Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Nahir.
A case of idiopathic transient osteoporosis of the hip is reported and the literature reviewed. The clinical and radiological features of this syndrome are described, as well as the diagnostic contribution of bone scintigraphy. The need for conservative treatment and avoidance of invasive diagnostic procedures is emphasized.
Severe myalgia is an uncommon feature of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). A patient is presented in whom acute myalgia and high fever were the sole clinical findings during an FMF attack. The ultrastructural picture of the muscle tissue during the acute stage was characterised by a large deposition of collagen fibrils. The myalgia subsided during colchicine treatment. The clinical and ultrastructural features of myalgia in FMF are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.
A twelve year old boy presented with acute cervical and interscapular pain, torticollis and low grade fever. The neurological examination was normal. Roentgenograms showed calcification of the T3-T4 disc and posterior herniation of the nucleus pulposus was demonstrated by computed tomography. A rapid and dramatic amelioration of the symptoms was produced by treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Intervertebral disc calcification in childhood is an uncommon and usually benign condition. Its clinical and radiological features are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.
The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD) in two zones of the epithelium of the lens of 6- and 27-month-old rats were measured using quantitative cytochemical methods. In both age groups, the epithelium in the equatorial zone showed the highest enzymatic activity. LDH activity was similar in young and old rats in both areas. G6PD and GAPD activities in the central area were similar in both age groups, but their activity was markedly lower in the equatorial zone in old rats compared to young ones. This decrease in G6PD and GAPD activities may play a role in cataract formation.
Immunohistochemical localization of altered enzyme molecules was detected by the use of antibodies to denatured enzymes (ADE) conjugated with fluorescein. Denatured aldolase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase are mostly located in the subcortical region and in the nucleus of the rat lens. In the nuclear fibres the enzyme is located near the membrane of the fibres. This study provides additional evidence that altered enzyme molecules accumulate in the lens, and indicates their exact localization. ADE antibody can distinguish between inactive enzyme molecules and active ones, using immunohistochemical techniques.
Diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathies are considered to be unusual causes of the reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Their coexistence in a patient with this syndrome is rare and considered to be incidental. We report a case in which remission of the syndrome accompanied the resolution of the diabetic neuropathy. A possible pathophysiologic mechanism connecting these conditions is discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Electron microscopic study of conjunctiva in two cases of Sjögren's syndrome showed decrease in height and number of microvilli and lack of branching. Following immunosuppressive treatment, an increase in height, number and branching of conjunctival microvilli was observed. Notwithstanding the lack of influence on tear secretion, immunosuppressive drugs are of benefit in the treatment of ocular manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome. The increase in number, height and branching of microvilli enlarge the surface of the conjunctiva and thus improve the efficacy of artificial tears.
In 72 patients followed for two years, the diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis was based on precise clinical signs without significant contribution from laboratory tests or radiologic signs. In six of the patients (8.3%) the bursitis was an isolated condition of unknown origin. Six other patients had rheumatoid arthritis without involvement of the ipsilateral hip joint. The remaining 60 patients (83.4%) had pathologic conditions of the adjacent areas, such as symptomatic lumbar spine arthrosis or ipsilateral hip damage, conditions that often mask the actual source of pain and disability. A rapid and prolonged improvement of the pain and disability caused by the bursitis was achieved in all 65 patients (90.3%) treated by local corticosteroid and anesthetic infiltrations: in 48 patients after one, in 13 after two and in 4 after three local treatments. Local corticosteroid infiltration proved to be the treatment of choice as well as a diagnostic test.
Conjunctival biopsies of 11 patients with sicca syndrome were studied under light and transmission electron microscopy. The notable findings were vasculitis of the conjunctival vessels. There were severe changes in the microvilli, namely a loss of microvilli and decrease in their height, measuring approximately 1,000-2,000 A, in comparison with microvilli of the control conjunctiva, measuring 4,000 A in height. There was no branching yet or fusion of microvilli.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Hepatotoxicity is a rare complication of treatment with gold salts. The clinical and laboratory features are those of cholestatic jaundice and other diagnostic possibilities must be ruled out. Gradual recovery after withdrawal of the drug is the rule. We report a case and review previous literature with emphasis on the diagnostic value of the lymphocyte transformation test.
There was marginal melting of the cornea in a patient with inactive rheumatoid arthritis. Conjunctival biopsy revealed vasculitis which disappeared after treatment with topical steroids and systemic steroids and azathioprine. Conjunctival biopsy can serve as a diagnostic tool and for evaluation of treatment in marginal ulceration of cornea associated with rheumatoid disease.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Twenty-six patients with acute anterior uveitis associated with HLA-B27 antigen were compared with 31 patients with acute anterior uveitis HLA-B27 negative. No statistical difference was found in the clinical picture of both groups except for the occurrence of unilateral or bilateral involvement. Almost all patients with bilateral eye involvement were HLA-B27 negative and had no evidence of systemic disease, while unilateral involvement occurred in both groups of HLA-B27 positive and negative patients.
Fifty-three patients with sicca syndrome and 34 healthy controls had their tear lysozyme concentration examined. Lysozyme level was significantly decreased (P less than .0005) in all patients with low Schirmer test values as compared with healthy controls. Even in rheumatoid arthritis patients with normal Schirmer test results a low concentration of tear lysozyme was found. Tear lysozyme can be used to detect subclinical involvement of lacrimal glands in collagen diseases.