Computed tomography findings in gastrointestinal involvement by opportunistic organisms in acquired immune deficiency syndrome

The computed tomography findings in two cases of gastrointestinal superinfection by opportunistic organisms in acquired immune deficiency syndrome are presented. Findings included thickening of the mucosal folds and the bowel wall in the small intestine and colon associated with cytomegalovirus and cryptosporidiosis. These cases indicate that it is important to look carefully at the gastrointestinal tract when performing computed tomography in this group of patients. Unsuspected bowel pathology may be demonstrated, or disease may be confirmed in clinically suspected cases.     

Menstrual Perceptions and Preparation Among Female Adolescents

Seventy-four 8th- and 10th-grade students attending a private girls' school in Hawaii were queried about their perceptions of and preparation for menstruation using a questionnaire administered in a health education class. Eighty percent had already started menstruating. The most frequently cited perceptions by the respondents referred to both the inconveniences and the normalcy of menstruation. Many were first informed about menstruation by their mothers and stated that they also first informed their mothers when they started menstruating. Surprise, fear, and embarrassment were common initial reactions, while strong negative or positive emotions were more rare. Only 35% wanted boys and girls together during class discussion, but 89% stated that boys needed to be informed about menstruation. The most frequent reasons cited for noncoed settings were the girls' concern about their comfort in openly discussing menstruation. Thirty-eight percent thought parents should inform other siblings when they started menstruation, although almost half gave specific conditions the parents should consider. The majority thought the fifth to sixth grades were the best times to introduce menstruation content.