The use of paraffin-processed tissue and the immunoperoxidase technique in the diagnosis of bullous diseases, lupus erythematosus and vasculitis

Twenty-two skin biopsies have been split and each half examined either by the immunoperoxidase technique on paraffin-fixed tissue or by both immunoperoxidase (IP) and immunofluorescence (IF) technique on snap-frozen tissue. All twenty-two specimens gave positive results by frozen IF techniques, nineteen out of twenty-two (86%) were positive by frozen IP techniques and sixteen out of twenty-two (72%) were positive by IP on paraffin-fixed material. If retrospective immunopathology is required on a specimen and only paraffin-fixed material is available a positive result may be expected in the majority of cases.     

Progestogen therapy for ovarian carcinoma

Summary. Women with ovarian adenocarcinoma who were treated with high dose progestogens showed subjective and objective improvements during treatment.     

The relation between in vitro. efflux of noradrenaline from platelets and vas deferens in man

The efflux of isotope-labelled noradrenaline from platelets and vas deferens was compared in 29 healthy males. Platelets and a preparation of tissue from vas deferens were incubated with isotope-labelled noradrenaline until equilibrium in the uptake was obtained. The spontaneous efflux of noradrenaline in buffer was measured for 20 min. There was a significant positive correlation between the efflux of noradrenaline from platelets and vas deferens (r 0.56, P < 0.001).     

Probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia in a 3‐month‐old male infant

To my knowledge trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) have not previously been reported in infancy. The diagnosis is dependent on an accurate history, including parents noting any physical signs at the time of the episode. Obtaining a clear history can be challenging when such symptoms occur in preverbal children. Similarly, physical signs, being transient, may have resolved by the time the parents take the child to a doctor. In addition, the investigations may also be normal. In such circumstances, taking a photograph during an episode can confirm the diagnosis. I describe a case of probable trigeminal autonomic cephalgia starting in a 3‐month‐old male infant who presented with screaming episodes associated with characteristic changes seen on his face. Investigations, including cranial magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and urinary catecholamines, were normal. The diagnosis was confirmed from a photograph taken by the parents at the time of the attack. As the condition is very rare in young children, there is little information available in the literature on using treatment for prophylaxis or for aborting acute episodes in this age group.     

Atrioventricular Nodal Tachycardia in a Patient with Anomalous Inferior Vena Cava with Azygos Continuation and Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

A 39-year-old female patient was referred for ablation of recurrent episodes of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. A combination of an anomalous inferior vena cava with azygos continuation and a persistent left superior vena cava was discovered. A nonfluoroscopic navigation system was very useful for catheter ablation of the tachycardia in this unusual case of anomalous venous system of the heart.     

Colonic malacoplakia: Unusual association with ulcerative colitis

Abstract A 44 year old Chinese female with malacoplakia of the colon associated with ulcerative colitis was presented. The patient showed typical histological, electron microscopic and X-ray micro-analysis findings of malacoplakia. The malacoplakia gradually disappeared after discontinuation of high-dose systemic steroid prescribed by private practitioner for the ulcerative colitis. A review of the 26 previously reported cases of malacoplakia of the colon is also included. Coupled with the clinical events of this patient, it appears that malacoplakia is likely to be secondary to immunosuppression, due to drugs, malignant or debilitating diseases.     

Similarities and differences in behaviour between mentally handicapped and normal preschool children during play

When 12 normal preschool children and 12 mentally handicapped children of similar mental age were individually observed during peer group play, more similarities than differences were found in the incidence of 28 behaviours. However, the behaviours for which significant differences were found included those likely to be most relevant to social acceptance. Mutual social involvement of normal and handicapped children during integrated play may require not only attention to the constitution of the group but also manipulation of the conditions and environment.