1 subclass. Specificity of both IgG and IgE antibodies which recognized activated DNA, dnDNA and double-stranded DNA but not RNA was established by competitive ELISA and SPRIA inhibition assays. These antibodies cross-reacted with cibacron blue and chondroitin sulfate but not with various other proteoglycans, nucleosides and nucleotides. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in rats showed that these antibodies are capable of inducing in vivo degranulation of mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. These studies lend support to the concept that IgE antibodies directed against DNA may mediate mast cell degranulation and thus contribute to immediate-type hypersensitivity phenomena including hives seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and to the localization of IgE-nucleic acid complexes.     

Goldenhar''s syndrome: an analysis of anaesthetic management A retrospective study of seventeen cases

Seventeen patients with Goldenhar's syndrome who had surgery 28 times are presented. Various authors have reported problems in the anaesthetic management of these patients, but we encountered significant difficulties in only one. Three anaesthetic techniques were used. A thorough pre-operative assessment with back-up facilities for difficult intubation are important. Additional cardiorespiratory and craniovertebral anomalies may necessitate modifications in the basic techniques.     

First prenatal diagnosis of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease

A family study was performed in order to diagnose X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease in a fetus. The molecular genetic analysis indicated that the fetus, as well as its healthy 7-year-old brother, inherited XLP. Analysis of immunoglobulin subclasses from the 7-year-old brother supported the DNA-based diagnosis. This is the first XLP family of African descent. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.