Direct demonstration of transsynaptic degeneration in the human visual system: a comparison of retrograde and anterograde changes

Transneuronal degeneration of retinal ganglion cells was directly demonstrated in a patient who had unilateral removal of the striate cortex forty years prior to necropsy. For comparison, another case is presented showing anterograde transneuronal atrophy forty years after enucleation of one eye.     

Occupational stress in naval personnel

Introduction: Increased stress levels have been reported and it has been implicated for mental illness amongst service personnel. However no study has been reported among Indian naval sailors.     

Forced vergence fixation disparity parameters with and without a central fusion lock

The effect of a central fusion lock on forced vergence fixation disparity curve parameters, that is, magnitudes of fixation disparity and associated phoria, curve type and the central slope of the curve, was studied in 84 subjects because of ambiguity in the previous studies. It was found that the magnitudes of exo fixation disparity and exo associated phoria decreased significantly when they were measured with the central fusion lock. The central lock had no noticeable effect on the type of the curve, although, the central slope of the curve was flatter in the presence of the central lock.     

Transient synovitis of the hip in children: role of US

Transient synovitis of the hip remains a common diagnostic problem for the clinician. The physical signs are not pathognomonic of the condition, and the classic technical examinations are of little help. Therefore, the authors retrospectively studied the value of hip arthrosonography in 46 children with clinical symptoms suggesting pathologic hip conditions. In 20 of the 21 patients with a final diagnosis of transient synovitis, articular effusion was detected on ultrasound (US). Conventional radiography showed an increased medial joint space in only eight of these patients. Increased echogenicity of the articular fluid was found in both transient synovitis and septic arthritis. The high sensitivity of US in detecting intraarticular fluid was demonstrated by cadaver studies.     

Thoracic outlet syndrome: evaluation with CT

Diagnosis of the thoracic outlet syndrome is often difficult, particularly in patients without osseous abnormalities on plain radiographs. The radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings were reviewed from 27 patients with thoracic outlet syndrome and 21 normal subjects. The plain radiographs and CT scans were assessed by two independent observers without awareness of the clinical history. Fifteen patients with thoracic outlet syndrome had osseous abnormalities (anomalous cervical ribs; abnormally long, drooping C-7 transverse processes) identifiable on plain radiographs. CT did not provide further diagnostic information in the patients with abnormal radiographs. Eight of 12 patients (66%) with normal plain radiographs had abnormal findings on CT scans, consisting of impingement of the C-7 transverse process on the scalene triangle or anteromedial aspect of the middle scalene muscle. Only two of 21 control patients (9.5%) displayed this CT abnormality (P less than .01). CT may be useful in patients with symptoms suggestive of thoracic outlet syndrome and no osseous abnormalities on plain radiographs.     

Yersinia-related Arthritis in the United Kingdom. A Report of 12 Cases and review of the Literature

Reactive arthritis following infection with Yersinia is endemicin Scandanavian countries; the prevalence is low in the UK,however. We have reviewed the literature pertaining to Yersinia-relatedreactive arthritis in the UK and describe 12 patients who presentedover a 3-year period with an asymmetrical seronegative polyarthropathyand serological evidence of recent Yersinia infection. Fivepatients recalled having a diarrhoeal illness prior to the onsetof the arthropathy. None had a prior history of psoriasis, inflammatorybowel disease or ankylosing spondylitis. A history of urethraldischarge was elicited from one patient. Extra-articular manifestationswere seen in three patients (iritis in two, erythema nodosumin another). Four patients developed chronic joint disease afterperiods of 4, 6, 8, and 18 months, respectively. The prevalenceof Yersinia-related arthritis in the UK may be higher than previouslythought.