Precise localization of dysfunctional areas in vertebro-basilar infarction by FDG- and O-15-H2O-PET using standardized image analysis and image registration to 3-D MR

The advantages of standardized multimodal image analysis are demonstrated in a case of symptomatic tremor after basilar thrombosis. Functionally and structurally lesioned areas were mapped in Talairach space using 3-D MRI, cerebral FDG-PET and O-15-H2O-PET. Structural lesions were found in the left midbrain, thalamus, putamen and cerebellar areas. Voxel-based statistics in comparison to a normal data base revealed hypometabolism in the left thalamus, left red nucleus, left cerebellar hemisphere including dentate nucleus and in the left inferior olivary nucleus. The O-15-H2O-PET investigation revealed metabolic uncoupling along the rubroolivocerebellar loop. Given the delicate anatomy of the structures involved, image registration and standardized image analysis techniques are essential for a synoptic multimodality analysis of morphological and functional pathology and should generally be used for cerebral PET investigations.     

异基因造血干细胞移植治疗慢性粒细胞白血病63例

目的:观察异基因造血干细胞移植治疗慢性粒细胞白血病的疗效,并分析63例患者治疗后的生存状况。方法:病例来源于1989-06/2007-04在解放军总医院血液科行异基因造血干细胞移植的63例慢性粒细胞白血病患者,男52例,女11例,中位年龄33.5岁。患者均经血液形态学和细胞遗传学确诊,并对治疗知情同意。10例行HLA相合同胞供者异基因骨髓移植,39例行HLA相合同胞供者异基因外周血干细胞移植,3例行非血缘关系骨髓移植,6例行非血缘关系外周血干细胞移植,5例行HLA相合的同胞异基因非清髓外周血干细胞移植。预处理采用改良的BuCy方案和全身放疗加环磷酰胺方案。以霉酚酸酯、环孢菌素A加短疗程的甲氨喋呤预防移植物抗宿主病。移植后按每3个月定期进行随访,观察患者生存情况。结果:63例患者均完成随访,并进入结果分析。63例患者中有39例移植后5年无病存活(61.9%)。移植后100 d内死亡11例,死亡原因分别为急性移植物抗宿主病、播散性感染、复发和植入失败。移植后100d至2年内死亡12例,死亡原因分别为慢性移植物抗宿主病、巨细胞病毒感染和疾病复发。1例于移植后1413d死亡,死亡原因为慢性移植物抗宿主病合并感染。其余移植超过2年均存活。结论:异基因造血干细胞移植可使部分慢性粒细胞白血病患者获得长期无病存活。     

Diagnostic triage and the role of natriuretic peptide testing and echocardiography for suspected heart failure: an appropriateness ratings evaluation by UK GPs

Background

Some UK GPs are acquiring access to natriuretic peptide (NP) testing or echocardiography as diagnostic tests for heart failure. This study developed appropriateness ratings for the diagnostic application of these tests in routine general practice.

Aim

To develop appropriateness ratings for the diagnostic application of NP testing or echocardiography for heart failure in general practice.

Design and setting

An appropriateness ratings evaluation in UK general practice.

Method

Four presenting symptoms (cough, bilateral ankle swelling, dyspnoea, fatigue), three levels of risk of cardiovascular disease (low, intermediate, high), and dichotomous categorisations of cardiovascular/chest examination and electrocardiogram result, were used to create 540 appropriateness scenarios for patients in whom NP testing or echocardiography might be considered. These were rated by a 10-person expert panel, consisting of GPs and GPs with specialist interests in cardiology, in a two-round RAND Appropriateness Method.

Results

Onward referral for NP testing or echocardiography was rated as an appropriate next step in 217 (40.2%) of the 540 scenarios; in 194 (35.9%) it was rated inappropriate. The ratings also show where NP testing or echocardiography were ranked as equivalent next steps and when one test was seen as the more appropriate than the other.

Conclusion

NP testing should be the routine test for suspected heart failure where referral for diagnostic testing is considered appropriate. An abnormal electrocardiogram status makes referral to echocardiography an accompanying, or more appropriate, next step alongside NP testing, especially in the presence of dyspnoea. Abnormal NP testing should subsequently be followed up with referral for echocardiography.     

Incidence and clinical variables associated with streptococcal throat infections: a prospective diagnostic cohort study

Background

Management of pharyngitis is commonly based on features which are thought to be associated with Lancefield group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GABHS) but it is debatable which features best predict GABHS. Non-group A strains share major virulence factors with group A, but it is unclear how commonly they present and whether their presentation differs.

Aim

To assess the incidence and clinical variables associated with streptococcal infections.

Design and setting

Prospective diagnostic cohort study in UK primary care.

Method

The presence of pathogenic streptococci from throat swabs was assessed among patients aged ≥5 years presenting with acute sore throat.

Results

Pathogenic streptococci were found in 204/597 patients (34%, 95% CI = 31 to 38%): 33% (68/204) were non-group A streptococci, mostly C (n = 29), G (n = 18) and B (n = 17); rarely D (n = 3) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 1). Patients presented with similar features whether the streptococci were group A or non-group A. The features best predicting A, C or G beta-haemolytic streptococci were patient’s assessment of severity (odds ratio [OR] for a bad sore throat 3.31, 95% CI = 1.24 to 8.83); doctors’ assessment of severity (severely inflamed tonsils OR 2.28, 95% CI = 1.39 to 3.74); absence of a bad cough (OR 2.73, 95% CI = 1.56 to 4.76), absence of a coryza (OR 1.54, 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.41); and moderately bad or worse muscle aches (OR 2.20, 95% CI = 1.41 to 3.42).

Conclusion

Non-group A strains commonly cause streptococcal sore throats, and present with similar symptomatic clinical features to group A streptococci. The best features to predict streptococcal sore throat presenting in primary care deserve revisiting.     

Hashimoto encephalopathy - is it underdiagnosed in pediatric patients?

Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Clinically it presents with variable symptoms like seizures, neuropsychiatric changes or focal neurological deficits. Autoimmune phenomena are hypothesized for the pathogenesis. HE has mainly been described in the adult population. We present two 14-year-old patients who presented with recurrent seizures and mental decline. SPECT and PET scans showed distinctly pathological changes. Both patients were diagnosed with HE and improved dramatically on steroids. We feel that HE is a rare but important differential diagnosis of encephalopathy also in the pediatric population. As this disease responds well to steroids, we recommend to obtain basic thyroid function tests as well as thyroid antibodies in all cases of unexplained encephalopathy or unexplained status epilepticus.