Diffuse cerebral white matter T2-weighted hyperintensity: a new finding of general paresis

General paresis (parenchymatous neurosyphilis) is a rare disease, and in recent years the number of papers published on the magnetic resonance imaging findings has been limited. The findings are as follows: cerebral atrophy; mesiotemporal T2 hyperintensity; ventriculomegaly; pathological T2 hypointensity of the globus pallidus, putamen, the head of the caudate nucleus and thalamus. We present a new finding, diffuse cerebral white matter T2 hyperintensity, observed in a patient with general paresis with a 5-year history of progressive dementia.

Oral mucosal lichen planus in children

Although lichen planus is a relatively common mucocutaneous disorder in adults, it has only rarely been described in children. Moreover, even less data has been published regarding mucosal lesions in children. Six case reports of childhood oral lichen planus are presented and the available literature reviewed. It is believed that this paper documents the largest series of cases of childhood oral mucosal lichen planus to be reported in the literature to date. Lichen planus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral mucosal white patches in children, particularly those of Asian origin.

Primary syphilis remains a cause of oral ulceration

After many years the incidence of infective syphilis (infection with Treponema pallidum) is increasing in the United Kingdom. This may reflect changes in sexual attitudes and behaviour, altering trends in HIV disease, and increased foreign travel. Oral disease as a consequence of primary syphilis is rare. The present report details two patients presenting to an oral medicine clinic in London, within a 6-month period in 1999, with oral ulceration as their only clinical manifestation of undiagnosed primary syphilis. The oral aspects of early syphilis and the need for dentists to be aware of changing epidemiological trends in relevant infectious diseases are highlighted.

MR imaging of inflammatory joint diseases of the foot and ankle

Pain affecting the foot and ankle is a common complaint frequently attributable to inflammatory joint diseases. Although conventional radiography is regarded as the initial step in the diagnostic investigation, MR imaging may contribute to further evaluation of these patients due to the direct visualization of the inflammatory soft tissue formed in the disease and its effects on bone, cartilage and para-articular structures. The high spatial resolution of MR imaging combined with tissue characterization often allows initial detection of inflammatory joint abnormalities at a stage that precedes radiographic evaluation. The typical MR appearance of certain inflammatory joint disorders may be helpful in narrowing the wide differential diagnosis. Furthermore, MR imaging can be used for an exact assessment of the extent of the disorder as well as its complications. Accurate diagnostic information can guide the clinician in further diagnostic tests and implementation of proper therapeutic treatment.