Atypical aesthesioneuroblastoma: CT and MRI findings.

Aesthesioneuroblastoma is an uncommon tumour of the superior nasal cavity, originating from the olfactory mucosa. Usually no specific radiological features indicate the diagnosis; normally these tumours are seen on CT as homogeneous, enhancing, soft tissue masses causing bone remodelling. Typical but quite nonspecific MRI findings include high signal on T2-weighted images and strong enhancement after gadolinium. The extent of tumour in the paranasal sinuses and anterior cranial fossa is best assessed with MRI after intravenous gadolinium, and this is considered as the most accurate method for assessing preoperative resectability. We report an aesthesioneuroblastoma in an atypical location, with extensive calcification.

[Otologic manifestations of Wegener's disease]. / Otologische manifestaties van de ziekte van Wegener.

Two cases of otologic involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis are reported. Symptoms are referable to those of an acute otitis media with impaired hearing. The ANCA test is helpful in the diagnosis. Immunosuppressive therapy in association with corticosteroids is the treatment of choice.

Parathyroid aspiration biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance.

Localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands is difficult. We examined 16 patients with biochemically proven primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, using a 5-MHz 90 degrees real-time sector transducer. In those 16 patients, ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of 26 hypoechogenic retrothyroid nodules was performed. Hyperplastic parathyroid tissue was obtained from 24 retrothyroid nodules in 14 patients. In the other two patients, normal thyroid tissue was obtained. Both specificity and sensitivity of the aspiration biopsy technique were 100%. No complications occurred. We concluded that this technique is safe, simple, and very helpful in the localization of parathyroid tumors before surgery or before alcoholization.

[Sialadenoma papilliferum]. / Sialadenoma papilliferum.

In this article we described a case of sialadenoma papilliferum detected in an old lady during a complete clinical survey for unrelated causes. This tumor did not produce any symptoms. The sialadenoma papilliferum was first described as a separate entity in 1969. Since several other reports have been made but the tumor is definitely rare, usually an accidental finding and most commonly localized in the mouth in the transition zone of soft and hard palate. Our case is the first published in a woman and as yet also the oldest. A survey of the literature is given.

[Neurological complications in sickle cell disease (author's transl)]. / L'hémoglobinopathie S. et complications neurologiques

The various neurological manifestations encountered in 40 zairians out of a total of 500 with homozygous (SS) Sickle cell disease were described. These included convulsions, vascular accidents, mental changes, increased intracranial pressure and meningism. The literature on the involvement of the nervous system in Sickle cell disease is briefly reviewed.

Levamisole in aphthous stomatitis: evaluation of three regimens.

One hundred and twenty-four patients who had had recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) for two to 53 years took part in three studies to assess the effectiveness of levamisole and determine an adequate regimen. In study 1 and the first half of study 2 both of which were double-blind, levamisole 150 mg/day (or placebo) was given on three consecutive days in every fortnight. In the second two months of study 2 and in the open trial (study 3) three-day courses were given only when an episode of RAS occurred. The drug was well tolerated. The signs and symptoms of RAS improved gradually and significantly in those treated with levamisole but not in those on placebo, and intergroup differences were also significantly in favour of the active drug. Improvement occurred earlier in study 3 than in the other two studies. Hence levamisole may prevent new episodes of RAS.