Recovery of viruses from three transport media incorporated into culturettes

A double-blind prospective study was carried out to compare the rates of recovery of viruses from the upper respiratory tracts of children, using three different transport media. Stuart's, Hanks', and Leibovitz-Emory (LEM) media were packaged in the ampules of Culturettes and labeled in code by the manufacturer. Three swabs (one each from culturettes containing different media) were inserted simultaneously into the oropharynx or pressed onto unroofed dermal lesions, transported to the laboratory, and inoculated into MRC (Medical Research Council)-5 and primary monkey kidney-cell cultures. Eighty isolates were obtained from 200 specimens (40%) collected during all four seasons of the year. Parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus accounted for 79% of the isolates. Of 80 isolates, 72 (90%) were recovered in Hanks', 64 (80%) in Stuart's, and 63 (79%) in LEM. The differences were not significant.     

Pre and postnatal diagnosis of fetus-in-fetu

Differentiation of abdominal masses detected on prenatal ultrasound is difficult and requires careful characterization of the mass and precise localization. Differentiation is required in order to distinguish benign from potentially malignant conditions. We describe a case of fetus-in-fetu with pre- and postnatal imaging.     

Giant tumefactive perivascular spaces

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The brain perivascular spaces (PVSs) are pial-lined, interstitial fluid-filled structures that accompany penetrating arteries. When enlarged, they may cause mass effect and can be mistaken for more ominous pathologic processes. The purpose of this study was to delineate the broad clinical and imaging spectrum of this unusual condition. METHODS: Thirty-seven cases of giant PVSs were identified from 1988 to 2004 and were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data collected included patient demographics, presenting symptoms, and follow-up. Histopathologic data were reviewed when available. Images were evaluated for size and location of the giant PVSs, associated mass effect, hydrocephalus, adjacent white matter changes, and contrast enhancement. RESULTS: There were 24 men and 13 women with an age range of 6-86 years, (mean 46 years). The most common presenting feature was headache (15 patients). Thirty-two cases had multilocular clusters of variably sized cysts. Five lesions were unilocular. All lesions had signal intensity comparable to CSF and did not enhance. The most common location for the giant PVSs was the mesencephalothalamic region (21/36). Fourteen were located in the cerebral white matter; two were in the dentate nuclei. Nine giant mesencephalothalamic PVSs had associated hydrocephalus, which required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Giant tumefactive PVSs most often appear as clusters of variably sized cysts that are isointense relative to CSF and do not enhance. They are most common in the mesencephalothalamic region and may cause hydrocephalus. Although they may have striking mass effect, giant PVSs should not be mistaken for neoplasm or other diseases.     

Rhabdomyoma of the head and neck demonstrated by prenatal magnetic resonance imaging

A case of fetal rhabdomyoma (myxoid type) of the head and neck demonstrated on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. This benign tumor of skeletal muscle is uncommon and should not be confused with its malignant counterpart-rhabdomyosarcoma. With the increasing use of ultrafast MRI, the radiologist is more likely to encounter head and neck masses in the fetus.     

Successful treatment of primary bilateral renal mucormycosis with bilateral nephrectomy

Bilateral invasive renal mucormycosis has previously been associated with a 100% mortality rate. We report a case of bilateral invasive renal mucormycosis in a patient treated with amphotericin B and bilateral nephrectomy who survived and is currently disease-free.