Investigating demyelination in the brain in a canine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) using magnetization transfer contrast: preliminary results

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the use of quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) in naturally occurring globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) in the Cairn terrier. METHOD: A model of GLD was established via a breeding colony, and a total of seven animals were studied with MTI, including two dogs with GLD, one of which underwent whole-body irradiation (725 cGy) and bone marrow transplantation from a genotypically normal littermate. The remaining dogs served as untreated, irradiated, and unirradiated controls. RESULTS: Region-of-interest (ROI) analysis of the MTI showed a decrease in MT ratio (MTR) in the internal capsule of the untreated/affected dog compared with age-matched controls but revealed similar results in the two other study animals. On MT contour plotting, inside-to-out gradients of MTR mimicked the demyelination pathology of the disease in the untreated/affected dog. CONCLUSION: MT contour plotting demonstrated patterns of MT abnormality in the untreated/affected dog that were consistent with histopathology, establishing a clear relationship between pathology-proven demyelination and MTR as well as a striking contrast to the patterns of radiation damage.     

A TEN-YEAR HOSPITAL SURVEY OF EYELID CANCER

Two hundred and four cases of malignant eyelid tumours, managed at the Concord Hospital, were reviewed. These cases spanned a ten-year period between 1973 and 1982 and all were treated surgically. The nature of each tumour was confirmed by histopathological examination. Included in this review were the site of the tumour, the tumour pathology, the surgical management, the type of surgeon involved, the ocular complications, the management of recurrences and any mortality. The importance of preventing recurrences by adequate initial surgery with frozen section control is emphasized.     

Clinical exophthalmometry: a comparative study of the Luedde and Hertel exophthalmometers

Exophthalmometry, the quantitative assessment of the position of the globe in the orbit, is a clinically useful measurement. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of a simple exophthal-mometer that would lend itself to accurate and convenient use in clinical practice. In this study, two observers independently performed exophthalmometry on 100 eyes using the Hertel and Luedde instruments. The results were compared between instruments and between observers. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference between measurements taken with the Luedde as compared with the Hertel instrument. The Luedde exophthal-mometer has a number of advantages over the Hertel exophthalmometer, and represents a simple, inexpensive and equally reliable means of evaluating clinically the anteroposterior position of the eye in the orbit.