Alpha-adrenoreceptor reagents. 4. Resolution of some potent selective prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonists

The resolution of three 2-substituted derivatives of idazoxan is described. The enantiomers show large separations in activity in a variety of in vitro and in vivo tests, and the active isomers are all potent and selective antagonists at the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor. The significance of these results in relation to those published on the enantiomers of idazoxan and to those on optically active alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists is discussed.     

Intracranial circulation: pulse-sequence considerations in three- dimensional (volume) MR angiography

The technique and feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of intracranial vessels were studied in 35 healthy volunteers. Variations in image orientation, repetition time (TR), and flip angle were evaluated to determine their effects on flow-related enhancement. Gradient modifications--including echo time (TE), motion compensation, bandwidth, and field of view--were also studied in an effort to reduce motion-induced phase shifts. Results indicated that a FISP (fast imaging with steady precession) sequence with a TR of 50 msec, TE of 15 msec, velocity compensation in the read and section-select directions, acceleration compensation in the read direction, anisotropic volume, and a 1.25-mm partition thickness produced three-dimensional angiographic MR images that were accurate and reproducible in the depiction of the major intracranial vessels. Difficulties with field of view, persistent signal void secondary to higher-order motion, and spatial resolution remain major problems requiring additional study.     

Clinical and molecular findings in IPEX syndrome.

IPEX (immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X linked syndrome) is a rare disorder which usually results in death in early infancy or childhood. Clinical awareness remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, and provided that the diagnosis is entertained, mutation analysis for FOXP3 gene mutations can be confirmatory. Two new patients in whom IPEX was diagnosed retrospectively are reported.     

An alternative to aorto-uni-iliac EVAR and femoro-femoral crossover in a patient having an aorto-iliac aneurysm with an occluded external iliac artery.

INTRODUCTION: An endovascular procedure for excluding an aorto-iliac aneurysm whilst simultaneously preserving one internal iliac artery is described in a patient with complex iliac pathology. REPORT: The procedure involved the use of Advanta V12 covered stents to bridge the gap between the contralateral limb of the main body of a custom-made Zenith stent graft and the internal iliac artery on the side of an external iliac artery occlusion. DISCUSSION: Minimal modifications to the standard design of modular stent grafts make it possible to treat high risk patient with complex pathology with minimal morbidity.