Neural Tube Defect Spectrum - Study of Craniorachischisis.

Neural tube defect spectrum (NTD) includes anencephaly, spina bifida, craniorachischisis, inencephaly etc. Four cases of craniorachischisis were studied from a collection of 34 aborted fetuses. There was deficiency of scalp and cranial vault in all the four cases. In one case the defect was extending up to the cervical region, in rest of the three cases, vertebral column defect extended upto thoracic region exposing the spinal cord and spinal nerves. All the cases presented with bulging eyes, broad nose, folded ears, protruded tongue and absent neck. These defects result due to failure of closure of the neural tube during early embryonic life.

Cytogenetics in recurrent abortions.

The present study comprised of 40 couples with bad obstetric history. Aim of the study was to find out whether any specific chromosomal abnormalities exist in couples with recurrent abortions. Karyotyping with ‘G’ banding was done. The study revealed that, out of 80 positive metaphases, chromosomal anomalies were seen in 3 cases (3.75%). The abnormal karyotypes seen were 45XX,t(21;21), 45XY,t(13;21), 45XY,t(15;15). These translocations are known as Robertsonian translocaitons, which occur between D and G group of chromosomes.

Clinical anatomy of the vocal cord.

Larynx is a multifunctional organ. Laryngeal cavity is divided into the supra-glottic, glottic and sub-glottic cavity by vestibular fold (False vocal cords) and vocal folds (True vocal cords). Various conditions are responsible for vocal cord paralysis; commonest one is recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during neck surgeries. Possible complications should be kept in mind by surgeons and anesthetists. In this paper we have discussed various conditions causing vocal cord paralysis.