Atrial Flutter Complicating Neonatal Coxsackie B2 Myocarditis

A neonate presented with atrial flutter complicating acute Coxsackie B2 myocarditis. The tachyarrhythmia was successfully terminated with electrocardioversion followed by digoxin administration. The infant survived with no long-term cardiac sequelae. Atrial flutter is an unusual complication of Coxsackie myocarditis that has not previously been reported.     

Glomerular morphometry in reflux nephropathy: functional and radiological correlations

Using computerized digitometry, we investigated the relationships between renal size, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, incidence of segmental and global glomerulosclerosis, glomerular size, hilar arteriolar wall thickness and hyaline deposition in renal biopsies obtained from 24 children and adolescents with reflux nephropathy, of whom only 4 were hypertensive. Agematched controls comprised minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (6) and recurrent haematuria with normal biopsy (13). The mean sectional area of patients' glomeruli was double that of controls. Glomerular size correlated with the amount of proteinuria (measured as protein/creatinine ratios in early morning urine) and inversely with renal size and GFR. Segmental sclerosis, invariably of hilar origin, was observed in 8 patients and the percentage of glomeruli affected correlated strongly with glomerular size and proteinuria. Global sclerosis was found equally in patients and controls, and showed no similar correlations. Compared with controls, patients' hilar arterioles showed increased wall thickness, more intramural hyaline deposits and decreased luminal diameter when related to glomerular size. The proteinuria and glomerular changes are consistent with hyperfiltration, while the previously undescribed hilar vascular changes, which both precede and accompany sclerosis, resemble abnormalities reported experimentally following renal ablation.     

Multiple superficialis motor for opponens and lumbrical replacement: One stage correction of leprous claw hand

A new one stage approach for the correction of total claw hand in leprosy has been described using multiple superficialis motor for opponens and lumbrical replacement. Five cases have been operated with good results by this technique. The operative technique is described, advantages and precautions discussed.     

Changes in atrial biopsies in chronic rheumatic heart disease. I: Cellulo-vascular and mesenchymal reaction

The cellular, vascular and connective tissue changes were studied in 32 atrial biopsy specimens from patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). 15 of these 32 specimens showed some inflammatory reaction, 7 with small mononuclear cells only and 8 with macrophage reaction amidst increased but necrotic collagen, especially in the subepicardial and subendocardial regions. Most cellulonecrotic foci were histologically consistent with a stage of Aschoff nodule. Acid phosphatase activity in frozen sections was seen in the cytoplasm of the macrophages. Fine structural examination showed membrane-bound vacuoles and lipofuscin bodies rather than ingested material in the macrophages. By light and electronmicroscopy, these macrophages were not different from those encountered in other granulomatous or necrotic conditions. There was moderate proliferation of blood vessels, with prominence of endothelial cells and pinocytotic vesicles, or fibrosis of media, or proliferation of basal laminae. The presence of Aschoff nodules in the right atrium, the least affected chamber in RHD, suggests a diffuse and smouldering pathology on the basis of a persistent subclinical cell-mediated immune (CMI) reaction.