ABSTRACT
We describe the procedure with which cortical potential responses are evoked by a stimulation of the anal canal to assess the integrity of its sensory pathways. These potentials were recorded in 66 patients. In 44 patients, a cortical evoked response was obtained with a succession of positive and negative peaks, W shaped (35 cases) or V shaped (nine cases). In seven cases, cortical responses were interpreted differently by two independent observers. In these seven patients, such differences could be explained by an insufficient amplification of the recorded electrical waves recorded on paper (< 10 mm). Fifteen patients gave no cortical response. Eight had a neurologic disease that could explain the lack of response. In the seven others, the absence of response was considered as false negative, but six of these stimulations had been carried out during the first part of the study. There is some evidence that cortical evoked potentials may be obtained after an electrical stimulation of the anal canal, but a training period seems necessary to master the technique and obtain reproducible and recognizable responses.
Subject(s)
Anal Canal/innervation , Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory , Adult , Afferent Pathways/physiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anal Canal/physiology , Clitoris/innervation , Clitoris/physiology , Electric Stimulation , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Penis/innervation , Penis/physiology , Reaction TimeABSTRACT
The authors report the case of a patient with permanent, refractory hiccup, resistant at all classical treatment methods. Hiccup was due to compression of the epigastric region by the left fist of the patient immobilised by a spastic hemiplegia. Passive mobilisation of the diseased upper limb resulted in the disappearance of hiccup.
Subject(s)
Abdomen , Hemiplegia/complications , Hiccup/etiology , Aged , Chronic Disease , Humans , MaleSubject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Anus Diseases/etiology , Cytomegalovirus Infections , Adult , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Anus Diseases/drug therapy , Cathartics/therapeutic use , Cytomegalovirus Infections/drug therapy , Foscarnet , Ganciclovir/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Phosphonoacetic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Phosphonoacetic Acid/therapeutic use , Ulcer/drug therapy , Ulcer/etiologyABSTRACT
Lesions due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) are frequent in the immunocompromised patient. This is particularly the case in patients with AIDS, where the colon and rectum are the regions most often involved. The authors report six cases of anal ulcerations due to CMV in patients with AIDS. These lesions, confirmed histologically, were either isolated or associated with other localizations. Treatment is based on specific antiviral agents but resistance and recurrence can occur. The current report underlines the importance of histologic examination of anal lesions in HIV-infected subjects.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Anus Diseases/etiology , Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Adult , Anus Diseases/pathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ulcer/etiology , Ulcer/pathologyABSTRACT
A new case of rectal stenosis due to the chronic use of suppositories of associated analgesic drugs is reported. Surgical treatment was conservative. This observation outlines the dramatic consequences of chronic self-treatment and the difficulties of ensuring long-term withdrawal.
