EEG abnormalities and clinical phenotypes in pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) results have been reported in a high percentage of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in a clinical population of pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the differences in terms of the following phenotypic characteristics: adaptive behavior, executive functioning, severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder core symptoms, and comorbidity symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 69 children who attended the Autism Spectrum Disorder early diagnosis program with electroencephalography and clinical diagnosis was performed. A battery of questionnaires was also made to parents to evaluate emotions, behavior, and functional skills for daily living. RESULTS: Out of 69 pre-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, twenty nine (42%) had abnormalities in electroencephalography results. The group with abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography exhibited more impairment in executive functioning and social-relationship coexisting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an abnormal epileptiform electroencephalography in pre-school children with ASD already suggests a worse development in clinical features.

Pleural aspergillosis with bronchopleurocutaneous fistula and costal bone destruction: a case report.

A 65-year-old man who, when young, had had tuberculosis treated by therapeutic pneumothorax, consulted his family physician for a constitutional syndrome and dyspnea. At this time radiologic studies showed left pleural effusion with bilateral calcified plaques, an infiltrate in the upper left lobe, and a picture compatible with aspergilloma, all suggesting semi-invasive aspergillosis. The patient failed to show up for his followup visit, so no therapy could be started or further diagnostic tests ordered. One month later he was admitted to this hospital for a bronchopleural fistula (empyema necessitatis) with subsequent spontaneous hydropneumothorax and costal bone involvement. The patient underwent surgery because of his rapid worsening condition. Biopsy examination revealed a large pleural aspergilloma. Despite immediate antifungal therapy, the patient died. We believe this to be the first report of pleural Aspergillus with a bronchopleurocutaneous fistula and costal bone destruction.