Simultaneous assay of activated platelet count and platelet-activating capacity by P-selectin detection using K2-EDTA-treated whole blood for antiplatelet agents.

INTRODUCTION: It is well recognized that examinations of activated platelets (aPLTs) and platelet-activating capacity are very important to observe and prevent embolic diseases (events) such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Previously, we reported an appropriate measurement technique of aPLT for clinical assay. In this paper, we investigated stable conditions for measurement of activating capacity of platelets. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from healthy volunteers using anticoagulants of 2K-EDTA, sodium citrate and heparin, and platelets were stimulated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen. We demonstrated platelet-activating capacity by detection of scattering light, absorbance, microscopic observation, and P-selectin (CD62P) expression. We also performed basic experiments in seven healthy volunteers to test the clinical application of these assays with monitoring aspirin therapy. RESULTS: We judged that samples of whole blood with 2K-EDTA were suitable for CD62P expression assay as functional assessments of platelet activity, because platelets treated with anticoagulants such as sodium citrate and heparin were extremely damaged after stimulation, and it was difficult to measure the CD62P expression by flow cytometry. For optimal results, samples should be tested within 1 h after the drawing of blood and stimulated with ADP or collagen for 10 min. The CD62P-positive platelet value of blood from volunteers who had taken aspirin was decreased, and platelet activation was inhibited as well. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous assay of aPLT and platelet-activating capacity by CD62P detection using whole blood treated with the K2-EDTA anticoagulant was useful for the monitoring of antiplatelet drugs.

[Resection of freely mobile atheroma in the ascending aorta under circulatory arrest during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery].

A 52-year-old male with a 13 years history of hemodialysis developed unstable angina. Preoperative examination revealed critical stenoses in 3 coronary arteries and extensive calcification in the ascending aorta. During urgent coronary artery bypass surgery, epiaortic ultrasonography demonstrated a large and markedly mobile atheroma in the ascending aorta. Therefore, he underwent resection of this atheroma using cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. His postoperative course was fine. This aggressive strategy for a diseased aorta can be a viable option in selected cases. Epiaortic ultrasonography appeared to be indispensable during surgery for patients like a present one.

Muscle weakness in Parkinson's disease: a follow-up study.

We compared isokinetic muscle strength between initial and subsequent measurements in 10 patients who could repeat the same testing later among 23 previously described patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients were divided into two groups according to changes in clinical condition between the times of the first and the subsequent measurements. For patients who had improved, both extension and flexion on the more affected side showed significantly greater torque at 15 rpm in the later than the earlier measurement. For patients who had worsened, both extension and flexion on the more affected side showed significantly less torque at 5 and 15 rpm in the later than the earlier measurement. Although isokinetic muscle strength is likely to depend on movement velocity in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, it may be influenced by bradykinesia, as the disease progresses. Speed-force correlation seen in these patients may give clues to the understanding of the pathophysiology of bradykinesia.

Clinical effects of ventricular assist system in end-stage cardiac failure. Advantages of left ventricular blood drainage for recovery from cardiac dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Heart transplantation is extremely limited currently in Japan. As a consequence ventricular assist system implantation is employed the patient falls into end-stage cardiogenic shock. This preliminary report describes our initial clinical experience with use of 2 kinds of ventricular assist system for 13 Japanese patients. METHODS: 7 patients were supported by a left ventricular assist system with blood drainage from the left atrium (LA drainage Group) using a Toyobo ventricular assist system, while another 6 patients were supported by a left ventricular assist system with blood drainage from the left ventricle (LV drainage Group) using the Toyobo ventricular assist system (1 patient) or TCI-LVAS (5 patients). RESULTS: The average duration of ventricular assist system support in the LV drainage Group was 112 days including two on-going patients (now at 39 days and 241 days) and in the LA drainage Group was 49 days. The average left ventricular ejection fraction at 3 weeks after ventricular assist system implantation was improved from 12.3 to 54% using the TCI-LVAS and from 14 to 33% using the Toyobo ventricular assist system with drainage from the left ventricle. However, this was decreased from 20 to 10% using the Toyobo ventricular assist system with drainage from the left atrium. The ventricular assist system was explanted in 4 patients (31%) with recovery of cardiac dysfunction and 3 were long survivors. The 2 on-going patients are awaiting heart transplantation. Thus the current survival rate overall is 38%. The survival rate (67%) is excellent in the LV drainage Group including 2 long survivors after explantation. CONCLUSION: Ventricular assist system support with drainage from the left ventricle seems to be more advantageous for cardiac functional recovery than from the left atrium for end-stage heart failure.

A case report of FSH-producing nasal ectopic pituitary adenoma extending to the frontal cranial fossa.

We report the first case of an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the nasal cavity that produced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A 60-year-old man complaining of left nasal bleeding had a polypoid tumor in the left nasal cavity. Findings of computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor originated from the olfactory cleft, occupied the nasal cavity, and extended to the frontal cranial fossa. Results of histologic examination suggested ectopic pituitary adenoma. Magnetic resonance imaging results showed the pituitary gland to be normal. Electron microscopy findings demonstrated a large number of secretory granules in the tumor cells that were positive for FSH on immunohistochemical analyses. Serum gonadotropin levels were normal, and no clinical signs of hypersecretory syndrome were noted. The above findings led us to establish the diagnosis of FSH-producing ectopic pituitary adenoma. The patient underwent craniofacial resection of the tumor followed by an uneventful recovery. The pathologic findings and clinical course of the case were comparable to those of FSH-producing adenomas arising from the pituitary gland.

Benign hot bath-related headache.

We describe three cases of women with hot bath-related headache who reported that their severe paroxysmal headache could be provoked by pouring hot water over themselves or by soaking in a hot bath. In one patient, the headache was also brought on by exposure to cold wind. Another patient had headaches after she dived into a pool and started swimming. Neurological examination, routine laboratory tests, electroencephalography, and brain imaging showed no abnormality in any of the patients. Hot bath-related headache is a benign headache unassociated with a structural lesion.

[A case of isolated fourth ventricle in the early postoperative period of subarachnoid hemorrhage].

An adult case of isolated fourth ventricle which developed in the early postoperative period of SAH is reported. A 72-year-old male with Hunt & Kosnik Grade 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) underwent emergent neck-clipping of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm along with setting of external ventricular drainage (EVD) and cisternal drainage (CD). The lamina terminalis (LT) was opened. Preoperative study had showed diffuse SAH with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and mild dilatation of the whole ventricular system on CT scan (Fisher Group 4). Twelve hours after surgery, both of the drainages were opened with the pressure setting of 20 cm H2O for EVD and 10 cm H2O for CD. Although his neurological state had been improving, 2 hours after the opening of the drainages he suddenly fell into respiratory arrest and coma, when 20 ml of CFS through CD was drained. On CT scan, isolated fourth ventricle was recognized. The patient died on the ninth postoperative day. In case of severe SAH with diffuse IVH, we should be careful when setting the pressure of EVD or CD with the LT opened, because of the possibility of occlusion of the fourth ventricle outlet and aqueduct, that results in fourth ventricle isolation.

[Comparison of complications in elderly and non-elderly patients with neurological diseases during admission to a rehabilitation hospital].

Medical complications seen in admitted patients in a one-year period in a rehabilitation hospital were evaluated, and patients with neurological diseases were subdivided with age in order to determine trends of complications with occurred in the aged patients. Ninety-five of 117 patients (81.2%) suffered from complications, the most common were respiratory diseases, genitourinary diseases and psychoneurological diseases and events. Infectious diseases were very common throughout all ages. Significantly more cases and occasions of complications occurred in the aged patients (ages 65 or more, n = 59) than in the younger patients (aged under 65, n = 58), which suggests that complications tended to recur in the same patient in the aged group. Genitourinary diseases, especially urinary tract infection, was far more common in the aged group, predominating in women. Recurrences of stroke or poststroke epilepsy were more frequently seen in patients aged under 65. Traumas and fractures related to falls occurred more commonly in the aged group. Elderly patients were more susceptible to complications not directly related to the illness for which they were admitted. Complications occur quite commonly in aged patients admitted to our rehabilitation hospital, and careful attention should be paid to conditions unrelated to the illness causing admission, such as infectious diseases, especially for aged patients.

Movement velocity dependent muscle strength in Parkinson's disease.

We measured isokinetic muscle strength of knee extension and flexion in 18 patients with Parkinson's disease who showed marked laterality in symptom severity and compared strength between the sides in the same patient. In all patient groups, the maximum peak torque of the more affected side was significantly less than for the less affected side at 15 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) and 30 r.p.m. with the difference between the sides being larger at 30 r.p.m. than at 15 r.p.m., while at 5 r.p.m. there were no significant differences between sides. In the Yahr stage I group, the maximum peak torque in both extension and flexion at each velocity showed no significant difference between the sides. In contrast, in the stage II and III groups the maximum peak torque at 5 r.p.m. showed no significant difference between the sides, while at 15 r.p.m. and 30 r.p.m. these values showed a tendency and a significant difference between the sides, respectively, with the more affected side being weaker. These results suggest that muscle weakness in patients with Parkinson's disease increases with performance velocity, especially as the disease progresses.

[Two cases of coronary artery aneurysm including one case of the left main coronary artery aneurysm].

We report two cases of coronary artery aneurysm including one case of the left main coronary artery aneurysm. The coronary angiogram of one patient, a 68-year-old male, having anterior chest pain on exertion, revealed left anterior descending coronary artery (segment 6) aneurysm of 7 mm in diameter with 90% stenosis distal to the aneurysm and 75% stenosis in the right coronary artery (segment 2). The coronary angiogram of another patient, a 69-year-old female, having chest pain unrelated to exertion, revealed left main coronary artery aneurysm of 25 mm in diameter and delayed filling of contrast medium into the left anterior descending coronary artery. We decided to operate by the reason of not only significant coronary artery stenosis but risks of myocardial infarction due to embolization into distal coronary arteries and rupture of the aneurysm. We performed coronary artery bypass graftings using the great saphenous veins and closure of the coronary arteries running into and out the aneurysm under cardiopulmonary bypass. It is recommended that ligation of the coronary arteries connecting to the aneurysm or resection of the aneurysm followed by coronary artery bypass grafting is performed before developing myocardial infarction or rupture of aneurysm.

Muscle weakness in Parkinson's disease: isokinetic study of the lower limbs.

Isokinetic strength of knee extension and flexion was measured at two speeds of movement in 23 patients with Parkinson's disease, to clarify whether muscle weakness is inherent to the disease. To counteract normal variation among subjects, we selected patients with symptoms completely or largely confined to one side and compared sides for each patient. The affected side was weaker than the other in both slow and fast movements early in the disease. In more advanced disease, the difference between sides diminished at the slow speed but remained significant at the faster speed. These observations suggest that weakness is inherent to Parkinson's disease and influenced by movement speed.

[A case of thymic cyst and thymoma with myasthenia gravis].

A case of 53-year-old male with thymic cyst was reported. We established diagnosis for myasthenia gravis. The chest CT and MRI demonstrated a cystic and mass lesion on the anterosuperior mediastinum. This finding suggested a thymic cyst and tumor with myasthenia gravis. The extended thymectomy was performed. Histological examination demonstrated the clear separation of the mixed type thymoma and the thymic cyst. The few reported cases of thymic cyst and thymoma with myasthenia gravis were reviewed.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of a case of central nervous system tuberculosis with tuberculous arachnoiditis and multiple tuberculomas].

A 62-year-old woman developed headache, vomiting and fever. On admission to hospital, she showed an imparied level of consciousness, diplopia on left lateral gaze, bilateral hearing loss and left hemiparesis. Cranial contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed basal meningeal enhancement. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed an increase in cell count (80/mm3) and total protein (3000 mg/dl), and a decrease in glucose (65 mg/dl) in comparison with blood sugar (173 mg/dl). Polymerase chain reaction was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the CSF. She was diagnosed as having tuberculous meningitis and was treated with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. Her level of consciousness recovered and other clinical signs improved gradually the first month after admission. However, in spite of the combination of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy and steroid therapy, her combination of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy and steroid therapy, her consciousness level worsened again in association with paraplegia at the sixth week after admission and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple tuberculomas, spinal arachnoiditis and spinal cord infarction. On T2-weighted imaging some of the tuberculomas showed a central hyperintense area (a central bright core) with an isointense periphery, which was surrounded by a hyperintense area. The lesion appeared hypointense with an isointense rim on T1-weighted imaging, showing a ring enhancement on post-contrast T1W imaging. The spinal cord infarction was situated at the third thoracic cord, which corresponded to the borderline of spinal artery perfusion. This is a rare case of progression of spinal arachnoiditis and spinal cord infarction during anti-tuberculous chemotherapy, and who had tuberculoma with a central bright core on MRI.

[A case of rapidly progressive T cell type malignant lymphoma which started with multiple cranial neuropathy].

A 35-year-old man had suffered from recurrent right trigeminal nerve palsy and flaccid paraparesis for about five months. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed a marked increase of protein (400 mg/dl) and mononuclear cells (146/mm3), but there were no malignant cells. Antibiotic therapy remitted his inguinal and mediastinal lymph nodes swelling, and trigeminal nerve palsy had recovered spontaneously. Then he developed left trigeminal and facial nerve palsy, mononeuropathy multiplex, and cauda equina syndrome. Nerve conduction studies revealed delayed velocity and reduction of amplitude. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed increased signal intensity in bilateral trigeminal nerves, left internal auditory meatus, and meninges of the basal cistern. Also, there were two mass lesions in cauda equina. They were operated by orthopedist, and were not malignant. After that, CSF cells of malignant lymphoma were elevated and revealed T cell type (large cell). Then the patient exacerbated in bulbar palsy and died. When there is lymph node swelling with multiple neurological deficits, despite remission of lesions and signs, biopsies should be positively pursued early in the patient's clinical course.

[A case of psittacosis with psychiatric symptoms, abnormal EEG, and abnormal SPECT].

A 40-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with disorientation, delusional idea, and sensory disturbance of lower face after having a fever and cough for 5 days. A chest X-ray examination revealed an infiltration in the left lower lobe field. Psittacosis was diagnosed because the serum antibody titer against chlamydia psittaci was elevated. Electroencephalogram showed right temporal lobe spikes. SPECT showed decreased accumulation of 99mTc-HMPAO in the right frontal and temporal lobe. Computed tomography scan of the brain was normal. This patient was diagnosed as ornithsis Encephalitis.

[Polymyositis followed by myasthenia gravis].

A 63-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of swelling of both forearms and muscle weakness in the limbs. Laboratory examination revealed abnormally high levels of serum creatine kinase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Polymyositis was diagnosed, and prednisolone was administered. Her condition had been well controlled on prednisolone until several months before admission, when bilateral blepharoptosis and diplopia developed. An edrophonium test was positive: muscle weakness was transiently alleviated. High titers of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were found. A chest CT scan showed a mass in the anterior part of the mediastinum. We diagnosed myasthenia gravis associated with thymoma. After an extended thymectomy, the patient's condition improved. When muscle weakness recurs after remission of polymyositis, myasthenia gravis should be considered.

[A case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) with various neurological complications].

A 71-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of slowly progressive gait disturbance and dorsolumbar pain. Motion of he neck and trunk was severely restricted. She showed decreased sensation of vibration and position in the upper and lower limbs and had Romberg's sign. Hyperesthesia of touch sensation was distributed in a stocking pattern. She showed hyporeflexia and pathological reflexes in lower limbs. Her gait was ataxic and spastic. Laboratory examination of blood and urine revealed no remarkable findings. Radiographic examination revealed ligamentous calcification and ossification along the anterolateral aspect of the vertebral column at several levels, and there was ossification of hte ligament and tendon attachment to the bone at extraspinal sites. The radiographic features were characteristic of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). Computed tomography at lower thoracic and lumbar vertebral portions showed compression of the spinal cord by ossification of the flavatum ligament. The conduction velocity of tibial nerves and sural nerves were delayed, and the mechanism of the occurrence of peripheral nerve lesions in this patient could be explained by extrinsic compression by heterotopic calcification or some metabolic factor due to DISH.