Diagnostic potential of lysosomal hydrolases in body cavity effusions

Hexosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and arylsulphatase A were measured inperitoneal and pleural effusions from patients with benign, malignant, and inflammatory disorders. Compared with the benign transudates, all enzyme activities were moderately elevated in malignant effusions and markedly elevated in inflammatory effusions. The assay of hexosaminidase and and alpha-mannosidase indicated clearly the underlying pathology in most specimens studied. This method could be of clinical value when the cause of an effusion is in doubt, particularly since the diagnostic criteria are independent of the presence or absence of tumour cells in the aspirate.

Bilateral fibrosarcoma of the epididymis

The tenth case of primary fibrosarcoma of the epididymis is reported. Contrary to most previous cases, excision biopsy was followed by a lengthy tumour-free period, and a unique feature was bilateral epididymal recurrence.

Caecal rupture in psychotic patients

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Venous infarction of the myocardium in a newborn child: an unusual effect of disseminated intravascular coagulation

A case is described of disseminated intravascular coagulation in a premature female infant, with the unusual and predominating feature of myocardial infarction consequent upon coronary vein thrombosis.Some reference is made to the incidence of coagulation disorders in the newborn and to methods of histological diagnosis.