Bilateral spontaneous regression of retinoblastoma with dominant transmission

A young man with three patches of regressed retinoblastoma with good visual acuity is described. The other eye was phthisical. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this eye also has a regressed retinoblastoma. The patient's daughter showed histopathologically confirmed well-differentiated retinoblastoma.

Immunologic response of guinea pigs (Cavia porecellus) by treatment with antithymocyte serum, gamma-irradiation of gastrointestinal tract, lymphoid tissue and bone marrow

The immunologic status of the guinea pigs was modified by treatment with antithymocyte serum (ATS): irradiation of gastrointestinal tract lymphoid tissue (GALT) and bone marrow (BM) by gamma-rays. These animals were injected with homologous testes, kidney and heterologous sheep red blood cells respectively in complete Freund's adjuvant. Cell mediate immune response (CMI) and humoral immune response was studied after first, third, fifth and eighth week of allergization. CMI was completely suppressed in guinea pigs treated with ATS, whereas humoral response suppressed to a lesser extent. In GALT and BM irradiated guinea pigs, CMI develops normally. However, marked suppression in the production of antibody titre both against homologous testes, kidney and heterologous sheep red blood cells was observed. Thymic lymphocytes "T' are destroyed by antithymocyte serum which are the mediators of cell mediated immune response. Irradiation of GALT and BM suppresses humoral response thereby supports that these are populated by "B' lymphocytes.

Eclipse retinopathy

Ten patients (13 eyes) suffered from varying degrees of eclipse retinopathy during a solar eclipse on 16 February 1980. There was no correlation between severity of the fundus lesions and the visual acuity. In 8 of the 10 eyes available for follow-up 6/6 or better visual acuity was seen. Early fluorescein studies revealed microleaks in 3 eyes (2 patients) and masking of choroidal fluorescence in 1 eye; however, 1 to 3 weeks later these eyes showed only faint window defects. It is postulated that in mild to moderate lesions there is a transient retinal capillary spasm, producing oedema in anterior retinal layers. Fluorescein angiography in such patients reveals no abnormality or only masking of choroidal fluorescence. However, severe cases develop micropunctures in the tight junctions of the pigment epithelium, leading to microleaks, which are sealed within a short period.

Effect of pyridoxal 5-phosphate on carbidopa and decarboxylation of levodopa

To study the interaction between enzymes and coenzymes and carbidopa and levodopa, a paired-ion high-pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed to separate carbidopa, dopamine, levodopa, and pyridoxal 5-phosphate. Carbidopa strongly reacted with pyridoxal 5-phosphate, contrary to a previous report. Tyrosine decarboxylase and tyrosine decarboxylase apoenzyme had some activity against levodopa, which could be increased by adding pyridoxal 5-phosphate to the mixture. This activity was inhibited by hydroxylamine hydrochloride.

Congenital ocular abnormalities of the new born

No information is available in the literature about the true incidence of congenital ocular abnormalities and associated systemic abnormalities in an Indian population. Initial results based on the first year of this study are presented. Out of 2,153 children born from January 1978 to December 1978, 2,016 were examined for any congenital ocular or systemic abnormality. The incidence of congenital ocular and systemic abnormalities was 10.5/1000 and 20/1000 live births respectively. Four out of 21 congenital ocular abnormalities were associated with congenital systemic abnormalities. Individual abnormalities are discussed in brief.

Controlled, semielective, segmental resection for massive colonic hemorrhage

An aggressive diagnostic work-up to determine the site of bleeding was employed in all 25 patients requiring transfusion of over 1,500 cc of blood for colonic hemorrhage in New Haven in 1977 and 1978. A specific bleeding site that permitted segmental colectomy was found in 23 patients (92 percent). The mortality rate was zero, reflecting the rapid improvement in survival that has occurred in the last decade among patients with massive colonic hemorrhage.

Ocular hazards during birth

In a study of over 2,000 consecutive live births, 243 newborns (12%) suffered birth trauma to the eye and its adnexa. Two hundred twenty-one cases (11%) had multiple retinal hemorrhages. Severe ocular accidents by forceps delivery were seen in the form of hyphema, Purtscher's retinopathy, corneal edema, facial palsy, and corneal abscess. Purtscher's retinopathy and corneal abscess are rare birth injuries that have not been reported so far in newborn babies.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in children

Pneumatosis intestinalis in children is well documented condition, and is accepted as a manifestation of differing gastrointestinal tract disorders such as mechanical obstruction, vascular disturbances of the bowel with or without bacterial contamination. However, the total spectrum of the mechanisms of production of pneumatosis is not yet fully understood. The presence of pneumatosis in necrotizing enterocolitis is a very serious condition and the mortality rate is very high. Transient ischaemia in infants due to perinatal stress is considered as an important aetiological factor. Gas in the portal venous system and pneumoperitoneum are also well-known associations. Gross peritonitis and perforation of the bowel are regarded as an indication for urgent surgery. Pneumatosis due to other causes follows a benign course, and does not influence the management.

Duplication of the pylorus found concomitantly with achalasia: congenital or peptic etiology?

A patient is presented with true duplication of the pylorus and concomitant achalasia of the esophagus. This patient has never had peptic ulcer disease and is suspected to have a double pyloric anomaly as a congenital abnormality rather than the result of peptic disease and scarring.

Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum complicating acute miliary tuberculosis

Five adult cases of acute miliary tuberculosis are described. Four were complicated by pneumothoraces and 1 by pneumomediastinum. In 2 cases pneumothorax occurred on the left side while in 2 it was bilateral. None of the 5 patients died.