ABSTRACT
We aimed to discuss the prenatal diagnosis and pathological features of sirenomelia, and to review current embryogenic theories. We observed two sirenomelic fetuses that were at the 19th and 16th gestational week respectively. In the former, transvaginal ultrasound revealed severe oligohydramnios and internal abortion, whereas bilateral renal agenesis, absence of a normally tapered lumbosacral spine, and a single, dysmorphic lower limb were detected in the latter. In both cases, X-rays and autoptic examination allowed categorization on the basis of the skeletal deformity. Subtotal sacrococcygeal agenesis was present in both cases. Agenesis of the urinary apparatus and external genitalia and anorectal atresia were also found. Classification of sirenomelia separately from caudal regression syndrome is still debated. Recent advances in the understanding of axial mesoderm patterning during early embryonic development suggest that sirenomelia represents the most severe end of the caudal regression spectrum. Third-trimester ultrasonographic diagnosis is usually impaired by severe oligohydramnios related to bilateral renal agenesis, whereas during the early second trimester the amount of amniotic fluid may be sufficient to allow diagnosis. Early antenatal sonographic diagnosis is important in view of the dismal prognosis, and allows for earlier, less traumatic termination of pregnancy.
Subject(s)
Ectromelia/diagnostic imaging , Fetal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Ectromelia/embryology , Ectromelia/pathology , Female , Fetal Diseases/embryology , Fetal Diseases/pathology , Humans , Male , Oligohydramnios/diagnosis , Oligohydramnios/physiopathology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Uterus/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
The efficacy of verapamil CR in migraine prophylaxis has been tested in an open study with 64 patients. The group of patients showed a significant decrease of the frequency, duration and severity score of their headache. All patients were treated for 3 months; thirty patients extended the treatment for 6 months without further improvement. In conclusion, verapamil CR is a useful drug with few side effects for migraine prophylaxis.
Subject(s)
Migraine Disorders/prevention & control , Verapamil/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidence , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Migraine Disorders/epidemiology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Intravenous administration of 50 micrograms or 200 micrograms thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to men with common migraine elicited blunted prolactin (PRL) responses, when compared with healthy controls. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response was enhanced after 50 micrograms TRH in the migraineurs, but not after 200 micrograms. The physiologic TSH dose-response relationship was abolished in migraine sufferers. The data may be interpreted in the light of dopaminergic and noradrenergic supersensitivity, for PRL and TSH, respectively. The TSH response in migraine differs from the one that occurs in depression.
Subject(s)
Migraine Disorders/blood , Prolactin/blood , Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone/administration & dosage , Thyrotropin/blood , Adult , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Humans , Injections, Intravenous , MaleABSTRACT
The Authors describe 5 cases of "motor neuron disease" in patients who had suffered from an acute episode of poliomyelitis. The literature and the fundamental pathogenetic theories have been reviewed.
Subject(s)
Anterior Horn Cells , Motor Neurons , Poliomyelitis/complications , Spinal Cord Diseases/etiology , Electrodiagnosis , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnosisABSTRACT
The authors studied 18 cases of transient global amnesia, a syndrome occurring in middle age, characterized by a sudden memory loss of recent events and transient inability to acquire new knowledge, while consciousness and personal identity are preserved. Chemical and laboratory findings indicates that TGA is probably due to transient ischemia in the temporal lobe and hippocampus.
Subject(s)
Amnesia/diagnosis , Aged , Amnesia/etiology , Electroencephalography , Female , Hippocampus/blood supply , Humans , Ischemic Attack, Transient/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Syndrome , Temporal Lobe/blood supply , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
The authors are presenting a review concerning the most visible aspects of the research directed to emphasize that Huntington's Chorea cannot be compared, either clinically or pathologically, to Parkinson's Disease. It is a hereditary disease in which we can discern an alteration of some neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neurohormones that are not necessarily opposite in respect to pathophysiological findings of Parkinson disease.
Subject(s)
Huntington Disease/etiology , Acetylcholine/analysis , Basal Ganglia/metabolism , Cholecystokinin/analysis , Choline O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism , Chromosomes, Human, 4-5 , Corpus Striatum/physiopathology , Dopamine/physiology , Genetic Markers , Glutamate Decarboxylase/metabolism , Humans , Huntington Disease/drug therapy , Huntington Disease/physiopathology , Norepinephrine/analysis , Parkinson Disease/etiology , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Receptors, Dopamine/physiology , Serotonin/analysis , Synaptic Transmission , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/analysisABSTRACT
Serotoninergic function has been evaluated in 15 H.C. patients. Therapeutic results obtained with an inhibitor of 5 HT reuptake (Fenfluramine) were evaluated in comparison to the effects of L-5HTP, CSF-5HIAA measurements were performed is each case before and after treatment. The pathological role of 5HT impairment in H. C. can not be excluded by the behavioral effects and CSF-5HIAA modifications that were observed.
