Aspergillus endocarditis in chronic granulomatous disease

We report the first case, to our knowledge, of Aspergillus endocarditis in chronic granulomatous disease in a patient who also had an atrial septal defect. A diagnosis was made on culture of the organism from the mass despite extensive prior investigation. The presence of distinctive skin lesions as a diagnostic clue of fungaemia is highlighted. Possible advances in diagnosis by detection of fungal cell wall components and in prophylaxis by use of itraconazole are referred to. We conclude that fungal endocarditis should be considered in this condition, especially in the presence of a structural heart defect.     

Corneal curvature and supplemental power effect of the Bausch and Lomb SOFLENS contact lens.

The supplemental power effect (SPE) of F series Bausch and Lomb SOFLENS (polymacon) Contact Lenses was determined for a sample of 54 eyes. The mean value was +0.34 D=S.D.+/-0.37 D, range zero to +1.00 D. A significant correlation was present between the SPE and the apical lens-cornea bearing relationship. (p less than 0.01). The results of this study provide refractive evidence that a central lens-cornea alignment is achieved when the posterior apical radius of the lens is about 0.5 mm flatter than the flat radius of the cornea, S.D.+/-0.35 D. This information is clinically useful in assessing the patient's visual response as well as the fit of the lens.     

Central and peripheral corneal swelling accompanying the wearing of Bausch and Lomb SOFLENS contact lenses.

Central and peripheral corneal thickness was monitored during the wearing of Bausch and Lomb SOFLENS contact Lenses. The results showed that a generalized and equal swelling occurred in the central and peripheral cornea. This generalized swelling explains the absence of significant spectacle blue and/or changes in corneal curvature.     

Ferromagnetic materials in patients: detection before MR imaging

A number of surgical clips and other metallic materials embedded within patients have ferromagnetic properties that present a potential hazard when in the strong fields associated with magnetic resonance imaging. Several types of magnetometers and metal detectors were investigated as possible pre-imaging screening devices. The sensitivities and costs of these devices are given.     

Image quality in myopic eyes corrected with laser in situ keratomileusis and phakic intraocular lens

PURPOSE: To compare image quality due to higher-order aberrations following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or implantation of phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) to correct high myopia. METHODS: Postoperative wavefront examinations, normalized to a pupil size of 5.5 mm, were obtained for 19 LASIK and 20 PIOL eyes for the same surgeon over the same time period. Higher-order aberrations and simulated retinal images were compared. RESULTS: For this small sample, the LASIK eyes yielded an average three times more spherical aberration and two times more coma than PIOL eyes. The effects of these differences were visualized using the simulated retinal images. CONCLUSION: Spherical aberration and coma are the major differences between postoperative LASIK and PIOL higher-order aberrations, and simulated retinal images can be used to visualize these effects.     

Total parenteral feeding in infants using peripheral veins

Fifteen infants with life-threatening gastrointestinal anomalies received total parenteral feeding for periods ranging from 10 to 54 days; their ages ranged from one day to 5 months. The solutions were administered through peripheral veins. All patients gained weight during the period of observation and no cases of septicaemia were encountered.     

Perforated colorectal neoplasms: correlation of clinical, contrast enema, and CT examinations

Results of clinical, contrast enema (CE), and computed tomographic (CT) examinations in 39 patients with perforated colorectal neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients were toxemic at initial presentation, but in only four patients was the diagnosis of perforated colorectal neoplasm initially suspected clinically. CE study was performed in 22 patients and enabled the diagnosis of perforated neoplasm in 11 cases, neoplasm alone in eight, and neither neoplasm nor perforation in three. CT was performed in 38 patients and enabled the diagnosis of perforated neoplasm in 36; pericolic phlegmon but no mass lesion was evident in two. In 16 patients, CT also demonstrated metastatic disease. Because of its reliability in establishing the diagnosis and staging the extent of the inflammatory and neoplastic disease, CT is indicated in cases of suspected or proved perforated colorectal neoplasm and in cases in which CE study findings are indeterminate or suggestive of perforated neoplasm.