Case of a palatal tic resembling palatal tremor in a patient with Tourette syndrome.

We describe a case of a palatal tic resembling palatal tremor (PT) in a young female patient with a previously unrecognized mild Tourette syndrome. At the time of her visit, the patient complained about ear clicks that were audible to others. We discuss the differential diagnoses of hyperkinetic palatal movements emphasizing the ongoing discussion about essential PT representing a more heterogeneous disorder than previously thought.     

Touch-Screen Computerized Education for Patients with Brain Injuries

The use of computer technology for patient education has increased in recent years. This article describes a study that measures the attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals and laypeople regarding the effectiveness of a multimedia computer, the Brain Injury Resource Center? (BIRC), as an educational tool. The study focused on three major themes: (a) usefulness of the information presented, (b) effectiveness of the multimedia touch-screen computer methodology, and (c) the appropriate time for making this resource available. This prospective study, conducted in an acute care medical center, obtained healthcare professionals' evaluations using a written survey and responses from patients with brain injury and their families during interviews. The findings have yielded excellent ratings as to the ease of understanding and usefulness of the BIRC. By using sight, sound, and touch, such a multimedia learning center has the potential to simplify patient and family education.     

Efficacy of radiology of the esophagus for evaluation of dysphagia

The efficacy of radiology in evaluating dysphagia was studied in 86 patients by comparison to endoscopic findings. In the 66 patients with endoscopic abnormalities radiology was correct in 54, for a sensitivity of 82%. Sensitivity of radiology improved to 95% if mild esophagitis was excluded. In the 20 patients with normal endoscopy, radiology was normal in 18 (90%). Thus radiology proved to be a reliable means of evaluating the esophagus in patients with dysphagia.     

Cholecystokinin-peptides--new knowledge and possibilities for clinical use

This issue comprises selected topics of CCK peptides. CCK peptides are linear peptides and were found within and outside the CNS. There is growing evidence that CCK peptides play a physiological role in food intake, contraction of gallbladder and regulation of motility of the gastrointestinal system. New aspects of the CCK research are concentrated on interaction with other transmitter systems especially with the dopamine and opioid system. The therapeutic action to improve clinical symptoms in human is unclear up to new. World-wide, the interest is focused to determine the potential of CCK peptides as an antipsychotic agent by controlled clinical studies.     

The Angelchik anti-reflux prosthesis and postoperative dysphagia

Dysphagia was studied in 29 patients after implantation of an Angelchik prosthesis for persistent reflux oesophagitis. The incidence of postoperative dysphagia occurred after three months (61%), six months (45%), and one year or more (41%). Severe dysphagia necessitated removal of the prosthesis in five patients (17%). The reoperative findings with regard to a possible explanation of dysphagia are discussed, and comparison is made with reports in literature. Implantation of the Angelchik prosthesis seems only indicated for the treatment of intractable reflux oesophagitis in patients where other operative modalities failed and who are at high risk for operation. The Nissen fundoplication remains the operation of choice.     

Large colloid cyst in lateral ventricle simulating brain tumour

Summary This case report describes a patient presenting with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, whose computerized tomographic (CT) scan was highly suggestive of a large low-grade glioma invading the basal ganglia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-demarcated space-occupying mass of increased intensity in the left lateral ventricle and adjacent white matter. Following stereotactic biopsy, which yielded a homogeneous jelly-like material, the mass was removed microsurgically and was found to be most like a colloid cyst on histological examination. Discussion focusses on the clinical and differential diagnostic implications of this very unusual combination of findings.     

Synthesis and alpha-adrenolytic activities of 2-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl- methyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives

The synthesis of the title compounds starting from 2-Chlormethylbenzdioxan and Tetrahydroisochinolines is presented. Their actions on the platelet aggregation and the inhibition of alpha-adrenoceptors at the isolated rabbit aorta and the vas deferens of the guinea pig were investigated.     

Simultaneous Bilateral Tibial Tuberosity Avulsions—Over 6-Year Follow-up

Abstract Simultaneous bilateral avulsions of the tibial tuberosity are rare injuries. The authors found only five reported cases in the orthopedic literature. We add a further case of bilateral avulsions of the tibial tuberosity with the longest reported follow-up.