Isolation and characterization of immunoferritin conjugates: I. The molecular ratio

¹²⁵I-labelled γ-globulin was conjugated to ferritin for the determination of the molecular ratio in ferritin—γ-globulin conjugates. Equimolar ratios were found in all conjugates free of uncoupled γ-globulin.     

The changing face of reoperative parathyroidectomy: a single-centre comparison of 147 parathyroid reoperations

IntroductionReoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism is dependent on radiology. This study aimed to compare outcomes in reoperative parathyroidectomy at a single centre using a combination of traditional and newer imaging studies.Materials and methodsRetrospective case note review of all reoperative parathyroidectomies for persistent and recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism over five years (June 2014 to June 2019; group A). Imaging modalities used and their positive predictive value, complications and cure rates were compared with a published dataset spanning the preceding nine years (group B).ResultsFrom over 2000 parathyroidectomies, 147 were reoperations (101 in group A and 46 in group B). Age and sex ratios were similar (56 vs 62 years; 77% vs 72% female). Ultrasound use remains high and shows better positive predictive value (76% vs 57 %). 99mTc-sestamibi use has declined (79% vs 91%) but the positive predictive value has improved (74% vs 53%). 4DCT use has almost doubled (61% vs 37%) with better positive predictive value (88% vs 75%). 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography-computed tomography and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for parathyroid hormone are novel modalities only available for group A. Both carried a positive predictive value of 100%. Venous sampling with or without angiography use has decreased (35% vs 39%) but maintains a high positive predictive value (86% vs 91%). Cure rates were similar (96% vs 100%). Group A had 5% permanent hypoparathyroidism, 1% permanent vocal cord palsy and 1% haematoma requiring reoperation. No complications for group B.ConclusionOptimal imaging is key to good cure rates in reoperative parathyroidectomy. High-quality, non-interventional imaging techniques have produced a shift in the preoperative algorithm without compromising outcomes.     

Evaluation of vesico-urethral and sweating function in disorders presenting with parkinsonism

Investigation of vesico-urethral and sweating function was performed in twelve patients with classical idiopathic Parkinson's disease and ten patients with parkinsonism associated with features suggestive of more extensive involvement of the nervous system, as in the Shy—Drager syndrome. The urodynamic studies revealed detrusor hyperreflexia with reduction of maximal cystometric capacity in only one patient with Parkinson's disease (8%), but in nine patients with parkinsonism associated with other features (90%). Urethral sphincter electromyography did not indicate denervation in any patient of either group. Delayed or incomplete relaxation of the urethral sphincter during micturition was observed in seven patients with Parkinson's disease (58%) and in two patients of the other group (20%). Decreased sweating responses were found in both groups of patients when compared with control subjects. Hypohidrosis was more pronounced in parkinsonism associated with other features than in Parkinson's disease. Differences in sweating between the two sides of the body were observed in both groups of patients. Although there are differences in vesico-urethral and sweating function, they do not precisely differentiate between patients with classical Parkinson's disease and those with parkinsonism associated with features suggestive of more extensive involvement of the nervous system.     

Sequential changes in plasma renin activity and plasma catecholamines in mildly hypertensive patients during acute,furosemide-induced body-fluid loss

Summary To evaluate the role of adrenergic mechanisms in the acute response of renin to furosemide, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured for 3 h after i.v. administration of furosemide 1 mg/kg to 8 patients with mild essential hypertension. Furosemide induced a prompt and long-lasting increase in renin, with PRA more than doubled at all times. The increase in PRA within the first 30 min paralleled the peak increases in urinary water and sodium flow rates, and significant decreases in plasma volume and central venous pressure. There was no change in plasma catecholamine concentrations. Plasma noradrenaline was increased significantly at 60 min and adrenaline at 90 min, once furosemide had induced a marked loss of body-fluid and 65% decrease in central venous pressure. Both catecholamines remained elevated until the end of the study, whereas urinary water and sodium flow rates had returned to their pre-treatment values by 150 min. Mean blood pressure was essentially unchanged throughout the study, whereas heart rate increased significantly after 90 min. The findings suggest that in mildly hypertensive patients adrenergic mechanisms are not involved in the initial renin response to furosemide, but they come into play later, probably as a result of reflex sympathetic activation triggered by marked volume depletion.     

Giant aneurysm of the calloso-marginal artery

A giant aneurysm of the right callosomarginal artery is reported in a 3-month-old child. This location is rare: including our case reported here, only three cases have been described. Clinicoradiological findings are presented and the surgical procedure is illustrated.