Currarino triad: Characteristic appearances on magnetic resonance imaging and plain radiography

The Currarino triad is a complex anomaly consisting of an anorectal malformation, a sacral bone defect and a presacral mass. It was first described in 1981 and since then, approximately 250 cases have been reported. Radiology has an important part to play in the diagnosis of this entity, as the imaging features are characteristic. We report a case of Currarino triad in an infant who presented with intractable constipation and discuss relevant MRI and plain radiography findings.     

Platelet Function in Blood Sampled through Heart Catheters

Abstract Platelet function was studied in blood sampled from the caval vein of 56 patients through various heart catheters. Reduced platelet retention was the most consistent finding while aggregation was not influenced by the sampling procedure. Polyurethane (Cordis and Positrol) catheters affected platelets less than catheters of woven dacron (Sones and Zucker). Sones catheters increased plasma β-thromboglobulin levels slightly, and some platelets were trapped in the Zucker catheters. Much the same reduction in retention was induced by heparinized as by other catheters. Platelet retention values had a poorer reproducibility than the other platelet function parameters in samples collected at intervals of 45 min, while an acceptable correlation existed between parallel samples. The influence on platelets of blood sampled via polyurethane catheters was very moderate, and should allow the detection of alterations in platelet functions that occur in the circulation.     

Increased bonding of a glass-ionomer cement to dentin by means of FeC13

Abstract – It was previously demonstrated by other authors that FeC1₃ is readily sorbed by dentin surfaces. The main purpose of the present work was to investigate the possibility of increasing the bonding of a glass-ionomer cement to dentin by means of FeC1₃. It was found that the strength of the bond was approximately doubled when the dentin was treated with an acidic cleansing agent followed by an application of an aqueous solution of FeC1₃ of suitable concentration.     

MEDIASTINAL LYMPHOSARCOMA SIMULATING PERICARDITIS

ABSTRACT: Berg, M., Wilander, E. and Eriksson, A. (Departments of Paediatrics and Pathology, University Hospital, Uppsala, and Department of Paediatrics, Central Hospital, Boden, Sweden). Mediastinal lymphosarcoma simulating pericarditis. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64: 873, 1975–A case of lymphosarcoma of the heart in a 10-year-old boy is presented. The clinical picture simulated a pericarditis. Prednisolone had a remarkably good temporary effect. Post-mortem examination showed a highly differentiated lymphosarcoma invading the pericardium and myocardium from a primary mediastinal localisation. Cytologic examination for malignant cells in the pericardial fluid must not be forgotten in a case of unexplained pericardial effusion.     

SERUM INDOMETHAC1N CONCENTRATIONS AFTER INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION TO PRETERM INFANTS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

Abstract. Petersen, S., Christensen, N. C, Jensen, K. M. and Ryssing, E. (Departments of Neonatology and Paediatrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, and Dumex Ltd., Copenhagen, Denmark). Serum indomethacin concentrations after intravenous administration to preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:729,.–Six preterm infants with PDA received 14 treatments with indomethacin 0.2 mg/kg intravenously. Auscultatory and echocardiographic assessment indicated closure of the duct in 2, partial closure in 2, and no effect in 2 infants. The mean serum concentration of indomethacin was: 15 min after the first injection 1314 ng/ml, after 1 hour 970 ng/ml, after 6 hours 718 ng/ml, and after 24 hours 388 ng/ml. The mean half-life of indomethacin in the serum was 20 hours (range 9–50 hours). Side effects in all infants were hyponatraemia, decreased urinary output, decreased urinary sodium excretion, and weight gain. One infant had transient thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. By intravenous administration of indomethacin in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg to preterm infants a sufficiently high serum concentration is obtained shortly after the injection. To maintain a high serum concentration for a longer period it is recommended to give a second dose of 0.2 mg/kg after 6 hours and if necessary a third dose of 0.1 mg/kg 24 hours after the first dose.     

Premature rupture of the membranes and ascending infection

Summary. The association of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and ascending infection was investigated in 15 women. Bacteriological, histological and immunofluorescence methods were used to study infection at various levels in the birth canal. In most of the women the membranes as well as the placentae showed heavy bacterial invasion. Bacterial distribution within the membranes showed a choriodecidual preponderance. Ascending infection appears to follow the choriodecidual route and may be a primary pathogenetic event in many instances of PROM. The anaerobe Bacteroides fragilis , which is very infrequently isolated in normal pregnant women, was found in five out of 15 women. Two infants had congenital pneumonia caused by group B streptococci and Haemophilus influenzae respectively. The neonatal outcome with PROM may be influenced by the efficiency of the individual defence mechanisms including the antimicrobial capacity of amniotic fluid.