A review was undertaken of all cases of tuberculous meningitis seen in Wellington since 1962. It showed, in conjunction with an earlier study, a steady decline in the incidence of the disease since 1940. There was a relatively high incidence in Maori and Pacific Island Polynesians. Good outcome was seen in 17/28 (61%). Poor recovery was associated with delayed treatment, confusion or stupor at presentation, and male sex. The diagnosis is not excluded by a normal peripheral white count, ESR, chest x-ray or cerebrospinal fluid.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Is ischemia implicated in chronic multifocal demyelinating neuropathy?

We describe a patient with chronic multifocal demyelinating neuropathy associated with persistent conduction block. Multifascicular lesions in sural nerve included a complete loss of myelinated fibers, demyelination, remyelination, onion bulb formation, and axonal attenuation. On the basis of these morphometric results we hypothesize that nerve ischemia may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic multifocal demyelinating neuropathy.

Brain Ischemia↗

PubMed1986

Optic neuritis following chickenpox in adults.

Three cases of bilateral optic neuritis, one of which also had transverse myelitis, are described in young adults following chickenpox. Severe bilateral loss of vision developed in all cases and was followed by good visual recovery in the two with isolated optic neuritis, but poor recovery in the patient with concomitant transverse myelitis. The interval between the initial rash and subsequent optic neuritis suggests an immunological pathogenesis for this complication.

Acyclovir↗

PubMed1986

Cisplatin neuropathy with Lhermitte's sign.

Following chemotherapy with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin) three patients developed Lhermitte's sign and peripheral neuropathy. The toxic side effects did not become apparent until after treatment had ceased. Because of increasing use of cisplatin to achieve lasting remission in patients with malignant disease proprioceptive and myelopathic side effects may become increasingly common.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Neuralgic amyotrophy with bilateral diaphragmatic palsy.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Pneumonitis, pleural effusion and pericarditis following treatment with dantrolene.

A patient developed pulmonary infiltration, pleural effusions and pericarditis three months after starting dantrolene sodium. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and a raised ESR were present. Symptoms and signs resolved after the drug was discontinued. Dantrolene toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumonitis and pleuro-pericarditis.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Small vessel vasculitis presenting as neurological disorder.

Three patients with skin or muscle biopsy evidence of small vessel vasculitis presented with neurological symptoms: (1) frequent transient ischaemic attacks, (2) myalgia with encephalopathy, and (3) myalgia with marked weakness. The diagnosis of small vessel vasculitis needs consideration especially if presentation with polyneuropathy or cutaneous involvement is associated with elevation of ESR or serum immunoglobulins. Neurological illness may be a more common presentation of small vessel vasculitis than previously recognised.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1982

The clinical spectrum and morphology of type II hereditary sensory neuropathy.

Consistent morphological features were found in sural nerve biopsies of four sporadic cases of sensory neuropathy. The morphological finding of marked fascicular atrophy, a profound loss of myelinated fibres and a relative preservation of unmyelinated fibres are typical of those previously found in the recessive form of hereditary sensory neuropathy (HSN-II). Variable clinical manifestations contrasted with this morphological specificity. Where clinical doubt exists, the value of nerve biopsy in distinguishing HSN types I and II is emphasized. Long-term clinical follow-up and a comparison of repeat nerve biopsy data indicated that HSN-II is a progressive disorder.

Adult↗