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[Urinary stones and urinary tract abnormalities. Is the stone composition independent of the anatomical abnormality?].

INTRODUCTION: More than ten per cent of stones are associated with a urinary tract abnormality. To verify whether the malformation influences stone composition, we studied the composition of stones observed in fifteen urological abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study is based on 1,461 stones associated with a clearly defined malformation analysed by infrared spectroscopy plus 402 bladder stones in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. RESULTS: In this series of 1,863 abnormalities, 732 (39.3%) involved the kidney, 561 (30.1%) involved the ureter and 570 (30.6%) involved the lower tract. Whewellite stones were predominant in all renal abnormalities with the exception of cysts, which were mainly associated with uric acid. The main differences concerned the second constituent: weddellite in horseshoe kidneys, carbapatite in Cacchi-Ricci disease and caliceal abnormalities. Struvite was uncommon (<10%). Whewellite was the main component in ureteric abnormalities except for megaureter and reflux in which carbapatite was predominant. Struvite was present in 10% to 30% of stones. Vesicourethral abnormalities were accompanied by calcium and magnesium phosphate stones (90% of cases), and struvite was present in 58% to 90% of cases. The exception to this general rule was bladder stones associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, in which the main component was uric acid. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in stone composition were observed as a function of anatomical abnormalities reflecting the fact that some abnormalities add infectious or metabolic risk factors to anatomical factors.

Female↗

Abnormality of dermal collagen fibrils in Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Anticipation of the abnormality for the inherited hypermobile disorders.

The abnormality of dermal collagen fibrils is the ultrastructural criterion of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). This study evaluates the clinical significance of the abnormality. Besides 348 lax patients presenting the stigmata of EDS, skin specimens from 12 normal members in the pedigree of EDS, 98 randomly selected normal individuals, 7 Marfan syndrome and 4 osteogenesis inperfecta type I, were studied by electron microscopy. The abnormality was defined by thickness, array and shape of collagen fibrils. Of 348 lax patients, 115 patients showed Beighton's score higher than 6 and constantly the abnormality (EDS). Variable numbers of the patients with scores 1 to 5 displayed the abnormality (forme fruste). The abnormality did not correspond with variation of laxity. Marfan syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta were indistinguishable from EDS by the abnormality. Some of the normal persons in the EDS pedigree and some controls also showed the abnormality. The abnormality expressed the disposition for heritably defected collagen fibril formation.

Adolescent↗

Abnormal vitamin B6 metabolism in alkaline phosphatase knock-out mice causes multiple abnormalities, but not the impaired bone mineralization.

The tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) knock-out mouse is a model of infantile hypophosphatasia displaying impaired bone mineralization, epileptic seizures, apnoea, abnormal apoptosis in the thymus, abnormal lumbar nerve roots, and postnatal death. Administration of vitamin B6 suppresses the epileptic seizures in TNAP-/- mice. This paper examines to what extent the diverse abnormalities seen in these mice are due to impaired utilization of vitamin B6, using two complementary approaches: administration of vitamin B6 to TNAP null mice and deprivation of vitamin B6 in wild-type and TNAP heterozygous mice. Administration of exogenous pyridoxal HCl delayed the onset of epileptic attacks and increased the life span of TNAP-/- mice. The episodes of apnoea ceased and the appearance of lumbar nerve roots improved, but hypomineralization and accumulation of osteoid continued to worsen with age. Control mice fed a vitamin B6-depleted diet developed epileptic seizures indistinguishable from those observed in TNAP-/- mice, abnormal apoptosis in the thymus, and thinning of the nerve roots, but showed no evidence of bone mineralization abnormalities. Depletion of vitamin B6 did not affect the ability of primary cultures of osteoblasts to deposit bone mineral in vitro. While abnormal metabolism of vitamin B6 explains many of the abnormalities in this mouse model of infantile hypophosphatasia, it is not the basis of the abnormal mineralization that characterizes this disease.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Nature and frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies with abnormal ultrasound findings: an analysis of 117 cases with review of the literature.

During a 7-year period, 117 fetal karyotypes were available from 131 genetic amniocenteses. These procedures were performed between 14 and 37 weeks' gestation for the following abnormal ultrasound findings: (1) intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)--61 cases; (2) fetal malformation--71 cases; and (3) amniotic fluid volume (AFV) abnormality--60 cases. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 19 cases (16.2 per cent). Aneuploidy was 2.5 times as frequent in the presence of malformations than in their absence. No correlation was demonstrated between specific fetal malformations and specific chromosomal abnormalities. Aneuploidy was also twice as frequent in the presence of symmetrical IUGR than in its absence. No chromosomal abnormalities were found among eight cases of asymmetrical IUGR. Four cases of aneuploidy presented with isolated IUGR, three of these involving the X chromosome. The frequency of aneuploidy was the same with or without abnormalities of AFV (14.3 versus 16.4 per cent). No chromosomal abnormality was found associated with isolated AFV abnormalities.

Adult↗

Karyotype abnormalities in fetuses diagnosed as abnormal on ultrasound before 20 weeks' gestational age.

This study examined rates of karyotype abnormalities in fetuses diagnosed by ultrasound as abnormal before 20 weeks' gestational age and which prompted a follow-up amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Those diagnosed before 20 weeks were compared with those diagnosed at or after 20 weeks. A retrospective study identified ultrasonographically abnormal fetuses in whom karyotyping had been undertaken, 306 fetuses before 20 weeks' gestational age and 241 after. Isolated malformations before 20 weeks had, on average, an 18 per cent risk of karyotype abnormality, compared with 20 per cent later. Specific rates were calculated; for example, heart abnormality was associated with karyotype abnormality in 7 per cent of cases before 20 weeks and in 14 per cent later. Multiple malformations and karyotype abnormalities were found together in 28 per cent of fetuses prior to 20 weeks and in 33 per cent of the older fetuses. Specific associations included nuchal oedema and trisomy 21 in 21 per cent of fetuses before 20 weeks. No karyotype abnormalities were found in fetuses diagnosed with choroid plexus cysts. An overview of trisomies in Victoria, in 1991, showed that 50 per cent of trisomy 18, 42 per cent of trisomy 13, and 9.5 per cent of trisomy 21 cases were identified by ultrasound in women less than 37 years of age. Another 28.6 per cent of trisomy 21 fetuses were detected in women of advanced maternal age who underwent amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, making a total of 38.1 per cent of trisomy 21 that were detected prenatally.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

The hyperkinetic abnormal movements scale: a tool for measuring levodopa-induced abnormal movements in squirrel monkeys.

The Hyperkinetic Abnormal Movements Scale (HAMS) was developed based on extensive observation of normal and abnormal movements in squirrel monkeys. The observations of abnormal movements were performed using animals that had undergone prior lesioning with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) that subsequently developed levodopa-induced abnormal movements. Specific and easily observable changes in behavior were used to delineate the boundaries between each rating level of the scale. The full spectrum of abnormal behavior at each rating level was then characterized for the squirrel monkey. Once the scale was fully developed and finalized, reliability testing revealed strong inter-rater (r = 0.959) and intrarater reliability (r = 0.930 to 0.941). Novice raters were easily taught its use and subsequently could use the scale with strong inter-rater reliability (R = 0.9057). In further studies of levodopa-induced abnormal movements, the HAMS was demonstrated to be highly sensitive, highly specific, and valid, both internally and when compared with an objective measure of abnormal movements. Although the scale was developed in MPTP-lesioned squirrel monkeys treated with levodopa, it might provide a framework for the standardized measurement of hyperkinetic abnormal movements in other primates and other experimental conditions.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Abnormal maternal serum chorionic gonadotropin levels in pregnancies with fetal chromosome abnormalities.

The alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (alpha-hCG), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were measured in the serum of 25 women with chromosomally abnormal fetuses between 18 and 25 weeks of gestation and in 74 normal pregnancies. AFP levels less than 0.5 multiples of the median (MoM) or greater than 2.5 MoM were observed in 24 per cent of the abnormal pregnancies and in 6.76 per cent of the normal pregnancies. A low concentration of hCG (less than 0.25 MoM) was observed in 8 per cent of abnormals and in 2.7 per cent of normals while an elevated concentration of hCG (greater than 2.5 MoM) was observed in 56 per cent of abnormals and in 1.35 per cent of normals. Elevated hCG-alpha (greater than 2.5 MoM) was observed in 28 per cent of abnormals and in none of the normals. Determination of elevated levels of hCG-alpha or hCG resulted in detection of 68 per cent of pregnancies with chromosomally abnormal fetuses with a false positive rate of 1.35 per cent. Determination of both elevated and depressed gonadotropin levels resulted in detection of 76 per cent of abnormal pregnancies with a false positive rate of 4.05 per cent. Measurement of hCG and hCG-alpha in maternal serum samples can be used as a screening procedure for detecting pregnancies at risk for fetal chromosome abnormalities.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

Association of posterior tibial tendon abnormalities with abnormal signal intensity in the sinus tarsi on MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of abnormal signal intensity within the sinus tarsi with abnormalities of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) on MR imaging. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Sinus tarsi abnormalities were identified on 30 ankle MR examinations in 29 patients. The PTT and anterior talofibular ligament were retrospectively analyzed for abnormalities in these same patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Tears of the anterior talofibular ligament were found in 13 of 30 (43%) ankles. PTT abnormalities (complete tear, partial tear or dislocation) were seen in 14 of 30 (47%) studies, and were distributed relatively equally between those patients with and without lateral ligament tears. Our results provide evidence of an association between abnormalities of the PTT and the sinus tarsi. The finding of abnormal signal intensity within the sinus tarsi on MR imaging should alert the radiologist to potential abnormalities of the PTT.

Adolescent↗

Body surface distribution of abnormally low QRST areas in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Evidence for continuation of repolarization abnormalities before and after catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Whether the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is associated with repolarization abnormalities is controversial. The QRST isointegral map (I-map) is theoretically independent of the activation sequence and dependent on repolarization properties. There have been no reports concerning the effects of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of accessory pathway (AP) on repolarization properties analyzed by I-mapping. METHODS AND RESULTS: I-maps were constructed from data recorded in 38 patients with WPW to investigate repolarization properties and their body surface distribution in a physiological state, without pharmacological influences, and in 13 ablated patients to elucidate the effects of RF ablation on repolarization properties. Patients were divided into three groups: group A, 15 patients with type A WPW (left-sided AP); group B, 10 patients with type B (right-sided AP); and group C, 13 patients who were successfully ablated. Group C consisted of three subgroups: subgroup CA, 7 patients with type A WPW; subgroup CB, 3 patients with type B WPW; and subgroup CC, 3 patients with concealed WPW. Controls consisted of 608 normals. Although I-maps of WPW were highly (r = .87) correlated with the mean normal I-map, the location of the minimum in groups A and B differed significantly from that in normals. The minimum was located over the upper right anterior chest in normal subjects, over the back in 82% of 22 patients with type A WPW including ablated patients (groups A+CA), and over the mid to lower right anterior chest in 62% of 13 patients with type B WPW including ablated patients (groups B+CB). Groups A+CA and B+CB had an abnormally low QRST area ("-2SD area") over the back and right anterior chest, respectively. The abnormally located minimum and the "-2SD area" were present in 7 of 10 ablated patients with manifest WPW (groups CA+CB). After RF ablation, the distribution of the minimum, initially abnormal, became normal over a period of days or weeks, and the "-2SD area" disappeared over 1 week in all 7 patients. Correlation coefficients between I-maps and the mean normal I-map increased after RF ablation. CONCLUSIONS: (1) WPW is often associated with abnormalities in repolarization properties. (2) Repolarization abnormalities were located over the back in type A WPW and over the right mid to lower chest in type B WPW: (3) The abnormalities remain immediately after RF ablation and gradually normalize. These findings support the concept that ST-T abnormalities in 12-lead ECGs following RF ablation are attributable to "cardiac memory."

Adolescent↗

[Allylnitrile-induced behavioral abnormalities and findings relating to the mechanism underlying behavioral abnormalities].

Nitriles are widely used in industry as plastics, solvents, and synthetic intermediates. It has been shown that the thermal degradation of acrylonitrile-based plastics leads to the emission of a great variety of nitriles. Exposure of humans and experimental animals to some nitriles has been shown to lead to disorders of the central nervous, hepatic, cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Iminodipropionitrile has long been known to induce in experimental animals behavioral syndromes that other nitriles have not been reported to induce. Recently, we have found that a single administration of allylnitrile, an analog of acrylonitrile, induces in rodents behavioral abnormalities including head twitching, head weaving, random circling, increased locomotor activity, backward pedaling, pivoting, and somersaulting. The induced abnormalities were persistent. Crotononitrile and 2-pentenenitrile also are able to produce behavioral abnormalities. Thus, the nitriles appear as a new class of neurotoxic compounds with potential relevance to the human health. The mechanism by which allylnitrile induces and maintains the behavioral abnormalities is summarised below. 1. Allylnitrile activates the serotonin (5-HT) system in the central nervous system, and as a consequence activation of 5-HT-2 receptors due to increased 5-HT may lead to induction of head twitching. 2. Although the data available indicate that the dopamine (DA) system may be involved in allylnitrile-induced behavioral abnormalities, it remains unknown how the DA system relates to the abnormalities. 3. Allylnitrile decreases the noradrenaline level in the central nervous system, which is thought to be secondary to the 5-HT system activation mentioned above. The allylnitrile-induced head twitching, however, may occur in consequence to both enhanced beta-adrenoceptor stimulation and to the removal of tonic inhibitory control by alpha-2-adrenoceptors. 4. The neuropathological data indicate an important role of the medial habenular and raphe nuclei in allylnitrile-induced behavioral abnormalities. Onset of the behavioral abnormalities appears to be associated with the impairment in the medial habenulo-raphe relay owing to activation of apoptotic cascade in neurons. 5. On the basis of the findings with iminodipropionitrile and crotononitrile, allylnitrile might produce pathological changes in the vestibular sensory hair cells. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism underlying the allylnitrile-induced syndromes.

Animals↗

Significance of electrocardiographic isolated abnormal terminal P-wave force (left atrial abnormality). An echocardiographic and clinical correlation.

An abnormal terminal negative deflection in precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) is occasionally present as an isolated electrocardiographic finding. To determine the significance of this, 41 patients with PTFV1 greater than or equal to 0.04 mms were recalled for a repeated electrocardiogram as well as an echocardiographic examination. Patients were classified as cardiovascular normal (n = 15) or abnormal (n = 26). Left atrial enlargement was the most common echocardiographic abnormality found, but represented less than a third of the total. P-wave prolongation (greater than 110 ms) was present in 30 of the 41 patients and 21 of the 26 abnormal patients. This persisted into the second study, while the PTFV1 fell significantly in both the normal and abnormal groups. Among the P-wave abnormalities found, combinations were used to identify patients most likely to have cardiovascular disease. The most discriminating was an initial abnormal PTFV1 in combination with P-wave prolongation (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 40%; positive predictive value, 70%; and negative predictive value, 55%). Maximal specificity (93%) and positive predictive value (88%) were achieved when P-wave prolongation and PTFV1 greater than or equal to 0.06 mms were present in both studies, although the sensitivity for this criterion was only 27%. The isolated P-wave abnormality described may be helpful in suggesting the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease and indicate the need for further evaluation.

Adult↗

Neurologic abnormalities in cobalamin deficiency are associated with higher cobalamin "analogue" values than are hematologic abnormalities.

Serum cobalamin "analogue" levels were estimated by the discrepancy in cobalamin results with radioassays done with pure intrinsic factor and R binder in 364 patients with low cobalamin levels. No differences were found among the various causes of low cobalamin levels, except for the lower "analogue" levels among pregnant women. However, 76 patients with low cobalamin levels and primarily neurologic (spinal cord, neuropathic, cerebral, or a combination of these) symptoms had significantly higher "analogue" levels than 19 patients with primarily hematologic abnormalities. Moreover, the "analogue" levels correlated with hemoglobin values and were significantly higher in patients without megaloblastic changes in their bone marrow than in patients with megaloblastosis. An analysis limited to 47 patients with pernicious anemia yielded similar findings. The seven patients with only neurologic abnormalities had higher "analogue" levels than did the nine patients with only hematologic abnormalities. Because of the higher "analogue" levels, the assay done with R binder failed to register low cobalamin levels in 33 of 76 patients with low cobalamin levels and primarily neurologic abnormality (compared with only two of 19 with hematologic abnormality) and in 10 of 20 patients with pernicious anemia who had neurologic abnormalities (compared with only two of 12 without such abnormalities). These differences between patients with hematologic disturbances and patients with neurologic disturbances, and the inverse relationship of "analogue" level with severity of anemia, suggest that the disproportionate accumulation of analogues may explain why some patients with cobalamin deficiency display neurologic abnormalities while others do not.

Adult↗

Obstructive sleep apnea and cephalometric roentgenograms. The role of anatomic upper airway abnormalities in the definition of abnormal breathing during sleep.

In a six-month period, 157 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients seen consecutively in clinic had standardized cephalometric roentgenograms and underwent polygraphic monitoring during sleep. Different variables, including cephalometric landmarks, body mass index (BMI), and polygraphic results (particularly degree of O2 saturation and number of abnormal breathing events), were statistically analyzed. As a rule, OSAS patients had upper airway anatomic abnormalities and an elevated BMI: massive obesity was associated with less anatomic abnormality, less nocturnal sleep disruption, and longer total sleep time (TST). Patients having a high respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were more likely to have upper airway anatomic abnormalities; they slept for a shorter time and had increased stage 1 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep but decreased stage 3 and 4 and REM sleep. Long mandibular plane to hyoid bone (MP-H) distance and width of the posterior airway space (PAS) (space behind the base of the tongue) were statistically significant predictors of elevated RDI. The cephalometric variables were much less useful for predicting frequency of O2 saturation drops below 80 percent. The patient population can be subdivided into (a) patients with clear anatomic abnormalities and low BMI, (b) patients with morbid obesity with few abnormal cephalometric measurements, and (c) patients who have variably increased BMI and abnormal cephalometric measurements. This is the largest group. We concluded that standardized cephalometric roentgenograms can be useful in determining the appropriate treatment for OSAS patients.

Adult↗

Abnormal uterine bleeding on hormone replacement: the importance of intrauterine structural abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the importance of submucous myomas and endometrial polyps before and after menopause and in abnormal withdrawal bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHODS: Between May 1991 and May 1993, women presenting with abnormal withdrawal bleeding on HRT (n = 106), menstrual problems in pre-menopause (n = 92), or postmenopausal bleeding (n = 33) underwent diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy for the presence of intrauterine structural abnormalities. The findings were compared with a control group of post- and perimenopausal women without bleeding problems (n = 183). RESULTS: When compared with women who had normal uterine cavities, the presence of submucous myomas was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of abnormal menstrual bleeding in premenopausal women (odds ratio [OR] 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77-6.43; P < .001) and a twofold increase in the risk of abnormal withdrawal bleeding in post- and perimenopausal women (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.25-4.53; P = .004). This did not seem to be related to the number of myomas detected. The frequency of endometrial polyps was not found to be significantly higher in women who had menstrual disorders or abnormal withdrawal bleeding on HRT. Postmenopausal bleeding without hormonal stimulation was not significantly associated with submucous myomas or polyps. CONCLUSION: As increasingly more women request HRT, bleeding problems presenting pre-menopause can no longer be expected to resolve "naturally" after menopause. In the presence of submucous myomas, these women will continue to have a higher risk of abnormal withdrawal bleeding when treated with hormone replacement, whereas endometrial polyps are not associated with an increased bleeding risk. Hysteroscopic assessment of the uterine cavity and subsequent counseling as to the risk of heavy or prolonged bleeding will be helpful in their future management and may improve compliance.

Adult↗

Correlation between retinal abnormalities and intracranial abnormalities in the shaken baby syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report correlation between retinal and intracranial abnormalities and to evaluate pathogenesis of retinal hemorrhages in the shaken baby syndrome (SBS). DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Seventy-five children with apparent nonaccidental head trauma consistent with SBS had complete physical examination, complete ophthalmologic examination, neuroimaging by CT or MRI, or both, and skeletal radiographic survey. In this retrospective review, ophthalmoscopic and intracranial abnormalities were correlated. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 2 to 48 months (mean - SD, 10.6 +/- 10.4 months). Neuroimaging was abnormal in all 75 cases. Findings included subdural hematoma (70 children, 93%), cerebral edema (33 children, 44%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (12 children, 16%), vascular infarction (nine children, 12%), intraparenchymal blood (six children, 8%), parenchymal contusion (six children, 8%), and epidural hemorrhage (one child, 1%). Sixty-four (64/75, 85%) children had retinal abnormalities, mostly (53/64, 82%) confluent multiple hemorrhages that were subretinal, intraretinal, and preretinal in 47/64 (74%) and bilateral in 52/64 (81%). No association was found between anatomic site (left, right, or bilateral) of intracranial and retinal findings (McNemar test kappa = -0.026-0.106) or between any of the intracranial findings mentioned above and the following retinal findings: normal or abnormal retinal examination, multiple (>10) or few retinal hemorrhages (< or =10), symmetric or asymmetric retinal findings, or retinoschisis (kappa = -0.127-0.104). Signs of possible increased intracranial pressure were not correlated with any retinal abnormality (kappa = -0.03-0.073). There was no correlation between evidence of impact trauma to the head and retinal hemorrhages (kappa = 0.058). Total Cranial Trauma Score and Total Retinal Hemorrhage Score, both indicating the severity of injury, were correlated (P =.032). CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports previous observations that the severity of retinal and intracranial injury is correlated in SBS. We cannot support the suggestions that in most children with SBS retinal bleeding is caused by sustained elevated intracranial, elevated intrathoracic pressure, direct tracking of blood from the intracranial space, or direct impact trauma. The correlation in severity of both eye and head findings may suggest, however, that retinal abnormalities are the result of mechanical shaking forces.

Battered Child Syndrome↗

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy, time dependency, and prognostic impact of abnormal Q waves, combined electrocardiographic criteria, and ST segment abnormalities in right ventricular infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic and prognostic impact of abnormal Q waves in comparison to or in combination with ST segment abnormalities in the right precordial and inferior leads as indicators of right ventricular infarction during the acute phase of inferior myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Prospective study of a consecutive series of 200 patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction with and without right ventricular infarction. SETTING: Department of internal medicine, university clinic. RESULTS: Right ventricular infarction was diagnosed in 106 (57%) out of 187 patients from the results of coronary angiography, technetium pyrophosphate scanning, and measurement of haemodynamic variables or at necropsy, or both. In the acute phase of inferior infarction ST segment elevation > or = 0.1 mV in any of the right precordial leads V4-6R was the most reliable criterion for right ventricular infarction (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 83%). Abnormal Q waves in the right precordial leads, the most specific criterion (91%) for right ventricular infarction, were superior to ST segment elevation in patients admitted > 12 hours after the onset of symptoms. Both ST segment elevation in leads V4-6R (increase in in hospital mortality, 6.2-times; P < 0.001; major complications, 2.3-times; P < 0.01) and abnormal Q waves (2.3-times, P < 0.05; 1.8-times, P < 0.05) on admission were highly predictive of a worse outcome during the in hospital period. In the presence of inferior myocardial infarction previously proposed combined electrocardiographic criteria were not better diagnostically or prognostically than ST segment abnormalities and abnormal Q waves alone. CONCLUSIONS: During the first 24 hours of inferior myocardial infarction ST segment elevation and abnormal Q waves derived from the right precordial leads are complementary rather than competitive criteria for reliably diagnosing right ventricular infarction, both indicating a worse in hospital course for the patient. In this they are better than any other previously proposed combined electrocardiographic criteria in diagnosing right ventricular infarction. Right precordial leads should be routinely monitored in acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Aged↗

Functional abnormalities of the pharynx: a prospective analysis of radiographic abnormalities relative to age and symptoms.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and severity of functional abnormalities of the pharynx relative to patient age and symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic evaluation of the pharynx was performed in 110 consecutive outpatients aged 19-84 years old who had no previous surgery of the larynx, pharynx, or esophagus. Each patient completed a symptom data sheet, and we reviewed medical records to determine the main indication for each examination. Videofluoroscopy and static filming in frontal and lateral positions were done with 20-ml barium boluses. We then evaluated functional abnormalities and classified abnormal findings by type and severity. RESULTS: We categorized patients by age into three groups: less than 40 years old (n=31), between 40 and 60 years old (n =42), and greater than 60 years old (n=37). We found a significant increase in the prevalence (23%, 36%, 57%, respectively) and severity of functional abnormalities of the pharynx in older patients (p < .05). Laryngeal penetration, aspiration, pharyngeal stasis, and cricopharyngeal bar were the main abnormalities found in the two older groups. However, we found no correlation between functional abnormalities of the pharynx and symptoms and indications (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Functional abnormalities of the pharynx increased in prevalence and severity with age. Often these findings were not related to specific pharyngeal symptoms and must be interpreted cautiously in older patients.

Adult↗

Correlation of abnormal RB, p16ink4a, and p53 expression with 3p loss of heterozygosity, other genetic abnormalities, and clinical features in 103 primary non-small cell lung cancers.

This study was performed to determine the frequency of inactivation and clinical correlates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of three known tumor suppressor genes [TSGs; RB, MTS1/CDKN2 (p16), and p53] and various regions of 3p loss of heterozygosity (LOH) as other major potential TSG sites. Paraffin sections from 103 resected NSCLCs were analyzed for expression of pRB, p16, and p53 by immunohistochemistry, whereas DNA from tumor and normal tissue were tested for LOH at 3p25-26, 3p21, and 3p14. Previously published LOH data for 5q, 11p, 17q, and 18q were also available. Loss of pRB or p16 expression and overexpression of p53 were considered abnormal. The immunohistochemical and LOH data were correlated with a variety of clinical parameters including stage, age, sex, smoking history, and survival. With respect to pRB, p16, and p53, the tumors could be grouped into four categories: normal for all three proteins (21%); abnormal for pRB or p16 and normal for p53 (30%); normal for pRB and p16 and abnormal for p53 (20%); and abnormal in both pathways (28%). Aberrant expression of pRB, p16, p53, and 3p LOH, either individually or in combination, was not associated with survival differences or any other clinical parameters, with the exception that pRB/pl6 abnormalities were more common in older patients (P = 0.0005). pRB and p16 expression showed a strong inverse correlation (P = 0.002), whereas there was no correlation between expression of pRB, p16, and p53. Abnormal expression of any of the three genes inversely correlated with K-ras codon 12 mutations (P = 0.004), but not with 3p LOH or LOH at other TSG loci. We conclude that resectable NSCLCs show distinct patterns of TSG inactivation, but that no clear clinical correlates exist either alone or in combination for pRB, p16, p53, and 3p abnormalities.

Adult↗